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After receiving a wonderful one inch plus rain, the large redwoods outside of my cosy cyber-hut are outlined in a clear and golden light. As we approach the annual holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving, we definitely give thanks for being able to live
On Sunday, Nov. 8th the Friends of Rio Nido (FRN) Board members along with their significant others hosted a private event at Larry and Elena’s home at Casa La Sierra Vista in Rio Nido. Clare and Carla Harris, long time Rio Nidans and previous owners of Johnson’s
here in our beautiful and special corner of the world. We do have a shared responsibility to maintain and even better our natural world.
Beach as well as owners of other properties in RN were the guests of honor. Guests included: Nate and Ingrid Emming, Pip Marquez Delaplata, Donavan Smandra, Marsee Henon, John Uniack, John Hoffman, Kim Holliday and Crista Luedke. A documentarian filmed the event for a special on restaurateur/ hotelier/Food Network contestant winner Crista Luedke of Boon fame and the town of Guerneville. Clare and Carla Harris reminisced about the good ol’ days in Rio Nido and shared all of their many historic photos with the group. Thank you Clare and Carla Harris for providing us with the incredible history behind our magical little village. See you again very soon!
We began the holiday season with the festive Annual Cazadero Holiday Craft Fair, which was held at the Firehall and was full of beautiful handmade items and friendly cheer. I wish to thank all Cazadero Community Club members who joined in to make this a very pleasant event for all! The delicious food in the Craft Fair café added to the relaxed environment. It was so nice to see many friends catching up and shopping together. The Bodega Holiday Craft Fair will be on Friday, November 27 and Sat. November 28-from 10-5 p.m. at their historic Fire Hall. Cazadero artisans join other local folks presenting
an eclectic display of gift items. The famous handmade Quilt Raffle always attracts a crowd. The Monte Rio Holiday Wonderland Craft Fair will be held at the lovely MR Community Center, located across from the Rio Theater,
from 10-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 5th & 6th. More Cazadero craftspeople will be found exhibiting their fine wares at the Occidental Community Craft Fair, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 12th (10-5) & 13th (10-4), at the YMCA/Community Center on Bohemian Hwy. Featuring their awesome Bucket Raffle, with donated items from event artisans and fabulous community donations!
FRN Meeting Notes
The FRN Membership meeting on Saturday, Nov 7th was informative.
Topics discussed were ideas regarding our historic RN sign on our next phase of the project to get a light to shine on the sign. Also, talks about culverts in
the area that are in need of cleaning. You can email info to: frnboard@rionido. net. Be sure to include the street address, pole numbers and photos if possible. Participate in the SoCo wood stove rebate program to improve air quality in RN; stop by the Fire Dept. and pick up free batteries for your fire alarms. The Parade of Lights takes place on December 5th. Please sign up. We are interested in having the kiddos dress up as gnomes and fairies to be on the float. Also, feel free to join our Beautification Committee chaired by Matt Malik. On Saturday, November 14th FRN hosted a successful cleanup of the riverfront for the local access to the River. Never a dull moment. Moving along...
Something to Ponder
Word on the street lately is the discussion about Guerneville possibly opening up a homeless shelter. As we all know, the homeless/transient situation in town has gotten way out of hand. Cleanups have been going on from Rio Nido all the way to Monte Rio. The amount of trash and feces found in wooded areas and along the river is unacceptable and a blight on our community. The question around the water cooler is: Do we really want a Shelter in Guerneville? Will the shelter bring more transients in from other parts of the County and outlying areas? Perhaps a shelter would better serve the homeless in the Santa Rosa area instead? Please email your ideas and concerns to:chroniselena@gmail.com.
Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays!
Many of the stores in Duncans Mills are operated by Cazaderans and they are currently decorating with festive lights and boughs. The tempting Treats and Toys shop next to the P.O. will dazzle your tastebuds and your playful spirit. Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery is another popular meeting place for locals and visitors, with their great freshly ground coffee drinks, scrumptious baked goods and very friendly atmosphere. Cross #116 and reach the Duncans Mills General Store, with a great assortment of groceries and locally raised meat items, terrific wines and delicious sandwiches.The adjacent ‘Twice as Nice’ shop has pretty tableware, interesting art and books. Mr. Trombly’s Teas and Table emporiums offer an incredible variety of teas and splendid tea- related gift items. and entertaining gifts. A visual treat! Having a tasty meal
or snack is also easy in Duncans Mills, with Gold Coast’s pizza and savory croissants, The Blue Heron’s fish and chips and craft beers, and the wonderful Cape Fear, with their California/New Orleans flavors-YUM!! See an incredible sunset and enjoy a flawless meal at River’s End in Jenner.
In the midst of all pre-holiday events, we must remember that by choice,
we live in a very wooded area. The Pole Mountain Fire Lookout is the only lookout serving Sonoma County. Its primary purpose is the early detection of fires so they can be stopped when small. A qualified non-profit, Pole Mountain welcomes your donations to P.O.Box 568, Monte Rio, CA 95462-0568.
The holiday season just seems to have gained momentum and arrived oh
so quickly this year, well at least that’s how I feel. You wont see me shopping
in the stores or running from mall to mall. I prefer to share the holidays with friends and family over a nice, warm meal. Gift giving is so out of control and puts a lot of strain on many people just trying to get by, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads. So, instead of spending your hard earned dollars on “needless” gifts, how about donating your time to a shelter, or better yet donate a coat, shoes or boots to the needy. To me, that is what the holiday season is really about. Have a wonderful holiday. Be happy and merry and hold those you love close to your heart.
The Russian River Jewish Community invites you to the Annual Chanukah celebration on Friday, December 11th-5-8 p.m. at the RR Senior Center on Armstrong Woods Rd. in Guerneville. Enjoy delicious potato latkes and a potluck feast, accompanied by the Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble’s wonderful and very lively music for dancing. Bring your Chanukah menorahs and candles for a group lighting! Please call 632 5545 for more information.
As the students at Montgomery Elementary School finish up November
by enjoying the Thanksgiving feast prepared for them by the Boosters Club. they begin practicing for their annual Winter Show, to be held on Thursday, December 17th at Firehall #1. The students promise to dazzle you with holiday singing and skits. Holiday break will be December 21st-January 4th, 2016. MES students and staff wish to thank all those who have supported them in 2015.
I also want to give a shout out (a personal note): To Troy and Linda Magness of Willow Ave. Two of the best people we know who are true friends! We love ya both! Rio Nido wouldn’t be the same without you.
I wish very happy December birthdays to local poet and good friend Mike Tuggle, celebrating on the 1st, Austin Bardsley turns 34 also on that date, with Heather Lough turning 29 also on the 1st, Mike Nicholls has his day on the 3rd, along with Ken Parmeter; Kristie Sheets celebrates on the 10th, Daniel Kane turns 32 on the 25th, my dear friend Angie Orr (timeless) of Monte Rio enjoys the 30th, along with Justin Kuby-Mosher, followed by Stephen Gross of Riens Beach on the 31st.
Pet of the Month
There’s a new little kitty cat who recently moved to RN. Tiny the kitten was born on
May 3, 2015. She was the runt of the litter.
An angel at heart, Tiny is a big cuddle bug.
She has energy galore and runs around like a sphinx. We like to call her an energy vampire. At night she loves to cuddle up and snuggle with everyone. She is a sweet, loving and affectionate little girl. Now, don’t get me wrong as sweet as she can be, she is also fierce. If
I wish you all splendid holidays of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa. Stay warm and call me at 6732-5545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero column!
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she sees any type of rodent that rodent better beware. Let’s all give Tiny a big RN welcome.