Curtain's up on new owners of the historic Sutter Creek Theatre who are, back row, Byron and Laura Damiani and their youngsters, from left, Elisabeth, Raechel and Jared. Photo by: Marcia Oxford Golf club repair expert Kevin Scott and Debbie Williams, owner of Play it Again Sports in Jackson, hail Scott's arrival in conjunction with the store's 10th anniversary with a golf workshop on Nov. 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. at 100 French Bar Road in Jackson. Photo by: Marcia Oxford Fran Perry, left, and Kristi Winter debut their inviting Tea Eras in Sutter Creek Saturday, Nov. 1, where they offer tea, cuisine and sales of tea serving sets, accoutrements and gorgeous hats ideal for tea time. Photo by: Marcia Oxford

"Life is too short for people not to follow their dream," Laura Damiani said about her and husband Byron's purchase of Sutter Creek Theatre. "Ever since we've have been together, we've done everything we want to do and it's always worked out. Buying the theater was a big jump, but this is what we want to do."

The Damianis already have full-time careers, but their philosophy of following their dream removed any concerns about working weekends at the theater and planning programs down the line. They officially launch their new venture Saturday, Nov. 1 through Nov. 8 with the film, "Biblical Tour of Turkey," a stunningly photographed portrayal of that ancient land from Constantinople to the mountain of Ararat. Advance tickets can be reserved at 267-1070 and will be available at the door. The family will be on hand to introduce filmmaker Robin D. Williams, who has worked with National Geographic for three decades.

For the Damianis, close of escrow on Oct. 14, just days from their third anniversary, seemed prophetic. "We had been looking for something we could do together, when we stop working for the state," Laura said. "We heard the theater was available and we were instantly interested, intrigued and excited." She continues her six-year career with the California State Department of Health in a position that entails funding local health departments and community organizations to provide health services to refugees displaced by world conflicts. She is particularly proud that in the last three years, she and her staff of eight have put California in the lead on national and state recommendations for this type of program. Byron has been an attorney for seven years drafting state legislation and providing legal opinions to the legislature and the governor and he works for the deputy legislative counsel; both are non-partisan positions

"We want to give credit to Gary (Schmieding, previous theater owner) for the restorative work he did," Laura continued. "We are bringing passion and commitment to develop the theater as a cultural arts center."

Byron added, "We've met people interested in the arts, wineries and new golf course resort and saw this was probably the right time to be really successful. And the audience loved 'Annie Get Your Gun.' So did our kids, who took tickets and ran the concession. They were transfixed."

The Damianis have already lined up programs through the holidays which are featured on their website, www.suttercreektheatre.com, and they hope to have a grand opening soon.

The couple were enthusiastic in their praise of Verlyn O'Neil of Sutter Creek Associates who handled details of the sale over several months. "She is what everyone wants in a Realtor: professional, available and she took all the steps necessary to ensure a smooth real estate transaction," Laura said. " She is terrific."



New tea shop opening in Sutter Creek



Walking into Tea Eras at 21 Eureka Street is a stroll into another world of gentle pastimes in a pretty-as-a-picture setting. The new tea shop is the inspiration of Fran Perry and Kristi Winter who have transformed an 1890s boarding house into an inviting wonderland of palest honeydew green walls sparked with white crown molding and white lintels. Two rooms on the ground floor embrace white, lace-skirted chairs set around pastel patchwork tablecloths topped with flower-festooned tea cups, saucers, teapots and other objects designed to make customers' Royal tea a most regal experience.

Tea lovers and those drawn by the relaxed pace of tea time can partake beginning Saturday. Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their Royal tea is, Winter said, a "full tea" which includes soup and salad, an assortment of finger sandwiches, a savory torta, tea breads, fruit and a mini-dessert buffet with, of course, a choice of numerous tea selections. Lighter offerings are also available, including tea and scones or hot entrees, such as Chicken Kiev and soup or salad: prices range from $6.95 to $16.95.

"Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of having my own shop but I didn't know what it was going to be," Perry said. "My daughter McKenna and I celebrated her fifth birthday at Somewhere in Time owned by Beverly Moore. I think that was the first spark. Now Bev and Tracy King are making our delicious desserts and I've consulted with Beverly over the years. My son Max and Krista's son Matt were in kindergarten together. She always loved decorating and I had this dream of a tea shop. We had ideas from magazines and other tea shops and here it is, our own." Their efforts resulted in an ambience the women think is perfect for occasions such as bridal showers and private parties.

In addition to the tea experience, customers can shop from a wide array of loose leaf teas and scone mixes, table toppers, napkins and napkin rings, silver sugar tongs and spoons. A cascade of gorgeous hats, including scarlet chapeaux for the growing number of Red Hat Society members who flock to tea houses, is also available.

Perry was in performing arts for 25 years. A member of Actors Equity, she appeared in live theater, touring companies, TV commercials and in several 1980s TV shows, among them "Highway to Heaven" and "Facts of Life." Winter for some years, operated Cottage Creek Collectibles, featuring home decorator items at in-home parties.

"This really is a dream come true," Perry said. The pair welcome the public to share their dream. Group reservations are available at 267-0333. The downstairs rooms can accommodate 30 tea timers and an upstairs parlor is being gussied up to welcome 25 people.

The picturesque, two-story yellow cottage in which Tea Eras is ensconced will be open daily except Monday. Jackson Signs produced the carved exterior sign which reflects the charming setting.



Former CHP employee expert in custom golf clubs, repair



Kevin Scott, who was previously a California Highway Patrol officer, has swung into an entirely new profession. He has partnered with Debbie Sullivan, proprietor for 10 years of Play It Again Sports in Jackson. There, Scott offers custom-fitted clubs, adjusts club loft and lie and replaces worn grips and old or damaged shafts.

"You don't have to buy expensive clubs to play better golf," Scott said. "The clubs have to fit your style of play and expectations. A single handicap player is concerned with swing weight, loft and lie, type of shaft and head and above all, performance. Higher handicappers want something they can play with reasonable expectation. What I attempt to do is build a club that will help them enjoy the game. Lessons help, too, and I provide those as well. A good swing and good equipment combine for low scores."

Prior to teeing up for his new business, Scott graduated from the United States Golf Teacher's Federal School in San Diego. He also attended the United States Golf School in Pismo Beach under the direction of PGA Professional Jim Delabey. In July, Scott attended the Golfsmith School in Austin, Texas and emerged with a diploma certifying him to repair clubs and make custom-fitted clubs. He is also Golf Editor for D'Vine magazine, an upscale wine and recreation publication based in Lodi

"I'm very glad Kevin is here," Williams said. "He is giving me lots of help with golf customers." Williams carries an extensive line of club sets for beginner and advanced players: she is one of 500 Play It Again, Sports franchises in the United States and Canada. She also continues representing JC Penney Catalog Sales.

To celebrate the sports store's tenth anniversary, Scott will present a golf clinic on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. "I'll talk about the basics of the golf swing and grip and the mechanics of golf clubs," he explained. For other details, call 2.23-1223.



Correction:

The Oct. 17 Focus column misidentified wine grape growers featured in the October Sierra Heritage. The correct names are Joe and Iris Aparicio.