Cavity Cove awaits little ghosts and goblins

Countdown to a treasure trove of chocolate coins and seasonal off-street entertainment is on as the annual Cavity Cove extravaganza has already been staged and is set for 10th anniversary Halloween action on the corner of D and 10th streets.

“Over the past 10 years, so much fun has been had and a great deal of creativity has been displayed with the passing parade of costumes,” says Cavity Cove’s philanthropic Captain Jack a.k.a. homeowner Lawrence Cowell, as he continues to build on his pirate-themed decorative arsenal, with sound and light effects for a cause.

“Halloween is a great time for kids and adults as they take a break from everyday lives to become their favorite action hero, movie star or ghoul,” says Cowell. “Yet being homeless most certainly does not top the list of fantasies people wish to live out. Some folks are suffering more than others.”

Cavity Cove will once again host its popular “a filling for a shilling” fundraiser benefitting Committee on the Shelterless, Petaluma’s homeless program and facility. Generous dentists in Petaluma have donated a haul of new toothbrushes to be exchanged for a small donation. In addition to the toothbrush, donors will receive a special treat and a 10th anniversary commemorative photograph in Cavity Cove’s street side “Root Canal” dental office. Stop by with a shilling or two in hand and support a deserving program and spot several new attractions.

Another of my favorite fundraisers for those without permanent housing takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at i Leoni Dining & Culinary Essentials Store at 120 Kentucky St. The store hosts its delicious and visually delightful annual Halloween Cupcake Bakeoff, a baking contest and bake sale in which all of the proceeds are donated to COTS. Register by Friday, Oct. 24, at ileonipetalu ma@gmail.com.

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Holiday shopping season is fast approaching. As we continue our focus on shopping locally, especially when out and about buying gifts, it is a bonus to have plentiful new options around town.

One brand new shopping emporium is Petaluma Home & Garden, located at 516 Petaluma Blvd. South. Owner Alonda O’Kane has elegant and sophisticated wine country taste with an international vibe. She will be carrying in her stylish new store a wide range of home and garden items, including the store’s signature Miele vacuum cleaners. Other items to look for in Petaluma Home & Garden include: French bistro sets, Spanish carryalls, orchids and succulents, ceramics, pillows and table linens. The store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand opening takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25.

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People of Petaluma, passionate about their public and open space, are stepping up to restore central icon, 140-year-old Walnut Park to its former beauty. Petaluma Service Alliance including three local Rotary chapters, Rotary, Petaluma Valley Rotary and Petaluma Sunrise Rotary; Petaluma Host Lions and 7-11 Lions; Kiwanis as well as the Elks Lodge have raised much of the estimated $130,000 needed to replace dangerous and crumbling concrete, landscaping, new benches and repainting of picnic tables.

Though the City of Petaluma, with its limited coffers, is helping with some of the labor, the Petaluma Service Alliance has launched a campaign to sell commemorative bricks, priced from $100 to $300 in three sizes to circle the gazebo in the park.

I for one, plan on a permanent legacy marker for my family in Walnut Park, scene of many a playful hour during the raising of my own three sons.

Commemorative bricks are being sold through the end of October. What a wonderful holiday gift for parents and grandparents or in remembrance of loved ones who have passed. Download order forms at Petalumavalleyrotary.org. or call 695-4694.

(Frances Rivetti’s South County Notebook column appears every two weeks. Her e-mail address is fran cesrivetti@gmail.com.)