One of the events held at Sonoma Horse Park raises funds for Giant Steps, which provides life changing Equine Assisted Therapy to people with disabilities. In addition to the August event, our restaurant Rickey’s is taking part in a Giant Steps Dine Around which will be held on the Wednesday of every Sonoma Horse program in the 2012 series. Diners must present the server with their Giant Steps Dine Around list and 20% of their meal will be donated to Giant Steps.

The Inn Marin is pleased to be one of the host hotels for this series of events and you can make reservations by calling (415) 883-5952 and ask for the Sonoma Horse Park rate.

Sonoma Horse Park 2012 Show Season

• Horse & Hound Spring (A) – May 9 – 13, 2012

• HMI Equestrian Challenge (A) – May 16 – 20, 2012

• HMI June Classic (A) – June 13 – 17, 2012

• HMI Equestrian Classic I (AA) – July 24 – 29, 2012

• Giant Steps Charity Classic (B) – August 1 – 5, 2012

• HMI August Classic (A) – August 22 – 26, 2012

• Strides & Tides (A) – September 12 – 16, 2012

The first thing you need to do is make your plan. What are you going to be planting: vegetables, flowers? Perennials or annuals? Yes, it can be overwhelming depending on the size of your yard or planting area.
For me, I am focused on vegetables and annual flowers. I love good home grown tomatoes and squash. I chose a Cherry 100 for my salads and a beefsteak for my sandwiches. I am also trying a zebra tomato for fun! My two favorite squashes are zucchini and crookneck. They have good production so I can keep up with my family of five and their eating pace!

For my flowers, I created some hanging baskets with trailing purple petunias, white alyssum and blue delphinium. I am trying something new and put some Corsican mint in some of the extra spaces to see if it will cover over the pot.

~Robert Marshall, the Green Guru of Inn Marin

Marin Clean Energy

Marin Clean Energy is a program of the Marin Energy Authority (MEA), that provides clean energy (electricity) to its users. The intent of the program is to provide consumers with a choice regarding their electricity service. As residents of Novato you will be notified of the option to opt out of the new clean energy program. Check out the MCE website and learn all about your options of choosing the level of green energy you would like to buy.

The more green energy we buy in Marin County the better the price will get!

If you would like to see the City of Novato’s outlook on this you can check out their website, http://www.ci.novato.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=1543

~Robert Marshall, the Green Guru of Inn Marin

Join us by the fire with Dominic Quin-Harkin. Born and raised in San Rafael, CA, Harkin is an accomplished singer, musical theater actor, and percussionist, influenced from a young age by Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Benny Goodwin, and Frank Sinatra. “…The interesting thing is that I’m not a Frank Act. I have my own voice, and people respond to that. It’s a great feeling to open my mouth and tell the stories of these songs, my stories, and without having to be anyone else but myself.” Check out his website, azjazzguy.com

Join us by the fire with the Audrey Shimkas. Whether she paints a ballad story or kicks an uptempo variation, laments the blues or grooves a Bossa Nova, lays down a swing standard or embraces a soul oldie —the Audrey Shimkas experience is always unique and satisfying.

Join by the fire with Honey B & the Pollinators! A lively blend of swing, jump/jive and jazz standards from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, bringing good times, good humor and great music to Rickey’s!

Join us by the fire for a treat as vocalist Brad Bann sings the music of Frank Sinatra with renditions reminiscent of the “big band” era. For a little taste of Brad, check out his MySpace page!

Sunday, May 13th, 2012 ❀ 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Kids can create a potted plant & card for mom!

PASTRIES
Butter Croissants & Apricot Jam, Assorted Danish, House Made Banana Muffins

SMOKED SALMON DISPLAY
Mini Bagels, Herb Cream Cheese, Capers, Red Onions, & Chopped Eggs

OMELETTE & EGG STATION
Ham, Bacon, Bay Shrimp, Cheddar & Jack Cheese, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach
Fried & Scrambled Eggs ~ Egg Whites also Available

BREAKFAST ITEMS
Vanilla Pancakes, Whipped Cream & Maple Syrup Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Potatoes, Apple Smoked Bacon, & Breakfast Sausage

ORGANIC SALADS
Caesar Salad, Garlic Croutons, & Parmesan Cheese
Mixed Green Salad, Carrots, Cucumbers, & Assorted Dressings
Organic Brown Rice Salad, Carrots, Tomatoes, & Feta Cheese

ALL NATURAL CARVING STATION
All Natural Mary’s Roasted Turkey Breast Turkey Gravy & Cranberry Sauce
Snake River Farms Naturally Raised Kurobuta Ham All Natural Honey Glaze & Mustard Sauce

ORGANIC SIDES
Organic Jasmine Rice ~ Garlic Mashed Potatoes ~ Organic Vegetable Medley

DESSERTS
Assorted Mini Desserts Fresh Fruit Salad ~ Fresh Baked Cookies
Complimentary Glass of Champagne or Non Alcoholic Beverage

$35.95* Adults ❀ $32.00* Seniors (65+)
$17.95* Kids (ages 6 to 12) ❀ Free (age 5 & under)

*Tax & Tip not Included

Reservations Required 415-883-9477

Sunday, May 13th, 2012 ❀ 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Kids can create a potted plant & card for mom!

PASTRIES
Butter Croissants & Apricot Jam, Assorted Danish, House Made Banana Muffins

SMOKED SALMON DISPLAY
Mini Bagels, Herb Cream Cheese, Capers, Red Onions, & Chopped Eggs

OMELETTE & EGG STATION
Ham, Bacon, Bay Shrimp, Cheddar & Jack Cheese, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach
Fried & Scrambled Eggs ~ Egg Whites also Available

BREAKFAST ITEMS
Vanilla Pancakes, Whipped Cream & Maple Syrup Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Potatoes, Apple Smoked Bacon, & Breakfast Sausage

ORGANIC SALADS
Caesar Salad, Garlic Croutons, & Parmesan Cheese
Mixed Green Salad, Carrots, Cucumbers, & Assorted Dressings
Organic Brown Rice Salad, Carrots, Tomatoes, & Feta Cheese

ALL NATURAL CARVING STATION
All Natural Mary’s Roasted Turkey Breast Turkey Gravy & Cranberry Sauce
Snake River Farms Naturally Raised Kurobuta Ham All Natural Honey Glaze & Mustard Sauce

ORGANIC SIDES
Organic Jasmine Rice ~ Garlic Mashed Potatoes ~ Organic Vegetable Medley

DESSERTS
Assorted Mini Desserts Fresh Fruit Salad ~ Fresh Baked Cookies
Complimentary Glass of Champagne or Non Alcoholic Beverage

$35.95* Adults ❀ $32.00* Seniors (65+)
$17.95* Kids (ages 6 to 12) ❀ Free (age 5 & under)

*Tax & Tip not Included

Reservations Required 415-883-9477

Join us by the fire with Lady “D”! She’s been a singer in soul & alternative bands. A lifelong jazz fan, as Lady “D” she sings great jazz standards. She can sing anything and has!