Occidental News & Events

Tons to report this month, so no introduction!

Harmony / Salmon Creek School
The big news this month is that the grading of the soccer field on campus is virtually done. Also, visitors and parents may notice the new boulders and trees in the triangular “peninsula” of land in the parking area, as well as progress on the planting area to the west of the new building. Drip irrigation, picket fencing, and new plantings are forthcoming, so stay alert!

The first Phone-a-thon Pledge Drive has just finished. As parents have proven by their generosity that they are committed to a new playground structure, securing additional large-donor contributions will be starting up soon. And speaking of the play structure, the committee will have decided which design to buy, by the time you read this! Thanks goes out to all who have already contributed so much.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
Locals Night will make its final appearance of the year on Thursday, December 10. For only $10 per person (free with spa treatment within seven days), enjoy an enzyme footbath and Japanese tea and treats. Bring your friends for added fun; reservations are required as space is limited, 707.823.8231.

Occidental Community Choir
Share the joy of beautiful music and the warmth of community spirit with the Choir this December. The Occidental Community Choir is, in their own words, “a home-grown, quirky, non-profit group of dedicated singers and composers bringing both original and traditional choral music to the West County.”

New music director, Sarah Saulsbury, is a Sebastopol native who has been singing on and off with the choir since the age of thirteen.

Winter Moon, the 32nd Winter Concert Series, deftly blends choral repertoire from across the ages and genres - from sacred motets to the sparkling modernity of “little tree,” an e.e. cummings poem set to music. As always, there is a generous helping of OCC original compositions.

Concerts are at St. Philip's Center at 3730 Bohemian Hwy in Occidental, Friday Dec. 4th, Saturday Dec. 5th, and Saturday Dec. 12th at 8pm, and Sunday Dec. 13th at 3pm. Tickets are a $15 donation ($13 for Seniors 62+, and Free for Children 12 and under). For more information, contact: www.occidentalchoir.org

Holiday Crafts Faire
The Occidental Community Council* is pleased to announce the 24th Annual Holiday Crafts Faire, a longstanding tradition in the community. The Faire will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th at the Occidental Community Center (located on the corner of Bohemian Highway and Graton Road) in Occidental. The event will be open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

This Holiday Crafts Faire has something for the whole family, showcasing handmade crafts. In addition to highlighting over 35 local and regional artists and showcasing their special holiday pieces, there will be entertainment, wreaths, daily special guest appearances by Santa Claus, fabulous food, and more.

The Ceres Community Project will provide the food, preparing a special selection of fantastic healthy food. All proceeds from the sale of the food will go towards their program (bringing local teens together to learn about whole food and cooking while preparing organic meals for families who are facing health challenges).

Members of the famous Occidental Community Choir will be visiting the Holiday Crafts Faire throughout the weekend to sing holiday carols. For more information please contact Sherry Huss at sherry@renga-arts.com

*Established in 1986, the Occidental Community Council is an all-volunteer, non-profit corporation. Representing a diverse cross-section of the community, it meets once a month to discuss investing support and resources locally. Its entire budget is derived from the Holiday Crafts Faire.

Tennis Court Update
Thanks to the efforts of David Dillman and Diane Senia, the community of Occidental rallied financial support last month to resurface the tennis courts at the Occidental Community Center. The ‘like-new’ courts were finished on October 9, and will bring new life to Occidental, where tennis classes for local kids can be offered again.

As you can see, community is thriving here in Occidental. As the holidays approach, please earmark as much of a donation as you can for the play structure at Harmony Salmon Creek (and call me to confirm, 707-874-3669). Kids from all over West County will thank you!