The Buzz

Avatar sighting: Following up on our recent story about new businesses opening in Petaluma, The Buzz would be remiss if we didn’t tell you about one that snuck by us.

Avatar sighting: Following up on our recent story about new businesses opening in Petaluma, The Buzz would be remiss if we didn’t tell you about one that snuck by us. If you were a customer at the now-defunct Hansel RV Service Center, then you’ve met Patrick Johnson, a virtual rock star to local RV owners. After 11 years with Hansel, Johnson has opened his own business, R.V. Pat’s, at 884 Bodega Ave., next to Scotty’s Market. The 4,700-square-foot space has been vacant for several years, but back in the day, Gilardi’s Liquor and Sport Shop served as a liquor store in “American Graffiti.” Johnson and Fred Stark, who will be the store’s manager, are still in the midst of construction, but Johnson says, “We’re the last stop before Bodega Bay. We’ve had lots of local ranchers and neighbors stop in to welcome us and tell us we’re really filling a void.” RV Pat’s will be a mecca for parts, service and supplies for RVs as well as for marine equipment — and will even stock pail-and-shovel sets for the kiddies and inflatable boats for kids and adults. With Johnson’s avatar on the sign out front, you can’t miss it. “But,” he says, “some folks say I look like one of the Super Mario Brothers!” Yeah, but which one — Mario Mario or Luigi Mario?

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Climbing to the top for teens: Former Petaluma coach and mentor Amy O’Connell is preparing to climb Washington’s Mount Rainier in an effort to raise money for at-risk urban teens. O’Connell will join nine other outdoor enthusiasts for the Aug. 18 climb for “Summit for Someone,” an all-women’s fund-raiser to support Big City Mountaineers, a summer backpacking program for inner-city teens. The climbers will reach the 14,410-foot summit in three days after having trained for months beforehand. The actual journey starts months in advance when the climbers start training and raising the $3,500 required fund-raising minimum. To help O’Connell reach her goal, residents can make a donation directly to her online donation page at www.summitforsomeone.org.

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Casa Grande student joins All-State Honor Band: Bass clarinet player Emily Sherman, a senior at Casa Grande High School, has been selected through audition to participate in the 2010 California All-State Honor Band. The band will be performing at the California Band Directors Association’s annual convention in Fresno Feb. 18-21, and at the California Association for Music Education annual conference in Sacramento March 11-13. Sherman is one of 1,500 students from schools throughout the state who auditioned to participate in the 2010 All-Star Band. She is currently a member of the Casa Grande High School Symphonic Band and Varsity Jazz Bands.

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Honoring their elders: Corona Creek Elementary School fifth-grade students have been busily studying heritage as part of their language arts curriculum, which has also included learning about their own family heritage. The students recently wrote biographies about a grandparent, elderly relative or friend and have invited that person to attend a Grandparent Tea at the school on Friday, Feb. 5. At the tea, each visitor will be introduced as each student reads that person’s biography. According to Corona Creek principal Scott Mahoney, visitors attending the tea are coming from as far away as San Diego, Oregon and Mexico.

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Local store “reinvents” itself: For the last few weeks, the front windows of Jungle Vibes, a downtown store, have been covered with black-and-white signs that read, “Public Notice/ Reinvention.” People have asked owner Wayne Morgenthaler if he is closing the store. “Why, no,” he says. “It’s being reinvented with a music/workshop room and cafe adjoining a kids’ play area. Help is here from our new partner, Will Mendoza, owner of Lala’s Creamery and Dimensions Gallery, and his construction crew.” Mendoza’s daughter, Angela, even created a window full of toys. The store is located at 136 Petaluma Blvd. North.

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