Page 40 - Sonoma County Gazette January 2016
P. 40

Monte Rio lost a good guy recently. Dave Hardy spent a large part of this past year at Stanford undergoing bone marrow transplant for his leukemia. All went well and he and Kathleen returned home. Unfortunately, the cancer quickly returned. On December 16th after
I knew Dave from being on the Chamber board with him. I also filled in for him writing this column while he was at Stanford. Whenever we needed help, either putting up signs, or making Holiday food baskets, Dave was there for the community. Dave had retired from the County as a planner. He was a musician. He was active in the Strawberry Music Festival. I like what Jim Yedor posted on Facebook: If someone asks if you know a person, and you do know them, you usually answer in a couple of different ways: “I know him or I barely know him. Why do you ask?” With Dave you always answered the same way, “Yes. He’s a friend of mine.” Kathleen teaches us inner-peace, strength, and tranquility in her yoga classes. With the community beside her, may she retain these blessings in this most difficult of times.
So, how was everyone’s Christmas? The malls didn’t seem as crowded this year thanks to on-line ordering. And I think many of us are baking and making homemade gifts that have so much more meaning. I think buying gifts and running amok in a mall doesn’t sound very appealing to many
saying his goodbyes, embraced in Kathleen’s arms in their home, he left us.
of us. As we become adults, I believe the needless gift giving becomes more of a chore rather than a fun thing to do. I can sympathize if you have small children. When I was little it was all about Xmas morning and waiting to see what gifts Santa brought me or the Benjamins from my aunts and uncles. I couldn’t stand getting clothes for Xmas. Every Xmas was so much fun. The anticipation alone made me excited and happy. Sleeping on Xmas eve, forget it. I was too wound up to get a wink of sleep. Unfortunately, Santa was someone I longed to meet and believed in. But, that was crushed by my older brother who pointed out that it is a mere fairy tale. Darn. In any case, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
Chamber NEWS: The New Year will bring changes to the community as usual. Our Chamber’s president, Mary Baker, after serving for four years, has decided to step down and let someone else lead the group. Mary will remain active in a Past President capacity to assist with the transition when the board elects a new president this month. Leading a volunteer group takes a lot of time and effort. The Chamber’s main annual events are the Golf Tournament, the 4th of July Fireworks, and the Casino Night. Mary made sure they
Resolutions for the New Year
Oh dear, are we back to that topic? I guess it is that time of year. So, what resolutions are you working on? I think it’s great to start the new year by putting yourself out there and wanting to make positive changes in your life. None of us are perfect and do strive for perfection from time to time. Many of us look to lose weight, start or restart going to a gym, eating healthier, learning new skills – there’s a myriad options. With the new year, gosh it’s hard to believe it is 2016, I firmly believe this is going to be a fantastic year for many of us. The important thing to realize is that we need to set realistic goals in order to succeed with our resolutions. I usually start by taking one manageable goal that I would like to improve on and wake up every day focusing on making it a reality. It’s important to take one day at a time, make no excuses and just move forward with that change you want to make in your life. And, reaching a goal after hard work and discipline is the best feeling ever. Good Luck with those resolutions.
Holiday Spirit in Rio Nido
A big thanks to all the residents in RN who put up holiday lights and displays in their home this holiday season. Its such a treat to drive by in the evenings and see all the bright lights and decorations adorning people’s homes. We had a blow-up Santa in his sled with his reindeer pulling the sled on our roof but the winds were strong that one winter and he blew off the roof and landed across the street in the RN dog park. It was the funniest thing ever. Runaway Santa. Getting back to the lights... many in RN have holiday lights adorning their properties all year round. That’s what I love about living here in this sweet spot.
Our very own Rio Nidan of Canyon 6, Pip Marquez De La Plata has been elected in a special election as a Director of the Sweetwater Springs District Water Board. Pip is also the Vice President of the Friends of Rio Nido (FRN). Let’s give Pip a round of applause, a high five and a fist pump! Right on!
Pet of the Month
Sofie was born in Napa, CA sixteen years ago. She is
a purebred apple head, baby doll face chihuahua. This
tiny little girl has a personality that is big and bold. My
husband and I always say she is a little human being that
was accidentally born in a chihuahua suit. She loves to
run around the yard barking at passersby. The speed of
which those muscular little chi legs run is unbelievable.
She is a bit of an actress, knows how to manipulate her
mom and dad and usually gets whatever she wants. She
is a princess who loves to dress up. Heck, her wardrobe
is bigger than most humans. Being a little fashionista, the
moment I bring out a dress or coat, she immediately runs over and assists me
in putting it on. Barbecued chicken is her favorite food and she prefers a home cooked meal. She loves her new sister Minka (a fawn chihuahua) and enjoys frolicking under the bed covers with her. She is a very special little soul who has brought so much love into our lives.
were always successful. Mary also was responsible for leading the Triangle Beautification project. I, along with my other board members, thank Mary for her many years of dedicated community service.
Monte Rio is getting a new bridge. A community meeting was held recently at the Community Center to discuss the bridge replacement. The new bridge will cost around $22 million and will be completed around 2022. The funding will come from the Federal government and the construction will be handled by Caltrans and the County. The first step in the process is a design and environmental review which should take two-three years, followed by three years of construction. A design and location have not been finalized
yet, and there will be further opportunity for community input as the project progresses.
Seeking solutions for Homeless: Over the past year there has been much discussion around the meth/heroin problem, homeless camps debris, break-ins, mail thefts, etc. the River community is experiencing. At this juncture it appears the County is looking at George’s Hideaway to establish a homeless service center. This center will provide shelter for around 10 people, along with services as such medical and job assistance to help those that are looking for help. As for the ones that aren’t, the community is demanding our government address the situation. The Russian River Alliance has asked the county to hold a public meeting in Monte Rio with the DA and Sheriff present so our issues can be addressed. Once a date has been established it will be publicized here, on Nextdoor, and on other community social media groups.
Our thanks to Chris Brokate and the Clean River Alliance for removing tons of trash from homeless encampments. Working together the community is making a difference. If you have an issue that you feel needs addressing, please contact me at my email above. One last reminder, please only burn dry wood with sufficient air intake so there is no visible smoke coming from your chimney. Your neighbors thank you.
Wishing everyone a New Year full of health, happiness, prosperity, and friendship.
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