Page 40 - Sonoma County Gazette 3-19

Greetings Graton!
I hope you are one of the first readers, so that you can still make it to the first big fundraiser of the year for the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department. The polenta and beef stew dinner will be 5-8p.m. on Saturday, March 2 at McCaughey Hall. More information at 707-876-9438.
Ta da!! It’s spring!! Winter is passing. Gratitude for all the rain. Happy spring, sunshine and scented blooms to you all.
Habitat for Humanity will be moving forward with a two-home build in Graton. This project is a part of Green Valley Village. The build will be starting in the Spring and expected to finish in the fall. They do still have a large funding gap so donated, or discounted labor and materials will be needed to help finish this project. All donations can be acknowledged with a charitable contribution receipt for the donated value. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, lumber, concrete, drywall, are all big-ticket items for them so if you can help in these areas it would be very impactful. Please contact Larry Arrington as he is the Procurement Manager and he can provide a list of material needed. l.arrington@habitatsoco.org
Habitat for Humanity at Graton Green Village
The Fisherman’s Marketing Association Of Bodega Bay organizes the (FMABB) Crab Feed in Bodega which is on March 16th, 4-7p.m, at McCaughey Hall. All you can eat fresh cooked marinated or plain crab, salad, and garlic bread. Ticket includes dessert and 1 alcoholic or non alcoholic beverage. Adults $55, children $45, toddlers and babies (under age 5) Free! Enjoy a silent auction and raffle of multiple local businesses. All proceeds go towards local Bodega Bay fishermen!
Jacqui Salyer is the Fund Development Manager and can give more information to you about fund raising efforts for this project and how individuals can contribute funds. Supporters also have the opportunity to donate directly through their website @ habitatsoco.org/donate-online/ I will continue to write about this project until complete so please keep on your eyes open for updates on how you can help. Jacqui’s e-mail is j.salyer@habitatsoco. org.
It is quite refreshing to be actually having a winter again, despite inconveniences and roadway dangers. I’m sure most of you are already aware, but we had a tremendous flood on Salmon Creek Rd. right before Valentine’s Day. Bodega’s Fire Department reported multiple mudslides and trees down, as well as having to rescue a man from his vehicle. Just a reminder to stay safe out there in this unpredictable weather. If you have the opportunity, definitely take a canoe or kayak out on the Laguna for some rare fun time with nature.
Volunteers will definitely be needed on site in late Spring through the Fall. Volunteers can register here and will be updated when shifts for this project are open habitatsoco.org/get-involved/volunteer. Corporate, school, church, and other volunteer groups can contact Annalisa Price about reserving a day to join us. A.price@habitatsoco.org
Let’s not forget the 1982 flood. The CCC had to dig Bodega out from the mud. Gary and Laura Sauter and their newborn daughter had to be rescued from a truck’s roof. A bucket loader rescued a couple from Salmon Creek bridge with their little dog who refused to leave the bucket loader for days. Just remember, seasons change.
The families who will purchase these two affordable homes have completed many sweat equity hours already and are extremely excited to start building with Habitat. Hannah and her husband Jeffrey and children will be in a sense returning neighbors as Hannah grew up in Graton! Hannah wrote in her bio that her family is bound by love, hard work and determination. They are already friends and they are neighbors—the only things missing and the walls and roofs which together we can help build. For Jeanette, her husband Niko with their two young boys having a safe and secure home to raise their family will be a dream come true. They want to provide their sons with security and a sense of pride, showing them that when they grow up, they can have these things too.
Most importantly, I want to honor her because of the huge part she has played in my life, especially after my mother, Heather, died in October 2017. She was my mom’s youngest brother’s mother and a wonderful neighbor when we lived in Graton. After my mom passed, I adopted our dear Ellen as my God Mom and she filled those shoes well. She also mentored many other young people throughout the years. She was vital in my foundational support system and helped me in countless ways. She encouraged me to grow, progress, get active, follow through, cook and eat healthy food, try new things and take care of myself. Her compassionately loving life came to an abrupt end from unexpected health complications at Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital on January 28th, surrounded by her intimate group of loved ones. We miss her intensely everyday and will celebrate her priceless life on March 2nd.
For both families they will sleep in their own beds, breath in clean air, tie memories of their childhood to a space that belongs to them. Their family will know a stability and permeance that they never knew before. When they get to build their own home, shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors they will be – finally – home.
Graton Park, to be built as a part of this project, will sit right at the front door step of these houses
For more information you can visit this website thiessenhomes.com/thiessen-projects/green-valley-village/
40 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 3/19
Life is precious and unpredictable, so value personal connections and nurture close relationships. We all need help to get through dark days and rough storms; reach out to others and take advantage of reciprocal compassion.
Funky but Fun FLOODS
In Memoriam
Last month I wrote all about love, which was my last column that my Grand Aunt, Ellen Cheek read and enjoyed. It’s so heavy on my heart that
I must recognize the life of this very special person. Ellen was an extremely valued community member who had lived in Bloomfield and most recently in Graton. She played a big role in manifesting the soon-to-be Graton Park. Her masterfully unique artisan jewelry was a local success. Even as a 69 year old, she was quite active, both physically and politically.