Forestville the good Life by Lucy Hardcastle - May 2019

If you live in Forestville and have any interest, even just a mild curiosity, in how your home and neighborhood would blow up in a wildfire, this next Town Hall Meeting is a must. Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 19 from 3-5 pm at El Molino Library for our Town Hall on “Emergency Preparedness”. The meeting’s being designed by our Fire Chief Dave Franchesci who has learned a lot on what works and what doesn’t when disaster hits. He knows every twisted road, every pocket canyon, every challenge we’ll face if anything like the October 2017 fires happens here. Turns out knowing what to do makes a difference!

And the program that works best is where communities “map” their own neighborhoods. It’s the latest thing. The firemen come meet you and your neighbors, provide key information like best escape routes, which neighbors need help getting out, who to call and what to do when you have only minutes to spare. And you in turn, can let the firemen know where dangerous piles of fuel exist, like up my canyon for example. The Fire Department finds that the more you know from them, the more they learn from you, the safer off we all will be.

Chief Dave will introduce his staff and volunteers so you get to meet exactly who you will be counting on if disaster strikes. Once Lynda Hopkins delivers an update on the County, we’ll dive right in to start creating these neighborhood groups. We’ll even hear from folks who have already done so. There will be examples of “Go Bags” you can buy or put together yourself, plus lots of information on what you or your animals might need. It will be a great place to start sharing our concerns with those who, like us, take risks living in a lovely wooded area. Don’t miss it, I’ll put up plenty of pink signs to remind you.

As soon as the Town Hall is over, head down the street to this month’s Soul Café also on May 19 starting at 5. They are featuring Mariachi Jalisco. What fun! The Soup and Salad $10 meal supports Food For Thought who has just announced a “Welcome Home” program to provide healthy groceries and food to people just coming home from the hospital. Studies show we are most vulnerable to relapse at that time. With help getting healthy food delivered + love from the FFT volunteers, people have a much better chance of recovering completely. Let’s turn out and support them, plus hear some lively music too.

Dancers at El Molino High School present Dance Spectrum, their last performance of the season May 2, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, all at 7 pm. They are amazing. Also check out this year’s 600 Lions campaign. Last year 600 parents, teachers, former students and folks like me gave $100 each to save important programs. It’s happening again. It feels empowering. You should be a part of it.

There are two events coming up at the Youth Park you won’t want to miss. Sunday May 5, the Little League hosts all-day games, food, music, a jumpy house, tons of activities and a silent auction, all to raise money for our youth. I get the best stuff at those nonprofit auctions!

The biggest event each year at the Youth Park is their famous, fabulous and delicious BBQ on Saturday June 1, and Sunday June 2. It’s where carnival rides keep the kids thrilled, the contests keep us laughing, the music keeps us dancing, the food keeps us happy, the crafts, the bingo, the playground, the fancy cars all make for a great summertime gathering. It’s my favorite community party of the year. I’m recruiting folks to help sell drink tickets both days with three hours shifts, so let me know if you can. It’s great for people watching. Selling drink tickets is how the FPA helps the Youth Park, then the wine booth is staffed by the Chamber. It’s how the community comes together. Plenty of cold beer too.

And let’s not forget the Downtown Parade that Saturday morning June 1st. Pancake Breakfast at the Methodist Church, then follow the Parade to the opening of the BBQ. Sweetest little parade around.

The Citizen of the Year dinner has been moved to June 15! Community Fund applications are due June 15. Go to 95436.org to apply.