Archives: Episodes

Host Michelle Marques talks with Angie Dillon-Shore, Executive Director of First 5 Sonoma County about the launch of Sonoma County's new Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! This incredible program puts free books into the hands of children ages 0 to 5 years old. Each month, children are sent a book that is age appropriate, and it is theirs to keep, to read with their family, and to cherish as they build language skills and a love for reading. Books are available in English and in bilingual English-Spanish versions. The Dollywood Foundation makes this program possible, along with the Community Foundation Sonoma County, First 5 Sonoma County, and support from the State of California. A personal library of books in the home is proven to positively benefit very young children in so many ways. They learn cognitive skills, language skills, improved imagination and creativity, and increase nurturing relationships with their caregivers. Sign up your child today at www.sonomacf.org/scil! You can also donate to help support this amazing program. Because of generous support from a variety of organizations, it only costs about $13 per year for a child to get a free book every month. Donate $65 and you can fund 5 years of books for a child!!

Host Michelle Marques talks with Jill Davidson, Executive Director of Plumfield Academy, a therapeutic school in Sonoma County. Jill shares the history of the school, which is celebrating it's 60th year in 2024, as well as the role a therapeutic school plays in our educational system. Instruction is integrated with therapy to help students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Plumfield Academy serves about 30 students each year, and they are expanding with a new early elementary building that will include two classrooms as well as a playground just for the younger students. Parents and students do not pay for tuition at Plumfield, rather that is funded by school districts, as well as donations from community members and grants. You can learn more and support Plumfield Academy online at plumfieldacademy.net.

Host Michelle Marques talks with Ted Ritchie, President of the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, about the upcoming two day event at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Come see two dozen hot air balloons at the Classic, including some lit up before dawn at 5am on Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14th, and take your turn on a tethered ride. Weather permitting, the balloons will take off from the field during the main launch at about 6:30am each day. Volunteer for the event and make memories of a lifetime! Tickets are available online at schabc.org

Host Michelle Marques chats with Karissa Kruse, President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos, about a very exciting opportunity for vineyard ag workers in Sonoma County. Members of the third class of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Leadership Academy will be heading to Washington, D.C. to attend the Congressional Wine Caucus as guests of Congressman Mike Thompson in June! Their flights are taken care of by Alaska Airlines, and the Foundation will cover expenses for hotels, food, and tours while in our nation's capitol. For many, this will be their first trip to Washington D.C., and for some, this will be their first time on an airplane. If you would like to help cover costs of their trip, click here to donate. Last year, the first two classes were treated to this experience, and it was a highlight for all involved. Vineyard workers got to meet lawmakers who make policy that impacts their lives, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. They were proud to present wines to the bi-partisan Wine Caucus that contained the grapes they grew, tended, and harvested. The Leadership Academy provides skills that go beyond farming, including leadership skills, public speaking, financial literacy and more. Graduates of the Leadership Academy gain so much from their experience, including promotions at their current positions, networking with other ag workers, and increased confidence in all aspects of life.

Host Michelle Marques talks with Grammy-nominated musician Andre Thierry about the 2nd Annual Kreole and Krawfish CommUNITY Gathering happening at the SOMO Village Event Center on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 6pm. The event features live music from multiple bands, delicious food (crawfish boil, gumbo, fried chicken and MUCH MORE!), a full bar, dancing, a kids area, and family fun. Proceeds benefit a musical education program called "Are You Ready To Learn" that introduces children to musical instruments and the rich cultural impact of Zydeco music. Tickets are available now at kreolekrawfish.com

Host Michelle Marques talks with Josh Perucchi, President of the board for the 51st Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th, 2024. This event is great for the whole family and features live music each day, including headliners Petty Theft and The Unauthorized Rolling Stones! Check out the blessing of the fleet, crafts, non-profits, kids activities, the wooden boat challenge, public safety demos, wine and beer, and of course great seafood! Proceeds support local non-profits and schools. Learn more and get your tickets today at bbfishfest.org

Host Michelle Marques talks with artists Mary Vaughan and Rachel DuFour about their Earth Day themed art show called "Ode to the Earth, Duo Show" which is up for the next two weekends, April 13-14, and April 20-21, 2024 at the Backstreet Gallery in Santa Rosa. There is no fee to see this show. In this conversation, we chat about inspiration, the way nature and nostalgia inform the artwork, the artist process, and what it means to collaborate as artists. There will be a moment of silence on the last day of the exhibit at 3pm, in honor of the Earth. You can preview pieces and learn more about the artists at Mary's website: maryvaughan.com Backstreet Gallery down Art Alley off of 312 South A in Santa Rosa April 13th-14th, and April 20th-21st from 11am to 4pm each day

Host Michelle Marques talks with Bridget Palmer, Executive Director of A Theater for Children. This volunteer program produces three theater productions each year, featuring actors up to the age of 18, and each show is designed for young children up to the age of about 10 years old. The next show is Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. with 8 performances from April 26th through May 5th at Kid Street Charter School located at 709 Davis Street in Santa Rosa. Performances will feature a mural with audience interaction before the show, and audience members are encouraged to dress up in their mermaid/sea creature best! The show features environmental themes, and Bridget says this is a great way to work Earth Day into the experience. Get tickets and learn more at atheaterforchildren.com

Host Michelle Marques talks with Tyra Benoit, volunteer with Climate Action Healdsburg, about the upcoming free Healdsburg Climate Fest on Sunday, April 21st in the Plaza from noon to 6pm. The second annual event includes lots of great solutions and ideas to combat climate change on a local level, as well as ways to work on a larger scale to support policy change. There will be booths, children's activities, free cookies, food and drink for purchase, an innovative balloon demonstration, a transit fair with alternate modes of transportation, and a free concert from 4:30 to 6pm to end the event, featuring Rocio, La Dama de La Cumbia. Sponsors include Enso Village, Recology Sonoma Marin, the City of Healdsburg and other community organizations. Learn more at climateactionhealdsburg.org

Host Michelle Marques talks with Andrew Bailey, Founder and CEO of Anova Center for Education in Santa Rosa. Anova is a school serving students on the autism spectrum. In October 2017, the Tubbs Fire swept through large portions of Sonoma County, destroying thousands of structures, including the Anova campus at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. A capital campaign was started in 2019 to rebuild a new center, with over half of the funds collected so far. They have an additional $9-million to $10-million to raise to complete the project. The new campus will serve as a national model for educational and behavioral innovation.  You can support their efforts by visiting rebuildanaova.org