Forestville The Good Life by Lucy Hardcastle - April 2018

I don’t know about you, but I rarely gave Trenton Road much thought. I love the section that parallels River Road. I sometimes take it coming home from Santa Rosa when I want to get a sense of being on a sweet country road in the middle of the rich, luscious countryside we live in. And of course, when River Road is backed up it’s fun to know the local way around a traffic jam.

One section of Trenton I use a lot is “the cut off.” Just west of the Farmhouse Inn the section of Trenton Road from River Road to Mirabel takes me right to Speers Market when I need to pick up a few things for dinner. So, I noticed when it was closed a couple of days last month. A phone call from a distraught neighbor let me know why. The utility company somehow decided that since there were several ugly utility poles along that stretch, why not erect a super enormous pole smack dab in the middle of them. It’s impressive, looks like it can handle lots of electricity. Problem is, they put it right in front of several lovely houses. When you drive by I want you to think of your reaction if PG&E, without warning, decided to plop down such a pole just a few feet from your front door. Is it fair? I don’t think so. Let’s face it, we need electricity, otherwise how would I write this column and know my word count at the push of a button? But locating it where they did? Shame on them for not taking the time to find a more appropriate place for their super pole. Maybe they are so in love with their new technology they forgot the human equation. Expect protests. It’s no way to be a good neighbor.

But we do have plenty of examples of good neighbors here in Forestville. In fact, the Chamber is recognizing 4 outstanding community members at their Annual Awards dinner coming up. Voted “Volunteer of the Year” is the always ebullient Andy Farriester. His extraordinary work organizing the team of volunteers who stepped up after the October fires helped feed thousands of first responders and displaced folks. Working hand in hand with the “Business of the Year” Daniel Kedan andMarianna Gardenshire’sBackyard Restaurant, together they showed how great things can happen when a community bands together. Backyard’s commitment to Forestville is unquestioned. “Citizen of the Year” is the indomitable Wendy Flowers, who will be taking over management of the Farmer’s Market this year. The event is a sell-out so don’t wait another minute to buy tickets or you’ll miss out. Tickets can be found at theForestville Pharmacy or just call Wendy, this year’s Chamber President, at 887-2561. The date Saturday, May 19 at 5 pm.

If you drive by the Youth Park April 7 you’ll notice lots of cars and activity. Yep, it’s Opening day forEl Molino Little League. They are kicking it off with a great Pancake Breakfast starting at 8 am. Stay for the opening ceremony at 10. It’s the 55th year of baseball at the Youth Park!

In fact, the Youth Park recognizes kids not into team sports need a place too. That’s why they support the idea of building a Skate Park here in town, an idea first put forth by teenEllery Kuntz. He and his mom have been amazing in their determination and, as we all know, cheerful perseverance goes a long way in fulfilling your dream. You can support them in that dream by attending the Fun Run they are organizing for Sunday April 22. It’s a 5K and 10K starting at the Youth Park. 7:45 am registration for an 8:30 start. Expect music, super cool tee shirts, food and prizes. Go towww.forestvilleskatespot.com for more details.

And the best deal in town in April is definitely the Forestville Education Foundations Spring Fling slated for Saturday April 21 from 4-8 in the downtown park. For only $40 you get to hear the Blues Burners, have amazing appetizers and beverages, bid on creative silent auction items, maybe even be the top bidder for Imagine Dragon tickets. It’s for the school so get your tickets soon! You can pick them up at the school or go online www.forestvilleusd.org.

El Molino High School puts on their Spring Play “The Addams Family” on April 12, 13, 14 and the 19, 20 and 21 at 7 pm. Amazingly talented kids so I’m really looking forward to it.