The Buzz: Local businesses and clubs help out non-profits, and more

Capri Creek Walking Trail gets pair of benches courtesy of Petaluma Valley Rotary Club: On Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Day! - several members of the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club completed the installation of two brand new benches in the Glenbrook Park area, on the walking trail along Capri Creek, between Sonoma Mountain Parkway and Maria Dr. According to Juli Lederhaus, she’d noticed people with walkers, and families with small children, all walking along the trail, with few resting places. Upon suggesting the idea of a bench to former president Jim O’Grady, the idea was approved, and by the time Jennifer Carter became the chapter’s president, the plan had expanded to two benches.

“So now the trail has two stops along the way, donated by Petaluma Valley Rotary Club,” says Lederhaus. The “heavy lifting” part of the installation, she explains, was done by Environmental Dynamics Construction, and a team of Rotarians who sanded the wood, and installed appropriate signage.

Una Vida to celebrate Dominican Republic Independence Day at Lagunitas: Petaluma’s Una Vida - providing eye-opening travel opportunities for locals while helping out impoverished families in rural Domincan Republic and Haiti - will be holding its fourth annual fundraising events at Lagunitas Brewing Co. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Founded by Petaluma’s Lynne Moquete, Una Vida encourages cross-country exchanges through educational trips to the Dominican Republic. The fundraiser will include dinner from El Coqui, dessert from Three Twins ice cream, live music, and themed raffle items. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets are available through the website at una-vida.org.

Petaluma Sons in Retirement seeking new members: Formed 60 years ago as a social organization for retired and semi-retired men, Sons in Retirement (SIR) has more than 120 branches across California. The Petaluma branch (number 147) is currently open to new members, who will be able to participate in the group’s regular events, including trips, golf days, and monthly lunches that include guest speakers. There are no dues or initiation fees for membership, and lunches take place the second Tuesday of each month at the Elks Lodge. To learn more, visit Sirinc2.org/branch/147. To attend a lunch, either tag along with an existing member, or call Mike Burwen at (707) 658-2844.

Local organizations receive big donations from businesses: Petaluma’s Mentor Me has received a donation of $25,000 from Hefferman Insurance Brokers. According to Andy McMahon of Hefferman, the handing over of the check took place Friday, Feb. 16. He says that, though Mentor Me was aware of the Hefferman donation, the amount was a total surprise. Elsewhere in the area, Dunkin’ Donuts - which recently had the grand opening of a new store in Petaluma - has said ‘Hello’ to Sonoma County with a check for $12,500 to the Redwood Food Bank, to support thr organizations’ child hunger food programs. The donation was part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which regularly assists charitable programs in the areas it operates stores in.

(Got a suggestion of an item for the BUZZ? Drop a line to David at david.templeton@arguscourier.com)