The Buzz: Geese play ball, Sidewalk Talk is not cheap in downtown Petaluma

News, notes and tidbits from in and around Petaluma|

Who brought the ball? Geese find summertime fun at business-park: One of the unique (and somewhat odd) elements of the modern day business park is the presence of playing fields for the workers, commonly in the form of basketball and volleyball courts. When such a facility also boasts a pond with fountains and waterfalls, it’s no surprise that recreation-minded wildlife will be found hanging out there on occasion. That’s what a flock of Canada Geese has done this summer, at the sprawling office park at 5341 Old Redwood Highway, at the junction of Redwood Way. On a recent morning, the garrulous geese appeared to be waiting for a volleyball game to begin while foraging for snacks under the net on the sandy ball court. Perhaps the birds were just waiting for the visiting team from Shollenberger Park to arrive. Or maybe someone had just called a “fowl.” At any rate, the entertainingly laidback loiterers have proved to be a daily delight for those who work in the nearby offices. Lunchtime pick-up game, anyone? The geese are clearly ready to play.

Sidewalk Talk seeking help ($53 a month, to be specific) to pay for a City permit for listening events: Marie Carlson’s hand-made signs might say “Free listening,” but “free” only applies to the people who sit down to speak their minds as part of the monthly Sidewalk Talk “listening events,” which Carlson been organizing (in downtown’s Putnam Plaza) since March. Part of a national movement started in San Francisco, Sidewalk Talk now has similar events all over the world, and Carlson says it’s been “a privilege and a joy,” for her and her team of trained volunteers. She’s now asking for help in paying the $53 permit fee required by the City of Petaluma to set up lawn chairs in the plaza for four hours (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), on the second Saturday of every month.

Passersby wishing to chat tell a story, share their feelings or test out some new ideas can do so with a volunteer trained in the art of active listening. For some, Carlson says, just knowing that they’re being carefully heard for 10 minutes or so has been a life-changing experience for those taking a chance to sit down and talk. She and her crew would like to keep it going, but that $53 a month is adding up.

“I desperately need to get some sponsors,” she says. “I just got a $159 bill from the City for this past Saturday and our August and September” events.

Carlson has now set up a funding site through an online organization called FlipCause. Those wishing to support Petaluma’s Sidewalk Talk events can visit: Flipcause.com/index.php/secure/donate/MTA0OTI and make a donation. Once on the site, after selecting a donation amount and hitting “continue,” click the drop-down menu and select “Marie Carlson,” then follow the prompts. In the “Message of Support” box, include the words “Petaluma CA, Marie Carlson.”

Carlson says she hopes to expand Sidewalk Talk in the future, perhaps taking it to some of the local Farmers Markets.

“I am interested in that as an end,” says Carlson, “but really want to continue doing this where we are as well.”

(Got a good idea for a BUZZ item? Drop a line to Community Editor David Templeton at david.templeton@arguscourier.com)

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