Southern Sonoma Country Life

Sonoma County Teen Selected as Star Speaker at 2012 National Kidney Foundation Author's Literary Luncheon

Outstanding Sonoma County teenager Leah Kaufman has been selected as a patient speaker at the Bay Area's premier literary event, the upcoming 24th Annual Kidney Foundation Luncheon that takes place in San Francisco on November 10th, 2012 at the Marriott Marquis.

Over the past two decades the Annual Kidney Foundation authors luncheon has evolved into a much anticipated, major fundraising event, attracting up to 1,000 guests each year.

Seventeen-year-old Leah is a Senior at Santa Rosa High School, who lives in Sonoma County with her mother Sarah, father Michael, and younger sister Anna.

On her 16th birthday Leah woke up with her eyes swollen shut. Soon afterwards the active teen learned that she had a rare and chronic, autoimmune kidney disorder. Fortunately, Leah has since gone into remission and has learned to navigate life with a lot less salt and a lot more sleep and medication.

Even though she has a kidney disease it hasn't dampened her zest for life. Leah loves to sing, swim, travel, and especially loves an occasional slice of her mom's coconut cake. She considers it  a huge honor to have been selected to speak before the prestigious crowd at this year's NKF Author's Luncheon.

Leah's not alone. Close to 2 million people in Northern California suffer from chronic kidney disease, including 1 million living in the Greater Bay Area alone.

Raising awareness and funding, luncheon proceeds support the work of the National Kidney Foundation to  enhance the lives of people  who are either dialysis or transplant patients, or at risk for developing kidney disease.

Captivating stories, wit and humor of the following six nationally known, best-selling authors are slated for this year's  event. Individual tickets are $125, Individual Tables start at $1,100 and Table Sponsorships began at $2,500.

Hubert Keller  - author of Souvenirs: Memories, and Recipes from My Life. He is best known for his world-renowned restaurants, including Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.

Tom Lichtenheld - a New York Times bestselling children’s author and illustrator.  His newest – Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site – is irresistible for all ages.

Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III -co-authored the New York Times bestseller Highest Duty. He is a retired airline pilot and a source of inspiration for many after his emergency water landing of a disabled airliner on the Hudson River. Sullenberger was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

Emma Donoghue - writer of contemporary and historical fiction whose critically acclaimed books include the internationally bestselling Room – a finalist for the Man Booker Prize and the winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, as well as Slammerkin,The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits and other works of literary history, plays for the stage and radio, and short fiction.

Andrew McCarthy - actor of stage (Broadway's Side Man) and screen (Pretty in Pink, Weekend At Bernie's, The Joy Luck Club), McCarthy is also a director (White Collar, Gossip Girl), and an award-winning travel writer. A contributing editor at National Geographic Traveler, this fall sees the publication of his memoir The Longest Way Home.

Dr. Vincent Lam is an emergency physician Lam and has won the 2006 Scotiabank Giller Prize for Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures. His forthcoming novel is The Headmaster’s Wager.

For more info or to buy tickets click here:
Attendees will have the chance to meet each author in person during book signing sessions preceding and following the luncheon that will be presided over by Master of Ceremonies is Michael J. Krasny, PhD, host of KQED public radio’s Forum.

The Monster Mash 2012 - Another Graveyard Smash for a Southern SoCo Halloween

Drove around the west side of town in this Halloween morning's mist with the roof down to capture just a handful of the spooktacular sets that have been popping up in the Halloween-crazy heritage home district of Petaluma. It's so much fun to see what the gold standard front yard set builders come up with each year....

If you are headed down to historic D Street to trick or treat this Halloween 2012 - don't miss your spot in the dentist's chair at Cavity Cove. Have your photo taken for a dollar or two that will be donated to children's programs at Petaluma-based COTS (Committee on the Shelterless). 

A big thanks to all the homeowners who go all out each year to entertain and delight us, young and old, each October 31st.

World Premiere of So Nice to Come Home To: A World War II Musical Now Playing at Petaluma's Cinnabar Theater

Pictured (L to R) are Michael Van Why, Valentina Osinski and Stephen Walsh performing a musical number in a USO Canteen scene featured in the world premiere of "So Nice to Come Home To: A World War II Musical," playing through Nov. 11 at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma. Photo by Eric Chazankin

Pictured above: Elly Lichenstein as Kate and Michael McGurk as 2nd Lt. Kenneth Downey in a scene from the world premiere of "So Nice to Come Home To"

Set in New York City in 1944, it's a time of innocence, uncertainty, humor and optimism - but the stresses of war are affecting soldiers and civilians alike. This touching, sweet, funny and thought-provoking musical tells the story of a middle-aged woman’s determination to become an essential part of America’s war effort.

The musical features original songs evoking the era with every style of music from the 1940s represented including ~ a patriotic anthem, tuneful nods to New York City and Carmen Miranda, sweet ballads, waltzes and foxtrots.
 
Cinnabar Theater commissioned this world premiere musical comedy from the creators of "The Playboy of Balyduff."
 
Ann Woodhead, Stage Director
Mary Chun, Music Director
 
WHEN:  Oct. 26 to Nov. 11, 2012
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 4 and Nov. 11
 
TICKETS:  $25 to $35
$35 General; $32 Seniors 65 & Over; $25 Age 22 & Under
 
LOCATION:   Cinnabar Theater
3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA 94952
 
PHONE:    707-763-8920
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or purchase at the door.
Reservations highly recommended.
 

CAST:
 
Kate..................................................         Elly Lichenstein
Kenneth............................................       *Michael McGurk
Jean / Eleanor....................................     Valentina Osinski
Al......................................................        Stephen Walsh
Harry..................................................     Bill Neely
Tombs / Bill Brannigan......................... Michael Van Why

*Member, Actors Equity Association, the union of professional actors
 
This production commissioned by Cinnabar Founder Jan Klebe

The Spirit of Giving - Petaluma's 2012 Turkey Party - Sunday, November 11th

What would Thanksgiving be without a turkey on the table? Meat-free homes aside, there are many, too many households in our community that won't have a turkey in the budget this holiday season.

And with that in mind,  2012 marks the 9th anniversary of caring Petaluman, Denise Redeker, friends and family's annual Turkey Party.

Denise and her great group of friends host an open house fundraiser for the Redwood Gospel Mission, each November, last year collecting a whopping pile of some 216 turkeys for distribution to needy families around the county as well as for use during the Mission's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

"Price" of admission is a frozen turkey. This year's 2012 Turkey Party takes place on Sunday November 11th from 3:00 - 5:30 pm at the Redeker home at 625 Tulare Street, Petaluma, where guests are invited to enjoy all sorts of tasty treats donated by many generous Petaluma restaurateurs.

There'll be lots of great things to bid on, including magnums of wine and a family photo shoot. Vendors are also set up for business inside the Redeker home offering holiday shopping ideas, a percentage of sales going directly to the Mission.

The Turkey Party is such a wonderful example of caring neighbors in our midst, happy to open their doors to newcomers year in and year out. It's a simple idea that grows each year, but as long as Denise's home can accommodate this giving spirit, she looks forward to playing host for such a good cause.

Denise and friends would be delighted if you are able to stop by with a turkey or two. Email deniseredeker@msn.com for more details or drop in with a big bird if you're in the area.

Pressing the 2012 World Series Vintage - North Bay Garagiste Winemaking & A Second Giants Win!

Thanks to the San Francisco Giants baseball fever for making the pressing of our  backyard Que Syra Syrah all the more exciting! Radio coverage of the Giants' second winning game in the 2012 World Series boosted momentum amongst all the volunteer muscle, pressing gallon after gallon of the purple wonder juice of what has been a very good year. Let's hope this good fortune continues for the Giants over the next few games.

Bay Area's Moxie Film Institute Tells Us Its Time to Engage

Attending a thought-provoking screening of Bay Area filmmaker Tiffany Shlain's Sundance premiered autoblogography on love, death and technology - "Connected" at the awesome auditorium at Petaluma's Campus of the Santa Rosa JC, switched on all sorts of light bulbs in my befuddled little brain. Shain's Moxie Institute is fast at work producing an innovative series of mobile short films for global change and offers them to qualifying non-profits for their own adaptable use. Check out more from the Moxie Institute here and find out what it takes to fully engage. A novel way to encourage everyday people to reach out from the sidelines to make a difference in the world.

Tara Firma Farms Pumpkins on Pikes - Top Pick for Fall Festivities in and Around Petaluma

Don't miss out on one of the most spectacular fall events in Sonoma County, coming up this weekend at Tara Firma Farms, just outside of Petaluma.

Pumpkins on Pikes is an unforgettable experience. Gather the folks and friends and head on out to the farm on the border of rural I Street and San Antonio Road, Saturday, October 27th, from 2pm til after dark when hundreds of beautfully carved pumpkins illuminate peaceful, sloping pastures and rolling hills.

Pack your pumpkin carving tools, tablewares, beverages and a dish to share and enjoy grass-fed beef mini-burgers hot off the grill, at haybale seating under cover of the farm's spacious party canopy.

Because of its popularity and so that the folks at Tara Firma know how many pumpkins to have on hand, you must register ahead of time at BrownPaperTickets.com. Cost is $20 per person for non-farm CSA members, $15 for members. Kids under 5 attend for free.

2012 Harvest 80% Complete as Sonoma County Vintners Race Rains to Completion

With harvest nearing completion throughout Sonoma County following a growing season that was textbook perfect, Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Winegrowers have begun issuing a series of harvest updates from the perspective of vintners and growers based in the region’s largest appellations, accompanied by comments from Nick Frey, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers.

Sonoma County Overview
“We will surpass 80% completion of harvest by Monday when rain chances increase,” said Nick Frey, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers. “Rain should not have much impact since the bulk of varieties left to harvest will be Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties that have thicker skins and can handle rains pretty well. Overall, the vintage has been near perfect for growers and winemakers alike.”

Alexander Valley
“The weather has cooperated beautifully so far this harvest. The ideal ripening weather has allowed us to all but finish up the white grapes this week. The yield has continued to beat our expectations in most varieties. For reds we have picked all of the Malbec and are just starting with some of the Merlot blocks. We are watching the weather forecast closely and expect to really get going later this week harvesting Merlot and some Cabernet Sauvignon.” — Jim Young, President/CEO, Robert Young Vineyards
 
Sonoma Valley
“Our white varietal harvest is now complete here at Kunde Family Estate, and we are knee deep in picking our red varietals. Our projected last pick looks to be around Halloween. This has been an exceptional year for not only quality, but quantity, with grapes seeing a wonderful long hang time and few spikes in temperature.  We are experiencing great color extraction in the reds and beautiful varietal expression coming through in all of the wines. Our tanks are pretty full, and we are feeling like squirrels stashing their acorns for the winter.” -- Zach Long, Winemaker, Kunde Family Estate
 
Russian River Valley
"We wrapped up the 2012 J Vineyards & Winery harvest Thursday, October 18, with 15 tons of Russian River Valley chardonnay.  Interestingly enough, we brought in 369 tons of extra grapes that were not counted in our early crop projections. This works out to 17% above initial projections.  Overall, I'd have to say that 2012 may have surpassed 2007 as the 'perfect vintage.' I think I speak for the entire winemaking team at J in saying, ‘I'm going to bed now!’"-—Melissa Stackhouse, Vice President of Winemaking, J Vineyards & Winery
 
“Quality is excellent, and we should be 95 percent done after Monday. The harvest will break many records -- the crop kept getting bigger at the usual time when it shrinks. You have got to love harvest time to be in this business, which is why I can't get enough!” – John Balletto, Balletto Winery and Vineyards
 
Dry Creek Valley
“At this point, we are nearly 80% done with harvest.  The quality of the Zinfandel and Bordeaux red varieties has been beautiful; I’m seeing particularly deep color and concentration in Cabernet, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. With the chance of some significant rain next week, everyone in Dry Creek Valley is scrambling to harvest as much as possible now. We are in a cycle of pressing off red tanks and refilling them as soon as we can. It’s just a matter of opening up tanks to receive the abundant harvest.”  —Tim Bell, Winemaker, Dry Creek Vineyard
 
“This has been one of the best harvests in years.  The growing season has been ideal up to this point. In all varietals, the fruit quality is exceptional and production levels very good for growers. In spite of a labor shortage all year, we have managed to stay on target with our work in the vineyards. We are now engaged in the last push to finish.  It’s as though someone has yelled “fire” and everyone has rushed for the exit.” – Duff Bevill, Bevill Vineyard Management
 

About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 175 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.
 
The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, dba Sonoma County Winegrowers, was established in 2006 as a non-profit marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world. For more information about SCW and its programs, visit www.sonomawinegrape.org.

The Next Great American Novel? Meet the Author, Michael Chabon at Petaluma Copperfield's 10/24/2012

Berkeley's Pulitzer Prize-winning Michael Chabon makes a pit-stop at Copperfield's Petaluma, this Wednesday, October 24th, 2012 at 7pm.

His newly released novel Telegraph Avenue is described by our local booksellers as: "An intimate epic, a NorCal Middlemarch set to the funky beat of classic vinyl soul-jazz and pulsing with a virtuosic, pyrotechnical style all its own, the great American novel we've been waiting for." Wow, what's not to like? Wait, there's more: "Generous, imaginative, funny, moving, thrilling, humane, triumphant, it is Chabon's most dazzling book yet!"

I have a copy of Telegraph Avenue that one of the men in my house has hijacked from my 'to read' pile on my bedside table - I hope he's a quick reader. Now that the rain is here, it's time to hunker down amongst the pages (or cuddle up with an e-reader, if that's your cup of tea!).

My English Major son over the Bay at Cal heard Chabon speak about his latest book in Berkeley a few weeks back and highly recommends that we don't miss out on Wednesday's reading here in Southern SoCo.

Seeds of Creativity Nurtured - The Phoebe Washer Foundation for the Arts

What a pleasure to see more of late artist Phoebe Washer's mesmerizing, luminous works currently on display at Petaluma's Aqus Cafe at Foundry Wharf.

Four and a half years after Phoebe's devastating, fatal 2008 coastal hiking accident in Marin County, this immensely talented, prolific artist's work continues to inspire, delight and garner remarkable praise and accolades.

I can't think of a better way to preserve the spirit and wonderment of this gifted young woman than the creation of the new Phoebe Washer Foundation For the Arts.

Phoebe's dream-like works make for meaningful and beautiful gifts. Consider a purchase at Heebe Jeebe, 46 Kentucky Street  Petaluma, CA 94952. Call Drew Washer for more info at 707-773-3222. View previously unreleased works at Aqus Cafe, 189 H Street, Petaluma.