What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Frida Kahlo, Scottish folk music, mushrooms, music, improv, food drives and more
Community Food Drive
Tuesday, Nov. 18, Nov. 25, and Dec. 16, 10 am to 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol.
Join the Sebastopol Grange in a community-wide effort to help our hungry neighbors. The Sebastopol Grange will be hosting a food drive for Redwood Empire Food Bank, which supplies food directly to residents, as well as supplying food items to smaller food pantries. Please join us in donating food or money so that people in our community have food for their families this fall and beyond. The most needed items are canned tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, rice, pasta, oats, dry beans and low sugar cereal. (No glass, no outdated items.)
Social Service Day
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1:30 pm to 3 pm, at Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Drop in at Sebastopol Regional Library on Tuesday to meet local organizations with public service missions and learn about services, apply for resources, and/or network with Sonoma County providers. Organizations tabling include 211 United Way; Buckelew; Individual and Family Support Network; Legal Aid of Sonoma County; Micah’s Hugs; Mobile Support Team; Nation’s Finest; Secure Families Collaborative; Sonoma MERP (Medical Equipment Recycling Program); West County Community Services; and the West County Health Center. Learn more.
Try out Girl Scouts at Oak Grove Elementary
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 pm to 7 pm, Oak Grove Elementary School (cafeteria), 8760 Bower St., Graton. Free.
Sebastopol families are invited to try out Girl Scouts and learn more about joining or starting a local Girl Scout Troop. Girls will participate in engaging activities while families learn how to join or start a local girl scout troop. This is a great opportunity to explore what Girl Scouts is all about and learn how to get involved. An RSVP is required so the planners can prepare enough supplies and materials. Reserve your spot. Questions? Contact Heather Wilber at hwilber@gsnorcal.org.
Sebastopol City Council meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The council will hear a presentation on Sebastopol World Friends’ Open World delegation presentation. In addition, it will consider whether to award a animal control contract to North Bay Animal Services. Discuss the update of the city of Sebastopol’s revised Emergency Operations Plan. There’s also quite a long consent calendar (11 items), which is always good to keep an eye on. See the agenda and documentation here.
Documentary film: Frida – Viva La Vida
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $21.50.
“Frida: Viva La Vida” is a documentary that highlights the two sides of Frida Kahlo’s spirit: a revolutionary pioneering artist of contemporary feminism, and on the other, a human being tormented by agony and love. Get tickets.
Sonoma County Mycological Association monthly meeting
Thursday, Nov. 20, 5:30 pm to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA) presents Amanda Janney’s “Tales from the Small-Scale Mushroom Farm.” SOMA is a nonprofit dedicated to learning about local mushrooms and fungi, supporting mycological research through scholarships and educating the public about the vast and diverse world of fungi. This event is open to all and free to the public.
Stillness & Story: Conversations on Death
Thursday, Nov 20, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, at Radiate Studio, 961 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. Free.
A complimentary gathering to gently explore the realities of death, dying, and loss through embodied practices, mindful reflection, and shared storytelling. This 90-minute community-inspired event will offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where participants are invited to engage in open-hearted conversations about one of the most universal yet often unspoken aspects of life. This gathering is limited to 19 participants. Only register if you are serious about attending. Reserve your spot.
Stewardship Workday
Thursday, Nov. 20, 9 am to 12 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in the parking lot near the main playground.
Do you enjoy walking in Ragle and are you looking for a way to volunteer? Be a steward of nature and help preserve our parks for generations to come! Work alongside staff removing invasive plants, tending to restoration areas, protecting young plants and installing fences. All tools and supplies are provided by Regional Parks, including gloves, snacks and drinks. Registration required. Register here.
Breabach: Scottish Folk
Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 pm, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $22-$55.
Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative folk acts, Breabach blends deep Highland and Island traditions with the creative energy of Glasgow’s music scene. With 17 years of international touring, six acclaimed albums, and numerous awards to their name, they continue to push boundaries while honoring their roots. Get tickets.
T Sisters
Friday, Nov. 21, 8 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $30.57.
Distinguished by close harmonies, catchy melodies and potent lyricism, the T Sisters have created their own refreshing brew of eclectic folk music. These rising stars of contemporary folk music are celebrating the release of their latest EP titled “Sheroes,” which pays homage to the legendary female performers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Get tickets.
Nature Art Journaling Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 am to 1 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $63.99.
Join local artist and instructor Amanda Ayala for an inspiring workshop on how to transform experiences around the Laguna into art. Walk the grounds of our native plant garden, getting grounded in the beauty of the Laguna, with warm-up sketches to get your creative flow started. You will be encouraged to pull from your memories, emotions and experience to weave together colors, shapes, moods, and personal inspiration to create a one-of-a-kind art journal that reflects your own creativity. Reserve your spot.
Sebastopol Grange Craft Fair
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23, 10 am to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
This free and fun event features over 40 North Bay artisans offering their handmade goods, including jewelry and accessories; soaps, candles, and lotions; wearables and textiles; ceramics and pottery; gifts of all shapes and sizes. Food will be available to purchase, and there will be gift basket raffles to benefit community projects.
Winter Wonderland Artisan Market and Craft Fair
Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 am to 4 pm, at Holy Ghost Society, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. Free.
A magical day featuring local craft vendors, delicious snacks and sweets, and a festive raffle. Free admission and parking so bring the whole family and enjoy the fun. Learn more.
FARTHE AFIELD
The Naked Stage: A Fully Improvised 3-Act Play
Saturday, Nov. 22, 7 pm to 9 pm, at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $25-$35.
The Naked Stage takes place on a single set, in traditional stage-play style, but all the actors have is the bare stage, a simple suggestion from the audience, and each other. The Naked Stage combines narrative longform improvisation with the demands and surprises of traditional theater. This show features performers from the Improv Playhouse of San Francisco. Get tickets.
Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources I use to put this column together.