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Calling up Glen Ellen’s spirits of the past

Quick glimpses of things that made me happy this past week … first up would have to be the photos of beautiful Lauren Benward’s dream wedding at her childhood home, Beltane Ranch. Of course, the bride looked stunning, as did her elegant mother, former fashion designer Alexa Benward (how many of you remember her charming little shop above old Shone’s Market?). Lauren’s papa, John, elegant in his blue tartan, was handsome as could be. We must not leave out the groom, Steven Krause and all of his attendants as well as Lauren’s lovely ladies. But we are.

  Among these beautiful folks, the one photo that made my heart sing was of our fire chief Peter Van Fleet – alive and well and conducting the marriage of his daughter’s best friend.

  Yes, our fire chief not only leads his team into danger, but also can marry folks. Who knew? Just one more thing that makes me love our town. We also think the Spirits of the Past (or the Communion of Saints if that’s what gets you through the night) heard Mary Ellen Pleasant’s exclamation of joy as she blessed this blessed couple. Glen Ellen rocks! … Or something like that. 

  My favorite honorary Glen Ellenite of the month has to be Scott Sherman, our sweet Sonoma Valley contrarian. If Scott wasn’t the model (in another life, of course) for Old Saint Nick himself, I don’t know who else could be. (Well, maybe Roger Rhoten, but that’s fodder for a different column.)

  I’ve always admired Scott as an artist. Over the years, he’s framed more of my purchased art than I can count. About 10 years ago, I finally purchased a piece of Scott’s own work, a view of Yosemite, a golden glowing autumn carrying a trace of melancholy that makes me happy.

  Earlier this month, I discovered something new and surprising about Scott. Not only does he frame art and paint art … but he also paints San Francisco icons in a pinch. Scott took his painting skills to San Francisco and saved the day on April 6 (nope not, ’06, though it could have been).

  To collapse this good story into what fits into my allotted column word count would be a shame. Suffice it to say that Scott set history aright all the while looking like a character straight out of Dickens. Honest. Scott tells the story best. Stop by his Broadway shop, The Framery, to hear the whole story. Or, if this link’s still alive, you can watch Scott’s adventure: abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=8626415&syndicate=syndicate&section=.

  Meanwhile, there’s current news in Glen Ellen that you need to know now. The Art House Gallery in town (across from the Village Market) is featuring a show by Dunbar students. This past weekend there were two exciting opening events. One on Saturday evening, adults only, serving up wine and enthusiasm; Sunday’s opening was for families with kid-friendly snacks and even greater enthusiasm.

  The important thing to remember here is our Dunbar students’ art is terrific – you don’t want to miss this show. The kids’ art will be on display at the Art House Gallery for the entire month of May. However, a few selected pieces will be sent back to Dunbar for its open house on May 16, so I suggest you stop in earlier.

  Meanwhile if you’re walking through the regional park and the wind wailing sounds like Tina Turner singing “Proud Mary” it’s only Miz Pleasant blessing us all.

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  Share your good news with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call or write me at 996-5995 or P.O. Box 518, GE 95442. Or email me at reekbottom@earthlink.net Glen Ellen chatter rarely requires timeliness; however, if your news does, please be sure to contact me at least three weeks before the run date.