Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette 11-17

Graton Park I want to mention the Graton Park Party that was held October 1st. It was so much fun and a big success with over 200 hundred people attending and $3,000 raised for the park. HolLynn said that the event was particularly impactful because of the participation from our local merchants. There was great music, yummy treats, giant bubbles and of course good company. If you would like to know more about the Graton Park project please visit www.gratongreen.org and to donate directly go to www.generosity. com/community-fundraising/a-
Poop Etiquette Friendly reminder that living and having access to the Joe Rodota trail is a unique privilege. Please keep it clean. Plastic poops bags are to be tossed in the garbage cans not in the bushes.
Sonoma County Fires Since
earning this assignment we have had
a heartbreaking round of destructive
fires. I know many of us have family
and friends in need. There are
many ways to donate & volunteer
however, I do want to let you know
about local efforts; our own Graton Day Labor Center and other advocacy groups established a fund to support undocumented families. Donations to the Undocufund for Fire Relief can be made at any Exchange Bank or checks can be mailed to P.O. BOX 1100 Sebastopol, CA 95473. The labor center is also asking for direct donations to support undocumented and low-income families who have lost work due to the fire.
Graton...meet Jenny Sortino. Jenny has lived in Graton for 25 years. You may already know this outspoken fun loving lady but did you know that Jenny just retired after 35 “exhausting years” as a teacher? In spite of always feeling like she could “never do enough” she has taught children in Sebastopol, in the fields of Soledad and in Oakland. She has taught ages from 2.5 – 14 and she says that the best part of teaching is watching kids have fun. What a career! Jenny, who was born and raised in St. Louis said that what she loves best about Graton is her neighbors and what she like least...tourist! I don’t know anyone but Jenny that loves Orange Circus Peanuts candy but she said that she is happy with all things sugar. She wishes that we could fix the roads in Graton and the surrounding area. When I asked her what her neighbors could do for her she laughed and said “money” which I am sure she would use to travel to her favorite destination which she says is still “undiscovered”. I asked Jenny what she would like to see next in Graton and she votes for a beauty salon that
also does mani and pedis. This makes me laugh because I can just see Jenny in there with her husband David, daughters Abby and Shai with their dog Henry getting a massage.
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
community-park-for-graton. I am hoping this becomes an annual event.
Heather Granahan & Peter Watson, April 2017
Following articles will be filled with Graton business, but for my first try, I’ll start by telling you a little bit about myself. I’m Jennifer. I have had the pleasure and joy of living in Graton for 16 years! I grew up in both Sebastopol & Boonville. I went to Apple Blossom & Analy. I am extremely lucky to live in this wonderful community where I feel safe and cared for. I moved
to Graton when my daughter was 5 years old. It is this community of neighbors
and friends that allowed me to raise my daughter and feel safe. I had an incredible swing of luck and was able to buy a
house I have loved since I was a little girl. Eventually love found me & I have two stepsons Zach and Sam with my pretty darn awesome partner Eric. If you add in my sweet woofie Sadie we are a happy full house sitting right in the middle of downtown Graton on Edison Street.
ello neighbors. Well it seems that it is my turn to represent our beautiful little community village. Thank you Heather for all your
contributions. Your Graton fans will miss your passion for life, social issues, and your home town. We are saddened by the news that cancer is winning its battle with you. You are loved and admired by many.
Meet your Neighbor In spite of living here or 16 years there are still so many people that I don’t know so each edition I will feature one “Gratonite” in a Meet your Neighbor series.
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/17