Page 25 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2020

Bergin University at the Green Mill
WOW! That’s the best word I can think of for what we are dealing with!
A new campus for Bergin University of Canine Studies is almost complete at the former Green Mill site on Old Redwood Highway. The 10-acre property sports a group of U-shaped modular buildings to house the accredited Bergin University degree programs for Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associate degrees.
First is former mayor of Rohnert Park, Gina Belforte. She is the president of Stanley Steemer and member of the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati.
Facilities manager Eric Jensen and founder Bonnie Bergin gave me a tour last month of the modular buildings centered around a quad. With a budget of $700,000, there will be three classrooms, an administration office, a training space with a mirror wall to reflect what trainers and dogs are doing, and a restroom block. The units house Associate and Bachelor degree classrooms, and a library with small classroom and lunch break space. All units are ramped for easy access.
I asked her what she was doing with her time during our Shelter-in-Place. She is finally addressing the projects that she has put aside. She is excited to get her photos organized. She has a passion for gardening and will definitely put some hours into that pastime. She plans on painting the hallway. She doesn’t want to watch news all the time. She wants to order books online so she can give her mind a break. She plans on watching old movies and old football games with her husband.
I want to introduce you to two amazing people this month.
The process has taken 3 years.
At some point in your lives I’m sure you have met Gina. She is very nice
and it was a pleasure to talk with her. Do you remeber when Gina wrote
the Gazette’s Rohert Park column? Because she has been so involved in our community for years her contributions really helped people get more involved in what our community needs...citizen particpation. She is the epitomy of a resident who puts time and energy into making her hometown thrive!
Construction was slowed by a lengthy permitting process and rain delays. Additional complications arose because
of tiger salamander and red legged frogs. Fencing was installed to bar the tiger salamanders from access to Old Redwood Highway where they would’ve gotten run over. Hopefully, building can be completed by mid-April, when telecommunications and electrical will be added.
Now let’s meet the daughter of a good friend of mine. Her name is Katya Redko and she is a twin. Her mom is Kristine Redko who is a member of the other Rohnert Park Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati.
“We hope to have our student graduation
from the new campus on May 2,” said
Bergin. Bergin U’s mission is to advance
the human-canine partnership through
research and education. Since its founding
in 1991, hundreds of people from 16 countries and 34 states have attended its programs and graduated over a hundred service and social/therapy teams.
Katya is definitely following her mom’s footsteps in her love of musical theater and movies. Katya is in Lake Tahoe as I write this column and when she gets back home she wants to go to the park with her friends (after the Coronoa Virus restrictions get lifted!) and go to movies at the Reading Movie Theater when it reopens. Films she would see again on DVD are “Finding Dory”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and one of my favorites “Peter Pan”.
Bergin and Jensen appreciate the supportive role played by Board Chair Dave Phillips, a retired CPA, Board member and architect Mark Quattrocchi, and Sonoma contractor GMH.
Community members can volunteer as puppy raisers, or care for dogs during student breaks. “Puppies are available right now,” said Devan Amundsen, an instructor and dog kennel manager. “I need people to foster 5 month old puppies and keep them for 12 weeks to three months.”
In the beginning of March, at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park, the Miss Sonoma County crowned Sunny Muscatell as this year’s recipient. My cousin Herman Hernandez Jr. and Kym McNicholas were the emcees for the event. Kym currently hosts station KDOW’s “New Focus on Innovation” radio show. Herman currently serves as the Area 5 Trustee for the Sonoma County Office of Education School Board. Eight candidates participated this year.
Volunteers will bring their pups to training class twice a month, and socialize their dog out and about in the community. The volunteer pays for food; Bergin University pays any medical, and provides harness and leash.
The following night, Spreckels celebrated 30 Years bringing musicals to Rohnert Park. Artistic director Sheri Lee Miller was the host and she did an amazing job. The performances showcased ten accomplished singers accompanied on the piano by Lucas Sherman, the center’s music director. Some of my favorite performers include Ariana LaMark who sang a song from “A Little Night Music”. It was called “The Miller’s Son”.
These puppies are named for foundations who support Bergin University: Guzik, Giannini, Gilmore. Puppies can be fostered in homes with other animals if those pets don’t fight or have bad behavior. Sources of volunteers include 4H, Future Farmers of America and seniors, and the general public is encouraged to get involved.
Another amazing performer was Madison Griego who sang “Younger Than Springtime” from “South Pacific”. One of the most talented performers in Sonoma County is Daniela Innocenti Beem who sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from “Jesus Christ Superstar”. For those of you who were lucky to catch her in “Sweeney Todd” I congratulate you. She was phenomenal!
As early as 6 to 7 weeks old, puppies begin training: they learn 12 to 20 commands. Volunteers are also needed as playground monitors. They are trained to watch puppies play in an enclosed playground.
One of my favorite events in Rohnert Park recently was “Bark After Dark”. The Rohnert Park City Council apparently agreed because on March 10th they called up representatives of the Animal Shelter League of Rohnert Park for recognition. They were founded in 2002 by a dedicated group of volunteers and serves as a fundraising and community outreach auxiliary. “Bark After Dark” was a sold-out event and nearly $30,000 was raised.
During this crazy time the Animal Shelter is closed to the public. Residents can make appointments for adoptions, reclaiming lost pets and bringing in found strays. The Rohnert Park Senior Center and Community Center are CLOSED until further notice.
Remember to donate blood and help the elderly go shopping in your neighborhood. Make a friend in this crazy time.
For info on being a puppy parent, contact devan@berginu.edu
“It’s not just puppies who need homes,” said Bergin. “Students need a room to rent or a house to share in the Rohnert Park to Petaluma area.” Housing is needed in Fall, Spring and summer semesters, including a 7-week Summer session. Please inquire by contacting connie@berginu.edu.
“We welcome donations to the project, and count on our community for volunteers,” said Bergin. Look for updates and events at www.berginu.edu and on their Facebook page Bergin College of Canine Studies.
Email me with any Rohnert park NEWS! Dongibblecast@hotmail.com
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