The Buzz

Just ducky: Kids in the Petaluma recreation department’s Tiny Tots program have been spellbound by an unusual sight at the Community Center.

About three weeks ago, a couple of baby pigeons fell from the room of the building into an interior courtyard — where a momma duck was already tending her young. One of the baby pigeons survived and was taken in by the duck family, Recreation Supervisor Jan Mandrell said. “The duck would rest its head on top of the pigeon’s and they laid side by side,” she recounted. The newest member of the feathered family even took to waddling behind momma duck in line with the other ducklings, Mandrell said. Parks department staff provided water to the ducks on hot days and the Tiny Tots kids have brought in food for the birds, she said. “Every day, they checked on them,” she said. A few days ago, workers moved the family out of the courtyard to the fenced duck sanctuary adjacent to the Lucchesi Park pond, where food and water is plentiful.

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Another role for Gabe: Petaluma native Gabriel Sunday has been getting rave reviews for his leading role in the film “My Suicide,” which has won awards for him and screenwriter Eric Adams of Penngrove at major film festivals this year. The film is not in general release yet, but another film featuring Sunday in a smaller role will be soon. His parents, Michael and Laura Sunday, were in for a surprise when they tuned in “Saturday Night Live” last week. “Michael and I were shocked to see Gabe on the trailer for ‘Year One’ on SNL, and now we hear it’s the trailer seen in the movie theaters,” Laura said. “Year One” is a Harold Ramis/Judd Apatow film starring Jack Black and Michael Cera. “Gabe plays Seth, who looks up from the dinner table at Harold Ramis and says ‘Papa?’ right at the end,” Laura said. “Gabe looks pretty funny in long hair.” “Year One” opens on June 18.

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Retiring teachers: Valley Vista Elementary School’s Monday morning sing-alongs won’t be the same without John Trott and Dennis Aaseth. Both teachers are retiring at the end of this school year. They have taught at the school for a combined 45 years — Trott for 15 years and Aaseth 30 years. Trott on piano and Aaseth on vocals have led the school children in Monday morning sing-alongs for many years. The two were honored at a reception and roast at Latitudes restaurant in Rohnert Park on May 14, attended by nearly 100 current and former teachers, friends and family members.

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A dog’s best friend: Petaluma resident Joyce Tischler, co-founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, is featured in the June edition of Oprah magazine for an act of compassion. In 2005, more than 300 abused dogs were rescued from the North Carolina home of animal hoarders Barbara and Robert Woodley. Tischler is one of four women who have opened their homes to one of the rescued dogs, a Boston Terrier named Edgar. A slideshow featuring Tischler and Edgar’s story can be viewed at www.oprah.com.

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Trying to save money? Petaluma writer Lisa Mann has started a Web site to help Sonoma County residents get out and about on the cheap. The site features up-to-the-minute information on freebies, discounts and deals specific to Sonoma County. “Everyone — including me — is looking for deals right now,” said Mann. “And they’re out there. I’m just trying to make it easy for people to find them.” To check out the new Web site, visit www.sonomaonthe cheap.com.

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