Page 38 - Sonoma County Gazette July 2020

Occidental Community Farmers Market is OPEN!
We are living in a strange time, slowly but surely, we finally have a little light at the end of the tunnel. We are not back to normal, but we can at least get out a little more than before, but with precautions.
This beloved market successfully relaunched one year ago after an amazing outpouring of support from locals who came together to revive this neighborly gathering that encourages collaboration, community-building, and creativity.
Before I talk about what’s “Rollin on the River” I guess I should talk about what didn’t roll on the river this month. All of our July 4th celebrations. The BBQ, fireworks, music and trying to get to each town to see the fireworks. Taking your chair to the walking bridge hours before the fireworks start, to get a good seat. Just the camaraderie of visiting with everyone is a comfort.
The market is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all market participants and vendors so please follow the Market Regulations Resource Guide created for vendors and patrons to attend the market in safe and supportive ways. Due to COVID-19, marketgoers will be required to wear a mask and no public restrooms will be available at this time.
SHOUT OUT to the Stumptown Daze Parade Committee for doing a drive-by parade last month. It was fun watching the parade from your own deck. Thank you for putting that together.
Most of the restaurants in town are open and have gotten creative by making area’s for outside dining. You will have a choice of indoor or outdoor dining
at most of the restaurants. I suggest you call before you go to check to see if reservations are needed and hours of operation. The last restaurant to open is Brot and should be opening this month!
The market is located on the south end of downtown, on the west side of Main Street, corner of 2nd at Howard’s Station Cafe. Please drive safely, be cautious of pedestrians, and park respectfully in town. If possible, patrons are asked to carpool or bike. Please respect all market signs.
So, let’s see what’s “Rollin on the River” this month.
This year, the Occidental Community Farmers’ Market welcomes a new manager, Chris Santana, who is passionate about sustainable agriculture as a tool for tending the land and building community. Chris lives and works at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, manages his own small herd of goats there, and also helps herd sheep out at Bodega Pastures (makers of the beautiful wool and wares you see at the market).
Remember you still need mask and social distancing is still in effect. Please don’t give business owners and staff a hard time by challenging them about wearing a mask. They are just following the guidelines mandated by the state, for them to stay in business and to keep us all safe.
The OCFM Steering Committee continues to pitch in to grease the market’s wheels - this includes Michael Stusser (Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary), Chris Martin (Howard’s Station Cafe), Andros Howes (Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and the band Burnside), and Katy Mamen (Water Bear Collaborative). Sponsors for the 2020 season include Redwood Needle Acupuncture Clinic, Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery, Kathy Barry & Bob Burnett, Open Door Insurance, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and Arnot-Roberts Wines.
Johnson’s Beach has finally opened but you need to make reservations as they are limiting the amount of people due to “social distancing”. Go online and reserve your umbrella. You will be able to rent canoes/Kayaks for the day. You can also bring your own floats to use on the river. Spots go fast and are limited. The earlier you reserve the better. johnsonsbeach.com/beach/
The market has launched the season with an all new website (www. occidentalcommunityfarmersmarket.com) that includes a listing of attending vendors and an opportunity for volunteers to sign up for much needed help.
Rainbow Cattle Company and Smart Pizza have partnered up together so that the Rainbow could open. You get to enjoy drinking at the Rainbow and eat Smart Pizza. Smart idea, I love it. I am always wanting something to eat when I am at the Rainbow drinking.
Occidental Center for the Arts is doing everything in their power to continue being a vital part of our community. Throughout the Stay-at-Home mandate they put together virtual music events and exhibits. Now that our world has opend up a bit, they are trying to open up a bit as well...safely!
Both Equality Vine and INIZI tasting rooms are open. Stop by and have a refreshing glass of wine or champagne and support these businesses to get back pouring their delicious wines.
If you missed the Arts in our Hearts : A Virtual Variety Show - check it out on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4K7F_tBUlU - OR look for Arts in our Hearts on the Video Channel - OR - make it easy on yourself and go to their website for a link.
The Russian River Senior Center (15010 Armstrong Woods Rd ) is offering complimentary meals during this time of “stay home and stay safe”. Here is what they are offering: Wednesdays/Fridays 11 – 1 p.m.
• Brown Bag Grab and Go lunches – first come first served. Currently enrolled
Their first-ever Virtual Variety Show was a great success! 60+ people who participated in the creation of the video. Thats amazing for such a small arts center. They also raised $4k toward their $10k goal – so if you ar einclined to suppot the arts with a donation - again - the wbesite has all the informaiton you need. Stay in touch @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. LIKE the center on Facebook @ facebook.com/occidentalcenterforthearts - JOIN the email list: http://www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org/#emaillist.
Meals on Wheels clients five-meal packs to pickup
• Meals on Wheels frozen five-packs for seniors who are not enrolled in the
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
(Wed only).
Do you know about the plant nursery at the center? It’s now open for browsing and buying the most loved and nurtured plants in Sonoma County! The Mother Garden Nursery is now open during normal business hours: Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm, and will continue to offer on-line ordering with curbside pick up for a minimum order of $50. Public tours and garden volunteer days are still cancelled until further notice. They offer a plant list on their wesbite: https://oaec.org/plant-nursery/ and you can sign up for their Newsletter.
They have a lot more going on too. Go to the website (westcountyservices. org/russian-river-senior-center/ ) or call (707) 823-1640 ) because they have so much more that it is too much to list it all.
OAEC is one of those rare places where life THRIVES on all levels. If you haven’t experienced what they offer yet, check them out on their website
then schedule an opportunity to experience wide open spaces and wide open minds. They offer classes, retreats, and internships. 15290 Coleman Valley Rd.
So that’s what’s “Rollin on the River” this month. Remember, whatever you do please follow the guidelines that have been set in place for us. Stay safe and be kind to one another!
program as long as you are 60 years old or better – first come, first served.
• Chilled meals to go made by Backyard restaurant in Forestville and paid for
by Sonoma Family Meals and the John Jordan Foundation – for seniors 60
years old or better -- first come, first served.
• Pantry item donations from Safeway and Whole Foods starting at 9:30am
River Friends of the Library want you to know you can do CURBSIDE service to pick up books, DVD, CD’s. Order online or by telephone 707.869.9004. Please do not return items until further notice. Mon-Sat, 10:00-3:00.
I leave you with a quote, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” ― Benjamin Franklin
38 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 7/20