Page 43 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2017

July was a fun month in Monte Rio. Packed with happy people attending various events.
Watching the reworks from the bridge it seemed that the pyrotechnics rm started out with the nale, and it only kept getting better after that. Bystanders were saying, wow, for a small town of Monte Rio these reworks are over the top. Not to be outdone by downtown Monte Rio, suburban Monte Rio (aka Villa Grande) had their own annual event where they declared their independence from the Union. Then it was o to the cannon ring at Patterson Point Beach. I must say this was the most realistic re-enactment of the Revolutionary war I have even seen. From the bloodshed to the singed Patriot garb worn by Jon Box. Fortunately, Jon is OK. We don’t know if he’s up for
the job next year, but one thing is certain, whether it’s one if by land, two if by river, Monte Rio has nothing to fear when it comes to Villa Grande’s ballistics ring acumen. They can secede from the Union, but they will never secede from Monte Rio.
Kudos also to Michele McDonell for her community service, especially putting on the Annual Monte Rio Variety Show. We are fortunate to have the Bohemians providing this event for the community for over 100 years.
Due in large part from ongoing e orts of the Alliances, with the support of Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Sheri Mark Essick, and Lieutenant John Molinari, we now have a dedicated deputy, Daniel Avina, that will focus on homeless related issues in our area.
H
according to Robert Gray, Cuts on the Green owner. Christina Pappan, owner of TRIO, was pleased in reporting that “the place was packed the rst Monday opening on the 17th” and I have heard nothing but raves about the food. So if you are looking for something di erent in town, visit Yvette (local gal we went to El Molino High School with) on Monday evening for a hometown supper experience. The menu includes ribs, fried chicken, hot links, collard greens, black eyed peas, red beans and rice, cornbread...and more! Congratulations Yvette!
Speaking of yummy BBQ, don’t forget to go over to Forestville on Saturday, August 5th for the 1st Annual Forestville Youth Park Hot Rod Show and BBQ Competition! This will de nitely be a groovy time with the samplings of ribs, chicken wings and chili, while enjoying a car show!
Which leads me into the 19th Annual Monte Rio Car Show happening on Saturday the 26th at the Community Center! This is a de nite must attend event; be sure to get there early for the Pancake Breakfast and check out the giant pancake griddle! Michael Murphy, we are sending out healing thoughts to you, our groovy coordinator, and hope you are on the road to recovery and might make an appearance at the event.
Thursdays continue to rock on the plaza with the Rockin’ the River Concert Series. August 10 th, Jean Genies will be rocking us with a David Bowie Tribute. August 17th is the Invasion Latina coming all the way from LA, to get us dancing to the Cumbia Salsa and Bachata music. August 31st is our local Dgiin playing Gypsy Funk. Don’t forget to visit the Farmer’s Market before the concert, located on 4th Street behind the re station & Hubert’s Hall.
Fridays are full of activities this month: First Friday Art Walk is on the 4th and River Friends of the Library will be having a Volunteer Work Party on the 4th, 11th & 18th. The library is bursting at the seams with a large volume of donations and needs your help to prepare for the Summer Book and Bake Sale that will be held August 23-26th. What a groovy way to support your local library and have some fun with your neighbors at the same time!
For those of you who are looking for some private, peace and quiet and want to enjoy a delicious glass of wine, check out la pitchoune winery! Inspired by
a small family property in the South of France, la pitchoune means “the little one”. The name speaks to small production, small lots, and the idea that their small size is their greatest asset. To schedule a tasting of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, simply contact them at 415-272-5135 or email Tracy Nielsen at tnielsen@lapitchounewinery.com. They are located on Green Valley Road!
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West County Financial Cooperative will be moving into Jerry Adair’s former location. They provide taxation and bookkeeping services and were most recently located in Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Rd. Stop in and welcome them to Monte Rio.
ey there, a groovy Guerneville! This month’s highlighted business is a new “Pop Up” located at TRIO Restaurant/Bar, every Monday, beginning at 5pm. Saucy Mama’s Pop Up / Soul Food, life of spice is
Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging and Monte Rio Recreation and Park District are seeking someone interested in being trained as a certi ed coach for
a nationally known, award-winning, fall prevention program for older adults. Training is Thursday, August 10, 2017. Coaches are successfully certi ed after attending 8 hours of training and co-leading two eight-session programs in the twelve months after the training. If you are interested in more information please contact events@mrrpd.org
The 19th Annual Russian River Car Show will be held August 26th at the beach parking lot. The pancake breakfast starts at 8am and the show continues until 3pm. This year the show is being put on by Russian River Historical Society instead of Friends of Monte Rio. The show is free and always fun. Mike Murphy does a great job with this event. Contact mikemurphy2201@att.net for car registration information.
Whether it’s close calls on Jon Box or Mike Murphy, we are fortunate to have friends and volunteers that have supported our community for years. Sometimes we are reminded that life can be eeting. We need to feel grateful and show gratitude to people while we still have the good fortune of being together.
On a related note, most of you know that Art Douville, former owner of Panache Optical, passed away totally unexpectedly last month. I had the pleasure of meeting my friend while we worked to re-organize Sonoma County Pride. As vice president , he was the best. He had a keen sense of what needed to be done, what obstacles had to be overcome, and he ran with it. He always took the time to give me and others a big smile and a bigger warm hug. His surviving partner, Steve Niezgoda of Palm Springs, also helped Pride with our website. My sincere thanks to Art, and my condolences to Steve.
When you think of small towns, you either imagine small minds and everyone knowing your business (or thinking they do), or you imagine friendly people that know each other as neighbors, support each other, and work together for the betterment of the community. We need to be reminded at times, that we all could use less stress and drama in our lives and show more appreciation for the people that truly make our lives better.
On a recent weekend I was stressed as usual having to deal with unpleasant situations, routine chores, and then the maddening drive to the City to check out a condo listing. Although the City was fun once I got there, when I got back I stopped at a friend’s place with a dock on the river. Being over 100 degrees the river was bustling. It didn’t matter if you were a duck, a dog, gay, straight, rich, poor, young or old. Surrounded by southern rock playing, happy people, and stunning scenery, the stress was nally gone.
I knew I was home.
Vacation Wonderland. We just keep getting better.
o ering food that is soooo good, you almost don’t want to stop eating,