Our Kids, Our Schools

The Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club hosted their first annual Youth of the Year Awards this past week. Local families turned out to support more than a dozen Club Members who were honored for their excellence in leadership, art and academics. The Club has been going through an incredible transformation over the last couple of years; it is really exciting to see a growing student population joining the Club along with a new set of parents who are becoming involved in this wonderful community institution.

The budget situation is difficult all throughout the County, and Healdsburg schools are feeling tremendous pain since the State has cut $18 billion from public education over the past 24 months. As a former school board member, I find it extremely frustrating that our schools consistently seem to be on the losing end of Sacramento’s budget priority list. The Healdsburg Unified School District is facing a $2.3 million dollar short fall this coming year and the Board is beginning to consider potential reductions (these are difficult decisions for all involved). Cuts being considered include the summer school program, adult education, instructional days and numerous teaching and administrative positions. It’s time we all start to speak up to ensure our local public schools have the tools and the funding they need to thrive.

Expanded Community Gardens Take Bloom
Thanks to the generosity of the Healdsburg community, we have raised enough funding to expand our community gardens (over $16,000 has been brought in over the last several weeks). Healdsburg’s first community gardens were planted 3 decades ago and the demand continues to grow. I have been proud to co-chair the expansion efforts of our gardens and we will be breaking ground on the new plots, located on the Healdsburg Community Center campus, in the next 4 weeks!

Festivals, Fairs & Fun
It’s been another busy month of delicious crab feeds for good causes including those hosted by the Russian River Rotary Club and the Sonoma County Democratic Party. The Cloverdale Citrus Fair and Parade was a great success, as was the Wild Steelhead Festival in Healdsburg. I’m looking forward to participating in these again next year.

Probably too late to get tickets to the 2010 Mr. Healdsburg Contest at the Raven Theater, on February 27, but looks like this should be another fun event (and a good cause, raising money for the Theater).

Congratulations to Cloverdale
Kudos to the Cloverdale City Council and Mayor Carol Russell as they prepare to adopt a new city plan, centered around the planned return of rail service and development of a “greenway.” The only way to revitalize our cities is to focus on transit-centered development, affordable housing and open space development.

Happenings in Healdsburg
Wednesday, March 3 is the Healdsburg Chamber Business Trade Show. This free event at the Villa Chanticleer from 5 to 7 PM, and is a great way to meet with all of the local businesses that support our county. This is always a fun event, with lots of samples, food and prizes.

Healdsburg is one of the few towns with two parades a year. Most people know about our great, family focused FFA Twilight parade every May. Our lesser known parade happens on St. Patrick’s Day, with a vibrant crew leading an early morning parade from the B & B Lounge to the Downtown Plaza and back, with a stop for an incredible version of “Oh Danny Boy,” complete with bagpipes! Truly one day where everyone can be Irish (and by the way, the green beer starts flowing several hours before the parade kicks off).

We are heading into the season of wine events, but the Pigs and Pinot Festival on March 19 and 20th at the Hotel Healdsburg is special, with proceeds going to Healdsburg Schools. The money is also used for the Share Our Strength Charity, whose goal is to end child hunger in America. As they say, “a hungry child can’t learn, : and it’s crucial that we support programs like this. We are lucky that our county is ahead of the curve, with its Safe Routes to School, and Healthy Students, and Healthy Kids initiatives.

Finally, that same weekend through Sunday, March 21, Healdsburg will be having a Downtown Sidewalk sale. The plaza is always a great place to come and relax and soak up some local charm – so come support our local merchants, and get great deals at the same time.

Read article »

El Molino Honor Roll for the Fall Semester, 2009-2010

Doria Trombetta, Principal of El Molino High School, is happy to announce the El Molino Honor Roll for the Fall Semester, 2009-2010. There are an additional 29 students who have earned a place on the El Molino Honor Roll whose name is not included pursuant to Education Code 49073 Release of Pupil Directory Information allowing directory information to remain private. Each of the students earning recognition on the Honor Roll has achieved scholastic distinction and should be commended for the effort and diligence that led to academic success.

EL MOLINO HIGH SCHOOL

FALL 2009-2010

WITH HONORS

(3.00-3.39)

Adams, Jesse
Alberini, Jaye-P
Amador-Musco, Haleigh
Amormino, Alexis
Amormino, Max
Aparacio, Martha
Aparicio, Guadalupe
Bell, Ashley
Bernier, Kiera
Bowen, Rianna
Bradford, Michael
Brooke, Lacey
Brookfield, Clay
Bruhner, Anna
Burtner, Katrina
Carmona, Laura
Carpenter, Brittany
Carpenter, Jasmin
Castellino, Bella
Celli, Nicholas
Clarke, Molly
Coleman, Kevin
Coria, Monserrat
Coxon, Robert
Coyston, Charles
Curtiss, Akiema
Curtiss, J'Mari
Daleiden, Kaya
Dasalla, Elvis
Daveiro, Danielle
Davis, Lauren
Dec-Hull, Mila
Doughty, Daniel
Downey, Lina
Eldridge, Hanna
Elliott, Hank
Flowers, Benjamin
Formaker, Ned
Fox, Elizabeth
Franceschi, Richard
Franceschi, Ryan
Frazee, Daniel
Fresquez, Erin
Fry, Julia
Garcia, Gerardo
Garner, Jared
Gemini, T.R.
Gentry, Kaitlyn
Giordano, Jose
Gong, Matthew
Gregonis, Hayden
Gutierrez, Cesar
Guzman, Azeneth
Hale, Regina
Hansen, Northern
Hanson, Mark
Harned, Caitlin
Haug, Justin
Hemphill, Dalton
Hemphill, Travis
Hennen, Christopher
Hernandez, Marina
Herr, Alyssa
Higgins, Kira
Hoener, Joshua
Hoener, Sara
Horn, Kali
Hughes, Justin
Johnson, Alisha
Johnson, Althea
Kent, Grace
Kirley, Tanner
Kracker, Janet
Kringen, Aiden
Kumano, Ryoko
LeBrun, Tyler
Lemus, Yesenia
Lerner-Ross, Dakota
Levine, Shayna
Lokka, Tye
Lopez Ortiz, Maira
Lopez, David
Lopez, Hector
Lynn, Nichole
Mack, Elizabeth
Manni, Melissa
Martin, Benjamin
Martin, Matthew
Martin, Olivia
Martinez, Daniel
Mattei, Brandon
McAlvain, Brianna
McLarty, Marissa
McLees, Melissa
McMahan, Scott
Monticello, Tory
Moore, Jacqueline
Mori, Matthew
Mountjoy, Emmett
Muckle, Lacey
Munsterman, Korissa
Newman, Martin
Nielsen, Miranda
Nordby, Jordan
Novozhilov, Mikhail
O'Donnell, John
Onofre, Saul
Ornell, James
Ornell, Julia
Owen, Steven
Park, Spencer
Parsons, Brooke
Paul, Azuriah
Pedro, Danyel
Pentecost, Brett
Petersen, Jacob
Peterson, Reina
Petracek, Miriam
Ponce, Laurel
Prieto, Clayton
Pritchard, Kelsey
Prouty, Scott
Raff, Chelsea
Ramirez, Noelia
Rampone, Kerri
Reece, Cole
Reinke, Tyler
Robbins, James
Roberts, Kayla
Sanchez, Erick
Sanchez, Taylor
Sandeen, Calvin
Saulsbury, James
Scott, Colton
Shkurkin, Alexander
Solorio Flores, Ana Karen
Spriggs, Robin
Stuart, Carly
Thiessen, Troy
Tolfa, Kirk
Turner, Maenza
Valley, Jamie
Veille, Sierra
Vierra, Aren
Vierra, Emma
Vigil, Jose
Whisman, John
Wonderwheel, Savanna
Wylie, Ashleigh
Zemrak, Zachariah

EL MOLINO HIGH SCHOOL

FALL 2009-2010

HIGH HONORS

(3.40-3.69)

Adair, Clayton
Afman, Karla
Alberigi-Speicher, Analisa
Andersen, Kayla
Auch, Tasha
Bartoo, Alyssa
Bauer, Julian
Berry, Emily
Bonacorso, Marina
Borges, Von
Brown, Julie
Butler, Francesca
Capurro, Warren
Catelani, Sierra
Clarke, Spencer
Coxon, Daniel
Cresswell, Aunalisa
DeCarly, Shelby
Deutscher, Evelyn
Diehl, Chelsea
Edwards, Laurin
Ernst, Nico
Fay, Nicole
Foster, Shelby
Freeman, Matthew
Garcia, Amelia
Gieseke, Cheyenne
Gross, Rachael
Gutierrez, Griselda
Halpern, Kaya
Hart, Kelly
Hernandez, Rebecca
Hersam, Donald
Heyerly, Logan
Higgins, Ashleigh
Holguin, Billy
Holup, Maddy
Hughes, Nicholas
Kohler, Koleyna
Kracker, Rebecca
Larson, Brianna
Lemus, Elizabeth
Leveque-Eichhorn, Augustus
Lezama, Alejandra
Lindquist, Kurt
Lipske, Vallena
Long, Aaron
Lunardi, Taylor
Markham, Timmy
McMinimy, Molly
Miguel, Emily
Mincberg, Alana
North, Savannah
O'Donnell, Ann
Olmsted, Taylor
Olson, Whitney
Pellinacci, Anthony
Plaugher, William
Romeo, Teresa
Romero, Ximena
Salas, Andrea
Sanchez, Claudia
Schulz, Benjamin
Spediacci, Julia
Stice, Carly
Stonebreaker, Elijah
Strand, Emilie
Toruno, Alessio
Towon, Brienna
Vargas, Rodrigo
Warner, Savannah
Warren, Megan
Weatherly, Shelbie
Whitman, John
Yoast, Ryan
Youngberg, Braedyn

EL MOLINO HIGH SCHOOL

FALL 2009-2010

HIGHEST HONORS

(3.70-4.00+)

Alvarez, Delena
Auch, Justin
Aughenbaugh, Julia
Bardella, Andrea
Bauer, Hanna
Bedient, Alan
Berry, Kaity
Booth, Robert
Bosch, Naomi
Brock, Nelson
Carlson, John
Caswell, Alena
Caswell, Isaac
Connally-Stewart, Will
Cornelis, Andrew
Damos-Deurloo, Kenneth
Deis, Faith
DiMeola, Annetta
Douglass, Joseph
Durkin, Will
Endries, Molly
Ernst, Emma
Eschenbach, Talia
Fichman, Jesse
Franceschi, Lara
Green, Taoh
Gutierrez, Forrest
Gutierrez, Jessica
Gutierrez, Monico
Halisi, Marena
Halverson, Angela
Hedlund, Benjamin
Hedlund, Brigid
Hennen, Connor
Hough, Benjamin
Janney, Lauren
Killian, Anthony
Koenig, Sierra
Kringen, Kiernan
La Rue, Autumn
Lane, Nicole
Leahy, Leah
Lee, Gloria
Licciardo, Dylan
Lipske, Forrest
Madden, Karolina
Miguel, Megan
Mitteldorf, Shona
Mori, Beau
Neal, Ashlin
Newman, Madeline
Nonella, Megan
Ornell, Elizabeth
Otsen, Miranda
Paneno, Rose
Parsons, Mitchell
Pipho, Krista
Reiter, Jessica
Rodenbaugh, Kalii
Rodriguez-Pedroza, Alberto
Romeo, Kirstyn
Saunders, Alexander
Scales, Rachel
Shkurkin, Nikolai
Singler, Stephanie
Sisomphou, Claudia
Snyder, Nicholas
Srna, Emily
Stuart, Thomas
Sword, Chris
Vigil, Monica
Wandel, Carina
Watson, Kaitlynne
Whitman, Hannah
Zapata, Yasminne
Zeigler, Sabrina

Read article »

Russian River News Info

After several years on the market, a former successful manufacturing entrepreneur purchased the 19-room Applewood Inn.

Valerie Hausmann of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce is gathering information on people willing to volunteer their time to the community

New sessions are starting in January 2010. Directed by Sonia Tubridy and Jean Ashley, Russian River Children's Choir is accepting singers from ages 6-14.

Applewood Inn Purchased
After several years on the market, a former successful manufacturing entrepreneur purchased the 19-room Applewood Inn.
Innkeepers Jim Caron and Darryl Notter are retiring from the hotel after 25 years at the helm and Ecuadorean native Carlos Pippa and his girlfriend Sylvia Ranyak assumed the reins earlier this month. He officially signed the deed Nov. 24.
In an interview, the 61-year-old said he plans to make a few cosmetic updates to rooms and the pool and spa area, but the name and layout will remain the same. He is also planning to install a large 80-to-100 kilowatt solar system on the property.
“Basically, I was retired after I sold my import business and I was bored and wanted to do something new,” he said.
“It was love at first sight when I saw the inn. I have traveled throughout the United States and the world due to business, and this is the one area I like the most. It reminds me so much of Italy, where much of my family is from.”
Mr. Pippa was born in Ecuador to an Italian father and French mother and moved to the U.S. in 1964. Previously, he founded and led a company called Global Finishing Solutions, which manufactured paint-spray booths for cars. He also owned a gourmet food retail business in Plano, Texas called World Delicacies.
Mr. Pippa lives on the property and will act as operating manager. The hotel will keep the same staff and chef, but he is adding regular lunch hours in addition to dinner. Ms. Ranyak is a commercial and residential interior designer.
Mr. Caron and Mr. Notter purchased the hotel, then called The Estate, in September of 1985, adding nine rooms to the site overtime. They added the “Piccola Casa” in 1994 and the new restaurant building and “Gate House” in 1999.

Now in the Russian River Redevelopment Project Area:
Small Business Assistance Program
In an ongoing effort to equip small businesses with opportunities to grow and prosper, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission and the Russian River Chamber of Commerce have partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Santa Rosa Junior College, to provide no-cost professional business advising to local businesses. All appointments are one-to-one and confidential.
The SBDC can help with business planning, marketing, record keeping, accounting, management, taxes, cash flow, capital access and acquisition, pricing and cost control, and other areas of small business operations. In addition the SBDC will offer workshops customized to local business needs. Businesses located in the Russian River Redevelopment Project Area can participate at no cost.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact the Russian River Chamber of Commerce @ 869.9000. All counseling sessions take place at the Chamber, 16209 First Street in Guerneville. Chamber membership is not required to participate in the business advising program
For more information on the SBDC see their website www.sbdcsantarosa.org or call 524.1770.

Russian River Children's Choir
New sessions are starting in January 2010. Directed by Sonia Tubridy and Jean Ashley, Russian River Children's Choir is accepting singers from ages 6-14.
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:00 PM at the Guerneville Community Church: 14520 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville.
The sessions include vocal training, ear training and songs from classical, folk and international literature.
This is a program of the River Choir.
Fee is a suggested $5-$20 a month.
For information please call 869-3273 or 865-2702

Russian River Volunteer Registry
Valerie Hausmann of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce is gathering information on people willing to volunteer their time to the community. With a roster of individuals, their skills and passions, she will be able to help match people with projects with volunteers who can help. If you are interested un registering – or if you need a few volunteers to complete your goals, please contact Valerie at 707-217-9613 or e-mail: vhausmann@msn.com. Valerie has registry forms she can e-mail you or you can pick one up at the Visitors Center 16209 First Street – on the Plaza in downtown Guerneville.

Read article »

Graton News, Updates & Events

Sometimes a window opens and opportunity slips in. This time it’s an opportunity for Graton and it’s wearing a Holiday smile.

How much would you pay for a park in downtown Graton? Especially, how much would you pay if, in addition, you could give those on your Holiday gift list a part of the park that will be theirs for generations?

Imagine: That your children will go to the park to see their names there, - and that their children will go to see those names, and that the children of those children will see the names of their grandparents in the park.

That's the kind of lasting legacy you can leave for yourself and all your loved ones.
You might want to commemorate your grandparents (do they really want another book or some perfume - wouldn’t they rather be remembered in Graton Park?) or your favorite club, sports team or alma mater. As do the bricks on the sidewalks downtown, you could leave a spiritual blessing from you to the universe.

(Ms. Zula Bryson, a 92-year old transplanted from Texas to Forestville, purchased a brick to celebrate her beloved alma mater, Texas A&M. Out here in West County, there will always be a "Go Aggies!" shout out.)

On this page is ordering information for the purchase of a lazer engraved brick for prices starting at $50 each. The bricks will be used for the pathways in the new park. Please contact me for more order forms, or pick up order forms at Mr. Ryder’s Antiques downtown Graton. Take a look at the proposed park design while you’re there!

With the funds raised from the sale of the bricks, we will be able to secure matching funds from local organizations like the Community Foundation and Open Space. There are some Holiday angels out there who will match what we raise that season. Let’s show what Grateronians can do! (Grateronians are those within and without Graton environs who love community.)
We each need to do our part to create the Graton Park Plaza. When we all buy a brick, we’ll be well on our way!

Thank you so much for your generosity and community spirit!
We can do this! Together, we can build a park in Graton.

Some Facts about the park project: The Graton Green Group, organized in early 2008 has been working with Graton Fire District to purchase their property at the corner of Graton and Ross Roads when they leave for their new facility to be built north on Highway 116. The Graton Labor Center is acting as the fiscal agent for fund-raising for the park.

For more information, contact me at hdlil@comcast.net. To provide suggestions for the park design, contact Cricket Seagull at atcrickets@comcast.net. To view the proposed design for the park, visit groups.google.com/group/gratongreengroup?hl=en. To be added to the web group, contact Robyn Bramhall at robynbramhall@comcast.net Northbayhr@gmail.com.

Saturday, December 14th, Santa will be at the Graton Community Club from 1 to 5 p.m. Tell Santa you want a park!

Read article »

Creating Peaceful Holidays with Children

I want to share with you excerpts from an article written by Pam Leo, author of the book, Connection Parenting. It's a wonderful article for this time of year! Enjoy!

"The Gift Every Child Really Wants"

by Pam Leo


Whether we observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice, the holidays have become more stressful for many parents and less happy for many children. By the time we add shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, and holiday events to our already busy schedules, we have less time than ever to spend with our children. When children don't get enough attention from the people they love, their "love cup" gets empty and they feel disconnected and unhappy.
If adults try to make children happy by buying them more presents to compensate for spending less time with them, we teach children that "things" are supposed to make them happy. When gifts become a substitute for love instead of a symbol of love, children begin to measure how much they are loved by how many gifts they receive. The more empty their "love" cup, the more "things" children ask for to try to fill the emptiness they feel.

The gift every child I really wants, is the gift of feeling connected, loved, and valued. Those feelings can't be found in any present or in any amount of presents. Children want to be with us and to do what we do. Feeling connected, loved, and valued comes from spending time with the people they love and from doing things with and for the people they love.

One of the best gifts we can give to children is the experience of the joy of giving. We can encourage children to make an "I want to give" list as well as an "I want to get" list. Children delight in giving their own gifts. When children are allowed and invited to fully participate in the holiday making, wrapping, baking, and decorating, they become more focused on what they want to give than on what they want to get. Children who feel connected, loved, and valued don't need lots of gifts to fill their "love cup."

We can break the "presents instead of presence" cycle by doing the holidays with our children instead of for them. Whether our children are still very young and we have a fresh beginning to create meaningful holiday traditions and rituals or we have older children who have been accustomed to receiving lots of presents, we can put the "happy" back into the holidays by filling our children's "love cup" with connection instead of consumerism.

Most of all, we can stop trying to "do it all." We can tell family and friends that we are changing how we "do" the holidays and that we have decided to spend more time connecting with our children. When we slow down the pace and stop doing and buying too much, our children are happier, we are happier, and our holidays are happier.

For this entire article, including numerous tips on how to create a less stressful holiday and one filled with more joy please visit Pam Leo's website, www.ConnectionParenting.com

Sharon Ann Wikoff is an educator and has been working with children and families for over 25 years. Her 2010 schedule of parenting classes and services can be found at www.SharonAnnWikoff.com by mid-December. She hosts the radio program, The Voice of Change, which can be heard at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Sharon-Anne

Read article »

Forestville Events December 2009

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped contsruct the new playground at the Forestville Youth Park. The project was a huge success. Please keep in mind that the park is solely maintained by volunteers, so bring gardening supplies next time you visit and help us keep the park looking clean and beautiful.

Thank You to everyone who attended the Forestville Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 29. Thank you to anyone who brought treats to share, the choir for caroling, Kim Horn and Forestville students for their hand-painted gourds decorating the tree, and the Forestville Fire Department for giving Santa a grand entrance. A final thank you to the Forestville Chamber of Commerce for hosting this wonderful event every year!

Holiday Open House in Forestville
The gathering will honor Brenda Adelman and will feature her beautiful hand crafted jewelry for sale at a wide range of great gift-giving prices.
Brenda has been a local hero for three decades, working tirelessly to protect our river. She’s also a talented artisan and for the first time is showing her work privately.
Refreshments provided. Bring something to share if you are so inclined. There will be great conversation, board games for those who want to play, and good holiday cheer!
Saturday, December 12
1-4 p.m.
8346 Park Avenue
Mirabel Heights, Forestville
Info: 887-0711 or 887-8381

Madrigal Dinner
Forestville United Methodist Church invites you to attend a Madrigal Dinner on December 12th. It will be a visit to a bygone time at a 17th Century English manor house whose middle class Squire and Lady invite the townfolk to enjoy a Christmas Feast with a festive meal and pageant with Christmas music, song and dancing. It is designed to be a fun time for the community and congregation, to build camaraderie and focus persons on the Christmas season. While the staff and performers will be in costume, guests are not required to wear a costume, but may to choose to do so. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Seating is limited so make your reservations no later than December 5th. To reserve a seat, call the church office at 887-2020.

Fellowship Committee members and others will prepare and serve the four course meal and provide entertainment for the guests. Mike and Joan Mortensson will serve as the Squire and Lady of the Manor, presiding over the event. Neil Yeager will play the “Lord of Misrule” in the pageantry. There will be a variety of entertainers including a group of dancers, singers and harpsichord, dulcimer, guitar, flute, and recorder musicians.

Imagine the FUMC Social Hall decorated with 17th Century banners and grapevine wreaths with lighting by small Christmas lights and candles in punched tin candleholders. Guests will be seated at long tables with green tablecloths, greenery and candles as was the custom of the day.
The meal will be served family style in four courses. First course will be mushroom soup. Second course will be Shepherd’s Pie. Third course will be cheese and fruit. Fourth course will be steamed pudding. There may even be a surprise at the end of the feast. The Fellowship Committee looks forward to seeing you at the Madrigal Dinner! Make your reservations soon.

Children’s Christmas Party
A Gift of Time for you!
A Gift of Love for your Kids!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Does the Holiday season get a little too busy, or a lot??? Do you wish you could just have a few hours to yourself or to share with a special friend or spouse? Do you need time to find or make the Christmas surprises just right for your children?

As a gift to the parents of our Forestville community, our Godly Play staff are planning a Children’s Christmas Party at the church on Saturday, December 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families may bring their children ages 4 to 12 and youth willing to be Christmas “angels.”
The real story of Christmas will be shared with the children through Godly Play storytelling and creative arts. There will be crafts, singing, and a yummy Christmas Feast at noon! Then we will visit the manger and welcome the baby Jesus to our world. Each child will be able to have his or her photo taken with the Baby Jesus and his family!

This event is open to all children, regardless of their family’s spiritual traditions. We are happy to share the Christian Story and the Spirit of Christmas with everyone.

Children must be registered to participate so please call the church office at 887-2020 to get your name on the list. Please register by Thursday, December 17th. Thanks!

There is no registration fee for this event. To volunteer to help with this event, please contact Pastor Carol, at Forestville United Methodist Church at 887-1047. Donations to cover the cost for supplies and lunch will be accepted with gratitude.

Feeling Blue this Holiday Season?
Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Noon
If you or anyone you know is having difficulty entering into the merriment and cheer of this season of preparation for Christmas, there is a place and a time especially for you to come together with others like yourself to experience the deeply comforting presence and love of God. Our Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 16th at noon This is a contemplative time where we all can be held gently in this service of music, words and movements which will weave a warm blanket of God’s love around those whose hearts are broken or breaking.


Invite your Family and Friends to Church!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT FUMC
6550 Covey Road, Forestville, CA

7:00p.m. A Service of Carols and Candlelight
Hear the Christmas Story! Meet the Mystery of God’s Gift
in the Music of Christmas by the Chancel Choir and Spirit Ringers Hand Bell Choir.

9:00p.m. Christmas Candelight & Communion
Be a beloved guest in Bethlehem’s stable to receive God’s Most Precious Gift of All!
Christmas Music by the Joyful Noise Gospel Choir and Handbell Quintet.
Sharing of Christmas Greetings and Goodies following Worship Services

Read article »

"A Christmas Memory" Craft Fair: December 11th & 12th

On Friday, December 11th from 5:00 to 9:00pm, and Saturday the 12th from noon to 8:00pm, the Russian River Charter School will offer a holiday crafts fair. Gifts made by the school's Small Business class include natural cosmetics, fine foods for the holidays, jewelry, wreaths, and candles. The school gardeners will have an assortment of plants for sale, including our famous strawberry guava trees, and the school's student cooks will present three wonderful meals, including pizza, Shrimp Scampi, Beef Stroganoff, soups and salads, and a host of elegant deserts.

Throughout the day and evening, the Russian River World Drama class will present scenes from Renaissance and modern theater, as well as a reading of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory every evening at 6:00 and 7:30 pm." Admission is $2.50 for adults at the door. Children are free and there will be childcare during the readings. If you RSVP we will reserve dinner or a theater seat, but feel welcome to drop in for the festivities any time!! And do bring guests! All proceeds benefit the school's food and arts programs. Call 887-8790!

Russian River Charter just completed our accreditation review by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, who suggested we remind local families about our amazing Aikido class, as just one of the really excellent and unusual course electives offered at RRCS. Others include Music Appreciation, Fine and Performing Arts, Psychology, and Culinary Art. Our Practical Arts and Crafts course is being offered for a second semester this spring by popular demand. We continue to offer two foreign languages; Spanish and Russian, as well as all core classes toward UC entrance. And this summer our junior class experienced two weeks in Costa Rica, teaming up with a San Francisco State class for a service learning art and ecology project. For more information about this excellent college-prep school, or to preview course descriptions and syllabi, check out our website www.russianrivercharterschool.org.

RUSSIAN RIVER CHARTER SCHOOL

10940 River Rd., Forestville, CA 95436

P.O. Box 139, Guerneville, CA 95446

(707)887-8790, fax (707)887-8759

www.russianrivercharterschool.org

Read article »

Healdsburg's "Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade" Photo Gallery

On Saturday, October 24th, families and their pets gathered for the annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in the Healdsburg Plaza. Hosted by the Healdsburg Dog House, hundreds attended for the costume contest, raffle, and numerous fundraisers.

The Humane Society attracted many to the truck of adoptable cats and dogs, The supporters of the Cloverdale Dog Park entertained us with hot dog dunking, and the Healdsburg Dog Park had a bake sale for sale for both humans and canines. It was quite a spectacle as the dressed up doggies and their owners paraded around the plaza and were then announced and judged on stage.

Here are a few of my favorite costumes and the winners of the costume contest. And don't forget to come by and support this wonderful event, hosted by Natalee of the Healdsburg Dog House, next year! Enjoy!

"The Samurai" Winner of the Spookiest Costume

"Pasta Ala Willie!" Winner of Best Overall Costume

Winner of Most Creative Costume: "The Balloon Dog"

Our Three Winners!

Willie was tired after a long afternoon

Read article »

HELP FYP Build the NEW Playground!

Our Youth Park needs your help in the Community Build Project with the new play structure will be built in phases. Phase One is already complete. Oct. 17th we need people to install posts and decks and slides etc. Then on the 24th we will be laying down the new wood-chip surfacing. (Bring your metal rakes and shovels that day) Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided on the and 17th. All helpers will need to bring their own gloves, Hats, sunscreen and possibly a tape measure. Kids will not be allowed in the build area enclosed by the orange fence for safety reasons. On the job training provided.

Come be a part of this community project so you can tell your kids and grand kids “I help build that”.

To schedule in your work time please call Bruce Witt 887-9841

The Giving Tree
Dear Friends of Forestville,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for remembering our children from the Sonoma County Family, Youth, and Children’s Family Maintenance Program (Child Protective Services). Many of the children we serve are homeless, live in poverty, and have been neglected and/ or abused. During the previous holiday seasons, the community members of Forestville have cheerfully come forward to participate in the Forestville Giving Tree Project to donate Christmas gifts for the children. On behalf of our families and agency social workers, I send thanks and gratitude to all of you, for your kindness and generosity to the children we serve. My sister, Celeste Reimann and I look forward to meeting with you at the Front Street Hair Studio this Holiday season to celebrate the Forestville Giving Tree Project. Please contact Celeste at 887-2556 for more information. Since 1998 your support has been a heartfelt welcome. If you would like to continue to help brighten a childs holiday, please come and choose an angel from the Giving Tree at 6681 Front Street in Forestville starting November 27th 2009. Deadline for Giving Tree gifts are December 23rd 2009. A new unwrapped toy or donations for Christmas Trees will also be appreciated. Thank You.
Sincerely,
Leslie Gelormino Social Worker IV
Sonoma County Family, Youth, and Children and
Celeste Reimann of Front Street Hair Studio

Nightingale Breads has been awarded several Gold Medals for their wood fired hearth breads in Sonoma County’s Annual Harvest Fair Competition.

The new bakery in Forestville, Nightingale Breads is all the buzz about town these days. Locals and tourists alike are spreading the word about the outstanding breads being made right in the heart of Forestville. Owner/baker Beth Thorp realized a dream when she opened Nightingale Breads a week before Christmas last year. The bakery is becoming exceedingly popular among the local towns’ people, chefs and food enthusiasts.

Baked fresh four days a week, the menu of European-style hearth breads is a classic sweet French baguette, a Sourdough Batard, a Seeded Multi Grain and a Rosemary Focaccia. Two types of sliced sandwich loaves are available daily as well. On Wednesdays a Rye bread is featured for rye lovers and on Saturdays an Epi baguette is a popular sale and unique at that! Local artisan cheeses, jams and vinegars are also available on the shelves.

Customers are planning their meals and celebrations around the bread. Most rave that they can’t get the bread out the door before they rip into it. Three Frenchmen who frequent the bakery say that the baguette (appropriately named Forestville French) is reminiscent of those they’ve eaten in France. Many people agree it is a new “jewel” of the county. Nightingale Breads invites you to come in and smell the aroma of freshly baked breads.

Nightingale Breads
6665 Front St.
Forestville CA 95436
707-887-8887
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-6pm.

Meet Rose and watch her paint our beautiful MURAL on ElMo Store in Downtown Forestville! The Forestville Planning Association donated PART of the money to do this beautification project, and we’d appreciate some help from Forestvillians! You can drop CASH at ElMo Store or mail a check to:
FPA Mural, PO Box 184, Forestville, CA 95436 Donations are tax-deductible!

Read article »

Occidental News & Events

Well, not to be too obvious, but summer is definitely over and fall is here! By the time you read and digest this, Harmony / Salmon Creek School’s Harvest Fair will have come and passed and, you will undoubtedly have had a great time!

Not too many submissions this month, so I’m going to wax on a bit about what’s going on at school. The OCA (see below) also seems to have gotten used to submitting press pieces and I hope “my readers” (I truly am LOL when I write that) are supporting this great, committed group.

Harmony / Salmon Creek School
The school year is fully underway now, with all sorts of initiatives taking place to better our campus and curriculum. Much involves the effort to integrate the recently completed Falls Center into the geography of the school. To whit, a large thank you to Laurel, her garden students, and volunteer parents and community members who planted the northwest corner outside the Center. Plans are now underway to finish the west side, the triangular “peninsula” of land in the parking area, and to install drip irrigation to all newly landscaped areas.

After more than four years without a safe soccer field, and virtually any playground equipment, plans are nearing completion to remedy the situation. I have a vision of school students, as well as children not yet in school, visiting families, and other area residents, being able to come and play on world-class, safe, fun, educational/exercise playground equipment.

When you think about it, there is very little play area for our children in the West County area. The school is the logical location for the community to support this kind of investment as it’s got the acreage and the facilities, and is one of the unifying institutions of our entire area. I think even non-parents understand how important good quality, attractive, inviting schools are to maintaining and enhancing property values, so everyone in the Occidental area should be interested in this project.

As much time and effort as have already been contributed by many, the work is still not finalized. As we speak, a committee is forming, consisting of parents, school staff, and community members to fast-track plans to purchase playground equipment during a special, yearly sale. Please call me regarding how you can contribute to the playground facilities drive, 707.874.3669.

Occidental Center for the Arts
A quick caveat emptor to you regarding some of the dates/times. This being West County, things truly are subject to change without notice. So always call and confirm plays/shows/events as the Vincent for Kids was cancelled earlier this month.

On Wednesday, November 11th, at 7 p.m., Stories of Thanksgiving will be presented by members of Rising Moon Playback Theater. This unique interactive improvisation experience will bring to life the audience's Thanksgiving stories.

Using words, music, and ritual, Rising Moon creates theater on the spot from everyday real-life stories told by the audience. You are invited to tell a story about Thanksgiving Day: the meal, the family, or whatever you wish to share. It may be a sad story, a funny story, or simply about something for which you feel grateful. Magic will unfold whether you tell your story or just watch.

Proceeds will benefit Occidental Center for the Arts; location—the Union Hotel, Bocce Ballroom, 3703 Main Street, Occidental. Suggested donation is $15-$25 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. A fixed price dinner is available, 5:30-7:00, for $15, which includes salad, bread, and pasta or pizza. Call 707.874.9392 or visit www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org for reservations.

Read article »

Oak Grove & Willowside Schools Achieve Highest STAR Test Scores Ever!

Oak Grove scored 884. This is an increase over last year’s score of 847. This is an awesome score! In addition, their subgroup score for economically disadvantaged was 807. Never has this group met the state’s target of 800!!!! Congratulations Oak Grove!!!!
Willowside, with a score of 832, shattered their previous high of 810. Their English Learner subgroup made a 47 point gain and their Economically Disadvantaged made a 50 point gain. Congratulations to Willowside for their great work with all of their students.

I am very proud of our efforts and it further confirms how great our schools are and how we are achieving our mission of Academic Excellence. Congratulations to everyone and thank you for your dedication to our students, families and community.

Oak Grove Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Playground Opening Celebration!
Free ice cream cones, lemonade and music!
When? Friday, October 9th 3:00 - 4:30PM
Where? Oak Grove's New Primary & Kindergarten Playgrounds
New District Administrative Assistant Aimee Sloat!

Last week, we interviewed a number of candidates in an attempt to fill the shoes of our District Admin Christine as she is relocating to France. This was no easy task! There were over 50 applications for the position and we were very fortunate to have several very qualified candidates to interview.

After checking references for the finalists, we offered the position to Aimee Sloat and she accepted. Aimee has been the accounts payable clerk and receptionist for the Mark West School District for the past 8 years. She is well versed in the county accounting practices, our Aeries data base system and the new county software program called Escape. She has been in the customer service field for most of her career and fits nicely with our district philosophy. Aimee will be spending 4 - half days with us between now and her full time start date of Oct. 1st. Please welcome her as she transitions to her new job.

Change of School Calendar
One solution the district is using to grapple with the budget cuts imposed from the State is to reduce the number of staff development days in the teachers’ contracts. The two staff development days scheduled on January 4 and April 2 will now be converted back to student instructional days. The students will now attend school on those dates. At the September 16 board meeting, the board members decided to convert Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24 into local holidays thus there will be NO SCHOOL for students during the entire Thanksgiving week.

The school sites will be distributing updated calendars to each of the students.

“Have You Filled a Bucket Today?”
A Sharing by Wayne Yamagishi, Principal

Imagine that you are holding an invisible bucket. This bucket is empty and yearns to be filled. Imagine that this bucket can only hold good feelings, good comments, and appreciations for things that YOU have done well. The bucket only accepts sincere thoughts and comments.
Each of us hold such a bucket. I imagine each of the student’s at Oak Grove holding such a bucket. They are in the classroom and gain appreciations from others for helping them on a class project, gain kudos from their table-mates for sharing their materials, earn an applause for their sharing. I imagine that their bucket becomes full with affirmations from yard supervisors for helping others on the playground and using a breathing tool when they are feeling anxious or upset.

The bucket is an essential part of our self-esteem and helps us develop a healthy attitude of who we are in this world. I believe that it is one of the most essential ingredients of academic success, the establishment of healthy relationships, and the development of positive self-worth.
What have you done to fill your bucket for yourself, your child, and your family?
These thoughts are from a fantastic book that I recently read and would recommend to you. It is entitled, “Have you Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud.

API Progress – This past week the Department of Education released this year’s API results – a state-level measure of progress based on STAR testing results. Last year we were very happy to reach an API of 811, passing the statewide performance target of 800. This year we are happy to report a 22 point gain, bringing us to 832! Congratulations to all of the students and staff for this impressive achievement.

Parent Portal – By the time this issue of the messenger is printed, Willowside parents should have received a letter explaining how to access the “parent portal.” Through our secure server, parents are now able to view student grades, assignments and attendance records. For instructions on how to access the portal, check our website (www.ogusd.org) or call the front desk.

Fraction Day – Math teachers Donna Langerman, Betty Paul, and Stephanie Wilshon-Butler (along with their army of parent volunteers) succeeded in providing a fun, meaningful math experience for 7th and 8th graders. Students worked in competing groups to solve fraction-based puzzles and word problems – for which they received awards and recognition the next school day.

Online Safety – Many of our students maintain “Myspace” or “Facebook” pages. We’ve all heard the reports about how sexual predators can use these sites to gain access to kids. Experience has also taught us that these interactive sites can be a forum for harassment, teasing and bullying. Experts on the subject encourage parents to monitor kid’s online activity closely; keep personal information to a minimum; and teach kids to be respectful when communicating online.

Student Led Parent Conferences – This year during our conference week in November, each student will lead his/her own conference with a parent or guardian. The purpose of this exercise is to encourage each student to take ownership of his/her own learning and become accountable for their results. The process is also designed to develop organizational, communicative and critical thinking skills. In the weeks leading up to the conferences, students will prepare an analysis of their academic performance to date, set goals for the rest of the school year, and lay out a plan for how they intend to get there. At the conference itself the students will present their analysis and plan to their parents. While a teacher is in the room, he/she is only there as a support person for the student, who drives the process. More conference materials will be coming home with your student in the coming weeks.

PTO Parking Raffle – This year’s parking space winners are Karl Williams for the first half of the school (till January 22nd) and Chris Noonan for the second half of the year. Congratulations – and thanks for supporting PTO fundraising efforts.

Fine Arts Program News, October 2009
Vicki Arden, Arts Program Coordinator

The Arts as of Sept 23rd ….
Willowside 6th grade students and Colleen Cavallo's students are engaged in Visual Arts classes taught by Teresa Lewis. During the seven lessons per trimester students will learn art skills, concepts and vocabulary, as well as create original works of art. 6th grade students are also fortunate to have one period per week of general music taught by Lauren Chroninger, their new Chorus teacher.

Willowside Arts electives of Chorus, Band, 2-D and 3-D Art, Multi Media, Dance, and Drama are all in full swing.

Oak Grove Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade students are enjoying Janet Greene's Orff Music & Movement classes. On Tuesdays Scott Gifford, our new Chorus, Recorder & General Music teacher, is working with 3rd, 4th & 5th grades and holding before school Chorus.. Rick Clifford has begun teaching and rehearsing with 4th & 5th grade Band students after school Monday through Thursday.

Jim Corbett and Andrew DeVeny of Mr. Music & Friends are singing with grades K – 3rd on Fridays. They keep Oak Grove smilin' and singin' into the weekend!

Mark your calendars for this year’s Fine Arts Showcases:
February 3 – Grades 4 & 5
March 3 – Grades 2 & 3
April 21 – Grades K & 1
May 12 – Grades 6, 7, 8

Read article »

Listening 2 Children - New School Year = New Beginnings!

The new school year is here! The care-free times of summer are trailing behind and the more structured time of the fall is here. September has always been a huge new beginning for me and a very special time! Seeing the gorgeous leaves on the trees turning shades of red, yellow and orange, staying up later than usual to pack school lunches and the shopping for back to school supplies and clothes are some of my favorite memories from past September’s with my children.
In addition to such changes in the environment and my schedule, each September had me inquiring as to how I wanted to approach life differently. How could I support my children in a better way? Looking back at the past, I realize that I was attempting to see through my “blind spots”. My children may not think I was successful but it was my intention to see things anew!

We each develop our own way of looking at life. I’ve come to accept that my own “blind spots” through the years, gave me a tunnel vision at times! That’s why we need each other. We can help our loved ones, see through their “blind spots” and they can help us. If we approach the subject in the right way and are not attached to another’s response or reply, it can be a growing experience for all.

In this article, I’m raising the question to myself and to you the reader, “Are you “boxed-in”? Or are you keeping the child/ren in your life “boxed in”? Do you see yourself or others in a certain way and are closed to any evidence to the contrary?

Recently, I attended a workshop by the Emmy-Award winning writer, Gene Perret. He wrote for many famous Hollywood Stars such as Bob Hope, Carol Burnet, Phyllis Diller and many others! He suggests in his book, “Become a Richer Writer,” that one should, “Expand your writing into pioneer territory.” So, I invite you to ponder if you’d enjoy expanding yourself into “pioneer territory?” In addition, how about allowing your children to expand into pioneer territory? Perhaps you are already doing this, or perhaps not? I feel it’s human nature that we get “boxed in” at times and don’t expand into new territory! We figure out a way to do some aspect of life and we keep on repeating it. Many times this is a good thing. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel. On the other hand, perhaps the time is right for some things to be “unboxed!”

For example your child might say: “Dad and Mom, this year I don’t want to take piano lessons, I want to try the violin”! Your immediate “boxed in” response might be, “Oh, honey, you are so good at the piano, you don’t want to quit now”! And that may be true! Piano may be his/her gift. However, allowing for discussions around the subject might be a way of becoming ‘unboxed’ in your thinking. The end result may be the same, however, the process would be different.

I’ve certainly created my own “boxes” at times! One of my daughters is fluent in Spanish and wants to teach her future children the language from infancy. In addition, my other daughter is very well versed in the language! When they have invited me to learn the language in the past, my ‘boxed-in’ response has been, “I’m not good at language!” However, I’ve decided to “un-box” myself in this area! This year I’m going to explore learning to speak Spanish!

So I invite you to look around and see if you have any “boxed-up” folks living in your home? Would you like to “un-box” yourself from anything? Is your child or children asking to get “unboxed” from anything in their life? Sincere listening to one’s self and others is the key to such questions!

New Beginnings can take place at any time! I happen to feel that September is one of those especially great times, for newness! Newness is refreshing! Newness breeds openness! And Newness opens up new doors!

Sharon Ann Wikoff is an educator and has been working with children and families for over 25 years. She hosts the radio program, The Voice of Change, which can be heard at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Sharon-Anne.

Read article »

Harvest Fun in Sonoma County

Leigh Douglass, the Gazette's self-described Calendar Girl, has put together a list of fun Fall things to do with your friends and family.

“Thank You!” to SonomaUncorked.com, HauntedBay.com, and PickYourOwn.org for assistance with these lists.

Sept 26 ~ Early Harvest Celebration ~ recognize the contributions of volunteers & organizations who have worked to support the Garden, with host Clark Wolf. Admission $15 adult, $5 child. Noon-2:00 pm at Guerneville School 14630 Armstrong Woods Rd ~ 707-869-2864 ~ www.guernevilleschool.org

Sept 26-27 ~ Weekend Along Farm Trails ~ Visit Farm Trails members around Sonoma County and sample their bounty. Bring a cooler to take home your finds! Sat & Sun, 10:00-5:00 ~ 707-837-8896 ~ www.weekendalongfarmtrails.com

Oct 2-4 ~ Sonoma County Harvest Fair ~ Admission $2-$6. Fri 10:00-8:00, & Sat-Sun 10:00-7:00. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa ~ 707-545-4200 ~ www.harvestfair.org

Oct 3 ~ Community Harvest Celebration ~ Pumpkin carving & pie contests, puppet theater, kids talent contest! Free. 10:00-5:00 at the Guerneville Community Church, 14520 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville ~ Info & contest applications: Rebecca 707-869-4105 or Beth bethhearn@hotmail.com

Oct 3 ~ Harvest Roll & Soul ~ Bring the whole family to dance the night away with live music by Levi Lloyd & the 501 Band. $5 at the door. 6:30-10:00 pm at the Bodega Bay Grange, 1370 Bodega Ave at Hwy 1, Bodega Bay ~ 707-875-3616 ~ www.bodegabaygrange.org

Oct 4 ~ Autumn Faire & Market ~ Artisan’s fair & farmers market with a Latin flair. Gerard’s paella, piñata bashing, pumpkin decorating, face painting. Free admission. 10:00-4:00 pm at the Monte Rio Amphitheater ~ 707-865-2487 ~ www.mrrpd.org

Oct 8-11 & 15-18 ~ Tolay Fall Festival ~ Admission Free. Parking $6. Thu-Fri 9:00-3:30, Sat-Sun 10:00-5:00 at Tolay Lake Regional Park, Cannon Lane, Petaluma ~ 707-565-2041 ~ www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay_fallfestival.htm

Oct 18 ~ Windsor Pumpkin Festival ~ 10:00-2:00 at the Windsor Certified Farmers Market on the Town Green ~ 707-838-1320 ~ www.windsorfarmersmarket.com

Oct 24 ~ Railroad Scare! ~ Children's Parade led by Charlie Brown and Snoopy, scarecrow festival, Scare-dy Dog Parade. 11:00-4:00 pm in Railroad Square, 4th & Wilson, Santa Rosa ~ 707-578-8478 ~ www.railroadsquare.net

PUMPKIN PATCHES
All open thru Oct 31, and Admission is Free, unless otherwise noted.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm ~ 6-acre corn maze, haunted house, gift shop. Daily, 10:00-Dusk. 2478 E Washington St at Adobe Road, Petaluma ~ 707-766-7673 ~ www.adobepumpkinfarm.com

Anderson Organic Vegetable Stand & Pumpkin Patch ~ 2-acre corn maze, mini train ride, U-pick pumpkins. Daily, 10:00-6:00. 4588 Bodega Avenue at Skillman, Petaluma ~ Jan 707-338-3363, thomas0943@sbcglobal.net

Forestville Pumpkin Patch ~ Oct 17 & 24, 10:00 am-4:00 pm in the parking lot across from Speer’s Market, 7950 Mirabel Road, Forestville

Grandma's Pumpkin Patch ~ Hay pyramid, corn field, climb-on tractors. Opens Sept 25, daily 10:00-Dusk. 17740 Healdsburg Ave at Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg ~ 707-431-8058 ~ www.grandmas-pumpkin-patch.com

Great Peter Pumpkin Patch ~ Dig potatoes, milk a cow, live music on weekends. Open Sept 25 - Oct 31, daily 9:00-Dusk. Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Company, 4235 Spring Hill Rd., Two Rock/Petaluma ~ 707-762-3446 ~ www.springhillcheese.com

Hale's Apple Farm ~ 30 varieties of apples! Heirloom tomatoes, pumpkins. Daily, 9:00-5:00. 1526 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol ~ 707-823-4613

Love Farms Organic Produce ~ Certified organic, pick-in-the-field or already-gathered pumpkin patch, farm animals, refreshments. Open daily 9:00-6:00. 126 North St., Healdsburg ~ 707-433-1230 ~ www.lovefarms.com

Muelrath Ranches Pumpkins ~ Hay tunnel, corn maze, pumpkin slingshot. Opens Sept 26, Fri 3:00-9:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-6:00. 3800 Walker Ave., Santa Rosa ~ 707-585-2195 ~ www.muelrathspumpkins.com

No Chance Ranch Haunted House ~ and “Chicken” House for the scaredy-cats! Opens Oct 9, Fri 5:00-8:00, Sat 11:00-8:00, Sun 11:00-6:00. 3682 Llano Rd, Santa Rosa

Oluf's Ranch Pumpkin Patch ~ Hay maze & rides, animal corral, 4-acre corn maze. Opens Sept 26, M-F 3:30-Dusk, Sat-Sun 9:00am-Dusk. 899 Shiloh Rd., Windsor ~ 707-838-7588

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch ~ 4-acre A'Mazing Corn Maze $5; Night Maze on Fri-Sat 6:00-10:00 pm, $9. Opens Sept 25, Sun-Thu 10:00-6:00, & Fri-Sat 10:00-10:00. 550 Stony Point Rd., Petaluma ~ 707-763-3132 ~ www.petalumapumpkinpatch.com

Peterson's Pumpkins ~ feed the animals, observation beehive, picnic area. Sat-Sun in October, 10:00-6:00. 636 Gossage Avenue, Petaluma ~ 707-765-4582 ~ www.petersonsfarm.com

Pumpkin Grove ~ farm animals, hay pyramid, picnic area. No pets please. 10:00-6:00 pm daily in October ~ 3399 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa ~ 707-523-3982

Punky's Pumpkin Lot ~ Just pumpkins, no fuss no muss. 10:00-6:00 pm at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa

Ryan O’Shannan Farms ~ Sunflower maze, make butter, milk a cow. Opens Sept 26, Thu-Sun 10:00-6:30 ~ 5360 Bodega Ave., 5 miles west of Petaluma ~ 707-762-4895

Read article »

Children's Activities, Independent Play Spaces

Happy Children = Happy Parents

Listening 2 Children
by Sharon Ann Wikoff

Spending time with children 24/7 can be a great JOY if you find ways to easily meet the needs of children as well as your own needs. Looking back and reflecting on my years of parenting, I see now that I truly did need some time to myself daily. And without giving it much thought at the time, I see now that I created multiple spaces inside and outside at our home for our children to have many choices as to how to spend their time.

Each individual, young and old, needs time alone daily to think their own thoughts! Do you have time alone to listen to your thoughts? Do you provide time alone for your children to think their own thoughts?

Following are several ways of creating spaces for children around your house to encourage their independent play and thus providing them an opportunity to develop a practice of daily alone time. At the same time, this allows you to have some time to yourself!

Pick up 5 boxes or large ice-cream tubs. Cover them with colorful contact paper and put different types of books and/or play toys in them. Keep a couple of them out for your children. Put the others away in a closet for now. When you and your children need a quiet time, pull down a new box or two for your children. Then pull out your favorite book! (Both child and parent should be pleasantly fulfilled for some time!)

Fill up two tubs of water. Place on a child-size table on a surface that won’t be damaged by a little water or outside. Go into your kitchen drawers/cupboards and locate 10 or 12 water-safe and child-safe objects. Invite your child to the area! Have your letter writing material nearby and enjoy!

Bring out your card-table and put a sheet over it! Put under the table, 2 or 3 of the boxes, previously prepared. Invite your child/ren to the area! Prepare a pre-dinner snack for the family. Bring a snack to your child under the table. Let your children enjoy their snack in ‘their’ own home!

Create a sand table or sandbox outside on the patio! (YES, this takes time, but the free time it allows you is well worth the effort!) Find numerous plastic people, trucks, cars and containers for the sand area. Set them up in an inviting manner! Invite your child to the area. OPTIONAL: Give them a small container of water to play with! Place your chair 10-15 feet away. (This allows you to be close enough for supervision, but far enough away to enjoy your own space! Enjoy your favorite reading material.

If a time came that I knew I wanted to sleep in a little in the morning, I planned ahead. After my children were asleep, I went into their rooms and put out some different play toys…perhaps new crayons and paper, perhaps building blocks or set up my daughter’s dolls in an interesting way or attractive her attention. Then when morning came, the children would awaken and most often find pleasure in the toys in their room, before coming out to begin the day.

As I share these ideas, two things come to mind. First, in order to have children satisfied playing alone; they do need plenty of “together” time with mom and dad! When there has been plenty of fun times together, then a child usually enjoys time alone! Secondly, if your child hasn’t had a lot of independent playtime, set up places such as discussed above and play with your child at first. Truly, get ‘into’ the fun with your children. Enjoy the moment! I found this a very successful way of encouraging independent play.

Sharon Ann Wikoff is an educator and small business owner. She’s been working with children and families for over three decades. She is available to consult with families on how to set up “in-home” play environments for children. For information on how she supports individuals who would like to have their own business working with children, visit: www.BusinessTeacherTrainings.com

Read article »