Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2019

Good day to you dear reader. I hope you are reading this by the side of the trail, or on a bench in the garden enjoying the vibrant green of the grass and the many colored splendor of the wildflowers spread throughout the landscape this time of year. Or, conversely I hope you are snuggled up on the couch, in front of a crackling fire listening to the pitter patter of raindrops.
Greetings Graton I love where I live! I have the best neighbors who for the last 17 years have become my dear friends. So many times, I have questioned if I made a sound investment in my house that was built in 1906. It cost a pretty penny in taxes and up-keep, but as quick as that question pops in my head is as quickly as it leaves and is replaced with gratitude because is there no way, I can put a value of the friendships and community I have here.
I figure I need to cover my bases this time of year as I have done all those things myself in just the last handful of days. It has been a wet and wild winter (and start to Spring) thankfully with enough breaks in the storms to maintain sanity and some semblance of an income (I do landscaping & tree work). My heart goes out to the many people adversely affected by the recent floods.
I spent Saturday night at the fundraiser poker tournament for the play equipment at our new park. It was a fun event. We laughed and talked and ate and played. Of course, we talked a lot about life in Graton.
In a major GOOD NEWS development for Occidental we were able to win grant funding for the entire remaining money needed to complete the gym floor replacement project at the Occidental Community Center! I am so excited! It will take a couple of months for the work to be completed, but I know that time will fly by. Many thanks to the Bothin foundation for coming through to help us realize our goal. Playing basketball in the gym every Tuesday night I notice the cracks, bulges and dead spots in the floor and feel the lack of cushioning underneath. It will be such an improvement for the many folks who use the gym currently, and increase the ability of the gym to attract even more users in the future.
People enjoy living here. Graton has changed a lot and will continue to change, so we need to be a part of that transformation, to be aware of changes and help guide good things in, and not so good things out.
The Annual Fools Parade returns April 6th at 1pm, so break out your costumes, foolishness and smiles. This is a favorite event of mine every year
as you get to see kids, dogs, even llamas dressed up being wacky and having
a good time. Gather at the Arts Center and Community Center prior to the parade starting at 1pm which winds up through town and back to the OCA for music and the crowning of king and queen of the fools.
hundreds of tomato and other veggie starts, succulents, perennials, drought- tolerant plants and others. Also available are handmade novelties and recycled treasures, a raffle, and garden art. A $10 lunch is served both days from 11-2 with coffee, tea and desserts available all day. Live local music.
There will be an Easter fundraising party at the Community Center on Saturday April 20th from 9-12. This event will be hosted by and raise funds
for the after school care program run by our local angel Trudy Espinoza. A $5 donation gets your child in for egg-decorating a snack and prize and of course, an egg hunt. There will be two different hunts to accommodate age groups and arrival times. There will also be concessions for sale and a raffle. Please contact Trudy if you would like to help make this event a success.
INFO: 707-823 5314 gratoncommunityclub.org
Happy Easter to all on the 21st! Happy Earth Day on the 22nd! Though I am one who treasures the Earth every day and tries to keep her
on my mind and in my actions it never hurts to be reminded to do so. I like to think of Earth Day as the environmental new year and a time to make resolutions. I resolve to drive less, buy more in bulk, go out once a month and clean up trash from our roadsides—those sorts of things. The question is universal (what can I do to help the Earth?), the answers are boundless.
You may have heard, the Farmers Market may not happen this year. Though a press release has been issued stating that it has “closed” I say may because I’m generally an optimistic person and there is still time for differences to be resolved or different parties entered into the mix to pull off staging a Market prior to the June opening. I sure hope something can happen because the Farmers Market has become a local treasure in the last 17 years it has been going on. I remember when it first started thinking to myself “how have
A Special Thank You from the Graton Green Group applauds the wonderful people who were so generous with their time and funds in putting together the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament on March 23rd. Their work raised more than $4,000 to purchase play equipment for the new Graton Green.
Unfortunately it’s not all good news in Occidental dear reader.
THANK YOU Ross, Lisa, Sienna and Makenna Colley; Nick Colley; Tim Conger, A Guy and His Grill; Purple Wine & Spirits; Patrick Murray with Parro Wines; Bowman Cellars; Taft St. Winery; Matthew Greenbaum of under Wood & Willow Wood restaurants; Chris Getchel; Mario Ramos of Mexico Lindo; Mary Ann Parker; Gloria Williams; John Martin; Barb & Matt; Deanna Denard & Tom with the Kiefry, Jessica Ross, Maureen London & Jonathan London, Sinoun Phoung; Jen Butler; Tom Parker; Willow Padilla; Lindsey Maddox; Wally (Dealer), Judith Joinville; Paula Magyari; Richard Wolf; Walt Frazer; Jenny Richmond; and the Sebastopol Poker Kings for their enthusiastic participation! And HolLyn whose vision for this park has never faltered.
we not had a Market the first 23 years of my life?” It was such a great fit for
the town, the physical space and the void of local events at which to gather, mingle, play and yes buy produce. As the Market has become more popular over the years some legitimate concerns have been raised, i.e. illegal parking and emergency access. The Market has thus far been run by a very small group of wonderfully dedicated folks who may find it difficult to add more to their already full plates when it comes to the management of much more than just a “Farmers Market.” I don’t know all the details up till now, and they are very fluid moving forward so I will leave it there for now. Maintain hope, get involved and please practice civility even when engaged in an emotional issue. After all, you may run into folks at a future Farmers Market.
Kodokan Judo for Children Thursday at the Graton Community Center taught by Lance Lameyse. Lance, grew up in Graton! He started taking Judo in old fire station starting back in 1981. He feels honored to be able to bring a quality club to Graton. His mission is to “build the community up and bring Graton together”. He says his own experience with Judo has been an amazing journey and he is enjoying having the opportunity to share his passion for the art with the neighborhood. Classes are open enrollment 4:45 (5-6yrs of age) 5:30-6:30 7-11yrs of age and 6:30-8:30 (12 +yrs). INFO: lameyse@hotmail.com.
Looking for volunteers to help roll out the sod for the Graton Green Park. It’s going to take a lot of people but is guaranteed to be rewarding and fun. Please join us Saturday April 13th at 9: AM. We are going to need a lot of muscle, and everyone is welcome. If you have questions, please call Orin Thiessen at (707) 823-0292. See you there!
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 4/19
Please let me know if there is something that you would like me to know or write about. You can reach me butlersjennifer@gmail.com
Thank you all for being members of this community.
And, a little a little reminder to please slow your driving down.
Graton Community Club Spring Flower Show and Plant Sale
Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27. 9am - 4pm. Free Admission
8896 Graton Rd, Graton, at the corner of Graton Rd and Edison St This spring’s theme of “Life’s a Beach” presents wonderful floral displays depicting the beauty of the seaside. There will be a huge plant sale including
This event benefits a scholarship program for JC students as well as a building capital campaign to preserve our historic club house.
Graton Community Potluck All are welcome. This is a public event so that we can get to know each other and be a stronger community. Bring a potluck dish, your own silverware and plate. Come enjoy a meal and the company of your neighbors! Friday April 12th from 5 - 7:30PM
Calling all Volunteers: Your Help is Needed!