I’m still smiling in the afterglow of our 20th anniversary garden party last month. Thanks to the team of ladies who pulled it together, the day was a huge success, including: co-founder Nikki C. and her team, caterer extraordinaire Stacy Scott and Stacey Dillon of 38north Design Co., who transformed a lawn into a magical space with multiple conversation hubs, food and drinks within easy reach and multiple Instagram-worthy spots.
A highlight was meeting the many readers who bought a ticket and showed up on their own, the ultimate act of “supporting women” since we (270 Media) are a women-owned, mostly women-run company celebrating our 20th year of being in business here in Marin County. Bam! Looking around, I spotted many women (and men of course) we’ve featured throughout the past 20 years mingling, connecting and taking in the beauty of Marin Art and Garden Center, IRL. Lesley Cesare (our media director)’s good friend Dan Durkin sang a playlist including songs with lyrics like, “I saw her today at the reception, a glass of wine in her hand,” creating the ideal mood for the day. In a national crisis of loneliness, let’s have more parties! For more photos, check out Donna Berry Glass’s write-up.
For the seventh year, our May issue is dedicated to “celebrating women.” Throughout these pages you’ll see many examples of ladies in our county stepping up and making a difference, from a young Mia, who’s made it her life’s purpose to feed those in need, to Lynda Balslev’s article on three women running businesses you’ll meet at our local farmers market. Still on the topic of food, our San Anselmo-based dream team, Kate McMillan and Bethie Martin, have curated a gorgeous and approachable spring brunch menu. If you attempt these recipes, please tag us on the socials @marinmagazine.
Since the subtheme of this issue became food, we are including Jeanne Cooper’s list of where to eat on your next trip to the Hawaiian islands. Locally-owned island restaurants are crucial to keeping the culture available and our experience unique for visistors. During the pandemic, and then in the aftermath of the Lahaina fire, I heard from many islanders they feared the Chick-fil-As of the world coming in and taking over. Jeanne, our longtime contributor for Marin Magazine and now our sister website Local Getaways, was the Hawaii travel editor for the San Francisco Chronicle for over 10 years, took hula lessons to learn more about Hawaiian culture and now lives on the Kohala Coast. For years, I read her “Hawaii Insider” column and now feel so fortunate that she is sharing her talent and deep love for the islands with us. She makes it look so easy to write articles like “What to Do” and “Where to Eat.” It’s not easy. Google has nothing on Jeanne.
Speaking of women in Hawaii, we have started an exciting new concierge travel program through Local Getaways. We’ve partnered with Katarina Tualemoso, a Maui native and private chef who has worked in hospitality for nearly 30 years. After a consultation phone call, she can book your entire trip or, for a fee, send you a detailed itinerary, and you can book through Costco Travel or points, or whatever you choose.
Click here to book your next trip with Local Getaways!
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
