Guerneville Groove by Beth Rudometkin - May 2017
As I write this column, it is absolutely gorgeous outside! The sun is shining, there’s a slight breeze in the air, and the smell of blossoms are everywhere. As I walk around town, it appears as if all of the businesses are doing a bit of spring cleaning…
The old Mercantile is really coming along on it’s remodel; lots of new windows and alcoves; there is a wine tasting license application posted in the window and constant work happening inside. Be sure the check out theRussian Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centerlocated on the Plaza! The entire space has just undergone a beautiful remodel (long overdue) and there is even a conference room available for the members to use! Go by and check it out; say hello to the Executive DirectorKimberly Lambert! She is eager to discuss our groovy community with you and listen to your needs. May 1st the Russian River Chamber of Commerce will also launch its new website; another long overdue overhaul… keep up the groovy job Kim! Be sure to attend the Chamber Mixer on Wednesday the 3rd at El Barrio.Crista has created a really inviting, laid back atmosphere at this groovy bar (and the guacamole is the bomb!). Oh and speaking of our very own Crista Luedtke, did you check her out onGuys Grocery Games in April? At the time of this writing, the show had yet to air, but I have a feeling Crista gaveIron Chef Alex Guarraschelli quite the competition…way to go Crista!
Friday the 5th is First Friday Artwalk… always a groovy experience to explore the works of our local artists and musicians throughout town. There will be numerous receptions as well as our street artists displaying their creations. For your listening pleasure, be sure to take a trip to the Occidental Community Center for the Spring Concerts on Sat May 6, 7, 12, 13! For more information & tickets, go to occidentalchoir.org.
Groovy fireworks are just around the corner… July will be here before you know it, so be sure to get a team together or sponsor a tee at the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament being held on Friday,May 12th at Northwood Golf Course and Restaurant. There are sponsorship forms and team sign ups available online at mrcc@sonic.net or you can come by Community First Credit Union for a packet. This event is the main fundraiser for the 4th of July events which include the beach games for children, water parade, sound and light show and of course, the Fireworks! The golf tournament is a really fun event with raffle prizes and a BBQ afterwards.
An event very close to my heart, being a cancer survivor, is Dress for a Cure! Paul Mathew Wines presents Dress for a Cure, a fashion show, along with award-winning wines, food and amazing silent auction items! Celebrate Mother’s Day early and bring your mom, your daughter and help other women get life-saving cancer screening services. Proceeds from this event will fund mammogram and other screenings for uninsured women. Thank you Barb and Mat Gustafson! For tickets, go towww.paulmathewvineyards.com.
Give Back Tuesday is held every Tuesday at the Rainbow Cattle Company at 6pm. This month’s beneficiaries areRiverkeeper Park, Russian River Women’s Weekend, Sonoma County Pride, Sadie’s Haven Horse Rescue & Sanctuary andRussian River Wild Steelhead Society. Speaking of Riverkeeper, the groovy Great Russian River Race is coming up onSat June 3rd, so you need to start putting your groups together or you can paddle solo; again, come by Community First Credit Union to pick up a sponsorship packet and/or entry form. This year will be SO much fun, with food vendors and live music on Johnson’s Beach being the finish line!
Rounding out the month on Saturday May 27this the 12th Annual KGGV Strawberry Festival to benefit ourgroovy local community radio station! If you have never attended this, it is a MUST! Bring the entire family for a day full of strawberry goodies, contests and live music fromThe Jennerators, Osito,Token Girl and Buck Thrifty. BBQ, silent auction and raffle and best of all….it’s FREE! At the Guerneville Community Church located at 14520 Armstrong Woods Rd.
Each month I am going to spotlight a local business, to share what’s going on with their groovy business. This month I’m telling you about Wishes and Secrets Hair Design, with the lovely Nicky Gibson! She is in her 4th year of making us over, and now is making over her salon. Be sure to check out her new décor that mirrors her passion of riding a Harley! You must go by her salon and look for yourselves, at 16632 Highway 116 (next to La Tapatia). For salon services, you may book an appointment at www.wishesandsecrets.com. Have you ladies noticed there is no longer anywhere to purchase makeup in Guerneville? She is now carrying Bella Pierre Cosmetics, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and lip liner. Please support her as she is providing a much-needed service for us ladies!
Want to talk about groovy happenings in your world? Email me at brudo@comfirstcu.org or come see me at Community First Credit Union!
