Homegrown Hero — Gary Giacomini

Transcription

Autumn 2010
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The Journal of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Homegrown Hero — Gary Giacomini
by Liza Crosse
A Wellness Center
in the Valley —
Realizing A Vision
Did you ever consider that the battle
to save the San Geronimo Valley
was part of a movement of global
importance? Indeed, the storms that
raged in Marin in the 1960’s 70’s
and 80’s were precedent setting —
showing the nation and the world
that “progress” could be averted and
special places saved. While there are
many heroes in Marin who helped
make profound change, the guiding
force at the eye of this era’s hurricane
was Gary Giacomini. We will honor
Gary, and the many courageous
stands he took during his long career,
at the annual Community Center
Gala on September 11.
by Suzanne Sadowsky
Gary came into the world, and the Valley, in the usual way. But he brought with him a powerful intellect, and
a voice that carried authority, persuasiveness, humor, and, when needed, sharp barbs. And Gary used these tools
to the utmost over an extraordinary 50 year long career in Marin’s politics (and still counting). Most striking
has been Gary’s willingness to take risks — balanced by strategic and political instincts that turned what were
often extremely unpopular positions into triumphs.
Gary came to politics in the usual way as well, starting small and local when he was elected in 1968 to the
Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees. Back then the big issue was the formation of three new academic
programs — notably the Open Classroom. When I sat with Gary recently he recalled the knock-down-drag-out
battle over the allocation of funding and resources for the programs. “Three hundred angry people attended
meetings, and they were screaming ‘It’s a communist plot!’” In a move that changed the lives of generations of
Valley kids, the Board formed the three programs in a single night, on a 3:2 vote.
During this period, the Board of Supervisors had approved
the new San Geronimo Valley Master Plan, bringing the
promise of 5000 homes, shopping centers and the East/
West freeway to the Valley. All West Marin was open
to development and Gary realized that the key to saving our county would be the designation of A-60 zoning
(one unit per 60 acres) over Marin’s ranch lands. Inspired
by the importance of the issues, and in spite of having a
Gary making his point, 1970s.
young family and having to give up his legal practice, Gary
decided to run for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. In the
historic 1972 election Gary was elected, tipping the balance on the Board, which immediately overturned the
Valley Master Plan and the freeway plan on a 3:2 vote. Most importantly, they rapidly enacted the A-60 zoning.
(continued on page 9)
Inside!
Except for a dentist in Lagunitas, there are no medical offices or
health care providers who offer regular routine exams, immunizations,
screenings or health services to local residents. Valley folks need to go to
Point Reyes, San Rafael, or Greenbrae for basic health maintenance or
prevention services. The School Nurse serves the District’s children only
1/2 day a week during the school year and is only able to do the mandated testing in the time allotted.
Last winter, to address this important issue, more than two dozen people
came to a meeting of the San Geronimo Valley Healthy Community
Collaborative to talk both about the lack of availability of health services
and need for additional local access health services.
The January 20 meeting included representatives from Marin County
Department of Health and Human Services, Coastal Health Alliance,
West Marin Senior Services, the Marin County Fire Department, the
Marin County Library, the local churches and synagogue. Attendees
were provided with information about the services that are currently
(continued on page 2)
Performing Arts & Events Community News
Film Night: Wall-E, Page 10
Palm Wine Boys, Page 10
Sandra Valls, Page 10
Joe New, Page 11
Holiday Art Faire, Page 11
A Chat with Harry & Jenny, Page 11
Gallery Art Shows, Page 11
For the past several years the Community Center has been able
to provide a modest amount of health services to Valley folks —
cholesterol and diabetes screenings, vision tests, flu shots and a variety
of other diagnostic or prevention services to hundreds of people in
the Valley and nearby communities. These services have been offered
as part of our bi-monthly Valley Health Days. In addition, monthly
blood pressure checks for seniors have been offered by the County
Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Nurse,
Kathleen Roche. And quarterly well-baby exams are part of our First 5
School Readiness Program. During this past year increasing attendance
at our weekly Senior Lunch program — now serving an average of 50
seniors each week — record numbers of people using our Emergency
Food Pantry — plus, the opening of the new school and Community
Gym and LOFT Youth Center, have made the need for local access to
health services even more apparent.
SGV Stewards, Page 6
Healthy Community Collaborative, Page 6
SEP Update, Page 6
Spirit Rock, St. Cecilia’s, Gan HaLev,
Presbyterian Church, Page 7
Wildfire Preparedness in SGV, Page 15
Upland Restoration Project, Page 16
Valley Resource Center
Horizons, Page 4
School Readiness Program, Page 5
Food Bank Banter, Page 5
San Geronimo Valley Community Center
PO Box 194, San Geronimo, CA 94963
The Usual
Rolling Stones, Page 2
Resource Guide Update, Page 3
Volunteer Profile: Sean Sullivan & Kathy
Callaway, Page 3
Volunteers, Page 3
School News, Page 5
Fund Development, Page 8
Thank You, Donors, Page 8
New Community Center Board Members,
Page 8
Fifth Annual Gala, Page 9
ECR WSS
Postal Customer
Alphabet Soup, Page 12
The Loft Page, Page 13
Summer Camp 2010, Page 13
Wilderness Calls, Page 14
Community Wellness, Page 14
Valley Environmental News, Page 14
Movie Muse, Page 15
Milestones, Page 16
Gym Schedule, Page 16
Community Calendar, Page 20
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lagunitas, CA
Permit No. 1
Rolling Stones
by Dave Cort, Executive Director
We had quite a busy summer here at the Community
Center. Summer Camp, Summer Bridge for incoming
kindergartners, Summer Internships for middle and high
school students, summer concerts, and our regular programs like Senior Lunch and the Food Bank.
The benefit concert with Steve Kimock and Greg Anton
of Zero was a roaring success. Over 450 people of all ages
attended the show. The music was fantastic, we had a fun
children’s area, Good Earth had a delicious and healthy
food booth, and there were interesting items for sale at the
vendors’ booths. This festival exemplified the kind of programming that we want to present here at the Community Center. Check out stories and pictures from these programs
throughout this issue of Stone Soup.
Wellness Center in the Valley (continued from page 1)
offered at various county locations. Also attending the meeting
were a number of local residents who came to listen and share
their experiences and the challenges they face in accessing the
services that they need — the transportation problems as well
as other issues affecting accessibility.
The sense of everyone who attended the meeting was that local
organizations should begin to move forward and explore the
feasibility of setting up a Wellness Center here in the Valley.
In March, the Community Center submitted a proposal to the
Marin Community Foundation and in July we were informed
that our proposal was approved. We were awarded a $15,000 one-year grant.
We will spend the coming year exploring the feasibility of the project, both from a programmatic and financial perspective. We will be doing this in collaboration with our community
partners — individuals and organizations who we anticipate may be stakeholders, health care
providers and users of the services. The Community Center will be the coordinator of the
project with staff, Board Members, and community members involved in the planning and
decision making process.
These are our goals for the
project for this year:
A big highlight for our family this summer was attending the Michael Franti and Spearhead concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. We attended the show with the McQuilkin and Normandi
families as we were celebrating Alexander McQuilkin’s graduation from Drake High. Franti is
a social justice activist and his show is full of positive messages about love, family, living for the
moment, tolerance, taking risks, compassion, and gratitude. Franti interacts with his audience in
a way that I have rarely experienced. He spent a lot of time during the show in the audience performing all over the Greek Theater. The age span at the concert included three generations with
lots of babies and people in their 60’s and 70’s. It was truly a family show and during the encore,
Franti invited children and seniors onto the stage to sing with him. Sure enough out of the crowd
came Zander right up on the stage dancing away. After the encore, Zander gave Franti a huge hug.
We all had tears rolling down our eyes.
I really appreciated the positive messages in the show. It was a good reminder to me recently as I
have been surrounded by people very close to me going through some intense health challenges.
My son Daley has been slowly healing from ankle surgery and in the midst of this discovered he
had a lump in his armpit. It was in a difficult spot and took about six weeks to figure out that it
was a benign hemangioma after a number of tests. Many of you know that our Associate Director
Suzanne Sadowsky is recovering from breast cancer and has been dealing with the challenges of
chemotherapy and radiation. Another Community Center staff member is dealing with her mom
fighting leukemia. Many of our Community Center clients are having continued financial problems from the recession and from the difficult job market. The Michael Franti and Spearhead
show was a great reminder to be thankful every day for our friends and family members, and the
gratitude that we need to have for our health and the blessings that we have through living in our
beautiful San Geronimo Valley.
I hope that many of you can make it to our annual fundraising Gala which will be taking
place on September 11 at the San Geronimo Golf Course. This will be a fantastic party with
fine local cuisine, great music, and a beautiful evening with our Valley friends.
Go to our website, www.sgvcc.org, to get your tickets or stop by the Community Center and
I’ll set you up for a fun evening.
By June 30, 2011, SGVCC will
engage at least five health and
social service providers in 6 planning meetings to develop and formalize partnerships necessary to
improve access to services, especially for underserved residents,
in San Geronimo Valley.
Health screenings, 2009.
By January 30, 2011, SGVCC
will establish a location for the
delivery of a range of health and
social services.
By May 30, 2011, SGVCC will develop memos of understanding with at least five collaborative partners to formalize schedules and scope of services that will be provided at the new wellness center.
By June 30, 2011, SGVCC will develop an outreach plan to ensure underserved residents are
aware and accessing health and social services at the Wellness Center.
By June 30, 2011, SGVCC will develop a fundraising plan focused on the short-term capital
and equipment costs as well as long-term sustainability costs for the Wellness Center.
Theses are some of the questions that we will be looking for answers to:
Who should we be serving?
What kinds of services will the Wellness Center be able to provide?
Who will provide the services?
What will be the hours of operation?
How will the services be paid for?
Community Center Wish List
Why not help your favorite local nonprofit bloom with a tax deductible contribution
of one of these greatly needed items!
The Office:
• Copy paper is always welcome, recycled if you can • Pens • Tape • Pencils
• Feng Shui consultant or organizer
• Volunteers, web designers, events planners, special guest hosts!
• Air Purifier with ultraviolet capacity
The Arts/Events Department:
• A Power Amplifier • A-frame signs • Monitors • Wireless mic
The Kitchen:
• Strong volunteers to help move food at the Food Bank second and fourth Thursdays each
month
• Teachers for a one-time cooking class! • Food Bank Volunteers, skilled and unskilled.
The Loft
• Pool Table • Cookie sheets • Large area rug • Coat rack & storage bench
• Wii games • Computers, lap tops or desk tops • Printers • Knitting needles and
yarn • Prizes for raffles • DVDs • AA batteries • Wii controllers • Event Volunteers
• Soccer balls, kick balls — in excellent condition, please!
Don’t forget that donations of food are always welcome at the Food Bank, so organize a
food drive at your church, community or youth group today, and we’ll specially thank
you in the next issue of Stone Soup!
If you would like to help the Center by donating any of these items or becoming a volunteer,
please call Jenny at the new Loft Teen Center, 488-8888, ext. #250 or email admin@sgvcc.
org. We look forward to thanking you in the next issue of Stone Soup!
Page 2 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
We will have our first general community meeting on this issue as part of our Healthy
Community Collaborative Meeting, Wednesday, September 22 at 3:30 pm. At that time we
will form a working group of people interested and committed to participating in this project
during the coming year. Please call Suzanne Sadowsky at 488-8888. Ext. #251 or e-mail her at
[email protected] if you are interested in being involved.
This is an exciting and wonderful new venture for our community that we hope will make an
important contribution to the quality of life for all of us.
Join our email list via our website to stay tuned for some very
exciting developments for the autumn and winter. Because Stone
Soup is published quarterly, please keep in touch online for
updates and new additions to our programs.
Please visit http://www.sgvcc.org and click on “weekly events
email list” at the bottom of the page. This will keep you informed
of all the Community Center’s diverse offerings from performing
arts to films to visual arts to clothing swaps to food bank to classes
and teen, senior, children’s and other gatherings.
Facility Rentals Available
For gatherings large and small, consider holding your next event
at the Community Center!
◆◆ Option A: Four-hour minimum rental of Valley Room, West Room, Lobby and
Kitchen starting at $250.
◆◆ Option B: Individual room rentals $30/hr, $25 each additional hour.
For more information, contact Jenny at 488-8888, #250, or [email protected].
Volunteer Profile:
Sean Sullivan & Kathy
Callawway
by Dave Cort
Sean Sullivan and Kathy Calloway are our featured volunteers in this issue of Stone Soup. Sean
has been a cornerstone of our weekly Food Bank
deliveries and distributions. Kathy’s extraordinary
talents as an artist and calligrapher shine brightly
in our new Community Gym. When it comes to
volunteer work, Sean prefers to take the role of a
“foot soldier and a worker bee.” Every Thursday
morning Sean works with Joseph, our Human Services Coordinator, and a team of volunteers to prepare for the afternoon’s food bank and the senior lunch.
Kathy was the artist and anchor for the beautiful donor wall and the mosaic piece in the lobby
of our San Geronimo Valley Community Gym and Youth Center. Kathy volunteered all of her
time and talent to bring these permanent pieces to the community. Kathy organized all of the
volunteers for these projects, which included local youth, who helped create the art pieces. Kathy
said that she was “grateful to be included in these projects and really enjoyed meeting and working with Bud and Marty Meade and Rick Scarborough,” who were also key volunteers in these
projects. Kathy and Sean both share their love for the Valley and are constantly amazed by Valley
residents who donate their time to many important projects.
Sean and Kathy moved to Woodacre in 1988. Their resume of volunteerism is unbelievable. When
Sean and Kathy moved to the Valley they began swimming at the Woodacre Improvement Club and
immediately met Connie Smith Siegel and other Valley artists. They became active on the WIC Board
and on the building of Warner Field, the home of our Valley Little League Teams. Along with her
neighbor Tina Ayers, Kathy created the beautiful mosaic from Nick Wilton’s design.
Sean and Kathy also became involved with the Woodacre Garden Club, Valley Toys and Joys,
and the Community Center’s Spring Art Show. Kathy volunteers at the Dance Palace in Point
Reyes chairing the lobby art committee and at MALT in their Farm Field Studies Program where
Kathy creates posters, which depict lifecycles on West Marin Farms. Kathy is very excited about
her involvement with Main Street Moms who get involved with progressive social causes like
election integrity and Marin Clean Energy. The long time activists who are involved in Main
Street Moms inspire Kathy.
Become an SGVCC volunteer!
Thousands of people enjoy the services provided at San Geronimo Valley Community
Center and we need volunteers to help us keep our programs running smoothly. We love
working with youth and adults who have community service hours as well as others who
like to volunteer on a one-time or ongoing basis. Below is a list of some of the volunteer
opportunities that we provide. If you have any other questions about volunteer opportunities at the Center, please call 488-8888 and just ask. We always could use a hand around the
center whether it’s light maintenance, organization duties or just lending a hand with daily
activities.
Food Bank
We can use a hand on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. At 10:30 we receive
our food deliveries. This opportunity requires heavy lifting and a good back.
SENIOR LUNCH
Come help set-up, serve, and enjoy “old” friends, or come and play music, read your poettry, or share your life story.
Facilities
We always need a little help keeping the Center beautiful! There are landscaping, light carpentry, and general maintenance needs that are always cropping up.
SEE AN EVENT YOU ESPECIALLY LIKE?
We are always looking for people to help with events. We need community hosts to email
your network (personally invite 10 friends to come), we need volunteers to set up chairs,
design and/or hand out flyers, sell cookies, run sound, etc., etc. If you see an event you are
especially excited about and want to get involved, we would love to hear from you!
MEET NEW PEOPLE FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The Arts & Events department is looking for friendly, outgoing people who like to meet new
people and go to events — to hand out flyers about the Community Center’s upcoming events.
This is a great way to get out in the community, attend interesting events, and meet new, exciting
people. All ages and types of people are welcome to participate. Let us know what kinds of events
you like to attend. Hannah has met hundreds of interesting people flyering and met her spouse
while ushering!
STROLL IN POINT REYES STATION AND WEST MARIN FOR A GOOD CAUSE
We are looking for people who like to walk and enjoy window shopping or actual shopping
to help us get our event posters up in store windows in Marin. Let us know the neighborhood you enjoy and get some exercise, find cool finds and meet interesting shop-owners and
workers while helping the Community Center and independent artists!
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Help with tutoring or drive for field trips.
Along with his volunteer work at the Community Center, Sean delivers food to local seniors
through West Marin Senior Services and he has been a client escort for Planned Parenthood in
San Francisco. All of us at the Community Center are deeply grateful to Sean and Kathy for all
they do to support individuals and families. We are blessed to have them in our Valley.
The Community Center needs volunteers on committees and in other areas. If you would like to volunteer on a committee or elsewhere at the Center, contact Dave Cort at 488-8888.
Resource Guide Deadlines Loom
The 2011 edition of the San Geronimo Valley Resource Guide, to be
published in March 2011, is currently in production. Right now is the
time for all businesses, artists, writers and musicians to send in their information to be listed. All listings are due by October 31, 2010.
FAQ:
Q: What information goes in the listing?
A: Listings are for businesses, artists, writers, and musicians only
and limited to 120 characters (including spaces). Give your name,
contact information (website, email, phone, etc.) and description (“watercolors” “plumbing”).
Q. What if I live in the Valley and have a business or studio located outside the Valley? Can I still get a free listing?
A. Yes. We hope you’ll buy a display ad, too.
Q. If I have more than one Valley business or service, can I list each one?
A. Yes, but be sure to limit each listing to 120 characters or less.
Email your information to [email protected] or stop by the Community Center to fill out a blank form.
Display ads available: The free listings are limited to 120 characters (including spaces). If you would like to share
more information about your business or art, please lend your support by buying a display ad in the San Geronimo
Valley Community Center Resource Guide. For ad rates, specifications, and other information, contact Larry Rippee,
Ad Coordinator, (415) 488-8888 ext.#252, [email protected]. All display ads are due by November 30, 2010.
Note: The 2011 edition of the Resource Guide will not include residence
phone numbers. Unfortunately, due to the increasing use of cellular
phones and the fact that 488 is no longer the only prefix used for Valley
phone numbers, we are unable to include this valued feature.
VOLUNTEERS
The following people volunteered in the Community Center’s Food Bank,
Senior Lunch, Arts Events, School Readiness, School Dances, Gardening
and Maintenance. Thank you!!! We apologize if anyone was accidentally
left off the list. Please let us know and we will add your name!
Kyra Arian
Tiya Arian
Betsy Ayers
Cathy Baily
Emily Bender
Zoila Berardi
Beverly Berrish
Nancy Bertlesen
Josh Carter
Laurie Chorna
Howie Cort
Sadie Cort
Bob & Sharon Dahme
Amber Dederick
Maggie Donahue
Fitz Gary
Kathleen Glaubinger
Dave Glaubinger
Zoe Harris
Jerry Iliano
Kyle Isaacs
Heather Janssen
Judy Jessop
Maddie Julin
Mika Kakin
Judy Kaufman
Kesang
Skye LePonto
Al Lubow
Selena Martinez
Pamela McHale
Diana McNiel
Alexander McQuilken
Will McQuilken
Jessica Mobely
Daniella Morrison
Peter Oppenheimer
Eamon O’Toole
John Pedersen
Mika Pietowski
Lisbeth Polland
Natasha Poperly
Matk Potts
Molly Rea
Carol Rebscher
Dameon Reeder
Sam Rippee
Lee Rockwell
Nancy Roen
Marty Rosenblum
Michael Ruggles
Victoria Saxe
Jessica Scott
Heather Simon
Rosemary Sharp
Sean Sullivan
Annette Tullo
Steve Vermillion
Ariel Whitman
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 3
ValleyResource
Horizons
Center
by Suzanne Sadowsky
Director, Valley Resource Center
will miss them.
When Things Don’t Happen Just as Planned
This Spring as I was going along my merry way looking forward
to the end of the rainy season in the Valley and the warmer
days when I would peek at newly emerging yellow daffodils
in my backyard, I was thinking that it would be time for my
annual physical checkup at Kaiser. I had had my flu shots at the
Community Center and our Health and Human Services Public
Health Nurse, Kathleen Roche, who regularly comes to the Senior
Lunch assured me that my blood pressure was in normal range.
I was feeling fine and confident — a bit overweight but what else is new? Pretty normal cholesterol. No diabetes. Good memory. A little arthritis in my left knee. Not bad for 74 years, I
thought. I knew my eyes were a little worse than a year ago and maybe this would be the year that
Dr. Nakagawa and the ophthalmologist would decide that it would be time to have my cataracts
removed. I’d been looking forward to it since I’d heard from many of my age cohorts what a great
benefit it can be when cataracts are removed. You see more clearly and colors are brighter. As a person who has suffered from severe myopia with coke-bottle thick glasses since I was a teenager, the
prospect of a simple cataract operation seemed like a very pleasant prospect for the Spring. I would
take a couple of weeks off from work at a convenient time, find it easier to take a drive at night and
enjoy the bright green hills of the Valley during the day. Plus I would have an easier time reading the
subtitles on some of the foreign films that I had been missing at the Rafael Theater.
O.K. I was ready. I made an appointment for a physical with a new doctor I connected with
at Downtown Kaiser — I thought it would be more convenient than driving to Terra Linda.
In the meantime, however, I developed a really severe pain in my back left hip. I could barely
move. I made and urgent care appointment and got a prescription for Ibuprofen and one for
Vicodin and was told to come back in 2 weeks unless the pain was really bad in which case
to come back sooner. It turned out to be a mild case of shingles — or at least that’s what
the doctor and I agreed after the pain began in dissipate and migrate into to a more tingling
numbness on my right side. (It still lingers occasionally.)
In the meantime I got scheduled for normal diagnostics blood work, etc. and a routine mammogram which I hadn’t had in two years. All the blood work was normal. When I had the
mammogram the technician took a couple of extra films because she said that one was a little
blurred. I few days later a got a call asking me to come back for another mammogram — just
routine to be sure that all was well.
That was in March. Since then everything has changed. An unexpected diagnosis of a life-threatening illness came as a shock. Perhaps it shouldn’t have. Perhaps it is something we should always
be prepared for. Why? Because it happens all the time. But I wasn’t ready to hear that I had a small
aggressive malignant lump in my right breast, that I needed to have a lumpectomy and maybe chemotherapy and radiation and aggressive follow-up diagnosis for the rest of my life. I was shocked
because 30 years earlier I had survived ovarian cancer. I thought I was done it with it, that I had
already paid my “cancer dues.” I also wasn’t ready for the news that my cancer was almost certainly
a result of a genetic mutation of a gene named BRCA1. People with the gene mutation are much
more likely to develop ovarian and breast cancer. At least nowadays there is a preventive surgery for
ovarian cancer — something they didn’t have 30 years ago when I was diagnosed. Forty percent of
the people who get diagnosed still won’t survive. I was lucky. Breast cancer is easier to diagnose and
survival rates are generally a lot better.
Since March my life has changed. I’m not myself. I have been recovering from the chemo and
a severe lung infection that it caused, I’ve been staying at home a lot, getting a lot of rest. I
was feeling uninvolved, not present. I go to work on a reduced schedule. Everyone says it’s all
right. I’m supposed to be taking care of myself. I’m supposed to be letting people take care of
me instead of trying to take care of others. I found a new doctor in Terra Linda who although
very much younger than I (they all are these days) is also very wise. He told me that I would
get better. But he also told me that my life was never going to be the same. I would never be
the same person I was before my recent diagnosis and illness.
My MRI came back normal — a reprieve until the next mammogram in six months. Good
friends have been giving me rides to Rohnert Park every day for my radiation treatments. I’m
allowing people to care for me. And I’m feeling better every day — almost back to “normal.”
I’m realizing more and more that we don’t all live to a ripe old age and die peacefully in our
sleep without pain and suffering like in the movies. I know that Barbara Prather was fortunate
to be surrounded by loved ones after having spent many years of being partially disabled. That
Roy Winchester would have loved to share some of his humor until his very last days when
his voice and breath were taken from him. We were lucky to have them in our lives and we
It’s great and important to make plans, to think about the future, to hope and work for better times
for ourselves and future generations. But it’s also important to keep remembering not to become
too attached to the outcomes. There is a great Yiddish expression I learned as a child: Mentsch tracht, Gott lacht. Translation: Man plans, God laughs. And another one: Vos lenger a blinder lebt, alts
mer zet er. Translation: The longer a blind man lives, the more he sees.
So maybe in a few months, if all goes well, I can reschedule my cataract surgery and I will
indeed be able to see more clearly.
Dental hygenist Kyle Isaacs
checking teeth.
Food Bank
Emergency food distribution is offered two days a week, year round to needy Valley families. Staffed
by local volunteers, the Food Bank is supported by the Marin Community Food Bank and by generous donations from local Valley people and service organizations. Information is provided on nutrition
and healthy eating, and, when available, fresh surplus produce from the School-Community Garden is
offered to Food Bank clients.
The Community Center Food Bank is open Monday from
9: 00 am – 5:00 pm and Thursday afternoons from 2:00–5:00 pm.
Valley School Readiness
Program
Programs, Events, Resources, Classes for
Families with Children Ages 0-5
By Jennifer Breen Justice, M.S., MFT
It sometimes takes a Valley to raise a child. This is definitely the philosophy of Valley parents. Every day, our
community “walks-its-talk” and the School Readiness program strives to ensure that every child in the San
Geronimo Valley, Nicasio and Fairfax area (and everywhere in-between) is ensured a bright future. We believe that
the social emotional and healthy wellbeing of 0-5 population is our mission.
This past summer we were able to enroll 14 young
swimmers in our free two-week swimming lessons.
Playgroup continued throughout summer and welcomed a growing number of new babies and new
Valley residents. We also saw a rise in Fairfax family participation. We collaborated with the Fairfax
Eco Festival and the PlayFair Tent at the Marin
County Fair, which provided a healthy activity
center with free family-geared activities.
Summer Bridge, our 5-week, free kindergarten summer program, had a successful and delightful summer full of learning and community. Our 17 “little
Summer Bridge students.
students” enjoyed interactive programming with visits
from Tracey the Animal Guy, Wildcare and the Woodacre Fire Department — complete with FIVE fire engines. As
these young scholars embark upon their academic careers, we wish them luck and a bright future.
Summer Bridge and Summer Camp watching animal show.
As we kick off the 20102011 year we will continue
to provide free Health Days
throughout the year, as well
as flu shot clinics in the
winter months. On October
7 we will host the Health
Van from First 5 at a huge
binational health day. We
will also offer a free CPR
class on October 16 for
parents. This year we have
added free dental screenings
during playgroup to ensure early dental health.
We will continue to have free parent education nights throughout the year, complete with free childcare. We will
have mini-seminars on parenting issues such as sibling rivalry, setting limits, and marital issues. This year we are
excited to be offering a Hand in Hand series.
We also know that families might be struggling financially so we will offer Clothing Exchanges and a weekly Food
Pantry. Advocate Heather Richardson and I are certified to enroll children for supplemental healthcare. We also
know that families need FUN and we love to host parties, festivals full of bouncy houses and eco-friendly crafts.
We look forward to more events and milestones as a community, as parents, and advocates for our littlest
community members. Be a part and see you there!
Valley Playgroup
Our Valley Playgroup continues to meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am – Noon in Room 9
located on the Lagunitas lower campus. This FREE playgroup is designed for families and caregivers with
children 0-5. It is a wonderful place to interact with other parents, while your child engages in socialization.
We offer an array of toys, special events, books, art projects and overall support to Valley parents. Please
contact [email protected] to be placed on the First 5 event mailing list. See you there!
Food Bank Banter
by Joseph Piekutoski
The Center’s mission statement was updated last year
by one word. We added the word wellness. Our mission statement is “To foster a healthy San Geronimo
Valley by providing a dynamic center for locally-based
human services, arts and culture, education, health
and wellness, and community building.” In the statement, we add wellness to health as the two concepts
belong as one.
Is wellness a human right? In the national health care debate I have heard a
similar question “Is health care a human right?” Or is just being healthy in
general a right? In the Declaration of Independence it states all people have
the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Pursuit of happiness
is a vague term. Can someone pursue happiness if they are not healthy? In
certain religious philosophies it is believed that bodily health is not necessary to attain mental enlightenment, which may be true. Most of us find it
hard to be happy when our physical being is having challenges. How does
wellness fit into this equation? Wellness is defined as “a healthy balance of
the mind, body, and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being.”
(Wikipedia)
Wellness is health; not only of the body but of one’s attitudes, sense of being
and mind. Once again, can one pursue happiness without wellness? It is
hard at best and impossible at worst. One’s sense of wellness can come from
many things and usually its roots are in hardship of one kind or another. It
is true hardship and disaster can rip a community or a person’s life apart,
and it is equally true it can enhance a community and help it grow closer
and stronger. It is when one sees they can make it through adversity that
they start to gain a sense of unshakable wellness. Another thing that adds to
one’s sense of wellness is being surrounded and involved in a strong community. Wellness comes from knowing one has what it takes to survive internally and externally. If one relies too much on self or too much on external
support (community), their sense of wellness will be shaken.
With our Human Services programming we strive to treat everyone with
dignity and respect. We offer services to those who need it without questioning or prying into their personal lives. We are not judgmental of why
someone is in need. We are just here to help. This is so individuals know
they are unconditionally supported by the San Geronimo Valley community.
We strive to provide the sustenance people need to feel secure living here. As
the community supports us, we support the community. By offering Senior
Lunches, free health clinics, the food pantry, and Thursday’s soup/hot lunch
kitchen, we offer the community the support people need to know they are
not being left out in the cold and abandoned. This feeds one’s sense of wellness.
The Center also takes it a step further. We offer nutritional education at
events, support physical activity through the Community Gym, offer alterative health choices at the health fairs, and don’t turn anyone away from
any of our events. The Costal Health Alliance and the Center are currently
in conversation about creating a Community Wellness Center here in the
Valley. We are hoping to offer a Center that focuses on people’s healthy
mind, body, emotions and soul with both traditional and alternative therapies. We are in the perfect position to help feed the Valley resident’s sense of
wholeness, health, and wellness. Whether through nutrition, physical activity, sensitivity to peoples’ differences, or just listening, we are here to nurture
the wellness of the Valley and have it grow, so all can enjoy the health and
serenity it provides.
Lagunitas School News: New Faces
by Steve Rebscher
As many in our community know, Goldie Curry has accepted a position as director of special
education services for Sonoma County. Her resignation as principal of Lagunitas and San
Geronimo Schools was accepted with great regret by the school board in May. Since that time
many of you have expressed deep appreciation for Goldie’s tireless dedication to her position as
principal, her outstanding support of children and her heartfelt embrace of our programs and
our district’s unique commitment to educating every child as an individual.
Immediately following Goldie’s resignation a search committee consisting of district parents, community members, staff, administration,
and school board representatives was assembled. By mid-June we had
received applications, screened applicants and interviewed the top
candidates. Despite the confidentiality required of the screening committee, enthusiasm quickly spread throughout The Valley. We had
identified a truly exceptional candidate. The committee unanimously
recommended Christian Francis to be our next principal. The full
board interviewed Chris, his background check was completed and
he was hired in time to spend some time with Goldie before her last
days in the district. Chris has a long history in our schools, completing his student teaching at San Geronimo School, then moving on to
teach in the Richmond School District before venturing north, where
he taught and administered special education programs, and most
recently was Vice Principal at Ukiah High School. Chris brings a high level of administrative experience to the district, a deep understanding of children with special educational needs and excellent
communication skills working with staff, students, and parents.
The second new face in the district will not be new to many. Buck Chavez has accepted a position with the Community Center to head athletic programs at the Gym and a temporary position to teach PE in the middle school. Buck has been coaching basketball, soccer, tennis, and
baseball in The Valley and at Drake and Branson High Schools for many years. His emphasis
on sports as an avenue to better health, self esteem and teamwork has enriched hundreds of
children and their families for years. The opportunity to have Buck coordinate programs with
both the gym and the school will be invaluable. It is our long-term hope that this position will
enable the district to better integrate athletics and PE programs across the Community Center
and both school campuses with the end goal being to increase opportunities for better health,
nutrition and sports for all children in The Valley.
Our final new face is that of Bill Kobabe in the Waldorf Inspired Program. Bill will teach the
first and second grade class this year. He has participated in Waldorf education at several levels
for many years and will bring his hands-on perspective as a master woodworker and cabinet
maker to the classroom.
Christian Francis.
We look forward to working with each of these new members of our school community and
again want to extend a special Thank You to Goldie Curry for her effort and the progress she
made in our district over the past three years.
San Geronimo
Valley Stewards
Improve Communications: The Stewards want to represent the community in all its diversity. The Stewards
have walked the streets, knocked on doors, sent out
mailers, posted signs, and held public meetings. They
believe that talking with the entire SGV will develop
a clear and complete picture of the residents’ needs,
desires, and abilities in regards Salmon restoration.
by Taylor Hamblett, Board of
Directors
Build a Community Coalition: The Stewards know
that a diverse community coalition is an excellent
resource for the community’s efforts to maintain the
Valley’s character and for supporting residents’ efforts to
improve their properties in harmony with the environment. The Stewards are working with respected national
organizations including NOAA’s National Marine
Fisheries Service, which believes, as The Stewards do,
that “…biologists alone cannot shift a species trajectory
from extinction to recovery it requires a united community of experts and lay people forming alliances to this
single purpose.”
SPAWN says they advocate for the fish, the San Geronimo
Valley Planning Group says their focus is the 1997 SGV
Community Plan, but who speaks to, and for, the residents the
Valley? That is where the San Geronimo Valley Stewards (the
Stewards) see their role.
As this article is being written, the Stewards are telling the
Valley about the proposed Riparian Ordinance; the first
The Stewards, approaching their first anniversary, walked beside their float in
ordinance for the San Geronimo Valley due to the Salmon
the Woodacre 4th of July Parade.
Enhancement Plan (SEP). The ordinance limits property
owner’s ability to remove vegetation within 35 feet from streams’ top of bank. The ordiAdvocate on Behalf of Our Community: The Stewards support residents’ efforts to improve
nance authors, and the Planning Commission, failed to understand that for hundreds of San
their properties in a responsible manner and want to see residents held to reasonable expectaGeronimo Valley property owners, that 35 feet includes the home, the backyard, the garden,
tions, not onerous demands. No one should feel bullied, that their opinion doesn’t matter, that
and the stream bank. The restrictions on homeowners will make normal maintenance of propthey don’t have a voice in the future of their own home, or should be stuck in permit limbo
erties illegal without first getting a permit. As a point of reference a basic tree removal permit
between bickering government agencies. For those reasons The Stewards shall rally around any
currently costs approximately $1,400.
resident imperiled by the reckless disregard of their rights.
This began when SPAWN’s threat to sue Marin County resulted in a two-year construction
moratorium. During the moratorium, consultants, based on direction from committees comprised of staffers from SPAWN and government agencies, drafted a Salmon Enhancement Plan
(SEP) for the Valley.
Work for the Valley to Research & Inform: The Stewards are working to bring resources and
information to the Valley. There is no place for the arrogance of “trust us; we know what’s best
for you.” The Stewards trust in their neighbors’ ability to make the right decision as long as
they are given good information, reasonable options, and resources.
After months of Marin County ignoring property owners’ questions, three women went to
the community and called for the SGV to come together. Residents met, selected leaders, and
formed what is now the San Geronimo Valley Stewards. The Stewards’ membership, hundreds of residents from throughout the Valley who include: biologists, firefighters, architects,
civil engineers, environmental lawyers, and past and present members of SPAWN and Trout
Unlimited, are working to:
Thanks to the Stewards, hundreds of residents came to meetings to let the County know what
was on their mind; community led task groups have been formed so the community can take
leadership on SEP efforts; and a petition of approximately 800 signatures, demands that community selected representatives be involved in drafting any proposed ordinances; but as the
Riparian Ordinance process has shown, now more than ever, the Valley needs to make its voice
heard — The Stewards invite you to join them.
SGV Healthy Community Collaborative
SGV Planning Group News
by Jean Berensmeier, Chairperson
As we approach the end of summer, the Planning Groups Steering Committee looks back
over the last nine months. We are proud of our efforts to protect the natural beauty of the San
Geronimo Valley and Valley residents’ rural way of life and making decisions in keeping with
the 1977/97 SGV Community Plan and Planning Group objectives. We appreciate the support of our growing membership.
Future Planning: 1-½ day retreat and ongoing implementation meetings; a web site.
Contact: [email protected].
SGV Lions
The Lions annual blood drive is Wednesday, September 15, from 2:00 to 6:30 pm at the San
Geronimo Golf Course,
Positions All Approved: Supported funding for Woodacre Flats septic feasibility study last fall;
Endorsed Marin Clean Energy program; endorsed acceptance of Salmon Enhancement Plan;
Supported county funding for SEP restoration projects and Valley planner.
Wilderness Way
Projects/Funding: Received grants/donations to: Improve Forest Knolls Park and develop
Environmental Resource Guide. Collaborated with County DPW to submit assessment/restoration grant for 47 creekside landowners; provided weed wrenchs to residents and organizations to remove French broom; provided monthly newsletter to membership with updates and
educational information.
Wilderness Way is planning its move to a new home at the old Recycling Center. There
will be generous display/storage space for the Steelhead-in-the-Classroom program, Salmon
Crossing signs, watershed models, Native American crafts, tools and games, Wishing Poles, an
Environmental and Film Library, and more . . .
Design Reviews, Complaints and EIRs: Commented on two homes that required public notification; reviewed complaints with County regarding illegal tree cutting. Submitted EIR comments on
SF Drake Rehab project, SEP draft documents, and Riparian Vegetation Ordinance.
Meetings: Monthly membership meetings hosted MCE meeting with Supervisor McGlashan
presiding. Attended two Vegetation Management meetings; three SF Drake Blvd. Rehab
meetings; four SEP community meetings; three Riparian Vegetation Ordinance meetings; three
MMWD Technical Advisory Committee meetings and two field trips; three Woodacre Flats meetings; sixteen MMWD Pine Mtn. Tunnel Task Force meetings; one homeowners/SPAWN meeting re
Conifer Road sediment.
by Jean Berensmeier
In July, Wilderness Way participated in the 30th Annual Big Time Festival celebrating Miwok culture at Kule Loklo in the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. WW’s announcement in the community
email list, created and cared for by Cheryl Fromholzer, brought out many children and families we
know well. Paul said he gave out 250 + necklace cords to children who learned to use the pump drill
and made a shell necklace. Miwok games (staves and gambling dice) had kids and parents standing
in line to play. The most popular item in our artifact exhibit was the in-process rabbit skin blanket. Native American studies will be expanded this year and include a two-day overnight using the
knowledge, skills and wisdom Native people once used. Help! We need abalone shells for each child
to use as their dish at each meal. Contact: [email protected].
Salmon Enhancement Plan Update
by Don Holmlund
After many meetings throughout the fall of 2009 and this winter and spring in which many
opinions were expressed regarding the most effective ways to protect the salmon habitat of
the Valley, the Board of Supervisors met on August 10 to hold a public hearing and consider
adopting an ordinance proposed by the Planning Commission which would require all residents living next to a creek to follow new guidelines regarding the removal of trees and other
plants.
The proposals stated that homeowners would be prohibited from removing vegetation within
thirty five (35) feet from the top of the bank of creeks. Exceptions would be made for nonnative plants (such as Himalayan Blackberry and Vinca), but even then, the homeowner must
have a permit and “must submit documentation verifying that the riparian vegetation to be
removed is a non-native invasive species”. The proposals also would require Tree Removal
Permits for the removal of any native tree within 100 feet of top of bank of streams in the San
Geronimo Valley. Exemptions from these proposals is protection against property damage and
to prevent safety hazards.
It was a lengthy hearing in which a large number of people gave impassioned statements. SPAWN
staff or supporters strongly urged the Board to adopt a strong ordinance. Members of the Planning
Group also supported a strong ordinance, but argued for clear guidelines and definitions. Supporters
of San Geronimo Valley Stewards argued for voluntary maintenance of creeks rather than a strict
ordinance, the elimination in the ordinance of creeks which are dry for most of the year and creeks in
the upper reaches of the Valley which contain no fish, and for more research.
After this hearing, the Board of Supervisors took no action, but directed staff to rewrite an ordinance
that will exempt any part of a property that is currently used (such as current landscaping, patios,
lawns, etc.), contains a specific list of native trees and shrubs (thus giving property owners specific
guidelines), has a streamlined permit process, and will apply throughout Marin County.
Supervisor Steve Kinsey said that any ordinance should be “simple, understandable, affordable, and enforceable.” Supervisor McGlashan stated that any permit fees for the Valley should
be waived until any ordinance is adopted countywide. This new proposal will come back to
the Board of Supervisors in the near future. This ordinance, and maybe more to come in the
future, will affect many residents of the Valley. Stay informed.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
By Walt Opie, Communications
Offering Family-Friendly Programs Year-Around
At Spirit Rock, we offer weekly classes (including classes for teens), daylong workshops and
residential retreats in compassion and mindfulness meditation throughout the year, for awakening freedom of heart in the midst of modern life. The teachings draw from the Theravada
Buddhist tradition and are offered in a non-sectarian way, which is open to everyone.
Spirit Rock continually presents an extensive array of programs and retreats to suit almost anyone interested in learning meditation or in deepening their existing practice. This fall, we are
offering a “Path of Parenting Class” starting September 20 (through November 29) for anyone
who wishes to engage with children more mindfully, including parents, grandparents, foster
and step-parents, teachers and caregivers.
On Saturday, October 2, Dr. Fred Luskin and Rick Hanson will offer a special event entitled
“Forgiveness and Assertiveness: Love in Action in the Real World” to help us all deal with the
messy real world of relationships with family members, lovers, friends, bosses and co-workers.
Dr. Dan Siegel, author of The Mindful Brain, will offer a benefit workshop for our Family
Program entitled “The Neuroscience of Family Life and Parenting” on Sunday, October 3.
Volunteers play a vital role at Spirit Rock. Our volunteers serve by giving generously of their
time and skills. This is a great way to connect with like-minded people and get involved with
the Spirit Rock community. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 488-0164 x
224 or via email at [email protected]. There is a flexible work exchange program
which allows you to attend nonresidential programs in exchange for your time.
For more information about all of our programs, please visit www.spiritrock.org.
St. Cecilia’s / St. Mary's
By Rev. Cyril O’Sullivan
June, July, August, September are the wedding months, usually festive with many hopes and
dreams for the future. Let us support our young couples that they can withstand cultural and
economic pressures and keep the love alive that brought them together.
August 22 we had the installation of Fountain and a parish picnic.
The weekend of October 16 is St. Cecilia’s annual Rummage Sale. For more information, visit
www.stcecilia-lagunitas.org.
For other events, please check bulletins on the website: http//www.stcecilia-lagunitas.org.
CYO Basketball
New On-Line Registration will be open for boys and girls, Grades 3-8 beginning September 1.
Registration will take place in September and practice will begin in mid November. League
play begins the first week of January and runs into early March. All players from last year will
be notified by email with the registration link. If you would like to get registration information, please send an email to Mike Davidson at [email protected]
Sunday Mass is at 9:30 am at St. Cecilia’s and 11:15 am at St. Mary’s.
Daily mass is 8:00 am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at. St. Cecilia’s and
Thursday at 8:00 am at St. Mary’s.
Gan HaLev, The Jewish Congregation
of the San Geronimo Valley
A Gan Halev Board member, Karen Bayle, MD, was invited to be
the camp doctor in Akko, Israel this summer for a multicultural
summer camp designed to teach youth in conflict zones the sport
and value of ultimate frisbee. The participants were 150 youths —
Muslims, Jews and Christians from a variety of towns and villages
throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories (West Bank). The
goal of Ultimate Peace, “to bring youth together to play side by
side, with the hope of promoting a shared positive experience and
deepening understanding of the other, all the while focusing on five
core principles—mutual respect, friendship, nonviolence, personal
integrity and fun,” certainly was achieved as evidenced by the sheer
David Barkan, PhD
joy of participation by the campers. For more information, please
(Gan Halev consulvisit the website www.ultimatepeace.org.
tant) and founder of
Ultimate Peace, with
campers.
Gan Halev is an alternative, intimate, community-minded Jewish congregation for people of
all ages and Jewish backgrounds. We offer a warm, enriching and friendly spiritual home for
anyone interested in experiencing Judaism in ways that are meaningful and relevant. You are
invited to join Gan Halev for the High Holidays 5771 with Rabbi Daniel Kohn. Our services
(September 8, 9 10, 17 and 18, 2010) encourage active and meaningful participation by all
who attend. Please consider offering a reading, music, poem or story. Seating will be limited,
so advance registration is necessary.
Gan Halev’s Jewish School, welcomes all children regardless of their level of religious
observation or previous Jewish education. Our children learn about Jewish ritual, prayer,
language, values, social justice, music, culture, history and identity. Scholarships are available
through a generous grant from the Jewish Community Federation.
Please contact us at 488-4524 or by email at [email protected] for more information. Our
website is www.ganhalev.org. Shalom!
San Geronimo Community
Presbyterian Church
By Reverend Dr. John G. Scott, Pastor
A true highlight of our summer at the Presbyterian Church was . . . a funeral! To be more precise, the memorial service in honor of Barbara Smith Prather in mid-July was a “high,” because
of the great love and inspiration this wonderful woman evoked in others. Barbara lived to age
96, and her whole life was a testimony to the joy that grows out of community service.
Barbara and her late husband, a former principal at Tamalpais High School, were community activists in Marin City, where they lived for many years. They advocated for interracial and interfaith
understanding, wise programs to assist the poor and disenfranchised, and the involvement of their
churches in local programs addressing social needs. In her later years, the widowed Barbara made
her home with daughter Margaret Krauss (and Kit), whose extended family includes many persons
from international backgrounds. In spite of her disability, Barbara remained a beautiful, spirited
presence in our church and community. By her life she proved that the essence of God is love.
Fund Development
The following people and businesses made generous donations to the Community Center from May
1, 2010 to August 1, 2010. These contributions go directly to supporting the Community Center’s
programs in the areas of Human Services; Children, Youth and Teen Services; Senior Services; Arts
and Events; and activities in our new Community Gym. We deeply appreciate the support that we
receive and we could not achieve our mission without these generous contributions.
THANK YOU!
Individual & Business Donors to
Community Center & Valley Gym
Debra Amerson & Barbara Hoefle
John & Kathy Beckerley
Laurence & Barbara Brauer
Patti Breitman
Veronica Buros-Kleinberg
John Carroll & Monique Pattrineri
Suzanne Carroll
Josh Carter & Heather Richardson
Buck & Susan Chavez
Clif Bars
Daniel Cohen & Jodie NewDelman
Michael Collins
Dave & Howie Cort
Alexandra & Michael Cusick
Michael & Margaret Daly
Michael Franz & Gaylyn De Martini
Jefferey Davidson & Leona George-Davidson
Samantha & Michael Davidson
Kevin & Mary Hamilton Davis
Albert DeSilver & Marian Cremin
Bridget Devlin
Michael & Rochelle Dibley
Brian Dodd
Pat & Cia Donahue
George & Linda Giacomini
Skag Dukkers & Anne McClain
Julie Egger & Al Weiler
Robert & Christine Figari
Dennis Fleming
Gerald & Jerry Fleming
Gan Halev
Alyssa & Gary Gleason
Catherine & Steve Granville
Jenny & Pete Groat
Hallroan & Powers Construction, Inc.
Karen & Taylor Hamblett
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Tamara & Clarke Holland
Don & Shirley Holmlund
Steven & Joan Hopkins
David R Johanson & Rachel J. Markun
Wendi Kallins
Kelly Lawson & Kelly Hunt-Miceli
Ian & Diane Matthew
Brian & Joann McCullough
McPhail Fuel Company
Michael & Catherine McQuilkin
Daniel Morrison & Cyndi Cady
E. Louis Muckerman
Nestler Construction
Stephanie O’Brien/Dovetail DCI
Aidan O’Sullivan & Maureen Healy
Scott & Diane Phillips
Joseph Piekutoski & Kyle Isaacs
Salena Copeland
Cindy & Jim Purkey
Carol & Steve Rebscher
Jeanette Rosen
Claudia Ruggles
Sands Construction
Rick & Jill Scarbrough
Walter Scott
Ethel Seiderman
Serenity Knolls
SFE, Inc.
Joe & Rose Mary Sharp
Dave Shore
Smith Engineering
Liora & Jay Soladay
St. Cecilia’s CYO
Station House Cafe
Jo Ann Poncho
Barbara Tara & John Howes
Vicki Testa
Justin & Lealya Thomas
Sara & Talc Tolchin
Two Bird Cafe
Kathy Della Valle
Paul & Roxanne Weber
Carol Whitmire
Dorothy Wiley
Kay Winchester
Grantors
Burkhart Fund
Community Development
Block Grant
County of Marin
Endurance Fund
Freitas Foundation
Hilda V. Thompson Fund
Marin Charitable Trust
Marin Community Foundation
Marin First 5 Children’s and
Families Commission
Middle School Parent Group
Montessori Parent Group
Open Classroom Parent Group
Presbytery of the Redwoods
Reliance Fund
SGV Lions Club
United Way of the Bay Area
Waldorf Inspired Parent Group
West Marin Resource Center
Patty & Jack Wright Foundation
Youth Leadership Institute
Steve Kimock and Greg Anton from the band Zero performed at a
benefit concert at the Community Center on July 25. Close to 500
people attended the show which featured two electrified music sets,
a kids zone, craft booths, and great food from Good Earth Natural
Foods. A fantastic time was had by everyone who attended the concert.
Photos by Bob Minkin.
Thank you, 2010
Gala Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors
Good Earth Natural Foods
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Marin Community Foundation
Patron Sponsors
Union Bank/Tamalpais Bank
Supporting Sponsors
Brian Dodd
Dovetail Design Consultants
Wordsworth
Associate Sponsors
Abbey Rents and Rick Seramin
David Berry
Dahlia’s Tax Service
Pat and Cia Donahue
Front Porch Realty Group, Janelle Fazackerley
“Howie” Cort’s Drum Studio
Lila Friday and Associates
Steve and Jean Kinsey
Veronica Buros Kleinberg
McPhail Fuel Company
Mill Valley Services
Nonpareil Construction
Oliver and Sabec P.c.
Pennypacker/drake Home Building
Universal Green
New Community Center Board Members
The Board of Directors of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center is extremely pleased
to announce the addition of five new members. Each of them has deep roots in the community and other parts of Marin County and the Bay Area.
Christin Anderson has over 20 years of experience working in the Wellness field. She also serves
on the board of directors for the Ambassadors Hope and Opportunity, where she works for homeless and at risk youth in Marin. She has a Masters Degree in Health and Exercise Science from
California State University of California at Long Beach and a Masters Degree in Environmental
Management from USF. At USF she created an award winning Worksite Wellness Program for
over 3000 employees, which is the flagship for many other universities throughout the U.S. She
also has experience in fields including UCSF’s Cardiac Rehab and Berkeley’s North Face marketing/research team. Christin has worked with students at USF on issues of Optimal Nutrition,
Human Performance and Eating Disorders . She loves the outdoors where she spends time hiking,
bird watching, gardening and cooking . She has a son who has just graduated from Humboldt
State University and is working with the National Park Service. Christin feels that our connections
to each other and the natural world is true wellness.
John Beckerley was born and raised in San Francisco; he is a graduate of San Jose State and a
Vietnam Veteran. He married his wife Kathy in 1970 and they have 3 sons and 7 grandsons.
They moved to San Geronimo in 1976. John served 30 years as a San Francisco Firefighter
and is now retired. During the 34 years that John has lived in the San Geronimo Valley he
has coached soccer, basketball, and Little League Baseball. He has been the head of St. Cecilia
CYO for 30 years. He began working on the building of a Gym for the youth of the San
Geronimo Valley in the late 1970’s and the dream came true this year with the opening of the
Gym. John has played and still plays basketball on Saturdays at the schoolyard. The game has
been going on continually for 34 years. John is happy to join the board and contribute whatever he can to enhance this wonderful community organization.
John Carroll grew up in Marin and moved to the San Geronimo Valley 14 years ago. He is
married to Monique Paltrineri and has two children 8 and 5 in the Open Classroom. John
holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a
Master’s in Education Administration from Sonoma State. He is an Eagle Scout and has a firstdegree black belt in Shaolin Kenpo Karate. John has taught in schools in Vacaville, Richmond,
and Marin County for twenty-two years and is currently the Assistant Superintendent for
Human Resources for the Tamalpais High School District. He loves the Valley’s sense of community and natural beauty and believes that it is an ideal place to raise a family.
Lila Friday has lived with her daughter, Erin, in San Geronimo for ten years. A nationally
recognized Designer/ Interior Architect, Lila graduated from the University of Massachusetts
and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. Lila is a member of ASID and CID. Her
business, Friday and Associates, Inc. specializes in high end interior design for remodeling
and new construction. She has worked extensively throughout the United States and as far
away as Hong Kong. Presently her firm is working on Martha’s Vineyard, the Kona Coast of
Hawaii, and at Lake Tahoe. Lila has served on the Marin Ballet Board and Wildcare (formerly
Terwilliger Nature Education Center). She is pleased to join the board and be part of this
vibrant and unique community.
Helen Zucker moved to San Geronimo in 2004 after five years of life in Fairfax.Through her
involvement with her son’s school, the Open Classroom, Helen began to value the community
mindedness and support in the Valley. Previous work includes working in emergency foster
care, as a summer overnight and day camp program director, and preschool teacher. Currently
she does accounting at Marin Agricultural Land Trust and has her own bookkeeping practice.
She holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Development from UC Davis.
Hometown Hero — Gary Giacomini (continued from page 1)
Gary recalls the implementation
of A-60 zoning as the single thing
he is most proud of in his 24
years of service as a Supervisor.
But it wasn’t easy. Ranchers, a
good number of them Gary’s
relatives, had vested development
rights, and they grimly urged
Gary to remember that “blood is
thicker than water.” Hardest of
all, Gary recalls, was his cousin
Marin County Board of Supervisors, early 1980s: Gary
Waldo, who had plans for 400
Giacomini, Robert Roumigiere, Barbara Boxer, Denis Rice,
homes and a marina, on what
Gail Wilhelm.
is now the restored Giacomini
Wetlands. In a many hours long meeting, and in spite of screaming and vehement protests, the
Board took its action at midnight — reducing the development units in West Marin from 1.1
million to just over 3000 units. Waldo didn’t talk to Gary for years.
It took a decade to actually implement the zoning, ranch by ranch, and, to everyone’s surprise, the
land did not decrease in value. Gary realized later that the action made development entitlements
rarer, therefore more valuable, a fact which helped sustain the A-60 zoning in a series of lawsuits
claiming that the County had “taken” valuable property. Additionally, Gary kept the County focused
on sustaining agriculture, using the Supervisors’ powers to raise taxes and fund the construction of
dairy barns to help ranchers comply with new environmental regulations.
Under the Stars
Fifth Annual SGV Community Center Gala
Saturday, September 11, 2010
5:30 - 11:00 pm
Honoring
Gary Giacomini, Our Home Grown Hero
A benefit for the San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Come Dine and Be Dazzled at the San Geronimo Golf Course
Dance the night away to Howie’s Persuasion, the Valley’s hottest new R&B band
Savor the finest local cuisine and beverages!
Hosted by Al & Lisa Baylacq and the
San Geronimo Valley Community Center Board of Directors
at the San Geronimo Golf Course, 5800 Sir Francisco Drake Blvd., San Geronimo
Gary recalls 1972 as a “heady year,” and that it was thrilling to make enormous strides in the
arena of conservation. The Marin Open Space District was formed and funded the same day
he was elected. There was land that needed saving and money to buy it. Roy’s Redwoods was
one of the first of Marin’s preserves. It was also time of great personal loss, with the passing of
his wife, Andrea, mother of his two young sons, Anthony and Andrew.
Through the 70’s Gary also led the Board of Supervisors in getting
Congress to protect enormous swaths of land in the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area and the Point Reyes National Seashore.
In a series of actions the Board identified over 120,000 acres of
land to be protected, and Gary and his colleagues worked with
Congressmen Phil and John Burton who pushed through the legislation. Again, Gary matched his conservation focus with efforts to
protect agriculture — supporting leases for ranches in the Park, and
supporting MALT.
Semi-formal attire.
$85 per person (adults only)
Wine/Beer/Soft Drinks included; no host cocktails
Event coordination/flowers/ photography by Lisa Baylacq
The other thing Gary is most proud of in his career is the fruitful evolution of the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and
Buck Institute for Age Research. In the late 70’s Beryl Buck’s
$12 million bequest to the poor and needy of Marin had litGary in the 1970s.
erally hit pay-dirt — oil, that is — and burgeoned to over a
quarter million dollars. The San Francisco Foundation, which managed the funds, filed suit to
break the Buck will, claiming that some of the millions should go to other counties. Gary went
on a campaign, calling the San Francisco Foundation representatives “grave robbing bastards.”
Gary recalls with some amazement that one day he was speaking about the issue, and off the
cuff he suggested that, rather than break the will, “some of the funds be used to benefit all
humankind.” Since we all age, he quipped, perhaps some of the funds could be used to create
an institute to deal with the problems of aging. Eventually, the judge agreed, and the suit was
overturned, for the benefit of Marin. Over time, the Buck Institute has blossomed beyond all
expectation, and the MCF has given over $900 million in grants to Marin causes.
Gary’s service to diverse other organizations and causes is both immeasurable and ongoing. He
served for 20 years on the Golden Gate Bridge Board, and ten on the Coastal Commission
and more recently, has served for eight years on the MCF Board of Trustees. In 1982 Gary
married Linda, bringing a new partner into his life.
When asked about the Community Center,
Gary responds with high praise – that he,
and the people of MCF, recognize that the
Community Center and it staff – especially
its Director, Dave Cort — are simply the
best, providing optimal service to local communities and to those in need. “Keep on
truckin,” he advises. When asked about his
role in supporting the Center’s projects and
programs — most notably the new Gym
— Gary is modest — recalling Turkey Day
at the Center in 2008, when the recession
had really hit home and there was a line
of hundreds of people waiting for food for
Thanksgiving. He says that the Foundation
as a whole supports our good work — he
doesn’t exert any particular influence —
“but sometimes I can sweeten the pot.” He
did, that particular Turkey Day. Just as the
Center was running out of food and about
to turn people away, a call came from the
Wesstern Weekend, 1996. (Photo by Art Rogers)
Foundation — reporting that $20,000 was
coming immediately to help serve the needy.
Instead of turning people away, Dave and staff members quickly went grocery shopping.
Gary is quick to credit his elected and professional colleagues, along with many community
leaders, for these enormous accomplishments. But we all know that the most important
achievements in history are made when the right person is in the right place, at the right time.
Thank heavens that, in this place, and at that time, it was Gary.
Howie’s Persuasion: Howie Cort, drums; Mike McQuilkin, keyboards; Tim
Bush, bass; Jack Pribble, guitar; Cathleen Riddley, vocals; Kira Gapinski,
vocals; Maiya Champa, vocals; special guest, Tim Cain, sax (not pictured)
The food and beverages for this year’s gala are generously provided by:
Arti Indian Organic Cafe
Barefoot Cafe
Bock Wines
Chance Creek Winery
Comforts Cafe
Devils Gulch Ranch & Wines
Drakes Bay Oyster Co.
Fradelizio’s Ristorante
Good Earth Natural Foods
Farella-Park Vineyards
Girls In The Vineyard Winery
Hanna’s Restaurant
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Iron Springs Pub
Jeriko Estate Wines
Lilith Vineyard
Lotus Cuisine/Cafe Lotus
Matthiasson Wines
Osteria Stellina
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
San Geronimo Golf Course
Selene Wines
Sorella Caffe
Sushi to Dai For
The Fairfax Scoop Two Bird Cafe
Whole Foods
Silent Auction Preview
Bidding begins online August 30 at www.sgvcc.org
• Five day getaway at a Beach Cottage in Oregon
• A nights stay at Bear Valley Inn with breakfast • Family Portrait by Stephanie Mohan
• Be a Winemaker for a Day • A case of Robert Sinsky Merlot
• Six bottles 2006 Selene Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard wine
• A night’s stay at Rosemary Cottage • Painting by Connie Smith Siegel
• Sunday Champagne Brunch • Feng Shui consultation • Kayaking in Sausalito
• Luke Haas Native Plant Consultation and Sunnyside Nursery Gift Certificate
• Behind the scenes with Larry Rippee at KWMR & Muddy Waters cigar box
• One-quarter cord almond firewood delivered by Bear Bottom Farms
Live! At the Center
Hannah Doress,
Arts & Events Coordinator & Larry Rippee,
Dear Community Friends,
Saturday, October 16, 7:00 pm
It’s a great feeling enjoying a top quality show in a crowded and energized room as we
have lately at the Community Center! People of all backgrounds and two or three generations had so much fun laughing with the Nice Jewish Girls, that we’re bringing more
outrageous comedy for you — Latina Lesbian Comic Sandra Valls as seen on HBO,
Showtime, and ABC will be coming in from LA especially to entertain you.
Palm Wine Boys
Behind the wild exterior Valls is a Buddhist and has won awards for her work on sobriety
and for her activist work in the LGBT community. I had the good fortune to work with
her in the 90’s in Boston, which gave me an in to talk her into coming to this more intimate venue than she usually plays. Similar to the uninhibited Nice Jewish Girls, this is a
show you would typically have to haul to the city for but that is ideal for our fun-loving
sophisticated audience right here. Sandra’s honest and outrageous comments on life will
appeal to everyone regardless of ethnicity or sexual orientation, though we don’t recommend this show for children. We heard reports of facial muscle strain and charley horses
due to the non-stop laughs during the Jewish Girls event, so just as soon as you work the
kinks out of your face, we’ll be back with another marathon laugh session with Sandra –
don’t miss it!
We had a packed show and enthused reaction to new Valley resident Walter Strauss and his
Malian collaborator Mamadou Sibide and have more top quality world music planned. If you
remember the great show we had with Zulu Spear their guitarist Matt Lax, known for his country jazz-meets-Soweto-jive guitar style will be back with exceptional world music act Palm Wine
Boys. Read more about them below. This genre is rarely seen in the U.S. and we are thrilled to
offer this special opportunity to the community.
Outdoor films are always fun so don’t miss the instant classic environmentally-themed
Wall-E, which Film Night in the Park will bring on Friday, September 24.
Read on and See you there!
Hannah
Friday, September 24, 7:30 pm
Visual Arts Coordinator
$16 advance, $20 door
“The Palm Wine Boys take two musical genres they love, American folk
and Palm Wine music, and blend
them perfectly to create a sound
responsible for a relaxed kind of high,
characteristic not only of Palm Wine,
but the Palm Wine Boys.” — E. “Doc”
Smith, BeyondChron.com
Representing an infectious genre of
music rarely heard in the U.S., the Palm Wine Music of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana and superb
musicianship, this is truly a world music concert not to be missed. Palm Wine Boys includes stellar musicians including guitarist/vocalists Matt Lax (Zulu Spear, Matt Lax & Nearly Beloved) and Richard Linley
(performed for years with legendary Palm Wine performer S.E. Rogie, co-directed South African choir
Vukani Mawethu), percussionist/vocalist QB Williams (founding member of Street Sounds with Sweet
Honey In The Rock’s Louise Robinson, former musical director of Vukani Mawethu) and Bassist Eliyahu
Sills (Eliyahu &The Qadim Ensemble, as seen as Mystic Garden Party).
The Palm Wine Boys have thrilled the crowds at the Strawberry and California World Festivals as
well as others and have shared the stage with notable talent such as Norton Buffalo and the Wailin’
Jennies. Three of the band members were deeply moved to have the opportunity to share the stage
with iconic South African leader Nelson Mandela in his legendary Oakland Colliseum appearance
just after his release from prison.
Come down, relax, and experience this compelling West African music — it’s like storytelling with an
African groove behind it. All ages are encouraged to come and expand their musical horizons.
Saturday, November 6, 8:00 pm
From Los Angeles! HBO/Showtime/ABC tested Latina Lesbian Comic
Film Night in the Park and the Community Sandra Valls
in her first Marin appearance!
Center present WALL-E
$6 adults, $3 kids
“The late, great planet Earth, circa 2800 AD: Seven hundred
years have passed since earthlings abandoned their hopelessly polluted, sun-scorched landfill of a planet and boarded the Axiom,
an enormous ark/starship. While Earth’s citizens floated through
space, an army of solar-powered, trash-compacting androids
known as WALL-Es would swarm the planet, collecting and
compressing all the garbage, hopefully restoring Earth to a state
capable of sustaining life. Seven centuries later earthlings still drift
through space while on Earth only one WALL-E (voice of Ben
Burtt) seems to be still functioning. WALL-E longs for companionship. He gets more than he bargained for when a huge exploratory craft deposits a fetchingly
sleek, piece of glossy white high-tech robotics designed to test the Earth for life sustainability. Her
name is EVE, and for lonely WALL-E, it’s love at first sight. . . A masterpiece of feature-film animation for all ages. — Ken Fox
Film Night in the Park is a project of A.P.P.L.E. FamilyWorks.
Don’t be disappointed, order your tickets in advance
For convenient, secure online purchase go to
www.sgvcc.org/artsevents/centerevents.html
You may also write a check to “SGVCC” and mail it to Hannah
Doress, SGVCC Events, Box 194, San Geronimo, CA 94963.
Please include your full name, phone number, and the name of
the event you want to attend. You may also stop by the Community
Center to drop off your cash or check payment.
(Cosponsored by Spectrum Center
for LGBT Concerns)
“Valls … knock(s) tv audiences on their behinds!”
Curve Magazine
Fasten your seatbelts! Sandra Valls is a brash, high
energy, fierce and funny, lesbian, latina, comic and
then some. Voted one of Curve Magazine’s Top 10
funniest lesbian comics, and Top 10 faces to watch in
2010 by Diva Magazine she’ll make you laugh till your
face hurts with her frank, no holds barred, packedhouse comedy performances all over the country as
one of the world’s very few out Latina comics!
Sandra ignites the stage with a powerful and electric performance in Showtime’s hit comedy special, The Latin Divas of Comedy (nominated for an Alma Award). Her second Showtime comedy
special, Pride: LGBT Comedy Slam! premiered earlier this year and featured Alec Mapa, Poppy
Champlin, and Scott Kennedy. In fact, it’s still on Showtime onDemand! Sandra also performs on
Olivia Cruises and is a favorite in Provincetown. Sandra is a published author fresh off the press in
Out on the Edge: America’s Rebel Comics, a funny and illuminating piece about what it’s like to be
a lesbian and a woman of color in the comedy world!
Her other television credits include Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen (ABC), Habla !(HBO),
Outlaugh Festival, One Night Stand Up (LOGO), and countless other spots including Mtv3. From hosting the GLAAD Media Awards to touring with the Latin Divas and Queer Queens of Qomedy to sharing the stage with Eva Longoria at the HBO Comedy Festival, Sandra still finds time to give back to the
community by volunteering and producing comedy shows for various causes including benefits/fundraisers
for Aids, sobriety, domestic violence and LGBT rights (and her performance with SGVCC!). GLAAD
gave her a Special Recognition Award for promoting fair and accurate representation of the LGBT community in English-speaking Latino television. The California Senate has recognized Sandra for her relentless
support of people in recovery as exemplified by her leadership in producing “One Gay at a Time,” a comedy show that celebrates people in recovery.
2010 Gallery Art Shows at
the Maurice Del Mue Galleries
Valley Room — Enter through Lobby
West Room — Adjoining Valley Room
SEPTEMBER
Valley Room
Priscilla Patey
West Room
Griffe Griffith
Opening reception on Sunday, September 12 , 4:00–7:00 pm
OCTOBER
Valley Room
Laura Kradjin Cronin
West Room
TBA
Opening reception on Sunday, October 10, 4:00–7:00 pm
Valley artists Harry Cohen and Jenny Hunter
Groat have been good friends for a long time. In
November they will both exhibit at the Center’s
Maurice Del Mue Galleries.
Recently the three of us gathered at Jenny’s
home for a casual brunch of bran muffins and
coffee and engaged in a very pleasant, if slightly
chaotic, chat on life and art.
(For a copy of the full transcript email a request to
Larry at :[email protected])
Harry Cohen
Jenny Hunter Groat
Larry: How long have you known each other?
Opening Reception on Sunday, November 14, 4:00–7:00 pm
Jenny: I did a show at the Two Bird. Harry and
Marge went to dinner there one night
and about 10 o’clock at night Peter got this
Photo by Pete Groat.
phone call—I had gone to bed—and Harry said “Jenny Groat!?”
Peter said “She’s in bed.”
Harry said “I wanted to tell Jenny Groat I’m an artist myself.” This is literally what he said, with
his Boston accent.
“I wanted to tell her, her paintings are just mahvelous! Mahvelous!”
Does that sound like you, Harry?
DECEMBER
Valley Room
West Room
by Larry Rippee
Here is a very brief excerpt.
NOVEMBER
Valley Room
West Room
A Chat with Harry & Jenny
Holiday Art Festival
Holiday Art Festival Silent Auction
Saturday, December 4
Joe New
Saturday, October 23, 8:00 pm
Harry: When I walked into that restaurant--I never saw art like that. Wow. I looked at the name.
Why, it’s Jenny Groat.
The craft and practice of
songwriting has allowed Joe
New to see his songs recorded or performed by artists
such as John Mellencamp,
Levon Helm, Kiki Dee, Joe
Louis Walker, Bill Kirchen,
New Riders of the Purple
Sage, Bob Neuwirth, Paul
Carrack and Nick Lowe,
Squeeze, Johnny Rivers,
The Moonlighters and,
most recently, on two Del
McCoury Band CDs — one song achieving cable video status. Joe New’s songs
reflect both his rural childhood and struggle to come to terms with the conflicting
pulls of life, love, work, family, the quest for fame, the lure of bright lights and the
need to escape the madding crowd.
Jenny: We’ve been heart friends ever since.”
That now rather hackneyed term “Americana” was invented to loosely describe the
kind of traditionally based music made, for years, by Joe and lots of others. This
music falls between the cracks of marketing categories invented by industry bean
counters with an eye to creating the “next big thing.” A former longtime resident
of Forest Knolls, New will be making his first appearance at the Center since he
moved to Portland in 2006.
Harry: In other words, it was centered in New York.
Saturday, December 4, 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Holiday Arts Faire and Silent Auction
Save the date for this free popular annual community gathering and celebration of
Christmas and Chanukah at the Community Center!
Plan on music by and
for our kids and adults,
great bargains and gifts
in the auction, talented
artists and craftspeople,
delicious homemade
food and drink, and the
greatest community in
the world!
Visit www.sgvcc.org
for a full schedule and
additional details of the
event as it draws closer.
Tim Cain will be back to rock out with his special holiday
show.
Larry: Harry, obviously you came from Boston. You got the G.I.Bill…
Harry: Yeah, right after the war. I was like a lot of kids who decided to use the G.I. Bill. So being an
art student then was kind of rough. First of all, Boston is a very cool city. And the G.I. Bill, you were
only getting 75 bucks a month. So you‘re living in a coldwater apartment. I rented a place with cracks
in a wall. So when you slept the cold would come through. I was like a rotisserie…. rotating all night.
I met this young lady who was also an artist we got married. I said it’s time to get the hell out of here.
Then I came out West. I was stationed out here and I saw how nice the climate was. The climate was
marvelous.
Larry: Jenny, you were born on the East Coast also?
Jenny: I was born in California. As a dancer, I had my dance school and company in San Francisco and
I went east three times to measure myself against the best in the nation. It was a tactical error I made in
one sense not to move to New York because in San Francisco dancers, particularly innovative or whatever, avant garde, pioneering…
Jenny: Very much so, even now.
Larry: Jenny, you made the transition from being a dancer and then you were a calligrapher and you made
art books. Were those easy transitions where you just drop one thing and go to the next?
Jenny: They intertwined. I quit dancing because of the pressure. I took five years off. I did a lot of
a camping. Even by myself. And Zen practice. I was in psychotherapy with a Jungian analyst. I started
an interest in Western handwriting while I was teaching in Reed College in Portland. So then I started
studying handwriting with Lloyd Reynolds. And I also became interested in Zen at that time. I then
found when I started my dance classes I had quite a few Zen people in my classes. I thought: ‘What are
you doing here? Why are you people here?’ And come to find out they were practicing Zen mindfulness, because of the awareness I taught in classes—sensory awareness, improvisation. So all of that fed
into painting. They’ve all synthesized. I call it three streams, one river.
Harry: See, I never had that problem. I knew I couldn’t do much but I knew I could paint.
Jenny: Your work is a lot more form based. You have form.
Harry: Yes, I’ve never got too far away from that.
Jenny: I work more with textures and color. And my colors have to fight for their lives.
Harry: [Laughs]
Jenny: I like layers and layers of form. One layer after another. I like that kind of layering because I
want a painting to have a history. It has to have a past life. It’s like people, it gives it some depth.
Harry: …you destroy one form to discover another
Jenny: Exactly.
Larry: Harry, I’ve seen these definitions applied to you… abstract artist…action painter…
Harry: I never considered myself that... catalog…that label… I think artists—like Picasso, he was in and out…
Jenny: Nowadays you pretty well have to give somebody a tag.
Harry: Among artists, among peers it’s not necessary. I’d know a Groat instantly..
Jenny: (laughing) And I’d know a Harry…
Alphabet Soup
by Sara Tolchin
“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” — Aristotle
I think in terms of writing poetry, Aristotle definitely had it right. To develop as a writer, you need to practice until writing is a habit. And although there’s a lot to be
said for flashes of inspiration, and quantity doesn’t necessarily lead to quality, writing of any merit has a lot to do with perseverance. But in case I start sounding pompous, I’ll finish with another quote I think is appropriate to writers — as well as human beings in general:
“Only with courage can we withstand the path of knowledge.” Don Juan
Enjoy the poems!
Somewhere
by Emily Kischell
Saw you through the window
in your suit of red bark
your fingers of fog curling under glass
to grab my hair,
salt me with bay,
and fill my mouth with pollen.
My hands still smell of eucalyptus
from that climb I made on the teeth of your trees,
and I’ve heard your crashing
on the lips of waters everywhere.
My bones grew to the beat of your weather.
by Emily Kischell
Jerusalem
by Pnina Zoharah
1.
Hey Jerusalem city of bronze, city of Gold and light
Hey Jerusalem the mirror of the dark and the light in all
Hey Jerusalem the city of choices So why are you choosing ware
What is happening in the depth of your soul?
Hey Jerusalem that is in my heart
I am the violin for all your song
The love song of the king Solomon
Hey Jerusalem the City of dreams
Hey Jerusalem of stone, gold and light Hey Jerusalem city of love and Peace That’s how I choose to see you from now and forever
see her —
tousled hair, foam of time
curling in the reefs of space
Poisons
by Linea Larsen
Little Willow
by Emily Kischell
The adults are upstairs
hanging laughter on a book
I haven’t read yet
I walk in the garden section of Home Depot
Aisle after aisle, 15 foot tall shelves,
Stacked high with poisons for your choosing.
I dry my hair by the fire
and dream of a boy with fingernails of glass,
a skinny boy that smells like bilge —
edible, weed-like, ancient
Each day factories pour out more and more,
Shipping them to the store
Poisoning the core
Of our planet.
In some future he will sit with me
on an old stair detached from its labyrinth
while these hills of mudslide rivers
blow their foggy beards up our cuffs.
Picture this Blue/Green Earth
Floating in space
We are a closed system.
Whatever we produce, stays here with us.
There is no “Away.”
One with Cosmic Whole
Earth, Sky, Heart
Breathe
Is Now Life
— Alive
I AM
by Tristan Young
Though we flush away and dump away,
Into garbage cans, landfills, the ground, streams
And even the oceans,
It will always be with us.
There is no “Away.”
Oh, great surprise!
When it shows up again,
At our doorstep.
Lab tests find Cancer cells in
The bodies of beloveds or
The cells of Ourselves.
Wake up! The Time is Now.
I am the mischievous boy with the fire in his eyes who wears the masks of tragedy and comedy
I wonder when the world rose, and when it will fall
I hear the wolves singing their miraculous chorus of freedom
I see the full moon rise, higher and higher into the deepest of nights
I wonder when people will understand and accept other’s differences
I pretend that life is just one big joke, but the punch line is death
I feel the misty sea breeze as it gusts through my hair
I touch the feathered wings of the hawk before he soars to flight
I worry about my life for I have no cheat sheet to go by
I cry when I hear about animal abuse on the news
I understand that there is no helping the past, and that there is no use worrying over what might, should or could have been done
I say not to take life too seriously, after all, no one gets out alive!
I dream dreams filled with magic and wonder
I try to be myself and not pretend to be something I’m not
I hope for world peace
And I am the mischievous boy with the fire in his eyes who wears the masks of tragedy and comedy
dance with her —
and laugh as you place your heart on the pyre
that brittle souvenir, a trinket
then you shall read her with your teeth
drink of her from the chalice of your skull,
and shine.
2.
Fertilizers, Pesticides, Round-Up
Pest and critter killers
Germ killers in drains, bathrooms, floors
Even on our bodies.
by Jacob Barnett
The Three-Faced Kiss of Reality
I am the woman
who lives in your throat
knocking on jaws — treading in poison
It is my voice when you sing
bonewhite lullabies of earth and wife
in these moments before
your prayer grows ripe —
a yolk
in a box
hung on the branch of your rib
and I will breathe for you — corpselike dancer
in this gown torn to noose and shroud
my belt of fingers
and garland of skulls,
tongue, flushed as birds,
dangling from my teeth.
Our three-faced kiss of reality
spins the toy of time
my love.
3.
fearing the end, we cried out for shiva,
death conquerer — lord of plump meals and tea
we blinked our eyes at him
as stems topped with thirsty buds
begged his painted palms
to clap the call of birds
needle-beaked for sewing on the years,
but the goddess raised her grimace like a flag —
with eyes of nets
she cast her consort under toe,
ropes of eons bound his feet
anchored to her sword,
there was howling, then laughter
whose it was we could not tell
fierce mother had pulled us under
and skinned us with her tongue
with these newborn bodies, now
we crawl upon the earth
third eye upon the course of truth
one foot upon the thigh.
We welcome submissions of poetry or short prose
pieces for upcoming issues. Please send your work to
[email protected], or P.O. Box 17,
San Geronimo 94963. The deadline for the Winter
Issue is October 15, 2010. Thank you!
The Loft’s Autumn Dish
by Heather Richardson
It’s that time of year again when the lunches are packed, the lockers are open, the new
clothes are a must, and the kids jump back
into the new school year with a fresh new
outlook. Here at the Loft, we are super
hyped about the upcoming year as well, and jazzed about what’s to come.
Our summer programs were awesome! Camp was a blast wherein more than 60 families
joined us for one or more of our fun-filled five week sessions, which for the first time, were
held in the Loft and new Community Gym. An added bonus this summer was the addition
of our invaluable, funny, hardworking and responsible interns. Eleven kids, ranging in age
from 12-19 signed on this summer, working in all of our programs, including summer camp,
Summer Bridge, playgroup, the Zero music concert, and senior lunch Thursdays. Having the
teens help was such a pleasure and made our summer that much better.
Moving into fall, the Loft has SO much planned. To kick off the school year, we will have our
first Friday Night Live event on September 10 for a full filled night showing the fabulous and
fun PG-13 rated film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In October we have a Halloween bash planned,
which will include a costume contest and pumpkin carving competition. In November we are
heading to Cal-Skate in Rohnert Park to skate the day away. And in December, we will welcome winter with a cheery holiday party with cookies and craft making.
Our weekly afterschool schedule will mirror last year’s. The Loft will be open Monday through
Thursday, after school until 5:00 pm. Registration this year will remain the same as well, costing
$100 for the year, plus a $35 registration fee. Loft membership entitles members to an entire school
year of after school Loft time, Wednesdays with Buck, fun crafts, and a healthy snack each day.
After school classes will also be offered in the Loft this year. Twice a week the Loft will offer
metal work and ceramic/wood crafting through the Baulines Craft Guild. Building on last
year’s other successful programs, the fun and fabulous once monthly High School Girl’s Supper
Club will continue as well as the hugely successful Dungeons and Dragons Club.
So like I said, the Loft is in full swing and this year is going to be even better than the last. Get
your Loft registration packet at sgvcc.org and turn it in as soon as possible. Loft papers can
always be dropped off in the Loft, the Loft office, the school offices or the Community Center.
All Loft events are always promoted on the school email lists, Valley Yahoo list, TWACC and
sgvcc.org.
Looking forward to another fabulous year!
Summer Camp 2010
Camper Gloria and intern Mira
hanging out.
Camper Tevis making monster bubbles.
Group camp photo in the Loft.
Campers dining on camp-made pasta, bread and
greens from the school garden.
Intern Sadie with campers Sierra and Molly.
Camp Directors Howie Cort and Julie Young with
intern Mira.
Oscar, one of our youngest campers.
Cooper, Jack and Luke doing some summertime
drawing.
Sam, one of our awesome interns.
Interns Mira, Tiya and Ariel chillin on the couch.
Campers Philip, Aiden and Rockanui
designing a homemade game.
Kylie, Amber, and Gloria showing off their puff
ball creatures.
Wilderness Calls
by Paul Berensmeier
The Native Trail
Spending more time with the native community in the Valley, I began
to think differently. On my daily Valley run I started going to the Rock
Circle and making a prayer to the sunrise. One morning, feeling particularly aligned with native mind, I became intricately aware of my steps
and approach to the Rock Circle. The raw eroded trench trail didn’t feel
right. This led to the discovery of a secret, narrow, pine cone covered
trail. I slowed down . . . my feet silently caressing the soft path . . . each
step a prayer. The little native trail suddenly came alive to my senses: fresh morning smell of
pine; first light -- blood red -- spilling, dappling onto everything; soft breeze making silver spider threads dance . . . a tunnel trail of shimmering light. I stopped, spellbound . . . listening.
Rat-a-tat-tat . . . rat-a-tat-tat. Pecking in threes. The Hairy Woodpecker. (I’d just learned
the sound by taking advice from an Elder and doing a silent native sit for an hour in the
forest!). When I focused on the silence I was amazed to pick up the faint rapid-fire pecking of a Pileated Woodpecker half a mile away. Then a very faint nibbling sound . . . three
chipmunks eating acorns above my head!
A faint familiar tension crept into my solar plexus, making me feel that I should move. I started
to move out of instinct . . . then stopped. A sudden realization struck me: the western mind
tends to move one on impulse, through discomfort or irritation to something usually unrelated
to what’s actually going on in the moment. Today I vowed to move in the native way . . . with
the shimmering webs . . . with the pecking of the woodpecker . . . with clear mind.
That’s when it happened, like a great shift had occurred. The Elder’s voice suddenly
popped right into my mind — “When you sit in your spot for an hour every day, the
animals will come to you” — for one of the chipmunks reappeared, this time on the
ground, and walked confidently toward me. It was such a surprise to witness a wild
animal without visible fear of a human. It walked right up to my feet and cocked a beady
little eye up at my face. Staring intently, I got the feeling it was saying, “We’ll it’s about
time you slowed down and became part of our world of nature!”
Try spending a native hour by yourself in the forest for an hour!!
Community
Wellness
by Christin Anderson, M.S.
What Does Practicing Wellness Really Mean?
Just as being “GREEN” has become mainstream and become a marketing tool, so too
the concept of “WELLNESS” has also become a common name for everything from vitamin departments in your local health food stores, to chiropractic practices, to the Kaiser
Permanente very comprehensive Prevention Programs as well as the University Wellness
Program that I managed for 20 Years at USF.
The program consisted of some traditional components such as health screening, immunizations to prevent illness, nutrition/weight management, outdoor education, cooking classes,
group physical activity classes, and the ever popular Community High Teas that brought
people together for celebrating and networking.
Many of these activities, such as yoga, walking groups, and dance classes eventually were little
communities for the participants. It was in these weekly classes where people seemed to thrive.
They took their lunch breaks, met friends, had some physical activity and had time for a little
reflection. People look forward to these events and activities. It enriched their lives.
And so it seems that people are happiest and healthiest when their social, emotional, physical,
intellectual, environmental, and, finally, spiritual needs are met. In fact this is the true Paradigm of
Wellness. It’s true, you can be perfectly well without ever taking a vitamin. Some individuals have
a natural knack for living the wellness lifestyle while others are very challenged in one or all six
components of wellness. Emotional hardiness, the ability to nurture oneself as well as others, and
education or awareness are essential ingredients for making those healthy choices for wellness.
Now that our own San Geronimo Valley Community Center is embarking on developing
a home grown wellness program, let us know about your personal interests and needs with
regard to services for our Valley Community Wellness. You can e-mail me at sgvchristin@
gmail.com.
Valley Environmental
News
by Debra Amerson
Drastic Plastic… the bottled water conundrum
According to Andrea Fuller in Quality of Bottled Water Questioned in
Congress, “In 2008, Americans drank 8.6 billion gallons of bottled water,
double the amount of a decade ago, with more than half saying they drink
it because it is safer and healthier than tap water. Yet, while the Environmental Protection Agency regulates tap water, the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water, which is considered a food,
so there are no real regulations placed on bottled water sold in America.”
The bottled water marketing execs have done a fantastic job portraying crappy water to the public as pristine, healthy and sourced directly from the world’s exotic mountain springs. Musician
Sheryl Crowe publically stated that she believes that her breast cancer a few years ago was caused
by drinking bottled water left in her car. She believed that the heated plastic bottle leached
dioxin into the drinking water and that traces of dioxin were found in her breast tissue and many
other women’s. Yikes, who has not sipped off a half drunken water bottle left in the car?
Collectively, we could make a significant environmental and health impact if we just stopped buying
bottled water. I’m certainly guilty of buying water. When I forget to carry my re-usable water bottle
and am super thirsty, I break down and buy it. One allowance I make is overseas travel to foreign
countries with unsafe drinking water. There’s really no easy choice other than buying and drinking
bottled water.
Last year, we bought a reverse Osmosis water filter from http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/ and we are drinking delicious water with 99% of contaminants
filtered out. According to the free drinking water website, “bottled/delivered
water = $0.79/gal RO water = $0.02/gal. Saving $ 0.77/gal. If you use 3 gallons per day that’s 1,095 gallon per year, saving you $ 843 per year!” In addition to saving money, installing a good quality water filter at home allows you
to refill tasty, healthy drinking water in a reusable plastic or stainless steel water
bottle. Why pay good money on inferior and unhealthy bottled drinking water?
Instead, I suggest investing a few bucks in 3 or 4 good reusable water bottles.
You’ll be helping to protect our environment, cutting your carbon footprint
and hydrating your body with delicious filtered water or free local tap water.
The following safe, BPA free water bottles can be purchased online. Many of
the reusable water bottles can purchased at local retailers like REI.
Kor One Hydration Vessel: Sleek, these hinged bottles can be opened and closed with one hand.
A percentage of profits go to environmental causes. ($30, www.korwater.com)
Tappening Bottles: Plastic and stainless steel water bottles created to promote the pro-tap water
slogan, “Think Global. Drink Local,” is safe, colorful and sends a message. ($15 to $19, www.
tappening.com)
Personalized Sigg Bottles: Popular colorful stainless steel Sigg bottles can be personalized with
a name or a symbol. ($25 and up, www.greensender.com and my own artwork printed on Sigg
Bottles can be found at www.cafepress.com/damersondesign)
CamelBak Better Bottle Insulated Stainless: Ever a popular brand with outdoorsy types, the new
dual-walled stainless bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and keeps condensation from forming on
the outside of the bottle. ($30, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI)
Earthlust: Get fun and fashionable with these lightweight stainless steel bottles emblazoned with
cool designs like goldfish and peacock feathers. ($16 to $21, www.shopkirdevries.com)
Watergeeks Laboratories: Filtered sport and stainless steel bottles come with a replaceable filter
that filters tap or drinking-fountain water. ($15 to $20, www.thewatergeeks.com)
Debra Amerson leads deeper greeN, an interior landscape and decorative arts firm that creates soulful
& healthy spaces that connect people with the spiritual aspects of nature and rejuvenate peoples lives —
indoors & out. (415) 250-9622, www.deepergreen.org.
Wildfire Preparedness in the San Geronimo Valley
by Ken Massucco, Marin County Fire Chief
The 2010 fire season got off to a fast start with firefighters responding to several wildland fires
throughout the County during July. Some of these fires posed a threat to several homes, however,
thanks to a quick regional response from agencies throughout Marin supported by CAL Fire air
resources, the fires were quickly controlled. The 2010 fires will be added to Marin’s long history of
wildland fires. Even though these were contained quickly, others have not been. Some of the largest
fires in Marin have been in the San Geronimo Valley and West Marin, these include;
1923
Fire burned from Ignacio to Woodacre; scorched 40,000 acres and destroyed 35
homes in Woodacre
1945
Fire burned from the mill site where Kent Lake is now to Barth’s Retreat on the
north slope of Mt. Tam. The fire consumed 18,000 acres of brush and valuable timber.
1965 Chileno Valley Fire burned 2,600 acres and several ranches.
1995 Mt. Vision Fire burned 12,076 acres and destroyed 48 homes.
The Marin County Fire Chiefs in an effort to help our residents be better prepared before and
during a wildfire have launched a new program this year called “Ready, Set, Go!” More information about this program and how it will help you can be obtained by visiting the Ready,
Set, Go! website at www.readysetgomarin.org
The main principles behind the program are:
READY: The concept is simple. The first phase—Ready—teaches homeowners to prepare their
property well in advance of a fire.
GET SET: The Set phase of the program stresses emergency preparedness and situational awareness.
GO: Early evacuation is a key component in RSG.
Getting to the Ready, Set, Go! website and developing a plan for you and your family will help
you be prepared. However, whether you are able to visit the Ready, Set, Go! site or not, there
are a few minimum efforts you can take for making your home safer and to help prepare yourself and your family from a wildland fire. These include:
Mt. Vision fire, 1995.
I would also suggest you prepare an evacuation checklist and think about organizing the
following items:
◆◆ Critical medications
◆◆ Important personal documents, photos, etc.
◆◆ Essential valuables
◆◆ Prepare for pet and livestock transport
◆◆ Change of clothing and toiletries
◆◆ Cell Phone
◆◆ Creating 100 feet of defensible space.
◆◆ An evacuation route map with at least two routes out.
◆◆ Limb trees 8-10 feet off the ground.
◆◆ Drive your planned route of escape before an actual emergency*
◆◆ Remove leaves and needles from roofs and gutters.
◆◆ Keep firewood and lumber at least 10 feet from structures.
◆◆ If you do evacuate, leave your lights on. This will make it easier for firefighters to find
your house during the night or smoky conditions.
◆◆ Clear driveway of flammable vegetation 15 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally from
edge of a driveway.
*During an evacuation law enforcement/emergency personnel may determine your escape
route.
◆◆ Make sure attic vents, the underside of decks and balconies are properly screened to prevent ember intrusion.
◆◆ Post a clearly marked address sign. (During a large wildland fires resources would respond
from throughout Marin or even from neighboring counties. Critical time can be lost if
the street and address are not clearly marked).
Movie Muse
by Peter Oppenheimer
After several trips to the multiplex this summer proved less than
inspiring (Solitary Man — intriguing but slight; Inception — flashy
but over-heated and hard to follow or swallow; and The Kids Are All
Right — a winner until its ending, which felt to me like a betrayal,
maddeningly dismissive of one of the main characters), I decided to
revisit one of my all-time favorite films, Wings of Desire, co-written
and directed by Wim Wenders. Wings of Desire is a mystical fairytale
about angels who, unseen to all but children, roam the world, observing the ways of men and women, and on occasion delicately and unobtrusively intervene
through the gentle lifting of people’s spirits.
The screenplay, originally in German, is extremely poetic, making Wings of Desire the most
literate of cinematic experiences, and perhaps therefore not everyone’s cup of tea. The story is
introduced by a poem, mentally recited by the angel Damiel, who serves as the main protagonist of the drama that is to follow.
When a child was a child,
It was the time of these questions:
Why am I me and why not you?
Why am I here and not there?
When did time begin,
And where does space end?
Isn’t life under the sun just a dream?
Isn’t what I see, hear & smell
Just the mirage of a world before the world?
Does Evil actually exist?
And are there people who are really evil?
How can it be that I, who am I, wasn’t before I was;
And that sometime I, the one I am,
No longer will be the one I am?
Your firefighters train hard and make countless preparations to be ready for a wildfire, the residents of the San Geronimo Valley need to do the same.
Have a safe and wonderful summer.
These questions suggest something of the innocence and inquisitiveness, which is at the heart of both
the tone and content of this film. Damiel, played expertly by Bruno Ganz, walks (unseen) amidst
the citizens of Berlin, listening to their thoughts, a flashing potpourri of concerns about romantic
problems, financial affairs, family issues, fond or regretful memories, things to do, getting older, what
they’ll have for dinner, and so on. At one point he listens to the suicidal thoughts of a despondent
man on the subway and sits beside him, placing his arm around the man’s shoulders and resting
his head on the man’s head. As he does this we can hear the man’s thoughts slowly but significantly
brighten, moving from hopelessness toward a cautious optimism.
The dramatic tension of the film derives from Damiel’s enchantment with the ways of life and
mankind. Though immortal himself, he comes to envy mortals and to wish to become one
himself, which we learn is an option for angels. At one point Damiel and one of his angel comrades are reminiscing about having witnessed the dawn of mankind, the evolution of language
and laughter, of fire, dancing, signs and writing, and war. But witnessing is no longer enough.
Damiel proclaims how he “wants to enter the stream of history, to play a role in transmuting it
and to transform oneself.” And after a pause, “If only to hold an apple in my hand.”
Damiel, takes a special interest in a pretty and rather melancholy trapeze artist in a traveling
circus and by degrees falls in love with her. At another point he begins a catalog of the things
he would love to fully experience as a human with a body and senses — “bread and wine,
hopping, Easter, the veins of leaves, the blowing grass, the color of stone, pebbles on a
stream’s bed, the white table cloth outdoors, the dear one asleep in the next room, the peaceful Sundays, the horizon, riding a bicycle with no hands, the beautiful stranger….”
About two-thirds through the film Damiel indeed decides to make the leap, giving a new meaning to the term “fallen angel,” and the rest of the film chronicles his experiences as a human, with
all the ups and downs such a state grants us, including his encounters and relationship with the
trapeze artist of his fancy. Peter Falk plays himself with a twist, as an American actor in Berlin for
a shoot, who for some reason is able to sense Damiel’s presence before the “fall” and recognize him
after it. The revelation of why is another of the film’s small marvels.
Wings of Desire requires a certain patience and contemplative frame of mind. It is mostly in
black and while and does not unfold with the normal dramatic arc we have come to expect
from narrative films. Some scenes go on a bit too long whereas others pass by in a flash (how
like life!). For the more multiplex-minded I might recommend City of Angels, the dumbeddown and gussied-up Hollywood “remake” of Wings of Desire. But for those with the patience
and a literary bent of mind Wings of Desire is a richly rewarding, quietly rapturous, tribute to
the small wonders and many miracles of our human life in this “mortal coil.”
Milestones
If you know of any significant celebrations, births, deaths, achievements, etc., please forward them to
[email protected] for publication in Stone Soup.
This is a sad column as it marks the passing of well known and loved Valley residents.
Deepest sympathy to the family and many friends of Barbara Smith
Prather, 96, who passed away peacefully at home in San Geronimo,
lovingly surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 30. Barbara was
born in Futehpur, India, of Presbyterian missionary parents. She
returned to the Bay Area as a child, and attended Marin Junior College
where she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Prather. She graduated from San Francisco State College in 1938 with a B.A. Degree in
English. In 1957, Barbara and family moved to San Geronimo, joined
the San Geronimo Presbyterian Church, became involved in the community; helped create a master plan for the San Geronimo Valley,
worked to pass a bond measure to expand the local school and chaired
the church’s annual Holly Fair for many years. Barbara served on the West Marin Senior Services
Board, assisting seniors in many ways. Barbara and Bob were also volunteers with a global community renewal organization, the Institute of Cultural Affairs. She is survived by her children Hale
Prather (Nancy) of Marin City, Nancy Johnson (Samuel) of Santa Maria, and Margaret Krauss
(Kit) of San Geronimo. She has eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and two great great
grandchildren. Donations to honor Barbara may be made to the San Geronimo Presbyterian
Church for the Preschool Remodel Fund.
Sympathy as well to the family and many friends of Roy Winchester who passed away on
July 19 at the age of 71. Roy was well known as a Valley real estate expert, and helped many
current Valley residents in purchasing their homes. He also was frequently encountered
on golf courses, tennis courts, and streams with a fishing rod in his hands doing things he
enjoyed. His wife and family were the most important part of his life. Roy and his wife,
Kay, lived in Woodacre for approximately 40 years. His children Shaila and Cody grew up
here and attended local schools. In addition to Kay, Cody, and Shaila, Roy is survived by
Shaila’s husband David Jaffe, Cody’s wife Franka, and four grandchildren: Lukas, Trinity,
Reuben, and Trevor.
Deepest sympathies as well to the family and friends of Beverly Molina-Jones who passed away
on May 16, 2010, after a short battle with cancer. Many in the Valley remember Bev as the director for 20 years of the preschool at the San Geronimo Presbyterian Church. She also created and
directed a nature study program at UCCR. She is survived by her husband Gary Jones of Lincoln,
California, her son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Susie Molina, her daughter Karyn Press, and 3
grandchildren. She was born April 20, 1936 in Stockton. She retired to Lincoln 10 years ago and
was a very active member of that community. Family meant everything to her.
Our respects to Duane Irving who passed away in July. Duane spent his entire life in and
around Nicasio. With Joyce Goldfied, he founded and ran Halleck Creek Therapeautic
Riding Ranch.
There is also happy news!
Michael Stocker from Ocean Conservation Research in Lagunitas was sponsored by the US
Navy to participate in an “interagency workshop on the impacts of noise on marine mammals.” Michael has worked on this issue since 1992.
Two teachers from the San Geronimo Valley were among those honored with Golden Bell
awards from the Marin County Office of Education at a ceremony at the end of May for
the 2009 -2010 school year: Marcellyn Smith, from Woodacre, who teaches Spanish at San
Marin High School, and Laurel Marinelli from San Geronimo, a Resource Specialist at
Manor Elementary in Fairfax.
Joshua Bastacky of San Geronimo celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with family and friends at
the Community Center on Saturday, July 24. Joshua Witt of Woodacre celebrated his Bar
Mitzvah in Jerusalem at the Kotel, the Western Wall of the Temple, on his birthday, July 3.
Joshua and his dad, Philip spent part of the summer in Israel. Both the Bastacky and Witt
families are members of Gan HaLev, the Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley.
Jordan and Kate Reeser of Woodacre are the proud parents of newborn daughter, Anabelle
Jordan, who was born on July 13.
Liz and David Lauter’s youngest daughter, Marguerite of Forest Knolls, graduated from
UC Berkeley in History with “High Honors” and in Art. Eldest daughter, Devorah, just
announced that she is engaged to Jean-Bernard. They plan to marry in Paris and in Forest
Knolls next July 2011.
In August, after another summer as counselor and lifeguard at Camp Winnarainbow, Hannah
Pearl Warner (Lagunitas School class of ‘03) is travelling again to Peru with Patch Adams through
Gesundheit!.org and a group of other humanitarians. They work within the village of Belen
outside Iquitos, on the Amazon. She would greatly appreciate Valley residents’ help in funding
these trips by contributions made out to Patch Adams, mailed to her address: HPW, PO Box
345, Forest Knolls, CA 94933. This very special organization brings not only smiles and fun but
clothing and food, and training teams. It partners with other organizations to provide clean water,
upgrade homes, and educate the people to help themselves.
Cheryl Fromhoizer is opening an herb shop, holistic health and educational resource center
in September. It’s called Gathering Thyme and is at 226 and 228 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.,
San Anselmo. Downstairs at 226 SFD is a retail business — focusing on selling high quality herbal and dietary supplements, bulk herbs, essential oils, flower essences and natural
body care products. Upstairs is a holistic health center with a broad diversity of practitioners
including Emily Bender, nutritionist, and Joan Green, midwife, as well as an acupunturist,
massage therapist, herbalist, sound healer and spa services. They will also conduct lots of
workshops in holistic health. It will be a green-certified business.
Gym Schedule for September,
Ocober & November
by Dave Cort
Monday
3:00 to 4:30 pm: Open Gym for LOFT members
4:30 to 6:00 pm: Women’s Open Gym Basketball
6:00 to 8:00 pm: Middle School and High School Boys Open Gym Basketball with Eddie
Joe and Buck Chavez.
Tuesday
5:30 to 7:30 pm: Middle School and High School Girls Open Gym Basketball with Eddie
Joe and Buck Chavez.
Wednesday
2:00 to 3:30 pm: Open Gym for kids of all ages with Buck Chavez
6:30 to 9:00 pm: Adult Open Gym Basketball
Thursday
6:00 to 8:00 pm: Sweat Your Prayers
Friday
7:00 to 9:00 pm: Open Gym for Middle School Boys w/Buck Chavez
Saturday:
To Be Decided
Sunday:
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Table Tennis for adults and kids at all skill levels w/Jack Sayers
We would like to have a Volleyball Open Gym. If anyone is interested in coordinating volleyball or bringing any other activities to the Gym, please call Dave at 488-4118 ext 219 or
email [email protected].
San Geronimo Creek
Upland Habitat
Restoration Project
by Linda Dahl, Director & General Manager,
Marin County Open Space District
San Geronimo Creek provides some of the best remaining habitat for coho salmon in the entire state.
Healthy salmon habitat begins with the stewardship of watershed lands and drainages that feed the
creek. While the roads and trails that crisscross these drainages are necessary for public access, recreation, maintenance, and fire protection, they can also have adverse effects on habitat and water quality through the contribution of sediment. For these reasons, the Marin County Open Space District
(MCOSD) has embarked on a multiyear effort to improve the condition of
roads in our Giacomini Preserve.
Through funding from the California
Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG), the MCOSD is carrying out
road and trail improvement projects
that will directly benefit salmon habitat, as well as visitors to the Giacomini
Preserve. To guide our work, the
MCOSD commissioned a geotechnical
assessment of nearly 30 miles of roads
and trails on MCOSD lands in the
San Geronimo Creek Watershed. This
assessment identified more than one
hundred sites where improvements were
Open Space crew working in the Gary Giacomini Reserve.
needed. Left untreated these sites would
have the potential to deliver sediment
into San Geronimo Creek. This geotechnical assessment became the basis of our San Geronimo
Creek Upland Habitat Restoration Project.
In 2008, with assessment in hand, and armed with $312,000 in funding from CDFG’s Fisheries
Grant Restoration Program, we began our restoration efforts. Our work on the Sylvestris Fire Road
involved the hydrological disconnection of the road from the surrounding streams, the improvement
of wet crossings, and the replacement of failed culverts, all of which accomplished the overall goal
of reducing erosion and sedimentation. By all accounts, the work was a huge success. In 2009, we
began to address roads and trails above Woodacre Creek (a tributary to San Geronimo Creek). This
work is made possible by another $240,000 in funding from CDFG, and will be completed in 2011.
We currently are working on improvements to the Contour and Candelero Canyon Roads, which
will take us through October. The work on these two abandoned roads is considered to be the centerpiece of our San Geronimo Creek Upland Habitat Restoration Project.
This overall effort will greatly contribute to the health of the salmon population in the Valley, while
also improving the experience for many visitors to the Giacomini Preserve, who use its roads and
trails for recreation. For more information about this restoration work, please contact Resource
Specialist Matt Sagues at [email protected] or (415) 507-2686.
We encourage you to patronize our
advertisers— please let them know
you saw their ad in Stone Soup.
Credits
Stone Soup is printed four times a year and reflects the diverse cultural interests of the
Community Center and the Valley. Though it is a publication of the San Geronimo Valley
Community Center, it is meant as a journal for everyone in or around the Valley. We are
interested in your input. If you have any comments, ideas for articles or columns, news,
art, stories, poetry, photography, or information for the Milestones column, please forward
them to: The Stone Soup Editorial Committee c/o San Geronimo Valley Community
Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. P.O. Box 194, San Geronimo, CA 94963. Phone
415-488-8888 • Fax: 488-9398 • email: [email protected], or visit www.sgvcc.org.
Stone Soup does not exercise editorial control on the content of submissions by organizations, byline columnists, or display ads. We reserve the right to refuse to publish ads
or submissions.
Editorial Committee: Barbara & Larry Brauer, Dave Cort, Don Holmlund
Proofreading: Dave Cort, Hannah Doress, Larry Rippee, Suzanne Sadowsky
Production: Wordsworth
Printing: Marin Sun
Ads: Larry Rippee
Center Board of Directors:
Anne McClain, President
Marian H. Cremin, LCSW, Vice President
Don Holmlund, Treasurer
Barbara Swift Brauer, Secretary
Debra Amerson
Christin Anderson
John Beckerley
John Carroll
Liza Crosse
Lila Friday
Helen Zucker
Jean Berensmeier, Founder
Community
Calendar
September
Community Center Staff Directory
and Phone Extensions
488-8888 (be sure to press # before dialing the ext.)
Wed 1
Sat 4
5:30 – 9:30 pm
Wed 8
6:30 pm
Thur 9 10:00 am Fri
10
5:30–9:30 pm
Sat 11 5:30 pm
Sun 12
11 am – 5 pm
4 – 7 pm
Wed 15
2 – 6:30 pm
6:30 pm
Sat 18
9:30 am
Sun 19
11:00 am
Mon 20
6-10 pm Wed 22
3:30 pm
Fri
24
5:30–10:30 pm
7:30 pm
CYO Basketball Registration Begins
High School Girls Supper Club
Gan HaLev Rosh Hashana Service
Gan HaLev Rosh Hashanah Service
Loft Movie Night Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
5th Annual Community Center Gala Family Fun Day
Art Reception: Priscilla Patey & Griffe Griffith
Lions Blood Drive
Back to School Night
Gan HaLev Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service
Gan HaLev Yom Kippur Service
Dads and Daughters Day BBQ
KWMR Remote Broadcast HCC Meeting
Parent’s Night Out
Film Night: Wall-e
Online
Loft
Comm Center
Comm Center
Loft
SGV Golf Course
Lag School
Comm Center
SGV Golf Course
Lag. School
Comm Center
Comm Center
Stinson Beach
Comm. Center
Comm Center
Loft
Comm Center
Sat 2
5:30 – 9:30 pm
Thur 7 10 am – 5 pm
Sat 9
10 am – noon
Sun 10 4–7 pm Thur 14
2–5 pm
Fri
15
5:30–10:30 pm
Sat 16
7:00 pm
Sat 23
8:00 pm
Valley Health Days All Day Health Fair
TINA Deli-toDeli Stroll
Laura Kradjin Cronin Art reception Valley Health Fair
Parents Night Out
St. Cecilia’s Rummage Sale
Palm Wine Boys
Joe New
Loft
Comm Center
Woodacre
Comm Center
Comm Center
Loft
St. Cecilia’s
Comm Center
Comm Center
Sat 6
8:00 pm
5:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri
12
4–9:00 pm
5:30–10:30 pm
Sat 13
10 am–3 pm
Sun 14 4–7 pm Sun 21 4:00 pm
Wed 24
Sandra Valls, Comedy
Holly Fair
Parents Night Out
Holly Fair
Art Recption: Jenny Hunter Groat, Harry Cohen
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Thanksgiving Food Distribution & Health Fair
Comm Center
Loft
Presby. Church
Room 9
Presby. Church
Comm. Center
St. Cecilia’s
Comm Center
October
November
December
Sat 4
1 – 6 pm
5:30 – 9:30 pm
Adult
Classes
at the
Center
Regular Meetings and Events
Community Center Board mtg.
Healthy Comm. Collaborative
Lions Club Dinner
4-H Meeting
Nutrition Advisory Council
School Board mtg.
Lag. Ed. Foundation (LEAP) mtg.
F.L.A.G.ship Bookmobile
Serenity Knolls After Care mtg.
SGV Planning Group WIC Board Meeting
Rainbow Playgroup
Rainbow Playgroup
Senior Lunch
Artists' Receptions
Marin County Library Bookmobile
SGV Al-Anon Family Group
Dungeons & Dragons Club
2nd Thursday
2nd Wednesday
4th Thursday
2nd Wednesday
4th Thursday
3rd Tuesday
1st Monday
2nd/4thWednesday
Every Tuesday
2nd Monday 3rd Tuesday
Every Tuesday Every Thursday Every Thursday
2nd Sunday
2nd Thursday
Thursdays
1st & 3rd Friday
6:00 pm
Com Center
3:30 pm
Com Center
7–9 pm
TBA
6:30 pm
Com Center
3:30 pm
Com Center
6:00 pm
Lag. School
7:00 pm
Lag. School
12:30 pm Com Center
7:00 pm
Com Center
7:30 pm
Com Center
7:00 pm
WIC
10–noon Room 9
10–noon Room 9
Noon
Com Center
4:00 pm
Com Center
1:15–2:15 pm Com Center
7–8 pm
Presby. Church
7–9 pm
Loft
SGVCC Website
Holiday Arts Faire
DAY
Mondays Mondays
Mondays
Tuesdays
Tuesdays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Thursdays
Thursdays
Thursdays
Thursdays Thursdays
Saturdays
Saturdays
Dave Cort, Center Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#224
[email protected]
Suzanne Sadowsky, Associate Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #251
[email protected]
Hannah Doress, Event Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#253
[email protected]
Larry Rippee, Visual Arts Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#252
[email protected]
Susan Shannon, Youth Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loft
[email protected]
Julie Young, Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loft
[email protected]
Lynn Charne, VAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #214
[email protected]
Alison Pringle, VAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#214
[email protected]
Alex Cusick, School Readiness, First 5 Marin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #209
[email protected]
Heather Richardson, Youth Program, Family Advocate, First 5 . . .#209 or Loft
[email protected]
Jennifer B. Justice, Facilities Manager, First 5 Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . #250
[email protected]
Joseph Piekutoski, Human Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#254
[email protected]
The Loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .488-4118, ext. 218
Gym Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 488-4118, ext. 219
Comm Center
Loft
CLASS
T’ai Chi Gentle Yoga
Total Body Sculpting Core Exercises
Corematics
Pilates with Props
Zumba
Morning T'ai Chi Class
Family Dog 1
Corematics
Gentle Chair Yoga
Sweat Your Prayers
Argentine Tango Fundamentals
Introductory Astrology
Gentle Yoga
Cultivating Herbal Medicine Woman
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s weekly listing of events
and activities is posted on our regularly updated website. Visit us at:
www.sgvcc.org. Email us at [email protected] to join our email list.
TIME
8:30–9:30 am
10:00–11:15 am
6:30 pm
7:30–8:30 am
12:30–1:30 pm
6:00–7:00 pm
8:30–9:30 am
9:00 am
7:00–8:00 pm
7:30–8:30 am
9:00 am
11:00–11:50 am
6:00–8:00 pm
6:30–8:00 pm
7:00–9:00 pm
10:00–11:15 am
9:30 am–5:30 pm
TEACHER
CONTACT START DATE
Jacob Barnett 488-4458
Ongoing
Florence Schneider
488-4869 x 2 Ongoing
Suzanne Shelly
Ongoing
George Adams
488-1084
Ongoing
Pranava Levine
482-8689
Starts 9/7
Cathy Davis
669-7112
Starts 9/14
Kenn Chase
488-4213
Ongoing
Suzanne Shelly
Ongoing
Holly McArthur
259-9481
Starts 9/8
George Adams
488-1084
Ongoing
Suzanne Shelly
Ongoing
Florence Schneider
D. Taurek & J. Burner
Ongoing
Janet Lott
272-4811
Ongoing
Arisa Victor
Starts 9/16
Florence Schneider
Kami McBride
707-446-1290 Monthly

Homegrown Hero — Gary Giacomini

Transcription

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