Whats Up in Windsor by Lorene Romero and Gayle Walz - January 2020

SHARP TONGUED CONSULTING

December 30, 2019

Happy 2020 everyone! I hope this new year is a safe and prosperous for everyone. 2019 was a pretty exciting year for Sonoma County, with a bunch of rain which led to flooding (oh boy), crazy politics, PSPS power outages and let’s not forget about that “little” evacuation and the fires of Kincade.

I am a firm believer that with everything dramatic there will be a Phoenix Effect and that good things come out of bad. Windsor will heal from this and be an even stronger and more unified community. One example of this has been demonstrated by the support shown to our First Responders, including Fire, Police, Sherriff, Dispatch and a myriad of others who made our evacuation and repopulation possible.

Another example of the Phoenix Effect is an event that is coming to Windsor in late January (TBD but will be either the 23rd or 27th) is a Tourism Cares Day. This event will be sponsored by the Windsor Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and Sonoma County Tourism. It will be a day where people from all over the community, such as Windsor High School students, Sonoma County Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTA’s), anyone who wants to volunteer, help restore Foothill Regional Park.

As you may be aware Foothill Park was heavily damaged in the Kincade fires. The focus of the Tourism Cares Day will be helping repair, revitalize and heal our beloved park. With any luck maybe we can also support the residents who live close to the park but all this well be determined as the day gets closer.

Another upcoming event, inspired by our recent event is the Disaster Preparedness workshop scheduled for January 9th at the Windsor Chamber from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This two-hour workshop is presented by the Small Business Development Center and Windsor Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $15 and you receive a full 56-page booklet. To register or find more information please visit: https://www.napasonomasbdc.org/events/windsor-emergency-preparedness-your-business-76039

The Windsor High School Student Circle Keepers will be hosting a Community in Conference Circle on Jan. 16th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, in the Windsor High School Theater, for 8th – 12th Grade Parents and interested community members. I went to this last year and was blown away by how our WHS students and staff help each other heal in times of stress. Although the focus will be geared towards students you will learn how to use these skills in everyday life

For more information and to RSVP: http://bit.ly/WHSCircle ~ Spanish translation will be provided.

What an amazing list of resources we have to heal and be prepared. We Windsorites are strong and resilient. With the new year I know we will find joy and celebration for a new year. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about any of these resources. That is what I am here for.

I can be reached at lorene@mac.com or come visit me at the Windsor Chamber of Commerce office (yep my office looks like the train depot in town). #windsortogether

Lorene Romero is a highly skilled travel consultant. She founded Sharp Tongued Consulting in 2008 to deliver the benefits only a travel CONSULTANT can offer, over those of a traditional AGENT. In addition to uncovering the best prices and making reservations, her approach is primarily focused on expert research and advice. With her home-based business, she is able to dedicate the quality time necessary to ensure that no client ever wastes a penny on a trip they won't completely love. She is an expert on Alaska, Hawaii and European River Cruises but loves crafting the perfect dream vacation for nearly any destination.

Until recently, Lorene was the Windsor Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. She was a Chamber member for 15 years and being on the Board of Directors for 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic she gave it her all to help support Windsor small businesses to remain open and help over 400 people and 50 Windsor businesses get vaccinated. She works tirelessly being as the Co-Vice President of the People4Parks Committee making magic Charlie Brown Christmas Grove. Lorene understand Windsor like the back of her hand and makes herself available to everyone to feel loved and welcomed. Over the years she was seen at the Windsor Certified Farmers Market “Donate Life” booth talking about the importance of organ donation (speaking as a Living Donor after donating her kidney to a stranger). She can be reached at lorene@mac.com.