Forestville the good Life by Lucy Hardcastle - March 2019

Some people do it quietly, like 2019 Volunteers of the Year Nick Alberigi and Amy Nultemeier, two Forestvillian’s whose passion and commitment to this community have made us better.

Nick began his volunteer service 40 years ago with the Forestville Fire Department. If there was a fire, a flood, a disaster of any kind chances are good Nick was there helping save property and lives. When not out on emergency calls (12,000 so far and counting) Nick can be found flipping pancakes at fundraisers, setting up events at the Youth Park, cleaning up the cemetery and making sure all the downtown Holiday lights are in working order. His experience, wisdom, courage and devotion are not only appreciated by the Fire Department, but now by all of us.

Amy Nultemeier has focused her formidable talent towards supporting our schools. “Call and she will come” office staff reports. On Valentine’s Day I witnessed first-hand the love she poured into making soup for Board and staff along with trays of beautiful desserts. Fridays she makes breakfast sandwiches as a fundraiser for the middle school. Kindergarten registration is her thing. She makes “Readiness Kits” for the little ones with school supplies they’ll need to start off right. “Everything she does is upbeat and positive…always positive” the staff goes on. “She is our own personal cheerleader, a bundle of energy that keeps us going.” Even though she prefers behind-the-scenes activity, her caring has propelled her into being recognized by us all!

2019 Business of the Year recipient D.W. Enterprises made a name for itself decades ago. They support all sorts of community needs with in-kind and cash donations to the schools, the Youth Park and the downtown park too. Last year there were deep ruts in the trailhead/downtown lot. It was D.W. Enterprises who stepped up to make it drivable again. Just check out the 95436.org website and you’ll see Doug Wood on a massive roller pounding down the gravel donated by Canyon Rock to fix up the lot, along with his son Travis on the grader. And they are the ones who now put up and decorate our Holiday Tree with the Trappe Family. A true community gem!

A celebration to honor them at the Citizen of the Year dinner will take place this spring.

The Performing Arts at Forestville School have made a name for themselves with incredible Director Noelle Huberty at the helm. March 8 and 9 at 7 pm and March 10 at 1 pm our young aspiring actors bring us play Moulon. It runs the following weekend as well on the 15 and 16th at 7 pm and the 17th at 1 pm at the school auditorium.

The Hollydale Club has become famous forit’s Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, this year taking place on March 16 at 6 pm, just before St. Pats. I can testify they cook up a delicious meal and rumor has it a real Irishman is in charge. Expect music and a great gathering of friends.

The Methodist Church is making a name for itself by hosting a variety of community gatherings these days. They have Kindergym on Wednesdays, put on fun family movie nights and produce some pretty cool music events too. Coming up as a fundraiser for them is their FAMOUSLY HUGE rummage sale taking place Saturday, March 9 from 8 am to 2 pm. It’s big!

The very next night, March 10, they host their annual Irish Potato Supper with fixings and green desserts! For music the Forestville Strings play from 5:30 to 6, Michael Kane from 6 to 7:30 and Irish Music from 7:30 to 9. Call 887-2020 to reserve your potato’s now. The supper is free but bring your checkbook as you’ll have an opportunity to bid on some lovely auction items.

Then Sunday, March 24 is the Soul Café from 5 to 6:30. For $10, ($5 for kids) you get great hand-made soup, bread and salad while listening to Forestville music legends Cori Wood and Rick Cutler. Add Kevin Russell and Some Dangerous Friends playing Americana, blues and rock and roll and you have an evening to remember.

With this much inspiration, are you thinking of how you can make a name for yourself in Forestville? Is there a project you think deserves a grant from the Community Fund? Applications are available at the Service Station and Pharmacy now with a deadline of mid-June.