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Community Briefs
Police Explorers raffle
Sonoma Police Department Explorer Post #110 is holding a raffle to raise funds to send members to the Explorer Training Academy and represent Sonoma in local and regional challenges. Prizes for the April 7 drawing include a flat screen HD TV, and there will be Early Bird drawing on March 28 for tickets to an event at Infineon Raceway. Tickets are $1, and six for $5. Buy them at the Sonoma Police Department, 157 First St. W., between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tax help at Vintage House
The AARP sponsored tax assistance program runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Saturdays, through Monday April 12, at the Vintage House. Lead volunteer John Garvey and his crew will be on hand to help e-file federal and state tax returns. This service is offered on a first come, first served basis and there is no charge – although donations are always appreciated.
Naturalist programs at Bouverie
Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Bouverie Preserve is offering two Backyard Naturalist Programs to the community this spring, on Saturday, March 27 and Saturday, April 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bouverie Preserve biologist Jeanne Wirka will lead a class on wildflowers, basic flower identification techniques using a variety of field guides. Participants will also learn some of the key characteristics of different plant families that will help in recognizing species after leaving the Preserve.
On April 10, Bryant Hichwa will teach an “in the field” digital nature photography workshop, including fundamentals for the beginner as well as tips for the semiprofessional nature photographer. Participants will compare various types of digital cameras and work on close-up shooting techniques.
Geared toward the adult amateur naturalist, these Saturday seminars include time in the classroom and on the trail; a one-to-three mile hike on mildly- to moderately-strenuous terrain. Wear hiking boots and bring a bagged lunch and water for the trail. $25 per seminar. Class size is limited. Registration required: rsvp@egret.org
Spring Break at Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs will be open for fun activities the vacation week of March 29 through April 2, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Themed-day activities include: a Creepy Crawlies Day to learn about bugs through creative crafts and games; Wacky World of Science with an ecology field trip to the creek; Awesome Athletes, with all-level baseball, yoga, soccer, and a dodge ball tournament; and Bon Appétit, a day to learn about and make healthy food.
There is no additional charge for existing members to participate from 12 p.m. to 7 pm. For the 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. session, there is a $12 fee per morning.
Children must be at least 6 years old; for information regarding membership please contact Marcella at 938.8544 ext102 or visit: bgcsonoma.org.
Spring Break Dance Camp
Sonoma Academy of Dance & Arts announces Spring Break Camp 2010. The two camps will explore a wide variety of different art forms including theatre, film, fashion, arts and crafts, and more. Early drop-off and late pick-up times will be available, and drop-ins are welcomed. Camp dates are March 29 to April 2, and April 5 to April 9, both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The cost is $225 per student. Call 933.9933.
American Legion dinner
American Legion Jack London Post #489 welcomes National Commander Clarence Hill with a dinner in his honor at March 29 at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception and continues at 6 p.m. with a buffet dinner including wine. Tickets are $25. For reservations call Post Commander Gary Magnani at 996.8386.
Valley of the Moon Garden Club
The Valley of the Moon Garden Club welcomes animal rescue and rehabilitation expert Star Dewar for an April 1 conversation.
Dewar has participated in rescues, rehabilitation, releases, and her favorite, educational outreach. In addition to rescuing sick, injured or orphaned wild animals, she places high importance on educating Sonoma County residents, school children and adults about the status of Sonoma County’s wild nature.
The event is free and will be held at 264 First St. E., Room 105, at 7 p.m.
Centering Prayer group
Persons of all faiths are invited to join a small group each Saturday 8 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Sonoma to simply sit in silence in the presence of God using a contemplative prayer method called centering prayer.
Based on the 14th century classic book, “The Cloud of Unknowing,” and popularized by Trappist monk and author Father Thomas Keating, Centering prayer teaches you how to just be yourself in the presence of God. The group starts with a meditative reading, silence for 20 minutes, and closes with a prayer.
To learn more about the technique and other centering prayer groups throughout the world, visit: contemplativeoutreach.org
Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 275 E. Spain St., Sonoma. For more information, contactsiouxm@sonic.net, 996.8787 or just show up.
Jack London Park celebration and photo contest
Photographers of all ages are invited to capture their unique vision of Jack London State Historic Park for the first Celebrate the Park photography contest. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the park, the photo contest is one of five events sponsored by the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association in 2010.
Photos must be taken at the park by May 15 and submitted in digital format. Details can be found at jacklondon50th.com. Rules and submission guidelines can be found at jacklondon50th.com.
Winners will receive cash prizes, a full set of products printed with the winning images, and the chance to see their work exhibited through 2010 in many locations, such as the Sonoma Community Center, the No Name Café, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and more.
Additionally, the winning photos will appear in The Sun.
The contest is open to amateurs and professionals in several age categories. The goal is to shoot an award-winning photograph somewhere within the 1,400 acre park, which is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2400 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen. There is a use fee of $8 per car.
Contest winners will be announced and exhibited at the Celebrate the Park celebration on June 27.
Green Drinks meeting
The social group Green Drinks Sonoma hosts an April 1 movie screening at The Lodge. The film “Escape from Affluenza,” combines expert commentary, vignettes and humor to show people how they can reduce their consumption and simplify their lives. Hosted by former Los Angeles newspaper reporter Wanda Urbanska, co-author of the books “Simple Living: One couple’s search for a better life” and “Moving to a Small Town.” Bring your own popcorn for the 56-minute movie, according to Michele Tovar, and stay for some networking and news of upcoming speakers. Free, but space is limited. RSVP to 938.9677 michele@glsonoma.com
Take the iWalk Challenge
The iWalk Challenge, an easy way to jump-start your fitness routine, is off and running … walking, jogging, biking dancing – whatever motivates you to exercise 150 minutes per week,
The challenge starts this week and lasts for nine weeks, until May 15. Simply track how much you exercise. Register now, and get tracking sheets, calorie counters and walking tips, at iWalk.com
The Vagina Monologues
V-Day 2010 Sonoma presents a three-night only benefit reading of Eve Ensler’s award- winning play, “The Vagina Monologues.” Performances will be held Thursday, April 8, Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10 at the Sonoma Valley Women’s Club.
Directed by Jennifer Blackwood, and produced by Regina Gregor, “The Vagina Monologues” host a cast of 17 local women who dive into the mystery, humor, pain, wisdom and excitement buried in women’s experience. Crafted from over 200 interviews with women of all ages, professions, and walks of life, the monologues are at once evocative, disturbing, erotic, enlightening and often hilarious.
The cast members are: Katy Byrne, Anne Cassidy, Karen Devaney, Caryl Englehorn, Sue Franklin, Joan Hugenard, Kathy Hargitt, Karen Kizer, Leana McShane, Cynthia Morris, Emma Muehl, Joia Nalenzny, Aline Pimenta, Jessica Short, Sarah Summers, Nancy Vandergrift, Kari Wishingrad and the narrator, Jennifer Blackwood.
All shows are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 in advance on sale now at Pharmaca and The Laughing Queen in Sonoma. Tickets are $27 at the door, at 574 First St. W.
Proceeds this year will support among other causes the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, specifically Sonoma Mentoring Alliance’s Empowerment Program for Girls.
Spring Celebration at Wedekind’s
Wedekind’s Garden Center in Sonoma kicks off its 20th year of ownership under Janet Rude with a celebration of National Gardening Month on April 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The event includes the gardening workshop “Growing Food in Small Spaces and Containers.” lead by Steve Albert, the acclaimed author of “The Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide.” Alberet will be signing copies of his book after the workshop. At 5:30 p.m. wine tasting, light appetizers and music by jazz masters EZ Kewl will usher in the evening.
“April hosts Earth Day, Arbor Day and National Gardening Month, and we thought it would be fun to begin this commemorative year with a spring celebration.” says Art Sinclair, manager of Wedekind’s. “Gardening is the number one hobby in America, and with a resurgence of home grown foods and organic gardening, we are seeing more new and seasoned gardeners coming into the nursery for help in getting their spring gardens off to a good start.”
For more information about contact Veronna Ladd or Alex Finn at 938.2727.
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