Page 41 - Sonoma County Gazette March 2018.indd

Have you done one of those DNA tests yet? Any surprises? I was sort of hoping I’d have something interesting show up in mine. But science tells me I’m still mostly Irish. The traditions from my childhood have formed me. The songs my mother sang doing the dishes. The lullabies
2nd Annual “People Helping People” Saturday, April 7, 10 am – 2 pm
Graton Fire Department, 3750 Gravenstein Hwy N.
to put us to sleep. The food. The folk dances. The proud green ribbon in my hair on St. Patrick’s Day. Generation after generation, rmly rooted traditions from County Cork Ireland were a huge part of my life. I always felt I had the “Luck of the Irish.” Maybe it’s just the gift of gab!
Community Gatherings: So of course I’m excited about the fabulous St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on St. Patrick’s Day March 17 at the Hollydale Club 6 pm. It’s one of Forestville’s favorite feasts. They use a 150 year-old recipe from the Knockmealdown Mountains not too far from my ancestral home. $17 will not only get you delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage with all the xings, you’ll be dancing your socks o to the Irish band the Thugz. An Irish tradition—when bad things happen (think stock market, politics, senseless death) you pick yourself up, gather with friends and learn to celebrate the life we have left. It’s precious don’t you know, as my mother would say.
This free, fun, family friendly event will help community members learn how to empower themselves during a disaster.
Speaking of Irish, the Methodist Church has their Irish Potato Dinner March 11 with music, an auction and dance, all for free! But to be fair, donations are appreciated.
There will be information about large animal rescue, search and rescue, ham radio operation, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone will be able
And don’t forget the HUGE RUMMAGE SALE at the Church March 10 from 8am to 2 pm. You can start dropping o gently used items March 8th. And no, you can’t foist o your exercise equipment or electronics, which means that exer-cycle Bob and I got for our new knees remains a clothes rack. The volunteers who put this on do an amazing job. 6550 Covey Road. Did I mention it’s HUGE?
to enroll in SoCoAlert or Nixle, the countywide emergency notification systems, and receive a handbook of practical information compiled by the sponsoring groups.
Something else that’s huge, and not upbeat at all is the huge de cit the West County High School District has coming up. It’s horrid as
our beloved El Molino High is tops in the country. I’m proud of the newly formed Education Fund headed by Mary Bracken. They are determined to save classes like Drama, French and Woodworking. Along with the Principal and the Boosters Club they launched the 600 LIONS Campaign.
We are looking for 600 students, former students, parents, former
parents, teachers, former teachers, neighbors and friends who will
I noticed some businesses were giving much more. Bob and I have done it.
Are you one of the 600? Do it now. Drop a check o at the high school or go online to donations.elmolino.org. Don’t ever forget this little community can do amazing things.
LIVE Theater - Madagascar starts Marxh 16.In fact, a child going through Forestville Schools gets top notch training in the arts starting early. Noelle Huberty’s amazing plays and musicals have involved kindergarteners to 8th graders for years. In fact, their Spring Play begins March 16. It’s Madagascar- A Musical Adventure JR. You’ll delight in the antics of Marty, Melman, Gloria and Alex. We may all be ready to escape the “zoo” we are in and join them on their adventures. Super talented group and great fun to watch. I highly recommend these performances. Memorable.
West County Charter School hosts a meeting for 6th grade parents at 6 pm on March 1 in the library. They are having a “Double Decker Family Fun Night” on March 11. $49 gets you 2 hours of bowling for 6 people including shoe rental and pizza. That’s a pretty good deal.
Another fun event for sure is the Award Viewing Party March
4 at the Rialto Theatre, a fundraiser for Food For Thought to see who wins an Oscar. A $30 admission gets you food, beverages, tons of prizes, trivia and more! I’ve been several years now and its way more exciting on the big screen than sitting at home. The Rialto really goes all out for this one.
And whether you are a genuine Irishman or just one for a day on March 17th, may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. And remember, we could all use a little luck now and again. Let’s welcome it in if it comes knocking.
The fair will include booths from sponsoring non-profits and government organizations, such as the Graton and Sebastopol Fire Departments, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services, the Community Disaster Response Team, the American Red Cross, Sonoma West Medical Center, and Palm Drive Healthcare District.
The Graton Fire Department will be conducting fire extinguisher training, CPR training, and displaying their vehicles.
Address signs, allowing your house to be found faster during an emergency, can be made while you enjoy the festivities.
Families can learn how to escape from a burning building and test their knowledge (and win prizes!) through games. Adults will learn how to safely turn off gas valves, avoid electrical hazards, develop survival strategies, and provide emergency first aid.
The tagline, “People helping People,” emphasizes how important our communities are in dealing with disaster. Limited parking will be available, so please carpool or use alternative transportation where possible.
contribute $100 by March 15 and save as many of these jobs as possible.
Plea for Emergency Funds at El Molino High School
Seventeen classes at El Molino High School will be cut next year to meet a district-wide budget emergency, including in some of our most popular electives such as dance, woodshop, drama, and French. We may even lose entire programs.
This is just not acceptable. We are asking for your help.
Please join our 600 Lions
campaign by contributing at least
$100 by March 15, the day that
layo notices must be sent to our teachers.
To contribute, go to the donation section below. Or write a check to El Molino Education Fund, with 600 Lions at the lower left, and mail to 7050 Covey Road, Forestville, CA95436. The El Molino Education Fund is a division of El Molino Boosters. Donations are tax deductible. Tax ID # 68-0023200.
Every penny you give will be spent to save some classes. We will identify you in our campaign as one of the 600 Lions who stepped forward in an emergency to save these classes for our kids. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. With your help, we can do this, because
Together, We Are El Molino.
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