Row, row, row clear around the world

Sonoma County's long kinship with rare souls compelled to row perilous oceans in small boats continues with our connection to Erden Eruç, whose current quest boggles the mind.

Erden (AIR-den) set out from Bodega Bay on July 10, 2007, on a mission to circumnavigate the world in a one-person high-tech rowboat -- and to go ashore long enough to also climb the highest mountains on six continents. What he's doing (www.around-n-over.org) is crazy, awesome and an inspiration.

The Turkish-American left Bodega Bay intent on reaching Australia and duplicating the world-record, 1983 solo voyage by Peter Bird, another rower familiar to Sonoma County. Peter died attempting a row from Russia to California in 1996.

Common to both rowers is the friendship and encouragement of Kenneth Crutchlow, the audacious entrepreneur and ocean-rowing proponent who long ago operated London taxis in Sonoma County.

Erden left Bodega Bay and rowed 312 days, longer than anyone had before. But frustrating sea conditions thwarted his attempt at Australia and on May 17 he ended the first leg near Papua New Guinea.

He plans to take up where he left off later this month. In the meantime, he'll speak Thursday at Tiburon's Corinthian Yacht Club and spend some time in Guerneville with friends Tom and Sveta Lynch.

Tom said his buddy, truly, is a warrior with oars.

RING A BELL? Last Christmas, the Salvation Army in Sonoma County spent a lot of money -- $60,000 -- to pay people to ring bells alongside the red kettles.

This year, with human needs on the rise and charitable giving on the decline, the Army brass hopes to maximize returns by using all-volunteer bell ringers.

At the Salvation Army offices in Santa Rosa, Blaine and Sidne Goodwin would love to hear from companies or organizations that can pledge to cover a day or more of kettling, and from individuals who'd like to ring a bell for even a couple of hours.

At the Salvation Army in Ukiah, Janet Cetani hopes to hear from the same sort of people.

CATHERINE WILL SIT IT OUT: There can't be many people who were born 100 years ago in Sonoma County and have lived nearly every day of their lives here.

Catherine Poncia Perry was born on Halloween of 1908 on a ranch across from the Bodega area's Watson School. She raised five children, worked hard and never ventured far from the west county.

"Her family and her friends were her country," said her daughter, Evelyn Casini, owner of Bodega landmark Casino restaurant-tavern.

Catherine was nearly 12 when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, securing for American women the right to vote. Her daughter said she cast a ballot in every election.

For the first time in her life, Catherine will not vote in this election. Evelyn burned the absentee ballot after she and her mother spoke at length, and Catherine couldn't quite focus well enough on the candidates and issues.

Still, expect the election to occupy some of the conversation when Catherine's family gathers today to celebrate her 100th.

BRIAN THE BUTCHER? Brian Sobel, the seasoned Petaluma political/media adviser, was excited to receive his copy of the new Petaluma Chamber of Commerce directory.

He checked for the Sobel Communications listing under the "Communications" heading, but it wasn't there. "Media Relations"? Nope. "Government Relations"? Not there, either.

At last Sobel found his company, under "Meat Processors." Suppose he was overhead talking to a political client about bringing home the pork?

Chris Smith is at 521-5211 and chris.smith@pressdemocrat.com.