Monte Rio Community Column - December 2010

The annual Holiday Wonderland Craft Faire will take place Friday, December 17 through Sunday, December 19 at the Monte Rio Community Center. This event has gained momentum over the years and is now a full-fledged jam-packed event featuring just about any type of craft you can imagine stuffing a stocking with. All locally crafted wares, along with good food and entertainment. Interested in vending? Contact me at the Community Center at (707) 865-9956.

Lending Library In Monte Rio
Monte Rio residents are encouraged to participate in a brief survey concerning a lending library at the Monte Rio Community Center. We’re trying to ascertain the level and type of interest in this potential project before moving forward with any plans. Please contact me for a copy of the survey at events@mrrpd.org. We’d like to get some decision in place by January, and your input is crucial to these plans.

Weight Loss Challenge
Monte Rio resident Judith Perry is organizing a twelve-week Weight Loss Challenge for anyone interested in shedding a few pounds in the New Year. The program will begin on Friday, January 7th at 6 p.m. in the History Room of the Monte Rio Community Center. Classes will continue on Friday evenings. Cost is $30 for the full 12-week program. All plans are welcome as long as they are healthy programs. Contact Judith for more information and to register at (707) 865-5066. Class size is limited. Top achievers will have a chance to win cash or prizes.

Monte Rio Watch Update
This community watch group celebrated the installation of five new Community Watch signs posted at the entrances of Monte Rio by inviting the entire community to enjoy a bonfire and weenie roast on Friday, November 12th. More than eighty people showed up and roasted weenies and marshmallows and visited with neighbors and friends.

Kids and dogs were in abundance at this oh-so Monte Rio event overseen by the Monte Rio Fire District volunteers. The new signs are in place to empower everyone to report all criminal activity by providing the Sheriff’s dispatch phone number. Much like a neighborhood watch group, Monte Rio Watch is mainly interested in freeing the community of drug sales and abuse and hopes to encourage everyone to reclaim their community through positive action. Anyone interested in purchasing a sign for their neighborhood can do so by contacting Cathy LaPlante at monteriowatch@gmail.com. The cost is $150 for an 18 x 24 inch color sign.

Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce
Chamber elections were recently held at Northwood Restaurant where Barbara and Jim Kokalis served a delicious lunch to Chamber members. Election results included the re-election of incumbents Carol Silva, Lisa Fulkerson, Cathy LaPlante, Jynx Lopez along with a new board member, Carol Seiberling.

As always, let me know if you have an event or activity you want to publicize in Monte Rio – dawnebell@comcast.net.