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2014
H oliday
Events
Guide
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts ~ As
an integral part of Sonoma County’s
community and a premiere performing
arts venue in the Bay Area, Wells Fargo
Center for the Arts (50 Mark West
Springs Road, Santa Rosa) features
a wide range of culturally-diverse
entertainment for everyone this holiday
season. Tickets and info are available
online at wellsfargocenterarts.org
Dec 6 ~ San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
7:30p
Dec 9 ~ Celtic Woman: Home for
Christmas-The Symphony Tour 8p
Dec 14 ~ Symphony Pops: A Very
Merry Holiday Pops featuring Five By
Design 3p
Dec 19 ~ Posada Navideña 7p
Dec 20 ~ Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian
Nutcracker 3 & 7p
Dec 21 ~ The Blind Boys of Alabama
Christmas Show 8p All through the Holidays! Check the
Sonoma County Library website for an
accurate and detailed listing of events
and workshops throughout November
and December and all year long www.
sonomalibrary.org/events/calendar
Nov 27 ~ Community Thanksgiving
Dinner ~ 1 pm to 5 pm in Memorial
Hall at 1000 Gravenstein Hwy North,
Sebastopol. FREE and open to everyone.
Call 823.2484 for more info.
Nov 28 ~ Healdsburg Downtown Holiday
Party ~ The celebration in and around
Healdsburg’s charming Plaza will have
plenty of refreshments, holiday
cheer
and
entertainment
including
musicians
and
carolers, free horse-drawn
carriage rides, pictures with
Santa, merriment and much
more. 4-9p, FREE.
will be on hand at the shopping center
starting at 11am. www.visitpetaluma.
com
Nov 29 & 30 ~ The Nutcracker ~ By
students of North Bay Performing Arts
Center’s Contessi Ballet. Spreckels
Performing Arts Center on Nov. 29 at 7
pm and Nov. 30 at 2 pm. Call 588-3400
for tickets: $25; $20 students and seniors,
$15 children 10 & under. Nov 28-30 ~ Korbel Holiday Shopping
Spree Weekend ~ Early Christmas
Shopping. Special sales throughout the
weekend. Christmas Carolers from 1-3p
(Sat and Sun). Special appearance by
Santa Claus from 2:30-4:00 p.m. (Sat and
Sun). Korbel Champagne Cellars, 13250
River Rd Call (707) 824-7316 for hours
and details Nov 29 - Jan 3 ~ Charlie Brown
Christmas Tree Grove ~ Windsor Town
Green, 701 McClelland Drive. www.
townofwindsor.com
Nov 30 ~ Holiday Stroll at Montgomery
Village ~ At the Montgomery Village
Shopping Center annual Holiday Stroll
you will find special performances by
the Dickens strolling Carolers, a holiday
string quartet as well as the Merry
Marichi Band. 10a – 6p at Hwy 12 &
Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa. www.mvshops.
com
Dec 1-28 ~ Petaluma City of Lights Tour
~ Get the map of Petaluma’s beautifully
decorated homes and business at www.
visitpetaluma.com or at the Petaluma
Visitors Center, 210 Lakeville St. After
taking the self-guided tour, vote for your
favorite on the website. 7pm.
Dec 4-6 ~ Guerneville Holiday
Extravaganza ~ Dec 4: Tree lighting
ceremony in the square and merchant
open house 4-8p. Dec 5: Holiday Prince
& Princess crowning ceremony at Chef
Patrick’s 6-9p. Tickets $35 available by
calling 707-287-6698. Dec 6: Russian
River Parade of Lights: Down main
street in Guerneville 7-9p.
Dec 5 ~ Valley of the Moon Chamber
Ensemble: Holiday Gala ~ This year’s
Gala will be at Madrone Vineyards
Estate (777 Madrone Rd. in Glen Ellen)
and will feature a delicious spread
paired with wine. Tickets are $100. All
proceeds benefit SCC. To purchase
tickets, please call (707) 938-4626, x 1. 7p
Dec 5-7 ~ The Nutcracker ~ Petaluma
City Ballet and Petaluma School of
Ballet perform holiday classic. For
info and tickets, call 765-2660 www.
petalumacityballet.org and/or www.
petalumaschoolofballet.com
Dec 6 ~ Holiday Open House & Toy Drive
~ Noon-5p at Chateaux Diana, 6195 Dry
Creek Rd, Healdsburg. Santa will be here
with his elves offering delicious wines
and tasty bites. Bring an unwrapped
toy and receive special discounts. www.
chateaud.com
Nov 29 and All Weekends in
December ~ Santa’s Village
Open for Photos ~ 11am3pm 911 Village Terrace
Montgomery Village - also
Dec 20 and 21 Secret Santa
Marathon ~ Montgomery
Village
6am-9-am.
check
website for all Holiday Events
at www.mvshops.com/events
Dec 6 ~ Holiday Home Tour & Winter
Market ~ Presented by The Junior
League of Napa-Sonoma. Tour Check
In: 9:30a to 2:30p @ Healdsburg Museum
- 221 Matheson St, Healdsburg. Tour is
self guided and homes are close to each
other so you can walk or drive depending
on your preference. Reception: 11a to
3:30p @ Grape Leaf Inn - 539 Johnson St,
Healdsburg. Tickets are $40 per person.
11am - 5pm. For details and tickets,
please call (707) 545-5567 or visit www.
jlns.org.
Dec 6 & 7 ~ The Night before Christmas
Ballet ~ An Original Full Length Dance
Production Sponsored in part by The
Healdsburg Grange and presented by
Teresa Lubarsky’s Healdsburg Ballet.
At the Raven Theater on Saturday 7P
and Sunday at 2P. The Raven Theater is
located at 115 North St, Healdsburg. (707)
431-7617 Tickets: Adults -$18 Seniors-$15
Children 8 and under - $13. At the door
prices add $2. Ticket’s Available at:
Brownpapertickets.com,
Healdsburg
Ballet and at the door
Dec 6 ~ Sing Along Messiah ~ 2p at the
Sebastopol United Methodist Church,
500 North Main St. No previous
experience or vocal ability is necessary.
This annual holiday event is
directed by John Maas and
features local instrumentalists
and soloists to bolster timid
voices. Tickets, which are $6
each or $15 for a family up to
four, are available at the door.
Refreshments are provided and
a limited number of scores are
available for loan. Interested
singers can rehearse with Director
Maas at a rehearsal on Sunday,
Nov 30, at 4 p in the Fireside
Room at the Center for the Arts,
282 S. High St, Sebastopol. 8294797.
Dec 6 & 7 ~ Santa Paws ~ 9:30am4:30pm Bring your pet and have
their picture taken with Santa!
Also Bake Sale items. At the
Western Farm Center 21 W 7th St,
Santa Rosa. Fundraiser for Canine
Companions for Independence. Nov 29 ~ Duncans Mills Old
Fashioned Chtistmas ~ Noon
to 5pm. Santa arrives by
firetruck at 2pm. Visit Santa
2-4pm. Tree lighting at 4pm.
Caroling, sweet treats in each
shop, hot apple cider. Discounts
at participating merchants.
River Road, Highway 116 West
bewtween Guerneville and
Jenner on the Coast.
Nov 29 ~ Santa’s Riverboat
Arrival
~
The
couple
disembarks at the Golden
Eagle Shopping Center on
E. Washington St, hand out
hundreds of candies to loads
of excited children. Performers
Dec 6 ~ SCC Fabulous Holiday Follies
~ rreverent holiday variety show
featuring local talent, costumes, cocktails
and more! 7p at Sonoma Community
Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma.
$30 at sonomacommunitycenter.org
Dec 6 & 7 ~ Luther Burbank
Holiday
Open
House
~ Experience
a
charming
reminder of bygone days when
you tour the home decked out
in Victorian holiday finery
inside and out. 10am – 4pm, $2
admission. Santa Rosa & Sonoma
Avenues, Downtown Santa Rosa
Posada Navideña ~ Dec 19 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
34 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/14
Dec 6, 13, 20 ~ Breakfast with
Santa and Due Zighi Baci
~ Santa arrives promptly at 9A.
Events cont’d on page 35
Events cont’d from page 34
You don’t want to miss the delightful
smiles as the kids sit on Santa’s lap.
Michael and I provide the music of the
season, complete with jingle bells. www.
costeauxfrenchbakery.com. Costeaux
French
Bakery,
in
downtown
Healdsburg. Dec 7 ~ Annual Lighting of the Snowmen
~ Live music in the snowflake-filled
courtyard, many holiday performances,
entertainment for the kids. 23570
Arnold Dr, Sonoma. 4pm-6:30pm. (707)
933.3010 for more info. $10 parking,
100% of proceeds benefit Sonoma
Valley Mentoring Alliance. www.
cornerstonesonoma.com
Dec 7 ~ Santa Comes to Nick’s Cove
~ chocolate, treats and a free professional
photographer so children and adults
alike can pose for a photo with Santa
overlooking Tomales Bay. Every guest
who brings a donation of canned food
for the Marin Food Bank will receive
15% off any food or beverage purchase. In addition, Nick’s Cove will also donate
10% of all net proceeds of the day’s sales
to the Marin Food Bank. Santa will be
arriving at Nick’s Cove at 3 pm and will
be available in the boat shack until 5
pm. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall
Dec 13 ~ Cazadero Old-Time Christmas
Festival and Parade ~ Noon in
Downtown Cazadero.
Dec 13 ~ Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat
Parade ~ Flotilla of illuminated boats
arrive at the Petaluma River Turning
Basin at 6:30. Visit website to view the
many holiday events in Petaluma www.
visitpetaluma.com/petaluma.
Dec 13 ~ Fort Ross Community Holiday
Party & Pot Luck ~ Please join us for
our end-of-year celebration as we bring
friends and family together to celebrate
the holiday season and make plans for
the new year. In the morning we have
our final Fort Ross Conservancy board of
directors meeting of 2014, which is open
to the public. Lunch starts at 12:30 -we’ll provide some hearty protein but
bring something to share. Questions?
Email [email protected]
Dec 13 ~ A Night of Giving ~ This year
the Fabulous Women are introducing an
event that captures the “Spirit of Holiday
Giving.” We will be having a festive
gathering that will include food, music
and a charitable surprise that should
not be missed. 7 -11p at Elks Lodge, 2105
South McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. *No
Host Bar. RSVP to Thefabulouswomen@
gmail.com. Dec 13 ~ Madrigal Dinner of Merriment
& Festivities ~ Be entertained by the
music, pageantry, dance and dining
of 17th Century England as if you
were among the gentry in an country
manor. But in reality, you are in the
Forestville Methodist Church enjoying
a four-course meal with our hosts in
full costume. 6:30 pm at the Forestville
United Methodist Church, Covey Rd in
downtown Forestville. Tickets: Adults:
$25, Children (5-12 yrs): $15 Family (of
4): $65. Seating is limited! Tickets at 8872020
Dec 19-21 ~ Sebastopol Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at Analy High School Theater
Dec 13 ~ Sonoma Mission Holiday
Celebration ~ There will be readings
and song and all done by candlelight
in the Mission Chapel. There is no
charge for the tickets, however, we
would appreciate a small donation. 4:308:30pm at Corner of First St E and Spain
St, Sonoma. 707-938-9560
Dec 13 & 19 ~ Truman Capote’s “A
Christmas Memory” ~ Readers’ Theater
directed by Jerrie Patterson. Plus a
bonus solo rendering of Dylan Thomas’
“Child’s Christmas in Wales”. Does it
get any cozier? P.S. Expect a sell-out.
Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com,
#943067 are $12; $10 members. See more
at www.petalumaartscenter.org or call
762-5600.
Dec 13 ~ Sebastopol Holiday Home
Tour ~ West County’s popular holiday
tour of five special homes and the
historic Pleasant Hill Christian School
and Artisan Boutique returns. Tour
ticket prices are $10-$40. Proceeds
benefit Scholarship fund at Pleasant
Hill
Christian
School.
www.
sebastopolholidayhometour.com
Dec 14 ~ Community Stone Soup for
Market›s closing day ~ Local school
choirs sing carols, Kidz Dig It Club
decorates Christmas Cookies and the
Market community comes together and
brings something to throw in the big
Stone Soup pots or to share as a side
dish as we celebrate the end of another
Market season. 11 am Windsor Town
Green, McClelland Drive, Windsor
Dec 14 ~ Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits Graton
~ He’ll pull up his sleigh in front of the
Graton Community Club (corner of
Graton Road and Edison Street), bringing
several of his elves and pixies with him,
maybe even RUDOLPH. SNAP, THE
PHOTO ELF, will take pictures of the
children and/or their families FREE
OFCHARGE. Photos printed on the spot!
DOGS On a leash, please! REMEMBER
bring a new, unwrapped gift for your
TOYS FOR KIDS donation barrels. 1-5PM
Dec 14 ~ 17 ~ The Snow Queen
~ Performances in the GK Hardt Theater
hosted by the 6th Street Playhouse 52
W 6th St Santa Rosa 6:30 pm Tickets
available at www.6thstreetplayhouse.
com
Dec 19 ~ Posada Navideña ~ Featuring
traditional Mexican folkloric dance and
music. Tickets for the Posada are $10
for adults and $5 for children. Familyfriendly arts and crafts starting one hour
prior to the show, a post-show Posada
celebration that includes food, music,
and the traditional Posada procession.
7pm at Wells Fargo Center for the Art.
Dec 19 ~ Klezmer Dance Party and
Chanukah Candle Lighting ~ Put
on your dancing shoes and come to a
Klezmer dance party featuring Jubilee
Klezmer Ensemble. Also included are
latkes, schmoozing, noshing and a
potluck feast. Please look in your closets
and bring blankets, socks, sweaters or
sleeping bags for the Winter Warmth
Distribution Drive for the Homeless.
Sponsored by the Russian River Jewish
Community. Tickets are $8 for RRJC
members and $12 for non-members.
5:30-8p at the Monte Rio Community
Center, 20488 Hwy. 116 near the Rio
Theater. Info: 632-5546 Dec 19-21 ~ Sebastopol Ballet Presents
“The Nutcracker” ~ The Nutcracker
Ballet, a colorful and cherished tradition
since 1992, the Sebastopol Ballet presents
the magic and beauty of Tchaikovsky’s
full-length ballet. Matinees feature a
complimentary pre-show Sugar Plum
Party at 1p.m. with sweets and dancers in
costume to delight children and guests.
$20 reserved, $15 general, $10 under 12
and seniors over 60. Fri. at 7 p, Sat. at 11a
and 4p, Sun. at 2p. Analy High School
Theater, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol.
For tickets, call (707) 824-8006; www.
sebastopolballet.com or purchase online
at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Dec 19-23 ~ A Christmas Carol ~ The
beloved holiday classic comes to
Andrews Hall! All proceeds benefit
for Sonoma Community Center and
Sonoma Shakespeare Company. 7p
at Sonoma Community Center, 276 East
Napa St. sonomacommunitycenter.org
Dec 20 ~ The Nutcracker ~The Sonoma
County Philharmonic and the Santa Rosa
Dance Theater are collaborating on a very
special production of the Nutcracker
Ballet featuring live orchestra! General
Admission $30, Seniors $28, Youth (12 &
under) $25 at Spreckels Performing Arts
Center website: www.spreckelsonline.
org Tickets are also available at the
Santa Rosa Dance Theater during class
hours --Mon- Thu: 3p - 6p; Sat: 9a - 2p
569 Summerfield Rd, Santa Rosa www.
santarosadancetheater.com
Dec 25 ~ Drinks for Charity ~ R3 Hotel
in Gueneville will once again be hosting
a charity bartending event on Christmas
Day. Russ Anger and special guest Jamie
Sandoval will be serving festive adult
beverages 1:30-2p at R3 Hotel, 16390 4th
St, Guerneville. Proceeds benefit several
local non-profit organizations.
Dec 31 ~ New Year’s Eve Under Paris
Skies ~ Ring in 2015 with a romantic
cabaret celebrating the passionate and
profound music of Edith Piaf. Enjoy
delectable desserts before the show,
with party favors and champagne at
midnight. Tickets are $56 for youth and
$66 for adults.
12/14 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 35
holiday concerts. The program
includes Fantasia on a Christmas
Carol by Ralphe Vaughan Williams,
with orchestra, and other holiday
favorites. Come Saturday,Dec. 6 at
3pm for a matinee performance or
Friday Dec. 12 at 8pm for an evening
performance. Both concerts performed
at Santa Rosa Bible Church, 4575 Badger
Rd, Santa Rosa. Tickets are available at
Stanroy Music Center and Copperfield’s
Books in Santa Rosa or online at www.
santarosasymphonicchorus.com
Songs of the Season
Green Music Center Holiday Program
~ The month of December is brimming
with holiday music of all genres at the
Green Music Center from smooth jazz, to
early music, to island-inspired Hawaiian
melodies. Five concerts are scheduled
from December 12-22 in Weill Hall,
1801 Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park. Purchase
tickets at gmc.sonoma.edu.
Dec 12 ~ New Century Chamber
Orchestra
~ 7:30p Featuring
traditional holiday songs and works
by Handel, Corelli, Mozart, Bach,
Vivaldi, Williams, Cui, and John
Rutter.
Dec 13 ~ Na Leo ~ 7:30p Program
will include repertoire ranging
from traditional Hawaiian music
to
worldwide
contemporary hits and
Na Leo’s favorite holiday
classics.
Dec 19 ~ A Johnny
Mathis
Christmas
~ 7:30p Performing
holiday classics and
greatest hits.
Dec 21 ~ American Back
Soloists ~ 3p Handel
– Messiah (Foundling
Hospital version, 1753)
Dec
22
~
Dave
Koz
&
Friends
~ 7:30p Performing
lively arrangements of
seasonal favorites. Dec 6 ~ Sing Along Messiah ~ Sebastopol
United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main
St. No previous experience or vocal
ability necessary. This annual holiday
event is directed by John Maas and
features local instrumentalists and
soloists to bolster timid voices. Tickets
$6 each / $15 for a family up to four.
Interested singers can rehearse with
Director Maas on Sunday, November
30, at 4pm in the Fireside Room at the
Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St,
Sebastopol. For additional info contact
the Center at 829-4797. sebarts.org
Dec 6 ~ Old World Carolers ~ Join us for
a short set at the Freya Lodge Juletrefest,
Sons of Norway Hall, 617 W. 9th Street,
Santa Rosa; event starts at noon and
Dec 6 - 14 ~ Occidental Community
Choir
Holiday
Concerts ~ “I
Dreamed of Rain,” a holiday concert
of deep and timely music arising from
environmental and social concerns. The
Winter Concert presents a collection of
interwoven musical strands.Directed by
Andy DelMonte. This musical adventure
ends with Leonard Cohen’s fabulous
“Hallelujah.” Dec 6, 8 pm Occidental
Center for the Arts
Dec 7, 3 pm
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Dec 12, 8
Wings of Glory Gospel Choir
~ www.wingsofglory.org
Dec 3 ~ 6:30pm at Pep
Housing, 579 Vallejo St.,
Petaluma Dec 7 ~ 5pm at St. John’s
Episcopal Church, 40 5th
St., Petaluma. Christmas
Concert
Dec
13
~
5:30pm
at Community Baptist
Church, 1620 Sonoma
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ~ Dec 6 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Ave., Santa Rosa
pm Occidental Center for the Arts
Dec
members of OWC will sing around 12:30.
Dec 20 ~ 10:30am -12:30pm at Aqus
13, 8 pm Occidental Center for the
Reservations requested by Nov. 30! $10
Cafe, 189 H St, Petaluma
Arts
Dec 14, 3pm Glaser Center, Santa
for non-members; kids free.
Dec 5 ~ Cantiamo Sonoma’s Christmas
Rosa
Adults - $15 • Kids 12 and under
concert ~ 8 p.m. at St. Seraphim of Sarov Dec 6 ~ San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
- Free. Tickets available at the door or
~ The festive, heart-warming and simply
Orthodox Church, 90 Mountain View
at OccidentalChoir.org Advance tickets
not-to-be-missed extravaganza is being
Ave. in Santa Rosa (www.saintseraphim.
recommended. Concerts sell out. held at the Wells Fargo Center for the
com/). Come and hear beautiful music
Arts at 7:30p. Tickets are $25 - $50 and on Dec 6 & 7 ~ Sonoma Hometown Band
of this holiday season in the candlelit
Christmas Concert ~ Saturday at 7pm,
sale now at the Wells Fargo Box Office or
sanctuary, from Howells to Tavener,
the band will perform “A Big Night” at
at wellsfargocenterarts.org. In the spirit
Warlock to Britten, and so much more.
Burlingame Hall, UCC Church 252 W
of the season, a portion of the proceeds
Tickets are available at Corrick’s in
Spain St., Sonoma. The doors open at
from the concert will benefit Face to
Santa Rosa or from any singer: preferred
6p. Sunday at 3pm the band will play a
Face and its mission “...to end HIV in
seating is $25 in advance only; general
concert as part of the activities at “The
Sonoma County while supporting those
admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the
Lighting of The Snowman”, Cornerstone
living with HIV/AIDS.”
door with student and senior discounts
Gardens 23570 Arnold Dr., Sonoma.
available. www.cantiamosonoma.org
Dec 6 & 12 ~ A Vintage Christmas
Dec
7 ~ Christmas in Old Europe ~ The
~ The Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus
Old
World Carolers present a benefit
and North Bay Sinfonietta join for two
concert at Sebastopol United Methodist
36 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/14
Songs cont’d from page 37
Church, 500 N. Main St, Sebastopol
(across from Safeway). Doors open at 3p
and concert starts at 3:30p. Suggested
donation is $10, and children are free.
Dec 7 ~ Christmas Concert in Petaluma
~ A program of beautiful German
Christmas songs and a Sing-Along,
too! Dancing after the concert. Doors
3p, show 4p at Hermann Sons Hall, 860
Western Ave., Petaluma. Dec 7-15 ~ Healdsburg Chorus Concert
Schedule ~ Tickets are available at www.
eventbrite.com
Dec 7 ~ 3 pm at the Glaser
Center, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa
Rosa
Dec 14 ~ 3 pm at the Healdsburg
Community Church, 1100 University
Ave., Healdsburg
Dec 15 ~ 7 pm at the
Healdsburg Community Church, 1100
University Ave., Healdsburg Dec 12-22 ~ A Chanticleer Christmas ~
A joyful mix of holiday music from the
Renaissance to spirituals. Our music tells
the Christmas story in Gregorian chant,
traditional carols, Franz Biebl’s “Ave
Maria” & a medley of spirituals. St.
Vincent’s Church, Petaluma. Dates
throughout the Bay Area INFO: 415-3924400, www.chanticleer.org
Dec 14 ~ Holiday concert with the
Cinnabar Singers ~ Welcome the winter
season with this beautiful concert from
our community choir. Enjoy cheerful
harmonies and seasonal selections
such as Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and
Vivaldi’s Gloria. The Cinnabar Singers
perform at the United Church of Christ
in Petaluma. Tickets are $10 for youth
and $15 for adults.
Dec 14 ~ Syng We Now ~ Join the River
Choir for an afternoon of winter holiday
songs — traditional and contemporary,
celebratory and spiritual, and just plain
fun. 3p in the Guerneville Community
Church, 14520 Armstrong Woods Rd.
Suggested $10 donation. For more
information please contact (707) 8693273.
Dec 16 ~ Sonoma County Organ/
Keyboard Club Christmas Carol
sing a long ~ Larry Brodereck, Linda
McKenzie, Dan Bonam and Don Clauder
at the organ and keyboard. There will
be a silent auction and lunch. Place,
Hotel La Rose 308 Wilson Santa Rosa.
Time noon. Concert at 1P.M. Lunch/
concert $22.50, concert only, $8 for more
information and reservation, please call
Linda McKenzie 546-1678.
Dec 19 ~ Lunasa - Christmas from Ireland
~ Lúnasa is widely acknowledged
as being the finest traditional Irish
instrumental band of recent times.
Featuringtraditional
Irish
music
and Karan Casey, one of the genre’s
most innovative and provocative voices
in Irish traditional and folk music. 7:15p
at Sebastopol Community Cultural
Center, 390 Morris St. General $25
at www.seb.org
Dec 20 ~ Legends of the Celtic Harp “A
Winter Gift” ~ presented by three
of the premier Celtic Harpists in
the world. Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne
&
Aryeh Frankfurter
perform
Celtic legends, along with Irish and
English literature woven together
with beloved and rare pieces of
holiday music. Occidental Center for
the Arts 3850 Doris Murphy Court
in Occidental, at 8P. Tickets are $15
advance and $20 at the door. www.
LegendsOfTheCelticHarp.com For
tickets call 874-9392 or visit www.
occidentalcenterforthearts.com
Dec 21 ~ Sol Food: A Kitchen Choir
Solstice Concert ~ on Winter Solstice,
Sunday, at 2pm. By donation at the
door. Directed by Sarah Saulsbury.
Winter songs of this lovely small choir
of 16 singers with accompaniment. Rio
Theater, 20396 Bohemian Hwy, River
Road/Hwy 116 by the Monte Rio Bridge
in Monte Rio. (707) 865-0913
“A Winter Gift” with Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter at OCA Dec 20
12/14 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 37
A rt as Gifts
Nov 28-30 ~ Studio Sale for the Holidays
~ Art by Joyce Libeu, Jeremy Joan Hewes,
and Lauri Kick. 12-4p at Lauri’s Dog
House Studio, 2371 Gravenstein hwy S,
Sebastopol. Enjoy terrific pies, nifty art,
and great conversation!
Dec 6 & 7 ~ bijoux ~ the annual sale and
exhibit of handcrafted and unique fine
arts and crafts! 10am - 5pm, welcomes
visitors to the downtown Sebastopol
studio and gallery, 583 Harrison
Street. Enjoy and meet with the artists,
friends, and try on some jewelry, hats,
tiaras, as well as choosing gifts for the
holidays. Info: (707) 326-6874
Dec 6 & 7 ~ HOLIDAY ON FLORENCE
~ A Showcase of Fine Local Craft,
featuring Handwovens by Abby Bard,
Pottery by Chris Boyd, Whimsical Felted
Folk Art by Elizabeth Fleming, Jewelry
by Shelley Rae, Paintings & Cards by
Teresa Saluzzo, Candles by Barbara
Tocher. 11am to 5pm. 343 Florence Ave,
Sebastopol. www.abbybardhandwoven.
com/events
thru Dec 21 ~ Art as Gifts for the
Holidays ~ Come to the Occidental
Tree Lightings
Center for the Arts to see a wonderful
exhibit and sale of affordable prints of
paintings, photos, etchings, and wood
block designs. Open Fri and Sat from
11a to 4p at 3850 Doris Murphy Court,
Bohemian Highway near Graton Rd.
Also open whenever an evening event
is being held at the Center. Visit www.
occidentalcenterforthearts.org thru Dec 24 ~ Russian River Art
Gallery Artisan Gift Show ~
We’ve
invited
well
known
and
newly discovered local fibre artists,
woodworkers, apparel
designers,
jewelers, toymakers, and more. 16357
Main St. Guerneville. Open from 10 AM
Nov 28 ~ Winter Lights ~ Join us in Old
Courthouse Square for the annual
Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration
and Remembrance Candle Lighting
Ceremony with Sutter Care at Home
and Hospice. Stay up to date on the
activities by liking the Winter Lights
Facebook page. If you are interested in
volunteering at this event, please contact
Nate Friar at NateF@SantaRosaChamber.
com. 5-7:30p.
Nov 29 ~ Geyserville Tree Lighting and
Lighted Tractor Parade ~ Starting off
with the tree lighting in the Park & Ride,
where Santa and Mrs. Claus will make
an appearance, followed by a Parade
of Lights through downtown. 5:30pm7:30pm. Nov 29 ~ Duncans Mills Tree Lighting &
Open House ~ Event is from noon -5pm.
Santa will arrive on a fire truck and be
there from 2-4pm. The tree lighting will
be at 4pm. The town will be all decked
out! www.duncansmills.net Geyserville Lighted Tractor Parade & Tree Lighting ~ November 29
Nov 30 ~ Forestville Tree Lighting
& Town Social ~ Sponsored by The
Chamber of Commerce, this event
exemplifies the best of small town life.
Everyone is welcome—bring baked
goods and Christmas snacks if you can.
Cider, cookies, Caroling and Santa Claus
for the kids will be there! In the new
Forestville Downtown Park. El Molino
Choir and Band will perform. Dec 4 ~ Windsor Holiday Celebration and
Tree Lighting on the Green ~ Musical
concert by Windsor school children
– carriage rides – crafts and activities
- and Tree Lighting at dusk. 5pm-8pm
Also featured on the Town Green is
the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
Grove, Nov 29-Jan 3. Windsor Town
Green, 701 McClelland Drive. www.
townofwindsor.com Dec 4 ~ Guerneville Holiday Tree
Lighting ~ Enjoy great hors d’oeuvres
and refreshments, great shopping,
and joyful caroling all along Main
Street. Gather at the Town Plaza for the
Lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6p at
the Downtown Plaza, Guerneville. 38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com -12/14
Dec 4, 5 & 6~ Cotati ~ Three Nights of
Festive Fun ~ Thur 12/4 Holiday Cheer,
Fri 12/5 Cotati Holiday Tree Lighting
and Sat 12/6 Candlelight Concert
Gather in La Plaza Park at 6pm for carols
and tree lighting, then proceed to the
to 6 PM. Closed Tuesdays. 707-869 - 9099.
thru Dec 25 ~ Little X Little ~ The
exhibition features small work by over
20 artists in a variety of media. Find little
treasures for small spaces, perfect for
holiday gift-giving. C14 Contemporary
Arts, THE BARLOW, 6780 Depot
Street, Suite 100, Sebastopol. www.
c14contemporaryarts.com
thru Dec 31 ~ Art for the Holidays ~ Each
Holiday season Healdsburg Center for
the Arts turns into a boutique gallery full
of fine art and craft pieces perfect for gift
giving. Open Daily (Excluding Tuesdays)
11am - 5pm at 130 Plaza St., Healdsburg.
www.healdsburgcenterforthearts.com
Cotati Fire Station across the street for
cookies, cocoa, cider, holiday music and
a visit from Santa Claus! www.cotati.org Dec 4 ~ Light Up A Life ~ Hospice Tree
Lighting at Montgomery Village ~
5pm-6:30pm Village Terrace next to
Cattlemens, Santa Rosa Dec 4 ~ Sebastopol Tree Lighting ~ 5pm8pm at the Sebastopol Downtown Plaza
(corner of McKinley St. & Petaluma
Ave). Come and share in the traditional
lighting of the holiday tree and Santa’s
arrival on Sebastopol’s Fire Truck.
Complimentary refreshments!
Dec 5 ~ Petaluma ~ Light Up a Life Tree
Lighting ~ Community tree lighting,
music, inspiration and remembrance
during the holiday season. With a $10
donation to Hospice, a light can be
dedicated in memory or honor of a
loved one. Contact Hospice of Petaluma
at 707.778.6242 to name a light or for
additional event details. Center Park,
23 Petaluma Blvd. North . See www.
petalumadowntown.com for details
Dec 6 ~ Rohnert Park Holiday Lights
Celebration ~ Tree lighting ceremony
held from 5pm-7pm at the City Center
Plaza, Rohnert Park. 707-584-1415
Dec 7 ~ Healdsburg VNA Hospice Tree
Lighting Ceremony ~ at the Healdsburg
Plaza Park. Enjoy music, refreshments,
tree raffle and candle lighting beginning
at 5pm.
Dec 7 ~ Cloverdale Annual Tree
Lighting ~ Carolers! Santa! Hot Cocoa!
Cookies! Thanks to the Lion’s Club and
Chamber of Commerce. 5-7p in The
Plaza on Cloverdale Blvd.
Dec 7 ~ Sonoma ~ Lights of Remembrance
Tree Lighting ~ Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma
Hospice by the Bay, hospicebythebay.
org. An evening of music, inspiration,
honoring and remembering. Name a
light in honor or memory of a loved one.
Dec 7 ~ Sonoma ~ Lighting of the
Snowmen Festival at Cornerstone,
23570 Arnold Dr. Call 707-933-3010 for
details.
Dec 9 ~ Santa Rosa ~ Tree of Remembrance
and Candle Light Ceremony~ at Eggen
and Lance Chapel. At 6 pm, Candle
Light Ceremony followed by Pastor Rick
Hahn with a message of hope, then there
will be a reception. 1540 Mendocino Ave,
Santa Rosa. 707-545-3747 for details.
Crafts F airs
Nov 28 & 29 ~ Bodega Holiday Crafts Fair
~ 10-5 at the Old Firehall. Wonderful
local handicrafts, exotic imports, tasty
snacks and the famous quilt raffle will
entice you to this annual event. Nov 28 & 29 ~ Rohnert Park Holiday
Arts and Crafts Faire ~ Come get your
picture taken with Santa, shop for
unique handmade holiday gifts, enjoy
festive music and get in the holiday
spirit! Admission and parking are free.
10a – 4p at 5401 Snyder Lane.
Nov 28-30 ~ Food For Thought Antiques
Holiday Open House ~ 11a-5p. Receive
a 20% off store wide discount and enjoy
a selection of holiday treats. Browse our
special assortment of gifts under $30.
You can provide a holiday meal for a
Food For Thought client with a purchase
of our special handmade glass heart.
Look for special offers every weekend in
December as well.
Nov 29 ~ Holiday Crafterino ~ Local,
handmade crafts from 11am to 4 pm
at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial
Building. Family friendly! Guy Friendly!
Raffle Prizes! All profits benefit COTS.
www.petalumadowntowncraftmart.
com
Nov 30 ~ Windrush Farm Holiday Sale ~
clothing made from local wool, jewelry,
pottery, childrens toys & more. 10a - 4p
at 2263 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma.
707-773-3390
Nov 30 ~ Sunrise Holiday Craft and
Vendor Fair ~ Handmade crafts, local
vendors, art work, jewelry, gourmet
treats and more! 10am to 3pm. Sunrise
Senior Living of Petaluma, 815 Wood
Sorrel Dr.
Nov 30 ~ Christkindlmarkt ~ Traditional
German Christkindlmarkt featuring
crafts, food, music & entertainment from
Germany - Austria - Switzerland. 10a 4p at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western
Ave, Petaluma. ugas-eb.org/events.html
Dec 6 ~ Camp Meeker Holiday Sale ~ At
The Camp Meeker Community Center,
Anderson Hall from 11 AM-5PM.
Paintings, Ceramics, Cards, Jewelry and
assorted gifts made by local Artists will
be for sale. INFO: Merry Meier 707 827
3823
Dec 6 ~ Petaluma Annual Holiday
Open House ~ Hosted by Downtown
Merchants 11am-5pm. Fun and festivities
including carolers, horse and carriage
rides, face painting, hot cider and much
more!For more Information call 707-7629348 or visit www.petalumadowntown.
com
Dec 6 ~ “A Christmas Market” Craft
Fair ~ Fun, family-friendly holiday
shopping. Two dozen local crafters
showcase
variety
of
beautifully
handcrafted creations. Proceeds benefit
outreach ministries. Free parking
& admission. 10am to 4pm at Faith
Lutheran
Church, 19355
Arnold
Dr, Sonoma. flcsv.org
Dec 6 ~ Camp Meeker Holiday Art Sale
~ “Fresh from the Forest”. Paintings,
Ceramics, Cards, Jewelry and assorted
gifts made by local Artists will be for
sale. 11 AM-5PM at Anderson Hall.
Dec 6 ~ Holiday Craft Fair at Hessel
Grange ~ Local vendors will be
selling woven, crocheted, sewn and
other handmade items like clothes,
hats, baby clothes, purses, rugs, doll
clothes, dog coats, blankets, and kitchen
items. Hand-crafted cards and jewelry
will be available and you can spice up
your holidays by purchasing hot sauce,
pickles, sun dried tomatoes and other
delicacies. To help you ease into the
holidays, health practitioners will be
on hand to offer allergy/ sensitivity
screening and acupressure. Admission
is free to shoppers. 10a to 4p, 5400 Blank
Rd, Sebastopol. Dec 6 ~ Fair Trade Gift Festival ~ Proceeds
of the sale directly support artisans; items
for sale include Christmas decorations,
textiles, musical instruments, baskets,
pottery, toys and jewelry. United Church
of Christ, 825 Middlefield Rd, Petaluma
Dec 6 & 7 ~ Holiday Wonderland Crafts
Fair ~ 10-5 at the Monte Rio Community
Center. Beautiful handmade gifts, and
tasty food will help you with your
holiday shopping needs.
Dec 7 ~ Zen Fest ~ distinctive art,
hand crafted gifts, silent auction,
rafflerummage, Japanese lunch and
much more. 9a - 4p at the Masonic
Center, 373 North Main Street, across
from Safeway in Sebastopol. Admission
is FREE. All proceeds benefit Stone
Creek Zen Center: stonecreekzencenter.
org
Dec 13 ~ The Artisan Craft Faire &
Holiday Festival ~ 10am-4pm at the
Center For Spiritual Living, 2075
Occidental Rd Santa Rosa. Live music
and entertainment will be performing
on stage, food booths at the entrance and
over 50 local vendors. Photo Booth with
Santa! A day of fun for the whole family.
FREE www.cslsr.org
Dec 13 & 14 ~ Occidental Community
Crafts Fair ~ 10-5 at the Community
Center/YMCA. Always a fantastic array
of handmade gifts, yummy food and
the fabulous ‘Bucket Raffle’. This great
event helps support the Occidental
Community Council.
Dec 13 & 14 ~ Goddess Crafts Faire
~ Local
vendors,
entertainment,
benefits The Living Room. 11am – 7pm
at the Sebastopol Community Center,
390 Morris St. More info at www.
goddesscraftsfaire.com.
12/14 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 39
A Mans Guide to Gift Giving
40 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/14
by Dave Youel
When it comes to self-expression, men are often portrayed in popular media
as thick-headed, clueless, tasteless, bumbling morons. I find the opposite to be
true. Especially when it comes to giving gifts.
I do, however, think we men could use a little coaching... so I am offering this
guide to experiences with gift-giving as my holiday gift to you.
I am good at giving gifts. And I will share with you what works for me
to mitigate stress, misunderstandings, and save time and money during the
Holiday Season.
Giving a gift is one of the most graceful things a person can do. It can also
be a source of endless creativity and pleasure for yourself. Using the ideas
contained in this article, you will be proud and invigorated as you pull on
your coat, twist on your scarf, hug your loved ones goodbye, and dash out into
the winter night after a holiday get-together, fresh memories swimming in air
scented of moonlit spruce. You are wonderful. And you love the season again.
Adults do not usually provide Christmas lists to either Santa Claus or other
adults so, the onus is on you and me to be interesting, creative, and intuitive –
all while staying within our budgets.
The first rule of gift giving is: get your shopping done early. The second rule
is: stay within budget. And the third is: make it fun and stress free.
If a family member, spouse, or girlfriend has requested something he or she
really wants, by all means try to get that for them! But follow the first three
rules.
If, on the other hand, a request has not been made (which is more likely),
begin at the beginning.
Consider a decorative box as a place to start a personal and creative gift. It
can be made of wood, cardboard, or tin. This is something that can be bought
at a craft store or made... but I bet you already have something available such
as a fancy shoe box, candy or cookie tin, watch case, or wallet package. Be sure
labels are removed or covered. Wrapping paper works well as a covering as
do bows and ribbons, or stickers. Creating more than one box at a time adds
only a few minutes to the production and has you prepared for gift-giving
opportunities that may surprise you. Small, battery-operated, blinking LED
lights are everywhere in nearly any color and are shockingly cheap. These can
be found at a party supply store or craft store. Perhaps you could engineer one
or two to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the gift box.
You may be having this thought right now: to get all these supplies is going
to cost some effort and money. And, you’d be right on both accounts. But, they
will cost less than $15 and you will have the supplies on hand for ALL of the
gifts you are giving this year. That is a bargain.
Line the inside of the gift box with tissue paper and/or confetti. You can pick
a couple colors that compliment each other. There are printed tissue papers and
shape/word confetti that can make your special gift even more personal. Think
of paper with a botanical print and confetti shaped like flowers to line a small
box with a plant nursery gift card and a packet of seeds to gift your favorite
gardener.
Think of this gift box as a small treasure chest. You almost can’t overdo the
decoration and presentation. So, what do we put in this fabulous box?
Growing up, as much as I hated getting soap on a rope, it still got used. As
an adult, I find soap is something I’m always running out of, so I like receiving
it. Beauty shops are chock full of exquisitely decorated soap and bath products
of every shape and scent. Discount department stores stock many of the same
products at a fraction of their retail cost. Women love these gifts no matter
where they come from. Ask what scent she likes. A bottle of body wash, an
aromatherapy candle, and a fancy lotion would make quite a nice gift box.
Be sure to remove the price tags. Try three different colors and scents of bars
of soap. Another option is to buy Epsom salts and sprinkle them with your
cologne or aftershave. She’ll be reminded of you every time she takes a bath.
Again, not expensive.
So, what have we done? We’ve made a plan, saved money, and readied
ourselves for the gift-giving process. But, most importantly, we have made a
very thoughtful effort toward the art of gift giving. And, that is our goal.
I have most of my Christmas shopping done before Halloween. The reason
I do this is because I thoroughly enjoy the holidays and find myself relaxed
and available for things like parties, dinners, white elephant gift exchanges,
and perhaps even a last minute gift I can shop for. I avoid hysterical things like
Black Friday because I don’t want to be there. I can spend that time with my
girlfriend doing something, well, fun!
It also frees up time for baking and other kitchen arts. These things, too,
make wonderful gifts. But that is a thought for next time.