2019-20 ENJOY MILL VALLEY GUIDE
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 Spence Snyder.
Psychological research in recent years has found that students’ doodling in class can benefit their attention, memory, and learning. For Mill Valley resident Spence Snyder, those doodles spawned a multi-faceted, medium-spanning career in the arts, and his gorgeous cover art for this 2019-20 Enjoy Mill Valley Guide is the latest example of his talents.
Snyder grew up in Novato, and says he spent many a class doodling in the edges of his notebook. Those doodles drew the attention of his classmates, and before long, he was creating puzzles and mazes and garnering lots of praise for his artwork. “It’s always nice to get a little attention,” he says with a laugh. Snyder pursued graphic design and illustration at Academy of Art University and the University of San Francisco. He’s worked for more than a decade as a commercial illustrator and designer, with clients such as Yahoo!, Intuit and EA Games. But while his digital art is imbued with technology, it all comes back to the doodle. “There’s just something magical when you draw, that line you’re creating following your hand as it moves,” he says. Snyder’s cover image is rooted in his plein air painting. He lives on Shelter Ridge, with its panoramic view that spans from the Richardson Bay bridge to Mt. Tam and beyond. “I’ve painted that image a few times from a spot near my home in the early evening, and it’s just so dramatic, with the fog rolling in and the light changing.” |
Snyder painted that scene multiple times and then created the digital image on our cover based on those paintings. “It’s a location where you feel like what’s in front of you is constantly moving and changing,” he says. We’re thrilled to feature Snyder’s work, and recommend checking out his website at spencesnyder.com to see more of it.
The theme of this EMV Guide is sustainability across myriad parts of our community. You’ll find a ton of great content inside, from our feature on MV Mayor and lifelong local resident Jim Wickham (pg. 6) & our sustainability-minded Must Haves (pg. 12) to our year-spanning events calendar (pg. 20) and a spotlight on the favorite recipes from some great local chefs and restaurateurs (pg. 2). There are also sustainability tips from Ambatalia’s Molly de Vries & a spotlight on artists using recycled materials (pg. 36), as well disaster preparedness tips from Fire Chief Tom Welch (pg. 38).
Thanks to the indefatigable Susan Lopes for spearheading this project, to The Image Flow for the fantastic photos and all of the sponsors and advertisers who helped us bring this Guide to fruition. Lastly, tell us what you think of this Guide at info@millvalley.org. Now go out and do fun things in Mill Valley! –Jim Welte
The theme of this EMV Guide is sustainability across myriad parts of our community. You’ll find a ton of great content inside, from our feature on MV Mayor and lifelong local resident Jim Wickham (pg. 6) & our sustainability-minded Must Haves (pg. 12) to our year-spanning events calendar (pg. 20) and a spotlight on the favorite recipes from some great local chefs and restaurateurs (pg. 2). There are also sustainability tips from Ambatalia’s Molly de Vries & a spotlight on artists using recycled materials (pg. 36), as well disaster preparedness tips from Fire Chief Tom Welch (pg. 38).
Thanks to the indefatigable Susan Lopes for spearheading this project, to The Image Flow for the fantastic photos and all of the sponsors and advertisers who helped us bring this Guide to fruition. Lastly, tell us what you think of this Guide at info@millvalley.org. Now go out and do fun things in Mill Valley! –Jim Welte
Here Are Some Highlights From the 2019 EMV Guide:
(click on the images to read the full story)
Jim Wickham: MV's
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Mill Valley
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Off the Menu
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Shop
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Sustainable Tips |
Sustainable
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Emergency Tips |
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2019 EMV Guide Events Calendar
Mountain Play's Grease – 5/19-6/16
The 106th Mountain Play dives into a production of the incredibly popular tale of a clique-crossing summer romance that takes you back to the music and fashion of high school in the 1950s. Cushing Amphitheatre, Mt. Tam. Shows Sundays at 2pm. Tix $20-$45, children under 4 free. MORE INFO. |
O’Hanlon Center 50th Anniv. – 6/8
One of Mill Valley’s hidden artistic and cultural treasures takes center stage as O’Hanlon Center for the Arts celebrates its 50th anniversary. The event features tours of the grounds, its array of sculptures and the works of its founders, as well as live music and refreshments. Free. MORE INFO. |
Dipsea Race – 6/9
The Dipsea Race – America’s oldest cross-country foot race – holds its 109th edition from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Chris Lundy of Sausalito seeks to three-peat despite a system that makes winners of men and women of all ages. 8:30am, Depot Plaza. Free. MORE INFO. |
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Comedy in the Plaza – 6/19
The MV Arts Commission’s annual night of hilarity on the plaza draws some of the best standup comedians in the business. This year’s headliner is Dana Gould, and he’ll be joined by special guest Jake Johannsen and opener Krista Fatka in what promises to be an evening of tremendous laughter. Mark PItta is the emcee. Bring a chair. Depot Plaza. 6:30pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
Movies in the Park – 7/12, 8/9
The free Movies in the Park series kicks off July 12 at Friends Field with a screening of Toy Story, the massively popular tale of anthropomorphic toys that come to life when humans aren’t around. On Aug. 9 in Old Mill Park, a new Spider-Man joins five counterparts to stop a threat across all realities. Bring a blanket/low beach chair. Films begin at dusk. Free. |
Mill Valley Campout – 7/20
The Community Campout moves to Hauke North and South Fields this year but remains a cherished opportunity to gather with neighbors and friends for a night under the stars. Cost is $30/person, children under 3 are free. Fee includes camping space, dinner & breakfast, games & activities, campfire entertainment, preparedness activities & more. Register by July 5. MORE INFO. |
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Concerts in the Plaza – 8/4, 11, 18 & 25 – All shows 2-5pm
The MV Arts Commission’s annual live music series on Sundays in the Downtown Plaza boasts a diverse lineup of bands in 2019, starting 8/4 with The Lucky Losers, who perform original music about transcending the dark side of the American dream, and Pacific Standard Time, which draws musical inspiration from the Laurel Canyon and Americana traditions. On 8/11, The King Street Giants get things started with some New Orleans jazz, followed by the jazz/R&B sounds of Fourum. Pop-rockers Marble Party open things on 8/18, followed by the pop-Americana sound of the Jamie Clark Band. For the final performances on 8/25, Idle Joy, a quartet that came together while working at the Sweetwater, kicks things off for the Tazmanian Devils, a local rock-reggae band that has been performing on Bay Area stages for more than 40 years. MORE INFO. Other great events include Makers Market’s 2nd Saturday Outdoor Markets, Marin Theatre Company’s production of Wink (6/13-7/7) & a Throckmorton Youth performance of The Lion King Jr. on 8/2-4, 8/9-11. Check enjoymillvalley.com for full listings. |
Merry Wives of Windsor – 8/17-9/8
The Curtain Theatre has produced free theater in Old Mill Park for nearly 20 years. Its 2019 edition explores William Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor, in which Sir John Falstaff tries to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. Directed by Kim Bromley. Old Mill Park. Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day from Aug. 17-Sept. 8. 2pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
Movies in the Park – 9/13, 10/11
The free Movies in the Park series hits Friends Field on Sept. 13 with Ralph Breaks the Internet, in which a video game character travels to the web to find a part for his friend’s video game. On Oct. 11 in Old Mill Park, get into the Halloween spirit with Coraline, who embarks on a spooky journey in her new home. Bring a blanket/low beach chair. Films begin at dusk. Free. |
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival – 9/14-15
This landmark event in Old Mill Park draws throngs to see the work of 140+ artists, live music & children’s entertainers. The Chamber’s Art Lovers Save program gives attendees discounts at local stops and eateries. Old Mill Park. 10am-5pm. Tix $12 advance, $15 day of, $8 seniors, free for children under 12, students & teachers. MORE INFO. |
ZBC Dipsea Hike – 9/28
This family-friendly, six-mile hike supports the nonprofit Zero Breast Cancer’s efforts aimed at breast cancer prevention in the next generation. It also encourages physical activity, which plays a role in risk reduction, recovery and recurrence prevention. ZBC recently partnered with Every Body Walk to get Americans up and moving. Old Mill Park. 9am. MORE INFO. |
Community Block Party – 9/29
One of the best parties of the year, this event benefits Kiddo, which funds music, art, physical education, technology and support services at Mill Valley public schools. The Community Block Party features live music, kids games, jumpees, great food & a fashion show of clothing from local boutiques in town. Throckmorton Ave. 1:30-5pm. Free – donations encouraged. MORE INFO. |
Mill Valley Film Festival – 10/3-13
The Mill Valley Film Festival earned its stellar reputation with a consistent slate of Oscar contenders, international fare, star-studded events featuring both Hollywood icons and emerging talents, live music at the Sweetwater and a laser-like focus on great indie films. Its reach and clout continues to grow. At venues in Mill Valley & throughout Marin. MORE INFO. |
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Winterfest – 12/8
Mill Valley’s landmark annual holiday celebration, featuring a massive slide, Santa, a full day of live entertainment and music, children’s activities, amazing local food and holiday lighting ceremonies, returns to the Downtown Plaza on Sunday, Dec. 8. Thanks to the sponsors (particularly Redwood Credit Union and MCE Clean Energy), food vendors, volunteers and producer Steve Bajor of Team Pro Event for making this such a fun day each year. MORE INFO. Other can’t-miss events include the Sound Summit music festival atop Mt. Tam on 9/14, Marin Theatre Company’s Sovereignty (9/26-10/20) and Mother of Maid 11/14-12/8, Halloween at the Center 10/25, the Holiday Craft Fair 12/7, Mill Valley School District’s winter musical performances in December, the Christmas Jug Band’s inimitable holiday shows at the Sweetwater in December and much more. As always, check enjoymillvalley.com for full listings of these events and many more. |
2020 EMV Guide Events Calendar
Marin Theatre Co.’s Noura – 1/9-2/20
Eight years after fleeing their home in Iraq, Noura and her family celebrate Christmas, and their new life, in New York City. But the arrival of a visitor stirs up long-buried memories, forcing them to confront the cost of their choices and the past they left behind. Written by Heather Raffo (above). Marin Theatre Co., 397 Miller Ave. MORE INFO. |
Marin Theatre Co.’s Love – 3/5-29
Penelope finds herself at a crossroads when the man accused of harassment by her co-workers, a former boss, is also a former lover and remains a dear friend. This play from Kate Cortesi (above) play examines what accountability looks like when an abuser of power is one of our favorite men. Marin Theatre Co., 397 Miller Ave. MORE INFO. |
MV Little League Parade – March
Mill Valley has no shortage of classic small town events, but it doesn’t get any more homespun than the MV Little League Parade, where hundreds of ball players and their coaches stroll from Old Mill to Boyle Park, with plenty of pomp, circumstance and hometown fun on the way. Parade begins at 9am. 352 Throckmorton Ave. MORE INFO. |
Record Store Day @ MV Music – 4/18
Gary Scheuenstuhl’s Mill Valley Music is often buzzing with activity, but the Miller Avenue shop will be a music lover’s mecca on Saturday, April 18. On Record Store Day 2020 – a celebration of indie record stores like Scheuenstuhl’s – he’ll have some of the event’s hundreds of limited edition vinyl records on hand, along with the shop’s storewide sale on non-RSD records. MORE INFO. |
Volunteer Day – late April
Want to meet some of the people who get things done in our town and find out how you can make your own impact? The annual Mill Valley Volunteer Day draws a plethora of great nonprofit and municipal organizations to help you learn about volunteer opportunities, from schools, government and sports to the arts and the environment. Late April, 10am–2pm, Downtown Plaza. MORE INFO. |
MVHS’ Walk Into History – 5/24
The MV Historical Society is dedicated to honoring the people and places that came before us, and one of the coolest ways they do so is by organizing annual walks around town to dig deep into the roots of our town. Leaving downtown every 15 minutes, 9:30am-3:30pm. Tix $10 for students with ID, $15 for MVHS members; $20 for non- members. Children under 10 free. MORE INFO. |
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Memorial Day Weekend – May 22-25
Mill Valley’s biggest weekend of the year arrives in late May. Starting with the four-day Kiddo Carnival, which kicks off Friday at 4pm and wraps up at 5pm Monday, featuring more than 15 rides. Since 2012, the event has been the centerpiece of Memorial Day weekend on the Mill Valley Middle School campus. But although it stretches across the entire weekend, it’s far from the only attraction in town that weekend. Memorial Day begins at 7am with the Mill Valley Association of Volunteer Firefighters’ Pancake Breakfast, which draws hundreds to the street in front of City Hall for pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. At 9:30am, City officials and first responders lead a Memorial Service to “honor those fallen heroes who served our country and protected the American dream.” The MV Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:30am, regularly drawing more than 6,000 spectators and more than 60 organizations and businesses as participants. The day is capped off with the Kiddo! Memorial Day Community Celebration, featuring live music from a variety of local bands, in collaboration with Mill Valley Recreation and Famous4. As always, check enjoymillvalley.com for full listings of these events and many more. |
YEAR-ROUND
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First Tuesday ArtWalk
On the First Tuesday of every month (5:30-7:30pm), stroll through town to see exhibits featuring local artists. Go Zero Waste and bring your own glass!
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A number of Mill Valley arts and culture organizations host events throughout the summer, including concerts, exhibits, workshops and classes. Here are a few (click logos for more info):
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