Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette October 2018

Welcome neighbors and the idly curious - I’ve been asked to fill Beth Rudometkin’s sizable boots as informer and commentator regarding what’s transpiring in Guerneville. Fat chance!
It’s that wonderful time of year again: October has finally arrived. For me, it is my favorite time of year. The weather is a little chilly, the mornings are refreshing and the leaves are falling from the trees and turning colors. Harvest time is fast approaching and the vineyards are beautiful. They are becoming shades of mustard and burnt orange. Pumpkins and gourds are turning up everywhere. Although summer is technically over and all the kiddos are in school, October is a fantastic month to visit the Russian River Valley.
Rio Nido Homeowners Association: Douglas Misner, President of the RNHOA is looking for volunteers and new Board Members to join the Rio Nido Homeowners Association. So, if you reside in Rio Nido, have some extra time to contribute and are interested in supporting this “magical” little Community, please email Douglas at: dmc@rionido.org.
Rio Nido Pee Wee Mini Golf: The Rio Nido Homeowners Association is exploring the idea of having a winter league at Pee Wee Mini Golf. They are thinking about playing a few times a week and having a tournament. Sounds FUN! If you are interested email Douglas at: dmc@rionido.org.
County: I am relieved to see the County has finally decided to finish paving the stretch of road on River Road to Rio Nido. The yellow divider lines were looking pretty grim and deficient these past few weeks. But driving from Korbel to Rio Nido and finally seeing the divider lines painted made me smile.
PG&E: Thrilled to see PG&E doing their due diligence in Rio Nido cutting branches away from power lines. Thank you.
Fountain Revitalization Project: Next month I will be discussing the “possible” RN Fountain Revitalization project, so stay tuned for more info.
Friends of Rio Nido (FRN) Canvassing Project, ETC!: 700 packettes were distributed to the residents of Rio Nido. Also a BIG thanks goes to FRN for organizing the Beautification Pick n’ Haul cleanup held on Saturday, September 29th. What a success! The next FRN Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 18th at 11:00am at the picnic tables next to the Dog park. Looking forward to seeing you there! With winter approaching do not forget to report potholes, clogged culverts and other related issues to: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Services/ SoCO-Report-It/Submit-a-Serice-Request/
Community Development: COPE, which stands for Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, is a community/neighborhood group that works to train and educate their neighbors to respond to disasters and emergencies with less disruption and chaos. The Fifth district office is interested in helping communities create COPE neighborhoods throughout west county. What is the Community interest? Let us know at the next FRN meeting.
The Rio Nido Lodge: With the onslaught of holidays approaching, many organizations, companies and individuals will be looking for Banquet rooms
to rent for holiday parties, quinceaneras, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, etc. The Rio Nido Lodge has the space to accommodate your celebratory needs. We have two large spaces (one with a fireplace) so book your events in advance before it is too late. Contact Martine Eva at 707 604-7641.
Rio Nidan Chef Helena Gustavsson Giesea: Rio Nido Local, Chef Helena is about to open a Bake Shop in Guerneville this fall. The old nursery “End of the Rainbow” has been transformed into a food establishment. “Baked on the River” will serve coffee, baked goods, casual meals, wine and beer. Thursday through Sunday 6am – 6pm to start. For more info go to: www. Bakedontheriver.com. 17071 Hwy 116, Guerneville 707 865-6060.
Nearing a half-century as a ‘local’ I’ve been witness to a sea-change or two and I’m please to report we’ve morphed into a big-hearted burg packed with natural beauty, creative individuals, an enviable climate, and a ‘sanctuary’ where “acceptance” has replaced “tolerance”.
Our unique and vital nature has gained national recognition as America’s left-bank, a foodies paradise, an art-lovers dream and a village designed to improve the health of visitors and help folks feel younger when they arise in the morning.
Rich with a variety of music (much of it free for the hearing), live theater companies and fearless entrepreneurs, we play, we work, we feed, entertain and nurture one another and we encourage opinions, taking chances and improving one another’s Quality of Life.
And so it has fallen to me to recount what’s the haps, who’s doing what to whom, and other Earth-shattering notes of interest.....
I love to open doors and push buttons...input from you is ALWAYS encouraged.
Since this is October we’ll be welcoming the rains, seeing if our sweaters still fit us and thrilling to all there is to experience.
The month is capped by Halloween which gives license to the rest of America to dress up and tap their inner selves - something we do here in Guerneville all year ‘round. There are folks who look forward to it for 50 weeks and there are those who hold it in disdain.
Zombies, witches, werewolves, beasties, chilly winds, creepy shadows, whispering trees....too much homework, short days and nippy mornings.... “It’s Autumn!” It’s MY favorite ‘holiday’, but it’s not for everyone.
One All Hallows night at the Rainbow Cattle Company an overzealous Vampire sunk her needle-like teeth into my earlobe.... ever since we’ve been blood-buddies forever! Sometimes the Glory of Halloween has more ‘gory’ than Glory.
DIVERSIONS...The R.R. Historical Society led by the forever-young John Schubert and prez Jane Barry will host their annual “Tour to Die For” of the Guerneville Cemetery on Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. $5 donation.
On October 5, collage artist and Blue Door Gallery owner Doug DeVivo will be celebrating his 62nd birthday and the Blue Door’s sixth starting at 5 p.m. Aging “bugs” him, says Doug who encourages those who attend to “Be your Best Bug”. No Fire Ants allowed. 707-328-3235 for more info.
Live from the Rio Theater, Wonderland Radio Hour, a KRCB 91.1FM future live broadcast featuring Guerneville history with poetry, tales, accordionist Laurie Lippin and more. Free tickets available 10 a.m.
Time to discover John Haggard’s Sophie’s Cellars in Duncans Mills, it’s become a place where the local illuminati (jes’ plain folks) gather at 5 p.m. on Locals Fridays for schmoozing with neighbors, wine, cheese and munchies. Sadly, the cows in the adjacent meadow can only watch. 865-1122 for more info.
Our treasured Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will present an amateur drag competition, a Rock Opera and bottomless fun at the R3’s R.R. Closet Ball. Tix $25 reserved, $15 general. 21 yrs and over. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Monte Rio’s Highland Dell Oktoberfest features the Megastein* Polka band, a buffet for $27.50. Doors open at 5 p.m. 865-2300 for more info.
Docent-led Wellness Walks in Armstrong Woods promote fitness in mind and body Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the park’s visitors center.
Pet of the Month: Dozer is 18 months old. He was found near Fountain Grove during the Santa Rosa fires last October 2017. Dozer is a gentle cuddle bug that loves to snuggle. He loves everyone and his best friend is a kitty cat named Bella. Dozer’s favorite toy is an orange duck. His favorite hobbies include: going
When “The Thing” opened in N.Y. theaters, there were nurses posted in
the lobby for the excessively frightened. Don’t expect one when Curtain Call Theater in Monte Rio serves up “Count Dracula” live(?!) running from Oct. 5 to Oct. 27. Prize for best costume (and complimentary Champagne for entrants) on 10/6 and 10/13. 524-8739.
When the “i” follows the “e” (as in Megastein, Gravenstein, Rosenstein, Stein (of beer), ) it’s pronounced “stine”. When the “e” follows the “i” it’s pronounced “steen.”
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 10/18
to the beach, playing in the sand and playing catch. Let’s give Dozer a big Rio Nido welcome!