Page 34 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2019

Regular readers of this column know that last month I mentioned our effort to save an injured red-tailed hawk found along 101 near the Independence exit. This month, I am
so pleased that we were
“Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.” ~ J. Stanford
able to witness its release back into the wild by
Brad Marsh of Sonoma County Bird Rescue. He contacted the kind staff
at Coppola’s winery,
near where the hawk
was found, who granted permission for the rescued raptor to be released on their land. The release site was up well behind the winery building complex where the hawk would have a little space to get reoriented to living in the wild. Hopefully, there will no temptation to go back down toward the highway right away.
Cheer for Cloverdale! In its efforts to address important areas such as long and healthy life, educational attainment, and a comfortable standard of living, the Cloverdale Health Action just received a $19,000 grant to create a resource network on the NorCal Resources website for low-income and homeless residents of Cloverdale. The NorCal Resources website (NorCalResources.com) is a multi-lingual resource for people in need of social services such as food pantries, mental health services and shelter. The grant is the first of its kind awarded by Vintners Foundation.
Becky Ennis, Executive Director of the Cloverdale Senior Multipurpose Center, says “The objective will be to unite the three main food distribution sites in Cloverdale—St. Peter’s Church, the local food pantry, and Redwood Empire Food Bank’s distribution site at the Citrus Fairgrounds—with one or two individuals, who will be able to build relationships with the members served and better understand the needs of our individuals. This person will be equipped with a laptop computer to not only collect data in real time but also assist individuals by referring them to other organizations in Cloverdale or beyond.” In other words, creating connectivity and access for Cloverdalians.
Brad let me have the
honor of helping to remove
its little leather hood from its head just before heset it gently down on the ground. The bird took off instantly, taking to the air with strong beats of its wings, gliding up over a stream and vineyard and landing in a nearby tree, where
it gazed back at our group. It was hard for us
to just walk away with a few words of blessing and farewell, but it seemed very content to take its time and survey its territory from the highest branches of its chosen tree.
Carol Russell, a long-time County Health Action advocate and one
of the founders of Cloverdale Health Action, helped to organize the first Cloverdale meeting along with Becky Ennis in February of 2018. The two women were there in September of 2018 when Cloverdale Health Action was chartered, officially becoming part of the countywide Health Action, a group dedicated to improving the health and health care for all residents of Sonoma County. A broad array of Cloverdale stakeholders have joined together in this effort—Alexander Valley Healthcare, The Villas Assisted Living,
the Boys and Girls Club, Cloverdale Unified School District, Cloverdale Regional Library, Wallace House, City management, Kings Valley Senior Apartments, to name a few. Working to find better ways to communicate and to ensure that members of the Cloverdale community know where to look for services when they need them is what lies at the heart of the grant.
This particular hawk flew off with some secrets though—by weight, once it was released, it fell neatly between the average weights for a male and female hawk. Like most birds, it is not obvious from outside examination whether it is male or female. I confess I am hoping it is a female who may continue to lay the eggs that help this species thrive in our area. But either way, I am so pleased that this story has a happy ending.
Along the same line of health and well-being—Cloverdale Senior Center has “El dia de Mercado” which “promueve el bienestar y proporciona conexiones sociales en su comunidad.” (Market Day which promotes wellness and provides social connections in your community). ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Viernes a las 10:00am (All are welcome! Friday at 10:00am) Cloverdale Senior Center, 311 N. Main Street. For a full calendar of events at the Senior Center go to: cloverdaleseniorcenter.com/files/2019/02/march_april_calendar.pdf
“Spike Heels” at the Redwood Theater
On another note, the last chance to look at the sculptures in the Cloverdale section of the Sculpture Trail is here. Beginning May 3rd, some
of the sculptures in our downtown will be removed, others moved to new sites with a few will remaining in place. So, take this opportunity to wander around and look at your favorites. And keep your eyes open for the new ones coming to town. You might also take a gander between here and the south end of Geyserville as these sculptures are also due for a replacement or move. One of our loves is the “Wine Buddha” in front of Dahlia and Sage, 115 E. Second Street and then, of course, “The Big Red Candy Apple” in front of the Library 401N. Cloverdale Blvd.
Continuing on—The Spring Craft Fair will be held at the Cloverdale Senior Multipurpose Center 311 N. Main Street on Saturday, April 13th from10:00am to 2:00pm. The Fair features the crafts and handmade items of our local artists.
And, finally, are you looking to find out what is happening within the City government, its departments, and administration? Keep up with what’s up! Make a visit to the Community Updates from David Kelley, our City Manager. Follow important issues, how problems are addressed, partnerships being established, and the state of the finances—a few of the topics covered each week. Go to: cloverdale.net then on to City Departments > City Manager/ City Clerk > City Manager Weekly Updates and, as I said:
“Keep up with what’s up” in the City of Cloverdale!
On Saturday, March 20th, Isis Oasis Sanctuary welcomes the return of the Curtain Call Theater who are presenting a rollicking play, “Spike Heels”. Come for the just the play or enjoy a delicious buffet dinner beforehand. Call 707 857 4747 for reservations or book online at Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/e/play-spike- heels-at-isis-oasis-redwood-theater-tickets-59306521402.
It’s time for wine in the Dry Creek Valley as this long-established event put on by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley celebrates its 30th anniversary . About 40 wineries in the Dry Creek Valley area are participating, with many of the wineries offering food, music, and other amenities. Tickets are required and are still available as of this writing, but the event may sell out. It’s on for Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th, from 11am to 4:30 pm. There are also some preliminary related events on Friday. More information at Eventbrite and at the Dry Creek Valley website: drycreekvalley.org/events/passport-dry- creek-valley/.
Have more Geyserville-related news? Contact me at the email above. 34 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 4/19
Passport to Dry Creek Valley - 30th Anniversary