Southern Sonoma Country Life

Petaluma Arts Center Sip & Shop Pop-Up Market of Art & Crafts & Original Works - Free Entry Sat June 22nd 2-8pm — Cocktail Happy Hour 5-8pm

Mixed Media Collage Workshops (No Experience Needed) With Sonoma County Artists Jane Murphy & Michelle Chayes at SwallowTail Studios June 29th or July 13th

 

Workshops will be offered on Saturday June 29th OR July 13 2019. 10-2. 

Cost is $125. All materials will be supplied.

Future dates to  follow. Classes are limited to 8 people per workshop.

All materials will be supplied but you are encouraged to bring any personal images or bits that you’d like to work with. 

Class participants are going to work on wood panels prepped with a background paint and pieces will be started using two different transfer techniques, adding paper, images, stamps and paint to complete each piece. 

 

Email with questions or to sign up:

billchayes71@gmail.com

Swallowtail Studios is 5 minutes from Downtown Petaluma and easy to find.

It is suggested that you bring a bag lunch.

Michelle's work can be seen at: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/michellechayes/

Jane's work can be seen on her Pinterest “My Stuff” page:  https://www.pinterest.com/janeemurphy/my-stuff/

Canadian Captain Wendy Williams to Lead First Virgin Voyages Ship

I have yet to take a cruise, but if I was to take one anytime soon, this would be a good place to start. Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin have announced the appointment of Captain Wendy Williams as Master of cruise ship Scarlet Lady. When Captain Williams takes the helm of Scarlet Lady in spring 2020, she will become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a ship for a major cruise brand. The company also announced a brand-new lineup of itineraries for their premier 2020 season.

“Captain Wendy's extensive maritime background makes her an excellent choice to lead the Scarlet Lady, but it is her spirit and drive to approach life at sea differently that make her the perfect fit to join the Virgin Voyages family,” said Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages.

Originally from the coastal city of Sept-Îles, Quebec on the Northeastern coast of Canada, Captain Williams resides on her hobby farm on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Captain Williams has more than 28 years of experience working on ships at sea. Her extensive background includes more than a decade as a deckhand in commercial fishing off the western coast of Canada as well as working as a ferryboat captain. Although she has spent more than 15 years working on the bridge of mega cruise ships, her role with Virgin Voyages will be her first promotion to Master of a cruise ship.

“I have salt water in my veins and nothing brings me more joy than being at sea,” said Captain Wendy Williams. “It's a dream come true to be working with Virgin Voyages, a company that is focused on creating an incredible experience not only for our Sailors but for our Crew as well; while also taking action to minimize our footprint on our oceans.”

Just last year, Virgin Voyages announced its Scarlet Squad program, an initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in leadership roles across the maritime industry, where women represent less than three per cent of the workforce. The program aims to recruit, support and mentor female shipboard talent, and to grow opportunities for leadership roles in marine, technical and hotel management positions on board.

While Virgin Voyages is still in the early stages of the crew for Scarlet Lady, the company has already recruited Captain Williams as well as nearly a dozen other female officers, including Jill Anderson as hotel director, Christin Wenge as safety officer, Lindsay Kerber as environmental officer, among other incredibly talented women engineers as well as second and third officers.

Virgin Voyages' intention is to create an onboard environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

New Voyage Offerings

In response to the U.S. government's frustrating new restrictions on travel to Cuba from the United States, Virgin Voyages has developed a lineup of new itineraries featuring destinations that its sailors expressed interest in exploring while on a voyage aboard Scarlet Lady.

Continuing the company's mission to provide its sailors with epic day and nighttime experiences, the all new itineraries will feature multiple late-night sail aways, including a midnight departure on all new sailings.

Virgin Voyages will now offer five-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cozumel and Playa del Carmen offer opportunities for sailors to experience some of the world's best diving, as the area is home to 26 coral species. Sailors will also have the opportunity to explore ecological and archeological treasures, including Mayan ruins, or opt to explore neighboring Tulum, the elevated Bohemian sanctuary with picturesque beaches and diverse nightlife.

For those who just want a quick getaway, Virgin Voyages' four-night sailings will now become Fire and Sunset Soirées including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini. Sailors will experience the cultural and boating paradise of Key West, paired with a day of rejuvenation in Bimini, Bahamas that's topped off by an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. This celebration under the stars is exclusive to these sailings, and the artistic fire installations draw inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson's Necker Island and the alluring communal nature of a traditional beachside bonfire. Sounds great to me!

In response to Sailor demand for longer voyages aboard Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages has developed special seven-night sailings for the 2020 festive holiday season. Those looking to get a jump start on their holiday planning can opt for the all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year's Ahoy voyages, which fall over the Christmas and New Year's holidays respectively, and feature stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and late-night sail aways in both Bimini, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home to The Beach Club, a private club for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on the island.

For more information on Scarlet Lady, future Sailors and First Mates (travel partners) are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES

Virgin Voyages is a global lifestyle brand committed to creating the world's most irresistible holiday. With operations in the US, UK, and Europe, Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri.

With its inaugural season scheduled for 2020, Virgin Voyages' first ship the Scarlet Lady was designed to reflect a yacht's sleek luxury. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary design, the Scarlet Lady will be Adult-by-Design, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler.

A dose of 'Vitamin Sea' will be naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation. The Scarlet Lady will also feature alluring entertainment and 20+ world-class intimate eateries on board. Putting a twist on luxury, which the company refers to as Rebellious Luxe, Virgin Voyages will offer incredible value for its sailors with all restaurants, group fitness classes, soft drinks, and many more Virgin surprises included within the voyage fare.

Scarlet Lady will sail from Miami to the Caribbean in 2020, hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world. Keep watch on virginvoyages.com for more updates.

 

Follow Virgin Voyages:

Instagram: @virginvoyages

Facebook: @virginvoyages

Twitter: @virginvoyages

LinkedIn: Virgin Voyages

YouTube: Virgin Voyages

Sky Hill Cultural Alliance & Petaluma Museum Association Present Schubertiade — Sunday June 16th, A Celebration of the Story and Music of Franz Schubert

Wines & Sunsets Live Music & Food Trucks Events Return to Paradise Ridge Winery's Russian River Valley Estate Amphitheater June 19th through September 18th

This summer, Wednesday nights once again mean Wines & Sunsets at Paradise Ridge Winery’s Russian River Valley Estate Amphitheater in Santa Rosa, June 19 to Sept. 18.

The Wines & Sunsets series was voted “Best Winery Event in Sonoma County” in 2017, just prior to the fires that ravaged the winery and many of the buildings on the property. This year’s Wines & Sunsets series will be held in the hillside amphitheater just below the tasting room and events center, which is being rebuilt and is set to reopen in November.

The amphitheater offers expansive views of vineyards and the Russian River Valley. Wines & Sunsets features festive live music, wines by the glass or bottle, and goodies from gourmet food trucks. Two of this year’s evenings are themed: Red, White & Bubbles on July 3 and Hot Havana Nights on Aug. 21.

Seating is family style, with everyone sharing tables. Click here for Advance tickets are $10 general or $5 for wine clubs members, and may sell out; if tickets are available at the door, it’s $15 general or $10 for club members.

Wines & Sunsets

Paradise Ridge Winery Estate
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-528-9463

prwinery.com/

Also, The Ranch at Lake Sonoma welcomes us to its warm weather line up. 

Listen to live music and watch the sun setting over the water at the new Sunset Music Series concerts at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma, in northern Sonoma County.

Enjoy local food, beer, and wine, and savor the view from the scenic Redwood Barn, perched high above Lake Sonoma, Sonoma County’s largest and most picturesque park. Held from 4 p.m. until sunset on the second and fourth Sundays from June 9 to Sept. 8, the free concerts will benefit local nonprofit groups.

The schedule includes: June 9, electric blues by Johnny Sansone & The Remedies; June 23, Two Lions Band singer-songwriters; July 14, indie rock by Justin Schaefers & The Blind Barbers; July 28, funk and soul by Trace Repeat; Aug. 11, brass and soul by Spike’s Awesome Hotcakes; Aug. 25, The Thugz jam band; and Sept. 8, country music by The Easy Leaves.

The Ranch at Lake Sonoma offers scenic horseback tours for all levels of experience, as well as providing a stunningly scenic rustic venue for weddings, corporate events, dinners, parties, and other gatherings.

 

Sunset Music Series

The Ranch at Lake Sonoma
100 Marina Road, Lot A
Geyserville, CA 95441
707-494-4449

www.theranchatlakesonoma.com

Let's Build A Park — Informational Town Meetings for Petaluma River Park Plans on the McNear Peninsula 5.30pm June 13th at Hotel Petaluma, June 24th at The Petaluma Library

Petaluma River Park is a nonprofit organization by forward thinking locals on a mission to build a public park for recreation, education, conservation, culture and community. A park for everyone. 

My husband, Timo is brokering the sale of the land from the historic McNear Family to Petaluma River Park group and is a keen supporter of the project. He'll be at both of the public town hall meetings this June on to speak and answer any questions from the transfer of ownership perspective. This will be a dream come true for our community. 

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TYPO ON THE DATE IN THIS IMAGE - PETALUMA LIBRARY DATE IS MONDAY JUNE 24th. 

To learn more see PetalumaRiverPark.org

A Smorgasbord of Sonoma County's Musical Talent — The Space Orchestra Performs a Tribute to Joe Cocker — Mad Dogs & Englishmen Plus The Soul Section, The Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, May 17 — A Benefit for Petaluma Music Festival

Don't miss this terrific bus load of our favorite local musicians at The Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, Friday, May 17th, 2019.  The Space Orchestra performs a tribute to Joe Cocker's legendary rock n roll classic, Mad Dogs & Englishmen with the added bonus of the rock, funk and soul of the Bay Area's The Soul Section — Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm$25 in advance / $30 day of show. All profits to benefit the Petaluma Music Festival, Keeping Music in Our Schools. I recommend you click here to buy tix ahead of time, these shows generally sell out fast. 

Petaluma Gap Women Winemakers Auction Lot Purchased by Philanthropists Karen & Ted Davison at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction — Their “Never Before-Never Again” Wine will be used to Help Young Women Break Free of Life-Threatening Situations

Winemakers from the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) fared well at the fifth annual Sonoma County Barrel Auction on Friday, May 3, raising more than $65,000 from eleven auction lots of “Never Before, Never Again” wine, each crafted from grapes grown in the Petaluma Gap.

Two of the lots were collaborative efforts, dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes.”  The men’s lot, comprised of Pinot Noir from Cline Family Cellars, Fogline Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Thirty-Seven Wines, brought in $8,000 while the women’s lot, devised of Pinot Noir from Bruliam Wines, Keller Estate and Trombetta Family Wines, bested the men with a winning bid of $9,000. 

Ted and Karen Davison, owners of a recreational boating service in Panama City Beach, Florida, purchased the women’s lot to raise money at exclusive events on board their tour boats.  Unique experiences, such as swimming with the dolphins or snorkeling the grass flats, are followed by on-board wine tastings; 100% of the money raised will be donated to Mercy Multiplied, a charitable organization that helps young women break free of life-threatening situations. 

Erica Stancliff, winemaker for Trombetta Family Wines, enthused, “We are thrilled that our auction lot was purchased again by the Davisons; this is the second year that they cast the winning bid. Only about 10% of winemakers are women and we are excited to be a part of the Davison’s plan to help these young women in dire need of support.”  Residents at Mercy Multiplied facilities include victims of sex abuse and trafficking, addiction, depression and eating disorders.

The Davisons choose unique wines that they think their guests will enjoy.  “In the Gap, the grapes are grown under windy, harsh conditions but result in the most elegant wines that are the soul of Sonoma County.  We think it is a good match to use them for fundraising to help these young women break free of their own extreme living conditions,” said Karen Davison.

Ted Davison added, “Jesslyn Jackson from Sonoma County Vintners introduced us to the Barrel Auction a few years ago, and now we try to come to Sonoma several times a year.  The wines just keep getting better, and the hospitality is from the heart.” The Davisons also support additional charities with wines purchased at the Barrel Auction, including Child Bridge, Global Effect and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

It was a treat to have met Ted and Karen informally at an intimate invitation-only Barrel Auction preview dinner for members of the wine trade and media at beautiful MacRostie Winery and Vineyards in the Russian River a couple of days before the big auction, courtesy of Michael Carpenter's Sonoma-County based The Redd Collection. 

The couple was super down-to-earth and delighted to be back in Sonoma County. We spoke of the Petaluma Gap and of how supportive Ted and Karen are to the annual Women's Lot, women winemakers and winery owners in general and especially the good that their bid does in providing vital services to women in need. 

Also, note the newly revamped Petaluma Gap logo. Great looks, great work from our local winegrowers and makers! 

Architectural Digest-Worthy West Petaluma Vintage Gem On the Market For First Time in Over Half a Century

What makes a house an Architectural Digest-worthy home? This means something different for everyone when it comes to the dream home design world, be it mid-century modern open plan, a state-of-the-art beachside apartment, sleek, urban loft with dramatic city scape views, a charming, Victorian farmhouse or craftsman bungalow. That's the beauty of inspiring design.

In this particular case, I've been eyeing this elegant, wonderful two-story home on Sunnyslope Avenue in West Petaluma for many years of my morning dog walking routine, wondering what it looked like inside and how its unique style came about. It strikes me as an especially gracious home with an air of southern European elegance in its gorgeous, Northern California, heavily canopied, creekside setting. 

I was thrilled to finally get to look inside its fabulous front door when my husband, Timo started working with the home's long-time family members, who were readying their beloved late parents' property for sale for the first time in many decades.  

There's something extra special about this one-of-a-kind house, the front section which was added on to in the 60s from its original ranch style layout to accommodate a large and lively family. I love all of the harmonious period features and I hope that whoever the lucky buyers are will retain much of its original charm and character. 

Here's what Timo says about it in his new listing: Architecturally Unique Legacy Estate. Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to Own One of the Most Desirable Homes in West Petaluma. This 3,014 Sq Ft Light Filled Home Comprises; 4 Beds, 2 Baths, Conversation Room, 2 Fireplaces, Upstairs Master Suite, Large Family Room w/ Built in Bookcases, Open Kitchen & Dining Area, Bonus Office,Indoor/Outdoor Living w/ Large Patio Situated in a Grove of Redwood & Oak Trees with Seasonal Creek on a 16,416 Corner Lot.

He'll be holding it open both Saturday & Sunday of Mother's Day weekend, May 11th & 12th and the following weekend, May 18th & 19th 1pm to 4pm. 

Click here for the listing link. 

 

 

Adventure Into Another World With Off The Map Travel on the French Island La Reunion, Deep in the Indian Ocean Between Mauritius and Madagascar

In my search to share unique and original travel experience opportunities with my readers, I look for amazing adventures and locales that are not exclusively priced for just the multi-millionaire budget. This one certainly fits the bill as a once in a lifetime trip:

Off the Map Travel has introduced an adventure to “another world,” taking guests through prehistoric jungle scenery to spectacular volcanoes and a night sleeping under the stars in a clear bubble on La Reunion Island.

Deep in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar, La Reunion Island is the setting for the new “Like Nowhere Else on Earth” experience.

On this French island at the crossroads of African, Indian, European and Chinese cultures where English, French and Creole are spoken — and a place likened to Hawaii with its landscape and volcano-filled topography filled with overgrown trees, lush foliage and volcanoes, La Reunion offers a natural paradise where it’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming during the Mesozoic Era.   

Begin your island adventure with a helicopter flight over the cavernous ravines, moon-like volcanoes and lush forest before landing at Hiker’s Eden, a lodge retreat deep in the mountains. There you'll enjoy a Creole lunch cooked over an open fire followed by an on-land exploration upward through the area’s lava tubes and caves created by the island’s volcanic lava flow to a ziplining experience through the jungle.

The evening offers even more adventure. Just outside of the small village of Les Makes, 1500 meters above sea level and in the middle of the tropical forest, settle into one of four individual bubble accommodations where the night sky and surrounding wilderness form a natural outdoor blanket. Each transparent bubble provides a sleeping and relaxation space and is connected to a shared bathroom and lounge. “Picture Jurassic Park all around you,” commented Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.

“La Reunion is a dramatic land of fiery volcanoes, steep-sided jungle landscapes and starlit skies – off-the-beaten track and offering a taste of Creole culture with a splash of luxury,” Jonny Cooper continued. “It’s an area unmarred by tourism and filled with adventures.”

Off the Map Travel’s La Reunion “Like Nowhere on Earth” program is offered year-round, with the most popular travel months between May and October. Although the itinerary can be tailored to each guest, an example seven-night, eight-day itinerary with Off the Map Travel (www.offthemap.travel) is priced from $2465 USD per person, based on double occupancy (prices at the time of this writing).

Included in the price are:  daily breakfast; all transfers; accommodations in hotels and villas in the coastal town of Sainte-Gilles; one night in a see-through bubble; a tour into the lava caves; a jungle zipline and a heli-hiking experience to Hiker’s Eden with lunch. Flights are additional. 

For additional information, visit https://www.offthemap.travel/destinations/indian-ocean/la-reunion/.

Off the Map Travel

Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel

For more information on tailor-made Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest