Like a lot of people who love music and would hate to see Marin lose the flavor that makes it so unique, we were disappointed when the Sweetwater closed a while back, but we’re happy to say it’s risen from the ashes in a new location, in the old Masonic Hall just off of Throckmorton at the other end of downtown. Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead is involved and it should be a nice addition to Mill Valley. In fact it’s looking to be quite a year for new live music venues in Marin, with two much anticipated clubs opening soon in San Rafael as well. Tickets for upcoming shows are on sale here, and there’s more info on their facebook page. It’s at 19 Corte Madera Ave.

A nonprofit based at Fort Mason in San Francisco, BATS is the largest and longest-running improv theatre and school in Northern California. The organization supports the community by giving free performances and workshops to Bay Area high school students and free workshops for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Sweetlife Bakery & Café.  101 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960-2800.  Phone: 415-456-4580 www.sweetlifebakerycafe.com

Marin County women will be swapping their jewelry and scarves to raise money to help less fortunate women re-enter the workplace at the first annual Style Swap this Saturday, September 17, in the parking lot next to the The Great Acorn Company located at 800 San Anselmo Avenue in downtown San Anselmo from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Sales and donations of jewelry and scarves will go to benefit Image for Success, a not-for-profit organization that provides two-week wardrobes to disenfranchised people in Marin County who are transitioning toward self-reliance. Image for Success not only provides the suit for the interview, but also clothes for everyday use – a critical need when someone is making the effort to change their life by re-entering the workplace.

How To Participate

There are three ways people can participate in this weekend’s Style Swap:

1. Bring jewelry and scarves that ‘just aren’t you’ anymore to The Great Acorn this week, or the day of the event on September 17, to redeem tickets that can be used to shop for other items at the event;

2.  Donate jewelry and scarves to receive a tax deduction;

3.  Just stop by and shop.

Additionally, Image for Success will accept other clothing donations during the Style Swap event.

“One woman’s fashion past can be another’s fabulous future,” said event co-organizer Laura Adler of Women of Inventions.  “We all have things in our wardrobes that we just don’t wear anymore.  We loved them at the time we got them.  Now, instead of collecting dust, why not pass on the love to others.”

You can reserve a spot near the play structure area for a private party, but we like to be out in the grassy area, which has picnic tables and BBQs. Bring your hot dogs and burgers (or tofu dogs), start up the grill and make it an adult party too. In the summer they have a great community pool which you can also make part of the party for a fee. The best part is the secret path along the side of the play structure area that leads to a year round creek. Kids love playing in it, especially when the weather’s hot. One important tip: get there around 9:00 am to claim your table with a cooler and table cloth so when the party starts later in the day you will have a primo spot.

If you’re looking for a good place to get some friends together for a picnic in Marin, then look no further than the Lake Lagunitas Picnic Area, just eight minutes from downtown Fairfax. The kids can go fishing, play in the creek, or ride their bikes around in the parking lot. We like to bring our mt. bikes and ride around the lake with the whole family. We also like this spot because it’s set in a redwood grove with lots of shade, and has good sized picnic tables with large bbq/grill areas.

We usually reserve the large tables and grills when we know it’s a large group, but if you’re just going with a couple of families you might not need to reserve in advance as there are almost always enough tables to go around. A good hike is to make a loop with the kids around the lake…it takes about 30 minutes. In the summer when it gets hot this is the perfect place to hang out in the shade and be with friends. I have to say it’s one of the most beautiful places in Marin.

The picnic area is at the end of the road adjacent to the parking lot.  You’ll find directions and info on reservations here.

Here’s a chance to have some tasty food while supporting a great cause. Have a meal at one of the participating restaurants on Tuesday April 12th and a percentage of your check will go to support the fantastic work of Marin County School Volunteers, a group that matches volunteer tutors with Marin school kids. The list includes popular eateries such as Jason’s in Greenbrae and Pacific Catch in Corte Madera. For a full list visit the MCSV website. And if you’re looking for a regular way to give back to the community consider volunteering as a tutor!

Reservations are suggested and be sure to mention Marin County School Volunteers to make sure your meal will be counted as part of the event.

With all the rain we’re having it’s a perfect time to check out Marin County’s waterfalls, and Fairfax is a good place to start.  One of our favorites is easy to get to and just a 10 minute walk from the road. Park at the top of Sir Francis Drake on the right as you hit the summit out of Fairfax and before descending into Woodacre. It’s a big waterfall and a nice hike for the kids or dog.

Also in Fairfax, Cataract Falls is one of the most popular in Marin and a good hike as well. There are a couple of ways to access it, and you’ll find good directions here.

Also, check out the waterfall at the end of Mountain View Dr. in San Rafael’s Dominican neighborhood. It’s handy as you don’t really have to hike to get there.

And at the north end of the county there’s the Arroyo de San Jose Waterfall on the trail at the end of Fairway Dr. in Novato. It’s also a nice hike and fun for the kids.

And if you’re really into exploring all the waterfalls Marin County has to offer you might want to check out Waterfallswest.com. It’s now a pay site but looks to be the most comprehensive resource.