Susan Rushton commentary: Musical, pioneers, music, contest, branches, garden

... Michelle Coder of Music & More shares that the company presents "Thumbelina," a musical starring local children, ages 7-12. Audiences can see the musical twice, on Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30. For more information, contact Music & More: 530-305-6806; musicandmore.net. ... Don and I finally went to the complete Pioneer Day at the Meadow Vista Park on June 4. This event has been held on the first Sunday in June for decades. In the past, we've only been to the parade. But this time, we joined the crowd (a perfect word) on the grass and had a very good time. We met Meadow Vista Friends and Neighbors President Gerry Hinkle, whose mother, Eve Wegmann, started the group in 1944 "with a little group of ladies," she said at the organization's EZ-Up space. We saw George Lay, Meadow Vista's historical expert and "mayor," three times. And we bumped into Dave Allen as he was talking with Chip Perley and Linda Robinson. Turns out Dave is deeply involved in Native Sons of the Golden West. He shared that the organization "is working on a museum in Auburn for the Western States Trail, from Sacramento to Carson City." I will learn more about this later. So will you. ... Heads up: The Auburn Symphony starts selling season tickets on Sunday, July 1. If you haven't given yourself the opportunity to purchase season tickets before, please do. Log on to auburnsymphony.com; or, you can call them starting Wednesday, July 5 – 530-823-6683. I am not doing this for them. I'm doing it for me as well as for you. Because you deserve to be as delighted as I am by this organization. Plus, one of the seven performances is free: "Magic of Music: Symphony and Art in the Park," at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Auburn School Park Preserve, 55 College Way, down behind City Hall. Also: On Mother's Day next year, when the musicians play at Mondavi Center in Davis, they'll show Disney's "Fantasia" and play the music live. I can hardly wait. ... The Auburn Winds blow their horns at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 2 – also in the School Park Preserve. The band's performance is part of the Auburn Arts Commission's Summer Concert Series. They're filling the air with music that includes medleys from "Man of La Mancha" and "The Wizard of Oz," works of Scott Joplin, Percy Grainger, Count Basie – and more. The event is free – bring a low chair and get ready to have a good time. For more information, investigate auburnwinds.org. ... Gold Country Writers is holding a Short Story Contest. According to the press release, this contest "is open to all writers and offers a great opportunity for new writers to be recognized. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50." The deadline to submit your 1,500-word story is Monday, July 26. For more information, investigate goldcountrywriters.com. Or contact Contest Chair Rebecca Inch-Partridge at contest@goldcountrywriters.com. ... In May, I mentioned several thinkers who are transforming the old Carnegie Library at 175 Almond Street into an elegant event center – Almost Free to All – that doesn't charge much to those who want to use it. One of the things I learned at a gathering behind the old library on June 21 was: How much? "The top dollar per hour is $25," said Mimi Latno, "and the lowest price is $20 per hour." Not bad! The group is enthusiastic and farsighted. Investigate branchesatthecarnegie.com to discover that, "Our intention is to create a gracious center for the arts, culture, education and community events in the heart of Auburn." What about that "branches" in the website? "We wanted a big umbrella," Mimi said. She – as well as Susan Dupree and Joli Roberts, both of whom greeted me immediately – shared their eagerness to "get the word out." That's what they're doing, and I'm delighted to spread the news. ... I had a great time at the second "Forget Me Not" on Saturday, June 24. I arrived late (I know, friends, no surprise!) at the packed Armed Forces Pavilion & Community Garden, steps from the State Theatre. I don't have room for everything here, but I'll add more later. I was charmed by Becky and Scott Stonestreet, who recognized me immediately. "Keep up the writing," Scott grinned; and Becky added, "We read you all the time!" Which means they read the AJ, always good to hear. I saw hostess Donna Arz everywhere, often rubbing the heads of babies. My mother couldn't prevent herself, either. Finally: Paige Lain, who started volunteering in the garden in February, approached me to say hi. I almost didn't recognize her, but she showed me her tattoo on her right arm: "Rest in music" – and I recalled we met at Farmers' Market when I was promoting Silver Screen. It's a lovely message, and clearly it makes her happy. She's also happy to be volunteering. "I met Donna in 2000," she said, "and she encouraged me to help in the garden. 'It'll help you,' she said." Ahh. That's my town. Got any items for me? Email me at goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com.