Tag-Archive for ◊ CHOPS Teen Club ◊

West End & Railroad Square News items
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Wednesday, September 01st, 2010
It’s been years since neighbors first saw that first exciting plan for the SMART rail site. West End neighbors have tirelessly followed the many changes over the many years. Here’s the latest on the SMART site and other items of interest:

SMART Santa Rosa Railroad Square Station site- More changes proposed for the site. Mayor Susan Gorin urges approval as neighbors and other groups state concern. See Press Democrat Story

SMART Santa Rosa Railroad Square Station Site- West End residents and West End Neighborhood Association Board members, Carol Dean & Allen Thomas urge the SMART board to open any meetings, discussions or decision to the public. See Press Democrat The West End thanks Carol and Allen for their leadership and diligent attention to this very complicated, ever changing project.

Gateways Advisory committee- On August 23rd, the City of Santa Rosa Redevelopment Agency Board Appointed seven members to serve on the Gateways Community Advisory Committee. We are proud to announce that 3 members of this committee live in the West End. Congratulations to Jennifer Watson, Carissa Green and Allen Thomas.

CHOP’S TEEN CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- Diana Curtin appointed as Executive Director. Diana was promoted from her position as Program Director where for the past 15 months she has been working under the mentorship of Kay Marquet, former Executive Director. Diana has lead the process of developing a variety of solid programs such as the barista certification, culinary, Chop’s Jam Band, hip hop dance, social dance, sewing and embroidery, ceramics, dog care and agility and much more. The DeMeo Teen Club Inc., more familiarly known as Chop’s Teen Club , got its start with a gracious gift from Charles ‘Chop’ DeMeo in 1995. Its members can drop-into Chop’s after school, on weekends, and over the summer, taking advantage of its extensive resources, which include a tech lounge, gymnasium, climbing wall, art studio, teaching kitchen with espresso station, recording studio and nightclub. Teen members can also attend a variety of special events, including, dances, variety showcases, art galas, movie screenings and much more. Chop’s membership is open to all Santa Rosa teens for $1.00 per year. Fees are charged for additional classes including: art, culinary and barista programs that help to prepare teens for jobs and careers. For information or a tour, visit www.chopsonline.com or call 707.284.CHOP (2467).

Diana Curtin

Diana Curtin

Train Cars on SMART site- They have been a part of this area for so long that many of us don’t even notice them anymore.  A few of us have actually been inside them to see the beautiful rehab job- a labor of love of owner, Wes Vail. We had always hoped that one day they would have a permanent home in Railroad Square but that just didn’t happen. By the end of this month, the train cars will go to their new home, a train museum somewhere in the Eureka area.

The train cars will leave Railroad Square

The train cars will leave Railroad Square

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End Artists & Performers calendar
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Thursday, August 26th, 2010
As always, the West End’s talented folks offer lots of opportunities for entertainment. There’s even a chance for those with “special” talent to perform at the Gong Show.

August 27th, Friday 8:30 p.m.- West Enders Ken Risling and Avery Risling-Sholl will be back at Aroma Roasters. By popular demand, they will be performing their mix of traditional Celtic and American, featuring Avery’s vocals and fiddle and Ken’s award winning original songs. Aroma Roasters Ken Risling video

August 28th, Saturday 8 p.m.- The Blasters & Special guest band Quarter Mile Combo. Americana Rockabilly at it’s best. Quarter Mile Combos features the West End’s own Justin Barr.  Hopmonk Tavern Watch Quarter Mile Combo

Quarter Mile Combo

Quarter Mile Combo

August 28th, Saturday 9:00 p.m.- The return of the Santa Rosa Gong Show- hosted by Kelly Cowan. This is a live version of the T.V. show featuring local talent.  PERFORMERS needed! Do you have an act only your mother could love? Arrive by 8:30 to sign up. Location:  Toad in the Hole

Are you Gong worthy?

Are you Gong worthy?

Every Sunday Night – West End DJ Katie Vrooman has a specialty radio show called  “Great Dames, Vintage Chicks,” a collection of torch singers, big band singers and jazz vocalists from the 1930’s- 1960’s. Katie hand selects all the music from the show and talks about it as well. You can also hear Katie on Monday- Friday during mid-day- But the Sunday night show (10 p.m. to midnight) is about female singers who “carry the torch”. The KRUSH 95.9

CHOP’s Artist Series Video and upcoming event: There is a great link on the Press Democrat of a video of the Chop’s Artist Series that was captured at the Art Gala. Thought we might want to share it with our neighbors, especially those who were unable to attend the Art Gala. Click Here to watch! Also, mark your calendars- Sept 24 from 5-7:00 p.m.,  we will have an “Unveiling Event” for the handcar the teens designed and built to be raced in the Handcar Regatta.  It will be a super fun event!   Diana Curtin, Executive Director, Chop’s Teen Club

Proud West End Mother, Catherine DePrima reports that her son, Marshall Cook is currently filming his first Feature Film Directorial. Marshall not only directed, he also wrote the script and acted in it. It was not too long ago that Marshall, was a young boy on Boyce Street.  For more info on Marshall Cook

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.

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West End Photos of recent events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Sunday, July 25th, 2010
It’s been a busy summer with lots of fun events happening in the West End.

The West End Summer Picnic and BBQ was a friendly and relaxed gathering of friends and neighbors. This year, we  started the event off with our first ever Bicycle Parade. From the Hennepin Crawler to  Todd Barricklow’s Two Penny bicycle to festive, decorated bicycles- it was an exciting of collection self-propelled wheeled objects. For photos of the event, Click Here! Thanks goes to Western Farm for use of their huge BBQ and the hay bales and to Bob Bertolini for always taking good care of us. Guy Dean and Heather Rosales for slaving over the hot grill. Maggie O’Brien, Jennifer Watson and Frank Keene serving as Bicycle Parade safety monitors.

Bike Parade, photo by Ben Rosales

Bike Parade, photo by Ben Rosales

West End Summer Bocce has been a great success in spite of cooler than expected evenings. Last week, La Palmarcito Market treated everyone to their wonderful cerviche and salsa. David Farish, of Krank Boom Clank, amused one and all (but the dogs) with another mutant ride-able sculptures of delight named Murray the Fish. Remember, Bocce is every Friday night at DeMeo Park. For more Bocce photos, CLICK Here!

Murray3

Murray the Fish

CHOP’s Teen Club Summer Art Gala was an impressive collection of teen art and talent. The art displayed was by the Side by Side Professional Art Series which teamed professional artists with teens. The great food was catered by CHOP’S catering crew. It was a enjoyable event and excellent opportunity to see everything CHOP’s offers. For Photos Click Here!

CHOP's Summer Art Gala

CHOP's Summer Art Gala

More West End talent and events next week, all events now listed on calendar.

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July West End & Railroad Square Events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Thursday, July 08th, 2010
One of the benefits of downtown living, is being close to local community events. No need to get in the car- just walk or ride your bike- enjoy these happenings right in your own neighborhood.

West End Summer Bocce Every Friday at 6 p.m. at DeMeo Park. Join your friends and neighbors at beautiful DeMeo Park. Bring food and drinks to share. This is an all age, dog friendly event. To keep the event enjoyable and comfortable for all- please remember to observe Park rules: No glass, dogs on leashes. The West End Neighborhood Association has procured a Special Alcohol Permit and Lavatory for West End Summer Bocce. Wear layers for chilly nights.

July 11th Sunday, starts at 9:30- World Cup Final at Toad in the Hole Pub. The folks at the toad have come up with another day of fun on 5th Street.

Toad in the Hole presents The World Cup Final

Toad in the Hole presents The World Cup Final

July 17th Saturday-  West End Neighborhood Association BBQ and Bicycle Parade. BBQ starts at 3 p.m. A traditional, old fashioned community BBQ at DeMeo Park. The West End Neighborhood Association will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, beverages and utensils. Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own reusable utensils, plates.   Bring a dish to share. Don’t forget to bring serving utensils and mark everything with your name.   Parade starts at DeMeo Park at 1:30 p.m. The Bicycle Parade is a new event. It’s all about self propelled wheeled devices- such as bikes, strollers, skateboards and wagons. Get creative and decorate.

Volunteers are needed for BBQ set up & clean up, bocce court prep and park weeding. Contact Allen Thomas landuse@sonic.net

Volunteers needed for Bicycle Parade. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas if you would like to help get this event off to a great start. westend@sonic.net

July 23rd, Friday 5-7pm     Chop’s Teen Club – Summer Art Gala. Come to see the creativity and artistic endeavors of the Chop’s Teen Club members. Art displayed is from the Side by Side Professional Artist Series. Come enjoy hors d’eouvres by Chop’s Catering Crew and live music by Brody Cumming. Check out the fantastic programs for teens such as Dog Care & Agility, Basic Welding with local welding artist Arn Anderson, Chop’s Jam Band, Barista classes and More! Click Here!

Chops Summer Art Gala

Support the West End Neighborhood Association. Pay your yearly dues ($10 suggested, but any amount appreciated) by Pay Pal on the West End Neighborhood website. Click Here!

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Weekend events, DeTurk in News
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Thursday, June 03rd, 2010
Rain, Rain Go away!  Things to do this weekend (Let’s hope the weather cooperates.):
June 4th, Friday-

West End Summer Bocce Every Friday at 6 p.m. at DeMeo Park. Join your friends and neighbors at beautiful DeMeo Park. Bring food and drinks to share. This is an all age, dog friendly event. To keep the event enjoyable and comfortable for all- please remember to observe Park rules: No glass, dogs on leashes. Wear layers for chilly nights.

Summer Nights- Railroad Square 6 to 9 p.m. : A summer long celebration on the first Friday of every month, June to September in Historic Railroad Square. Summer Nights Info

June 5th, Saturday-

First Saturday Clean up 10 to Noon Meet at CHOP’s – Join volunteers to remove trash/graffiti & fire hazards.  This clean up is organized by West End neighbor, Stan Gow. For more info, Click Here!

Chops Summer Open House 1 to 4 p.m. Spend your summer at CHOP’s- There’s a gym, art studio, recording studio, climbing wall and more. Teens and their families are invited to check out CHOP’s this Saturday. Free event, raffle prizes and rock wall will be open. For more info- Click here! or call 707-284-2467 Diana Curtin X12

Deluxe Buckets at Vine Art South A Street Festival 6:00pm – 9:00pm   Like to get your Bucket back on Deluxe style? See the Deluxe Buckets, the West End’s own Kelly “KC” Cowan, Dan “Detroit” Murphy, “Sexy” Dan Krause, Cliff “eekins” Hill, who will perform an early set at 6:15pm down north end alley (nearer the park). Plus a later set at the south end alley at 8pm. Hear that: 2 sets in one extravagant fun-time evening of bucket-shakin’! Deluxe Buckets

June 5th & 6th-Wine Country Quilts- Quilt Show & Sale- Moonlight Quilters of Sonoma County holds a  two-day quilt show each June. Over 400 quilts and quilted items will be displayed by local artists, including the West End’s own Gina Stateler-Calhoun.  Location: S. R. Veterans Memorial Building Time: Sat 10- 5 , Sunday 10-4 $8- $10 Admission www.mqsc.org

DeTurk Round Barn in the News- http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100601/ARTICLES/100609973

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.

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Teen Summer Fun-Chop’s Open House this Sat.
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Thursday, June 03rd, 2010

June 5th, Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.- CHOP’S Summer Open House. Planning your summer? Spend it at  CHOP’s- There’s a gym, art studio, recording studio, climbing wall and more. Teens  and their families are invited to check out CHOP’s this Saturday. Free event, raffle prizes and rock wall will be open. See flyer or website for full details. CHOP’s

Chop's Summer Open House flyer 6-5-10

Chop's Summer Open House flyer 6-5-10

CHOP’s will also be featured on a Rosie Explorer Tour (Downtown Market) on June 16th. Tour leaves Downtown Market every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. from corner of E & 3rd Streets by downtown library.

Chop’s is located on the corner of W. 6th and Adam’s Street in the West End Neighborhood- next to Historic Railroad Square.

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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West End, Railroad Square, Downtown Events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Lots of fun things to do this summer- Mark these on your calendar!

West End & Railroad Square events:

May 28th- June 27th- Rent- at 6th Street Playhouse RENT an American musical that tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. The phenomenon of RENT has been compared to the musical HAIR when it first appeared on Broadway in 1968. 6th Street Playhouse

June 5th 1- 4 p.m. Summer Open House at CHOP’s Calling all Teens, Friends and their families to check out all the cool summer programs. Free BBQ, See flyer for more info or CHOP’S

Chop's Summer Open House flyer 6-5-10

Chop's Summer Open House flyer 6-5-10

The First Friday of June, July, August & September 6pm to 9pm- Summer Nights in Railroad Square (4th Street between Davis and Wilson) A summer long celebration of food, friends and frivolity. Summer Nights in Railroad Square

Downtown Events:

May 26th- Sept 1st-  Wednesdays  5-8pm Santa Rosa Downtown Market Every Wednesday night the Downtown Market brings the community together to celebrate and showcase the bounty of Sonoma County by offering fine foods, fresh produce, a variety of entertainment, and handmade arts and crafts. Located in Downtown Santa Rosa on Fourth Street from Mendocino Ave to E Street. srdowntownmarket.com

May 26 Water Smart Expo at Downtown Market A great way to end Water Awareness Month and kick off the Downtown Market for 2010. The Expo will provide an opportunity for you to meet with representatives from local businesses, talk with employees from both City and County agencies and enter a raffle to win awesome prizes. Bring the kids- their will be plenty of fun activites to keep them busy too! Visit: srcity.org/wc for more info!

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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W. E. Yard Sale This weekend
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Dreaming of a clean closet and neat garage? It’s not to late- gather your excess items for the West End Yard Sale this Saturday. More info below.

Wednesday April 28th at 8 p.m.- Songwriter Showcase: Rob Heath, Ken Risling ( West End artist) and Mike Ehlers. An evening of great acoustic, original music from seasoned songcrafters. The “songwriters in the round” format will keep all three artists on the stage in rotation, trading songs and stories.  Ken Risling’s songs, ranging in genre from folk, country, 50’s blues, swing to modern rock,  have won numerous awards. With a warm manner and inviting voice, he is perhaps best known for delivering heartfelt tales. Location: Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol.

Songwriters in the Round

Friday April 30th at 4:30 p.m.- Chops Teen Club Variety Showcase. The evening will showcase Chop’s teen member’s accomplishments in music, dance, fashion, art, martial arts and more. Appetizers will be served by the Chop’s Teen Catering Crew. Performances will take place from 5:00- 6:16 p.m. Come for the entertainment and experience the Chop’s Teen Club mission in action. Please RSVP to info@chopsonline.com or call Kathy Denton at (707) 284-2467. Chop’s

Saturday May 1st 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.-  West End Neighborhood Spring Yard Sale A neighborhood wide yard sale. Sell at your own house or coop with a neighbor. (Rain Date is May 8th). $5 donation if you would like to participate- this covers costs of ads, signs that will be put up (and taken down) on the day of sale. Contact Ty Jones tyjones.tyjones@gmail.com for more info

Want to purge but don’t want to sell? The West End Charter School yard sale welcomes your donations. Drop them off at 127 W. 6th Street from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 29th.

West End Yard Sale

West End Yard Sale

May 2nd at 3 p.m.- San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers return to Santa Rosa, a major focus of the bay area’s fiddle world. West End musician Avery Risling-Sholl with a  wild band of 120 fiddlers, dancers, singers, pianists, pipers, flautists,percussionists, guitarists, cellists and harmonica players  will sweep you away into a world of storm and folly, romance and  joy.  Location: The Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School. For Tickets, Click HERE! Note: RESERVED SEATING this year. musical director Alasdair Fraser:

Sunday May 2nd Noon to 6 p.m. The Second Annual Mostly Python. The Toad will be closing 5th Street down and have bands and brilliant actors performing brilliant sketches. A day to remember, special menus and vast quantities of beer. Toad in the hole.

307 Boyce Street has finally sold! Let’s hope this historic Queen Anne cottage finally gets the restoration it deserves.

307 Boyce St. finally sold

307 Boyce St. finally sold

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you.

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.

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Songwriters in the Round and other events
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Monday, April 26th, 2010

The Bocce Cleanup was a wonderful warm up to the season. Neighbors worked, socialized and ate bake goods from the West End Charter School bake sale. Opening night for Bocce is Friday May 14th. West End Neighborhood Yard sale this Saturday May 1st. (rain date May 8th).

Bocce Clean up Group

Bocce Clean up Group

Monday April 26th 6 p.m.-  Museum on the Square public meeting. The proposed project will adapt and reuse 520 Third St. (aka AT&T building) for cultural, commercial and residential. For more info: Bill Rose City of S.R. project planner- wrose@srcity.com.  Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Wednesday April 28th at 8 p.m.- Songwriter Showcase: Rob Heath, Ken Risling ( West End artist) and Mike Ehlers. An evening of great acoustic, original music from seasoned songcrafters. The “songwriters in the round” format will keep all three artists on the stage in rotation, trading songs and stories.  Ken Risling’s songs have won numerous awards. With a warm manner and inviting voice, he is perhaps best known for delivering heartfelt tales. Ken’s songs range in genre from folk, country, 50’s blues, swing to modern rock. Location: Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol.

Songwriters in the Round

Friday April 30th at 4:30 p.m.- Chops Teen Club Variety Showcase. The evening will showcase Chop’s teen member’s accomplishments in music, dance, fashion, art, martial arts and more. Appetizers will be served by the Chop’s Teen Catering Crew. Performances will take place from 5:00- 6:16 p.m. Come for the entertainment and experience the Chop’s Teen Club mission in action. Please RSVP to info@chopsonline.com or call Kathy Denton at (707) 284-2467. Chop’s

Saturday May 1st 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.-  West End Neighborhood Spring Yard Sale Time for Spring Cleaning! Empty out those closets and garages. (Rain Date is May 8th). $5 donation if you would like to participate- this covers costs of ads, signs that will be put up (and taken down) on the day of sale. Want to purge but don’t want to sell? The West End Charter School yard sale welcomes your donations. Drop them off at 127 W. 6th Street from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 29th.

West End Yard Sale

West End Yard Sale

Sunday May 2nd Noon to 6 p.m. The Second Annual Mostly Python. The Toad will be closing 5th Street down and have bands and brilliant actors performing brilliant sketches. A day to remember, special menus and vast quantities of beer. Toad in the hole.

For more West End Neighborhood photos- check out the Gallery

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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SMART RR Square meeting, Restaurant week
Author: Lea Barron-Thomas
• Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

March 3, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.- City of Santa Rosa Neighborhood Meeting for New Railroad Square Project (SMART site). Meeting location: Chop’s DeMeo Teen Club, 509 Adams Street. You are invited to attend a meeting regarding the New Railroad Square Project. The project is a proposed mixed use, transit-oriented development- the complete 291,000 SF project will ultimately be developed to over 4 distinct blocks.To be discussed: A Conditional Use Permit for Alcoholic beverage sales, Outdoor dining, Restaurant serving alcohol, Residential- single family attached and parking structure abutting residential.  New Railroad Square Project Meeting Questions or comments to Bill Rose, City of S. R. , Senior Planner   wrose@srcity.org or 707-543-3253

Stark’s Steakhouse -So. Co. Restaurant Week Feb 22 to 28th – This is an excellent time to visit Stark’s Steakhouse .     Almost 90 Sonoma County Restaurants have prepared special menus with three courses at fixed prices of $19, $29 or $39 per person. (Beverage, tax and tip is additional.)The emphasis is on local ingredients and local wines. Starks Steakhouse has an outstanding $29 special menu. Call for a reservation, space has been limited. So. Co. Restaurant Week

Stark's Steakhouse- a West End Neighborhood 2010 sponsor

Stark's Steakhouse- a West End Neighborhood 2010 sponsor

All events are posted on the West End Neighborhood Calendar Click Here!

The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the full calendar, the latest updates and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website Click Here!

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