The Buzz: Corporal Baseman retires, the Chabad Center gets a home, and “Happy Sunday” turns 40

News, notes and tidbits from around Petaluman|

“Happy Sunday” celebrates 40 years: decades ago, a simple family gathering was held at 149 Jeffrey Dr., in Petaluma, the home of Elaine Clever. Present were Susan Wagner, Patty Brownell and Kenneth Weiler. The get-together blossomed into an annual event, drawing more than 45 members of the family and friends to Petaluma every year, always on the first Sunday in March, always at the same house where it all started. On March 4th, 2018, the event that long-ago became known as Happy Sunday celebrated its 40th anniversary. Per tradition, there were games, raffle prizes, food and drink, and themed decorations. Congratulations, and here’s to another 40 years, minimum!

William Baseman retires from Petaluma Police Force: After 23 years of service, Corporal William “Bill” Baseman retired from the Petaluma Police Department on Friday, March 9. He began his career in Jan. of 1995, and served in a variety of positions including patrol officer, bicycle patrol officer, and crisis negotiator. According to a tribute published by the police department, Baseman’s most significant accomplishment was working to bring together mental health and health care providers, social services professionals and law enforcement, to address the needs of vulnerable members of the community. He also helped create the County’s first “Sober Circle” pilot program, assisting those with addiction issues. The BUZZ joins the Petaluma Police Department in wishing Bill Baseman a happy retirement.

Chabad Center to celebrate Grand Opening of new downtown space: “For such a small congregation,” says Rabbi Dovid Bush, of the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, “this is a very, very big step.” After years of serving the community without a dedicated space of its own, holding meetings and events in members’ homes, borrowed rooms, and coffee shops, the Chabad Center will finally be inaugurating its very own brick-and-mortar center this Sunday, March 18, at 11 a.m. “It’s very exciting,” says Bush of the long-in-the-works move, made possible through a major Next Level fundraiser that collected $36,000 in 36 days. The new digs will be raising the organizations budget by an estimated 30 percent, Bush says, but will be worth it to have a space of their own for group events and for counseling meetings and classes. The Grand Opening will feature a band playing Jewish music, snacks including Kosher sushi - “Not an easy thing to come by in Petaluma,” Bush notes - and the installation of a brand new mezuzah at the entrance of the facility. “We hope people do drop by,” says Bush of Sunday’s celebration, to be held at 205 Keller St. Suite 101 (in the same building as Petaluma Community Access), “to see the space, and schmooze and help us celebrate.”

(Got a BUZZ item to suggest? Drop a line to David at david.templeton@arguscourier.com)

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