Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette 11-19

GUEST COLUMNIST Marina McTaggart
Happy November Guerneville Groovers!
November! It’s been a busy year with re-building and many changes. One of the changes was new regulations for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. I reported a few months ago based on inaccurate information that redwood boxes would be acceptable, unlike cesspools.
With both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving falling in this month it seems appropriate to start this column with a huge Thank You to our veterans who have given so much for our country and to those military personnel that continue to serve in the name of freedom and world peace.
I have recently been informed that the regulators consider them both the same. If you have a redwood “Septic Tank” meaning dual chambers and a leachfield you are probably OK. If you have a simple redwood box you will need to upgrade, however you will have 15 years to do so.
Thank you for your service!!! Another big thank you goes out to
our local firefighters who have never let us down. There were several fires
in Occidental last month including 2 house fires and a fire in downtown Guerneville. Through coordinated efforts by several community Fire Districts and Cal Fire all fires were controlled and contained.
Also, if a septic system is deemed by a qualified professional to be in need of repair, it can be repaired without upgrading the system if the corrective actions are minor. If you have questions about how the new regulations may impact you, Alisha O’Loughlin, Lower Russian River Ombudsperson, is available to help. Alisha can be reached at Alisha.OLoughlin@sonoma-county.org, (707) 565-6415, or in-person by appointment at the Monte Rio Community Center.
It’s important to note that most of our area firefighters are volunteers.
They have families and jobs they must leavet o serve us! Another big thank you to the families and employers of these volunteers!!
Our community is also fortunate to have local groups who contribute time, money, energy and skills to bring us programs and services:
Chris Brokate and Russian Riverkeeper—just imagine what our beloved river would look like were it not for the efforts of Chris and the many groups of volunteers who have pulled tons of trash out of the river and also alongside our roadways. So much progress and yet it’s infuriating to read about the tire dumping that is taking place in the Hopland area where hundreds of tires have been illegally left by the river. It makes we wonder - How can people be so disrespectful of our environment? I guess they just don’t get that there is “no planet B”. If you would like to help Chris & Company clean our towns streets before the rains come, please contact him at 707-322-8304. Cleanups happen every first Monday of the month—weather permitting- from 4:30-6:30pm. Meet at the Guerneville Plaza. Equipment is provided.
Keary and Sally Sorenson of Everclean North—“the spots and dots” team. They work tirelessly to pressure wash our sidewalks and the plaza and monitor, empty and sanitize the trash cans in town. And they do this for free—on their own time. Where would we be without them?
After serving on the Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Board
The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—Sponsors of community and fundraising events including the monthly (often sold out) bingo nights at the Guerneville Vets Hall.
for several years I decided not to run for re-election after fulfilling my current term. Unfortunately, others from the public also decided not to run, so there won’t be an election this month to fill the vacancy. The board is looking to appoint a replacement, so if you are interested please contact administrator@ mrrpd.org ASAP. Three priorities I would still like to see occur is having our Monte Rio, A Hate Free Community sign displayed again, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the Mission statement, and having an EV charging station installed at the Community Center.
In other changes, Robert Gray has sold Cuts on the Green to Lisa Parmeter. The name will now be The Shop. Robert has been an incredible fixture in our community. Your one stop go-to place for everything that is Monte Rio happening. A client-base that covered the spectrum and where everyone was smiling or laughing. Robert didn’t give anyone a choice in the matter. Robert would like to thank the numerous people in and around West County that have supported him through thick and thin. Although he won’t be owning Cuts on the Green anymore, he will still be working there Fri-Sat throughout the year and wants folks to support the new owner Lisa and show her the love that so many of you have shown him. He also says not to worry he will keep everyone’s secrets! I wish him and Lisa the very best going forward.
Each month’s game has a different beneficiary and a different theme. The next game night is November 9th at 7pm. This game benefits Bob Burke’s Kids and El Molino Friends of Music Foundation. The theme is Yellow Submarine Bingo. Check out their poster—it’s totally ‘60s groovy!
With the arrival of cooler weather please remember to be considerate of your neighbors when burning wood for heat. Burning cleanly is the law and is simple to do. Buy dry well seasoned wood, make sure there is plenty of air intake during initial start-up to create a hot fire and less smoke. After initial start-up there should be minimal or no visible smoke emanating from your chimney. Burning cleanly actually saves you money by providing more heat for your dollars. If you need enforcement assistance visit our air quality website at nosocoair.net, email Craig@NoSoCoAir.net or call (707) 433-5911.
Russian River Rotary Foundation for sponsoring the awesome and free Rockin’ the River Concerts on the Guerneville Plaza. It’s great to see so many people mingling, dancing and enjoying themselves!.
West County Community Services—Along with the Senior Center and the Empowerment Center they also provide housing and counseling services. Their Emergency Winter Shelter at the Vets Hall is open December thru March. Volunteers cook & serve meals for overnight guests.
Penny Rivas and the non-profit organization God’s Grace Inc. Each year Penny and her team of volunteers provide Thanksgiving dinner to 400- 500 people at the Vets Hall. This community dinner is open to everyone. Volunteers and donations are always appreciated.
Local air sensors providing real-time air quality information can be found by entering your zip code at purpleair.com. If you are looking to upgrade your source of heat, consider highly efficient ductless heat pumps. Check the air district website for any available rebates.
In other news—The Russian River Chamber of Commerce welcomes their new Executive Director Karin Moss. Come meet Karin at the Annual Membership Meeting at Thomas George Estates on November 6, from 6-8pm.
Our local theater and actors always amaze me. This month Curtain Call Theater at Russian River Hall presents The Mousetrap, a mystery by Agatha Christie. This is the longest running play in London. Contact the box office 707-524-8739 for tickets.
The first weekend of the month is a busy one. Friday November 1st is the Russian River Alliance’s Soiree with a View at Salesforce East Tower, a benefit to prevent homelessness in the River. RussianRiverAlliance.org
On Saturday November 2nd Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Casino Night, also at the Community Center. MonteRio.org
Hoping you take time out this month to be with friends and family and give thanks for those that enrich our lives.
Vacation Wonderland, we just keep getting better.
Mama’s Family 19th Annual Toy Drive at the Rainbow Cattle Company on Tuesday November 12. Help fill the toy barrel and put a smile a child’s face. $5.00 donation—potluck dinner. ( In conjunction with Give Back Tuesday )
The Hollydale Community Club in Forestville invites you to join them for table tennis at the Clubhouse on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7-10pm. Enjoy good play and recreational activity. All skill levels welcome. And finally—Happy November Birthday to my husband Michael—a Vietnam War Veteran and the best part of my life!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/19