FPA Blog

Forestville News & Events, November 2019

Keeping Connected

by Lucy Hardcastle

This issue recommends we embrace what we value. If community is what you value, you are not alone. Studies show that real interaction with real human beings far surpasses any electronic connections for helping us feel we have value. So, along with hanging out on Facebook or Instagram (which may or may not help you feel a part of a community) find ways to connect in person.

It could be by belonging to an already established group, such as a church, school or club. I’ve met several Forestville people lately who find great satisfaction being part of Indivisible and Sister Districts. Those groups help them feel they can make a difference politically. Others I know are part of Rotary or for me, Soroptimists. My group puts on events to raise money for scholarships for women. We have fun, do some pretty wonderful things for single moms trying to further their education, and it’s been a great way for me to feel I belong.

Once in a while for connection I go to the Sebastopol Senior Center for lunch. The folks there have a great time interacting. It’s an upbeat scene. One which counteracts loneliness, which is dangerous when one is elderly and having trouble getting around and staying connected.

In fact, the very active Sebastopol Senior Center is putting on a Panel Discussion and Resource Fair Saturday, November 2 from 12 to 2:30 at their Center on 167 N. High Street in Sebastopol. Come find out about all the services and resources available to you and/or your aging parents. They’ll be discussing housing, transportation, benefits and more. It’s free.

Closer to home on November 2nd is the annual Methodist Church Craft Fair from 9-2. Lots of interesting crafts along with home-made pies to buy. Yummy. Their monthly Soul Café the following weekend Sunday, November 17 from 5- 6:30 features Honey Bee and the Pollinators. Their band serves up a blend of swing, jump and jive plus jazz. Goatlandia will be serving up the soup and salad this time around. It’s a great spot to meet friends or make new ones.

Yet another choice for Saturday, November 2 from 4 to 8:30 pm at the Guerneville Vets Hall is the El Molino Boosters Club BBQ. They raise money to support all things El Mo such as dance, culinary, ag, art, clubs, media, theater, makers, builders, Project Grad, library, College & Career Center, Leadership, special events and athletics. I attended last month’s Homecoming football game. It was amazing where the Lions towered over the Healdsburg Hounds 55 to 6. For exciting games, you can also watch the Lady Lions Volleyball team. Talk about team spirit! Playing, or even watching El Mo sports right in the gym or on the field can keep you energized and connected.

Speaking of sports, did you know Forestville is closer than ever to getting our own Skatepark? The tireless promoters remind skaters, bmxers (bike rider), contractors and energizers to join in on this project and make it happen. You can go to forestvilleskatespot.com to connect with their community of supporters. Pretty cool people actually.

Have you noticed Nightingale Bakery has extended its hours and offerings? Go online to check out what kinds of breads they are making on any given day. They have added quick breads along with cinnamon rolls on Saturday and scones on Sundays. Open W-F from 11 to 6 and Sat. and Sun. from 10-4.

Forestville School is producing a fun play called Curiosity Cats at 6:30 on December 7th, 13th and 14th with matinees on the 8th and 15th at 1:30 pm in the small auditorium. It’s produced of course by our own special Nicolle Huberty and features middle schoolers, adding about 10 primary school kids as kittens. My grand daughter will love it.

And last but not least as a way to connect with your very own community is to bring some cookies to the Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 1st in the downtown Oaks park starting around 4 pm. The Forestville Chamber is hosting this event for us and will be passing out free hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and free hot dogs too! I love how many different kinds of cookies show up that night. And kids get to visit with Santa Claus too! Thank you Chamber for doing this for the town! We value these events because they keep us connected!