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Whistlestop has released the 23rd edition of their Directory of Services for Older Adults in Marin County. The free directory includes topics such as adult day care, companionship, disaster preparedness, financial assistance, health care, home care, insurance information, pet care, recreation, skilled nursing facilities and much more. Since 1954 Whistlestop has provided services, activities and low-cost meals to the community’s older adults and persons with disabilities. Download the guide here, pick one up at 930 Tamalpais Avenue or call 415.456.9062 to find out more.

2 comments March 10th, 2010 at 04:43pm Dan

The Marin Store Sample Sale a Success for All

The first ever sample sale has been deemed a success for The Marin Store. Located in a retail space at Marin Country Mart (formerly known as Larkspur Landing), the happening buzzed with yogis, ladies on their way to or from Cooper Alley hair salon, and adorable mini dancers sporting tutus fresh from class. For a busy seven hours during a welcome burst of winter sun, the “One Day Only” store bustled with more than 500 shoppers browsing the array of locally-made goods ranging from jewelry to PJs to edibles. They sampled Sonoma chocolate (the blue cheese-flavor was a popular choice) and many partook in free organic facials thanks to Stellar Spa. In addition to meeting the artisans and producers in person, shoppers enjoyed generous discounts.

What did the people think?

“TMS Sample Sale was a great experience. We were able to sell shoes, meet customers and market our brand. We will surely include this event on our event calendar moving forward.” Lauren Snider Brandt, Dir. Marketing Communications of ANYI LU

Katheryn Patterson from A Perfect Pear shares her experience. “We were very impressed at how well-organized things were.  It went so smoothly.  It was marketed well so the turnout was good.  Even with discounting our items for the Sample Sale we still made more money that we thought we would.  Going forward we’re going to consider this a new selling market for our company.”

“Thanks to Lora, Tanya and the whole “The Marin Store” team for a great one-day event where we had a chance to talk directly to our customers along with meeting fellow bay area entrepreneurs,” says Bill O’Such of Ineke. “Their organization and venue made it easy to participate and we look forward to future events.”

“The Marin Store Sample Sale exceeded our expectations in both sales and overall experience,” says Megan Papay, founder, Birds of Sausalito. “Our products are such specialty items so it was invaluable to personally see and hear customers reactions.  I would participate every weekend if it were offered!”

“The energy was amazing,” says Michele Johnson, Marin Magazine’s advertising director/ retail specialist for the day. “I was on my feet from 8:30 to 4:00, but had so much fun connecting with the happy shoppers and the talented artisans, that the event seemed more like a party.”

Did you miss it? Not to worry –the next location and date are in the works.

“We’re excited for the next sample sale in May —it gives us the chance to meet and interact with our customers in person, as well as support and promote our Northern California partners. We can’t wait to see what future deals are in store for us all!” says Tanya Zilinskas Naouri merchandising manager for The Marin Store.

Add comment March 10th, 2010 at 11:13am Mimi

Big Island SUP school

I love getting feedback on articles. This time it was from Ian Foo – Chief Eternal Optimist of HYPRNalu, a Stand Up Paddle company on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Despite the company’s local popularity I neglected to mention them in my recent article on Hawai‘i water activities Jump In!

And after spending some time – looking at the youtube links (see below) Foo sent and dreaming about being on a SUP in the brilliant blue water off Kailua, Kona. I knew I needed to share. (Yes that is Denise Richards taking a lesson, which has nothing to do with Marin Magazine -but I couldn’t resist.)

Aloha Mimi,

A friend forwarded an article you wrote about SUP on the Big Island.

We are based in Kona and make the most unique line of Boards and Canoes in the world a cult following in Hawaii. We also offer lessons and rentals to visitors to Big Island with our team of pro-riders. We also take our guests to UNCROWDED and beautiful spots that only our locals know.
You’ll find lots of interesting things on our page and some videos for your entertainment !

Getting used to a new board !

Carbon Veneer Hyprmolded boards
9′6″ Molded

7′7 in HD

View from Shore – Mathieu

8′8″ Stinger

12′6″ HYPRacer

10′0 Bat Tail Paddle CAM view

2010 Preview

If you need anymore info, please call me. Join us on FACEBOOK – Aloha

How did they take this footage? The cameras were from Go Pro out of Half Moon Bay.

1 comment March 9th, 2010 at 03:37pm Mimi

Get Healthy at SenSpa

One of our favorite San Francisco spa’s is hosting a total wellness weekend! March 12-14 Senspa is hosting workshops and guest speakers and providing mini-makeovers, discounts and free products—all the celebrate the grand opening of their Wellness Apothecary!

The spa is only a few minutes over the Golden Gate Bridge plus there’s tons of free parking—so no excuses. Get healthy.

Add comment March 4th, 2010 at 01:35pm Somer

First Annual Punta Sayulita Surf Contest!

Planning on catching waves in Sayulita? One of our favorite Mexico vacation (and second-home) spots (read the article here) is hosting the first annual Punta Sayulita Long Board and Stand-Up Classic for longboard and stand-up paddle surfers.
The competition takes place April 17 & 18 at Sayulita’s central beach break. For more information visit puntasayulitasurfclassic.com

Add comment March 4th, 2010 at 01:22pm Somer

Warning: Cute Dog Alert!

We’re lucky enough to have our very own Kiehl’s store in Corte Madera, but take the short trip across the bridge to make it to this pet adoption and fundraising event.

This Saturday (March 6,2010) from noon to 3 p.m. at Kiehl’s San Francisco (2360 Fillmore in Pacific Heights) the do-gooders at Kiehl’s (hey, these are the same people who also donate each year to the Rainforest Alliance) will not only be presenting a donation to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue program— a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs—but the company is using their San Francisco location to hold a dog adoption.

As if you needed more reason to adopt a furry friend? Each customer who adopts leaves with a Kiehl’s gift box. Your abode doesn’t have room for Fido? Donate $10 or more to Muttville and choose between a gratis Creme de Corps body moisturizer or Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spritz (a no-rinse cleaning product for your pooch!).

Donate to Muttville and receive a free Spray-N-Play cleansing spritz!

Add comment March 4th, 2010 at 12:44pm Somer

Marin Clean Energy: Support or opt out?

Marin Energy Authority and Common Sense Coalition will meet on neutral ground March 11 to discuss the topic of Marin Clean Energy. It will be a great chance for the public to get a balanced viewpoint on this important topic and to ask questions of both sides. Other topics will include an overview of county budget and state crisis impacts and navigating your business through 2010 at this North Bay Business Journal 2010 Impact Marin Conference. Dawn Weisz, interim director of the Marin Energy Authority, will provide an overview of how this program will work to increase use of renewable energy. Former Assemblymember Joe Nation, representing the Common Sense Coaltion, an organization formed in opposition to the MEA’s plan, will outline impacts of such a program, including potential negative financial outcomes and how to opt out of participation.

The event will be held Thursday, March 11 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $39 per person or $390 for a table of 10 and include continental breakfast. To register, contact Linda Perkins at 707.521.5264 or events@busjrnl.com by March 5, or go to NorthBayBusinessJournal.com. Walk-ins the day of the event are welcome.

Add comment March 3rd, 2010 at 03:11pm Dan

Former Marin Magazine Team Member is Big in Japan

Former Marin Magazine intern and assistant stylist Danielle Goodman is making it big in New York and Japan.

Currently, working as an assistant for clothing designer Prabal Gurung (you’ve seen his designs on Demi Moore and splashed across the pages of Vogue, Elle, WWD and Bazaar) Goodman is also designing her own line of shirts called Anomaly Threads. The silkscreened shirts feature original pieces of art created by Goodman. “I think in fashion it’s fun to be an anomaly, I like finding clothes that are a little different from everything else out there,” she says.

Recently, the shirts have been making it big in Japan and just received press in the Japanese fashion newsletter Senken Shimbun.

The Translation: Spicy Imports
A T-Shirt gaining underground interest by New York artist, Danielle Goodman’s handmade Anomaly Threads. Presenting words inspired by the book “100 Words to Make You Sound Smart.” 3 sizes available in mens and ladies, 5700 yen.

Add comment March 3rd, 2010 at 09:33am Somer

Berkeley Wine Festival… coming soon

There’s a first for everything –even a wine festival in Berkeley.  Beginning Friday, March 12, over 50 Napa and Sonoma Valley wines will be showcased at the first annual, two month long Berkeley Wine Festival event consisting of an opening and closing party and eight intimate dinners held at the Claremont . Participating wineries include; Far Niente, Duckhorn Wine Company and Cliff Lede Vineyards. The four course meals will be prepared by Claremont’s executive chef Josh Thomsen who will pair wines with ingredients sourced from the very same winery. Ingredients may include Meyer lemons, oyster mushrooms and crispy fingerling potatoes from Hanzell Winery, lavendar from Far Niente or Frog’s Leap’s own homemade Jack Cheese. Best yet –for those wanting to spend the night, the resort is offering 20 percent off the best available rate (online promotional; wine).

A list of scheduled events is as follows:

Wednesday, March 12, 2010
Grand Opening Reception
Location: Sonoma/Monterey Room, Claremont Hotel
Taste more than 50 distinctive wines, including many featured in this year’s festival dinners, with food pairings of exquisite cuisine
6:30pm, $85 per person

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Far Niente with Larry Maguire
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $140 per person

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Benziger Family Winery with Chris Benziger
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $130 per person

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Frog’s Leap with John Williams
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $130 per person

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Cliff Lede Vineyards with Jack Bittner
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $140 per person

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Duckhorn Wine Company with Dan Duckhorn
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Seminar and Dinner, $160 per person
7:30pm, Dinner only, $130 per person

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Silver Oak Cellars with Daniel Baron
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $165 per person

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Cakebread Cellars with Dennis Cakebread
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Reception and Dinner, $130 per person

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Joseph Phelps Vineyards with Damian Parker
Location: Meritage Private Dining Room, Claremont Hotel
6:30pm, Seminar and Dinner, $185 per person
7:30pm, Dinner only, $155 per person

Friday, May 7, 2010
Closing Reception
Location: Sonoma/Monterey Room, Claremont Hotel
Celebrate your favorite wineries from this year’s festival and get a preview of the 2011 event.  The impressive selection of wines will be accompanied by signature food pairings.
6:30pm, $85 per person

Add comment March 2nd, 2010 at 02:49pm Mimi

Meet the President

Michael Tilson Thomas, Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, was awarded the National Medal of Arts yesterday in a ceremony with President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House. The nation’s highest award for artistic achievement recognizes Tilson’s contributions to American culture. It has been a big year for Tilson, now in his 15th season, and the symphony as they also received three Grammy awards this year. Thomas was nominated by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who said, “Michael Tilson Thomas has brought pride to all San Franciscans as President Obama honors him as a recipient of a National Medal of Arts. Thomas has been a remarkable mentor and supporter to many young artists, and he has educated millions about the joy of music. His tenure at the San Francisco Symphony has been marked by artistic excellence.”

Add comment February 26th, 2010 at 01:04pm Dan