Letters to the Editor 8-15-13

Changes at the Raven
Editor: The Raven Players just ended its highly successful run of “Evita” at the Raven Performing Arts Theater, closing out its season. In the tiny bit of breathing space before the next season begins in September, the Raven board of directors is implementing a series of organizational changes that we wanted to share with the community at large.
A key area of change is the addition of several part-time contract roles. The new positions include a technical director, a corporate sales rep, and a professional artistic director to oversee the Raven theatrical productions. The need for these positions is the result of our continued growth and success, even as we continue to rely on our terrific army of volunteers.
But there are other examples of how the Raven is growing as well. We recently expanded the stage to reach from wall to wall, which allows us to offer increasingly ambitious productions more efficiently. In the coming weeks, our “Refeather the Raven” fundraising campaign will result in new carpet inside and a new color palette outside.
We are also exploring an opportunity to expand into a second theater space located in Windsor. The Raven Windsor space is much smaller, and a perfect downtown location for community performers, children’s theater, and experimental performance art. A large and enthusiastic committee representing a cross section of Windsor’s residents is working hard to make this a reality.
When we took over the Raven, we had a dream of creating a friendly gathering place by offering a wide range of entertainment for the community. Thanks to all who helped make the dream come true, and to those who continue to support our efforts to serve you.
Richard Norgrove, Sr.
President and Chairman,
Raven Performing Arts Theater
Instant Wine Cellar
Editor: Some of you may have seen me at the Saturday Farmers’ Market. I’ve been there most weeks selling raffle and event tickets to the Healdsburg Museum’s “Instant Wine Cellar” fundraiser. Or you may have seen our ads in the Tribune. But you may not have purchased your tickets yet. There’s still time. You can still win.
Thanks to the generous support of many area wineries we have been able to amass an impressive array of wines to raffle in our “Instant Wine Cellars.” Other local businesses have donated an interesting collection of silent auction items that will be available during our “Sip, Savor & Celebrate!” party on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Sbragia Family Vineyards. The party will be complete with refreshments, award winning wine, musical entertainment, exhibits from the Museum’s collection and the silent auction along with drawings for multiple “Instant Wine Cellars” and a host of other prizes.  
All the proceeds help to fund your local historical museum. The monies raised now also enable us maintain our “no admission fee” policy making the museum and all it has to offer accessible to the entire community.
You can still win, but time is running out.  Contact the Museum (431-3325) now to place your order — before it’s too late!
Bob Rawlins
Healdsburg Museum IWC Chair
Courtesy to bikers
Editor: While volunteering on Block 2 of the Bike Route for the 23rd Annual Vineman Triathalon (July 14 & 27) in Healdsburg and Geyserville, we noticed that drivers of cars showed much courtesy to cyclists, the cyclists appreciated ALL of the volunteers, and how helpful the Aid Stations were in providing medical support, and effective the CHP officers were in directing traffic. What an amazing event for these athletes. What an exhilarating experience. We’re volunteering again next year!
Phil Chiminello
Doug Oakes
Nita Parker
History preserved
Editor: The Healdsburg Museum’s “Evening at the MacMurray Ranch” event was the best ever! Kate MacMurray was the perfect host; she presented the rich history of the ranch from the 1800’s to the present including her personal  memories. The opportunity to see the barns and home made the history so real. The food and wine was exceptional and the screening of the movie “The Egg and I” topped off a great evening. Healdsburg is so fortunate to have this history so perfectly preserved.  
Kip and Betty Miller
Healdsburg