The Petaluma Salvation Army says it’s time to start talking turkey. The local nonprofit needs donations of turkeys and Thanksgiving-type food items to help needy families within the community. Donations may be dropped off at Salvation Army headquarters, 721 S. McDowell Blvd. Call 769-0716 for details.
Author Toni Piccinini discusses her new book, “The Goodbye Year: Wisdom and Culinary Therapy to Survive Your Child’s Senior Year of High School (and Reclaim the You of You)” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. The book offers tips for staying sane and letting go, calendars and other tools, and guidance for moms struggling with their soon-to-be empty nest. Piccinini will provide food tastings as well. The event is at Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St. Visit copperfieldsbooks.com.
There’s a reason people use the expression “better than fiction.” Nonfiction books can be some of the most engaging works out there in readerland – and some of the dullest. The trick, says author Katya Cengel, is finding the right story and knowing how to report it. At this month’s Writers Forum, Cengel will discuss the techniques needed to transform real events into engaging reads. Writer’s Forum is from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Cost is $15. Visit thewritespot.us for details.
‘Tis the season for holiday crafts fairs. This weekend Hillside Church’s Holiday Boutique takes place from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2689 Adobe Road. Call 763-0977. In addition, the Sonoma County Boutique Shoppers Expo, the Very Merry Holiday Vendor Fair, is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 2094 Petaluma Blvd. South. Call 396-9823 or visit socoboutiqueshoppersexpo.com.
Take part in an African dance class with African funk dance music, featuring Ousseynou Kouyate from the National Ballet of Senegal, followed by an evening of music with Makuru, a group that blends African melodies and rhythms with funk beats. The class is from 7:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; the music runs from 8-9:30 p.m. at the Sunflower Center, 1435 N. McDowell Blvd. Cost is $12. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. For details, visit lydiasorganics.com.
Send your Petaluma events listings to Katie Watts at goodegg2004@gmail.com.
