Monte Rio: Winter News & Events

Boy did my editor fool me this month. I have already written my November to December column and included all the birthdays. Now I find out that she is waiting for my December to January column! I’m so confused and very very late! In a way it is good because last month I forgot to mention the winter solstice on December 21. I will once again wish you a wonderful and warm holiday season filled with joy and love.

Since I have this opportunity to remind you all, please shop locally for your Holiday Gifts. The local businesses are really struggling to stay open during this horrible economy and any money you spend in their shops is a huge help! I believe that all the businesses have gift certificates available, which really is a wonderful way to spend your money, support the local businesses, and get your friends and family to go to your favorite places in town.

Don’t miss the Holiday Wonderland Craft Fair located at the Monte Rio Community Center on December 18 from 11am to 7pm, December 19 from 10am to 6pm and finally on December 20 from 10am to 4pm. Last year was great with all kinds of interesting and beautiful crafts. Vendors interested in applying for a booth, should contact MRRPD at events@mrrpd.org or by calling 707-865-9956.

Don’s Dogs Café will be open both Christmas Eve from 9am – 3pm and Christmas Day from 9am – 5pm. Don has expanded his menu to include Pulled Pork to die for and Cuban Sandwiches which are incredibly yummy! He has Black Angus Cheeseburgers and a new Cardiac Burger, which includes a ¼ pound sausage patty! My new favorite is a grilled Polish Sausage with homemade coleslaw on top. Don is definitely having fun with his new grill menu, stop by and check it out. Yes---he still does have the best hot dogs in Sonoma County!

I am sure that the Village Inn, Highland Dell and Café Les Jummels are all having great holiday dinners and New Year’s specials, but make your reservations early!

The second half of December includes the following birthdays. Big Happy Birthday wishes on December 15, both Lee Torr IV and Vivian Imperiale celebrate and the next day December 16, tanned Debbie Warner, turns 58! December 19, Robbie Davenport, celebrates his 24th while my fabulous mom, Pat Gildea ends the decade at 79(!!!) and Brandon Nunez also celebrates. December 21 is Stephanie’s special day, 22. December 22, Herman Hernandez celebrates his day. December 25, Jesus, 2009 and then on December 26, Steve Spector and Alex Saunders both celebrate their day. December 27, Zach Eager, turns 18! December 28 Catherine celebrates and on December 29, Laura Robles turns 54. December 30 is a very full day with--- Megan Bosch, 26; Angela Orr, great lady; Kendall Dawson, 8; my brother Skip Gildea, 48 and finally, I think Mark of Village Inn Fame hits 55---they are all celebrating!!!

Happy New Year and Happy birthday wishes to some pretty famous locals and friends: January 1 my friend, Zelda Michaels, 63; along with Rio artist Arthur Longoria; January 2, J’Mari Curtiss celebrates. On January 3 Kei Lani Howard turns a year older and on January 4 Kristina Haynes turns 18---ow can that be!? Andy Bosch turns 18 on January 6 while Gregorio Pehrson remains ageless. On January 7 that ever cute Ricardo Silos turns a whopping 65 and on January 9, Philip Hampton of Village Inn fame, hits 51. January 12 Ashley Ogletree, soon to be a new mom celebrates and then on January 14 both Josh Curtiss and that wonderful Gloria Potter both have their special day! Finally on January 15 my sister-in-law, Georgie Gildea, turns 40-something! Happy Birthday to you all and here’s wishing us all a very happy and Prosperous New Year!