Southern Sonoma Country Life

Tickets Available for VIP Vineyard Truck Tour & Dutton Ranch BBQ With Texas Cowboy Chef Tim Love — Sunday, May 22nd, 2022

As part of  Sonoma County Winegrowers' co-founding partnership with this coming weekend's inaugural Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, it is offering its exclusive Truck Talks for the first time to consumers 

Historically, Truck Talks have been part of the county winegrowers' outreach and education when it hosts media or Somms/wine trade in Sonoma County.  Guests have the opportunity to spend time with lauded local grape growers and experience Sonoma County from each farmer's perspective. 

As part of this year's first Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, this literally equates to grape growers picking up 2-4 consumers in a truck from their hotel and giving them a unique Sonoma County tour -  to a particular vineyard the grower farms to taste the wine from that specific parcel. There are stop offs at favorite coffee shop and other area favorites.

This is your invitation to walk the vineyards, touch the soil, drink the wines and learn how wine is made from the person who makes it. A true “maker behind the magic” experience.

After the individual tours, all of the grape growers will bring their guests to Dutton Ranch in the Russian River for an old-fashioned BBQ where wines from all of the growers participating will be poured.

Truck Talks take place on Sunday, May 22nd from 9am-2pm (approximate timing) with Truck Talks  from 9am-11:30am and lunch at Dutton Ranch hosted by “Texas Cowboy Chef”, Tim Love from 11:30am-2:00pm (approximate timing).

Shuttles will return guests back to hotels and parking lots in Healdsburg mid afternoon. 

Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a three-day celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines.

The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. If you're interested in checking out the festival, tickets are still available for the Vintners Grand Plaza Tasting on Saturday 21st May as well as the Vineyard Tours and Dutton Ranch event.

The Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting features wines from Sonoma, Napa and internationally renowned regions. Delicious foods will be prepared by local and internationally known chefs who will present their creations. Enjoy the live music of band Wobbly World and meet some of your favorite chefs who will be signing autographs throughout the day. Click here for more info. 

Time To Trestle. Petaluma Trestle Rehabilitation Meets City Council Priority Status — A Centenary Year Update

Want to see the dilapidated Petaluma Trestle turned into a riverfront community promenade? I do. I wrote an in-depth feature on the sore subject of this decaying mass back in February of this year. The article (click here) traveled far and wide within our community and I'm pleased to have played a small part in the push to present reasoning for its rehabilitation before the Petaluma City Council as a priority item for our town.

Who's on board?

Five Council members and the Mayor and that was enough to push the Trestle to the top of the council's to-do list. 

The Petaluma Women's Club, entering its 126th year of active improvements in our community, is also on board, big time. The Women's Club has written its appreciation in a letter to the City for making the Trestle a priority.

"We think your timing is critical to update and finalize the design, to provide legal and DPW staff and funding and to collaborate with SMART to get this done," wrote co-president Colleen Mahoney, adding that the project deserves the City's attention so that our community can finally see this nuisance and liability turned into a visionary, rehabilitated promenade for visitors and residents to enjoy.

In fact, the Women's Club has pledged to help with this legacy project, in keeping with its significant and substantial local works over the past century and a quarter. On behalf of all 150 members, Colleen asked that the project be accelerated as an opportunity for business, community leaders, city council and staff to join forces and get this done:

"The City needs to play the lead role, but we are poised to gather community-wide momentum to finally see this project become a reality."

After all, it was Ida McNear who formed The Petaluma Women's Club in 1895. By 1900, the following creed was adopted: "We desire to do all in our power to make Petaluma an ideal town, that may be known as the home of good citizenship. In the effort for clean streets, good water, pure food and better sanitation, we will constantly be on the alert to aid our street and City officials."

I can't help but think that Mrs. McNear would be relieved to know that the Women's Club has championed this year as "Time to Trestle."

Its leaders are committed to hosting fundraisers/benefit concerts and collaborations with multiple organizations within the community to support and boost federal and state grant monies that must be secured by the City in the coming months.

Although this is a municipal project, everyone needs to think outside of the box with funding strategies.

Petaluma City Council is insufficiently staffed by its own admission and reluctant to over promise and under deliver, so let's hope that this public right of way that Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit currently has responsibility for may make this a project that SMART engineers could somehow help get off the ground before transfer of ownership to the City. SMART understands bridges, structures and permits after all. And the Trestle has been a big liability for SMART so one would hope that it is keen to pass the baton to the City. It would certainly be SMART's opportunity to shine in Petaluma. 

I messaged County Supervisor and SMART Board chair David Rabbitt and he replied that same day that SMART is all in as well. Though: "Neither have the funds to do anything but working collaboratively, we will be seeking opportunities".  Promising news. 

It was great to catch the Trestle on CBS News on May 11th. Click here for the news clip .

Coffee with chief instigator of the Trestle restoration campaign, Living History Museum President Christopher Stevick and his wife Elaine Stevick caught me up on news from their end. Chris and Elaine met me for coffee at Riverfront Cafe to fill me in on the latest from their perspective as two of the city's most passionate campaigners (along with Petaluma Pete) for the rehabilitation of this important California heritage site.

Chris has poured his heart and soul into the future public promenade, which he describes perfectly as "Our balcony to the river".

"And the river is the heart of our town," he adds. "Santa Rosa put a lot of money into historic Railroad Square. The Trestle is already here. A town needs a square and we have a river and this is our version."

On Monday May 1st, the City Council agreed to prioritize the trestle’s restoration over the next two years. According to the Petaluma Argus Courier, prior to a six-hour city priority discussion, council member Dave King was confident the trestle restoration would be at the top of the list for the next two fiscal years.

“It’s always been significant, (but) it’s largely been a question of money,” King told the Argus in a phone interview. “Prior to Measure U, the City was strapped pretty badly, the budget was pretty tight all the way around. But as time has progressed, the trestle isn’t getting any better and something has to be done with it.”

I've reached out to other council members to find out what happens next but I'm waiting to hear back. I'll be posting regular updates with how to get involved in the Trestle project. A community promenade for festivals, events and general, every day enjoyment of the great outdoors promises to be a riverside delight. Things are happening and that's great news for Petaluma. 

 

Sonoma County — Life Opens Up Spring 2022 — A Slice of Cheese, Wine, Style & Design

“You have to be a romantic to invest yourself, your money, and your time in cheese.”

Anthony Bourdain

Well, I am definitely a romantic. And I invested more of my household staple budget and shopping time in cheese and wine during the past couple of years than ever, making sure as much of it as possible was local.

And I'm so glad that so many of you did too as we're coming through the other end of the long struggle for our regional farmstead producers who were so incredibly hard hit by the on-again, off-again shutting of restaurants and hospitality venues, their major source of income. It's heartening to see so many cheesemakers and artisan producers back at it in public, with tours, dinners and special events this Spring. 

I was delighted to attend the 16th annual California Artisan Cheese Festival in Santa Rosa at the county fairgrounds on Saturday May 6th. It was lovely to spend the day with good friend Lynne Devereux, former Marketing & Public Relations at Laura Chenel's Chèvre & Marin French Cheese, who was instrumental in the cheese festival's early days at the Sheraton Petaluma. I haven't seen Lynne, who lives in the East Bay since long before the pandemic so it was terrific to catch up in-person on life, the universe and strawberry-infused cream cheese bagels at a bustling, real life, local festival. 

Cheesemakers, beer makers, wine and mead producers, olive oil makers, you name it, the taste makers of the region were representing. It struck us that the lines of patient patrons waiting to taste have grown far more civilized given everyone's manners these days in not over crowding one another. It may be that there needs to be line hosts to keep things going in future years if we stay as sensible for the long term!

I hope next year to hear that the cheese tours will return. I've been on quite a few over the years and they're always so much fun. I love meeting folk from all over the world who come to explore the true flavor of terroir in and on our cheesemaking facilities, ranches and farms.

This cute crew had to be captured on film as they nibbled their way around some 60 or more vendors.

One of my favorite local cheesemaking families is Achadinha Cheese Company, just outside of Petaluma on Chileno Valley Road. I was delighted to see Donna Pacheco and family featured on Sonoma County's Life Open's Up videos. It really shows how beautiful it is in our part of the country. Look for Achadinha cheeses at your local California farmer's market and in regional stores. 

Last week was a busy one. I was also lucky enough to attend a fantastic winemaker dinner at the new Montage resort nestled among 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak tree groves, outside of Healdsburg.

Thank you dear friends Michael and Carla Carpenter for the invite. Michael co-founded The Redd Collection — a retail wine business primarily focused on fine & rare wines. He and his family live in Southern Sonoma County where he has his finger on the pulse of California wines as well as wines from around the world. If you're looking to start or expand a wine collection, Michael's your guy. And he makes the wine world fun in his down-to-earth approach to sourcing and explaining everything from great value every day wines to whatever amazing wine suits your personal pallet & wallet.

Every year, Michael participates in Sonoma County Vintner's annual spring Barrel Auction extravaganza that takes place each year in Sonoma Wine Country over several days and at multiple locations. 

The intimate winemaker's dinner we attended featured a delicious menu served in a spectacular glass-enclosed, private modern dining room with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine pairings served by renowned Fisher Vineyards and Patz & Hall Winery. 

It was my first time visiting the resort which features an 11,500-square-foot spa, a zero-edge resort pool, three signature dining options, including a seasonal poolside restaurant, inspired by our  region’s culinary heritage and renowned wineries. It really is spectacular. 

After the cheese festival I stopped by the Water Shed Warehouse in West Petaluma's riverfront neighborhood on 1st Street. Another friend, Wendy Owen, messaged me that she was going to be there with her sumptuous textile pillows and cushions for a pop-up that sounded intriguing. 

Needless to say, this beautifully renovated 100-year-old former grain warehouse which neighbors Foundry Wharf is a place to watch in Sonoma County for upscale style and design. It's exciting to see what happens next in that neighborhood.

 

 

 

Travel Tuesday — Inntravel's Beginner's Guide to European Walking Holidays

Inntravel is best known for seeking out foot travel along the lesser-taken paths of Europe. Since walking holidays are more popular than ever these days, the European-based travel company has commissioned the experienced route finder, Andy Montgomery to write a new online guide. 

“Finding the right walking holiday is the crucial first step.  Going too far out of your comfort zone can ruin a holiday, but get it right and every trip for years to come will be on foot,” she says. Among the important topics covered that new and inexperienced walkers will want to consider are: 

• How to decide upon the location: considering temperature, number of daylight hours, reaching the holiday, avoiding the busy honeypot sites, whether to opt for an itinerant hotel-to-hotel or a single centre holiday, and the importance of building in rest days.
• Tips for judging how difficult the walking will be: length, grading, number of days, ascents and descents, terrain, and whether to choose a circular or linear route are all considerations.
• Whether to opt for the flexibility of a self-guided holiday with route notes and maps provided, or a guided group walking with like-minded people who are all required to move at the same pace.
• What to pack for a walking holiday:  the best footwear for the terrain and quick dry, breathable clothing, the benefits of walking poles, a rucksack, and miscellaneous items like knee supports, sunscreen, first aid, sunglasses, a flask for water, and Vaseline for blister prevention.
• Preparing and getting fit for your walking holiday such as the need to break in new boots and walking for a distance at home on consecutive days, not just once a week.

More than 40% of new customers this year are opting for entry level (easy grade 1 and grade1-2 routes) walking holidays, according to Inntravel. As a result more flexible and accessible walking holidays have been introduced for 2022.

THREE NEW EASY EUROPEAN WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

Guernsey Herm and Sark
Gentle Guernsey and its islands offer a delicious blend of both exotic and foreign, yet are reassuringly familiar –perfect for those new to a walking holiday. Introduced in April, the holiday combines a single centre 4-star hotel stay in one of Europe’s prettiest harbor towns with a pass for the local bus network to access walks that explore the dramatic cliff tops, quiet country lanes and crowd-free beaches.  Price: from £445pp based on 2 sharing, including 4 nights’ B&B, 1 dinner, daily bus pass, return transfers to Guernsey airport or ferry port, maps and walking notes, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 and 1-2.

Wonders of Western Sicily
Discover the quiet charms of Western Sicily and the dreamy Egadi Islands with their distinct North African accent and gentle pace of life. From the medieval hill-town of Erice, walk to vibrant Trapani, where an hour’s ferry takes walkers to Marettimo, the furthest-flung of the Egadi Islands. Here, follow Inntravel’s trails, including those along thyme-scented slopes where peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagles swoop overhead. The final two nights are spent in the Moorish coastal village of Scopello, gateway to the beautiful Zingaro Nature Reserve.  Price: from £775pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, 1 picnic and return ferry Trapani to Marettimo plus transfer on day 5, luggage transported, route notes and maps, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 – 2.

The Quiet Side of the Italian Riviera 
Away from the crowds, explore the Ligurian Riviera’s alluring villages and stunning coastline from the stylish coastal village of Moneglia, using the inexpensive local rail network.  Conveniently set between the Cinque Terre and Portofino Bay (2022 will mark 25 years since the Cinque Terre gained UNESCO status), walkers use the excellent rail links to access some of Italy’s finest and most flexible coastal walking.  Set in the hills just behind the seafront, stay in the friendly, family-run boutique hotel, Villa Edera, with a gourmet restaurant, a pool and a lift conveniently situated in the hotel garden which takes guests directly down to the railway station. Price: from £860pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, wine tasting session with tapas, route notes and maps, and GPS navigation. Grade 1 – 2, and 2.

Click here for further information on Inntravel’s walking holiday guide for new walkers visit
    
For more information on Inntravel generally, please visit www.inntravel.co.uk    

Heritage Homes & Landmarks Of Petaluma Spring Garden Tour — May 7th, 2022

Heritage Homes & Landmarks is thrilled to resume its popular house tours and invites you to an afternoon of exploration of elegant residences and gardens in bloom: a glimpse of Petaluma’s past and present beauty.

 

On tour day, Saturday, May 7th, 2022, two vintage homes and an historic church will open their doors to tour-goers, and an idyllic garden tended by a Master Gardener will soothe the soul. 

 

he Petaluma Historical Library & Museum offers refreshments in its shady Garden Court. Tickets would make for a great Mother’s Day gift and a lovely way to spend time with family and friends on Mothers Day weekend.

 

Although a few of the destinations on the map are fairly close to each other, this is not considered a “walking tour.”

 

Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and children over 12. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. To purchase tickets, stop by the Museum at 20 Fourth Street in Petaluma, Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Masks requested, please.

 

Ticket sales directly benefit the Petaluma Museum Association.

 

On Tour Day, May 7th, ticket purchasers should plan to arrive to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum at 20 Fourth Street in Petaluma (corner of Fourth and B Streets) at 12:00 noon to pick up tickets to guide you through your tour (actual tour hours begin at 1:00 to 4:00 PM). These handouts won’t be available at the homes.

 

Tickets may  also be purchased the day of the tour at the Museum starting at 12:00 noon. Actual tour hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

 

If you buy tickets online through Brown Paper Tickets, you will be on a will-call list – just stop by the Museum on Saturday, May 7th starting at 12:00 noon to pick up your tour brochure.

 

The actual tour time runs from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. 

Travel Tuesday — Explore Norway's Senja Island From Air, Land and Sea

Senja by Heart - Kjopmannsoya_Pan

Frank-Andreassen_www.nordnorge.com.jpg

Mefjord Brygge - fishing piers.jpg

Now this one dropped into my inbox the other day and it sounds amazing. I get sent a lot of media releases from travel companies but I only share trips that I'd love to take myself.

A new autumn adventure has launched in northern Norway, providing an exclusive opportunity to experience the Arctic from three perspectives — from the air in a private helicopter, on land while hiking and e-biking across dramatic coastal mountaintops, and on the water and under water to meet Arctic aquatic life.

The five-day Senja Autumn Adventure has been created by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel for an exclusive holiday of relaxation and unusual experiences including snorkeling by the fjords.

Senja is Norway’s second largest island and a revelation to travelers to the Arctic. The itinerary has been specially curated for the autumn temperate weather to combine a variety of activities and excursions to showcase Senja in multiple ways. And maybe offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you're truly lucky. 

A mountainous island blessed with dramatic topography, Senja is Norway’s jewel when it comes to views, especially in autumn when it presents a palette of dark browns and greens from the mountains and sparkling turquoise from the sea.

The program begins in Trømso, dubbed “the Paris of the North” for its fashion, food and culture. Then the true adventure begins with a helicopter ride to Senja traveling above the island’s mountains and plateaus before landing in the small fishing village of Mefjordvaer on the Northwest coast.

“Senja is one of those unknown areas of the world, an unspoiled part of Norway, bursting with color and dramatic scenery,” comments Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel. “This is a special chance to experience Senja from multiple sensory angles. Our program is designed to consider every traveler’s wish and maybe even provide a glimpse of early Northern Lights.” 

All meals are included with North Norwegian favorites including reindeer shank and Skreigrunn cod. Accommodations are at Mefjord Brygge, a resort village with hotel rooms, apartments and cabins, a location favored by nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers and hikers.

Guests have access to a wellness area with sauna, outdoor hot tub and solarium, an idyllic area for relaxing and soaking up the 360 degree views. A private pier overlooks a fjord that attracts local wildlife and has even more views of the rugged mountains on every side.

Water-based activities include a private boat trip to explore the island and search out seals playing beneath the surf, a visit to view salmon shoals, and an Off the Map Travel “exclusive experience” -- snorkeling in some of Senja’s crystal clear bays and inlets with the opportunity to explore Røst Reef, a cold-water coral reef and home to many distinctive species of fish.

As well as being a wild fauna and flora sanctuary, Senja is a paradise for bird watchers with a mix of marine birds, sea eagles, falcons and golden eagles.

Guests will also enjoy an e-bike tour through the mountains, accessing jaw-dropping viewpoints from the cliff edge and taking in the changing shades of the water along the coast before arriving at a secluded beach for a private-dining, chef-created experience of locally sourced seafood and ingredients.

The five-day, four-night Senja Autumn Adventure itinerary is priced from £5499 per person ($7149 USD at the time writing), based on double occupancy, including all activities, all meals, private chef for the secluded beach meal only, transfers, one night’s hotel accommodation in Trømso and three nights’ accommodation in Senja.

Flights are additional.

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Trømso for the first night and spend the evening exploring the city. Take a short walk to the stunning viewpoints looking down over the city and maybe watch the sun before dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants on offer. Depending when you arrive, there may be the option of an excursion or boat trip, too.

Day 2: After checking out, a short transfer to the airport will take you to your helicopter to take you across the stunning landscape to Senja. If helicopters aren’t your thing, your Adventure Artist can arrange alternative transport. In Senja, relax and settle into your accommodation before setting out on foot to explore Mefjordvaer, a small fishing village. Enjoy a leisurely dinner with beautiful views.

Day 3: After breakfast, gear up for a day trip on your own private boat to explore this beautiful island from the ocean. You’ll have your own crew and the option to head out in the morning or evening for three hours. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy your surroundings and another delicious dinner.

Day 4: For your final day in Senja, there is a special day planned for you with an activity exclusive to Off the Map Travel. You will be picked up by private boat transfer after breakfast and taken to Torsken, a rugged area on the west coast of Senja. Upon arrival you will experience an ‘underwater fjord tour’ in various bays and water inlets, a snorkeling experience giving you the opportunity to explore Senja’s crystal-clear waters. You will see a variety of sea anemones and flowers, and explore shallow coral reefs that are home to fish and starfish. You can then head up river to see salmon and visit a larger bay where you may even see seals playing beneath the surf. You are likely to see sea eagles too. Once finished, you can enjoy lunch before setting out on a beautiful e-bike tour through the fjords to a secluded beach for a private dinner prepared by your own, personal chef.

Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to Trømso via air, land or sea, taking in the beautiful landscape as you go. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to one of the team to see how they can tailor the trip for you.

OFF THE MAP TRAVEL

 The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in Soft Adventure OTMT creates tailor-made holiday itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies.  For more information on Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel  or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest

 

Petaluma Rotary Club Invites Us to Stand with Ukraine — A Community Fundraiser at Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma, May 10th 2022

The Rotary Clubs in Petaluma is hosting a fundraising event “Stand with Ukraine” on Tuesday, May 10 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Hermann Sons Hall at 860 Western Avenue.

All profits will go directly to the Rotary Club of Lviv, Ukraine who will be purchasing and distributing emergency medical kits, food, clothing, hospital equipment, sleeping bags and other essential items to the men, women and children impacted by the war.

Live music a silent auction and hors d’ oeuvres, beer & wine will be served. Also, an art exhibit with two special guest artists: Ukrainian Americans Julia Kosivchuck & Lyna with COUTURE.

$30 per person in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased @ www.petalumarotary.org. 

If you can't attend but would like to contribute the ticket price or more, please click on the rotary club link above - it's easy to donate on line, or by check if you prefer. 

From Sparks to Light — A Superb New Podcast Series by Penngrove Author Suzanne Maggio

My dear friend and fellow Sonoma County author Suzanne Maggio has a new podcast and it's pretty fantastic! Her interviewing skills are superb and I'm not just saying that because we're pals. A lot of writers think about podcasting, it's a powerful tool to inform, entertain and stay in touch. But actually producing a series and packing it with important and meaningful content is another thing altogether. 

In 2019 Suzanne walked Spain’s famous pilgrimage, El Camino de Santiago. One night, in the small town of Carrion de los Condes, she went to a pilgrim Mass.  At the end, she was given a small paper star, a reminder to be the light for someone. As she continued along those 500 miles, that simple gift came to mean a lot to her.

The inspiration for this podcast came from that journey. "In these challenging times, I believe we have an obligation to show up for one another," shares Suzanne.  "To give back to our communities. To bring our light into the world. From Sparks to Light shares the stories of people who choose to follow their spark and light the darkness."

Each week we hear the stories of people who are giving back in different ways. Learn what inspires them and what they learned along the way. 

"I hope their stories inspire you to find your spark and encourage you to shine your own precious light in the world," says Suzanne.

Episodes drop every Thursday.

Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts! 

            

 

 

Petaluma's Tate Barend Launches Fundraising Drive to support “Lift Off” Scholarship for High School Students With Learning Disabilities

 

Photo credit: Tess Barend 

High school students with learning disabilities often face great challenges when it comes to applying for and attending college. Petaluma-based advocate for students with learning disabilities, Tate Barend, has announced a fundraising drive for his inspirational Lift Off Scholarship to increase the impact and inspire the aspirations of the recipients.

Many students with Learning Disabilities have high IQ’s but neurological differences in brain structure and function affect their ability to receive, store, process, retrieve or communicate information. Because they learn differently students with learning disabilities face challenges in traditional school systems which often usher them towards their diploma instead of preparing for college.

UC Berkeley and Petaluma High School Alumni Tate Barend relates to this strongly after experiencing firsthand the difficulty for students like himself who wanted to successfully transition to higher education. In 2015, Barend founded with his own finances the Lift Off Scholarship with the goal of uplifting students with learning disabilities who have overcome the odds to pursue college.

“With the pandemic unraveling traditional education, I fear that students with learning disabilities are falling through the cracks," says Tate. "This is why I'd like to transition this scholarship to a larger non-profit that will increase the impact. To do this I need donations''

Although a corporate donor or an individual who has the passion and resources to provide longevity to this local scholarship in the future would be ideal in Tate's quest for funding, every donation, of any amount,  will help young recipients realize their potential by inspiring those with a learning disability that they have the power to go after their dreams.

Tate launched his initial Lift Off scholarship after receiving a scholarship from 10,000 Degrees in high school. "I instantly felt the support that the organization provided through its Near-Peer Fellow who checked up on me throughout the semester," he explains. "College is an intense and confusing place. I hope the additional support will provide each annual recipient the added support to go after his/her dreams!” 

“I'm asking for people who care to open up their hearts and help with donations of any size, large or small. It can make a huge difference in a student with a learning disability’s life, knowing people care and support their dreams enough to donate and fund the Lift Off Scholarship in partnership with non-profit 10,000 degrees. Receiving the scholarship is for many with learning disabilities the first time in an academic setting they have been awarded and recognized for their hard work. I've seen the power of recognizing this struggle for students with learning disabilities.” 

It can be hard to understand the challenges a student with learning disabilities faces, unless a person has walked a similar path through school and life. Graduating high school is often the highest goal set for a student who struggles in traditional academic systems.

“The average high school graduation rate for students with disabilities, is 67.1 percent, according to the latest data [in 2017]. That’s 17.5 percentage points lower than the 84.6 percent rate at which all students graduated” wrote Carol Cohen, a former director at the National School Boards Association.

The Lift Off scholarship was started since many students with learning disabilities have a hard time competing for scholarships that are based on academic achievements because although they work as hard if not harder than many of their peers it's not always reflected in a high GPA.

“Research shows standardized testing struggles often disqualify high school LD students for institutional and state merit scholarships,” writes Stephanie A. Knight of Beacon College.

Tate's scholarship is specifically for students with learning disabilities to acknowledge their efforts and offer support and encouragement when they take the next step in pursuit of their dreams.

The Lift Off Scholarship has supported six years of graduates from Petaluma High School. The next chapter of the Lift Off Scholarship is to partner with 10,000 Degrees — a leading college success nonprofit in California.

Partnering with 10,000 Degrees will enable the scholarship to provide academic and financial support for all four years of a student's college and expand it to all of Marin and Sonoma County’s public high schools.

Any High School Seniors with learning disabilities no matter the GPA who have aspirations for higher education may apply to the scholarship at 10,000 degrees website by March 2nd.

Please consider donating to Tate's fundraising drive by clicking here so that he may continue to inspire students with learning disabilities to believe in themselves and reach for the stars. If you have any questions for him reach out at liftoffscholarship@gmail.com.  

 

 

Taste of Sonoma is Back In Person at Beautiful Kendall Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens, Saturday June 25th, 2022

One of my favorite regional wine event extravaganzas, Taste of Sonoma returns in-person on June 25th, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the beautiful grounds of Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. 

I've attended several Taste of Sonoma events over the years when the annual celebration was hosted at historic MacMurray Ranch in the Russian River area. I never made it to its spot at Sonoma State University, though I'm happy to hear it has landed at Kendall Jackson. 

One of Sonoma County’s most highly anticipated events of the year (presented by Vintec), this year's action-and-flavor-packed day features a fantastic, walk-around wine tasting, guided wine seminars, garden tours, premium wine experiences, lots to eat from local food trucks, themed lounges and activities.

With access to over 60 varietals from 18 unique growing areas, Sonoma County’s legendary winemakers have crafted wines for all palates.

Taste of Sonoma tickets are on sale now, take advantage of early bird pricing through May 31 at TasteofSonoma.com.

“We look forward to hosting Taste of Sonoma at Kendall-Jackson this year,” said Randy Ullom, Winemaster & Senior Vice President, Kendall-Jackson. “Locals and visitors look forward to sampling the exceptional variety of Sonoma County wines each year and our 4-acre culinary gardens, expansive lawn and al fresco patio will provide a picturesque backdrop for the food and wine experience.”

Soak up the sun and enjoy the bounty that Sonoma County has to offer in one immersive day. Sample Sonoma County wines from across the region and meet the vintners in the Grand Tasting AVA Tents.

VIP Club Reserve ticket holders will enjoy early admission at 11:00 a.m. with access throughout the day to limited production, reserve, and award-winning wines poured by the winemakers and owners of Sonoma County’s world-class wineries.

“Vintec is excited to join Taste of Sonoma as the Presenting Sponsor and Official Wine Storage Partner,” said Terri Fenwick, Senior Director of Sales. “Keeping wine stored at perfect temperatures in the hot summer sun will be a key part in elevating the tasting experience.”

Learn about the art of collecting, cellaring and serving wine in the Vintec Lounge; sip frosé at Rodney Strong Vineyard’s “Destination Rosé” Lounge; or play giant Jenga while sipping sparkling wine in the Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge.

Grab a beverage from the beer garden or the Kendall-Jackson Garden Bar to enjoy with complimentary dishes from the Nosh Food Truck Plaza. Get your groove on at the Celebrity Cruises Silent Disco and visit the Acura selfie station with friends to create a memento of the event. Enhance your day with add-on experiences such as exclusive Wine Talks and Garden Tours.

Getting to Taste of Sonoma is easy this year. The venue, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, is conveniently located near Highway 101 for Bay Area road-trippers.

If you're outside of the area and you're looking to make a weekend of it? There are lots of great lodging options nearby as well as direct flights to Sonoma County airport. Sonoma County Tourism’s website can help with your accommodation and itinerary search.

Early bird ticket purchases made by May 31 will receive special pricing, from $180 General Admission to $210 VIP Club Reserve, plus optional add-on experiences.

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Pets are not allowed, only service animals will be granted entry. Learn more at TasteofSonoma.com.