Monte Rio Musings - September 2011
Traditionally, the Labor Day weekend has signaled an end to summer. That being the case, our busy season is drawing to its close. By the calendar it ends at the Monte Rio beach in mid-October. According to the Park and Recreation event calendar however, there are many weekends through the end of October and into November scheduled with weddings.
That means that wedding guests will take over the tourism trade for awhile and fill the guest rooms at inns and vacation homes. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us and carry us through November with good traffic for all river businesses.. From what I hear, everyone had a good season so far. Fingers crossed for the remaining month’s success. Since Labor Day was originated to calm the workers of striking labor unions, and since we don’t have any unions around here, and since I won’t get the day off anyway, I would prefer to celebrate the end of summer, the end of my now burgeoning tomato plants and the coming fall beauties. So go on out there and enjoy, celebrate, take the day off or not, but be proud of your status as a worker in America at a time when unemployment is climbing. Happy Holidays!
That means that wedding guests will take over the tourism trade for awhile and fill the guest rooms at inns and vacation homes. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us and carry us through November with good traffic for all river businesses.. From what I hear, everyone had a good season so far. Fingers crossed for the remaining month’s success. Since Labor Day was originated to calm the workers of striking labor unions, and since we don’t have any unions around here, and since I won’t get the day off anyway, I would prefer to celebrate the end of summer, the end of my now burgeoning tomato plants and the coming fall beauties. So go on out there and enjoy, celebrate, take the day off or not, but be proud of your status as a worker in America at a time when unemployment is climbing. Happy Holidays!
Russian River Car Show: It may have been smaller than last year, but those that turned out for this 13th annual event enjoyed a perfect weather day amid many beautiful cars, good music by The Passions and breakfast as offered by the Friends of Monte Rio. This years Best in Show award went to Jim Murphy with his 1947 Ford Convertible (and thanks to Bob Wilkinson for the fab photo!). A truly gorgeous vehicle. Thank you to volunteers Stephanie Felch, Brian Grant and Claudia Corrella for their early-bird (5:30am!) help, Cath LaPlante for pitching in just about everywhere, and Sharon and Sue from Forestville. And a very fond “thank you” to Edward Huser and Jeffe ?, for stepping up to the mic with announcements and helping to count ballots respectively. With a little help and enthusiasm we should be able to pull off a fourteenth annual event – Hint to Mr. Murphy…. And the Friends of Monte Rio.Labor Day Music Festival: The Monte Rio Music Festival featuring Groundation and the JGB will overtake the entire Labor Day weekend at the Monte Rio Amphitheater. For ticket information and a complete listing of entertainment, visit www.monteriomusicfestival.com.
Mama Java passes baton to Café Bia: It’s Gaelic, in case you wondered: Bia means “food” in that ancient language. I have not had a chance to speak with the new owner yet, somehow I keep missing her, but do try and stop in for cuppa and to say hello. More on this later.
Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce: Get your bets ready for the 2nd Annual Casino Night October 22 at the Monte Rio Community Center 7-11PM. Event tickets are on sale NOW at the Village Inn & Restaurant at 865-2304, the cost is $100 each and includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, gambling chips and a drink ticket. This is a limited attendance event (only 100 guests) that provides each guest with a chance to win a fabulous grand prize! Stay tuned for details!
And They're Off! Three of a total of five seats are open for the Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Board and four candidates are running. To many people a little race like this one may seem insignificant or unimportant, but I’m here to tell you that the MRRPD Board of Directors is responsible for a good deal in Monte Rio and without them Sonoma County would be running things here instead of the locals. MRRPD is the only official government body in the area. Being located in the unincorporated part of Sonoma County, Monte Rio falls under the influence of a single County Supervisor making it very important for Monte Rio to develop its own voice by listening to community input. The Districts’ sphere of influence may formally only be 400 parcels, but we here in Monte Rio know that it in fact reaches far beyond that number. Our beach, amphitheater, and Community Center are used regularly by people from Guerneville, Occidental, Camp Meeker, Duncans Mills, Villa Grande, Bodega Bay, Jenner and many, many people from much further out. It is not just Monte Rio folks who benefit from the beautiful venues under the management of the MRRPD and it is important to realize that this small Board is charged with keeping them in good order and useable to a broad-based public which in turn makes Monte Rio attractive to everyone and a beautiful place to live and visit.Candidates running for the three seats are:
Stephen K. Baxman
Edward Huser
Cath LaPlante
Jean Gifford-Sasso
You’ll see their names on the ballot along with their candidate statements. This November remember to VOTE!
Be sure to contact me with information about events and special dates at dawnebell@comcast.net
Labels: COMMUNITIES
