Idlewood 3… Winter fun

Huzzah — a happy, healthy 2014 to all! As the year progresses in our little ‘Burg, please do send items to IDlewood 3…” at id*******@hb*****.com. Idlewood was the original telephone exchange for Healdsburg. Now, “Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!  
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Scuttle off to any one of a number of crab feasts this season. The Healdsburg Knights of Columbus is holding its annual crab cioppino feed on January 25, 6 p.m. at St. John Activity Center. Tickets are $50 and the dinner benefits the St. John School 8th grade class. On February 1, the American Legion Post 111 is serving an “all you can eat” crab feed from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Villa; no-host bar opens at 3 p.m. Tickets are $50; call 431-2328 for info. These events always sell out, so you may want to “snap” to it.
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Healdsburg Museum asks an interesting question. Did you know that Sonoma County was the only county in California to vote against Abraham Lincoln in the 1864 presidential election? Come and see the Museum’s exhibit “Sonoma County and the Civil War,” running January 29 through May 4th to learn how the country’s division impacted the county. Authentic Civil War weapons, uniforms, accoutrements, photographs and letters will all be on display. Open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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A bonny way to spend an afternoon. Camellia Inn is hosting a Robert Burns’ tea, on January 25, 2 p.m., in honor of that famous Scottish poet. “The 25th is the actual date of Robert Burns’ birthday,” says Camellia Inn’s owner Lucy Lewand. They will serve Dundee cake, scones, oat cakes with a traditional spread, millionaire shortcake and other Scottish delicacies. Poetry and song will, of course, be part of the afternoon festivities. Cost is $20 per person. Call 433-8182 for reservations.
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Join Jan, the “Rose Lady” at Russian River Rose Co. for a fun, hands-on day of rose pruning. This workshop is on January 25 and February 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $30 and includes complimentary tea and muffins, rose pruning hand-outs and 10 percent discount on all plants purchased on the participating day. Call 707-433-7455.
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2014 may be your year to reign. Carol Noack of the Raven is hoping that two or three additional brave, local fellows (21 or older) will step forward and participate in the upcoming Mr. Healdsburg pageant. The popular and fun event to choose the next Mr. Healdsburg will be on February 22 at the Raven. Just email ca*********@ra**********.org for more info or to sign up.  
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A fond farewell to one of the downtown’s long-standing merchants. Shelly Monahan Anderson, of Midnight Sun on Healdsburg Avenue, is closing the doors of her shop at the end of January, after 19 years in business. We wish her luck in her new professional role as Internship Program Coordinator for the Healdsburg Unified School District.
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It’s a “Bond…James Bond” theme for the St. John School Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, February 8, 6:30 to 11 p.m., in the Activity Center. “It will be a great night of gaming, food and fun” promises co-chair Teri Rolleri. The event will include craps, blackjack and roulette. There will be hors d’oeuvres, bar (perhaps with martinis – shaken, not stirred), a live auction and exciting raffle prizes. Tickets are $30 pre-sale, or $40 at the door and include $25 seed money to start your luck at the tables. Call St. John School at 433-2758 for info.
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Attention foodies. Jane St. Claire of Savor California will be at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show to showcase the state’s best food-related products. A number of our local food purveyors will be represented. Visit the Savor California group in Booth #504, North Hall of the Moscone Center, January 19th-21st.
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Dragonfly Floral reminds us that even in winter, Mother Nature provides us with exquisite beauty. They are offering a series of classes, starting with “Designing in the Dead of Winter,” on January 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Class participants will replicate the pure lines and simple color of nature; think woodsy, austere and simple beauty. Go to www.dragonflyhealdsburg.com for info on this and other winter classes.
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Healdsburg Center for the Arts welcomes Glasea, Joyce Libeu, and Barbara Sebastian to the gallery. Stop by and see the Center’s latest exhibit, “Contrast,” now through February 2.
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time Healdsburg resident for over 25 years. Growing up, she spent delightful summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood number. She is the author of the children’s book: “Herbie – A Toy’s Adventures in Healdsburg” and other stories and articles.