Page 44 - Sonoma County Gazette December 2017

Rain is falling gently as I write this from inside of my cosy cyber-hut. We are happy that the forest has become damp again and breathe a bit easier to have some of the fire danger lowered! Our hearts are truly extra grateful as we approach Thanksgiving! As Autumn marches on I
When you tell people you live in Bodega Bay, only the old-timers equate it with “The Birds”. Most of those who live in California (but inland) think of crab, shing, birding, and tourist attractions (like beaches and kayaks). Of course we now have a new topic: res
am reminded that Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah will soon arrive. Traditional winter holidays, portrayed in snowy ads; for those of us in coastal areas with mild weather look to greening hills for our inspiration.
and recovery. We have been overwhelmed by the need to focus on recovery from the worst natural disaster on record. Fortunately, our elected o cials recognize their duty to co-operate and ameliorate the recovery.
The Cazadero Community Club sponsored the recent successful Holiday Craft Fair, which attracted many creative vendors and avid shoppers. My thanks to all of the volunteer helpers, including Susan Moll, Linda Baswell, Christine Canelis, Roberta Pollard, Gregorio Pehrson, Nancy Caplan and others. There was a cosy country atmosphere with neighbors catching up and new and old friends shopping and having lunch together. The Club meetings are on hiatus until March – you may always join for only $15.00 Family and $10.00 Individual memberships – P.O. Box 3, Cazadero, CA 95421.
Other local craft fairs coming up are Monte Rio’s Holiday Wonderland Crafts Fair which will be held at the pleasant MR Community Center on Saturday and Sunday, December 2nd and 3rd from 10-5 p.m. The Monte Rio School Parent’s Club will provide tasty snacks and baked goods. Also present will be the Monte Rio Firefighter’s Association with shirts
and other items. The Annual Occidental Community Crafts Fair will once again festively occupy the Occidental Area Y/Community Center building on Bohemian Hiway on December 9th and 10th. Featuring many local artisans along with baked goods from Salmon Creek School students and warming gourmet foods create a very pleasant setting. Proceeds benefit the Occidental Community Council. The amazing ‘Bucket Raffle’ offers fabulous prizes from many local businesses and artists.
SHOP CAZADERO! Contact Cathy at schezer@comcast.net to volunteer in the lovely Sky Garden. Their surplus produce will continue to be offered free at the Cazadero General Store, now run by Duncans Mills General Store owners and Cazaderans Justine and Darrell. Both stores feature daily grocery items, sandwiches and soup(yum!) and local specialties. Contact Raymond’s Bakery for their current hours and Friday Pizza nights. Cazadero Supply offers 1st Saturday 15% Discount Day. Caz Central (located next to the General Store) has new items to warm your home and your heart during the holiday season. Get cozy with naturally colored sheep pelts from McKenzie Creek Ranch (Tanya and Greg) locally owned since 1935. Custom made Cazadero Winery and Wild Hog Winery candles, and beautiful hand turned mini-Redwood vases by octogenarian “Still Turning” Sam Lefkowitz.
We have had several local meetings about the need for housing – which is great (we would LOVE to have our re ghters and other o cials be able to a ord to live here) and many locals are actively participating in the joint e orts.
December brings a festive air to Montgomery Elementary School children’s Christmas and Chanukah excitement. Much energy will be poured into all the preparations and rehearsals for the annual Winter Show. The date is to be determined but flyers with details will go home with the students and will be posted at the General Store and Post Office. The winter break will start on December 22nd and end on January 5th with students starting up classes again on January 8th. The staff and teachers send wishes of Peace and Joy to all of the community.
The other area of general interest is the effect of tourism on our quaint village. The Chamber of Commerce is busy promoting Bodega Bay as a tourist destination, but the e ect on those of us who live here must be recognized. The most recent issue has to do with parking HUGE motor homes on our very narrow streets and using them for workers as well as for tourists. These are not occupied by those who su ered re damage, but are used for shermen from out of the area or for workers who work in Santa Rosa. Those who are regulars don’t disrupt the neighborhood. Some others use our beach access as a dump. We pick up empty vodka bottles and bravely recommend that county ordinances be followed and dogs be on leashes. Our e orts are generally not appreciated – but neither is the damage to the vacant lots.
I wish to extend special condolences on the recent passing of dear Heather Granahan, a lovely person who wrote the Graton column for this publication.
Another group that deserves our thanks are the workers in the Post O ce. We are always greeted with warmth and e cient work by all three of the regulars: Kevin, Paul and Arnold. They put up with both complaints and compliments with the same friendly demeanor. Thanks for the good work.
The Russian River Jewish Community’s Annual Chanukah latke and dance party will be held on Saturday December 16th. INFO: 632 5545
As lovely as it is here, sometimes we sneak away. We took in a three-day wedding last weekend, in San Francisco. The food events were at the Fairmont and good but not exceptional (the view from the top, however, was). The wedding, however, was incredible. It was in the Asian Art Museum and the entire museum was open for viewing. If you have a chance to get to the City (and have already seen the Modern Art Museum), I strongly recommend making time for the Asian Art Museum. That alone is worth the trip.
A Very Happy Birthday to ageless Bob Moll who celebrated on November 23rd. Austin Bardsley Dec. 2nd, Mike NIcholls and Ken Parmeter share the 3rd, Brittany Kelly on the 6th, Kristie Sheets on the 19th, Daniel Kane on the 25th, Katy King on the 27th, my wonderful Monte Rio friend Angie Orr on the 30th, along with Justin Mosher -Kudy
The Cazadero Community Church announces its Release-Time Bible Class on Fridays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Transportation from the school is provided. Please call Nixie at 609 790-4720 for more information. A Christmas to Remember will be held at the church at a 5 p.m. Candlelight service on Christmas eve. Sing along to Christmas carols and hear from Pastor Pete.
Another good reason to get away, it is WONDERFUL to be home. Even if it is a bit rainy, we pull ourselves away (mostly to go to doctors) and delight when we turn the corner o Highway One.
I send you all very good wishes for your favorite holiday and continue to be very grateful for our local natural wonders and inspiring landscapes.
For all of you, thanks.
44 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/17
One area we all seem to agree on: crab is our most important product. According to the wonderful sta at Spud Point Marina (if you want correct information connect with Lori Cavanaugh) the recreational and professional crab season is open. Those of us who watch marine activity have wondered at the absence of small boats going out. The sea is quiet and we hope all is well. We respect and admire all those who bring us this delectable seafood we revere.
We are already planning for the annual Grange Crab Cioppino held
each year for more than fty years. It WILL happen this year. Make your reservations for January 21st 875-3616. This is the primary fund raiser for the Grange. It allows us to award scholarships and keep the Hall available for community use. The big role it played in the recent crisis demonstrates how important it is to recognize that not only is it a good event (and fun) but the Cioppino is excellent and the funds raised by our hard work help the entire community. Last year we won Best Crab Cioppino in Sonoma County.
Those of us who travel to Fort Ross recognize the impact Russian settlers had on otters. We are alarmed by the recent news that there is a current rash of sea otter crimes between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Southern sea otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and harassing or possessing their pelts or other body parts are punishable by nes up to $100,000. Don’t take a chance: don’t harm or harass ANY otters. Report anyone you see who does.
One of our most recent organizations, Waves of Compassion, has helped greatly with the recent programs to help evacuees. They worked to dispense food and clothing; they helped clean up afterward. They will continue to work in bringing fresh food to Bodega Bay (from the Food Bank) and helping those whose needs remain. They deserve our thanks.
It takes a lot of work from a lot of people to make Bodega Bay what it is.