Forestville, The Good Life by Richard Naegle - April 2017

The

Previous grants, ranging from $500-$7,000, have been given to local organizations, ad hoc groups, non-profits, individuals, and businesses. Applications must be submitted by June 15. Forms can be filled out online or downloaded at 95436.org; paper copies are available at Forestville Pharmacy, and The Service Station. See 95436.org (click the Community Fund tab) for important guidelines, further information, and a list of past projects. Be imaginative and creative – what does the community need?

Downtown Park

Progress! The County Parks Department has received a State grant for $200,000 to build the extension of the West County Trail through the Downtown Park. This in addition to $50,000+ it has budgeted for the design and engineering of the trail. Moreover, the Board of Supervisors has generously waived $7,800 in fees for the County design review. Meanwhile, plans for the Park have been submitted to Open Space for approval before final submission to the County. Also, plans are afoot for the Farmers’ Market to begin again in May.

Youth

Easter Egg Hunt! The annual and always gala children’s Egg Hunt, sponsored by the our wonderful firefighters, is on April 8, 10 am--bring your own basket!

Schools: The Forestville School and Academy’s Early Literacy Fair (ELF): Thursday, April 6th, 4:00-6:30. The event promotes early literacy and reading for families of children up to 5 years of age. Many family service agencies will be on hand to speak and to distribute information.

Also the School is having its first Mix-it-up-Lunch, when community members can have lunch with students. It’s a chance to sit and talk with young people about themselves and hear what’s happening in their lives. April 10: lunchtime slots are: K-3rd 11:15-11:50, 4th-6th 11:50-12:25, and middle school 7th-8th 12:30-1:05.

4/14 Spring Concert with El Molino Band & Choir; Guerneville Band & Choir; and Forestville Academy Band, Choir, & Guitar Ensemble. Luther Burbank Center, 6:30pm

Fun Run, Sun, April 23, 2017. You don’t have to be a runner to participate! This 5k/10k travels through beautiful West Sonoma County trails and vineyards and can be as mellow or challenging as you like. Fundraiser to build SkateSpot, a skatepark in Forestville for youth and adults of our community. Reg begins at 7:30 am at the Youth park, finish 12 noon. Toilets and water station half way. All entered runners receive a tee shirt, beverages & goodies at the end of fun. $35 adults, $23 under 18. Register at eventebrite.com, Fred’s Liquor, ForestvilleSkateSpot.com. A community fun run, not a race; no prizes awarded for place finishes.

Little League: El Molino Little League will be having their annual FUNraising day on May 6th. Action starts at 9am with the Mike Ellis Ol’ Ball Game pitting El Molino high school against All stars of the past. Live music, lots of kids activities including face painting, a magician, wonderful array of silent auction items including a stay in Hawaii. All culminating with an incredible BBQ and Movie night at the park.

Food Closet

SHARE Sonoma County offers a Home Sharing Program to provide affordable housing and to help seniors “age in place”. Home Shares are living arrangements between two or more unrelated people, one of whom is 60 years of age or older, who agree to share a home or apartment for their mutual benefit. SHARE is seeking home providers and has houses that are available to be shared. Contact Amy Appleton at amy@sharesonomacounty.org or more info at sharesonomacounty.org/.

Historical Society

...needs you! Forestville Historical Society, founded in 1999, needs volunteers for the board and to help out collecting, writing and producing stories, photos and videos on the history of our unique town (see its great website, FHS.webvanta.com). Our older locals are in fact getting older, and need help from those 75 or younger! To learn more, call Ron Davis, President, at 707-823-2922.

Notes from the Town Hall Meeting with Lynda Hopkins

Elizabeth Naegle president of FPA opened meeting after Rev Monique-Cheri Pierre welcomed people to the social hall of the church.

Standing Room only! 125 people eager to ask Lynda Hopkins questions. She was very responsive and knowledgeable.

When asked how to get a stoplight at 116 and Mirabel, she said that comes under state, so to write Mike McGuire.

Not enough funds for Roundabout, she wondered if we would want some of the money for lighted crosswalks?

Questions about severe potholes: The county’s road funding has a 3.6 million dollar shortfall. Need to write Mike mcGuire and our assemblyman and say we need more money for roads. Also take a photo of potholes/road and email to Lynda and she will forward to the director of Transportation. The increased hotel tax will add some money to road fund.

Discussion about Green Valley Creek flooding which she and County are working on.

Concern about Recycling Center reopening by Speer’s.Neighbors complained about drug dealing and home break-ins and lots of noise. Lynda offered to set up a joint meeting with Mike McGuire to discuss this.

Church has been broken into frequently and requested more frequent patrolling by sheriff.

Citizens Advisory Committee - Lynda suggested we form a local government that extends out to Duncan Mills so we could have significant tax revenue that would have to be used in that community.

Ham Radio classes are held at Graton Fire Dept and a participant said it would work when emergencies arise and there is no electric or phone.

Request for more frequent bus service.