A new year … the chance to do what you’ve been threatening to do. It doesn’t have to be as formal as “the bucket list,” but you can get out, mix it up and maybe discover some new things about yourself in the process. Become a nature guide, start a philosophy club, catch some stand-up comedy, teach your dog some tricks or teach a toddler to read. Insure a Happy New Year.
Tuesday, Jan. 3 – You can be a part of Petaluma history in the making. If you consider yourself to be a quasi-deep thinker, you can attend and participate in the founding meeting of the Petaluma Philosophical Union. Bring your mind, your souls and your existential being to the Clear Heart Gallery, 368 Petaluma Blvd. North. This seminal gathering commences at 7 p.m. and will go until 8 p.m. More information: 971-0677 or clearheartgallery@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Jan 4 – Laugh until it hurts as stand-up comedy comes to Petaluma. The Rocks Bar and Lounge launches a weekly presentation of the Bay Area’s top comedians every Wednesday, when you can get the punch lines and dig the caustic life observations that come with stand-up. The club is at 146 Kentucky St. (1/2 block south of Washington), and the laughter commences at 9 p.m. Phone 782-0592 or e-mail therocks146@gmail.com.
Thursday, Jan 5. – Get up early and get in touch with Petaluma’s wild side. If you’re interested in becoming a docent (a tour guide) at Shollenberger Park, you can enroll in an eight-week training series. The courses are held on eight consecutive Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until mid-day. Roll out of bed and meet at the Lucchesi Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. A small fee is required for trainee registration. For more information, visit petalumawetlandspark.org or call 583-2355.
Friday, Jan. 6. – It’s Petaluma Toddler Time at the Library Jump-start their minds by getting the kiddies ready to read. The Petaluma Library hosts this event for children 18 months to 3 years old, with storytelling, song and rhyme participation and finger plays. Children must be accompanied by a parent or care-giver. Toddler Time is 10:30-11 a.m, your window of opportunity to give the life-long love of the written word. Petaluma Public Library is at 100 Fairgrounds Drive, 763-9801.
Saturday, Jan. 7. – Does your dog’s behavior need a little bit of fine tuning? Prince Park (320 N. McDowell Blvd.) is the spot to be. Citizen Canine trainer Dominic Kavanaugh puts Petaluma’s barking residents through their paces the first Saturday of every month. If you like his style, you can sign your four-legged friend up for training. The park has a dog run, so it’s pooch-friendly. Obedience and agility/tricks training is $15 per hour. Get more information on Prince Park at 778-4380, or on Citizen Canine at (510) 562-1750 or info@citizencanine.net.
– Sheldon Bermont
