Page 41 - Sonoma County Gazette 6-20

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED Wow, I can’t believe summer is finally here. It’s been a challenging SIP these last two months with restrictions finally being relaxed. For those of us that live in Rio Nido it’s been nice. We live in our very own park. It is peaceful, beautiful and filled with a strong sense of Community. I love all my neighbors, they are family and we all look out for one another. Bored? No way! I guess for me being bored doesn’t enter my realm of thought. This has been a great time to engage in hobbies, self improvement, reading and taking long refreshing morning strolls and finishing a project or two that has been on hold. Stay safe and continue to live and thrive.
FRIENDS OF RIO NIDO (FRN) is conducting their elections currently. There are three seats up for grabs. More exciting news to come......
Some good news on the reopening front.
RIO NIDO ROADHOUSE The RNR is such a vital part of our Community. They have been instrumental in keeping our little hamlet fed. The To Go/Pick- up orders have been going exceptionally well with stringent hygiene practices in place. Due to the HomeOwner’s BBQ being cancelled the Memorial Day BBQ was held at the RNR with social distancing in place with the usual tasty BBQ chicken and fixings!
We aren’t a large dense urban center and we don’t have meatpacking facilities in Monte Rio. It’s hard to believe it’s June already. Our businesses were struggling last year and hopefully they can reopen and survive this summer. As a fragile economy in general, and usually with the highest unemployment rate in the county, being shut down is the last thing we need. The latest unemployment figures for April came out today while I’m finishing this column. Monte Rio comes in at 45.6%!
A big thanks and hugs (virtual) go to Brad and Raena Metzger for always thinking of the kids by providing cotton candy, giveaways, treats and prizes. Such a welcoming family friendly environment. The Pool is ready to open for all to enjoy, just check in with them on Facebook for days of operation and hours or call the RNR at 707 869-0821.
Will our hamlet come back anytime soon? The lights out on the Welcome to Vacation Wonderland sign is ominous. When will the lights be back on and tourists welcomed back? The sign apparently was hit by a truck and only half of the sign lights up so the power was shut off. This will be the third time the Chamber will have to repair it in the last four years. Each repair costs over $500 and the Chamber doesn’t have the money right now as their fundraising events have all been cancelled. The board is searching for a way to raise the money to pay for the sign repair.
One bright spot in the Triangle area has been Ed Brochu’s work on the landscaping. To this end the Monte Rio Community Alliance has donated funds to him so he can continue his great work on behalf of the community. It is hoped that donations will be matched by the Monte Rio Chamber and other non-profits in town.
Russian River Alliance has been assisting the out of work workers in our community by providing gift cards for food from both Safeway as well as other local small businesses until unemployment checks, stimulus checks, or SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans kick in.
You would think we were in the Great Depression again. For more information or to donate to these organizations please visit their websites monteriocommunityalliance.org, russianriveralliance.org, or monterio.org
Our two biggest annual events are cancelled this year, July 4th fireworks and the Monte Rio Variety Show. These two events defined Monte Rio, ageless and unmatched. Some good news is the Variety Show will be announcing a Virtual 109th Annual Show with details forthcoming.
SUNRISE COMMUNITY GARDEN Have you visited our Community Garden lately? Well, it sure is the talk of the Canyons. It has been closed along with the dog park and tennis court during this Pandemic. Our very own gardener here in RN Patty Bailey partnered with Rec & Park and advised them that the garden is essential. The garden is now open but of course with strict guidelines in place. It is truly wonderful to see our garden elves growing such beautiful fruits and veggies. Thank you Russian River Rec & Park for allowing our Community to prosper during this challenging time.
PEE WEE GOLF is still closed. It is being lovingly maintained by Marsee Henson who belongs to the Rio Nido Homeowners Association and is also running for a seat on the Board of the Friends of Rio Nido. Stay tuned for an opening date by checking the Rio Nido page on Facebook, the Friends of Rio Nido page and the Rio Nido Neighborhood Collective pages.
UPKEEP: This past month neighbors have been cleaning up their yards from tree debris and cutting dead branches. Just a few doors down on Canyon 7 a huge Madrone tree nearly took out a neighbors house. Luckily this was caught on time and a tree service was called immediately and cut the tree away from the home. This was very scary as the occupants were home as the tree started to lean. With the impending fire season its wise to limb trees and remove trees that look like a potential disaster about to happen.
RN PET OF THE MONTH This is Bubba aka Bubbs and Bubbers. He is just a youngster. Inquisitive and full of life. He loves to play fetch with his little green mouse toy. He enjoys catching it while it is still in the air and brings it back to his mommy. His favorite past time is walks on the beach. He adores watching the birds chirp outside his window and saying hello to his outdoor kitty brother Louie LuLu. Bubba loves to sleep on his mommy’s chest at bedtime. His favorite part of the day are his outdoor adventures and journeys with his mom. He is an indoor kitty but his mom takes him on car rides and fun little expeditions around town. Let’s give Bubba a warm Rio Nido welcome!
The Monte Rio Chamber is celebrating their 100th year anniversary this year. They were founded in 1920 as Monte Rio Fire Dept and Improvement Association and became the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce and incorporated in 1931.
While the State and Sonoma County have not been leading the way to get our economy back on track, recently, and surprisingly quickly, they both have changed course. Sonoma County, like much of the State, has not been heavily impacted by Covid-19 deaths.
What is the county doing to help reopen our businesses and provide economic development support to our community? The devastation to our community is, and unfortunately will be, long lived. More needs to be done for Monte Rio.
The Village Inn joins the Rio Theater in being for sale.
So, while our signature events weren’t ready for social distancing protocols, we can still get out, support our businesses, and safely enjoy the enduring beauty that is Monte Rio.
It’s time to shine a light and celebrate Monte Rio’s return.
Vacation Wonderland, together we just keep getting better.
What are YOU going to DO to Vacation at Home this Summer?
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