Page 42 - Sonoma County Gazette November 2018

Quirkutopia’s quality quilt!
This is the time we “fish or cut bait” about voting for our candidates of choice. I received my ballot just as I left for the first of my hospital visits . I wanted to be sure to get it mailed in a timely fashion so I voted and mailed my ballot. I
had followed all the campaigns carefully, so this is how I voted:
1. Most of the Democratic officials that represent me are doing a good job. I pretty much voted a complete affirmation of them. I voted for Newsom, too. His having been a Mayor is pretty good training for becoming Governor.
Before we dive into Bodega’s quilted treasure, I must mention a very important fundraising event. The Bodega Land Trust is hosting their annual Fall Harvest Community Dinner and Silent and Live Auction. Saturday, November 3rd 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at McCaughey Hall. Dinner is prepared by Jodie Rubin and there will be classical guitar played by Pablo Rodriguez. It costs $20 or $15 if you bring a salad or dessert to share. Information can be acquired at (707) 874-9001 or bodegalandtrust.org.
2. The propositions caused me more angst. I carefully studied the pros and cons, and here is how I ended up:
The famous Sonoma County quilting tradition was born in Bodega back in 1980. Linda Sauter and Mary Biggs have been co-directors for nearly 39 years and have had the help of
Carol Sklar for the past
a. No on Eight. That wasn’t too hard. I would never vote against funding needed treatments for those most in need, like those suffering from kidney disorders (don’t impair access to dialysis.)
five years. They are always looking for more volunteer quilters, welcoming everyone of all levels. Meetings are once a week for a few months, starting in February. Usually Tuesdays from three to five or five to seven. Each person is only responsible for one square. If anybody is interested or wants more info, email Carol at clar5@ sonic.net.
b. The other propositions were less clear. It has never been clear to me why voters are asked to make employment decisions, like which employees must always be on call, etc. Most of us don’t have the information about specific jobs to tailor the minute details like hours, and wages. I left these propositions blank.
This fundraising project started around the same time as the Craft Faire
Join us at McCaughey Hall for that celebration the Saturday after Turkey Day,
c. The items relating to various Judges of Courts of Appeal were harder. Even though I practiced law in California for over 30 years I seldom went before any of these Judges. My practice was a trial practice, before a Judge or even of a Jury. The Courts of Appeal were important to me only when one
of their decisions directly affected a case I was trying (or when I lost a case and wanted another go at a decision.) Now that I am no longer in the arena I have little direct input on decisions. Since I felt unsure of the precise merits
of any sitting Judge I decided to make a blanket vote. I know how hard it is for women to get appointed to these positions, so I voted wholesale and voted Affirmative for all women Judges on the Courts of Appeal.
November 24th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to the 43rd
annual Christmas Craft Faire and Wool Festival. This is where and
Open Studios at the Beach is Nov. 3 and 4 at Salmon Creek Beach for some of our most gifted citizens opening up their studios to show all of us their wonderful art work. Missed it? Maybe Diana Bundy (875 9609) may have a suggestions as to how to see some of this wonderful art work.
when the quilt raffle will take place. You can get last minute tickets there, or beforehand at the Artisans’ Co-op Gallery or the Casino Bar and Grill. You don’t want to miss your chance at getting this year’s quilt!
California Native Americans - Rancho Bodega Historical Society will have the artifacts of Northern California in a display at the Bodega Bay Fire Station. If you missed it, call Robin Rudderow at 415 298 6925 to find out where you can find repeat displays of the fascinating artifacts from The California Collection which is found today in St. Petersburg, Russia. Robin has been telling stories for 27 years as an interpreter at Ft. Ross.
The quilt is a fun way to show appreciation for the community’s volunteers and to give back to the Fire Department for all they do. They purchase the fabric and reap all the raised profits. Bodega as a whole is very good at giving their time for no expected compensation, which can explain why the Volunteer Fire Department is so successful. Support with an attitude of gratitude.
One ongoing source of interesting information comes with a subscription to emails from The Natural History of Bodega Head. This fascinating glimpse of the natural history of Bodega Head is worth the effort. Recently we got a glimpse of Wilson’s Snipe on this program. This is just one more thing we can add to our list of reasons we are grateful to be living in this wonderful area.
The quilts end up all over California and across the world. The quilters take photos before the raffle every year and hope to make postcards or even a book. Linda hopes to share the program’s knowledge with other communities, as they have come a long way and significantly progressed since the beginning. They have mastered it over the years. It is a rare opportunity for 25 people (mostly women) to come together and create an art project. The process builds community by making space for people to get to know each other in a social context. The group is run by consensus.
Keep your eyes out for more interesting facets of our local history. If you have missed any of the wonderful meetings, contact the President, Susan
Teel who agreed to find out what upcoming events the Historical Society has planned. She also invites anyone to contribute articles to her at Ranch Bodega Historical Society, PO Box 1027 Bodega Bay, 94923.
Everyone involved has a special relationship with the quilt. Carol’s favorite part of the experience is “making something beautiful.” And it always turns out beautifully. Linda’s quilt square is “spiritual” because it reflects herself during that moment in time. It means something particularly special to her. Every year the quilt itself holds a special and relevant theme, and this year is about the fire’s aftermath.
The Sonoma Coast Municipal Advisory Council representatives will be chosen through a community vote. Residents are invited to participate in a candidates’ event on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Bodega Bay Grange. Id you donlt already know who wants to represent our community to the Board of Supervisors this is your chance to eet the face-to- face. We appreciate every person who volunteers on behalf of our commuity.
Once the quilt is made, it travels to farmers markets and any big local festival in order to spread the love with raffle ticket sales. After gathering all the generous donations, they raise thousands of dollars—up to $5,000 in one year.
Finally, we are delighted to see that our Computer Expert is recovering from her go with surgery. Welcome back, Jade Paterson—we can’t function without you. She’s the best.
42 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/18
Take care, everyone—and remember, BE KIND.
I gave the ballot extensive attention. I urge all other citizens to do the same. If you are voting by mail, be sure to meet the deadlines. If you are coming down in person (I work the Elections) be sure to vote November 6. Voting is one of the most important duties of citizenship (and it is always pleasant to see your neighbors and chat on your way out.)