Page 48 - Sonoma County Gazette January 2016

This year seemed to fly by faster than normal, yet looking back, January of 2015 seems so long ago. Old Redwood Hwy. had already been closed for 3 months and the new roundabout and street improvements were really starting to take shape along this old original 101 Highway. It
The week after the terrorist attacks in Paris, when the whole world was in shock and mourning, a “sinister” looking Muslim man stood in the Place de la Republique. Blindfolded and with arms outstretched, he had a sign in front of him: “I am a Muslim, I trust you, do you trust me. If
truly is historic that this State Highway was able to be closed at all, let alone for over a year’s time. The Town of Windsor is to be commended for coming
up with a good plan for traffic detours, new stop signs and as little as possible disruption to the normal lives of those who drive through Windsor every day. The first leg of the road improvements were completed just two weeks after
the season opening of the Sunday, Windsor Farmers Market in April. The grand opening of the first roundabout was held mid-May. Joe Rodota Drive opened up in November as the finishing touches were being put on the second round-a-bout at Windsor River Road. A public committee of volunteers made recommendations that were accepted by the Council for new public art that will be displayed in the center of the roundabouts. One piece from a local artist is constructed from 3 old growth redwood trees, a nice touch to be displayed along Old Redwood Highway.
yes, hug me.” In this moving and courageous scene, dozens of Parisians—some smiling, some crying—gathered to embrace the man.
In the summer we saw the new Vintage Oaks shopping center construction begin and a new Oliver’s Market was included in the plan with the opening set for spring of 2016. Speaking of plans, in 2015 Windsor opened up communication with the community for a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan to take us through 2020 and a new Town of Windsor General Plan to take us through 2040. Town staff and consultants have held several survey sessions with citizens of all ages and cultures in hopes of making changes that most of us want. There are more workshops planned for February and March to collect public information. If you want to get involved in the process and have feedback to share, visit windsor2040.com
Roundabout
In response to my inquiry to the County about the status of the proposed roundabout at Mirabel and 116, John McCarthy, Deputy Director of Engineering/Road Operations, wrote: “We are continuing with design coordination with the utility companies on this project as utility relocation planning will be significant. There are also some issues related to right of way for the project. Our goal is to have these plans ready for construction should the Federal Transportation Act have funding available to help with this type of project. You are correct in that funding for the project is a challenge, and the project will need to come back to the Supervisors for final approval.”
Chamber News
Robin Berardini, Chamber President, reports that: “Our Tree Lighting Ceremony was a success! Thank you to Earl Stephens, Charlie Chenoweth, Steve Pearson, El Molino High School Choir & all you tireless volunteers that make this possible each & every year. The Annual Awards Dinner is moving to Spring so we can enjoy an indoor/outdoor gathering experience. Our Annual Membership Drive is in full swing. Memberships: Business Level- $95; Non- Profit- $75; Individual- $25. Go to forestvillechamber.org for more info.
El Molino
In early 2015 serious attention had to be payed to our drought situation. Windsor officials like many cities made the decisions to ration. Windsor
would allow watering 3 days a week, with 3 days of each week designated for watering on the east and west sides of the freeway. Many homeowners opted for City programs to replace their green lawns with low water use landscaping choices. This changed the look of our neighborhoods, no more postage stamp green lawns, but instead a natural countryside feel. The drought affected many of our local farmers with most paying twice what they had in past years for water and some unable to water their crops and animals with wells that ran down to dangerous levels. Some saw a big increase in gophers and raccoons, now travelling closer and closer to civilization for water and food. A couple farmers saw loads of ripe fruits and vegetables ruined just a day or so before being picked for Market. The drought brought an early harvest season with grape growers picking almost 2 weeks earlier than last year, which was 2 weeks earlier than the year before and the year before that. It was a good year for tomatoes and peppers in Sonoma County as the Markets saw tomatoes through mid-November and peppers into December.
Jacob Rich reports: “The Theater Arts Department will be presenting the Broadway musical Once Upon A Mattress. Show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 21 – 30 at 7:30pm. Recently retired El Molino ESL teacher Lynn Stewart will be leading an ESL class for adults called “Write Your Story”. This class is for those who can speak a little English, can write basic sentences in English, and want to improve their English speaking ability while writing special memories from their life. Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m., beginning January 12 at El Molino High School in Room H2.
The rains started coming in late November and we had the nice wet ending to 2015 we were hoping for. Threats of El Nino brought several weekend rains in December and cold temperatures that got down below 30 degrees for some evenings. The rains brought with them warm weather and we had a nice sunny day with high temperatures for Christmas. The rainy weather didn’t get anyone down in Windsor, everywhere you went people were happy to put on their hoods and bring out the umbrellas. This may not be the end to our drought, but for now, I can say I think everyone got what they wanted from Mother Nature for the Holidays. Happy New Year!
Death of a Beloved Centenarian
Ross Yeager passed away peacefully on November 30th. He made it all
the way to celebrate his 100th birthday this year on March 19th, with a large gathering of people who loved and respected him at Forestville Youth Park.
A Forestvillian through and through, he and Bernice raised three sons and a daughter who carried on the Yeager tradition with children and grandchildren of their own. Friends and family gathered at Forestville’s Church of Christ and Forestville Methodist Church to celebrate his life on December 19th. This very well-loved man will be missed, but he deserves to rest in peace now. Thank you Ross for all your contributions to our home.
Bits and Pieces
The Joyful Noise Gospel Choir of the Forestville United Methodist Church will hold an uplifting concert at Tiny Town Café on January 24, starting at 4PM. The free concert will include a variety of spirituals and old & new gospel hymns. Contact the church office 887-2020 for more details.
The Hollydale Clubhouse “Last Sunday of the Month” Community Breakfasts will resume on Sunday January 31st 2016 from 9am until noon, serving up this month Eggs Benedict (a local requested favorite).
The Windsor Certified Farmers Market on Sundays is now closed for the winter and will be reopening on Sunday, April 3, 2016. Save the dates below for more events coming up in Windsor for 2016.
Sunday, April 17th Town of Windsor Earth Day & Wellness Fest
Saturday, April 30th Windsor Day Parade sponsored by the Windsor Kiwanis Sunday, May 1st Town of Windsor Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Sunday, July 31st Windsor Antiques & Collectibles Show,
Car Show, Farmers Market.
48 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 1/16
We are blessed to live in this lovely, safe village of Forestville. Yet the world is at our door. At our joyous Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, there was a nearby candlelit memorial for the Paris victims—spontaneously put up and added to by local citizens. Let us remain mindful of our world, of our prejudices and assumptions, and of our need for meaningful dialogue and action.
The El Molino Football Team was recognized with a Gold Award from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for their sportsmanship and fundraising efforts during the Valley Fire.”