The Current

October 2009
From the Desk of...Debra De Graw, CEO
As many of you may remember the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosted two Fam Tours (Famil-
iarization Tours) for travel writers during this past spring and summer. Publicist Bruce Lewis and Chamber Visitor Services staff
member Janice Littrell, worked tirelessly to coordinate schedules, lodging, dining, and attractions for the writers. Sometimes it
takes months or a year before a writer has the opportunity to publish an article using the experiences they had in a story. In up-
coming Enews we will feature a complete list of links to all the articles that have been published. We encourge everyone to check
out the articles.

Bruce Erickson of Mendocino Solar, Ruth of
Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream parlor, Maggie
of Mendocino Solar present Rusty Faust of
KOZT with his drawing prize.
Ruth Rosenblum, Maggie Watsib , Alena Guest,
and Bruce Erickson at the Mixer at Frankie’s Pizza
& Ice Cream Parlor.
Robert Pinoli of the Skunk Train is presented
with his prize by Bruce Erickson of Mendo-
cino Solar.

Who Is That Masked Man or Woman? by Bruce Lewis

If you’re a small business, you’ve got to get personal.
Whether I’m visiting a website, a restaurant, or a bed and breakfast – any small business -- I want to know who owns it and why.
Tell me back-story. Is it a family operation? Are you a first-generation entrepreneur or a fifth generation? Was your business
handed down to is your story of an up-by-the-boot straps struggle? Did it start as a hobby? Too often, good people offer good
products and services on the Mendocino Coast, but we never get to know them. A small business in particular can use this per-
sonal approach to set themselves apart of their bigger, faceless competition. How do you do that? if you run a restaurant, include
a write-up on your menu. if your house specialty is a old family recipe, say so, and include the recipe. If you’re garden store, offer
personal tips and lectures on gardening; let people know that you’ve got a Ph.D. in botany. Business is all about relationships. To
boost your business, above all else, make it personal.

Ambassadors Lynn Bell and Diana Scholl assisting new own- Ericia Carlson of Ferrellgas with Vicky Watts and
ers of the Andiron, Scott & Madeline Connelly along with Danny Pevehouse also of Ferrellgas.
CEO Debra De Graw and Ambassador Ray Alarcon.
Welcome New Members Page 2 • October 2009

Larissa Maness Photobooth

Larissa Maness
401 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg, Ca. 962-0555
Create lasting memories by taking your photo in the Photo-
booth located at the Fort Bragg Depot Mall & Train Museum.
Six poses per sitting in your choice of black & white or color!
Amazing photo clarity! Affordable price! Fast developing
time! Fun for everyone! For additional photobooth informa-
tion please contact Maness Photography Old Time Studio.
Ericia Carlson with Vicky Watts as she won her patio heater
at the Ferrellgas Ribbon Cutting along with Danny Peve-
house of Ferrellgas also.

Mendocino Coast Tackle & Sport

John Gebers
32450 N. Harbor Dr.
Fort Bragg, CA 85437 964-3710
Located at the Noyo Fishing Center, gateway to the North
Harbor. Merchantile incldes tackle, nautical gifts, ice, snacks,
fishing license & dive accessories. Hobie Kayak sales and re-
tals as well as Party Boat Charters here.

PROFIT 
Peters Painting
If something is missing in your 
business, I can help.  Rates for Chamber Members
Kathie Ittel  Commercial or Residential
Certified Business Coach
Ask for Lloyd Peters
CALL 937‐3165 (707) 513-6276
CA Lic# 882523
Calendar of Events October
Ongoing Events
Chocolate Sampling
Stop by Mendocino Chocolate Company in Fort Bragg
(10-5:30) or Mendocino (11-5:30) for free tastes of our
Truffles, Originals or Fudge. 250 N Main St in Fort Bragg
or Ukiah Street east of Lansing in Mendocino 707-964-
8800 (10-5:30) http://www.mendocino-chocolate.com
Free Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
Come in and enjoy complimentary wine & olive oil tast-
ings every day from 12PM - 4PM...come back later for din-
ner and save 10% off your entire meal. The Restaurant at Ste-
venswood 707.937.2810 http://www stevenswood.com
Karaoke Night
Every Thursday & Saturday Night at TW’s Grille & Bar.
www.twfortbragg.com
Oct. 1
Mendocino Art Center’s Gallery Exhibits
Exhibits include Sue Siskin, “My Life Adventure in Paint-
ing: 1951 to 2009”; Jacquelyn Hewitt, Oil Pastel Paintings
& Mixed Media Clothing; and the Monday Morning Painters’
Plein Air Paintings. 2nd Saturday Artists Reception, Septem-
ber 12, 5 pm to 8 pm. Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little
Lake Street, Mendocino 707-937-5818, ext. 10 or 800-
653-3328, ext. 10 http://www.MendocinoArtCenter.org
Family Histories: Do It Yourself
A class in conducting oral histories with relatives and friends.
The instructor is Jim Culp, who has conducted hundreds
of oral interviews. C.V.Starr Aquatic Center 964-9446
Oct. 1 - 25
MTC Presents Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice”
Directed by Steve Siler, 45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino
937-4477 www.mendocinotheatre.org
Oct. 2 - 31
Mariko Irie’s 20 Years
Retrosperctive/ Farewell. Printmaking, Watercolor Paintings,
Oli paintings. First Friday Reception Oct. 2, 5-8pm. North-
coast Artists Gallery, 362 N. Main St., Fort Bragg 964-8266
http://www.mariko-irie.com or www.northcoastartists.org
Oct. 2 - 31
Reception, Kristin Otwell watercolor and collage
Of Rocks and Leaves” features large scale watercolors of rock faces
and mixed media collages of leaves and grass, along with a hanging
screen of hand-cut leaves. Oct 1st through Nov 2 335 N. Franklin
St., Fort Bragg 707 962-0233
www.partnersgallery.com
Oct. 3
www.MendocinoCoast.com • chamber@mcn.org • Phone: 707.961.6300 • Fax: 707.964.2056
Page 3 • October 2009
MAPA Abalone Festival & Cook-Off
balone Cook-Off Judging Tickets available for MAPA members
June 1 @$50. if you wish to join MAPA go to http://www.
mendoparks.org or mapa@mendoparks.org Advance tickets
for non members will be available July 1@ $60. All tickets
after August 1 $75. FREE ENTRY into ABALONE FESTI-
VAL: Enjoy live music, raffle, silent auction and craft fair, ev-
erything except the abalone tasting. Wine, t-shirts and clam
chowder are available for purchase. No reservations needed.
NEEDED: COOKS, EXHIBITORS, VOLUNTEERS DO-
NATIONS OF RAFFLE OR SILENT AUCTION ITEMS.
Mendocino English Country Dance
All dances taught, no partner required, beginners are
encouraged to participate, no special dress required.
Please bring potluck snacks and beverages to share dur-
ing the break. Elizabeth Zekley will be the caller. Cas-
par Community Center, 155051 Caspar Rd. 964-4826
Ancient Current
“Ancient Current”, with musicians Ron Nadeau, David
Brown, Doug Smith, Johnny “Quest” Heubel and Mark
Kline, present an evening of Sound/Music world beat and
fusion for inner healing. Ron Nadeau has a life-long love of
music, but it was riding through a cancer journey that guid-
ed him to take music more seriously as a therapeutic experi-
ence. He started a weekly “improvisational music for healing”
gathering that morphed over time into an intentional study of
Sound/Music Healing, bringing together polished musicians
willing to explore the more subtle bodies of sound to bring
the healing intention to a broader audience. Doors open at
6:30PM. Come early for best seating. Mendocino Commu-
nity High School 937-1732 www.mendocinostories.com
Oct. 5
Fast Track Sea Kayak Instruction
Learn kayak skills to explore the waterways of the
Mendocino Coast and beyond. Personalized instruc-
tion from professional kayak instructors will put you
on the fast track to realizing your kayaking goals.
Noyo River and Fort Bragg Coast 962-1623 www.liquidfu-
sionkayaking.com
Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden Staff Led Gar-
den Tours
oin staff lead garden tours the first Monday of the month for
an informative walk through the Gardens! Sometimes its Rho-
dodendrons, sometimes birds, sometimes mushrooms, always
fascinating and free w/ admission. Mendocino Coast Botani-
cal Garden, 18220 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg 964-4352
Oct. 8
Family Histories: Do It Yourself
A class in conducting oral histories with relatives and friends.
The instructor is Jim Culp, who has conducted hundreds
of oral interviews. C.V.Starr Aquatic Center 964-9446
Calendar continued on page four...
Calendar of Events October Continued
Oct. 10
Roederer Winemaker Dinner at The Mendocino Ho-
tel
October 10, 2009: Roederer Winemaker Dinner at the Mendo-
cino Hotel, featuring Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich from Roederer
and Executive Chef Joe Brown from the Mendocino Hotel. $95/
person plus tax and gratuity. Special room rates during this event.
See the menu and room discount information here on our website.
The Mendocino Hotel, 45080 Main Street, Mendocino CA. 95460
707-937-0511 or 1-800-548-0513 www.mendocinohotel.com
2nd Saturday Gallery Openings
Galleries in Mendocino & Little River have receptions for their
new shows each month. Enjoy meeting local artists from 5-7 pm.
Oct. 11
Noyo Dog Paddle
People and their pups are paddling up the lazy Noyo river Sunday
Oct 11th as a fund raiser for MCDOG’s Project Groundcover. Jeff
and Cate of Liquid Fusion Kayaking are hosting the ‘Dog Paddle’ as
a benefit for MCDOG’s project to grow groundcover that can stand
up to the heavy dog park usage. A $20 donation per seat gets you
and your pup a 30-45 minute Dog Paddle in a tandem sea kayak on
the Noyo River. The fun starts at the Dolphin Isle Marina, 32399
Basin St, Fort Bragg, just a mile from the Pacific Ocean. Dog Paddles
start at 1 and go until 3 pm, but come early to enjoy lunch at the ma-
rina’s deli, and hang out on the deck with other dog-loving people
and their four-legged friends. The number of Dog Paddle seats are
limited so chances are good they’ll sell-out - register early to save
your spot! Contact Liquid Fusion at (707) 962-1623 to register, or
learn more about the Dog Paddle. www.liquidfusionkayaking.com
William Feasley, Guitar
Sunday October 11. 2009 at 4pm. $20 advance, $5
more day of performance, if available. Youth 7-17
free Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road, Gualala
884-1138 www.gualalaarts.org
Oct. 24 - 25
Skunk 11 Spookfest Soccer Tournament
64 teams will be playing on the Coast this weekend Fort Bragg /
Mendocino 961-1123 www.mendocoastsoccer.org
October 24
Mendonesian Jazz Quartet
The Mendonesian Jazz Quartet will be featured on Saturday, Oc-
tober 24. This Mendocino Stories & Music series event will be
held at the Mendocino Hotel, starting at 7:30PM. Join founding
Page 4 • October 2009
memberLynn Kiesewetter on piano and vocals, Bing York
on drums and guitar, Laura Maione, string bass and Fran-
cis Vanek, sax. Special guests include Marcia Sloane, Pattie
DeMatteo and others. Bistro menu and drinks; doors open
at 6:30PM. Sliding scale $10 - 15. 937-1732 orwww.men-
docinostories.com.
Harvest Festival
Carnival style games, great food and lots of fun at this won-
derful event that supports Redwood Elementary School!
Oct. 25
Fourth Sunday Breakfast
he fourth Sunday breakfast at the Caspar Commu-
nity Center serves country gourmet, organic and lo-
cal foods in a friendly atmoshere with live music. The
monthly breakfast is a benefit for the Caspar Commu-
nity Center. Info at 707.964.4997 or caspar@mcn.org.
October 30
“Twas the Night Before Halloween”
Mendocino Stories & Music series presents “Twas the Night
Before Halloween” in the Mendocino Hotel Garden Room
on Friday, October 30 at 7:30PM. Holly Tannen and Judy
Stavely celebrate the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Sam-
hain with funny and mysterious songs, spooky stories, and
fiddle tunes. Come in costume if you like. Special Guest:
7,8,9. Bistro menu and drinks; doors open at 6PM. Sliding
scale $10 - 15. 937-1732 or www.mendocinostories.com.
October 31
Music by The “Safe Sax” Swingtet
Join the Mendocino Stories & Music series on Halloween
night at the Hill House of Mendocino.Come in costume, or
not! Music by The “Safe Sax” Swingtet, a seven piece swing
band. The band’s line up of four saxophones plus guitar, bass
and drums, gives the band a light, but hard swinging sound,
perfect for dancing and listening, starting at 8:30PM. Bis-
tro menu and drinks; doors open at7:30PM. Sliding scale
$10 - 15. 937-1732 or www.mendocinostories.com.
Oct. 31
Symphony Of The Redwoods Fall Concert
Presenting Dvorak, Carnival Overture, Op. 92 and Grieg,
Piano Concert in A Minor, Op. 16, starring soloist Richard
Cionco on piano. Also, the Shostakovich Symphony #9 in
Eb Major, Op.70 Fort Bragg Cotton Auditorium 964-
0898 www.symphonyoftheredwoods.org
What’s the Chamber Up To? Page 5 • October 2009

12@12 Brown Bag Lunch session Newsletter Inserts

“Understanding your Financial State-
ment and how it relates to the health of
your business” with Jerry Murphy, CPA
This newsletter keeps you informed about other
members and can be a valuable promotional tool.
Promote a special or upcoming event with a flier.
Space is limited so call 961-6303 to reserve your
space today!

DATE:
Friday, October 30, 2009
11:45 Register and seating
12 noon Session begins
1 pm Session ends
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring your business cards to pass out.
Bring a pad of paper to take notes.
Bring your lunch and a beverage
2010 Mendocino Coast
**Seating is limited and you must call to confirm that we Whale Festival
have a spot for you. Sponsorship Opportunities
Free to Mendocino Coast Chamber Members
$25 for Non-members
• Great Advertising Opportunity
CALL TO RESERVE: • Different levels to choose from
707-961-6300 see the attached flier for details

For more information

contact Amy @ 961-6303

e-News
Weekly electronic updates & events from and for
our Chamber members. 50 word limit, send sub-
missions to chamber2@mcn.org by 4pm every
Tuesday.

North Coast Plumbing, Barbara D. Clark

Heating, & Sheet Metal INC. Broker / Owner

Residential - Commercial
Fort Bragg Realty
Over 150 Years Combined Experience 809 N. Main St.
Fort Bragg, California 95437
161 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Business (707) 961-1111
Fax (707) 964-3402
(707) 964-2783 ~ (707) 964-4127 Website c21fortbraggrealty.com
www.northcoastplumbing.com E-Mail bclark@mcn.org
Contractors License #375855 Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated Office
2004

www.MendocinoCoast.com • chamber@mcn.org • Phone: 707.961.6300 • Fax: 707.964.2056

Ribbon Cutting Sponsored By:

The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce

invites you to attend a Ribbon Cutting at

Mendocino Transit
Authority’s New Bus Stop
DATE: Thursday, October 8, 2009
TIME: 5-7 P.M.
LOCATION: Main St, Mendocino near the Ford House
RSVP: Glenna Blake @ 462-5765 ext. 447
Please join the staff and the Board of the Mendocino Tran-
sit Authoirty for a ribbon cutting and reception to cele-
brate the completion of the Village of Mendocino’s new
bus shelter located at Main Street adjacent to the Ford
House Museum. This charming shelter nestles into its
new location like it had always been there and is the grand
culmination of a six year project.
Immediately after the Ribbon Cutting, join us for a recep-
tion, food and beverages at the Ford House Musum. Ca-
tering provided by Karina’s Catering. There will be door
prizes and bus passes given away.

Don’t Forget You Business Cards!

 Chamber Mixer

The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce

Invites you to attend a Chamber Mixer at:

Fort Bragg Community

Federal Credit Union
date: Thursday, October 15, 2009
tiMe: 5:00-7:00pm
loCation: 120 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg
RSVP: Jill @ 964-4966
Join us for Oktoberfest! We will be serving Bratwurst, local
mustard, Root Beer floats, and German Chocolate Cupcakes.
The Credit Union concept orginated in Germany during the
mid 1800’s. A group of farmers tired of high prices and outra-
geous interest rates, combined their money to buy supplies and
establish a common pool to borrow from at lower interest rates.
Today “Credit Unions” continue that philosophy with “people
helping people”.
Don’t Forget your Business Cards!

Sponsored By:
Ribbon Cutting

The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce

invites you to attend a Ribbon Cutting at

Edward Jones
New Mendocino Office
DATE: Thursday, October 29, 2009
TIME: 5-7 P.M.
LOCATION: 45020 Ukiah St. Mendocino
RSVP: Kathy Shafsky @ 937-3316
Edward Jones cordially invites you and your family to at-
tend our Grand Opening Celebration for the New Men-
docino Office with new Finacial Advisor Joni Barhight.
Don’t Forget You Business Cards!

Sponsored By:
 North Coast Plumbing,
Heating, & Sheet Metal INC.
Residential - Contractors License
#375855 Commercial

Over 150 Years

Combined Experience

161 North Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

(707) 964-2783 ~ (707) 964-4127

www.northcoastplumbing.com
 Sponsorship Opportunities for the
2010 Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals
MENDOCINO WHALE FESTIVAL: MARCH 6 & 7
FORT BRAGG WHALE FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 & 21

DEADLINE FOR COMMITMENT IS FRIDAY, October 30, 2009

WHALE OF A SPONSOR-$1200:
 Your logo on official Mendocino Whale Festival Wine Tasting Glasses
 Your business logo displayed on:
o Event poster, brochures, and newsletter fliers to promote both festivals
o Signage produced for the events
o Link to your site from the Chamber Whale Web page (www.MendoWhale.com)
 Company logo and name in Chamber newsletter and weekly e-news during February & March
 Includes eight wine glasses with passes to wine tasting at the Mendocino Whale Festival
TROLLEY SPONSOR-$800:
 Signage on the trolley advertises your business name as it travels to various events
 Link to your site from the Chamber Whale Web page (www.MendoWhale.com)
 Company logo and name in Chamber newsletter and weekly e-news during February & March
 Includes four wine glasses with passes for wine tasting at Mendocino Whale Festival, chowder
passes for four at either Fort Bragg or Mendocino Whale Festival, plus Whale Festival tote
GOLD SPONSOR-$800:
 Your business logo displayed on:
o Event poster, brochures, and newsletter fliers to promote both festivals
o Signage produced for the events
o Link to your site from the Chamber Whale Web page (www.MendoWhale.com)
 Company logo and name in Chamber newsletter and weekly e-news during February & March
 Includes four wine glasses with passes for wine tasting at Mendocino Whale Festival, chowder
passes for four at either Fort Bragg or Mendocino Whale Festival, plus Whale Festival tote
SILVER SPONSOR-$500:
 Company name on our event poster and event brochure
 Link to your site from the Chamber Whale Web page (www.MendoWhale.com)
 Company name in Chamber newsletter and weekly e-news during February & March
 Includes four wine glasses with passes for wine tasting at Mendocino Whale Festival

BRONZE SPONSOR-$100:
 Company name on our event poster and event brochure
 Company name in Chamber newsletter and weekly e-news during February & March

Company Name: ________________________ Phone # ________________

Contact: ______________________________ FAX #: ________________

For questions or further information, contact Amy Luce at 707-961-6303 or chamber4@mcn.org. Return
form by FAX at 707-964-2056 or mail to PO Box 1141, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
 DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL
(Dia de los Muertos)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 TO MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Call to artists to create, show (and sell) altars or Dia de los Muertos inspired work
And to businesses and organizations to display art and altars

The third annual Day of the Dead Festival (Dia de los Muertos) is almost here and once again, an altar
trail is a big feature of the festival. This year, we’re hoping to use the online altar trail to drive people
to your studio, gallery, business or wherever else you want to direct them. The altar trail map will be
posted on GoMendo starting October 1 and we will keep updating the map to add more locations as we
receive them.

Altars can be displayed at any time throughout the month of October, but the festival itself runs from
October 22 through November 2. If you are building an altar, please let us know when and where you
plan to display your piece, so we can list you correctly on the map. If you have an altar in need of a
location, or you have a location in need of altars, please let us know and we will try to help you make
creative connections.

Dia de los Muertos is a perfect illustration of the synthesis of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures,
celebrated with a wealth of customs and rituals. For those who love Mexican art and Mexican food,
both of which feature prominently during Dia de los Muertos, this is a celebration you don’t want to
miss.
Currently planned DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL events
(for prices, times and more information see http://www.gomendo.com/showrecord.asp?id=3441)

Oct 10 Migration of the Souls, art opening Oddfellows Hall

Oct 10 Shrine exhibit , opening reception Gualala Art Center
Oct 22 Dead Authors Altar & Display Fort Bragg Library
Oct 22 Community Altar honoring Ocean Life Little River Inn
Oct 22 4 Course Dinner with Frida and Emmy Lou Little River Inn
Oct 24 Kids Calavera Mask Workshop Little River Inn
Oct 25 Fiesta with appetizers and music Beachcomber Motel
Oct 25 Dinner, chocolates, art & open house Company Store
Oct 25 Salsa class and dance party Weller House
Oct 28 Dead author tribute readings Fort Bragg Library
Oct 29 Molé classes and children’s events Stanford Inn
Oct 30 Margarita Contest Little River Inn
Oct 31 Halloween costume contest & street fair Frankie’s
Nov 1 Mariachis, dancing and food Gualala Art Center
Nov 1 Moveable Feast (a progressive dinner) Stanford, Whitegate, Lu’s
Mendocino Hotel & Alegria
Nov 1 Day of the Dead Dinner Caspar Community Center
Nov 2 Day of the Dead Mass St. Anthony’s

Please contact Hilarie Coate & the festival committee at the Little River Inn if you have any questions or want
to update your information on the Altar Trail map. HilarieC@littleriverinn.com or 962-2184
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