Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2018

Greetings Graton!
Graton has been a bustle of summer activity. The Graton Green Village housing is coming along and downtown is looking different. I am so excited to see the blackberries starting to ripen. Looking forward to making pies, jams and syrup! I hope that everyone is feeling well and enjoying all the bounty of local fruits and vegetables.
It’s a tale of two Seans. One a longtime resident, all around nice guy and frequent customer at Sunshine Roasters coffee shop downtown. The other? A drifter, also named Sean, who kicked around at the edges. Bouts of jail time taught him to be cagey. His simmering hatred of all things we value in Forestville turned into an attack on a brave young barista at Sunshine recently when he thought no one was around. Her strength resisting the assault, and our first Sean’s quick act of knocking the assailant aside, allowed her to escape. What Pam at Forestville Pharmacy next door was most impressed by? Hearing the ruckus, the number of people who rushed towards the coffee shop to see how they could help.
Graton Green Gathering woo hoo!
We’re calling it the Graton Green Gathering this year—our third annual
party, Sunday, September 30th from 2:00–6:00 PM at Graton Labor Center (Centro Laboral). This is the last year that we will be holding the event here because, great news, next year we will be holding the gathering at the Green. Yes! That means we finally own the land where Critch Flows, between Edison, Bowen and Shirley streets!
If you’ve gotten jaded or depressed by the environmental and political turmoil that now exists in our world, the selfishness you see reflected in our reality TV culture and the hopelessness that can overtake those unlucky enough to be born into poverty, knowing your community will rush to your aid, even in the face of danger, must assuage any thoughts that no one cares. Forestvillians care. Thank you, Sean #1, for stepping up and stepping in to stop that vicious attack, and to those that day who backed him up. We are proud of you.
Plan to come for the fun, the music, the food and to celebrate this big event
in Graton’s history. Plans for the Green will be available for your review and input. Folks at last year’s Graton Park party voted to call the new park, The Graton Green, like the common space that served villages of yesteryear, and for green reason too.
So even though evil came to visit one afternoon, it was turned aside with determination, strength and will. There are way more good things happening in our town. For example...
For more information, and if you’d like to volunteer to help set up/take down, recycle, serve food, help with the children’s events, and spread the word, please call HolLynn D’Lil at (707) 829 9440 or contact her at hdlil@comcast.net
We kick off this month with the Hot Rod Show August 4th from 11-3. It’s also a Chili cook-off and a BBQ Contest fundraiser for our own Youth Park. If you missed their June BBQ, this is your chance to support our park by having a blast. You will see suped-up motorcycles, cars, trucks and even tractors, while you get your fill tasting chicken wings, ribs and chili. Bring the kids and just maybe you’ll win the 50/50 raffle.
Back to School. It’s a good idea to get all the summer fun in you can since school starts soon. August 13 the elementary and middle school Board hosts a back-to-school BBQ right on school grounds. School begins on the 16th.
Don’t miss the School Board meeting at 6 pm on August 9th in the staff room. Things are getting interesting. We will be electing three new members to the board this fall, so get to know your board now!
Forestville PRESCHOOL will be open ALL YEAR with classes and childcare from 7:15 am to 5:45 pm. This is GOOD NEWS for working parents. CALL 707-887-2279 to enroll your child. Learn about Stars Preschool at starspreschoolsonoma.com and programs for financially-challenged families. STARS (Students Together Achieving Real Success) Preschool
Homeless in Graton
I very tentatively write about our expanding motorhome population and car campers. Some of my neighbors feel very compassionate and tolerant while others state that they feel unsafe and concerned. There is worry that people don’t have adequate housing and concern that this will have a negative impact on the community. I am hoping to hear from you. How do you feel about this situation in Graton and do you have any helpful suggestions? Please e-mail me your thoughts, ideas or questions. I will include them in next month’s publication.
Just wanted to let you know ... there is a new preschool
in town! Hello, families looking for a Montessori inspired Preschool Program. Now enrolling in the town of Graton. Serving children 2.9 to 5 years old. Potty trained, please. Full time, half days, and drop in. Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm Please call to discover more or schedule. Phone # (707) 827- 3333. Location 8877 Donald Street Graton, CA 95444 License #493009524
Mission Statement: We will provide a nurturing preschool environment actively addressing the development needs of the whole child—all the while initiating him or her into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Preschool Director, Jeanne Zbinden, looks forward to talking to you and meeting your child. gratoncommunitypreschool2@gmail.com
Business news. I was shocked to see my favorite clothing store disappear from downtown due to rising rents The coolest clothes, boots, jewelry and belts in my closet right now were from Gypsy Sisters. Just walking in made me feel young again! I’d be inconsolable but for the fact that they are moving to Guerneville. One more reason to head west on River Road to visit our neighboring town. Another reason? Stumptown Nursery. Went to pick up a donation from them for Food for Thought a couple of years ago and fell in love with the hard-working owner, her choices in plants different than the big box stores and her knowledge of all things that try to destroy my garden.
Check this out
Look at this adorable little addition to the free library on Grey Street! The lower portion opens and has free children’s books. It’s so cute. You can stop by during your walk or ride on the trail.
This looks pretty Willowwood just finished a pretty remodel of the outdoor patio. I appreciate that owner Matthew continues to make improvements on his properties.
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
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/18
And since I’m speaking of local businesses, if you are an entrepreneur of any sort you can showcase YOUR business at the 6th Annual Business Exposition for only $20! It’s in conjunction with the August 28th Farmer’s Market. You would be surprised at how many cottage industries exist within our zip code. It’s amazing when businesses normally tucked away come out and let us know they exist, who they are and what they are doing. You can thank Chamber President Wendy Flowers for organizing it again. To secure your space call her at 707-481-3565 or stop in Sheer Salon when you see the “open” sign on. Music that night? The always upbeat, danceable Joy Ride, another Forestville gem.
I know this isn’t happening in Graton but I do want to promote the important upcoming event called CapFest 2018! This family fun affair is a fundraiser
for Sloan and Harold’s Women’s Houses. There will be dancing, live and
silent auction, raffle, costume contest, kid’s area and fun. Tuesday August 21st 2018 5:30pm-8:30pm at Lagunitas Brewing in Petaluma. Live music by the Interpretations. Buy your tickets in advance. Got to capsonoma.org. Kids under 5 are free!
And I love to remind the “River Community” of the ongoing Hollydale Club last Sunday of the month brunch and table tennis too. The neighbors who had the foresight 70 years ago to buy that empty lot and erect a community gathering space would be pleased it’s still going strong. And let’s not pretend it happens by magic. It’s the handful of folks who put the energy into organizing these events, then the crew who pitch in cooking and cleaning, and the rest of us who just like to show up and eat. Yay!
See, this is the kind of community we are. Let’s remember that!