What’s new on the “Petaloo”
Hello Again River Friends,
Happy Summer Solstice to everyone! Today we celebrate the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. According to experts connecting with nature has proven to be a necessary element for a happy and healthy life. Here are some of the ways we do it with “Friends”.

News and Events

Mass :
The second “Nautical Mass” launched last Friday for a trip to the turning Basin for “Jazz on the Deck”. In keeping with the unstructured nature of the event there was a staggered start from the Petaluma Marina with paddlers and rowers departing in waves around the 6PM launch time.

A few of the participants assembled at the turning basin docks for a photo then split to enjoy music and dinner in town. The trip back on twilight waters was a magical for many of us. The next Nautical Mass is July 21 st.

Mess :
The Family “Mess About in Boats” held on Father’s Day Sunday was enjoyed by several families and was truly a mess, as low tide inspired the younger participants to “mess about” in the mud during our picnic at Shollenberger Park (attached movie clips on RealPlayer). All of the mud soon washed off and was later replaced by ice cream drippings as many of the participants met afterward at 4 th & Sea in Petaluma for cones and malts.

Meetings :
Here’s a follow up reminder about the Park and Rec. meeting tonight .
The Petaluma Park and Recreation Commission meeting this Wed. 6/21 7PM at City Hall (11 English St). on the agenda are several important items; ones that could improve the quality of life along the river for years to come.

Those of you unable to attend the meeting in person you can watch the live broadcast on Petaluma Community Access channel 28 . The documents for this meeting and footage for the 6/21 proceedings are also available online.
Friends of the Petaluma River is planning to hold public meetings beginning in July; to socialize and update members on our activities. We also want to provide more ways for people to get involved in our programs and present volunteer opportunities. These meetings promise to be fun and informative. Stay tuned for future announcements on time and place.

Membership : the river wants you for a Friend
There is still time to become a “Charter Member” of Friends . This privilege is limited to the first 100 people to join. We are definitely gaining momentum as more folks are sending in membership donations. If you have not joined us yet please download the “Reply ‘ form from our website and mail it in today; then tell a friend about “Friends”.

Press on :
Today’s Petaluma Argus Courier had a special update on river related activities. It began by mentioning the Tidings and our byline “what’s new on the Petaloo? It should be posted online soon at www.arguscourier.com .

Cheers,
Dave Yearsley - Executive Director
Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate and Conserve

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What’s new on the “Petaloo”
Hello Again River Friends;
There is a lot happening on the “Petaloo”. As the weather improves and the days get longer we want to provide more opportunities for folks to get out on the River. Here are a few of them :

Events

Friday night flotilla :
This 3 rd Friday event, loosely based on the S.F. Critical Mass model, is a no host outing in boats (rather than on bicycles) that gets folks on the water and the weekend off to a fun start. The starting point is the Petaluma Marina launch ramp at 6PM. Come early (½ hr. or so) if you want to stage a car or trailer at the destination. All nature powered small craft are welcome. Each individual or group is responsible for their own safety can choose their itinerary, while the overall attitude is cheerful cooperation among participants.

This month’s Nautical Mass, ” Jazz on the Deck”, will be on June 16 th and will feature a trip to the turning basin for the Apple Box’s weekly summer music event. Stay for dinner at one of the local restaurants if you like, but bring a light if you plan to paddle back to the marina under the ¾ moon.

First Nautical Mass a “splashing success” :
The first Nautical Mass, took place on May 19 th and was indeed “Big Fun on the Bayou”, for those courageous enough to brave the elements. As you may recall we had a late season storm front bring some moisture that evening, but the 8 hearty participants who did make the voyage were rewarded with a spectacular “sun shower” upon arrival at Papa’s Taverna, followed by great food and hot Cajun music. By all accounts the evening was a splashing success as the following photos will attest.

Family “Mess About in Boats” :
We have had several requests from parents to find ways to get children out on the river in small boats. In response “Friends” is planning to take a cue from the famous book “Wind in the Willows” where the Water Rat states;
“There is nothing -absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.
I am proposing the first “Family Mess About” on Sunday, June 18 th , Father’s Day . We will meet at the Petaluma Marina at 10 AM for a paddle or row to Shollenberger Park and back. Participants should bring some picnic items to enjoy on the banks of the River. Plan to return to the launch ramp between 1 and 2 PM . I can arrange for some rowboats, canoes, and equipment for folks without watercraft of their own.

Let me know if you are interested in participating in the “Mess About”.
Call 707 763-7756 or e-mail

That’s all for now folks. There is more to report but “time, tide, (& work) wait for no man”. Look for more news items in the next edition of “River Tidings”
In the mean time·
Celebrate and Conserve
Dave Yearsley
Friends of the Petaluma River

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