Five Things You Need to Know This Week: Sept 19-25

1. "The Future is Now" exhibit opens this week at Sonoma State University. For the rest of September and until October 16, you can enjoy an art exhibit featuring 11 graduates of the Masters of Fine Art program in the Bay Area. The University Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am until 4pm & weekends noon to 4pm. Admission to the gallery is free.

2. There is a bit of extra fun for kids at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library this week. On Thursday enjoy "Harebrained Tales" from 4 to 5 p.m. Kids from K-6th grade can enjoy the FEPO Theatre Company performing three tales. On Saturday at 11 a.m. enjoy "Pets on Parade" story time with Pam Brown for the 2-6 year olds. Enjoy some fun with stories and crafts.

3. One weekend only: The Pirates of Penzance at Spreckels! The classic Gilbert & Sullivan comedic opera will be directed by John DeGaetano. Pirates of Penzance is one of the oldest and most popular of Gilbert and Sullivan's many productions. It runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

4. The Rockin' Sock Hop will be held this Saturday at the Rohnert Park Community Center from 6 p.m. to midnight. This event will help raise money for next year's 50th Anniversary Celebration for Rohnert Park. You are invited to enjoy a barbeque dinner, cocktails, music, dancing, a raffle and games. Can you win the Best Costume contest or out hula hoop your friends? It is a 21 and over event with tickets going for $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door.

5. The 4th Annual Handcar Regatta starts this Sunday at 1 p.m. and runs till 6 p.m. A slight twist, this year organizers are charging $10 at the gate for people 17 and over (unless you pre-purchase tickets). Railroad Square will play host again to the Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders. Last year the event drew a crowd of over 12,000 people to the downtown Santa Rosa area.

"One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures".

            ~George W. Bush