Page 37 - Sonoma County Gazette 11-19

This issue recommends we embrace what we value. If community is what you value, you are not alone. Studies show that real interaction with real human beings far surpasses any electronic connections for helping us feel we have value. So, along with hanging out on Facebook or Instagram (which may or may not help you feel a part of a community) find ways to connect in person.
I inherited the name for this column from its original author. He
and I enjoyed the humor in the title. Think about it. Apples have peel. The city has its own unique charm—or appeal—that’s often called quirky. Attorneys, which we both are, file appeals. And so on. It stuck as a name.
Then along came the SEB bumper sticker, first made by Todd at Sprint Copy Center on Main Street. Adopting the abbreviated designation on our fire trucks and police vehicles, it expresses civic pride in a European-looking, trendy way.
SEBold
Did you read it as SEB—old.......or.......SEB—bold? It goes both ways.
Let start with “old.” Per the 2018 statistics from the Economic
It could be by belonging to an already established group, such as a church, school or club. I’ve met several Forestville people lately who find great satisfaction being part of Indivisible and Sister Districts. Those groups help them feel they can make a difference politically. Others I know are part of Rotary or for me, Soroptimists. My group puts on events to raise money for scholarships for women. We have fun, do some pretty wonderful things for single moms trying to further their education, and it’s been a great way for me to feel I belong.
The SEB shorthand has endured. Here are some more examples.
Once in a while for connection I go to the Sebastopol Senior Center for lunch. The folks there have a great time interacting. It’s an upbeat scene. One which counteracts loneliness, which is dangerous when one is elderly and having trouble getting around and staying connected.
Development Board, Sebastopol ranks second-oldest amongst the County’s comparable small cities and older than the median age of the state and nation. Our age structure skews slightly older than the County’s, with more “late career” and “elderly” residents, along with fewer “youth” and “early career” residents. The EDB publication includes information about employment, business, housing, education, income and spending. It’s worth reading to learn how it profiles our community.
In fact, the very active Sebastopol Senior Center is putting on a Panel Discussion and Resource Fair Saturday, November 2 from 12 to 2:30 at their Center on 167 N. High Street in Sebastopol. Come find out about all the services and resources available to you and/or your aging parents. They’ll be discussing housing, transportation, benefits and more. It’s free.
Since its last release, Sebastopol has been surpassed by Cotati in population, so we are also the County’s “smallest” city at under 7,800 residents.
Our City-supported Community Cultural Center, Senior Center, and Ives Pool serve about 60,000 people in the West County and the areas to our east and south, as does our Regional Public Library. Each of these facilities is operating at peak capacity. Each of these SEBuildings needs to be improved and expanded to reach its potential.
Closer to home on November 2nd is the annual Methodist Church Craft Fair from 9-2. Lots of interesting crafts along with home-made pies to buy. Yummy. Their monthly Soul Café the following weekend Sunday November 17 from 5- 6:30 features Honey Bee and the Pollinators. Their band serves up a blend of swing, jump and jive plus jazz. Goatlandia will be serving up the soup and salad this time around. It’s a great spot to meet friends or make new ones.
On to “bold.” Sebastopol needs a bold vision for the future
Yet another choice for Saturday, November 2 from 4 to 8:30 pm at the Guerneville Vets Hall is the El Molino Boosters Club BBQ. They raise money to support all things El Mo such as dance, culinary, ag, art, clubs, media, theater, makers, builders, Project Grad, library, College & Career Center, Leadership, special events and athletics. I attended last month’s Homecoming football game. It was amazing where the Lions towered over the Healdsburg Hounds 55 to 6. For exciting games, you can also watch the Lady Lions Volleyball team. Talk about team spirit! Playing, or even watching El Mo sports right in the gym or on the field can keep you energized and connected.
for these “de facto” City services housed in city-owned buildings. The larger community wants the public facilities that we deserve, whether we identify as the young families, the elders, the pool enthusiasts, or the literati. We also need to be financially creative and energetic in order to achieve our vision.
Speaking of sports, did you know Forestville is closer than ever to getting our own Skatepark? The tireless promoters remind skaters, bmxers, contractors and energizers to join in on this project and make it happen. You can go to fvsk8spot.com to connect with their community of supporters. Pretty cool people actually.
The Senior Center bounced back financially over the last two years, now running strong under Linda Civitello, with reserves but hampered by lack of space. It could use more room.
Ricardo Freitas and his team at Ives Pool managed the challenge of remodeling the women’s locker room but runs at max capacity much of the time.
Our updated Library continues to add programs and materials within its tight walls, to the credit of Mathew Rose, Branch Manager, and Staff. LANTERN is one community group already re-envisioning our library facility next to City Hall. The group will report to the Council on November 19, 2019.
Have you noticed Nightingale Bakery has extended its hours and offerings? Go online to check out what kinds of breads they are making on any given day. They have added quick breads along with cinnamon rolls on Saturday and scones on Sundays. Open W-F from 11 to 6 and Sat. and Sun. from 10-4.
SEBact
Forestville School is producing a fun play called Curiosity Cats at 6:30
on December 7th, 13th and 14th with matinees on the 8th and 15th at 1:30 pm in the small auditorium. It’s produced of course by our own special Nicolle Huberty and features middle schoolers, adding about 10 primary school kids as kittens. My grand daughter will love it.
How will such as small city expand its service in these older buildings? Not without dreaming and not without the financial support of the wider SEBrural population comprising our community. West County residents and other users of these facilities can participate in imagining a grander future and can donate, time and/or money. Contact the executive directors, managers, and friendly board members about opportunities.
And last but not least as a way to connect with your very own community is to bring some cookies to the Holiday Tree Lighting on
Sunday, December 1st in the downtown Oaks park starting around 4 pm. The Forestville Chamber is hosting this event for us and will be passing out free hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and free hot dogs too! I love how many different kinds of cookies show up that night. And kids get to visit with Santa Claus too! Thank you Chamber for doing this for the town! We value these events because they keep us connected!
Consider other actions that may be more doable and immediate. For instance, take the pledge called the Zero Waste Eat Local Challenge: for one month, shop at local businesses and farmers’ markets for locally produced food, and bring reusable bags and containers everywhere.
Led by Executive Director Cordelia Hurst and her Board, the Community Cultural Center developed plans for its flood recovery and expansion for a vibrant future. Presented to the Council on October 15, 2019, these concepts will likely be reviewed in greater detail in January 2020.
Do you have any more SEBstitutions? Send them to me at sarahgurney.seb@gmail.com.
11/19 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 37