Fall 2014 - Penngrove Proud

Volume 8 - Issue 1
7th Anniversary/Fall Edition 2014
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Your Community Magazine
The Crane Family History
More Than Delicious Melons - Page 4
Worth the Trip
Fried Chicken All Around - Page 10
In His Own Words
Truck Rodeo Days - Page 20
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PENNGROVE PROUD
2
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
INDEX
Well, summer's gone again,
winter's coming on, and still nary
a drop of rain. The three year
drought that has hit almost all of
California is now having a tangible effect on our lives as lawns
have turned a dusty brown and all of us are subject to water
restrictions, either mandatory or voluntary, of some kind.
Please let us all be conscious of the need to conserve our
very basic and precious liquid gold as we shower and bathe,
or even try to maintain our gardens or crops.
Welcome from
the Publisher
The Crane Family: More Than Delicious Melons — Page 4
Inside Penngrove — Page 6
Penngrove Elementary School News — Page 7
PAGE
Reader’s Comments — Page 7
Once again we had a lot of fun at the downtown parade this
year, especially in meeting so many of you in person as we
wandered up and down Main Street handing out our maroon
Penngrove Proud grocery bags, Post-it notes and stickers
along the parade route. It was
great chatting with so many
people and this year actually taking part in the parade
itself! I'm so pleased the tote
bags were such a big hit and
am always gratified when I
see someone coming out of
the local grocery store with
one in hand.
Worth The Trip: Digit Lickin' Fried Chicken — Page 10
Penngrove Map — Page 12 & 13
Business & Service Directory — Page 12 & 13
Sips, Savors & Sounds — Page 14
Our fine chariot in the parade, with Chuck & Lynda
Cotati - In the Neighborhood — Page 18 & 19
I hope you are enjoying our new entertainment section, still
in the process of fine-tuning, and that you find it helpful in
planning your leisure time and cultural activities.
In His Own Words: Bob Withington — Page 20
This issue finds us profiling another longtime local family.
The Crane lineage is a long and distinguished one in these
parts, and their name has lent itself to a number of local
parks and roads. Also the Crane melons are now in season
and available for a short time; just head out to the Crane
barn where the beautiful melons featured on the cover
are from! We also return to Bob Withington's personal
recollections, in his own words, with memories of his time as
a truck rodeo champion and multiple trophy winner.
Penngrove 4-H— Page 21
Family Corner — Page 22
Hometown & Neighborhood Events — Page 23
If you are a fried chicken afficionado, and who isn't, then
our round-up of nearby spots, from Petaluma to Penngrove
to Santa Rosa, serving the decadent, but delicious treat
should be just the thing for you. And finally we're glad
to have the Penngrove 4-H'ers back to tell us about their
good deeds and achievements, as well as a report on the
fine Social Ambassador program at Penngrove Elementary.
Please help support these organizations that do such excellent work for our children.
Celebrating our 10th year in Penngrove
...for the love of coffee
Enjoy Breakfast and Lunch
and a large variety of delicious Coffee & Teas
10101 Main St., The Grove
Suite A, Penngrove, CA
707-794-1516
Open:
Mon-Fri: 6:30am-3:30pm
Sat: 7am-3pm, Sun: 8am-2pm
Breakfast Hours:
Sat: 7am-12pm, Sun: 8am-1:30pm
Lynda Sutton-Smith
Publisher
BREAKFAST • SANDWICHES • SOUPS • SALADS • CATERING
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
3
PENNGROVE PROUD
THE CRANe FAMILY ♦
Much more than just
delicious melons
♦
by Chuck Lucas
Much like when the
legendary
swallows
return to Capistrano each
spring, every September
for the last 94 years
Crane melons have been
returning to Sonoma
County. Developed by
Oliver Crane at the turn of
the century, these succulent
melons are only available
Rick, Jennifer & Cindy Crane outside the Crane Museum
at the Crane Melon Barn
along Petaluma Hill Road from September through October.
The illustrious Crane family lineage can be traced back to 1550
in London. The records before that were either lost or burned
in frequent fires that plagued the city. The origin of the Crane
name meant a thin, long- legged man. The image of Washington
Irving’s “Ichabod Crane” from his 1820 story, The Legend of
Sleepy Hollow easily comes to mind.
The first Crane to reach the shores of the United States was
Stephen Crane. He died in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1709.
Stephen’s grandson, Thomas, was born in King William,
Virginia and served as a Captain under George Washington
in the Revolutionary
War. The family moved
to
Kentucky
and
eventually
Missouri
where they farmed as
the country continued
its westward expansion.
Two of the Crane boys,
Richard Hope Crane
and Robert Crane, (both Crane Melon Bran
of whom were described as “long and lanky”) left Hannibal,
Missouri in 1849 and crossed the country by wagon train like
thousands of others who were attracted by the magnetism of
the precious metal, gold, to the hills of the Sierra Nevada. They
found some gold, but not a fortune and the money from what
they did find was wisely invested in a small mercantile business
in Placerville. After they left the gold fields they discovered
the fertile plains of southern Sonoma County in July of 1852
around the same time that David and Olive Wharff settled in
Penngrove. The Cranes saw the untapped potential of the fertile
adobe soil and had visions of a second “gold field” looming in
the loam. They saw grasses for cattle, horses and sheep and
envisioned planting fruit trees and crops much like the family
did back in Missouri. The brothers also grew produce providing
fruits, grain for their livestock and – in perhaps foreshadowing
the future – melons.
Like most immigrants, they would encourage other Missourians
to join them and according to Gaye LeBaron in her book,
Cover photo: Crane Melons at Crane Melon Barn ©Chuck Lucas 2014
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4
PENNGROVE PROUD
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
distinct melons: the white, Japanese,
Santa Rosa, a Nineteenth Century
Persian and Ambrosia melons all of
Town, in the years from 1850 to 1852
which are no longer commercially
saw a 400% increase in the population
available. The result is an incredible
to 2,208 and almost 20% of these folks
delicious tasting, juicy melon,
were from Missouri. Northerners
yellow on the outside and the inside
would disparagingly call them “Pikes”
is a light orange like a creamsicle.
as many of the Missourians came from
Many people have dried the seeds
Pike County the most famous example
and planted them in an attempt
is the Gold Rush song about “Sweet
to duplicate the delicate flavor of
Betsy from Pike.” In terms of local
the melon but there is a difference
history it is important to remember
Original Crane Canyon Ranch signs
between a true Crane melon and an
that in general, Santa Rosa was settled
by rural southerners while the Petaluma area was settled by imposter. Jennifer maintains that it is their right to do so, but they
merchant and manufacturing Yankees from the north eastern will never match the quality of the authentic Crane melon.
United States.
Today the melons are
The Crane boys settled on what they thought was government grown on thirty acres of
land and squatted on the plot for six years. The titles to the land the ranch and are vine
were confusing and tied up in the courts for years. They eventually ripened and too delicate
purchased the land that was in the Rancho Cotati land grant from to ship. They won’t pick
unripe melons and send
the family of Thomas S. Page in Cotati for $9 per acre.
them to market. Quality
Richard Hope Crane married Nancy Patton and in 1859 she is their concern and not
gave birth to Oliver Lawrence Crane. Like the generations of quantity. The melons are
Crane’s that came before him, Oliver was a farmer. Oliver had an hand picked and they
abiding interest in genetics along with his contemporary Luther take them to the barn in
Burbank. During the early years of the 20th century, Oliver the old green farm truck
developed the famous Crane melon. Oliver’s goal was to create that Rick keeps in car
a melon that wouldn’t require any irrigation and would thrive in show condition.
Inside Crane Melon Barn
the adobe soil. He created a hybrid that is a cross between four
Jennifer Crane is the daughter of Richard “Rick” and Cindy
Crane. She is the sixth generation of Crane’s to work the
farm and she pointedly remarks that the Crane melon cannot
be duplicated because of the terroir of the land. The rough
Vote for Maggie on November 4th!
translation of terroir is a “sense of place.” It is the combination
of soil, climate and geological topography of a region. It is that
• Promote and Expand
same confluence of soil and climate that leads to the distinctive
Career Pathways
characteristics of a wine region. Jennifer said, “I always tell
people if they want a “real” Crane melon they need to come
• Ensure Access for
to the Barn and purchase it. The melons were developed to be
All Students
grown with the terroir that we have on the property. I often use
• Modernize Campuses
the comparison of grapes, you can plant pinot noir in Fresno and
and Facilities
they will grow, but will never have the flavor profile they were
A Voice for South County
• Advocate for Fiscal
Continued on page 8 ~
Responsibility
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7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
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5
PENNGROVE PROUD
Inside Penngrove
Josh Erickson and his wife Elizabeth have
taken over as the new owners of Full Circle
Bakery in The Grove. Josh has managed
the bakery for eight years and the couple
will continue to bake with the same recipes
and remain open for retail business six
days a week. The Mahakaruna Kadampa
Buddhist Center has opened up in
Penngrove at 9591 Main Street next to the
old bank building. They practice modern
Buddhism and meditation and will be
hosting various classes. Check them out at
http://meditateinpetaluma.org/.The
Penngrove Social Fireman’s 5th Annual
Hawaiian Luau was held September 6th,
down in Penngrove Park. It was well
attended and the food was delicious as
always. An Hawaiian vacation was raffled
off, but unfortunately it wasn’t my lucky
number that was called! Great local band
Wayward Angels are playing at Mack's on
Main St. the 27th of September, catch
them if you can. We were very sorry to
hear of the passing of Onofre Cunha this
past June. He was the husband of Margaret
Cunha, the long-time Penngrove School
secretary who had
just retired this year.
We send the family
our condolences. The
Penngrove Parade and
♥ Low-cost spay/neuter
celebration this past
Joel Reif, V.M.D.
♥ We make house calls
July was great fun as
♥ Vaccination clinic every Wednesday 5-7pm
usual. Penngrove Proud
♥ Complete medical, surgical, dental and hospital services
participated in the
Gentle, professional, common-sense care for your pet parade for the first time
this year riding in a
turquoise and white
1956 Pontiac driven by
60 W. Cotati Avenue, Cotati. 707-794-1299
its owner Jerry Smith,
What makes
LaPlaza unique?
LaPlaza Veterinary Clinic
with his lovely wife Gerry. It was so much
fun waving flags from the car windows at
the crowd and being a part of the festivities.
I think we’ll do it again next year! The
BBQ, beer, music and desserts provided
by the 4-H’ers were stand-outs again.
The anthem was sung by local teen
Atea Stefani and it sounded fantastic. (top
photo) She has been scouted by quite a few
studios. Another local teen Ellorine Carle
was selected as Dairy Princess this year and
is attending Barnard College in New York.
Locally-owned Oliver’s Market has
introduced its own line of house-made
healthy, low-calorie ready-to-go meals
under the label Oliver’s Fit Friendly
Foods. The ground-breaking line officially
launched September 3rd and is available
at each of their three locations. They
are healthy, balanced entrees sized just
right and under 400 calories per serving.
JavAmoré Café (middle photo) and Twin
Oaks Garage (bottom photo) are both
sporting new signage, keeping our town
looking good. Penngrove Pets, our local
dog grooming place is still growing after
five years. They have added another
groomer, Brittany, who is a student at
SSU and new to Northern California.
This will allow them to expand to seven
days a week, so they will be able to handle
more clients. Cherine, who you may know
from Penngrove Hair Company and
Superburger, is now helping out Francesca
and John at Yanni’s Sausage Grill. Go
down for lunch and be sure to check out
their sausage sandwich of the month. This
month, it’s the ‘The Drunken Pig.’ So
hard to choose, but I think this one is my
favorite of the year. See you around town!
Let us do the
cooking tonight!
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7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Penngrove Panthers
Reader’s
Comments
,
Hello,
Just wanted to say how much we
enjoyed the 'resurgence of live
music' story in your summer issue.
We went down to the Twin Oaks
Tavern for their Blues Sunday and
had BBQ and fun listening to the
music on the outdoor patio. We
always look forward to receiving
your magazine in the mail.
Tanya and Steve Lake
- Penngrove
Dear Penngrove Proud,
Thank you for the grocery bags
and Post-it notes that you were
handing out at the parade, very
useful. I planted the seeds from
last year and had a lot come up.
Some friends from out of town
found the map very helpful, and I
like the new look.
Carol Stover
- Cotati
Send letters or comments to Penngrove Proud,
POB 553, Penngrove, CA 94051 or email:
penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net
clear clutter. create space.
Penngrove Elementary
School News
In the last issue of the Proud we talked about Penngrove Elementary's Recess
Renaissance program, and this time we would like to introduce you to the wonderful
group of students who are the Social Ambassador’s for the program and who
devote their time and energy every day in helping make it the huge success that it is.
It works like this. There
are several areas on the
playground that a Social
Ambassador is assigned
to during recess. Some
examples of the areas
are wall ball, 4-square,
basketball, amphitheater,
football field, and play
structure (slide/monkey Penngrove Social Ambassadors 2014
bars). Teacher Stacy Bettencourt is out on the playground making sure the areas
are managed by one or more of the Social Ambassadors while others are floating
around the playground looking for kids that may need some play guidance or just
someone to talk to. Some Social Ambassadors work one-on-one with their "buddy."
These one-on-ones are either assigned by the Resource Department or they found
each other coincidentally during recess and have started a lasting relationship.
What exactly does a Social Ambassador do with the kids? The ones that help in
the sports areas are teaching kids how to play the game, making sure the rules are
being followed, ensuring teams are being chosen fairly, and making sure everyone is
having fun! Those Social Ambassadors that are floating around are looking for kids
who are alone or having trouble joining in play. They invite those kids to play and
bring in others to help build friendships. These Ambassadors also help to resolve
conflicts that inevitably happen on a playground. They also walk kids to the office
or nurse if need be, and just try to be of assistance
in any way they can. Kudos go out to all the kids
and teachers that are involved with this program.
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7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
7
We would like to ask the communit y for help in
collecting Box Tops. The school is allowed to earn up
to $10,000 a year with Box Tops and until now has
usually only received about $1200 annually. With
the communities help so much more could be raised
for needed items around the school. Previously a
broken slide in the playground was able to be
replaced with funds from Box Tops. If you can help,
just clip out Box Tops from participating products
and put them in an envelope and either drop off or
mail them to the school? Any amount is appreciated!
You can also go online to www.boxtops4education.
com to participate. Penngrove Elementary School is
a registered school. When you register your account,
select Penngrove and the school will then earn Box
Tops for anything purchased through the online portal
Updates of school activities will return in our next issue.
PENNGROVE PROUD
The Crane Family
Continued from page 4 ~
truly meant to have. The melons I see sold around town that
aren’t real Crane melons don’t even look like a Crane melon!”
Jennifer’s parents, Rick and Cindy have been very active in
Sonoma County agricultural community for the last 41 years
since they got married. Cindy is the incoming president of the
Sonoma County Fair in 2015 and has been involved in every
aspect of the Sonoma summer spectacular. She was vicepresident in 2014 and was on
the committees for Buildings
and Grounds, Budget and
Finance and Personnel. If it
was done at the fair, you can
bet Cindy had a hand in it.
Before retiring in 2008,
Cindy worked for the Bank
of America for 37 years.
She is also world famous
for her homemade pies. Her
specialties are blackberry
pies, (she picks her own
blackberries on the property),
Rick & Jennifer with the converted barbeque pit
and she grows the lemons for
her lemon meringue pies. Cindy hosts the Crane Barn Christmas
where she turns the barn into a winter wonderland and carries
a wide variety of holiday gifts and homemade food items. The
Christmas Boutique is open the day after Thanksgiving and for
the following four weekends.
Rick Crane worked on renovating the historic Crane Melon
Barn for thirty years. It was built in 1868 and originally housed
horses, cows and hay. Rick replaced the cracked and broken
boards with similar old barn wood and insulated the interior.
The barn is a busy place at the beginning of September when it
Downtown Penngrove
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is used as retail space
to sell the popular
Crane melons. With
the help of their
friend, Janis , it is
also a venue for wine
country
weddings
and special events. It
comes equipped with
a full commercial Jennifer with Chester's sign
kitchen and the grounds are surrounded by picturesque
vineyards. One of my favorite things around the barn is the
antique John Deere manure spreader that Rick has converted
into a barbeque pit.
The vineyards are a relatively new addition to the land. Jennifer
has been working on the farm since she was four years old. She
was active as a child in various 4-H projects and is a product
of her family’s work ethic. She concentrated on raising bees
in her hives on the ranch which would pollinate the melons.
She attended Penngrove Elementary School and is a proud
Panther. At twenty one, she received a B.A. in history from
the University of the Redlands in Redlands, California and
continued her history studies at the highly selective Bristol
University in the UK. After becoming intrigued by wine, she
enrolled in the SRJC viticulture program. She soon created
her Chester's Vineyards, named after her beloved cat and
companion, Chester. She started out with two acres at her home,
planting pinot noir grapes on acreage next to her house. The
high quality of her grapes soon got the attention of David Noyes
and he now produces a pinot from the Crane Vineyards in an
exclusive arrangement with Jennifer. She now has 12 acres in
grapes and can be seen out in her vineyard every day checking
on the fruit and judging its progress in the warm morning sun.
But Jennifer also spreads the wealth. She said, “I’d also like
to mention my other grape buyer, the non- profit organization
Artful Arrangements
Poetry for Fun & Learning
~ Rhyme Time ~
Team up with your child
for a lesson in rhyme.
Having fun as you learn
is awesome, sublime.
Add a friend with a child.
And the rhyming goes wild.
Everyone’s learning — it’s
a very good time.
Subject: Basic Poetry
Time: About two hours
Cost: Team rate $15
Size: Groups of four
Leader: Diane H. Davis
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PENNGROVE PROUD
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7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
mythical creatures. Many of them look
WHOA Farms which is next to
like the creation of a fertile mind with
the Crane Melon Barn. Eddie
an uncanny link to the past thrown
Gelsman set up the organization
in with a dash of modern animation.
and they grow food and donate it
Farm animals come to life. A crane
to food banks. Very soon they are
with a patina of rust sits guarding a
releasing the 2012 Crane Vineyard
bird bath. A sculpture that looks like
designated pinot noir. 100% of all
it’s half pig and half bird sits on the
proceeds from the sale of the wines
deck of the house.
will help them continue to supply
thousands of pounds of fruit and
Cindy, Jennifer & Rick in front of the old green farm truck
The Crane family has always been
vegetables to families in need. Guy
an
incredibly
talented
family
since they arrived in Sonoma
Davis is the winemaker. We are very excited about this project
County a hundred and sixty two years ago and this is certainly
and enjoy working with Guy and Eddie.”
true today. They grow the incredible melons, fine pinot grapes,
I was fortunate to get a tour of the Crane’s personal museum. It is are active in making the community a better place and all
filled with relics of agriculture’s glorious past. Milk cans, hand exhibit artistic talents. We are fortunate to walk amongst them
tools, antique tractors, signs and memorabilia line the walls and and have them as our neighbors.
fill the rafters in an old barn. My favorite was a Studebaker
buggy. The buggy had been in a barn on Pepper Road for many If you haven’t already
years. The buggy was eventually given to car collector, Louie done so, get thee to
Giacometti. Louie took it home and shortly after that, the barn the Melon Barn before
burned to the ground. The Crane family acquired the buggy they are all gone and
from Giacometti’s son-in-law and the buggy was saved. The we have to wait for
three Studebaker brothers were blacksmiths from South Bend, another September to
Indiana. One of the brothers just arrive before we can
returned from the California gold enjoy the fruits of
fields in 1850 and saw the need their labor.
Crane Museum
for buggies. They franchised the
buggy operations and this buggy The Melon Barn is located at 4935 Petaluma Hill Road.
was assembled in Petaluma at You may reach them at 707-795-6987. www.cranemelon.com
a Studebaker dealership. The
clucas6305@penngrove.com (corrected email address)
company eventually morphed in to
the Studebaker automobiles at the
turn of the century.
∫
¢
e
Studebaker Buggy
Penngrove Growers Nursery
Throughout American history the farmer has always had to wear
a lot of hats. They were blacksmiths, mechanics, carpenters and
skilled in animal husbandry as well as growing a variety of crops. In
the early 20th century with the advent of available electricity they
were also welders. These skill sets all apply to Rick Crane, but in
addition, Rick is an artist who works with metal to create whimsical
folk art. Rick’s palette is a variety of old farm equipment and his
brush is the acetylene torch and an arc welder. Rick is famous for
his rendering of found objects, mostly old implements from the
Crane family farm, that he turns into an amazing menagerie of
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P.O. Box 837, 228 Adobe Rd.
Penngrove, CA 94951 • 707-792-2280
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Open 6 Days ~ Closed Wednesdays
Lic # 493003701
9
PENNGROVE PROUD
Worth
the
Trip
Fried Chicken
"Digit licking
fried chicken!"
by Chuck Lucas
The first chickens to arrive in Sonoma County were brought
here from San Francisco in 1852 by the early Penngrove settlers,
David and Olive Wharff. It is estimated that Americans consume
eight billion chickens a year and world wide consumption is
listed at 49 billion of the succulent birds. During Super Bowl
week 1.5 billion chicken wings fly off the plates of football fans
and quaffed down with fifty million cases of beer. That’s a lot of
fingers to lick and pints to drink.
But the history of the chicken goes way back. Waaay back.
In a report that appeared in the journal Science, Dr. Mary
Higby Schweitzer PhD, of North Carolina State University
in conjunction with scientists from Harvard, ran protein tests
on collagen from a leg bone of a 68 million year old pregnant
female Tyrannosaurus Rex, every child’s favorite dinosaur.
According to Angela Milner of the Natural History Museum
in London, “The analysis shows that T-Rex collagen makeup is
almost identical to that of a modern chicken – this corroborates
a huge body of evidence from the fossil record that demonstrate
birds are descended from meat-eating dinosaurs.”
The chicken that we are familiar with today can be traced
back to southeast Asia about 8,000 years ago. It is a hybridized
combination of the wild red and grey jungle fowl. Archaeologist,
K. Kris Hirst says that the first evidence of domestication
occurred around 5,400 B.C. in China. She notes that the first
evidence of the chicken in the America’s was around 3,300 years
ago and were brought by the Polynesians to Chile.
Many Europeans fried chicken and other birds in fat, but
frying chicken in the U.S. is generally credited to the Scottish.
Many Scots settled in the American south where they fried
their chicken in lard. During slavery, many of the slaves didn’t
have the means to raise livestock, but they could raise a few
chickens. They were also allowed to have their own gardens and
they raised many varieties of greens. Today this is fashionably
known as soul food.
Worth the Trip decided to seek out some of the best fried
chicken in the area and did an informal poll of friends and
acquaintances asking who they think put out the best digit
licking chicken. Living in what once was the “Chicken Capital
of the World” before the birth of industrial farming it seemed
appropriate to see what we have in the way of fried chicken in
our local restaurants.
Known for being a
great music venue,
the Twin Oaks Tavern
in Penngrove serves
fried chicken every
Wednesday evening
from 6 – 8 pm. It is
a great value at only
$12.00 and comes with
two pieces of chicken prepared with a light batter and served
with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. A nice touch
is that the bands start playing at 7 pm. When I was there a
nice country jam band was playing that fit in perfectly while
enjoying your fried chicken. How all-American can you get
than eating fried chicken in a honky tonk? Twin Oaks Tavern
is located at 5745 Old Redwood Highway. The phone number
is 707-795-5118. http://www.twinoakstavernpenngrove.com/
On another evening my
family and I piled into
two cars and headed out
to the Washoe House.
We all ordered the fried
chicken and were not
disappointed. Their fried
chicken comes without
a batter and is simply
prepared with just salt and pepper. The half chicken comes
with baked potato or French fries, and choice of soup or
salad. It is reasonably priced at $13.00. The Washoe House
was established in 1859 and is a good example of California
roadhouse food. It is located in Petaluma at Stony Point and
Roblar Road, and the phone number is 707-795-4544.
An early summer lunch brought us
to Topsy’s Kitchen’s fried chickens
in Petaluma on the advice of former
Petaluma “Good Egg” award winner
and writer, Katie Watts. I was joined
by Penngrove Proud publisher, Lynda
Sutton-Smith for lunch. Topsy’s serves
several versions of fried chicken. First
there is my favorite, the free-range
buttermilk deep fried chicken. Simply
delicious with a golden brown batter
for $13.50. They also serve a spicy
PENNGROVE PROUD
10
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Caprara’s Pizzeria
GUESS
what &
where
Congratulations to Dan Kahler
our Guess What and Where
#28 Photo Contest Winner. He has
won a $20 gift certificate to Caprara’s
Pizzeria in Penngrove. The photo was of a wicker
motorcycle in the window of the old bank building
11
Email or phone your answer in to: penngroveproud@sbcglobal net
or 707.665.9408. Random drawing from all correct entries received by 11/15/2014
Win a $20 Gift Certificate to
Do you know What and Where this is ?
Our next adventure
took
our
party
back to Stormy’s in
Bloomfield.
Regular
readers may recall in
a past Penngrove Proud
issue that Stormy’s is
one of the best steak
houses in Sonoma
County and is my
favorite destination as
a hungry carnivore. Although the steaks are worth the trip by
themselves the fried chicken is spectacular and plentiful. You
cannot leave Stormy’s hungry. The half chicken comes with a
nice crispy batter, the secret ingredients of which Taylor Marie
Cramer will not divulge. The first item out of the kitchen is their
home-made clam chowder and French bread which is perfect
for a foggy summer evening sitting in front of their warming
stone hearth. Next up is their fresh
green salad which is always plentiful in
the Italian style with Romaine lettuce,
carrots, beets and garbanzo beans and
topped with Carolyn’s home-made
creamy Italian dressing. The half
chicken is served with your choice of
potatoes and a fresh vegetable. Tell
your server, probably Taylor Marie or
Stormy's fried chicken
her mother Carolyn, that you will be
ordering the fried chicken because it takes about 40 minutes
to prepare. Stormy’s is open Thursday through Sunday from 4
pm daily and 3 pm on Sunday until they decide to close so be
sure to call for reservations and make sure they are open. They
are located at 6650 Bloomfield Road and are hard to miss in
downtown Bloomfield. The phone number is 707-795-0127.
http://www.stormysrestaurant.com/
The final stop on our tour was a drive up to Santa Rosa
to try the fried chicken at Sweet T’s, a southern style
restaurant. We sat out on the patio
on a cool evening warmed by the
butane burners brought over for
us by a server. We started out with
appetizers of fried green tomatoes
and hush puppies, both familiar
southern staples. The Georgia Peach
Martini comes highly recommended
unless you are a martini purist. The
three pieces of fried chicken ($19)
were excellent with a nice thin, crisp Sweet T's fried chicken
skin with a light batter. Their secret
seems to be cooking the chicken
in a pressure cooker that seals in
all the juices. The garlic mashed
potatoes have a nice flavor and
texture and are not overly garlicky.
I’m particular about my coleslaw
and this one was semi-sweet and
very good. The patio had a nice vibe
and the service was very courteous
and friendly. I recommend calling Sweet T's fried green tomatoes
ahead for reservations. They are located at
2097 Stagecoach Road, Suite 100, Santa Rosa and the
phone is 707-595-3935. http://www.sweettssr.com/
Penngrove Proud GUESS What & Where photo contest.
Win a $20 Gift Certificate to Caprara’s Pizzeria.
buttermilk fried chicken with
a jalapeno-veggie slaw, sriracha
mayonnaise and a French roll
that will only set you back
$12.50. The third avian option
is what co-owner, Estelle
“Topsy” Rand brands as their
Topsy's's fried chicken & waffles
“Almost Famous Chicken &
Waffles” served with a Belgian sour cream waffle and a brown
sugar syrup that they make on the premises for $12.75. They
also serve a boneless fried chicken that met the approval of
Ms. Sutton-Smith. The plates come with a sweet potato biscuit
which is great with their home-made butter and honey spread.
You have a choice of coleslaw or a green salad or mac and cheese
that is above average. “Topsy” is a welcoming presence and
makes you feel at home and she makes sure you are well fed and
happy. Topsy and her partner, Annie Simmons, are well known
in the upper echelons of fine dining in both San Francisco and
Sonoma County. Topsy’s is located in downtown Petaluma at
131 Kentucky Street and the phone is 707-773-4743. Open for
breakfast and lunch They are closed on Mondays. http://www.
topsyskitchen.com/
PENNGROVE PROUD
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PenngroveService
Proud
Directory
Auto & Truck
Brodie’s Tire & Brake, 1276 Petaluma Blvd N,
Petaluma, 778-7808
Carl’s Auto Body, 8755 Pine Lane, Cotati,
795-4883
Downtown Autobody, 5850 B Redwood Dr,
Rohnert Park. 665-9100
Ferina Trucking, 696-5826
Glenn’s Auto Repair, 1309 Ross St,
Petaluma, 762-4360
Penngrove Motorcycle Co., 9585 Main St,
793-7993
1 Twin Oaks Garage, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy.
795-4803
Reliance Towing, 795-6366, www.reltow.com
Rich Trucking, 8240 Brand Lane, 795-6607
2 S.C. Phillips Enterprises, 795-7425
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Crest Way
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Westgate Ln
Woodward
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Nita Way
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Palm Ave
Goodwin Ave
Malco
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Penngrove Ave
de Vito Rd
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Dutch Ln
Old
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Community
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Dining & Entertainment
3
4
Cotati Chamber, 216 East School Street, Cotati,
795-5508
Penngrove Community Club House, 397 Oak St,
795-5958
Penngrove Community Church, 9970 Oak St,
795-5919
Penngrove Elem. School, 365 Adobe Rd, 778-4755
Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St, 795-5404
Penngrove Post Office, 11041 Main St, 795-5783
Penngrove Power & Implement Museum,
200 Phillips Dr. 795-4849
Rancho Adobe Fire Station #2, 11000 Main St,
795-6011
5
Rancho Adobe Firefighters Association,
rancho-adobe-fire.org
6
Cape Cod Fish n Chips, 7530 Commerce Blvd.,
Cotati, 792-0982
Caprara’s Pizzeria, The Grove, 10101 Main St,
664-1515
JavAmoré Café, The Grove, 10101 Main St,
794-1516
Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 N. McDowell,
Petaluma, 769-4495
Mack’s Bar & Grill, 10056 Main St, 793-9480
Marc Mezzetta’s Deli & BBQ, 101 E. Cotati Ave.
Cotati, 795-3354
Marvin’s of Cotati Restaurant,
7991 Old Redwood Hwy, 664-1720
Penngrove Pub, 10005 Main St, 664-8018
Redwood Cafe, 8240 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati,
795-7868
SuperBurger, 10070 Main St., 665-9790
Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy.
795-5118
Yanni’s Sausage Grill, 10007 Main St., 795-7088
PENNGROVE PROUD
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
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PenngroveService
Proud
Directory
Farm, Feed & Nursery
Darling Farms, 7000 Petaluma Hill Rd, 774-5754
7 Frizelle Enos Feeds, 10035 Main Street, 992-0144
Larsen’s Feed & Pet Supply Center,
7400 Gravenstein Hwy, 795-4106
Palace of Fruit, 8 N. Ely Rd, 795-5311
8 Penngrove Growers Nursery,
9740 Old Redwood Hwy. 795-4043
Food
9 Bud’s Custom Meats, 7750 Petaluma Hill Rd,
795-8402
Full Circle Baking Co., The Grove, Main St,
Ste 120, 794-9445 Mama Baretta, www.mamabaretta.com, 292-8958
Oliver’s Market, 545 East Cotati Ave, Cotati,
795-9501
Penngrove Market, 230 Main St, 795-3232 Health & Beauty
Cotati Dental Wellness, 8125 La Plaza, Cotati,
795-6424
Fringe Beauty Salon, The Grove, Main St, Ste C,
792-2444
Kryolan Professional Make-up, 134 Ninth St,
San Francisco, 415-863-9236
Main Street Fitness, 11790 Main St, 792-0646
Nicole Smith Orthodontist, 1331 Medical
Center Dr .Ste F, Rohnert Park, 584-7755
Pecoraro’s Fitness & Kickboxing,
1300 Valley House Dr, Rohnert Park, 795-3135
Penngrove Hair Co., 10025 Main St, 792-6800
Sandy McCabe MFT, 525 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati,
#230, 776-0698
Stay in Touch Massage, 11790 Main St., 527-7829
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Learning
Bauman College, The Grove, 10151 Main St,
794-1284
10 Building Blocks Pre-School, 228 Adobe Rd,
792-2280
Cross & Crown Lutheran School, 5475 Snyder Ln,
Rohnert Park. 795-7863
11 Redwood Montessori School, 11201 Main St.,
665-9830
Pets and Vets
Cotati Large Animal Hospital,
8079 Gravenstein Hwy, Cotati, 795-4356
La Plaza Vet, 60 W. Cotati Ave, Cotati, 794-1299
12 Penngrove Pets, 10035 Main St, 795-2275
Wagonertail Dog Spa, 242-3210
Services
Arch’s Glass, 8079 La Plaza, Cotati, 795-6976 Barbara & Joseph Perry Real Estate, 477-9101
13 Davis Publishing/Artful Arrangements,
205 Orchard Ln, 664-8656
Double K Designs, 5701 Old Redwood Hwy. Ste A,
792-2673
Exchange Bank, 8220 Old Redwood Hwy. Cotati,
792-4990
Forrest Glover Design, 992-5025,
www.forrestgloverdesign.com
Giant Tree Removal Experts, POB 955, 849-2172
Hogan Land Services, 1702 Fourth St,
Santa Rosa, 544-2104
Ken Giorgi Electric, Petaluma, 766-4721
Lasley Mechanical, 9555 Main St, 795-5232
Maggie Fishman, http://democracy.com/
margaret-fishman
Services
North Coast Tile & Stone, 3854 Santa Rosa Ave.
Santa Rosa, 586-2064
Penngrove Proud Magazine,
www.penngroveproud.com, 665-9408
Penngrove Publishing, POB 553, 665-9408
Penngrove Station Mini Storage,
110 Woodward Ave, 664-9200
Rob Sullivan Real Estate, 165 First Street,
Petaluma, 772-9171
Shawn & Patty Loucks Real Estate
shawnandpatty.com, 486-4123
Sophie Makes It Simple,
www.sophiemakesitsimple.com, 707-971-9257
SRL Travel, Steve Ladeck, 510-773-6303
STS Transportation, 795-761
State Farm Insurance, Tony Maestri, 585-9931
Stony Point Rock Quarry, 7171 Stony Point Rd,
Cotati, 795-1775
Tweten Graphic Design, 799-8427
Valkyrie Tattoo, 10002 Main St., 794-9390
Shopping
14 Passanisi’s Home & Garden Store, 10070 Main St,
793-0100
Penngrove Station, 11790 Main St, Penngrove
15 Penngrove Tuscany Galleria, 10101-G Main St.,
792-2977
The Grove Plaza, 10101 Main St., 479-4544
Valhalla Smoke Shop, 10000 Main St., 794-7148
The “ ” indicates advertisers in this issue.
Addresses are in Penngrove unless otherwise noted.
PENNGROVE PROUD
Sips, Savors & Sounds
Something for Everyone’s Taste!
Providing the latest information on local and area restaurants, clubs,
bars and other establishments offering eats, drinks and live music.
Rockin' Reviews
Eric Lindell
at the Twin Oaks
Local Live Listings
Eric Lindell's latest
album - Live in Space
And the Juke Joint was jumping...
On a hot August night I made my way down to the Twin
Oaks Tavern to see Eric Lindell and his stellar band
the Sunliners live for the first time. Comprised of bass
player Myles Weeks, drummer Will McMains, keyboardist
Marc Adams and Derek Huston on tenor sax, they were
joined by local Steve Long on trumpet for a few numbers.
What a treat it was! Eric has been playing his brand of
soulful Americana music for over twenty years. It was
a sold out show, with quite a number of folks showing
up without tickets and having to be turned away, but
there was still some room to move around in the bar
area and patio where the music floated out through
the windows. The main area where the band was
located was full; a few tables and chairs were taken
early and a lively, eclectic bunch of folks were up on
their feet dancing! The crowd was mixed in age as were
their footwear, from cowboy boots to sneakers to high
heels. It felt like a crowded room of strangers that with
one look were friends.
An Evening with Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer
Fri, September 19, 7:30pm GMC
San Geronimo w/ Saffell CD Release Party!
Fri, September 19, 9pm, ZOD
New Skye Band - Fri, September 19, 4:20pm LAG
The Mighty Groove - Fri, September 19, 8pm, TOT
Bell, Book & Candle - September 19 to October 12, SPAC
Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic
Sat, September 20, 9:00pm, RED
Ramsey Lewis // Cecile McLorin Salvant
Sat, September 20, 7:30pm GMC
Rhythm Drivers - Sat, September 20, 3pm LAG
The Pulsators and Good Old Boys
Sat, September 20, 6pm, TOT
Matthew Bolton - Sun, Sep 21, 3pm LAG
The Rhythm Rangers
Sunday, September 21, 8:30pm, RED
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe - Tues, September 23, LAG
Cascada - Fri, September 26, 4:20pm LAG
Johnny Rawls - Fri, September 26, 8pm, TOT
"These are the good times..." sings Eric Lindell.
The band produced a bold, full sound and some great
harmonic touches, mixing well with Eric's smooth, sultry
voice. The dual keyboard player put his heart and soul
into it and seemed to be enjoying himself as much as the
crowd enjoyed hearing him. It was great that the tenor
sax player was a fully integrated member of the band
with lots of ripping solos, and the upright bass added
just the right amount of down-low tone. They played
a mixture of tunes from their latest album and a few
older tunes that were obviously some crowd favorites.
I look forward to them returning to Twin Oaks and I will
certainly be back to catch them again, this time with
some friends in tow. It's always a good time at the Twin
Oaks sipping a nice cold beer or your favorite mixed
drink, whether listening to live
music, eating BBQ, playing pool
or watching your favorite sports
team on TV.
~ LSS
...Live local music & killer food
every day we’re open
...Tons of beers not bottled
or available on any shelves
...New Freakin’ Firkin
tapped every Thursday
...Daily Brewery tour schedule
listed at bottom of our interwebsite
Beer speaks.
People mumble.
Wed-Fri 2pm-9pm
Sat & Sun 1:30am-8pm
www.LAGUNITAS.com
PENNGROVE PROUD
14
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014

Local Live Listings
Tantalizing Tastes
Tony Furtado Duo with the Grateful Bluegrass Boys
Fri, September 26, 9pm, ZOD
Big Blu Soul Revue - Sat, September 27, 3pm LAG
Reggae @ Redwood - Saturday, September 27, 9:00pm, RED
The Feud - Sat, September 27, 8pm, TOT
The Zins with Second Line & Ayna Irvin
Sat, September 27, 9pm, ZOD
Waywood Angels, Sat, September 27, MACKS
Kingsborough - Sun, Sep 28, 3pm LAG
Michael Feinstein: The Sinatra Project
Sun, September 28, 7pm GMC
Old Time Music Fiddle Jam
Sunday, Sept. 28 - 6:00pm, RED
Derek Irving and his Combo - Fri, Oct 3, 4:20pm LAG
The Soul Section - Fri, October 3, 8pm, TOT
Diamond Ridge - Sat, October 4, 8pm, TOT
Parlor Tricks - Sat, Oct 4, 3pm LAG
Toughcats - Sun, Oct 5, 3pm LAG
Royal Deuces - Fri, Oct 10, 4:20pm LAG
The Hots - Fri, October 10, 8pm, TOT
Guys and Dolls - October 10 to 26, SPAC
Jinx Jones - Sat, Oct 11, 3pm LAG
Stand Up Comedy! - Saturday, October 11, 8:30pm, RED
The Nth Power with Mojo Green - Sat, Oct 11, 9pm, ZOD
The Sorentinos - Sat, October 11, 8pm, TOT
The Mighty Groove - Sunday, October 12, 8:30pm, RED
Todos Santos - Sun, Oct 12, 3pm LAG
Hot Grubb - Fri, October 17, 8pm, TOT
Rhythm Drivers - Fri, Oct 17, 4:20pm LAG

Don't miss the cheesy
garlic bread!
Caprara's Pizzeria has a nice down-home, comfy
atmosphere. It is a family-owned and operated
business with great eats and friendly service. The
pizza is some of the best in the area, loaded up with
a perfect blend of flavors and fresh ingredients so
each bite is better than the next. But don't let the
name fool you! There's
a whole lot more on the
menu than pizza. Their
homemade
pasta
is
fresh and delicious and
comes with your choice
of five different sauces.
They also have great
fries -- thin, crispy and perfectly seasoned. Add
them to a juicy burger, meatball sandwich, ribs or
wings and you've got a winner. Looking for some
lighter fare? Choose from a variety of freshly-made
salads, including Greek, Spinach & Caesar. A nice
selection of beer and wine can be had and there
is an additional relaxing seating area outside to
people watch as you eat.
Continued on page 17
Serving family
& friends
since 1924
Redwood
Montessori
School
Open daily
11:00am
21+
Pre-school & Kindergarten
Sonoma County’s Original Roadhouse Tavern
• Morning, Afternoon & Full Day Sessions
• Ages 3-6 years • Year-round
e Live music every week! x
$100 off
first month’s
tuition
Throwing a party?
Host your next
hoedown at the
Twin Oaks!
11201 Main St, Penngrove
707-665-9830
Redwoodmontessori.com
The Team that Moves Sonoma County
Lunch: Mon-Sat
11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner: Wed-Sun
6:00pm-8:00pm
Shawn & Patty Loucks
Town & Country Properties
Shawn Loucks
Delicious homestyle
cooking plus Rasta
Dwight’s famous BBQ!
Realtors ®
707.486.4123
Patty Meola-Loucks
707.321.9999
5745 Old Redwood Highway, Penngrove CA
www.twinoakstavernpenngrove.com
Penngrove Residents
Email: ShawnandPatty@aol.com
Visit our website - ShawnandPatty.com
707/795-5118
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
“where
children
love to
learn”
15
PENNGROVE PROUD
Sips, Savors & Sounds
Something for Everyone’s Taste!
Fabulous Food
Yanni’s Sausage Grill
Right up the road in the heart
of Cotati, the Redwood Cafe
has been a community meeting
place for almost 20 years, offering excellent breakfast, brunch and dinner in a kid
friendly atmosphere. They serve a great cup
of organic coffee as well as high quality
beer and wine, and host many live music
and art events.
Twin Oaks Tavern
This is what a local coffee
shop should be! Kim and
her friendly staff offer a
wide variety of quality coffees, teas and
pastries, along with a full breakfast menu
on weekends, including Eggs Benedict.
Lunch sandwiches, soups and salads are
also available in a warm and inviting space.
Catering services offered.
An old time local gathering
spot, with great lunch service,
delicious sandwiches and
burgers along with homemade pasta,
potato, green salads and daily specials.
Dinner served 6-8pm with BBQ on the
weekend. Check out their newly remodeled
patio! Cold beer on tap and bottled, as well
as a full bar. Pool and sports TV. Lots of
live music happening.
Caprara’s Pizzeria
Enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner
with a choice of indoor or
outdoor seating. As well as their
excellent signature pizza (also available
in Take n’ Bake), Caprara’s serves up a
delightful assortment of homemade pasta
dishes, sandwiches and salads, plus soft
drinks, beer and wine. Delivery available
for lunch and dinner times.
Marc Mezzetta's
BBQ & Deli
Redwood Cafe
Tucked away behind the
orange door is sausage
paradise. Eight traditional, but
original flavors are made, some on-site and
they are fabulous. They feature a flavor of
the month sausage. Check out their Facebook
page to see which one it is now. All served
on a grilled roll with your choice of toppings.
Plus beef burgers, garlic & Greek fries &
frozen 4-packs of sausages to go.
JavAmoré Café
SuperBurger
If you want a big, juicy burger
or chicken sandwich with fries
or onion rings, and an oldfashioned milkshake, then this is the place for
you. Good selection of cold beer, wine and
soft drinks. Casual dining in or take-out.
All addresses and phone numbers are in the
Service Directory on pages 12/13
Great BBQ ribs, chicken,
pork and Tri-tip to eat in or
take out. The patio is open for you to
enjoy your meal outside along with a
cold drink or beer Their expanding menu
includes house-roasted beef and turkey in
their long list of delicious deli sandwiches,
burgers and fries, along with various salads,
and fresh baked goods.
Lagunitas Brewery
Just over the Penngrove line
on the edge of north Petaluma,
this renowned local brewery
has grown into a North Bay legend, thanks to
its fine ales, and its live music by local
& top-line artists. Offering sandwiches,
snacks and special-release brews you won't
find on any shelves.
Full Circle Baking Co.
The family-run Full Circle
Bakery has been baking bread
since 2004. Recently taken over
by Josh, long-time manager, and his wife
Elizabeth, they continue to carry on a family
tradition, bringing years of expertise to all
of their delicious, handmade artisan breads
and rolls.
Penngrove Pub
A local neighborhood pub,
with a big screen TV, free pool
Sunday & Monday, Darts, and
Happy Hour on Monday evenings. Full bar,
plus tap and bottled beer. Live music on the
weekends. Food delivery available through
Yanni's Sausage Grill next door.
Mack’s Bar & Grill
A neighborhood bar and grill
on Main Street with a friendly
atmosphere. Serving up cold
beer, on-tap and bottled, mixed drinks and
a full food menu, available in the Grill or
at the bar, for lunch and dinner. Live music
Friday nights.
Jeff LaGrave - Owner
Specializing in Auto, RV,
Horse & Utility Trailer
& Diesel Truck Repairs
Welding & Fabrication
5745 Old Redwood Highway
Penngrove, CA
(707) 795-4803
www.jeffstwinoaksgarage.com
PENNGROVE PROUD
16
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
X
Continued from page 15
Local Live Listings
Local Live Listings
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sat, October 18, 7:30pm GMC
Uncle Wiggly - Sat, October 18, 8pm, TOT
Ruminators - Sunday, October 19, 8:30pm, RED
Wendy DeWitt - Sun, Oct 19, 3pm LAG
Gypsy Trio - Fri, Oct 24, 4:20pm LAG
Halford Band - Fri, October 24, 8pm, TOT
Charlie Greene - Sat, October 25, 8pm, TOT
Laurie Anderson - Sat, October 25, 7:30pm GMC
Timothy O’Neil Band - Sat, Oct 25, 3pm LAG
Volker Strifler Band (Blues)
Saturday, October 25, 9:00pm, RED
Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Sun, Oct 26, 3pm LAG
Halloween Party with Trainwreck Junction
Fri, October 31, 8pm, TOT
Levi Lloyd - Fri, Oct 31, 4:20pm LAG
"Hot Grubb" Halloween (Country/Rock/Texas Blues)
Saturday, November 1, 9:00pm, RED
Stagefrite - Sat, November 1, 8pm, TOT
Anoushka Shankar - Sun, November 2, 7pm GMC
The Hots - Fri, November 7, 8pm, TOT
Soul Section - Sat, November 8, 8pm, TOT
Toulouse Engelhardt - Guitar great
Sunday, November 9, 8:30pm, RED
The Rhythm Rangers - Fri, November 14, 8pm, TOT
Stand Up Comedy! - Saturday, November 15, 8:30pm, RED
The Romeros - Sat, November 15, 7:30pm GMC
7th Sons - Sunday, November 16, 8:30pm, RED
Medicine Man - Fri, November 21, 8pm, TOT
D’Bunchovus - Sat, November 22, 8pm, TOT
Five Roosters and a Hen
Sunday, November 23, 8:30pm, RED
Scrooge - November 28 to December 21, SPAC
Country Steam - Sat, November 29, 8pm, TOT
Reggae @ Redwood
Saturday, November 29, 9:00pm, RED
Audra McDonald - Fri, December 5, 7:30pm GMC
Continuing Events
So Co Blues Society - Wednesdays, 7:30-10:30pm. - SALLY T
The Laughing Tomato Comedy Show
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 8-9:30pm. - SALLY T
Blues and BBQ - Sundays, 5pm - TOT
Karaoke Party - Thursdays, 8pm - TOT
Open Mic - Every Thursday - 6:30pm. sign up, 7pm. start - RED
Our new Local Live Listings section is a work in progress and we will be adding
more categories and venues gradually to make it even more complete. If you
have an event you would like included, email editor@penngroveproud.com
GMC - Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park
LAG - Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 N. McDowell, Petaluma
MACKS - Mack's Bar & Grill, 10056 Main St. Penngrove
RED - Redwood Cafe, 8240 Old Redwood Hwy. Cotati
SALLY T - Sally Tomatoes, 1100 Valley House Dr. Rohnert Park
SPAC - Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park
TOT - Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy. Penngrove
ZOD - Zodiacs, 256 Petaluma Blvd. N. Petaluma
Family-Friendly
Dental Practice Gentle, Comfortable
Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Varlakova & Dr. Tetz
•
•
www.CotatiDentalWellness.com
8125 La Plaza in Cotati
•
•
Invisalign
Shot-Free Fillings
Mercury-Free Dentistry
Digital X-rays and Photos
Husband & Wife Team dedicated to Your Care
(By the bandstand in the park)
Call us at
707.795.6424
Limited Time Offer:
Free Electric Toothbrush or Whitening
Kit with New Patient Exam!
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Rally Varlakova, DDS & Lee Tetz, DDS
General Family Dentistry
17
PENNGROVE PROUD
City of
COTATI
In the neighborhood
“Life is too long to live it in pain”
1964 - 2014
Rick
Stewart
Licensed
Contractor
#647838
Arch’s Glass Inc.
Sandy McCabe MFT
Individuals - Couples - Families
Emotionally focused therapy for couples
Bioenergetic Therapy
Grief Recovery: Groups and Individual
Table Tops • Shower Doors • Mirrors
Insulated Glass Replacements
Aluminum & Vinyl Windows
Shelves • Screens • Plastic
Open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
www.sandymccabemft.com
8079 La Plaza, Cotati, CA 94931
707-795-6976
707-776-0698 - 525 E. Cotati Ave. # 230, Cotati
Most insurance accepted
Phone Orders
Welcome!
Open SevenDays-a-Week
DINNER FOR 2
1/2 PRICE
Two - One Piece Fish &
Chips, One Appetizer
(Zucchini, Mushrooms
or Onion Rings), 2 Sodas
Buy any 2 piece Entree
& 2 drinks, Get 2nd
Entree of Equal or
Lesser Value
50% OFF
$20
Dine-In Only. Offers cannot be combined.
Must present coupon at time of order.
Expires 3/31/2015 - PPFall
Entree
Offers cannot be combined.
Must present coupon at time of order.
Expires 3/31/2015 - PPFall
707-795-4883
Mon - Thurs 11am-9pm Friday 11am-9:30pm
Saturday 11:30am-9pm Sunday 11:30am-8pm
8755 Pine Lane, Cotati
Open Mon-Sat 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Free estimates • carlsbodyshopcotati.com
We warranty all our work &
work with all insurance companies
7530 Commerce Blvd. Suite C, Cotati, CA
(707) 792-0982
Photo courtesy of Cotati Historical Society
18
Locally owned and
operated for 50 years
Cotati is centrally located in Sonoma
County, 40 miles north of San
Francisco, and is touted as “The Hub
of Sonoma County.” Brimming with
character, the city is home to a lively
mix of the old and new, from rustic
barns and historic churches, to a
world-renowned Accordion Festival
and a summertime Farmers Market.
There is an eclectic assortment of
restaurants, shops and services,
surrounding one of only two
hexagonally designed town plazas in
the United States. Down the road is
Sonoma State University, one of the
most highly rated of the California
State Universities.
Marvin’s of Cotati Restaurant
We serve Breakfast & Lunch
Omelets, Waffles, Pancakes
Chile Relleno Omelet!
Hamburgers, Pork Chops
Breakfast served all day
Monday-Sunday 7am-3pm
7991 Old Redwood Hwy.
707-664-1720 • Free Wifi
Buy One Entree
& 2 beverages,
Get Second
Entree FREE!
with coupon
Marvin’s
of Cotati
Expires 3/31/2015
Redwood ark
After D
Coming Soon!
Redwood’s Beer
& Wine Garden
Happy Hour Specials & Music
Monday - Friday 3-7pm
Check out redwoodcafe.com
for full events calendar
Open 7 days-a-week 7:30am
8240 Old Redwood Hwy.
Cotati • 707-795-7868
www.redwoodcafe.com
Family owned
& operated
since 1974
Absorbine
Ultra Shield
Fly Spray
Buy 2 Get
WE DELIVER!
1 Free
Hay & Grain, Dog & Cat Food
Poultry Feed, Fire Logs & Stove Pellets
Bird, Poultry & Rabbit Feed & Supplies
Straw, Rice Hulls & Shavings
Pelleted Bedding, Western Saddles & Tack
Dog & Cat Vaccines & Supplies
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sun: 9:30am - 2:00pm
7400 Gravenstein Hwy., Cotati
707-527-7328 707-795-4106
www.larsensfeedandpetsupply.com
PENNGROVE PROUD
19
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
In His Own Words
- Bob Withington Bob Withington grew up with three younger brothers and a sister on Petaluma Hill Road. He has lived
in the same house for more than 70 years, with his wife Gail for the past thirty three. A prize-winning
pig breeder in his teens, a chicken farmer, truck driver for nearly fifty years and longtime Teamster, Bob
shares some of his memories of an archetypal American life in Penngrove.
Truckin'
Have you ever seen a truck rodeo? You would go through
an obstacle course on a big 18-wheeler; I got trophies, truck
rodeo belt buckles, safe driving awards and so on. I did it
for fifty years. I had a lot more than that; I gave a lot of the
trophies away. Those trophies in the photos I donated to the
Rohnert Park Police Department.
I was a teamster for fifty years, but I drove truck ever since
I was back in Penngrove when I was thirteen years old. I got
my license at fourteen, and was driving a truck all my life, so
backing up a trailer was, well it came natural to me.
I've got a jacket with all of these American Trucking
Association and California Trucking Association patches all
over it. They give you a walk through, before you go out
on the course. The courses are set up at different places in
California, and they show you what different obstacles you
had to go through at each one, and you had to do it within
a certain amount of time. Well, these young guys, they walk
through and then they start looking at you, and they'd see
all these patches on my jacket, and you'd psyche them out
right there. You could tell, Oh I'm going to go up against
him? So that was one of the reasons I wore that jacket, to
harangue them a bit.
real bad day. But then later when we got to the State Finals
down in Bakersfield, they would pay for all our expenses,
pay for two days off work, put us up in a nice hotel, and
we'd go hot-tubbing with the owner of the company. It was
a good time.
And I'll tell you, these young guys, their mind set; as we're
walking along, one tells the other one, he says, you see that
mark there? The guy says yeah. He says that's for that gate
over there so that when you pull up, you watch for that
mark. The guy says OK. Well, if you think about that for a
moment, there's a shadow down there so two hours from
now, where's that shadow gonna be? I mean, hello. There's
one challenge where you've got to pull the truck up to a
stop within so many inches of a stop line, getting up and
looking over the cab of your truck, so we're walking along
a little bit more and these guys are smoking, so the one guy
he takes a cigarette out and puts it on the ground. He tells
the other guy to check for where he put the cigarette when
he came up to the line. So I let them all go and then I take
that cigarette and I move it back about three feet. And the
other old guys are with me, guys I competed with for a long
time, we're watching and the guy jumps out of his truck,
What do you mean I got no points? And he looks and he
looks and he can't figure out what happened! I mean you
gotta do it fair, and it was fair, you know.
Nicole Connors Smith
There were some days the owner of the company used to
go with me and my wife Gail and the kids. He would walk
up to me after I went through the course, and he says, Do
you really drive for me? Because I'd had a bad day, I mean a
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
DMD
MSD
ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Nicole Smith
Preferred Provider
Braces & Invisalign • Children & Adults
Free
Financing
Complimentary
Consultation
Call us today to make your appointment
1331 Medical Center Dr., Suite F
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 584-7755
nicolesmithorthodontics.com
20
PENNGROVE PROUD
4-H Penngrove Style
This has been a busy year in Penngrove 4-H. We do many
projects and activities, most having to do with helping out
in the community and going to fairs to show our animals.
There are many different projects including raising swine,
poultry, dairy goats, meat goats, dairy cows; then there's arts
and crafts, dairy replacement, horsemanship, baking, advanced culinary, food preservation and outdoor adventure.
Our project meetings are usually monthly, but we also do
various community service activities during the school year
and fairs during the summer, except for the Cloverdale Citrus Fair which is in February. This was my first year showing
poultry at the Citrus Fair where I got the Grand Champion
award for turkey and reserve waterfowl. A few of our community service activities include serving food at the Backroads Challenge, Christmas caroling for seniors, working
shifts at the annual Crab Feed, a fundraiser for the Farm
Bureau, planting natives and pulling weeds in Marin north
of Stinson beach, along with many other fun activities.
All in all it has been a busy and fun-filled year in 4-H. I'm
looking forward to this coming year.
Stinson Beach:
Kaynen Schuldt,
Caitlin Booth,
Phacelia Alvarez-Trouse,
Leah Degraffenreid
Leah Degraffenreid and
her father Gino, replanting
By Phacelia Alvarez-Trouse - Penngrove 4-H’er
*Award-Winning Bacon, Ham & Corned Beef *
Duck ~ Tri-Tip ~ BBQ Chicken ~ Baby-Back Ribs
Pork Chops ~ Exotic Meats ~ Smoked Salmon
Order Now for
Marin Headlands Restoration
Please join us, and bring a friend, to 4-H at our October
14th meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Penngrove Social Firemen Clubhouse. We have projects that involve all of the
4 H’s. Head: Presentation & Drama, Hands: Woodworking
and Arts & Crafts, Heart: Community Service and Citizenship; and Health: Outdoor Adventure and Healthy Living.
We also have the traditional projects: Dairy Goats, Beef,
Sheep, Swine, Rabbits and Poultry. If you are interested
please email penngrove4h@gmail.com. Last year we helped
restore Marin Headland natural habitat and then had a
beach cleanup. Our club is dedicated to community service
and to encourage our youth to becoming better citizens
through 4-H.
Thanksgiving
Present Ad for
Registration Discount
Fresh & Smoked Turkeys
Bone-In & Boneless Hams
Dry Aged Prime Rib
Cross & Crown
Lutheran School
Complete Meat Service
Preschool • Junior Kindergarten
& Kindergarten • 1st through 6th grade
Cutting ~ Freezing ~ Smoking
Marinated Meats ~ Butchering
Sausage Kitchen ~ Freezer Meats Open Monday-Saturday
Wild Game Processing
8am to 5pm
Before & After School Care Available
795-7863
www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org
7750 Petaluma Hill Rd. Penngrove, CA
Ph: (707) 795-8402 Fax: (707) 795-0329
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
Preschool License #490100475
21
PENNGROVE PROUD
Penngrove Pantry
Mother Knows Best
Serve with some French bread for dipping along with a fresh
salad and you've got a delicious, nourishing lunch or dinner!
Little Wishes
Creamy Butternut
Squash Soup
Little wishes on great big stars.
Daughter, I make a wish for you.
Keep on growing and keep on smiling.
And I'll keep loving all that you do.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter
Little dreamers wishing big things.
The world is your stage to display.
You can sing and you can dance.
Enjoy all that comes your way.
12 cups cubed & peeled butternut squash
Little hopes in a great big world.
Nothing can stop your free spirit.
Make some noise, play a beat.
It's beautiful music when I hear it.
1 teaspoon salt
4 medium potato, peeled and cubed
5 cups water
6 teaspoons/cubes of chicken or vegetable
bouillon cubes or granules
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup evaporated milk
Preparation:
Little kisses from my now big girl,
You're growing up so fast it seems.
Pretty soon you'll leave the nest
And fly after all of your dreams.
In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender.
Add squash and potato; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Add the water, bouillon, salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or
until vegetables are tender.
Little girl I love you,
And I love you even more.
Because I made a wish once,
And you're what I wished for.
Cool slightly. In a blender, cover and process soup
until smooth. Return to the pan; stir in milk and heat
through.
Yield: 8 servings.
For Pearl - Unknown Author

~ Food/Cooking Tips ~
♦ Don’t store apples and bananas near each other.
Apples give off a gas that makes the bananas ripen (and go soft) much faster!
PROFESSIONAL WORDSMITH
WRITER / EDITOR / INTERVIEWER
♦ Briefly soak berries in water with vinegar added to
For all your creative, business
and personal needs
♦ How do you know if a pineapple is ripe? Gently tug
kill mold spores and keep berries fresh longer.
on one of the bottom leaves. If it comes away from
the fruit with a gentle tug, the pineapple is ripe.
PR, Advertising, Marketing,
Copy-editing, Proposals,
Letters, Resumes, Scripts,
Biographies
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
♦ To peel a hard-boiled egg, crack it all over, roll under your palm, then use a spoon to get under the skin and peel it. It should come off in one fell swoop.
818-261-7430
♦ Don’t store potatoes and onions together it causes eyes in your potatoes.
johnss1@sbcglobal.net
22
PENNGROVE PROUD
Penngrove
Hometown & Neighboring Events
~ September ~
~ December ~
Affordable Family Fun at Artful Arrangements - 14th
Three Nights of Festive Fun - 3rd to 5th
10am-Noon: Create a Fall Garland – Bring some outdoors
into your home.
205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove, Call Diane at 664-8656
for more info, or go to www.artfularrangements.org
Cotati Holiday Tree Lighting - Wed. December 3, 6 p.m.
La Plaza Park.
Holiday Cheer - Thurs. 12/4, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
8 Ball,
Cotati Yacht Club, Friar Tuck's Pub, Spanky's Bar.
Candlelight Concert - Fri. 12/5 2013, 7 - 9 p.m. FREE at
Church of the Oaks, Page St. & West Sierra Ave., Cotati
~ October ~
Cotati Oktoberfest - 11th
Affordable Family Fun at Artful Arrangements - 21st.
12 noon - 6 p.m. in La Plaza Park, downtown Cotati at the corner of
Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., under the giant tent!
No admission charge. Contests galore!
For more information, call the Cotati Chamber of Commerce
at (707) 795-5508 or email chamber@cotati.org.
10am-Noon: Create Christmas Card Poetry - From your
heart to theirs.
205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove, Call Diane at 664-8656
for more info, or go to www.artfularrangements.org
~ Continuing Events ~
Affordable Family Fun at Artful Arrangements - 19th
Music & Arts at Redwood Cafe
10am-Noon: Rhyme Time Poetry. Team up with your child.
205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove, Call Diane at 664-8656
for more info or go to www.artfularrangements.org
8240 Old Redwood Hwy. Cotati, Call 707-795-7868
or check www.redwoodcafe.com for this month's listings
Check out our new 'Live Listings' section on page 14 for more info
~ November ~
Live Music at Twin Oaks Tavern
5745 Old Redwood Hwy. Cotati, Call 707-795-5118
or check www.twinoakstavern.com for this month's listings
Check out our new 'Live Listings' section starting on page 14 for more info
Affordable Family Fun at Artful Arrangements - 16th
10am-Noon: Create a Winter Garland – Bring the
outdoors inside.
205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove, Call Diane at 664-8656
for more info, or go to www.artfularrangements.org
Send Event Listings to Penngrove Proud, POB 553,
Penngrove, CA 94951 or editor@penngroveproud.com
FERINA TRUCKING INC.
Truck & Trailer
Transfer & Roll-Off
Services
Call John
707-696-5826
Debris Box Services
Construction Debris
Dirt, Broken Concrete
Green Waste, Wood
& Recycled Metal
7th Anniversary/Fall 2014
23
PENNGROVE PROUD
POB 553
Penngrove, CA 94951
STANDARD MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
PERMIT NO. 553
PENNGROVE, CA 94951
Postal Customer
Voted one of the top 3 Real Estate Agents
in the Press Democrat Best of Sonoma County
To help support our schools, I donate
$500 of every sale to a local K-12
school of your choice at the
close of escrow.
Rob Sullivan - Realtor
CA BRE #01259514
Longtime Penngrove Resident
707-772-9171
www.RobSullivan.Estate
Our experience with Rob Sullivan was excellent and his service was exceptional.
He inspected our home and immediately developed a marketing plan that produced
multiple offers within a week and resulted in a selling price $105,000 over asking.
Should anyone wish to work with Rob, they will be in great hands.
-Fred & Marsha Arnold
Vintage Service. The way it used to be.