“Nothing is so beautiful as spring …What is all this juice and all this joy?” – Gerald Manley Hopkins

This month reminds us “Love is all you need”.  My February birthday makes me partial to hearts, amethyst and violets. I enjoy the simple pleasures of making Valentines with the neighbor kids, or for Petaluma People Services Center’s Special Delivery project to deliver handmade Valentines to those in the Senior Services Programs.

“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” – Dalai Lama XIV

Over the holidays, my Facebook feed revealed that folks were apologetic when they posted photos of gingerbread houses, trees and funny holiday videos. 

At this time of year, I take advantage of one of PG&E’s free services – a  furnace check. All you have to do is call PG&E @ 1-800-743-5000 and make an appointment.

Fire & Suds Music Festival – October 1

Let’s come out and support our firefighters at a family-friendly music concert and beer garden fundraiser for Rancho Adobe Firefighters Association is set for Oct. 1 from 1-5pm in Penngrove Park, 11800 Main Street, Penngrove. If you can’t make it, please consider contributing to upgraded your Fire District’s equipment.

Hawaiian Shirts and Tiki Time – Sept. 10

Who doesn’t love a taste of the islands in your own backyard? Get your hula happening at the 7th Annual Hawaiian Luau on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Penngrove Park.

NEW MURAL FEATURES SAL SAGE

Local artist Janet Baer couldn’t resist painting a scene on a blank panel on the Penngrove Market building. “I want to see the spirit of Penngrove kept alive,” said Janet. “for the rest of our lives and the people who follow us. I’ll do WE DID IT!!! I can to help the town stay the way it is.”

Tusler Papers Go To Bancroft Library Collection

What’s a columnist to do when her husband’s papers enter the Bancroft Library? Correct -- put it in my column! The Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley has added the personal papers, articles and photographs of Anthony Tusler to its Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement archive (DRILM). Tusler’s materials recognize  his 40-year leadership in the disability rights movement nationwide and in the San Francisco Bay Area. He captured gritty, on-the-street photo images of disability rights activists who pressed for the signing of Section 504 during  their 26-day sit-in of the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977. The occupation led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

I’m kicking off my Penngrove column with updates on last month’s news, and this invitation to visit for the July happenings. We won’t be beaten by fire!

I’m kicking off my Penngrove column with updates on last month’s news, and this invitation to visit for the July happenings. We won’t be beaten by fire!