Page 36 - Sonoma County Gazette May 2020

The Penngrove Poop by Chuck Lucas, guest writer
So here is the thing...most everything has been cancelled in Petaluma and even once the Order is lifted, life is likely not going to go back to normal soon. I write this not as a prediction but more of a reminder that whatever emotions we are feeling right now are emotions we need to get used to and get a handle on.
Thank you Penngrove Proud magazine for permission to print this column here! Thomas Paine said it best, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
It is even more true now than it was back in 1776. The world is in chaos like
no other time in history. We have never seen anything like this. The world has almost shut down. World wars are fought on fronts. Countries against countries. The COVID-19 is attacking us all at the same time.
Patience and understanding are going to be the key or else this current pandemic is going to cause even more societal fracturing than what we were already seeing with the run up to the election.
We are all sheltered in place. It’s inconvenient, but it is protecting our health and that of our families. Stay safe. Stay the “8&#@” at home!
Do not read me wrong. I am as annoyed as anyone and that seems to apply to just about everything that is going on. We all are. A social media post that tickled my funny bone to no end read something to the effect of, “We’re playing a new game in our house during SIP. It’s called, ‘Why did you do it THAT way?!?!?!?’ ...nobody wins.” Our fuses are short, but we need to recognize that others are in the same boat. The feelings of frustration are not ours alone. We are all in the same boat.
Laci Sandoval has been doing her share of helping those in need. She is making masks for healthcare workers from her home. She recently made a batch for the ER staff at Petaluma Valley Hospital. She is also the chef/baker/ owner and dream maker of her “Wind & Rye” cooking school. Her website is: http://windandrye.com.
On Saturday, April 4th there was a “drive by” birthday party for Nathan Brindmore, the amazing Penngrove essay writer, who is turning ten years old. Jane Foster, their neighbor will also be having a birthday the next day, so it became a mini-parade with people waving from their cars to the celebrants.
We need to work on being patient, understanding and considerate, not matter how much of a curmudgeon we might normally be.
Penngrove events are in a state of flux. According to Battalion Chief, Mike Weihman, the fireman’s pancake breakfast is in a holding pattern, as
is the official Penngrove Fourth of July parade according to the perennial organizer, Kim Hanson. The Firefighter’s Family Picnic that was scheduled for August 16th is also on hold. The picnic in the park was to show community support for our firefighters and their families before the start of fire season... The Penngrove Market Friday night music is postponed for now according
It is not easy work to always keep those things in mind, but let your facemask be your reminder. I am not new to facemasks so I understand it takes patience to get used to them. And it may seem silly that we all must wear them (for the time being), but we need to be understanding when it comes to a “better safe than sorry” situation, like the one we are in.
to Shaina Ferraro, one of the owners who produces the music events. If you haven’t been there to listen to our local musical talent you are doing yourself a disservice. Sit on the patio and people watch.
Is there a chance that none of this will matter? Of course. However, if there is an outside chance that our actions are helping to save lives, I feel it is worth it and hope you do too. We here in the North Bay have not been hit that bad by COVID-19, but have a virtual visit with friends or family in other parts of the country or the world and it all quickly comes into perspective.
Our local restaurants and bars are suffering. The Penngrove
Pub and Mack’s Bar & Grill are closed until further notice.
A lot of restaurants are offering take-out and some offer curb
service. Javamore Cafe is open, but closing earlier at 2 p.m., but you can
call (794-1516) and order ahead and pick it up (website is at javamorecafe.
com.) Chris Smith, General Manager of Twin Oaks is offering curbside service with a smaller menu (755-5118), all tips will go tot he staff who’ve been laid off... Lyndi Brown and Kim Hanson, spilled that local realtor, Rob Sullivan, is putting together a billboard on ORH supporting Penngrove businesses
Once you know someone who has died, the inconvenience does not seem quite so inconvenient anymore.
Finally, let that facemask remind you to be considerate because that is exactly what the mask represents. For the most part, facemask cannot protect you from infection, especially with the way most of us are constantly fiddling with it, reusing it, etc. However, the main role these masks play is in helping you from infecting someone else, if you were to end up being someone who
is unknowingly infectious. Wearing the mask is a sign that you are being considerate of others.
Because my main area of interest is food, I report with great sadness that Three Twins Ice Cream has ceased operations. Although the Shelter in Place certainly played its role, founder/owner Neal Gottlieb told me things have been particularly challenging as of late, with tightening margins and declining sales. Unfortunately, this likely will not be our last local food casualty so please consider giving a little extra support to your favorite local eateries. Also, again, please be patient and understanding as restaurants transition into this new business model. Your food may not be quite as good as normal, but that is because they are working with skeleton crews, you are not eating the food hot from the kitchen and they are still figuring out how to transition from dine-in to take-out and delivery.
Also on the topic of food and drink, people have started using Zoom video conferencing to have social and happy hours. It’s a fun idea and definitely better than nothing but the smart-aleck in me sees it as the
worst potluck ever, even if you brought your favorite item. With only your contribution to gorge yourself on, it is like going to a buffet and only getting to choose one item.
that are selling food & doing take-out, including Javamore Cafe, Penngrove Market, Twin Oaks Roadhouse and the Grateful Greek...
Thank you Rob. Tom at the Grateful Greek is open from 11a.m. until 3p.m. Thursday to Sunday, but call, he may be open at other times (213-925-0694)... If you purchase gift cards at these places you can help a bit with their cash flow... Caprara’s Pizzaria is doing curbside and take-out (707- 664-1515)
call Joe and make your order... For other needs, Downunder Industries at 50 Ely Rd., has curbside service, and you can order from the website www. downunderindustries.com) or call 658-1707. They also make deliveries.
I try to keep my contact with people at a minimum when I do have to go out. Here’s my plan... I buy my beer at the brewery, veggies at The Palace of Fruit, I subscribe to a CSA from Coyote Farms www.coyotefamilyfarm. com, the Penngrove Market and also Darlings Farm at (7000 Petaluma Hill Rd @ Roberts Rd. 774-5754) they are open noon to 5p.m. For carnivores, Penngrove’s famous, Bud’s Custom Meats (7750 Pet Hill, 795-8402) has regular hours from 8a.m, to 5p.m. Matt Gamba told me they are constantly washing hands and only allowing three customers in at a time to the shop.
We will make it through this. Look out for your neighbors, be kind and take care of one another. And stay the “8&#@”at home.
36 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 5/20