Monte Rio Musings

The May weather has left us all a little more anxious for a warmer spring – which no doubt is coming. But the river is still high and looking beautiful and it’s encouraging to see the beach set up and readied for an active season. Monte Rio Beach is open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day – everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach is there for the taking (or renting); kayaks, canoes, food concession, horseshoes and volleyball!

Golf & Gourmet Event a Success for MRRPD
Even though this event was postponed from last September to May 21st, Monte Rio Rec & Park supporters came out in good numbers to support this event. Thirty-six golfers played the tournament at Northwood Golf Club and forty-one diners gathered at the Village Inn Restaurant for a great meal and a fun auction. Entertainer Hayley Yount Severe played her amazing keyboard and many got into the spirit so much that singing could be heard throughout the building. Thank you to everyone who sponsored, donated and joined in the festivities and helping MRRPD raise $3500! Thanks to Gretchen Mino for putting it all together!

Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce Celebrates its 90th Year!
Established in 1920, the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce is one of the oldest in the State of California. They have withstood the ups and downs of local economics, boon years and bad, floods and tourist seasons. The Monte Rio Chamber is responsible for the annual Independence Weekend events and continues to organize these with the same small town flair that thousands have enjoyed for many years. They have both business and individual members and are a mainstay in Monte Rio’s vitality and future. Congratulations to the Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce – 90 years old this year!

The Independence Weekend committee is arranging all the details for a fun and exciting weekend event. Remember, fireworks will be on Saturday, July 3rd along with the water parade and water curtain events and of course, Big Rocky games for the kids. If you are interested in volunteering, or just need more information about this annual event, contact Philip Hampton, Chamber President at the Village Inn & Restaurant at 865-2304.

Russian River Rotary Chili Cook-Off
I don’t know all the details, but it looked to me like this event was very successful. Great music, lots of people, many chili tasting booths and pretty decent weather. I DO know, however, that Hayley Yount Severe and husband Art took 3rd place. Hayley had just been entertaining at the Golf & Gourmet event the night before at the Village Inn where she told me she and Art had made 12 gallons of chili for this contest. Rotary had their usual supply of willing volunteers including Christina Harrison who did much of the advance and on-site organizing and set up. Check their website russianriverrotary.org, and Facebook page for details on the winners as well as other Rotary happenings. Russian River Rotary meets Tuesday’s at 6PM at the Highland Dell.

Upcoming and On-Going Events
Swing Into Summer with Stompy Jones
An introduction to summer concert at the Monte Rio Amphitheater on June 19th. 3PM-7PM. This well-known swing band will force you onto the dance floor so bring your dancin’ shoes. Advance tickets $17, $20 at the gate. Volunteers needed too. Contact MRRPD for more details at 865-9956 or www.mrrpd.org.

MRRPD Monthly Board Meeting
Monday, June 7 – 6PM
Monte Rio Community Center

If you have an event or activity that you want included in this column, email dawnebell@comcast.net.