KRCB Auction Annie Murphy-Springer Painting

Annie Murphy-Springer 

Auctions at Painting

to Benefit KRCB

One of my absolute favorite people on this planet is Annie Murphy-Springer of Bodega. Her watercolors glow with rainbow colors. She teaches and inspires people with her watercolor classes and has extended her classes to videos on a KRCB program - The Wonders of Watercolor. In order to support KRCB, she has offered one of her watercolors for auction to benefit KRCB. Learn more about Annie and her paintings below....

A Message from Annie about her painting being auctioned on KRCB,

HI THERE !
  On Dec. 3 rd, Susan Ball (another artist) and I were invited to paint LIVE on KRCB TV channel 22 between segments of Bob Ross's life story. We painted "beat the clock" style, creating finished paintings in less than 2 hours......what fun!

   My painting is of the scene I see from my studio in Joy Woods, Bodega, Ca...............watercolor on a new surface, called YUPO,which is very exciting to work with...........the pigment slips and slides, moves, merges, repels, etc. until I say "STOP" with my brushwork.

   KRCB is auctioning off both paintings until Dec. 29th, with the high bid amount for my painting going directly to fund my series THE WONDERS OF WATERCOLOR !

   So, if you or anyone you know might be interested in acquiring this unique painting, please go to KRCB's website by clicking on the link below. You will see the image, 11" x !4".

http://krcb.org/component/option,com_bids/Itemid,100648/id,286/lang,en/task,viewbids/

   Even if you are not interested at this time, I would really appreciate it if you would forward this to your friends...................many, many thanks

   Meanwhile, have Happy Holidays, and a very happy, healthy and Peaceful New Year!

Best Wishes, 

Annie

------------------------------

Here's a link to Annie's web site so you can learn more about the magical world she paints for all of us to enjoy...as Annie says, "Those who collect my art tell me that my paintings make them feel happy. They respond to the color, freshness, exuberance, and sometimes whimsy of my art.

    Painting is a joyful experience for me, and I love teaching others to find similar joy." - annie murphy springer

http://www.anniemurphyspringer.com/index.php

and a link to a YouTube video of Annie so you can see her in action and learn about who she is and what inspired her to paint. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVz7FMxM4Iw

I have featured Annie several times in my paper because she inspires joy and creativity. Enjoy!

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KOWS Community Radio Benefit

KOWSapalooza Halloween Ball

Occidental may never be the same. Early reports indicate that a caravan of musicians, magicians, belly-dancers, fire-dancers and stilt-walkers, including a seasonal contingent of ghosts and goblins, is heading toward this quaint hamlet. Astrological predictions indicate these wandering characters will congregate at the Kowsapalooza Halloween Ball, to be held at the Occidental Community Center, Saturday, Oct. 29, 6p.m. to 1 a.m.

This soon-to-be-legendary extravaganza, presented by KOWS Community Radio, will host an impressive musical lineup. Samba Freestone opens with polyrhythmic Brazilian percussion that promises to be pulsating, to say the least. Their instruments, shipped from the jungles of Brazil, solely for this occasion, include repeniques, rokars, ganzas, agogos, shekers and surdos. Not to mention caixas.

Beso Negro (Black Kiss), fresh from an appearance at Yoshi's San Francisco, mixes a fiery brand of Gypsy Jazz with elements of blues and folk. Self-described as "a vibrant new beast," this band is guaranteed to make swing dancers swoon.

The Coast Pilots prove that straight-ahead rock n' roll isn't dead yet, with their enthusiastic, guitar-driven sound. This Santa Rosa band has hit #1 on the pop charts of ReverbNation, which describes their songs as "addictive, melodic grooves for people that like to rock out in the safe confines of their Prius!"

The headliner, Sebastopol's highly popular Jug Dealers, will be playing through a midnight hour that promises to be hellish. Rumors that this building was constructed on a graveyard are highly exaggerated, but if ever below-ground residents wanted to party, this would be the event for them.

The Jug Dealers, who have been spotlighted on NPR's "All Things Considered," describe their music as "a mash-up of Classic American Roots, Soul, Jazz Improvisation, Hobo Funk and Ragtime." The band, which claims to be "moving backwards into the future," incorporates a jug and a whiskey box (hand-made Canadian stock only) into their act.

The KOWSapalooza Halloween Ball is a non-stop event, with a barrage of colorful performers displaying their talents between musical sets. If you're into belly buttons and scimitars there's the Kali Shakti Belly-dancers. Kalalea Fire will light yours. The Diva Galactica Stilt-walkers promise to take you higher. Illusionation Magic will saw women in half and, if time allows, put them back together. Volunteers accepted.

Come dressed in your Halloween finery and win the Costume Contest. Treat your tummy to yummy local foods; enjoy Halloween treats and games, as well as an eclectic array of booths selling curios and local arts and crafts.

Advance tickets ($15 minimum donation) for this family-friendly event, benefiting KOWS Community Radio in Occidental, are available at brownpapertickets.com. KOWS is a non-profit, all-volunteer station, broadcasting at 107.3 FM, and streaming 24/7 at www.kows.fm, featuring a blend of music, discussion and public affairs shows. KOWS is a clear-channel free zone. 

Come to the KOWSapalooza Halloween Ball. Support Free Speech Radio!

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Resurrection Roller Girls’ "Frogger" Licker and "Braids of Wrath" make a generous donation to Council on Aging Director of Nutrition Jane Doroff to support the Meals on Wheels program.

Resurrection Roller Girls 

skate to support local 

Meals on Wheels

The Resurrection Roller Girls recently donated $457 to help seniors in Sonoma County stay independent. This women's flat track roller derby recreational and competitive sporting league supports community events and fundraisers while promoting their athletes and the sport of Roller Derby. Each month the group selects a local charity to support and in July the Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program was selected as recipient of the proceeds from their match.

These funds will be used to provide meals for homebound seniors in Sonoma County. Meals on Wheels delivers fresh meals to temporarily home-bound and chronically ill seniors. We serve over 215,000 meals to 1,650 seniors annually. In addition, ten dining sites provide 41,000 meals and companionship to 1,700 seniors annually. Therapeutic meals and nutritional counseling are also available.

About Council on Aging Services for Seniors
Council on Aging is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing services for Sonoma County seniors, 60 years and older, and their families since 1966. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life
for Sonoma County’s aging community by providing services that promote well-being and maintain independence. Some of our programs are funded in part by the Area Agency on Aging and others are
fee based.
www.councilonaging.com


About Resurrection Roller Girls
Founded in the winter of 2011, Resurrection Roller Girls have joined over 45 skaters, referees, staff and non-skating officials to form three teams in the inaugural 2011 season. The three teams include the Cinderollas, Combustin’ Betties and the Junior Derby team, the Fallin’ Angels. The season runs from February to October with bouts April through October. On Monday nights the teams host a Back to Track Basics Training at 7:30 pm at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park.
www.resurrectionrollergirls.org

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The Great Russian River Race Fun-Raiser

2011 GREAT RUSSIAN RIVER RACE
Benefit for Clean River Recreation

Saturday, May 7, 2011 • Healdsburg

Deep in the heart of Sonoma, the Russian River winds its way through breath-taking scenery from Lake Mendocino to the Pacific Ocean. This spring, the heat is being turned-up with the launch of the Great Russian River Race.

Who Benefits

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sonoma County Regional Parks to contribute to the installation of the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Dam. This dam has served as the community “swimming pool” on the River for over 100 years.

A portion will also go to Russian Riverkeeper’s Clean Campus Clean Creeks program. The program teaches area high school students about urban runoff pollution and helps them become part of the solution by building pollution reducing rain gardens on their campus.

Join Us For The Festivities!

Not Racing? Everyone is welcome to cheer on the racers at the finish line. Please join us for the River Race Party, which will offer great food, beverages and live music on the banks of the river.

The Russian River has a rich history in hosting river events, dating back to 1908. In this tradition, Russian Riverkeeper, River's Edge and Sonoma County Regional Parks Department will host the inaugural Great Russian River Race.

What's Happening

On May 7th, the Great Russian River Race will attract some of the world’s top canoeing and kayaking athletes, local adventurers, social paddlers and corporate teams to race in two separate events.

Advanced and expert paddlers will compete in a class II, 15-mile Bridge-to-Bridge Race from the Alexander Valley Bridge. Intermediate and corporate team paddlers will do battle over the 5-mile Rio Lindo Race, starting north of Healdsburg.

The respective races will finish at the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge, welcomed by the River Race Party. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Race Cup Ceremony.

Who Should Enter

The emphasis of the Great Russian River Race is on adventure, competition and fun. Competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to participate in a world class sporting event, while enjoying the surroundings of one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.

Athletes may use their own kayaks, canoes and surfskis or rent from River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe, the professional outfitter that will manage the river operations, safety and logistics.

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Rock n' Roll Sock Hop in Occidental

KOWS Sock Hop

March 19 at 7 pm

By Robert Feuer

When did you last attend a sock hop, or even hear of one? On March 19 at 7 pm, at the Occidental Center for the Arts, radio station KOWS will take you back to those early days of rock n’ roll when sock hops, dances usually held in high school gymnasiums, where shoes were removed to protect varnished floors, were all the rage.

The Passions will be playing those oldies but goodies from the mid-1950s to early 60s, dreamy ballads and rockin’ dance numbers, including group dances such as the Limbo and the Stroll. The band is led by two disc jockeys from KGGV in Guerneville; Jimmy the Rock on guitar, and Sister Glitz on saxophone and vocals. Watch for her forays into the crowd, blasting away on her horn. Remaining members are guitarist David Nestor, drummer David Whitehead and bassist, Roadkill. Between live sets, some of Sonoma County’s top deejays will be spinning rare tracks from that bygone era.

Teenage styles of those times are recommended attire for this party: poodle skirts, beehives, French rolls, petticoats, bobby sox, saddle shoes and sweetheart necklines for girls. Waterfall hairstyles, pegged pants, pointy boots and upturned collars for boys. Think Marlon Brando.

And, as if that isn’t enough, the event will also celebrate the full moon, the spring solstice and the return to Daylight Savings Time.

Yummy treats will be available at the dessert bar with soda, juice, tea and coffee to slack your thirst after a frenetic spin over the dance floor.

Gone are the days when rock n’ roll was a battleground between generations, when entrenched bastions of Puritanism and racism tried their best to pull the plug on a “new” musical style, based on compositions black people had been playing for years.

Radio was the front line of this cultural revolution; platters spun by late-night maestros catering to the impressionable minds of schoolkids, tuning in their transistor radios after their parent’s world went to sleep.

“What I like about early rock n’ roll is the feeling that grabs you, a simplicity. I like being able to hear each instrument,” says Sister Glitz. “Also the rawness; you can tell they were having fun with it.” Her radio career began at age four when, on a visit with her mother to a radio studio, the youngster tripped over a cord and unplugged the whole station.

KOWS radio in Occidental, which recently celebrated three years on the airwaves, is commercial-free and collectively operated. Volunteers produce their own shows, bringing their music and guests to the studio. The signal is available at 107.3 FM locally, or streaming at www.kows.fm. If you’re interested in becoming involved, whether on-air or off-air, contact the station at kows@sonic.net or 707-874-9090, or download an application at the website above.

The Occidental Center for the Arts, formerly Harmony School, is located at 4008 Bohemian Highway, on the north end of town. The admission price of $10 all goes to keeping radio alive in Occidental.

------------------------
KOWS 107.3 Occidental is a community radio station for the Kindom of Occidental and West Sonoma county that is licensed to the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center.

KOWS website is located at: www.kows.fm

TO LISTEN TO KOWS ON-LINE, PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK OR PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER: http://24.130.65.159:8000/listen.m3u

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Permaculture: The Growing Edge at Jenner Community Center

Benefit showing of

"PERMACULTURE: 

THE GROWING EDGE"

Saturday March 26

Jenner Community Club 7 pm

10432 Highway One, Jenner

Behind the Jenner C-Store gas station, over the bridge.

$10-$15 sliding scale
Refreshments available

Come see the new documentary made by Starhawk and Donna Read, showing the hopeful solutions that regenerative design offers toward a balanced, positive future for our Food and Agriculture and the Environment. Starhawk will be present to answer questions and dialogue with the audience.

The showing benefits the newly formed Coastal Hills Land Trust.

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Habitat for Humanity Challenge for Healdsburg Families

Community Foundation Sonoma County 

Offers Challenge Grant to

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County

Community Foundation Sonoma County, through the Schulz Donor-Advised Fund, has made a $10,000 Challenge Grant available to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (HFHSC) in support of two homes being built by Habitat volunteers and partner families in Healdsburg.

Community activist Jean Schulz, through her fund at the Community Foundation, will match each dollar donated to the Challenge Grant up to $10,000.

HFHSC is currently building the two homes for two low-income families who must contribute 500 hours of sweat equity in the construction of the homes. The construction is done by volunteers and members of the families. The tools and materials required to build the homes must be purchased with funds raised through grants and donations.

The donations toward the Challenge Grant will help to purchase the sheetrock, flooring and other materials needed for the final construction phase of these two energy-efficient homes. Both homes are registered for LEED green building certification at the platinum level.

The families who will purchase these homes include the Martinez family with five children and the Blosser family also with five children. Mr. Martinez works for a winery, and Mr. Blosser is a National Guard leader and Iraq War veteran. Habitat is not only building homes for these families, but is also building hope. Children who live in safe, decent environments do better in school and families become contributing members of the community.

Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible. 

To donate to the Challenge Grant, you may go online at www.sonomacountyhabitat.org, or please send your donation marked “Challenge Grant” to:

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County
3273 Airway Drive, Suite E
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2080

For more information, contact Kathy Fong at (707) 578-7707, ext. 110.

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Stroller Drive for Homeless Women

Homeless Mothers Need Strollers 
for Their Babies

Community First Credit Union is collecting strollers to benefit mothers who are served by the generosity and kindness of The Living Room in Santa Rosa.

Baby Strollers are the single most critical and consistent need of the women and children who are helped by The Living Room. Drop off a baby stroller in good mechanical order directly to The Living Room. Monday through Friday, between 9a and 1p. 636 Cherry St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Between Mendocino and Humboldt. 579-0138.

You can also drop off a well-conditioned stroller to either of Community First’s full-service branches in Santa Rosa, M–F, 1–5p. 501 College (@ Mendocino) or 70a Stony Point Rd. (south of Finley Aquatic Center)

The Living Room is the only daytime drop-in center in Sonoma County that serves homeless and at-risk women and their children. If fills a special need in conjunction with other community agencies, providing clients with a place to be during the day when shelters are closed. It is also a critical first stop for women who are on the verge of becoming homeless, the first place that at-risk or newly homeless turn to for relief and referral guidance.

For every accepted stroller you donate:
Community First donates $10 to The Living Room
–– and ––
Community First gives you $10 toward the CFCU account of your choice

Learn more about how YOU can HELP these mothers and children!

707/546-6000 ☎ www.comfirstcu.org

The Living Room
636 Cherry Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (view map)

Main Office:
Office: 707-579-0138
Fax: 707-579-0228
For Volunteer Information:
707-321-0976
For Drop-In Center:
707-579-0142

Mission:

The Living Room is a day time drop-in center that provides a safe haven to ease the adversity of homelessness in a kind and caring atmosphere. For women and children who are homeless and at risk, The Living Room provides comfort, support, resources and services to meet basic needs and to assist in attaining self-sufficiency and stability in their lives.

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Food Banks & Pantries of Sonoma County

By Aleta Taylor
I compiled this list off of what I could find online and through references. But it can always be added on to, so if you know of a great food bank/pantry in your area, please email as much info as you can find to vesta@sonic.net, or call me at 707-887-0253. I would love to keep this list going throughout the year, since people find themselves more in need than ever. All of these organizations do wonderful things and need as much support as they can get this year. Whether you can donate food, money, or just some time, every little bit helps.

One thing I would like to mention is that, with the coming of winter, comes the harvesting of citrus. Every time I go for a walk, I see several houses with orange, lemon, and lime trees overflowing with ripening citrus. I can't imagine that those families will eat all that fruit! So if you have a neighbor or friend with surplus citrus this season, please give them this list. And to make it easy on them, I recommend the Farm To Pantry organization, where volunteer come to the home and harvest the produce themselves, then distribute it to local food banks.

Sometimes the best giving doesn't come from buying gifts for friends and family, but donating your time to the community and those in need. Consider the benefits of volunteering to help others - you will help yourself in return.

Redwood Empire Food Bank
The REFB is the largest food bank serving the North Coast of California from Petaluma to Oregon. Working with 146 other hunger relief agencies that operate 230 programs throughout the county, the REFB provides food to 70,000 Sonoma County residents each month. That number is 10,000 more a month than a year ago, the result of the economic recession’s impact on Sonoma County residents.
Recipients of REFB’s programs include 10,400 seniors, 30,000 children, and thousands of working families, the disabled, unemployed and the homeless. The REFB also is a primary resource for food pantries and other hunger relief agencies in Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

How to Help:
Online at www.refb.com, pay by credit card
Schedule a monthly giving through an automatic withdrawal from your checking account or credit card
Organize AND HOST your own food/funds drive with help and supplies from REFB
Organize donations at your workplace by contacting Connie Petty at cpetty@refb.org or 707.523.7900 ext. 35

Contact Info:
3320 Industrial Dr
Santa Rosa California 95403
Phone 707.523.7900
Fax 707.523.7901
www.refb.com
Office Hours & WIC Store Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Guerneville Community Church
Also supported in part by the Catholic Church, the MCC and Salvation Army. Food pantry open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 9 am.

Contact Info:
14520 Armstrong Woods Rd
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-2514
guernevillecommunitychurch@yahoo.com
guernevillecommunitychurch.org


COTS – Committee on the Shelterless

COTS offers help and hope to homeless persons in Sonoma County by providing safe shelter and housing, helping people develop steady incomes and helping them get back under a roof of their own. We help homeless families become stable and break the cycle of homelessness by teaching homeless parents to make their children's needs a high priority and to provide a safe, loving and secure home for their children.

How to Help:
Donate online by credit card at www.cots-homeless.org
Donate food or goods listed on their Wish List
Read about their many different volunteer opportunities, download a Volunteer Application, then fax or mail it in.

Contact Info:
P.O. Box 2744
Petaluma, California 94953
1500 Petaluma Blvd. S, #B
Petaluma Blvd, CA 94952
707-765-6530
Fax 707-765-9043
info@cots-homeless.com
www.cots-homeless.com


West County Community Services

WCCS works to strengthen families in western Sonoma County. We provide opportunities, support and resources that touch the lives of youths, adults and seniors. By strengthening families we build stronger communities. WCCS operates five critical social services departments serving thousands of youth, adults, and seniors every year. The program departments include: Counseling and Prevention, Adult and Youth Employment, Russian River Senior Resource Center, After School Programs and Emergency Food & Housing Services. A unique and vibrant organization, WCCS is the only multi-services agency in the entire western Sonoma County area and we continually strive to provide focused, quality assistance that meets the needs of our local community.

How to Help:

Mail a donation check to:

West County Community Services
P. O. Box 325
Guerneville, CA 95446
Attention: Finance Department

Sign up for eScrip.com, COMMUNITYsmart card, and Albertson's Community Partners. When using these methods at participating stores, the merchants will donate a portion of their proceeds to the organization.

Volunteer with either food box preparation or reception by downloading the online application and emailing it to: volunteer@westcountyservices.org.

Contact Info:
P. O. Box 325
Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 829-5717 voice
(707) 823-1642 fax
www.westcountyservices.com

Saint Andrews Church
St. Andrew’s food program offers a food pantry every Tuesday 5-7pm, and a hot dinner on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month 5-7pm.

Contact Info:
20329 Highway 116
PO Box 721
Monte Rio, California 95472
Tel: (707) 865-0834
Fax: (707) 632-6042
revml@incarnation-sr.org
www.standrews-redwoods.org

Sebastopol Community Church
On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010 join us in Memorial Hall as we help host the 9th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Call the church office at 823-2484 to sign up to work a 4 hour shift on either Wednesday, November 24 or Thursday, November 25. We need prep work, cooking, serving and cleanup. If you are not available to work on either of those days, another big help to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner is to donate food items or cash. Non-perishable food items can be brought to church on Sunday, November 14 & 21 (potatoes, onions, canned goods, etc.) Checks can be made out to the Community Church with a notation in the memo line: Thanksgiving Dinner.

Contact Info:
Office (707) 823-2484
Fax (707) 823-9597
office@uccseb.org
1000 Gravenstein Hwy. North
P.O. Box 579
Sebastopol, CA 95473

Forestville United Methodist Church - Food Closet
The UMC sponsored the origination of the successful Victory Gardens Project in Forestville.
Contact name is Katherine Best-Smith, Phone, 523-0252 and email, kbsmith@sonic.net.

Harvest for the Hungry
Relying exclusively on volunteer labor, the Harvest for the Hungry Garden delivers organically grown produce each week to four local hunger programs: FISH of Santa Rosa; The Living Room, a drop-in center for homeless women and children; Elisha's Pantry, and Food For Thought AIDS Food Bank. Each year we harvest approximately 10,000 lbs of fresh produce (tomatoes, carrots, beets, squash, fruit, lettuce, greens, onions and garlic) all grown on a 3/4 acre lot behind Christ Church United Methodist.

How to Help:
To donate gardening supplies, organic seed, building materials, tools, or soil amendment, please call Martin at
707.579.2584.

To make a cash donation, please call
Katie at 707.575.8250.

Volunteer hours are from 9 AM to 12 noon Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
during spring, summer, and fall. Our schedule changes seasonally, so please call before you come by, or stroll through the Garden anytime. We're open until sunset seven days a week.

Contact Info:
1717 Yulupa Avenue (Behind Christ Church United Methodist)
Santa Rosa, CA
707.566.7937
harvestgarden@journeyhome.com
www.harvestgarden.org

Ceres Community Project
During 2008, more than 70 teens from a dozen area schools spent 2,250 hours in the Ceres Community Project kitchen. Working together, these remarkable young people prepared 17,300 meals for individuals and their families who are dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses. Nearly 100 adults helped harvest food, deliver meals, mentor our teen chefs and support our clients.

How to Help:
Order their products online, then pick them up at their kitchen on 330 S. Main Street in Sebastopol.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Margaret Howe at volunteer@ceresproject.org or by calling 707·829·5833 extension 2. The next volunteer orientation will be on December 15th 5:30-6:30pm.

Financial donations can be made by sending a check to
PO Box 1562
Sebastopol CA 95473
by using the PayPal link at www.ceresproject.org/donate.html or by calling 707·829·5833.

Contact Info:
330 S. Main Street
Sebastopol CA 95472
707·829·5833
info@ceresproject.org
www.ceresproject.org


Interchurch Food Pantry
The Interchurch Food Pantry is located at the head of the St. Stephen's parking lot. The Pantry is open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to Noon. Please call ahead to arrange to pick up a food box.
The Pantry serves local families and individuals who may receive one box per month.

Contact Info:
500 Robinson Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 823-3281
Pantry:707- 823-2483


Farm to Pantry
Farm to Pantry is a community of volunteers dedicated to providing fresh, healthy and affordable food to everyone. We live and glean in Sonoma County, California, where there is a growing community of farmers, gardeners, and residents dedicated to ensuring fresh and healthy food for everyone.
 
Garden to Pantry – Plant a garden and offer to donate any portion of your harvest to a local food pantry, shelter or soup kitchen and we will provide you with guidance, advice, and gleaning help should you need it.
 
Market to Pantry – At the end of the day at the Farmers’ Market, we collect unsold, surplus produce and deliver it to the local food pantry. We also happily accept donations of fresh produce --- purchased at the Farmers’ Market or home-grown.

How to Help:
Join our Gleaning Team. We glean wherever there is healthy, fresh produce to be harvested in Sonoma County. Volunteers receive an email from us when there is a gleaning opportunity in their area, typically once a week for two to three hours

Volunteer your farm, garden, orchard, or tree to be gleaned. Let us know as soon as possible that you expect to have extra fruit or vegetables and we will schedule a time for our volunteers to come to you, pick the surplus produce and then deliver it to a local food pantry for distribution to families in need.

Contact Info:
gleaning@farmtopantry.org to volunteer
Melita Love - Volunteer and Founder: melita@farmtopantry.org
Rosemary Rasori - Volunteer and Project Leader: rosemary@farmtopantry.org
Cathy Wilson - Volunteer and Gleaning: cathy@farmtopantry.org


Food for Thought
Food For Thought offers comprehensive nutritional services to more than 635 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County.

We provide:
* confidentiality
* weekly groceries
* fresh produce
* vitamins and nutritional supplements
* canned liquid protein supplements (with your doctor’s request)
* frozen meals for the very ill (with your doctor’s request)
* nutritional counseling
* cooking and nutrition classes
* support groups
* social gatherings
* delivery for the homebound
* additional food for families with dependent children
* services in English and Spanish ((Para información en español por favor llame a Erik Orav al 707-887-1647)

Contact Info:
For more information, or to apply for services, contact Rachel Gardner, Client Services Manager, at 707-887-1647, clientservices@fftfoodbank.org, P.O. Box 1608, Forestville, CA 95436, or stop by the food bank at 6550 Railroad Avenue in lovely downtown Forestville.
http://www.fftfoodbank.org/
6550 Railroad Ave.,
between First and Forestville Streets
Forestville, California
Mail: P.O. Box 1608, Forestville, CA 95436
Office: (707) 887-1647
Fax: (707) 887-1440
Para información en español por favor llame a Erik Orav al 707-887-1647
Email: Info@FFTFoodBank.org

Windsor Service Alliance - NEW LISTING

Food Pantry. We now have served over 10,000 Families and Seniors since our inception. On a weekly basis we have between 80-100 seniors and families coming to our doors on Friday. Seniors arrive from 2 to 2:30pm followed by Families from 2:30 to 4:00pm. We ask if it is your first time, please come after 3:00pm. Please bring a photo ID and Proof of Residency when you come.

8987 Windsor Road (Corner of Windsor River Road and Windsor Road)

Windsor Service Alliance
P.O. Box 138
Windsor, CA 95492
Phone Number:(707) 838-6947
www.windsorservicealliance.com

E-mail Us:
windsorservicealliance@gmail.com

Hours of operation:
Fridays: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The Windsor Service Alliance provides temporary assistance and referral to local residents at their request and will establish a central location for the collection and dissemination of goods, services and information to match their needs. WSA will advocate for those in need through liaison with city, county, state, federal and local agencies, both public and private, and by raising the level of community awareness of, sensitivity to, and participation in the long term resolution of these issues.

Each week the WSA food pantry provides food for Windsor families and senior citizens. The WSA also has an Assistance Program whose goal is to reach those in need of monetary assistance with rent, bills, etcetera on a one time basis. The WSA has a GAS Voucher program designed to help those who may be stranded and need help with fuel.

The WSA relies on volunteers to implement their programs, particularly the food pantry.

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Bike the Cure for Breast Cancer: 2500 Miles in 44 Days

One women, one bike, one road 

and 2,500 miles in 44 days -

That’s BIKE4THECURE – a heartfelt charity project, 

initiated by 35-year-old Iris Klein, 

which is set out to raise awareness 

and money for breast cancer research

what is BIKE4THECURE about?
 
Starting September 13th, 2010 Iris will ride her bicycle on Route 66 all the way from Chicago to LA to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research. Iris’ trip is scheduled to end in LA on October 26th, 2010. Along the way she will visit health clubs and gyms that are hosting “Breast cancer Awareness Workout Nights.”

A “Welcome Reception” will kick off the events. Iris will talk about the experiences that led her on her journey. After the reception, Club members will present Iris with a “Daily Dare” where she will be challenged to a fun competition. After the challenge is completed Iris will lead a “Special Group Fitness Class” consisting of a fun mix of different workout styles (some barbell action, martial arts moves, Latin dance grooves, and a cool down). The event will close with an “After Workout Party.”

Iris is documenting her trip in daily videos and pictures, which she publishes on her website at http://www.bike4thecure.com/ as well as on YouTube. All money raised goes to “Ellen for the cure” benefiting Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Why Route 66?

In 2009 Iris lost a close friend Kelly to breast cancer. Kelly called Illinois home and loved Chicago. Route 66 is not just any road – it is THE most famous road in the world and offers lots of history. It is so much more than just concrete and road striping. It represents people’s dreams and hopes and that makes it the perfect setting for this project.

Iris believes that through BIKE4THECURE she can support a good cause and bring positivity and joy to people. She has always been passionate about sports and fitness and is taking this opportunity to demonstrate how important it is to take care of yourself – both physically and mentally - and help people to establish a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.

According to worldwide stats, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, after skin cancer, representing 16% of all female cancers and in 2009 about 40,000 – only in the US - women died of it. While it is true that the risk of getting breast cancer significantly increases as you grow older, early detection is key. Thus getting mammograms and conducting self-exams on a regular basis becomes more and more important. And so is maintaining a healthy life-style.

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Sonoma County Roller Derby Benefits Breast Cancer Patients

Women's Roller Derby

& Fund Raisers & Haircuts! Oh My!

By Amaroq Weiss
Sonoma County Roller Derby

Sonoma County Roller Derby is an all-female flat track roller derby league established in 2007, with male and female referees, and is skater-owned and operated. The league provides a time and place for women to get together to develop their skills in complex skating maneuvers that require speed, agility and strength, and to enjoy the thrill of a hard-fought physical contact sport. The skaters are also dedicated to community service and participation in charitable works, and are always on the lookout for new projects. Please join us in October to help promote awareness of early detection methods for breast cancer, fund-raising for breast cancer research, hair donation for chemotherapy patients, and an empowering sport for all women.

On October 9th, the Sonoma County Roller Derby league will hold a fast-paced, action-packed, hard hitting fund-raiser bout in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society.

In this exciting intra-league match, battling it out at full speed, shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, the league will dedicate every thrilling minute of full-contact action towards honoring the women and their families who are dealing with breast cancer. The goal is to raise money to support research into the cause, prevention and cure of breast cancer and to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good . . . Feel Better” program.
 
The bout begins at 8:30 p.m., with doors open at 7:30 p.m. for general admission seating on Saturday October 9th at Cal Skate, located at 6100 Commerce Boulevard in Rohnert Park. Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 in advance), with reserved seating for $20-$25, and $5 seats for seniors and kids age 2-12. This special bout debuts the league’s newest skaters, and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society by Sonoma County Roller Derby in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
Two competing teams, “Looks Good” and “Feels Better,” will duke it out on the rink floor to help publicize the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good . . . Feel Better” program. According to pre-bout rumors, the skaters will be “lookin’ good” as they put a shoulder into their rivals and send them flying across the rink, while the opposing team will be “feelin’ better” as they savagely block their opponents into oblivion! This special Breast Cancer Awareness Month bout is sure to be highly athletic, suspenseful and wildly entertaining! 

For more information, please visit http://sonomacountyrollerderby.org.
 
Sonoma County Roller Derby is also proud to support the “Hair Harvest” night on October 23, when FROGGY 92.9 will hold a Hair Harvest event at which members of the public can get a free haircut to donate their hair to construct wigs for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place each year during October, the harvest month, hair harvest events are held across the nation to collect hair to construct wigs. On October 20th, to help promote the public event, Sonoma County Roller Derby and FROGGY 92.9 are holding a “preview” Hair Harvest event just for the skaters. At that time, seven of the league’s roller girls will have locks of at least eight inches length cut from their hair and donated to help construct wigs.

TICKETS:

Last Record Store, 1899 Menodcino Avenue, Santa Rosa

Cal Skate, 6100 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park

www.brownpapertickets.com

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Take meaningful climate and energy 

action and inspire yourself!

Join the National Bike Ride to Support Climate and Energy Solutions

Climate Ride is your chance to take important climate and energy action, while experiencing a unique cycling adventure in Northern California this September.

Climate Ride is a supported, 5-day charitable bike ride. The next ride, Climate Ride California, this September 21-25, 2010, begins under the soaring redwoods, follows the spectacular Mendocino coast, takes a turn through the Russian River wine country, and ends in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park at New Belgium's Tour de Fat, where more than 6,000 bike enthusiasts will greet us!

Along the way, you'll hear from compelling speakers and meet engaging Climate Riders, while raising funds for three organizations promoting a clean and green energy future. Proceeds from this charitable bike ride benefit non-profit organizations working on green jobs, clean energy, climate education and bicycle infrastructure. Read on for more details about this ride of a lifetime! And be sure to visit the FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Make a difference. Climate Ride is an opportunity to meet a community of like-minded people who are as concerned as you are by the threat of climate change and energy problems. By pedaling together, Climate Riders make an impact in the communities we ride through, among family and friends, and across the nation, through our targeted media outreach. Add your voice to the chorus of the Climate Ride community.

Fundraising made easy. Climate Ride helps support your fundraising efforts through an online portal and integrated social networking. Most Climate Riders are amazed at how easily they reach their fundraising goal. Fundraising can usually be accomplished in less than a month, and we have great incentives like free bicycles, helmets, and more.

You can do it! The mileages on Climate Ride are achievable through training, and support vehicles are always nearby if you need a break.

A vacation with meaning. Inspire your family, friends, and coworkers through your efforts to make a difference. Climate change is a global problem that requires a nationwide movement to create change. You can be the person in your community who takes an important stand on this critical issue by registering for Climate Ride California today!

http://www.climateride.org/

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San Bruno Fire Relief Fund

Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and who have been displaced by the devastating explosion in San Bruno. JFCS (Jewish Family & Children's Services) is coordinating with other service providers to assist those in need. JFCS staff assisted at the emergency center set up at the San Bruno Recreation Center over the weekend and will continue to provide a full range of services for as long as needed.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Along with social services through JFCS and other agencies, we have been informed that cash donations to assist in the relief effort are the priority at this time. To contribute to this effort, JFCS has set up a San Bruno Fire Relief Fund. 100% of funds collected will go directly to victims through the Red Cross and the Silicon Valley Community Fund. You can donate online at our jfcs.org site by clicking here. At the page, choose "Mid-North Peninsula" as the region and "Other" as the service. Then you can write in "San Bruno Fire."

JFCS is also able to immediately provide temporary housing and direct services, including trauma counseling for children and adults, access to our Food Pantry, and other professional support to those in need. If you are aware of members of the community who need assistance, please contact Gayle Zahler, Associate Executive Director, at 415-449-1286 or email GayleZ@jfcs.org.

Thank you very much.
Anita Friedman
Executive Director
Jewish Family & Children's Services
www.jfcs.org
The Miriam Schultz Grunfeld Professional Building
2150 Post Street (between Scott and Pierce) 
San Francisco, CA 94115
 

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BENEFIT for Taku Sakashta's Widow & Family

On Sunday, May 23rd, from 4pm to 10pm,
there will be a benefit concert featuring:

Robben Ford
Tuck & Patti
Boz Skaggs

and silent auction at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park,
to celebrate Taku Sakashta’s life and offer support to Kazuko, his widow and family.

Taku Sakashta, a wonderful guy, talented guitarmaker, and friend was tragically taken from us recently by a murderer. There are many fine luthiers in Sonoma County; it is something of a mecca for guitarmakers. However none are finer than Taku. He built incredibly beautiful, interesting, and innovative acoustic and electric guitars for musicians and collectors here and abroad. From Robben Ford to Tuck Andress of Tuck and Patty, from jazz musicians to blues and rock players, Taku found imaginative ways of building guitars that could excite, inspire, and facilitate their music.

Taku’s death leaves his wife Kazuko without her husband, and his many friends and fans without the lovely person who offered so much inspiration by his work and his life.

On May 23rd, from 4pm to 10pm, there will be a benefit concert and silent auction at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park, to celebrate Taku’s life and offer support to Kazuko. Items of general interest as well as of specific interest to guitar makers and musicians will be displayed and available. Already lined up are innovatively designed stools, handmade amplifiers, electric guitars and basses, instruments for kids, antique and modern bicycles, and much more.

Performing will be Robben Ford, Boz Scaggs, Tuck and Patty, Volker Strifler, the Black Market Blues Band, and other special guests, including Eric Gales. Bill Ham will be performing a Show of Light Art. Frank Hayhurst of Zone Music will be MC’ing

Tickets for this worthy and exciting event are available at the Spreckels Box Office, 707-588-3400.

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Derby Days for Council on Aging

CHEFS FRIESEKE, BRUNO, AND SCHROEDER
DON APRONS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS
DERBY DAY CHEF COMPETITION!
Join in the excitement without going to Kentucky!
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor

And they’re off! Come out and celebrate the 11th Annual Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels Derby Day fundraiser on Saturday, May 1st at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards in Windsor.

The celebrated chefs competing against one another in the exciting “Iron Chef” style cook-off will be Chef Bruce Frieseke of Applewood Estate Inn vs. Patrick Tafoya of Restaurant P/30. The winner will then face the 2007 and 2008 AND 2009 champion, Chef Paul Schroeder of Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar. These talented chefs will be assisted by celebrity sous chefs: District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua and Sam Salmon, Mayor of Windsor, and assisting the defending champ, Dr. Al Galster of Kaiser Permanante.

During this entertaining competition, Derby Day guests will enjoy delectable Southern-style courses by fabulous Sonoma County chefs. The menu is set…Hors d’Oeuvres’ by Chef Christopher Greenwald of Bay Laurel Culinary featuring Miniature Dungeness crab and Sonoma Jack Monte Cristo, Limestone Lettuce Cups, Smoked chicken pate on crostini, and fried red beans and rice balls. The first course by Chef Liza Hinman of Santi will be a roasted asparagus and frisee salad with a very special dressing; followed by the second course by Chef Rick Bruno of Bruno’s on Fourth serving Voodoo Rock Shrimp! Save room for the entrée featuring Chef Jan Salisbury of Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club serving a Smothered Chicken Breast, stuffed with country ham, tomatoes, and cheddar on grits; and fresh cornbread from Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg will be on every table. But don’t forget, dessert! Once again dessert is by Chef Casey Stone of John Ash & Co. who will serve a Sour Cream Chocolate Cake with a Bourbon caramel buttercream chocolate sauce, spicy pecans and toasted marshmallow fluff.

This exhilarating event begins at 11 a.m. with food, wine, and music by the 4th Street New Orleans Jazz Band. While enjoying the music, stroll by and place your bid at the silent auction, where guests can select from original works of art and jewelry, entertainment packages, get-away packages and more. Following lunch and the Chefs’ Competition, the fun continues with a brisk, live auction by the rousing auctioneer, Marty Vendrick. He will have you bidding higher and higher for items such as a Pinot Party at Sonoma-Curtrer Vineyards, a week’s stay in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod, Movies and Burgers for a Year, Be Your Own Winemaker and much, much more.

All this culminates with the running of the Kentucky Derby® projected on two huge screens. Plus, guests will be able to take their chances on choosing the winning horse by purchasing raffle tickets representing each horse competing. Holders of the winning tickets will be placed into a drawing for special prizes.

Wine guru, hospitality consultant and SRJC Culinary Arts instructor, Betsy Fischer, a Louisville, Kentucky native, returns as our Mistress of Ceremonies. Along her side will be returning Master of Ceremonies, chef/owner Josh Silvers of Syrah and Jackson’s Restaurant, and a former champion of the Derby Day Chef cook-off himself. And they keep the pace running!
Festive Derby attire—big hats, jewels and colorful Southern style—is recommended.

Tickets are on sale now for $135 per person.
The event has sold out, so don’t delay!

For more information, contact the Council on Aging office at 707-525-0143, ext. 146
or visit our website at www.councilonaging.com.

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May Day in Armstrong Redwoods

Stewards Celebrates 25 Years
Supporting Russian River State Parks

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) will celebrate their 25th Anniversary as a State Park Cooperating Association and honor their partnerships with other state, federal and nonprofit agencies at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The day will begin at 10:00 with a ceremony, special volunteer awards and guest speakers. Invited guests include Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Assemblymember Wes Chesbro, Senator Patricia Wiggins, Assemblymember Noreen Evans and Supervisor Efren Carrillo. After the ceremony there will be activities for all ages, including horse and carriage rides (donations accepted), free activities for children, information booths, food for sale and a silent auction (closing time 3:00) with complimentary cake and champagne.

Stewards has been fortunate to have many ongoing partnerships, the most significant being the one with State Parks in the Russian River District. For twenty-five years Stewards has supported and funded education and stewardship volunteer programs and resource management projects at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Sonoma Coast State Park.

Stewards has partnered with numerous public and private agencies to restore the Fife and Willow Creek watersheds, monitor marine mammals and water quality, provide docent-led education programs for adults and school groups, promote ecotourism through EcoAdventures in our State Parks, provide jobs for adults and youth, and by providing outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Stewards continues to make significant contributions as a leader in the statewide movement to advocate for a sustainable funding source for our State Parks. They have led the volunteer signature gathering effort in Sonoma County to put the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November ballot. Executive Director Michele Luna describes Stewards as a “mighty organization that does a lot with a little. It’s the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and their love of nature that has made our organization what it is today.”

More information about Stewards is available on their website at www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoodsorg
or by email at stewards@mcn.org
or by calling (707) 869-9177.

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Food Bank Fundraiser American Philharmonic Concert

The annual Winter Food and Funds Drive
by the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) will mark its finale with performances
January 30 and 31
by the American Philharmonic – Sonoma County (APSC)
at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa.

The concert entitled, Once Upon A Time, is FREE to the public and is dedicated to the work and supporters of the REFB, Sonoma County’s leading hunger relief agency which provides food to 70,000 Sonoma County residents every month.

The concerts will be performed at the conclusion of the REFB’s three-month-long winter drive to collect food and raise funds to support hunger relief efforts into the New Year.

Concert goers are being urged to donate cash or checks to the REFB during the concerts at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Credit or Debit cards may be used to give as well, using remittance envelopes located in each program. Information tables will be set up for donations to REFB.

In dedicating the concert to the Food Bank, American Philharmonic-Sonoma County spokesperson and Co-Chair, Katy Madrigal said: “This time of year is often the hardest for the needy and those who serve them. While many donations come in during the holidays, by the beginning of each new year, REFB has to double its efforts to secure more food. This is a time when all of us in the community can collaborate and help raise much needed food. Please donate to this worthy cause and enjoy the beautiful music.”

David Goodman, Executive Director of the REFB, thanked the American Philharmonic and expressed hope the concerts would remind people that hunger is a year-round problem.
“Every day is a crisis for people who haven’t enough to eat,” Goodman said. “Coming at the conclusion of our annual drive, the two days of music will help us celebrate the generosity of the thousands of people who have contributed and serve as a reminder that our annual winter fund drive ends Jan. 31 but the need continues every day of the year.”

The orchestra, which will be conducted by American Philharmonic Music Director Gabriel Sakakeeny, will be performing Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream-Overture;
Blechinger’s Concerto for Bassoon, featuring guest bassoonist George Sakakeeny; and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.

The performance on Saturday, Jan. 30 begins at 8 p.m. Sunday’s performance on Jan. 31 begins at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts lobby doors open an hour prior to the concerts. The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is wheelchair accessible.

The REFB launched its annual Winter Food and Funds Drive on November 1, and with the help and support of some 360 community drives raised thousands of pounds of food as well as cash. Donations help keep its food shelves stocked into the new year to distribute food through 13 of its own programs and the 146 charitable agencies it partners with in Sonoma County.

The goal is to collect $160,000 in cash and 200,000 lbs. of food by Jan. 31.

By the first week of the new year, Lee Bickley, Community Relations Manager of the REFB, said donors had contributed 160,871 lbs. of canned and packaged food and $111,744 in cash.

“We have just one more month to go, and we’re almost there,” she said. “We’re hoping residents who haven’t yet contributed will find a way to help and help us meet our goal.”

No food will be collected at the Wells Fargo Center concerts, only cash and checks.

Bickley said every cash contribution helps, no matter the amount.

“No donation is too small. We’ve received a $20,000 check from a Healdsburg winery and we’ve received hundreds of pennies from grade schools,” she said. “We have 5,000 volunteers who help us operate our programs throughout the year and because of that volunteer labor we are able to turn a dollar donation into $4 worth of food,” she said. “So each donation counts, no matter the amount, and will enable us to help thousands of our neighbors.”

Bickley urged concert goers to donate cash at the Wells Fargo Center performances and others to send their contributions to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

Checks can be mailed to 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa CA 95403.

Donors also can give online www.refb.org or by calling the food bank at 707-523-7900 and put a donation on a charge card.

Canned and packaged food can always be dropped off at REFB’s headquarters, 3320 Industrial Drive in Santa Rosa.

The American Philharmonic–Sonoma County was created in 1998. It has performed more than 60 concert events for more than 40,000 audience members since 1999.

For more information on the REFB, contact David Goodman, 707-523-7900.

The orchestra is sustained almost completely on the generosity of donations by audience members. It has grown from a modest Cotati Philharmonic to become the premier professional volunteer orchestra of the North Bay Area with 60 to 75 musicians and scores of support volunteers. The American Philharmonic-Sonoma County is a resident company of the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.
F
or more information about the American Philharmonic-Sonoma County, contact Katy Madrigal at mailto:kgomezmadrigal@apsonoma.org" at kgomezmadrigal@apsonoma.org or go to www.apsonoma.org.

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Project Censored Looking for help

For 34 years Project Censored has been committed to bringing the most vital stories to public awareness with the belief that genuine democracy depends on freedom of the press. The new Censored 2010 yearbook has drawn international attention to some of the most important underreported stories of our times and we are researching many stories for our next book already. We continue to need your vital support of Project Censored as we transition and expand our work to bring forth the most important news stories of the year both in print and online.

Independent media, both on the local and national level, is at risk. This is just one of the reasons that Project Censored and the Media Freedom Foundation just gave Media Freedom Awards to the KPFA Flashpoints radio team at our recent book release celebration in Santa Rosa. Help us support the critical independent voices that cover the “news that doesn’t make the news.”

Project Censored is not only working on new underreported stories but spreading the word via our new Daily Censored website, Facebook page and Media Freedom Foundation PNN site which aggregates independent news from many of the most reliable sources around the world. We are also organizing the first Modern Media Dialogue Series to be held from February to May at Sonoma State University. This is the only university series in the United States devoted to dialogue and deliberation about the modern media.

Project Censored is also involved in an ongoing and growing collaboration with the college and university affiliates program through Media Freedom International. Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff not only continue to pursue censored media with this effort, but in addition there are also now over 30 affiliates with more on the way, including some from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The 2010 book contains work from nine of the affiliates, with a few placing stories in the top ten. The MFI website will be a home base for affiliate work and continue to publish Validated Independent News stories and more detailed academic, investigative reports year round in the effort to combat censorship and the ongoing Truth Emergency in the United States and around the world.

As I begin my first year as Project Censored director I would like to personally ask each of you to consider a gift of support so that we may continue our work. Our project requires us to raise $150,000 every year and given the cutbacks in the California State system and on the Sonoma State University campus, your support is more vital to us now more than ever. Please make your tax deductible donation at http://www.projectcensored.org/about/support/

For this holiday period we have set a fund raising target of $10,000 for the next five weeks. You can watch our progress towards that goal on-line at www.projectcensored.org.

We are also offering our new Censored 2010 book edited by Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff for a special 20% discounted rate when you buy two or more for seasonal gifts. You can buy the discounted books at http://www.projectcensored.org/project-censored-2010-book-holiday-promotion

Sincerely,
Benjamin Frymer, Director Project Censored
In cooperation with Peter Phillips, President: Media Freedom Foundation

Media Freedom Foundation is the Fiscal Non-profit Fund Raising Corporation that Supports Project Censored and related Media Freedom Efforts.

Check out some of our most recent work at these links:

http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20091203.mp3

http://www.dailycensored.com

http://www.projectcensored.org

http://www.mediafreedominternatinal.org

http://mediafreedom.pnn.com/5174-independent-news-sources

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Holiday Toy Drives of Sonoma County

Taking Care of our Children on the Holidays

Below is a story of one family's personal efforts to provide toys for homeless children. There are Toy drives throughout Sonoma County as we approach the Holidays - Please participate in one close to you and let us know of Toy Drives not on our list. Please e-mail information to vesta@sonic.net

Christmas in October Fundraiser for Homeless Children

My family and I were sitting around the dinner table when my oldest son Aidan, who is almost 7, asked, “Mom, can I help give some food to the kids who don’t have any?”. After I wiped the tears from my face, I gave him an absolute firm “yes!”.

That night we got on the computer and started researching places where we might be able to help. We came upon Catholic Charities out of Santa Rosa. They were excited to hear from us and have been extremely helpful from day one.

It started out as possibly bringing cupcakes to the kids, or helping to serve dinner, but my son wanted more. We suggested to Catholic Charities maybe a toy drive. I requested that they send us a list of all of the children living in the shelter with their names, age and gender. Two days ago, I received this list. There are 60 children living in the shelter with their families, ranging in age from 2 weeks old to 15 years old.

Aioli Delicatessen organized a toy drive for these less fortunate children to bring a smile to their faces in this tumultuous and uncertain time in their lives. We assigned people a boy or a girl with an age.They in turn buy a gift that was age appropriate and brought it to Aioli in Forestville.

Community support made it happen! We thank everyone who participated to this a worthy cause.

http://www.srcharities.org/

Autumn Opitz
Aioli – A Gourmet Delicatessen
6536 Front Street
Forestville, CA 95436
707-887-2476

SONOMA COUNTY TOY DRIVES FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

Fire Departments:

Graton Fire: http://www.gratonfire.com/
Please bring new, unwrapped gift to:
• Graton Post office on Ross Road
• Graton Fire Station on Ross at Graton Rd.
• Graton Commuity Center, Graton at Edison on Dec. 13th
• The barrell at Andy's Market on Hwy 116 North

Forestville Fire: http://www.forestvillefire.org/
Please bring new, unwrapped gifts to:
• Forestville Fire Dept on Mirabel Road
Toys will be distributed to The Forestville Giving Tree Program and Toys for Tots

Sebastopol Fire: http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/fire.shtml
Please bring new, unwrapped gifts to
• Sebastopol Fire Station on Bodega Hwy west of downtown.
If you have ideas and gifts for pre-teens and teens it would be very helpful - thank you.

The Giving Tree Program:
Front Street Hair Salon
6681 Front Street in Forestville
Please bring unwrapped, new gifts until December 23rd.
Benefits children from Sonoma County Family, Youth and Children's Maintenance Program (Child Protective Services)

River to Coast Children's Services
Give Santa a hand this year by donating a toy or gift certificate for a child, ages toddler through teen. Please drop off donations at River To Coast Children’s Services. For gift ideas, check out the Christmas Tree in Westamerica Bank, in downtown Guerneville.

Guerenville Holiday Community Dinner & Toy Drive
Friday Dec 25 1-4p.m. Guerneville Vet's Hall on the corner Church & 1st Street. Bob Burke plays Santa, Russian River Sisters and The Metropolitan Church of Guerneville co-sponser this community-wide free dinner. All welcome!!! For donations or to volunteer please call-Leslyn Dooley 869-0660 or Mary Mount 695-3980. Also we are Toy Driving this year on our own sooo please call Leslyn Dooley 869-0660 or Mary Mount 695-3980 for pick up or drop off. We needs to gifts for peole of ALL ages quite honestly!

Redwood Gospel Mission Homeless Shelter
Please drop toy donations to any Redwood Gospel Mission store at:
1821 Piner Road, Santa Rosa
http://www.srmission.org/

Thru Dec 24 ~ Children's Village Toy Drive ~ I'd like to extend this offer to all of you and your friends, family and co-workers... in an effort to collect as many toys and gifts for the Childrens Village Christmas Party, Family Optometry Center will be hosting toy drive here in the office from now until Christmas: 1559 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, 707-571-2020, http://www.familyoptometrycenter.com/ There will be a box in the lobby for unwrapped toys and we are also giving each person who comes in with an unwrapped toy $25 off their purchase along with a gift. We will be providing Christmas Trees, filled stockings, dinner and a morning of fun for the children at The Children's Village as well as a 'house stocking' for each of the 4 houses on site. Any donation is greatly appreciated. www.redwoodempire2030.com

Grub for Gifts Exchange
Peter and Annette White, owners of Sugo Trattoria in downtown Petaluma, wanted to help. They have created a weeklong “Grub for Gifts Exchange” in their restaurant to benefit Toys for Tots. Visit Sugo Trattoria for lunch or dinner Dec. 14 – Dec.21, 2009, bring in a new, unwrapped toy and receive a free order of Sugo’s acclaimed Bruschetta Trio. Happy Holiday’s from Sugo Trattoria’s Family to Yours! Sugo is located at 5 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma, 707-782-9298, www.sugopetaluma.com

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