November 7, 2009 – 2:09 pm

1. Veteran’s Day Parade, Nov. 11, 1 p.m.
This annual parade, the largest of its kind north of the Golden Gate, takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. downtown. Former Lt. Col. Steve Countouriotis, a vet with four Mideast tours under his belt, will serve as grand marshal. Special props to the parade’s sponsors – Friedman’s Home Improvement Center, Deer Creek Village, and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey – who coughed up the cash when the city couldn’t afford the $12K required for police and public works support at the venue. Last year’s parade drew 92 entrants and more than 7,000 spectators … and this year’s parade may be the largest ever thanks to the inclusion of the Petaluma Mounted Posse, a group of Patriot riders with the unenviable task of accompanying bodies returning to the U.S.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:09 pm

2. Taps Restaurant and Tasting Room
Since opening a few months ago at the intersection of Kentucky and Washington streets in downtown Petaluma, Taps has quickly gained a devoted following, and not just because of the scores of beers they have on tap. The local micro brews you’d expect to find in an upscale pub are there (Lagunitas, Moylan’s, North Coast, Anderson Valley) next to some selections that even dedicated yeastheads may not be familiar with (Moortgat, Ommegang, Brouwerij Bosteels and more). They’re complemented by a wide selection of hand-crafted root beers and ciders – all excellent choices to wash down garlic fries, brats and grilled sandwiches. Drop by for a taste. You’ll find them at 205 Kentucky Street, or call 707.763.6700.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:08 pm

3. Armpocket
Whether you’re kayaking along the Russian River or schussing down the slopes of Heavenly, chances are your iPod might be supplying the soundtrack. One solution to carrying your iPod – or your iPhone, for that matter – is Armpocket, a nifty carrying case that comes in three sizes and straps securely to your arm. What’ll they think of next? The two larger models actually come with touch-screen windows to give you a full view of your control panels. The largest size is big enough to fit your cellie and car keys, but what kind of a techno-geek takes their car keys to the slopes? Ok, I’ll admit I do. But I don’t take my iPod when I go surfing … although if Armpocket produced a water-tight version it would be way cool to sit on my board waiting for a set and listen to Soundgarden or Jerry Cole or the Jesus and Mary Chain. Nevertheless, these durable, light-weight pouches are perfect for hiking, cycling and working out. Check out the line at www.Armpocket.com.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:08 pm

4. Wine Country Baseball League
The ticker tape is still falling in New York celebrating the Yankees victory in the World Series but if you’re already jonesing for the sound of the crack of a bat don’t despair. The inaugural 16-week season of the Wine Country Baseball League is scheduled to begin June 1, 2010. If you can remember the Crushers, you’ll recall the infinite pleasures of watching the national pastime in our own backyard with major league-lite players playing their hearts out with seats priced at about what you’d paid for a single cup of stale beer at a Giants game. The league will have 12 teams in three divisions; Petaluma is represented in the Southern division of the Sonoma Conference, where our hometown Pirates will contend with teams from Sebastopol, Rohnert Park and Sonoma. Leonhardt Vineyards is the primary sponsor of the league; if you purchase a case of Leonhardt Zin you’ll score four season tickets to the team of your choice. And it’s even for a good cause: By charter, 25-50 percent of the gate and concession profits will be donated to local charities. To check out schedules and special events, visit www.WineCountryBaseball.com.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:07 pm

5. Pelican Gallery
“Erasing Borders,” the final exhibit that will be featured this year at Pelican Art Gallery at 143 Petaluma Boulevard, is designed to set the tone for a new artistic vision in 2010. The show by internationally acclaimed artist Gerald Huth which runs through January 9 kick offs a new direction in which the gallery will highlight a Resident Artist Program intended to foster long-term relationships with select artists. The gallery itself has been upgraded to provide event rental space for businesses, families and non-profits. Why drop the bucks for a non-descript rental hall when you can host an event in an art gallery where the thought-provoking pieces on the wall will jumpstart any conversation. For more information, visit www.PelicanArt.com or call 707.773.3393.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:07 pm

6. T-Bones Bike Rack
If you fall into the “space-challenged” residential demographic – but you love to hit the road on your bicycle every chance you get – there’s a company in Wisconsin that has a bike rack just for you. The Saris T-Bones, designed by Fabio Pedrini, moves seamlessly from your car bumper to the corner of your living room (or storage room or balcony or bedroom as the case may be). It’s not only functional but it’s effortlessly sexy in a way that Italian designers flaunt. The price tag is steep — $350 for a two-bike model and $379 for a three-bike version – but it’s ridiculously easy to set up and tear down; it pops off the bumper hitch in a snap (even if you’re a lightweight), folds up small enough to fit into a backpack, and then easily clamps into its home base. The T-Bones weighs only 10 pounds and is made of durable aluminum and recycled plastic. To find a local retailer, visit www.saris.com.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:06 pm

7. Samsung SBH-600 Headset
While they’re not as compact or lightweight as other Bluetooth headsets, the Samsung SBH-600s are an excellent choice for those of you who as interested in the fidelity of your music as your telephone calls. The traditional headphone design fits comfortably on your dome whether you’re on the road, working out or loitering in the mall, and provides fantastic audio quality. Better yet, the headset jack can also be used with non-Bluetooth devices. There are cheaper and smaller headsets on the market, but at about $100-$150 it’s an exceptional value.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:06 pm

8. Vintage Voices: 2009 Redwood Writers Anthology
The centennial edition of the California Writers Club anthology is filled with fresh language, disarming insights and poetic grandeur from dozens of talented writers … including yours truly. The selections range from stories of Armageddon and quiet, introspective tales of heartbreak to laugh-out-loud observations about tomboys, road kill and traffic schools. Editors Karen Batchelor and Catharine Bramkamp have arranged the pieces like a river, starting with stories rooted in the present, then flowing back to simpler times, then rushing forward to a future that, among other things, supposes nuclear holocaust, God playing bartender, and Northern California seceding from Southern California. To order your copy, visit www.RedwoodWriters.org.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:05 pm

9. Refind Originals
Got an old leather jacket that’s fashionably outdated, damaged or just doesn’t fit anymore? Contact Anita Hopper at Refind Originals. The Indiana-based designer specializes in giving unwanted leather goods a second life. Hopper creates one-of-a-kind purses, tote bags and backpacks, taking her inspiration from the original garment (hence the name of her business). A recycling couturier, Hopper also sells her fashions, scrupulously assembled from leather scraps, vintage buttons, recycled wood and other reclaimed materials. To view the selection, visit her web site: www.refindoriginals.com.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment

November 7, 2009 – 2:04 pm

10. The 10 Best of Everything: Families
This National Geographic publication is a compendium from its previous 10-best lists related to families. You can scope out the 10 best children’s museums, the 10 best family art camps, the 10 most famous road trips, even the 10 best reunion locations (Vegas isn’t listed but you might be surprised at the places that are). The book is an excellent resource for families of all ages, budgets, travel preferences and tastes. Author Susan Magsamen, an award-winning educator and expert in hands-on experiential learning, interviewed hundreds of families and researched thousands of places to compile her “must-see” destinations from California to Costa Rica. Whether you want to stay close to home or zip around the globe – there’s a “see the world” section for jet-setters – there are plenty of ideas for creating great family memories.

By jabbott | Posted in November | Leave a Comment