The Buzz

<p>U.S. Marines Lance Corporal David Schuster, son of former Petaluma High student Mitch Schuster, grandson of former PHS music director John Schuster and great-grandson of former PHS coach Cap Schuster, has just arrived with his Marine unit in Afghanistan.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>His aunt, Anastasia Schuster, says, “We want to send a little P-Town love to his unit of 16 young soldiers in time for Christmas.” Schuster has a list of items the unit could use, including “SPF chapstick, dry soup, coffee and cocoa to mix with hot water, thick athletic socks, candy that won’t melt, stationery and pens, foot powder, eye drops, sunblock, and more.” She adds, “To add a touch of support, we’d like to include note cards and letters of encouragement as well.” Anyone who would like to support these young men may contact Anastasia Schuster at 763.5161 or anastasia@schustersroost.com.</p><p>——</p><p>Salvation Army kettles go high-tech: Are you a social networking butterfly who wants to spread some holiday cheer to the needy? The Salvation Army has introduced a new Online Red Kettle campaign this year that connects to the Facebook platform. Users can add the Red Kettle link to their Facebook page so that friends can click the link and make a donation to the Salvation Army. To learn more about the Online Red Kettle campaign, visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/ork.</p><p>——</p><p>Christmas Cheer’s new location: The all-volunteer Christmas Cheer program will be operating out of a new location at 1310 Redwood Way this year, thanks to the efforts of Marybeth D’Amato of Equity Office Properties. Every year, Christmas Cheer distributes food and new toys to families and seniors who need assistance during the holidays. Christmas Cheer will be open for accepting donations of non-perishable food items beginning Nov. 28. Regular hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 18. Monetary donations are welcome and will go to the purchase of food and toys. In addition, Preferred Sonoma Caterers at 416 East D St. is selling coffee and a cookie for $1, which will go to the purchase of toys for the Christmas Cheer program. For more information about Christmas Cheer, call 763-8368.</p><p>——</p><p>You’re never too old: At the age of 93, Charlotte Birsinger has written her first book, “Five Kids for One Penny,” a tale of her experiences during the Great Depression, family life and colorful times in San Francisco history. She’ll be discussing her book at Copperfield’s in Petaluma at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Birsinger is the mother of longtime Petaluma resident Rob Birsinger.</p><p>——</p><p>Dean’s list for music student: Berklee College of Music student and former Petaluman Hannah Ferber has earned placement on the dean’s list for having a grade point average of 3.4. Located in Boston, Mass., Berklee College of Music prepares students for careers in the music industry.</p><p>——</p><p>Give a gift to a senior: Here is yet another chance to make the holiday season a happier time for someone. Home Instead Senior Care is teaming up with local non-profit agencies, nursing homes and retailers to provide gifts for seniors who are least likely to receive a gift or a visitor during the holidays. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 18, Raley’s super-market in Petaluma will have a Christmas tree on display with ornaments bearing the names of seniors and a suggested gift item. Those interested in participat-ing in the program may select an ornament and purchase the gift. The gift items will be wrapped by Home Instead employees. For more information, contact Lana Fennell at 799-9598.</p><p>——</p><p>Got an item for the Buzz? E-mail it to argus@arguscourier. com. Put “The Buzz” in the subject line.</p>