Columns

The philosophy here is simple, though the execution is anything but. NewTree Ranch operates on permaculture principles and biodynamic practices, supported by renowned consultant Harold Hoven. Over the past decade, the land has been transformed.

More than 100 children and adults gathered at a get-together meeting Thursday noon at the Mill Creek school house. The following schools were represented: Junction, Felta, Pine Ridge and Mill Creek. A picnic lunch was enjoyed and this was followed by a program in which every school took part. This and more historical news from the Healdsburg Museum...

In the Healdsburg Tribune 100 years ago: "The thinking man or woman, the young man or woman who would like to improve his vision, his ideas concerning living, and who would welcome suggestions which are all too rare in this jazz age of frothy nothings, cannot help but be benefitted and learn to have a more wholesome regard for life and its ideals...."

Fun facts: The word “yet” has a few meanings. As an adverb it references “a continuing state or condition.” As a conjunction, it introduces a contrasting fact or thought. As a modifier, it intensifies meaning, as in “yet again.” Another column of observation from Pierre Ratte.

The newly refreshed Children’s Room lives up to the hype. The laser-cut madrone tree silhouettes provide a charming entryway into the room. Tables and chairs in the room are of different heights to accommodate a variety of sizes and preferences, with spaces for children of different ages and interests.

The new Aven theatre on North Street is nearing completion. Designed by Gale Santocono of San Francisco, the stucco and concrete block building is 73 by 130 feet, with a seating capacity of 738....

"Healdsburg has such lovely hiking trails. It offers so many things to do to kick-off summer over the long Memorial Day weekend. The Future Farmers of America Fair and the Thursday night Twilight Parade, where Healdsburgians either join the parade or watch it... But Healdsburg also offers the possibility of stepping outside the hubbub and hitting a trail," Pierre Ratte reminds us in this week's Snapshot column...

In order to pick the remainder of the grape crop and the light walnut crop with hands, it is urged that all local people, including high school pupils, assist with the grape harvest over the coming weekend. A shortage of over two hundred grape pickers exists in the Healdsburg section at the present time.

"This is my 20th year photographing harvest—since 2005—and I still love this time," writes Liza Gershman. "I’ve spent nights with vineyard crews lit only by headlamps and moonlight, capturing the exact moment the fruit leaves the vine. My favorite moment is when the deepest darkness turns into light and the sky opens up. I rarely see sunrise outside of harvest. There’s a reverence to it. A rhythm. A knowing..."

Prunes are generally an unsung fruit, but Healdsburg is singing the praises of its Prune Packers’ tie-breaking series game over the Humboldt Crabs Friday night to win the Pacific Empire League. It marks the fifth consecutive championship for the Packers in a collegiate wooden bat summer league.