Parenting blog, broker tours resume, giveaways and more

Going big: Sharon Ivanoff’s Reclaimed Antiques at 19618 Eighth St. E. is expanding. “We’ve outgrown our space and are taking out an empty warehouse next door that is twice the size,” said Ivanoff, who also runs an estate sale business in Sonoma. After a few repairs and some paint, Ivanoff hopes to open in the new 4,000-square-foot space at 19678 Eighth St. E. next month. Her current space, which is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), will be a thrift shop. sonomareclaimed.com.

Parenting blog: Just in time for Father’s Day, writer Jay Rooke is launching a new parents Facebook page called “Gonzo Parenting: Finding the Comedy in the Chaos.” Members get access to “comedic and cathartic” stories and videos from Rooke about parenting; an opportunity to share their own stories within the community; competitions to win special prizes and more. It’s a “friendly, entertaining community of like-minded parents,” said Rooke. Up next for Rooke is a Gonzo Parenting Podcast and “Gonzo Parenting, the Book” coming out this fall. gonzoparenting.com.

Masks: While the lifting of the California mask mandate on June 15 means that masks are no longer required by state health authorities, each business in Sonoma is making its own decision about mask wearing ‒ and that decision is subject to change at any time. Local businesses seem to be testing the waters so check signage as you enter any establishment.

Theater ears: The new Theater Ears app enables moviegoers to bring their own headphones to hear a movie in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and Chinese. It only is available with some films ‒ right now it is available with “In the Heights.” You download the app at the Apple or Google store and sync it to the film once you are in the theater. theaterears.com.

Renovating: Happy Nails Salon on Fifth Street West near Community Yoga closed briefly this week for renovations. 569 Fifth St W.

Hanson news: The Hanson of Sonoma distillery is pouring its limited release American single-malt whiskey and offering wood-fired pizzas on the weekends. Hanson also offers a DIY Old Fashioned cocktail kit for purchase. The distillery is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day and reservations are recommended. 22985 Burndale Road.

Anniversary: In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Friedman’s Home Improvement is kicking off a charitable in-store promotion. All four stores, including Sonoma, will participate in the “Green Ticket” giveaway June 19 - 20. All customers 18 and older visiting the store will receive a Green Ticket, which when scratched will reveal prizes like a $50 gift card to local restaurants selected by input from community members, in-store Friedman’s discounts or helpful items like tape measures and lanterns. 1360 Broadway.

Auction success: The 25th annual Napa Valley wine auction raised $2.7 million last week. It was held partly in person and virtually. But Napa Valley Vintners have done away with the auction in coming years, and plan new year-round philanthropic fundraising events instead.

Real estate: The tradition of weekly broker tours ‒ the gathering of area real estate agents to check out the week’s new listings ‒ resumed last Thursday morning. Learn more at northbayrealtors.org.

Honor: The Epicurean Connection has been awarded the Slow Food Snail of Approval, the first place in Sonoma Valley to be recognized. The award is given to restaurants, farms, ranches, fisheries, cafes, bars, food trucks, breweries, wineries, caterers and food producers who are pursuing and practicing “slow food” values, based on evaluations. Owner Sheana Davis went through a two-hour interview, evaluation of vendor lists, menus, business principles and values along with a taste of a menu item. slowfoodusa.org. 19670 Eighth St. E.

Cogir hits the road: Cogir Senior Living in Sonoma is inviting the community to a free car show and open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 19. There will be live music, food, cars and a raffle. 800 Oregon St.

New job: Former Sonoma Valley Unified Superintendent Socorro Shiels has been appointed as the City of Santa Rosa’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Learn more at srcity.org.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.