Forestville, The Good Life by Lucy Hardcastle - August 2017

To all Forestvillians (and those who wish they were) What an honor to take over writing this column from

According to those whose grandparents pioneered this town, and you know who you are, I’m a latecomer. In October of ‘89, in my 40s and newly divorced, I was looking for a new start. Ideally someplace if I was too broke to travel, I wouldn’t mind. I was lucky to have landed here. Was luckier yet in 2000 to have married the sweetest guy, a teacher better known as “Mr. Bob” to his students. Getting to chaperone dances, attend soccer games and witness what amazing kids this next generation has produced has been a joy. Bob still substitutes, mostly at El Molino. He loves it because he loves those teens and they can tell.

For 25 years I worked as a fundraiser for Sutter Hospice. Those fundraising skills were put to the test when writing a grant to Open Space awhile back to acquire the land for our downtown park. The community needed to match the money Open Space would donate, and Forestville came though, making us the only town with two privately managed parks. So treat them well, they belong to you! Pitch in, be a good neighbor, pick up trash, attend the fundraising events and farmer’s market. Their success is our success.

And speaking of a good neighbor, our jewel of a nonprofit right here in town is Food For Thought. Did you know they have expanded their mission to provide Food + Love to those with serious illnesses, along with helping those with HIV throughout Sonoma County? Now that’s a neighborly thing to do!

We are proud of them. Since they now help more people than ever, lets help them back. This is where you can come in. Refrigerated items delivered to those too sick to drive need to be transported in specialized insulated bags. Right now they need 9 new bags for their new clients. Even though they are expensive, they will last for years. If 9 of us pitch in and “Adopt a Bag” (or even half a bag) that will save FFT money that can be used to purchase food. Doesn’t that sound important? Each bag is $288. Look into your pocketbook and see if this is something you can do. It would mean a lot! Contact Kaaren Van Dyke at 887-1647. She would love to hear from you. Let’s do this.

While you are on the phone, make reservations for their brand new event on Saturday, August 26, 5:30 to 9:30. It’s called Haberdash! Think fun, eclectic, retro, punk. I’ve seen the decorations and it’s going to be spectacular. They know how to create award winning events! This dance party will replace their fall Calabash, so expect music, amazing food, and lots of wine. Don’t miss it. Call now for tickets 887-1647, or go online at fftfoodbank.org

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