Apparently on Monday, Deb of KZST dissed Cloverdale (don’t ask me, I didn’t hear it, I have no idea what she said). But Budget Travel Magazine has nominated Cloverdale as one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns.” You can still cast your vote here. And don’t forget to vote for the most beautiful wine country in the world, here.

Sounds like it’s time for a Ten Free Things to Do in Cloverdale post. For samples of other Ten Free Things posts see:

• Bodega Bay
• Healdsburg
• Petaluma
• Santa Rosa
• Sebastopol
• Sonoma Valley
• Windsor

The problem is, I only have 4 free things  to do in Cloverdale so far.  So let me know:  what are your favorite free things to do in Cloverdale? Leave a comment below, or email me at lisa (at) sonomaonthecheap.com. I’ll even accept Geyserville, we can do a combo list.

Also, if you have any great photos of Cloverdale (or anywhere in Sonoma County) that you’d like to share, cruise over to our Facebook Fan page and upload them. (Link at the right).  Thanks!

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The first of the local fair is coming: President’s Day Weekend, February 12- February 15th, is the 118th Cloverdale Citrus Fair.

Ticket Prices
General (ages 13 + up)………6.00
Seniors (62+)………………….4.00
Juniors (6-12 yrs)……………..4.00
5 + under………………………Free
General Season Pass………15.00
Senior/Jr. Season Pass……. 8.00

For last year’s fair  frugality tips, click here.

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The AARP offers free tax preparation help thoughout Sonoma County starting today. For a free appointment, call the number listed below, or, if there is no number, drop by during the listed hours. If you are not retired, but you earned less than $50,000 last year, you are also eligible for free tax preparation help (but not at these sites). Check out details here.

[Read more →]

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Call me a romantic, but there’s is something about a roaring fireplace on a rainy day…add in a splash of wine, and you’re not enduring a rainy day, you’re celebrating it.  Here are a few wineries with fireplaces:

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Author Vincenza Scarpaci will discuss and sign copies of her book, “The Journey of the Italians in America” at the Cloverale Library on Tuesday afternoon. Copies of her book will be available at this free event.

The book uses photos to describe the experience of immigrants and their descendants. In addition to covering the life cycle of family, work, socialization and achievements, it explores the deeper impact of the process from immigrant to ethnic.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2 pm- 3 pm
Cloverdale Library
401 N Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale

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Several local stores and libraries have free demos or workshops for various holiday crafts. It can be a fun way for kids to make gifts for loved ones, or adults to get into the spirit. Here’s a list by date:

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Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) shots will be given on Sat. Dec. 5 at locations around Sonoma County. All individuals, including children 6 months and up and pregnant women can receive the shots. A $10 donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People with health insurance are encouraged to contact their local health provider (Kaiser members in Santa Rosa can call 393-4832. Kaiser members in Petaluma can call 765-3560.)

For more info call 707-565-4477. Here’s a list of flu shot clinic locations and hours:
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Sonoma County Public Health is offering 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine on Saturday, October 24th. Those with health insurance are asked to check with thei health providers first (Kaiser members in Santa Rosa can call 393-4832. Kaiser members in Petaluma can call 765-3560). People considered high  risk for h1N1 include people with young kids in the home (or who provide care to kids) , pregnant women, health care providers, or people with underlying health conditions, but the shots are available for all.  

The H1N1  shots will be given at these locations in Sonoma County: [Read more →]

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In honor of Teen Read Week 2009, the Sonoma County Libraries are hosting Teen Poetry Slams. Teens (7th-12th grade) bring 3 original poems to read (non-original poems may also be read, in the open mic session prior to the Slam). Contestants may enter both the open mic and the Teen Poetry Slam, and can enter at multiple libraries. Prizes will be gift cards. Here are the Sonoma County libraries and times for the Slam: [Read more →]

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The Friends of the Cloverdale Library annual  fall book sale will be  in the Pat Hare Community Room at Cloverdale Regional Library. You can get some great deals on used books at the library book sales.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 (Members Only Sale), 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, open to general public, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bag Sale Saturday afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m. (One price for all the books you can fit in a bag)

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