ON: September 24, 2022 Edition

oVA Working With c ity for better, s afer evacuation

nAl Haggerty

The Oakmont Village Association is working with Santa Rosa on a “zoning overlay” in its new General Plan which would provide Oakmont with better and safer evacuation and streamline OVA’s permitting and approval processes with the city.

Jesse Marzak, OVA Board President, outlined OVA’s proposal at the Sept. 20 board meeting. It would change the zoning for the broader

commercial properties in Oakmont’s central area to “neighborhood commercial” and its land use classification to “neighborhood mixed use.”

The properties include all of Oakmont’s buildings in the central area and all the commercial buildings near the central area, including the service station,

go beyond Vents to Improve home Defenses

In a town hall called Home Hardening 2.0, Iris Harrell and Dave Watts laid out a blueprint for taking steps to protect the most vulnerable areas of a structure and reduce the risk of loss from a wildfire.

Harrell, an OVA director, said while many Oakmonters have screened foundation and attic vents with 1/8-inch mesh or less, home hardening 2.0 encourages owners to go further and seek out other areas of the house that can be made more fire resilient.

Calling the roof “the biggest solid piece of a home” for embers to ignite, Harrell highlighted obvious and not-so-obvious places to reduce risk. She also cited low-cost measures, such as rubber gasket seals for garage doors and adding aluminum “L” trim,

advisable where deck material meets the home siding. She also recommended enclosing roof cubbies and eaves to reduce risk.

The steps she and Watts, chairperson of the Firewise Resource Committee, recommended range from replacing single paned windows and using metal fencing to closing deck gaps and even re-facing all outer walls with noncombustible Hardie board.

The presenters focused on structural vulnerabilities. One such area is fencing/gates, which under OVA policy and city codes must be metal or of noncombustible material in the zero- to five-foot area

calfire o pens fire center here

Cal Fire’s opening this month of the Hood Mountain Fire Center puts fire prevention and suppression crews across the highway from Oakmont.

“Oakmont won’t rest until we are fully prepared,” County Supervisor Susan Gorin told a small crowd

of mostly firefighters at the Sept. 8 opening of the fire center off Pythian Road. “I feel safer today knowing that Cal Fire has additional firefighters and equipment based in the Sonoma Valley to help defend the eastern flanks of the county during wildfire season,” Gorin said in a statement. She lost her home in an earlier

President’s message

nJess Marzak, OVA Board President

The City of Santa Rosa will be finalizing an updated General Plan 2035 over the next two months.

Required by state law, the General Plan addresses issues related to the physical development and growth of Santa Rosa over the next 20 to 25 years and represents a community’s aspirations for the future. It guides the city’s planning and zoning functions as well as the funding of public improvement projects, such as parks and streets.

As a part of that process, Oakmont also has the opportunity to update the Plan’s description of our community. Any recommendation we make to the city would require city approval.

Why now? This is an opportune time to evaluate our own long-range planning efforts, including work on better and safer evacuation—all in concert with the city’s General Plan update that is just weeks away from being approved. Oakmont is currently designated a Planned Development. Recently, OVA has been in discussions with city planners to provide a zoning overlay for the broader commercial properties in Oakmont’s central area to give flexibility for development in the future. These properties would include all of Oakmont’s buildings in the central area, and all of the commercial buildings near the central area including the gas station, Oakmont Gardens, retail spaces and the restaurant. The proposed new land use classification would be NMU (neighborhood mixed use) and the zoning designation would be CN (Neighborhood Commercial).

Mixed use is a planning strategy that can serve the economy, community, public health, and environment. It can be a useful tool for encouraging compact development in designated growth areas, innovative land use management and efficient multimodal transportation systems.

By seeking an amendment to change our description to NMU, Oakmont can benefit on several levels. Most important would be the ability to streamline our permitting and approval processes with the city. In addition, changing land use and zoning classifications will allow future developments to be completed much more quickly and less expensively, which ultimately is the reason for making these changes.

Fire evacuation routes rose to the top of our recent 2030 community conversations. Our discussions with the city and our insistence that the General Plan address fire safety and evacuation are all pertinent to the process of amending our designation.

In June, the OVA board created an Ad Hoc committee to focus on creating additional wildfire evacuation routes for Oakmont. Christel Antone, our general manager, chairs that committee, with members Steve Spillman, who is chair of Oakmont

general Plan meeting

State Sen. Mike McGuire speaking at the Cal Fire opening. Supervisor Susan Gorin, looking on with crews from Cal Fire Blue Ridge and Glen Ellen Cal Fire trucks. (Photo by Julie Kiill)

Blue Ridge CalFire crewman with one of the chain saws required for vegetation management. (Photo by Julie Kiill)

CARING HOMECARE

Compassionate, Professional Specialist 3 to 24-hour care provided Health Matters Owner 707-480-0371

In celebration of Fall/Halloween we will be having an Open House. Join us on October 4 from 2–5 pm for Jack o’ Lantern Ice Cream Bowls and Hot Apple Cider.

o akmont 2030 next s teps town hall

nMarlena Tremont and Tom Kendrick, Oakmont 2030 Co-Chairs

An Oakmont 2030 Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 4 will summarize the community conversations that occurred this summer during Oakmont Today and Oakmont Tomorrow and will seek resident participation in nine working groups that are being formed around the major themes that came out of this summer’s meetings.

The Town Hall will be in the Berger Center starting at 1 p.m. on October 4.

Some ideas related to the themes involve activities that can (and will) be considered now, or are already being worked on by OVA staff and our various committees. 2030 Working Groups will focus on describing longer-term opportunities expected to require significant time or funding (or both) to accomplish. Themes that were uppermost in the minds of residents asked to envision Oakmont’s future included:

Life Safety: Focusing on future fire safety, safe evacuation for all Oakmont residents regardless of physical or mental ability, overall security, and control of traffic and speeding within Oakmont.

Maintenance and Modernization: Updating and maintaining Oakmont facilities to enhance their utility while managing costs and ensuring affordability.

Gathering Places: Providing new spacious and comfortable spaces to meet informally, talk or have a cup of coffee, both indoors and outdoors.

Improved Communications: Enhancing overall

P res ID ent’s mess Age Continued from page 1

Community Development Committee, Director Iris Harrell, Pat Barclay and Katy Carrel. They have had regular interactions with Santa Rosa city planners, fire safety personnel, and elected officials discuss our concerns about needing additional fire evacuation routes. The committee also expressed concerns about the Elnoka development and its effect on fire evacuations, since the Elnoka development was created under the 2009 General Plan that did not even reference fire evacuations as an issue for the city. The city is very aware of Oakmont’s evacuation concerns and the need for a solution.

access to Oakmont information on activities, events, news, and OVA matters.

Improved Commercial Area: Developing concepts for attracting and sustaining a broader offering of retail shops and services in Oakmont’s Village Center.

Environmental Stewardship: Enhancing long-term water conservation and drought responses, energy reliance, green space, and fire resistance.

SubHOA’s: Exploring options for ensuring longterm viability and leadership of sub-associations within Oakmont.

Space for Clubs and Activities: Ensuring adequate space for current clubs, events, organizations, and sports groups, and enhancing systems for access and visibility. Providing new spaces for future activities and amenities.

Age and Income Diversity: Considering ways to better support community members of varying ages, income levels, and residency status, and enhancing our ability to age in place.

Working groups will meet for approximately three weeks to develop lists of “blue sky” concepts for consideration. Ideas supported by both quantitative and qualitative long-term benefits can then be assessed and will form the basis of community conversations with Oakmont residents later his fall.

Oakmont residents are encouraged to attend the Next Steps Town Hall and to volunteer to join a working group.

Because of the Ad Hoc team’s interaction with the city, city planners began asking about Oakmont’s future plans and became aware of the Oakmont 2030 conversations. The major themes that came out of Oakmont Today and Oakmont Tomorrow were shared with the city planners, and the planners saw that those themes were consistent with the city’s vision of creating mixed use transportation hubs.

On Oct. 11, the board will hold a town hall with city planners to provide our members with details about the General Plan and Oakmont’s needs. I encourage you to attend this important meeting.

Vaccines at the berger

nNews Staff Report

Hundreds of members lined up for Covid boosters and flu shots in a clinic at the Berger Center on Sept. 7 organized by OVA Director Heidi Klyn.

Safeway pharmacists and volunteers from here administered about 326 Covid shots, both the Pfizer and Moderna types, Klyn said. The Covid vaccinations were walk-in. Appointments were required for flu shots, and 280 people signed up to receive them.

“The New Variant Covid booster was a last moment surprise, to get it here so soon, only five days after its approval for use,” Klyn said.

Another vaccination clinic was scheduled for Sep. 23.

east Pool hours c hange

nOVA Staff

The maintenance shift schedule has changed to accommodate each maintenance staff member’s work-life balance for personal and professional successes.

The East Recreation Building will now close early (7 p.m.) on Thursday evenings and not close early on Monday evenings. This change will need to be facilitated with the assistance of OVA’s Events Coordinator to update any standing meeting times at this facility.

newcomers reception Interrupted by Quake

nNews Staff Report

The OVA president’s talk at a new residents’ reception was interrupted by a pair of earthquakes that emptied the Berger Center the evening of Sept. 13.

President Jess Marzak joined the group of almost 200 people new to Oakmont as they exited the building and spent several minutes on the adjoining plaza before everyone decided the shaking was over and returned inside to resume the program. He said Oakmont is “fundamentally a volunteer organization,” and urged his audience to “jump in and be part of the community.”

Reading from a list of committees projected on a large screen, Marzak urged his audience to get involved by being part of a committee. He also pointed out the sports and activity venues provided in Oakmont as ways to be involved.

The first earthquake, which registered at 4.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, struck at 5:39 p.m. The aftershock 42 seconds later was measured at 4.3 by the US Geological Survey. Both were centered about 2 miles away in northeast Santa Rosa, on the Rodgers Creek fault. The fault runs from San Pablo Bay north to Healdsburg.

No injuries or serious damage was reported. Some stock fell from store shelves elsewhere in the city. The quakes were felt as far away as San Francisco.

Volunteer o pportunity

nJan Young, LRPC Chair Committee

The Long-Range Planning Committee is seeking a few forward-thinking residents to join its ranks.

The LRPC is an OVA-board-appointed committee that looks at the trends that will help determine the direction and planning of our community over the next decades. It usually meets on the first Monday of each month.

Please submit a letter indicating your interest and background to me at lrpc@oakmontvillage.com.

Input to c ity general Plan

nNews Staff Report

Oakmont residents are invited to attend open house events to review and discuss progress toward creating an updated Santa Rosa city general plan. The Santa Rosa Forward process is an opportunity for the community to discuss how Santa Rosa can become an even more sustainable, resilient, healthy, and inclusive city.

The first open house will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 3–7 p.m. at the Sonoma County Central Library, 211 E Street. The other will be Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Lighthouse Church, 920 Bennett Valley Road. For more information visit the City of Santa Rosa website: www.SantaRosaForward.com.

golf town hall s et

nNews Staff Report

A town hall to update the community on Oakmont golf course operations will be held in the Berger Center on Monday, Sept. 27, starting at 1 p.m. The golf club operator, CourseCo, Inc., will provide an update on operations and progress at Valley of the Moon Club.

The program will include progress updates on the golf course and the OAK restaurant over the last two years since CourseCo took over operations, as well as a vision into the future.

After the presentation there will be a question-andanswer period for the community to interact with the CourseCo team.

The town hall will be both in-person and online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be published on the OVA website.

Vantaca—A new Payment Platform for oVA members

nNews Staff Report

Starting Saturday, Oct. 1, OVA will transition to a new payment computer software platform called Vantaca. Members will access the new platform through the current accounting management company, Condominium Financial Management (CFM).

The Vantaca platform offers many online capabilities and member benefits in addition to payment portal services, and over the coming months OVA will introduce these additional services as they are ready. Members will receive instructions from CFM on how to log into the Vantaca Portal before the week starting Oct. Instructions will also be available on the OVA website.

The portal will be unavailable between the time members receive instructions and Tuesday, Oct. 4 while the accounting data are transitioned to Vantaca.

Member billing statements will look different. Auto Pay settings will remain as is. No action is needed on the part of members using Auto Pay.

While Vantaca offers other online services for members, the first phase for OVA will be the payment portal. “We are pleased to offer this transition to a new platform that will provide increased and easy access to several member services,” said Christel Antone, OVA general manager. “Over the coming months, new services will be made available, including member payment history, an app for smart phones, access to architectural applications and much more.”

OVA and CFM will be sending more information on other features that Vantaca offers in the coming weeks.

free o nline g ames—Part 2

This is one of a series of articles provided by the Oakmont Technology Learning Center on the use of technology by seniors. nPhil Herzog

The last article on July 9 covered card games, word games, puzzles, and geography, but did not cover board games. Oakmont’s Just For Fun Games Club has been playing games in person since its inception, and began playing games online soon after Covid began. Now that things are getting better, they play in-person most of the time, but still play games online once a month.

The club uses the website Board Game Arena (boardgamearena.com), which may be the greatest website for playing games on the internet. When they began using the BGA website, which had some of the club’s usual games, BGA had nearly 200 games available to play. There were lots of games that the club had never heard of before, but many were familiar games too. And now, a little over two years later, there are well over 500 game titles on the website. The game types, styles, and genres range all over the map. As a matter of fact, the website usually adds one or two new games a week, sometimes more.

To use the games, an account needs to be created with an e-mail address, username, and password. Then the user selects what game they want to play and who they want to play with: either random players who are logged onto the web site or friends who are logged in. An invitation to play a game can be sent to friends or accepted from a friend.

The Board Game Arena site has games you know, games you’ve never heard of, games for two players, and games for up to 10 players. These include board games, card games, dice games, tile games and more. There are easy games and hard games, games of many genres, classic games, family games, short games, long games, games for core gamers, and more.

A few examples of the games are: Catan, Agricola, Yahtzee, Can’t Stop, Hearts, Spades, Carcassonne, Backgammon, Lost Cities, Hand and Foot, Pandemic, Lucky Numbers, Chess, Race For the Galaxy, Copenhagen, L.L.A.M.A., Cribbage, Marrakesh, For Sale, Parks, Incan Gold, No Merci (no thanks), Connect Four, Santorini, Reversi, Railways of the World, Draftosaurus, Codex, Eruption, and many more.

Give these games a try! There is a learning curve with using the website and how the games operate, so take some time before you intend to play to familiarize yourself with how it works. For more information about the Just For Fun Games Club, see the club articles in Oakmont News or on the OVA website or contact the club by sending an email to: Just4FunGamesClub@earthlink.net.

For an electronic copy of this article and the previous July 9 free online games article, visit oakmont-learning.org under “Tech Articles.”

Valley of the moon fellowship

nLarry Hallett

JOIn tHE FELLOwSHIP AnD Fun!

Valley of the Moon Fellowship (VOMF) is a bimonthly gathering for fellowship, open discussions on items of interest, opportunities for community service, and spiritual reflection and renewal. The group is non-sectarian and is welcoming and inclusive to all.

Please join us on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, from 1–2:30 p.m. in Room B at the Central Activity Center (CAC). Bring along a snack to share, if you wish, and engage in fellowship, make new friends, discover new horizons, and depart feeling renewed.

Hope to see you!

boA r

Oakmont Gardens, retail space and the restaurant.

Marzak said the changes would allow future developments to be completed much more quickly and less expensively. Noting that fire evacuation routes have risen to the top of community conversations, he said OVA has insisted that the General Plan address fire safety and evacuation.

The board approved spending up to $55,000 to replace the aging carpet in the Central Activities Center with the exception of the Fitness Center and the Arts Room, which do not have carpeting. Rugworks, Rohnert Park, will install the carpeting for $38,286. The additional funds cover baseboard replacement and furniture moving.

Bill Wells, maintenance manager, said he hopes the project will be completed by the end of the year. He said it will require a closure of the center with the exception of the Fitness Center.

The board gave final approval of a new Policy on Committees, which focuses on the role of board members who attend committee meetings. They cannot vote and can’t exercise undue influence during committee deliberations.

The board approved a new deck policy for homeowners which will be posted in common areas for 28 days for community comment. The policy requires that all new and replacement deck surfaces be built with Class A, Class B or nonflammable materials and all railings and gates on or adjacent to the deck be constructed with Class A, Class B or nonflammable materials within five feet of the house.

o akmont community Directory

nMarty Thompson

The new online Oakmont Community Directory is here, online and ready for you to enter your name and other information. And then to start using it.

The process began last month as Oakmonters started going to the website and entering their names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses.

Entries from the old printed directory do not carry over. The new directory started with no entries; it began building after an announcement in the Aug. 27 Oakmont News

The old directory is no longer being printed. It was static, with no changes possible during the year.

Because members enter their own information, the new online Community Directory can be up-to-date with new residents’ listings and as current members change contact details.

You can view the new directory by going to the Oakmont website, www.oakmontvillage.com. Log on, then pull down the Members tab and click on Community Directory. A box on the page invites members to add their listing or edit their existing listing.

A listing is available for each member. Members sharing a home can each have a listing, or may share an entry by putting both first names in the first name field. You may only add or edit your own listing.

Members may request a hard copy of the directory by going online to https://oakmontvillage.com/ directoryrequest You may also email a request to directory@oakmontvillage.com. Requests should include the person’s full name and Oakmont address.

A member who doesn’t have an account on OakmontVillage.com can get one by visiting the website oakmontvillage.com/register/ova-member.

canine c lub

nRandi Hulce

wEEkEnD DAtES FOr 2022 wAtEr BArk EvEnt

DAtES: Sat./Sun, Sept. 24–25

tIME: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Spring Lake “Water Bark” fundraiser supports Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation. The swimming lagoon is open for dogs to enjoy off-leash romping and swimming. The lagoon filtered water is chlorinated, and closely monitored by parks staff to ensure safety for dogs. The lagoon is separate from untreated Spring Lake.

Same day tickets, purchased at entrance, are $10 per dog. Free parking for Regional Parks members, $7 per day for non-members.

St FrAnCIS wInErY AnD vInEYArDS

BLESSInG OF tHE AnIMALS

SunDAY, OCtOBEr 2, 2–5 PM

This neighboring winery, located off Hwy. 12 at Pythian Rd., is hosting a fundraising event for Humane Society of Sonoma County. Bring your furry friends. Festivities include the ever-popular “Winery Dog of the Year” Contest, raffle prizes, wine, local fare, and a Blessing for every animal that attends.

Your donation ticket includes a glass of featured wine, a branded St Francis wine glass, and 5 raffle entries. Check out website at: StFrancisWinery.com/ Blessing for details.

CAnInE CLuB “MEMBErS OnLY” SPECIAL EvEnt

All Canine Club members, did you RSVP for Club Member Appreciation Party on Thursday, October 13 at Wild Oak Saddle Club? Invitations with details went out to your email in-box.

nExt SOnOMA CO. AnIMAL SErvICES ADOPtIOn EvEnt

SAt., nOvEMBEr 12, 11 AM–1 PM

On tHE BErGEr LAwn

Last month’s event was such a momentous success, with seven dogs adopted, a repeat is scheduled in

November. Meanwhile, Animal Services is looking for an assist with some needed items: Blankets (no filling and no sheets), large plush toys, Zukes treats, Greenies, Milo’s kitchen treats.

Please contact periolinger@yahoo.com to arrange pickup and delivery to the shelter, if you can help.

wHAt’S HAPPEnInG At tHE DOG PArk

Located on Stone Bridge Rd. (behind the Community Garden), Happy Tails Dog Park is open to all Oakmont residents, Sunrise to Sunset.

woofers Yappy Hour Dog walks are back to 10 a.m. start time. Walks are approximately 1-2 miles (round trip). Walks are informal—go at your own pace. Remember to bring water for yourself and pup and wear comfortable walking shoes. All Oakmont residents are welcome!

Next Walks: Monday, October 10, 10 a.m.—East Rec. Parking area; Friday October 28, 10 a.m.—So. End Burger Lawn.

“weiner dogs “playdate—Saturday, Oct. 28, 9–11 a.m.: Have a dog with any mix of Doxie? Then this is your group. Corgis also invited to join the frolic!

o akmont s ingles

nDebra Ponts

Are you single? Join our club to mix and mingle with other singles. Our club offers a great opportunity to network with other singles that may have the same interests that you have. Develop new friendships, enjoy meals out through Bon Appetit, reserve a seat at a singles’ table for Oakmont events such as Boomers.

OCtOBEr BOn APPEtIt

wHEn: October 6, 6 p.m.

wHErE: Salt and Stone, Kenwood

Reservation is limited to 20, outdoor dining.

We’ll be visiting another local favorite just down the road. This restaurant is famous for delicious seafood, steak and pasta. Great wine list and excellent cocktails. Please RSVP to Marilyn, marilyn_mckeever@hotmail. com by September 29.

OCtOBEr MIxEr: OCtOBErFESt!

wHEn: October 21, 6 p.m.

wHErE: East Rec. Center

Dust off your lederhosen, Fraulein dirndl, braids, and favorite beer stein to celebrate Octoberfest. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Think sauerkraut, bratwurst, cheesy beer dip, and soft pretzels with mustard or whatever you’d like to bring to share to add to the spirit of the night.

We’re delighted that the trio, Melli-tones will provide the music throughout the evening. BYOB, wear your name badge, bring proof of Covid vaccine and key card for entry. RSVP to Priscilla, proslyn49@ aol.com by Friday, October 14.

BOOMEr EvEnt

wHEn: Saturday, October 29, 5:30 p.m.

wHErE: Berger Center

Small Dog Hour continues every Sunday and Wednesday, 3–4 p.m.

Big Dog Play Date (any breed over 35 lbs.) is scheduled for December 3.

Doggy Docents still needed at the dog park to help newcomers and help keep park clean. Do you have a spare hour per week to volunteer your time? Please contact periolinger@yahoo.com.

Canine Club website: https://www. oakmontcanineclub.org.

WOOF!

home D efenses Continued from page 1

around the home when it is replaced. Like all outside work, approval of fencing plans and material must be obtained from the Architectural Committee and subHOA boards, where applicable.

Watts, who retired to Oakmont from his own landscape business, has taken on an extensive doit-yourself (DIY)) hardening of his duet home that includes encasing the structure in Hardie board. An admitted veteran at the tasks required, Watts points out how the less skilled DIYer, or a handyman, can tackle projects with success.

Watts said the work he’s doing is about more than protecting his own home. “My home hardening actions might help save my neighbor’s home or my neighborhood. These actions reduce risk (for everyone).”

The OVA website has resources for those wanting more details on projects and materials. Meanwhile, the state fire marshal has posted an updated Retrofit List at www.ossfm.fire.ca.gov. The 10 low-cost recommendations are intended to be a best practice guide and some are based on upgrading to more stringent materials when a house feature, such as a roof, is up for replacement due to its maintenance or lifespan. The fire marshal also has a 10-point lowcost list for creating and maintaining defensible space around a hardened home. The same website has a handbook on Wildland Urban Interface products and their sourcing.

Neon Playboys, food trucks, Halloween costumes. If you’d like to sit with other Singles, put a check payable to OSC for $27, memo line Oct. 29, in the Manila envelope in the Singles folder at the OVA office. Please sign your name on the folder. Deadline to reserve a spot is October 14. First come, first reserved.

SInGLES MEMBErSHIP

It’s never too late to become a Singles’ member. Club dues are $12 annually. Please complete a blank form located in the Singles folder at the OVA office and include your check for $12 made out to OSC and place them in the membership folder.

nAME BADGES

Order your magnet name badge by completing the name badge form in the Singles folder and including your check for $9.50 made out to OSC.

c A l f I re Continued from page 1

wildfire that touched on Oakmont, one of two wildfires that prompted evacuations here in recent years.

It is the first time a Cal Fire hand crew has been based in the county since closure of a conservation camp at Cazadero in 1992. During a wildfire, a hand crew must build fire lines with chainsaws and hand tools. Outside of emergencies, a hand crew’s main job is vegetation management. Hand crews are normally 14 firefighters and two officers. A long list of fuel projects has already started, said Mike Marcucci, Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake Napa unit chief.

The new camp brings benefits of wildfire suppression and “the critical pre-fire fuels modification work that is needed to address the wildfire risk we face,” Marcucci said.

About 40 people will be based at Hood Mountain, Marcucci said. The center occupies some of a former youth detention facility that has been vacant about eight years. The Los Guillicos group of tiny homes providing shelter to formerly unhoused people is nearby.

Doxie Day—come watch them play!

Does Your neighborhood have a coPe team leader?

nSue Hattendorf, COPE Director

As can be expected, due to normal attrition, we periodically have to solicit new COPE (Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies) team leaders. Once again, due to the pandemic, we have lost more leaders than usual. Currently, new COPE leaders are needed in the following areas. Check to see if your neighborhood is one of them.

Replacement COPE Leaders needed: Aspen Meadows Circle, 2-18; Autumn Leaf Place, 1-8 and Drive, 24, 32; Autumn Leaf Drive, 40-91; Belhaven Court, 221-256; Deerfield Circle, 401-425, 428-445; Fairfield Drive, 6855-6928, 6932-7107, 7200-7236; Falling Star Court, 457-477 odd; Ferrogiaro Way, 75137563; Greenfield Circle, 304-334 even, 340-370 even; Golf Court, 333-355 odd.

Hood Mountain Court, 8823–8837 odd; Meadowbreeze Court, 6275-6289 odd; Meadowridge Drive, 6308-6339, 6340-6360, 6363-6390, 6567–6597 odd, 6568-6596 even; Meadowstone Drive, 6266-6273; Mesa Oaks Circle, 6439-6447 odd; Mesa Oaks Court, 6445-6456; Miramonte Court, 345-369 odd; Mountain Vista Circle, 152-180 even.

Oakgreen, 1-15; Oak Brook Lane, 420-456; Oak Brook Place, 400-416; Oak Crest Place, 2-9 plus Oak Leaf Drive, 7044-7052; Oak Forest Lane, 2-17; Oak Forest Place, 18-25, 26-45; Oak Island Circle, 62-82;

nMary Blake

Oak Leaf Circle, 310–321; Oak Leaf Drive, 7130-7215, 7223-7347, 7544-7561, 7601-7624, 7627-7645; Oak Mesa Drive, 451-493 odd; Oakmont Drive, 6654-6698 even, 6850–6956 even, 7344-7355, 7849-8050, 88408861, 8879-8894, 8927-8963; Oak Shadow Drive, 129153, 201-223, 220-275; Oak Trail Circle, 9111-9151, 9212–9241, 9303-9327, 9330-9357, 9408-9435; Oak Trail Drive, 8811-8838.

Pin Oak Place, 3-11; Pine Valley Drive, 6479–6503 odd, 6441-6471 odd, 6555-6600; Pythian Court, 77067718; Pythian Road, 320-360 even, 327-349 odd, 357-365 odd, 400-412 even, 435-455 odd, 461-473; Rockgreen Place, 300-345,316-346 even, 350-374 even; Shooting Star Place, 480-498 even; Singing Brook Circle, 349-362; Starry Knoll Court, 454-470 even; Stone Bridge Road, 6312-6325, 6349-6377, 6426-6458 even, 6427-6459 odd, 6501-6549 odd, 6619-6647.

Twin Lakes Circle, 429-447; Valleygreen, 1-4 plus 16-24, 5-15; Valley Lakes Drive, 122-146; Valley Oaks Place, 1-18; Walnut Orchard Way, 7512-7547; White Oak Drive, 170-198 even, 183-205 odd, 400-422 even; Woodgreen Street, 11-18, 19-22; and Woodley Place, 407-444.

Please call me at 539-2543 if you would like to be a leader or if you have any questions about the COPE program. Thanks for your willingness to help!

l awn bowling

IntErEStED In LEArnInG tO BOwL?

Lawn Bowling is a bit like bocce, but it’s played on grass with a ball that’s called a “bowl” and isn’t quite round and doesn’t roll quite straight. That sounds tricky but it makes the game more interesting. If you’ve thought about giving it a try, send us an email at oakmontlawnbowling@gmail.com.

HELP nEEDED FOr JOIn-A-CLuB nIGHt

OLBC needs two volunteers for Oakmont’s Join-aClub Night. The event is Thursday, October 13, from 6–7:30 p.m. It’s a fun event. You sit at a table and tell people about lawn bowling.

HEAt wAvE

We had to cancel our Labor Day Tournament and reschedule our End-of-Summer BBQ because of the heat, but the rescheduled BBQ was a huge success. Thanks to our amazing social committee (Linda P, Pam D and Marilyn McK) and tournament committee (Steve P and Pam D) for their incredible work!

tIME CHAnGE

Bowling moves to afternoons on October 1! Be there at 12:15 p.m. to bowl at 12:30.

tOurnAMEntS

As I write this, Women’s Singles is heading into the semi-final round. Jeana is facing Denise and the winner of that game will face Pam D who had the bye.

of the Green. This includes scheduled watering and weeding and working with OVA and True North to improve the quality of the grass we’re bowling on. The green was sprayed for weeds and then reseeded with a new grass that should do better in our climate.

To make sure we’re bowling on the right type of grass, please be careful not to track in seeds from other areas. This means wearing smooth-soled shoes and not walking on any other grass before setting foot on the green.

A nOtE tO nEw BOwLErS

Your first couple of daily draws may seem intimidating, or you may feel you need to be a fantastic bowler before playing in a game. Almost all of us started out feeling just the same. We still have good days and bad days—and lucky days. Few of us bowl consistently well even now. Seeing you out there bowling is what matters. We look forward to seeing you on the Green!

COMMEntS

As summer ends, we have fewer events to talk about. Let us know if there’s something you’d be interested in seeing in this column.

COMInG EvEntS

Tuesday, September 27, morning: Novice Singles Tournament

Friday, October 28, afternoon: Halloween Bowl/ Dinner Website: OakmontLawnBowling.com, Email: OakmontLawnBowling@gmail.com.

o akmont music lovers

nJudith Walker

An IntErvIEw wItH ALAn SILOw, CEO SAntA rOSA SYMPHOnY

For the opening session of our new series on October 4, we will explore the behind the scenes planning of a symphony season. All of us who attend concerts marvel at the music being played and have some appreciation of the skills involved in conducting and playing the scores but few of us are aware of the connection between the chosen repertoire and an often-complicated set of business considerations.

At this event we will be able to get an insight into how our local symphony organization operates from a business perspective and what a vital part this plays in ensuring we continue to have a strong vibrant symphonic presence in our community.

Our presenter, Alan Silow, is President and CEO of the Santa Rosa Symphony. He has held this leadership position since July of 2002. During his tenure, the Symphony has returned to a fiscally sound basis that has produced surpluses in both operations and endowment annually for 19 years while at the same time overseeing the tripling of the budget to more than $5,000,000 via major expansion of its artistic and educational programming for the community.

Silow also played a leadership role in the public/ private partnership with Sonoma State University to build a new world-class symphony hall that opened in Fall 2012 where the Santa Rosa Symphony is now the resident orchestra of the Green Music Center. He has received multiple awards for his community leadership including being the honoree for his 20 years of outstanding service as the President & CEO of the Santa Rosa Symphony at the symphony’s annual major fundraiser event in November 2021.

We really hope you can join us for this interesting session.

wHEn: Tuesday, October 4 at 10:30 a.m.

wHErE: East Recreation Center

ADMISSIOn: Free IMPOrtAnt nOtE: Masks are preferred but not mandated. However, we will be checking Covid vaccination status at the door so please bring your vaccination certificates.

genealogy c lub

nMelinda Price

GOt A BrICk wALL?

Our next meeting will be in person on September 26 at 1 p.m. at the East Rec. George McKinney will try to solve your “brick walls.” Send him your problem as soon as possible, whether it is big or small, by email (to oakmontancestry@gmail.com), and he will research in advance and bring some suggestions to the meeting.

His focus will be on name research. Even simple things. One of the first requests he got was from someone who was looking for Lawrence Menkin, and George found all of the information about him is under Larry Menkin and that the family name is often spelled Mankin or even Menckin.

You can also join the meeting by Zoom, so watch your email for info on how to do that.

We have some interesting programs lined up for October and November. Stay tuned for these announcements.

There are two other tournaments remaining. The Novice Singles tournament will be Tuesday, September 27, at 9:30 a.m. and Men’s Pairs has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 18, at 12:30 p.m.

StAtE OF tHE GrEEn

The Oakmont Genealogy Club meets from 1–3 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month (except July and December) both via Zoom and in the East Rec. For information about genealogy research or club activities please visit our website at: www. oakmontgenclub.org. Past programs are posted there as well as tips and internet links.

If you have research questions or would like to receive our e-newsletter, email oakmontancestry@ gmail.com.

Jim K has been closely overseeing the maintenance Steve P, Pam D and Diane E with Ande in the background. Denise, Ande and Jodi in the Women’s Singles Tournament.

let’s Dance—together!

nTerry Whitten LEArn SOME BASIC ruMBA MOvES

In OCtOBEr

wHAt: Beginning Rumba Partner Dance Classes

wHEn: Wednesdays, October 6, 13 and 20 tIME: 4–5:15 p.m.

wHErE: Lower West Rec.

COSt: $10 pp for single class; $8 pp for two or more classes purchased at the same time In October, Rumba will be taught in the beginning partner dance classes. Rumba is a beautiful Latin dance with Afro-Cuban origins. It is danced to slower music than Cha Cha or Salsa. Rumba music was made popular in the United States in the late 1920’s by orchestra leaders such as Xavier Cugat. Besides slower Latin music, there are also a lot of contemporary non-Latin songs that Rumba can be danced to. Some of these are “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, “You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor and “Fields of Gold” by Sting.

No partners or experience are required. We will rotate partners during the classes. Also, any ladies that want to lead and any men that want to follow are very welcome.

At this time, full vaccination plus at least one booster will be required. Face masks will likely also be required but will depend on the local community Covid status at the time the classes start.

In addition to being fun and a great way to get exercise, partner dancing is good for our muscles, balance, brains and spirit!

To register and for any questions, please contact me at twhitten@pacbell.net or call (415) 265-7590. Please bring your vaccination card or photo of it to the first class you take as well as a face mask in the event it is required.

AK at the Vom golf c lub

nHilary Gruendle

SEPtEMBEr EvEntS At OAk

Sept. 26: Live Music with the Fargo Brothers, 5–7 p.m., $5 cover charge

Sept. 27: Taco Tuesday, $19

Sept. 29: Chicken Marsala, $23

Sept. 30: Fried Chicken Friday, $25

OCtOBEr LIvE MuSIC

MOnDAYS, 5–7 PM., $5 COvEr CHArGE

Oct. 3: Wild Mercy

Oct. 10: The David Correa Band

Oct. 24: Second Street Band

OCtOBEr 20—CASInO nIGHt At OAk

Join us for a night of fun on October 20 for Casino Night. Dress up and dine on an appetizer bar, have a few drinks and gamble the night away.

Games: Craps, Roulette, Black Jack, Poker and Let it Ride, $500 in “Fun Money” for every attendee—top three “Fun Money” winners win prizes.

There will be a cash bar.

Appetizer bar includes: Mini Crab Cakes with lemon aioli, Tomato Bruschetta, Jumbo Prawn Shooter, Chicken Satay Skewers, Raw Oysters, Cucumber cups with assorted tapenades, Filet crostini with horseradish cream, Cheese board with crackers and breads, and Crudité vegetable platter with dips. Assorted desserts.

The cost is $50 per person. Check on how to purchase tickets at our website: https://www.playvom.com/ events.

nCarolita Carr BOOMErS InvItES YOu tO A GHOStLY nIGHt

wHAt: A Halloween party with the Neon Playboys wHEn: October 29

wHErE: Berger Center

tIME: Doors open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6:30 COSt: $27 per person, members may bring one guest

Neon Playboys.

Zapata Grill will provide a food truck for pre-dance food.

Halloween will soon be upon us, so dust off your old Halloween costume, or get a new one! You won’t want to miss this event. There will be a costume contest, with prizes going to “Best Couple,” “Most Original,” and “Spookiest.”

The Neon Playboys are an Oakmont favorite. They present Funk & Soul and Rock & Roll dance hits from the 70’s and 80’s. You’ll be drawn to the dance floor by the sounds of everyone from the Commodores and The Bee Gees to David Bowie and Prince. All the coolest disco dance hits with plenty of swagger.

Register now at oakmontboomers.org.

uP nExt

December 15: Our annual Holiday Party

current events

nTina Lewis

Current Events meets every Friday at the East Rec. from 1–2:30 p.m. Help restore our pre-pandemic attendance numbers by coming to the sessions in person. Interpersonal relationships are important to the health of the group, and they stimulate more interesting and productive discussions.

For those who cannot attend in person, there is a Zoom component.

Important issues from Oakmont to Santa Rosa to California to the country and beyond are discussed. All viewpoints are encouraged. Please join us.

If you have questions, email tinalewis31@comcast. net or call 758-9739.

lifelong learning

nMarlena Tremont

uPCOMInG COnCErtS

vIntAGE GrASS

tHurSDAY, OCtOBEr 6, 7 PM

Back by popular demand, Sonoma’s Vintage Grass is an acoustic trio with killer harmonies offering an eclectic mix of traditional bluegrass and classic rock and folk. Bring drinks and snacks for an evening of foot-stomping fun. Cost is $25 per person with tables of eight available.

MOrE JOY

SAturDAY, nOvEMBEr 19, 7 PM

Oakmont’s beloved hometown group with songs from our past that will make you laugh and cry in the same concert. A deep and delightful quartet of artists that weave amazing harmonies throughout a broad selection of folk, country, blues and beyond. Cost is $25 per person, theater seating.

KiNG TuT’S TOMB

InStruCtOr: LYnn OStLInG MOnDAYS, OCt. 24–nOv. 14, 3–5 PM

BErGEr CEntEr

4-week session, cost: $65

When the burial place of Tutankamun was discovered in 1922, the story of the tomb and its spectacular contents became a worldwide news sensation. One hundred years later, revisit the life and times of the young king, and the meaning and purpose of the splendid objects found in his tomb. Go to OakmontLL.org to reserve a seat or register for a class.

MArkEtInG OPPOrtunItY

Lifelong Learning is looking for a person with experience in marketing communications to help publicize our exciting classes and concerts. If interested, please send your contact information and background to OakmontLifelongLearning@gmail.com.

o akmont Vets c lub

nJohn De Groot A DOOr GunnEr vEt, AnD A PArADE tOO!

Veteran recognition has always been needed, but no more importantly than to our service men and women who served in Vietnam. In the Berger Center, on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 4–5:30 p.m., one of our own, John De Groot, will be recognized by sharing some of his personal experiences and photographs as a helicopter door gunner. A Vets Club Leader, John was a Pre-Flight John. combatant during the earliest days of our involvement in Vietnam. Preceding John in our speaker’s series was Michael Hudson, a Swift Boat Skipper, and Hank Kelty, a Marine photojournalist. If you attended either of these, know that John’s presentation promises to be just as interesting.

AnD A PArADE tOO

On the Berger stage, on our streets, and with soulstirring music, the Oakmont Vets Club is both proud

and excited to announce that we are organizing a Veterans Day Event this year. On November 11 there not only will be a parade, but a talk that befits our nation’s finest.

A Guard from the Tomb of the Unknown in Washington D.C., will deliver an address about honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of those buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater, as well as the empty crypt dedicated to our nations missing. Scout Troop 55 will bring in the colors and lead us in our Pledge of Allegiance. All Armed Forces will be recognized.

Join with us to celebrate and recognize our country’s veterans. Have a vehicle worthy of decorating and entering a patriotic parade? Enter it. Got a golf cart, enter it. You do have to decorate it though. OVA has the application forms. Contact them, but hurry— entries slots are going fast!

More details will follow, including the parade route, where you can cheer on participants from your very own front yards. Then, of course, join us at the Berger Center around 10:45 a.m. on Veterans Day November 11. We will salute those who put Duty, Honor and Country as a first priority in their lives.

nMaureen Pennal

CrOSSrOADS OF LIFE

Every new day brings us choices. How do you decide which path to take?

God has given each of us various different gifts and talents. It may take some a lifetime to discover them, while others sense their destiny and God-given talents from a very early age. If we seek God’s counsel, read His Word, he promises to direct our steps.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3 Verses 5-6

It sounds simple, but too often we step forward or fall backwards because we tried to go out on our own strength. God allows things to happen for His purpose. We pray for things we want, but are they really what we need?

It is never too late to “Seek the Kingdom of God first, and all things will be added unto you.”

My friend Allan shared this lovely thought. Hope is the ability to hear the music of our future and Faith is the courage to dance to it today!

Oakmont Community Church meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the East Recreation Center. Come and join us!

o akmont bocce team in big Win

nSteve Spillman

The Pallino Brothers bocce team captured the Sonoma County Bocce Club’s Championship at Juilliard Park on Sept. 11. Four of the seven team members are Oakmonters, including Capo Jim Tosio, Co-Capos Steve Spillman and Fritz Spotleson, and Bob Stevens.

From April to September, the county club hosted its 63-game regular season, comprised of 420 players on 60 teams. The Pallino Brothers finished the 2022 season in first place with a 54-9 record, becoming the playoff’s top seed.

The playoffs included 16 teams playing 31 games in a double elimination format with the Pallino Brothers going undefeated. “During the final game, we were down 1-5, but scored 11 more points to our opponent’s one point to claim the championship,” said Tosio. He added, “It was a hard-fought battle and I was very proud of my teammates throughout the entire 21-week season, but especially so on that final day.”

Pickleball corner

nPeter Copen

PICkLEBALL, A POSItIvE AttItuDE AnD LOnGEvItY

We know from our experience that the allure of Pickleball and some of the key reasons for its accelerating success is its combination of exercise, socialization and the positive attitudes we get from the game.

Cartoon by Peter Copen.

There is a wealth of research on the health benefits of positive attitudes. I would like to bring into focus their specific and powerful, healing effects.

Below is selected research that confirms the remarkable salutary effects of a positive attitude for health and longevity that we can get from playing Pickleball.

“Optimism is specifically related to 11 to 15% longer life span, on average, (that means to me that if the life expectancy for men is 75 years, then the increase in life expectancy is 7.5 to 10 more years) and to greater odds of achieving “exceptional longevity,” that is, living to the age of 85 or beyond. These relations were independent of socioeconomic status, health conditions, depression, social integration, and health behaviors (e.g., smoking, diet, and alcohol use). Overall, findings suggest optimism may be an important psychosocial resource for extending life span in older adults.”—The Rockefeller University, New York, NY

“After that final frame, we were euphonically floating on air,” Spillman, OCDC’s Chair, said. “All of the teams seemed to have a great time.”

“Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include: Increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress and pain, greater resistance to illnesses, better psychological and physical wellbeing, better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke, reduced risk of death from cancer, reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions, reduced risk of death from infections, better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

“It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles—they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess.”—The Mayo Clinic

“One meta-analysis found that people with healthy and supportive relationships live longer, and that these effects are surprisingly strong. Over the course of studies averaging seven years long, research participants with larger social networks were about 45% less likely to die.”—Marta Zaraska, Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100

And for a smile and an enhanced positive attitude for today: What’s the most positive thing about 2022 so far? COVID tests.

I got my COVID test today, it says 50. What does that mean? Also, my IQ test came back positive.

Two children are opening their Christmas gifts under the tree. Suzie says, “I got a sweater but I hate it. They always get me the wrong color.” Little Johnny opens his giftbox and finds it filled with horse manure. “Cool,” says Johnny, “there must be a pony outside!”

“Attitude, not Aptitude, determines Altitude in life.”―Zig Ziglar

Keep on pickling, think positive, live healthy and long.

Jazz c lub

nDolora Hurst

GLEn PEArSOn AnD JAMIE DAvIS PErFOrM In OAkMOnt

The Oakmont Jazz Club presents Glen Pearson and Jamie Davis. Two of this year’s Grammy Award Nominees performing here at Oakmont! Accompanying them are world famous musicians Ron Belcher (bassist), Charles McNeal (saxophone), and Leon Joyce Jr. (drums).

nDon McPherson EnGLISH LAnGuAGE PÉtAnQuE GuIDES

Harwell Thrasher’s Winning Pétanque (2022) is a welcome addition to Byron Putnam’s Pétanque: The Greatest Game You Never Heard Of (2011), as the only two easily acquired physical books on Pétanque in the English language. Both are aimed at “newer” American players who have progressed beyond the “interested” novice stage to being active players. Both are available from Amazon and other online book sellers.

of newer players but his book functions more as a comprehensive handbook to the game. The large format 140-page paperback is generously illustrated with photographs and diagrams and similarly provides detailed discussion of throwing techniques and throwing mechanics.

wHEn: Saturday, November 5, 7 p.m.

wHErE: Berger Auditorium, drinks and snacks permitted

tICkEtS: $40. Ticket order coupon available in OVA office. Tables for eight may be reserved. This will be an exceptional concert!

movies At o akmont

wHErE: Berger Center

SCrEEnInG DAY AnD tIME: Sundays, 2 p.m.

HOStS: Al Haggerty, Carol Haggerty, Mike McInnis, Julie Ward and Jeff Neuman.

nOtE: All films are shown with English subtitles, when possible, free of charge—compliments of OVA.

SEPtEMBEr 25: OFFiCiAL SECRETS

A British whistleblower who leaked to the press about an illegal operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq. 2019, R, 1:52.

OCtOBEr 2: MRS HARRiS GOES TO PARiS

A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own. 2022, PG, 1:55.

OCtOBEr 9: ELViS

The life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. 2022, PG-13, 2:39.

Thrasher plays regularly in the Atlanta Pétanque League. His 290-page paperback has over 100 illustrations and diagrams, including many avatar illustrations of various throwing positions. He writes without rhetorical flourish and pays no attention to the ambience of the game, its French background and French terminology. Instead, he takes an engineering approach to constructing step-by-step lessons on how to improve one’s game.

Winning Pétanque lays out specific steps for analyzing and improving posture and throwing including especially tips on how to eliminate unhelpful movements when throwing. Thrasher also includes detailed discussion of team strategies and tactics. He has “no nonsense” discussions of posture, palm, hand, arm, swing, backspin and follow through.

Winning Pétanque has been criticized as a particularly American, dry, “how to” guide that completely fails to capture the ambience and endless subtleties of a joyful, deeply French game. But it nevertheless represents a new, serious English language effort to meet the needs of newer players.

Byron Putnam also aims at meeting the needs

Also an active player, Putnam takes a player’s-need approach to his discussions of Skills, Strategy, Etiquette, Throwing Techniques and Throwing Mechanics. He has been criticized for spending too much time bemoaning that pétanque still has fewer participants in the United States than other sports and touting its superiority as a game over bocce. Nevertheless, his handbook has become a useful, standard guide for newer players.

PÉtAnQuE In OAkMOnt wEDnESDAY AnD SAturDAY

The club encourages all Oakmonters who may be interested in playing or learning to play pétanque (pay-tonk) to come to the courts between Berger and the OVA offices at 9:45 a.m. on the Club play days of Wednesday and Saturday. The club has boules to lend while you’re learning, and you’ll be playing right away.

Anyone, regardless of experience, is welcome to enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of a simple game that is inexpensive, fun to play, learned quickly, and endlessly fascinating in its deeper levels of execution and strategy. No dues are required—just sign up to be on the Club roster. Club play days are casual friendly games with teams randomly assigned.

Oktoberfest, the final tournament and potluck picnic of the season, is on Saturday, October 22.

s oroptimist International o akmont Wine country

nMarilyn Noah LOCAL nOBEL LAurEAtE wILL SPEAk

In OAkMOnt On OCtOBEr 10 Santa Rosa resident and co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel prize in Economics, Dr. David Card will be talking about his work at the East Recreation Center in Oakmont on Monday, October 10 at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the discussion.

Dr. Card’s research interests include wage determination, education, inequality, immigration and genderrelated issues. He is best known for pioneering studies in the 1990s, the results of which challenged prevailing assumptions about the impact of

immigration on native-born U.S. workers and the effect of minimum wage increases on domestic job growth.

Dr. Card is the Class of 1950 Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the Center for Labor Economics and the Economics Lab. Prior to joining UC Berkeley, he taught at the University of Chicago in 1982–83 and Princeton University from 1983 to 1996. He has held visiting appointments at Columbia University, Harvard University, UCLA and the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. From 2012 to 2017 he was Director of the Labor Studies Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Dr. Card’s appearance benefits the Soroptimists International Club of Oakmont Wine Country.

Byron Putnam’s Pétanque: the Greatest Game You never Heard Of.

Harwell Thrasher’s winning Pétanque

Dr. David Card, Co-Recipient of 2021 Nobel Prize in Economics.

men’s bible s tudy

nLou Lacson

DAYLIGHt SAvInGS

As the season of fall comes upon us, we lose daylight hours every passing day. Only when spring comes along do we gain back those lost daylight hours. We repeat the cycle every year. But dear friends, when you study the Bible, you’ll see light in the midst of the darkness. This light you’ll keep. It grows brighter, not dimmer as each season of learning goes. The light illuminates the darkness.

Come and learn with us every Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the East Rec. Center.

o akmont Volunteer helpers

nMatt Zwerling

YOur HELP IS nEEDED

Oakmont Volunteer Helpers, the organization which provides rides to medical appointments for non-driving Oakmont residents, is in need of Coordinators for a few times at the end of this year. The coordinator’s job is the liaison between someone seeking a ride and the volunteer list of drivers. This is a critical part of the organization, yet requires only an hour or so a day for a 2-week shift, a phone and a desire to be an important part of one of the most appreciated services in Oakmont.

Please contact Marianne Neufeld, 953-5302 if you can help.

s unday symposium broadcast s eries

10:30 a.m. now live in Berger (not Zooming) $3 donation requested Go to oakmontsundaysymposium.org for info and updates

nJim Brewer

SEPtEMBEr 25: BILL MOntGOMErY

SANTA ROSA’S (SCANDALOuS) HiSTORy

Need a break from all the political drama? Us too! Bill Montgomery will introduce us to some of the more interesting and colorful residents and most interesting goings-on of historical Santa Rosa. Hang on to your seat because this will be quite a scandalous and intriguing ride.

OCtOBEr 2: IrIS HArrELL AN iNSiDER’S ViEW OF THE CONSTRuCTiON WORLD

Before you start that bathroom remodel, you would be smart to come hear Iris’ talk. Unless you are a construction professional, chances are you are completely naïve about how this industry works and you don’t even know what you don’t know (you know!). Remodeling or not, you will find Iris’ insider’s tips on how the construction industry works fascinating.

OCtOBEr 9: DAvID McCuAn

A FORECAST OF THE 2022 MiDTERM ELECTiON

The mid-terms are coming on November 8 this fall. Professor McCuan, Chair of Political Science at Sonoma State, will give us his unique political insights. Professor McCuan is a frequent guest political commentator on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, and KCBS in San Francisco.

Women’s golf c lub at Valley of the moon

nKathy Faherty nEw CLuB CHAMPIOnS

The Thursday Women’s 18-Hole Golf Club held its Club Championship on September 1, 6, and 8. For 2022 only, it has been dubbed “The Heat Bowl!” Who can forget Sept. 6 when the thermometer topped out at 115! It was around 109 when we completed that round. Everyone who finished is some sort of champion!

But the overall Low Gross Champion with a score for three rounds of 239 was Sue Clark, and the Low Net Champion with a score of 1 was Yoshiko Smith. They had to complete all three rounds on the Valley of the Moon Course. Winners in the three flights were decided by the best two games out of three.

Sue serves as Tournament Chair and Yoshi as Handicap Co-Chair for this group. We are grateful to them both for all that they do to make our weekly tournaments run smoothly, and proud of them for their accomplishments on the golf course!

hikers

nGary Andersen

Playreaders

nD. Hall

OAkMOnt PLAYrEADErS PrESEnt

A PAnOPLY OF PLAYS

It was a gut-wrenching power struggle between a professor and a young female student as Oakmont Playreaders concluded David Mamet’s Oleanna last week. Ron and Sandy White were the readers, and the audience stayed on afterwards to discuss the issues raised in the play.

This week, Star Power lightened things up by presenting Neil Simon’s I Ought to Be In Pictures, featuring Marcel Coder, Ron White, and Ginny Smith. A comedy about an estranged father and daughter, it continues on Sept. 26.

Jeff Sheff then picks up the pace with Neil Simon’s Chapter Two on Oct. 10 and 17.

Finishing off the October month, John Dolan will take us a little more high-brow with three classics from Anton Chekhov. The Proposal, The Bear, and The Tragedian in Spite of Himself will run Oct. 24 and 31.

Join us every Monday at 2 p.m. in Room B of the Central Activity Center.

PLEASE kEEP CHECkInG wEBSItE FOr uPDAtES

We welcome you to join us on a hike, whether you are a member yet or not, our annual membership is only $15. Go to our website at www.oakmonthikingclub. org to join the club, get more hike details, club information, photos and lots more.

SEPtEMBEr 29 IntErMEDIAtE HIkE

AnGEL ISLAnD

This 6- mile hike with 500’ elevation gain is about 30% shaded. We’ll take the 10 a.m. ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island and hike the main road around the island, visiting many historical areas along the way. We’ll enjoy spectacular views (unless we’re fogged in) and learn some of the rich history of the largest island in the SF Bay.

Roundtrip ferry fare from Tiburon to Angel Island is $16.20 for 65+ seniors and includes your entrance fee to Angel Island State Park. All-day parking fee at the Point Tiburon parking lot is $16.

Bring money, water, lunch, and hiking poles, if desired. Hike leader is Linne McAleer, (415) 847-4420. Note early start time: leave Berger at 8:30 a.m. in order to catch the 10 a.m. ferry.

SEPtEMBEr 29 LOnG HIkE

BArnABE PEAk

A hike up to the peak in Samuel P Taylor State Park, mostly shaded on a well-refurbished trail, with great views from the fire tower location in all directions. Then a steady descent to the Lagunitas Creek valley and return by the Cross Marin Trail through the redwoods by

the camp site and finally a very shallow stream crossing back to the car. 9.5 miles and 1,500’ elevation gain.

Bring lunch and water and poles. Leave the Berger at 8.30 a.m. Hike leader is Martin Johns, (330) 815-5167.

OCtOBEr 6 SHOrt HIkE

rOCk n’ rOLL tHrOuGH

trIOnE-AnnADEL/LEDSOn MArSH

From the top of Oak Mesa, we’ll admire area geology along a roller-coaster mile pavement walk to 2 Quarry Trail, and then through a conifer forest on a dirt path to Ledson Marsh. Out and back, approximately 3½ miles, 300’ vertical gain/loss at leisurely pace, more than half in shade.

Bring water, snack, poles (if needed) and sun protection. Depart Berger at 8:30 a.m. Hike leader is Carolyn Greene, (805) 443-7289. Please check OHC website the evening before for any updates.

OCtOBEr 6 LOnG HIkE

OLOMPALI AnD Mt. BurDELL

Starting out and finishing at the picnic area and Burdell mansion, we will hike the Miwok to the Upper Mt. Burdell trail out and back with a loop. 9.6 miles with 1,469’ elevation gain. This coastal Miwok village dates back thousands of years with more recent history as the 1967 summer home of the Grateful Dead and later the Chosen Family commune before becoming a State Park. Lots of history here!

One-hour drive time, $8 state park fee, cash only unless you have a pass. Bring your lunch. Depart Berger at 8:30 a.m. Hike leader is Gary Andersen, (360) 778-9604.

Long Hikers at Tennessee Beach on Sept. 8, led by Frank Galli. Left to right: Colleen Keegan, Frank Galli, Marie Kay Hansen, Linda Fischer and Jeff Zalles.

Long Hikers, Willow Creek to Shell Beach on Sept. 1, led by Dave Chalk. Jeff Zalles packed his rocker.

nCharlene Bunas

EQuAL OPPOrtunItY

Clearly, men are in the minority. In the three OHI exercise classes a week at Berger Center, only 9% of the attendees are male. When a man comes for the first time, he might feel outnumbered, out-aerobicized by what has been labeled the “fairer” sex. Or not.

Last week, one newcomer admitted his extensive gardening wasn’t gaining him much success with overall body fitness so, he thought, “I’d give this class a try.” He jumped right in, high-kicking, bending, reaching and jiving with JoRene and her musical leadership. He worked up a sweat and an engaging grin. “I’ll be back,” he vowed.

That’s what happens. Gathering with a group of people who are intent on keeping the physical moving, who begin each session with stiffness and aches, who slowly warm up, heat up, increase heart rate and cool down to gentle stretches to oh so cool music is a gift Oakmont Health Initiative offers. Why wouldn’t you join? Men and women, parity, in person.

fitness c lub

nJohn Phillips nEw BICEP/trICEP MACHInE

In FItnESS CEntEr

The Bicep Curl and Triceps Extension Combination Machine arrived last month and for the most part we have received very positive feedback. It is very easy to switch between bicep curl to a triceps extension. It is a matter of pulling one pin and moving the handle either up or down depending on what muscle group you want to work. The seat adjust is just as easy. The height of the seat should be just high enough that your elbows will line up with the pivot point on the large wheel that supports the handle. Selection of the weight to be lifted is just a matter of flipping a switch located on the weight stack. If you have any questions regarding set-up, feel free to ask me for a demonstration.

SEMInArS AnD OrIEntAtIOnS

Attendance has increased, thank you. If you want to attend an Orientation, please fill out the slip that is located under the bulletin board that is located just inside the Fitness Center’s door. Place the slip in the mail slot that is located right around the corner of my office door. This is necessary because I need to keep attendance at no more than six, thus keeping the length of the orientation to a manageable time.

If you need to reach for any fitness questions or questions regarding the club, please call/text 4949086, or email wkuout2@aol.com or stop by the center. I hope to see you all soon.

sr Jc older Adults

nMary Hastings

BALAnCE AnD StrEnGtH CLASS, OAP 507, SECtIOn 2039 wHEn: Fridays at 9:30 a.m. wHErE: East Rec. Center COSt: No fee.

Already hooked to classes are four men who agree that “once you get that the idea is not to be perfect, but to be present.” Richard comes because of the “excellent total body workout.” He thinks “most guys are initially intimidated by the dance beat moves aspect.” Gary says at first, he was intimidated because he “was always out of step.” Then he adds: “But, looking around I saw that JoRene likes to mix things up. At times, many (students) are out of step.” But he sees the positive of having a regular routine. “Fewer decisions needed: class starts at 9:00 so that’s the time to exercise.” So, he shows up, avoiding the question, “Where were you?”

A long-time disciplined exerciser, Stephen states, “Aerobics is beneficial for both men and women.” Richard agrees and adds, “The OHI classes include cardio, balance, core training light weights and stretching. Amazingly, all of these health benefits in a one-hour class.” Troy appreciates “using brain with body, simultaneously, in a safe way.” Outgoing and amiable, Troy says the added benefit of coming to classes is “meeting folks I don’t otherwise come in contact with.” He should know. “In an aerobics class, 1986, I met his wonderful wife.”

For love, for longevity, for overall wellness, tune in to your physical and mental fitness by joining other men and women who focus on the same quality of life. Just be certain you begin at your individual level, taking care to check with health provider if you’ve been away from aerobics for a while. Wear the right shoes, drink plenty of water, come with a smile and leave with a sense of accomplishment. You’ll be glad you did.

Oakmont Health Initiative: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m., Berger; and on Zoom 967 9942 2442, passcode 573596.

You can register online with the JC at olderadultprogram@santarosa.edu/join-class or come early to class at 9:15 a.m. and volunteers will help you register and enroll in this class.

Bring your Theraband (if you need one, you can purchase one at class for $5). Bring water to stay hydrated!

Water fitness

nValerie Hulsey

We would love to have you join us at the West Pool for a terrific Water Aerobics class. Mary teaches Monday through Thursday at 9 and 10:10 a.m. No reservations are required and there is always laughter and fun in the pool and sometimes in the Hot Tub, not to mention this is great way to exercise with no strain on your body.

Santa Rosa Junior College is once again sponsoring some of our classes. There will be no fee for both classes (9 and 10:10 a.m.) on Tuesdays and Thursday. If you have trouble registering with the JC online you can register when you get to the pool.

Both Classes (9 and 10:10 a.m.) on Mondays and Wednesday are not sponsored by the JC so an $8 fee is required.

The locker rooms are open. Remember it is mandatory that you use the outdoor shower before entering the pool. Everyone joining the classes needs to be fully vaccinated.

FrIDAY CLASSES

Julie looks forward to teaching at 10:10 a.m. every Friday morning. Her classes are also $8 and everyone is welcome!

The “Boom Box” classes are still being offered on Friday’s at 8:50. Since there is no instructor there is no fee for these classes.

nRosemary Waller PIAnISt GEOrGE LI rEturnS tO OAkMOnt OCt. 20!

It is with great joy that Music at Oakmont announces the opening of its 2022–23 season, with the return of the outstanding pianist George Li.

Since winning the Silver Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Mr. Li has rapidly established a major worldwide reputation and performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. Highlights of Mr. Li’s 2021–22 season include engagements with the Nashville, San Diego, New World, North Carolina, Pacific, and Valencia Symphonies, and the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia, as well as solo recitals in Chicago, Seattle, Ft. Worth, Atlanta, and Stuttgart. He regularly appears with Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra, including concerts at the Paris Philharmonie, Luxembourg Philharmonie, New York’s Brooklyn Academy of Music, and in various venues throughout Russia.

George Li.

Mr. Li’s recital venues include Carnegie and Davies Halls, the Mariinsky Theatre, the Louvre, and Seoul Arts Center, as well as such major festivals as Edinburgh, Verbier, Ravinia, Aix-en-Provence, and Montreux. He is an exclusive Warner Classics recording artist, with his debut album recorded live from the Mariinsky Theatre with Vasily Petrenko and the London Philharmonic. In 2016 George Li was recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, and in 2010 was First Prize winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in Berger Center, Mr. Li will perform works by Schumann, Ravel and Stravinsky. Please visit our website www. musicatoakmont.org for further details as well as program notes.

2022 DOnOr DrIvE

Music at Oakmont’s 2022 Donor Drive is still in progress, having been interrupted earlier this year by the pandemic closures. We are most appreciative of those who have already generously contributed, since admission income covers only about half of the cost of presenting this series. If you have not yet had a chance to do so, you may send checks made out to Oakmont Community Foundation, with “Music at Oakmont” written on the memo line, to Oakmont Community Foundation, 6637 Oakmont Dr. Suite A, Santa Rosa CA 95409. Or you may bring your check to the Oct. 20 concert and deposit it in the Donation Box.

COrOnA vIruS PrOtOCOL

For the safety and comfort of all, proof of vaccination is required. While masks are no longer mandatory, they are strongly encouraged. If you attended any of the 2021–22 Music at Oakmont concerts, you are already logged in, and will need only to state your name at the door.

wHEn: Thursday, October 20, 1:30 p.m.

wHErE: Berger Center

ADMISSIOn: $25, cash or check, or your season pass. If you don’t already have a season pass, you may purchase it at the door for $125. Checks for single admission or season pass made out to Music at Oakmont.

Left to right: Richard, Troy, Stephen and Gary.

Valley of the moon rotary c lub

nJohn Brodey

nO nEwS LIkE GOOD nEwS

I often wonder how many people are still watching the nightly news. The formula has certainly changed given the avalanche of terrible news. You sit through the entire program reeling and gasping for air. Finally, the newscast comes to an end with a token dose of good news. It often involves a pet dragging its entire family out of their burning home.

Something tells me if these broadcasts were an hour-long you’d still end up with only one feel good story at the end. It has occurred to me that one of the reasons I love going to our weekly Rotary meeting is knowing that it’s going to be uplifting. Hope prevails and it’s not because we are terribly optimistic but because we know we what will follow is going to be inspirational.

Our speakers invariably inform and make us more aware of things we need to know about. Months ago,

CLASSIFIEDS

bAY grAb bAr

Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Safety and independence w/grab bars, handrails, ramps. Call Bill, 509-8222. Lic. #1062187. www.BayGrabBar.com.

fIrePlAce cleAnIng AnD serVIce

Warming Trends has been cleaning, servicing and installing fireplaces, stoves and inserts for 30 years. Call 578-9276 for any fireplace needs.

boDen PlUmbIng, heAtIng AnD AIr

For all your plumbing and heating needs. Local plumbers in business since the late 20th century, licensed, bonded and insured. Same day service is often available. Money-saving coupons! CA Lic. #659920. Please call (707) 996-8683 or go to www.BodenPlumbing.com.

comPUter ooPs??

Oakmont Onsite Personal Computer Services. Call Chuck for all things computer. VOM Rotary member, computer instructor. References available, many satisfied Oakmont customers. One hour minimum. $50/hr. 293-8011.

hAnDYmAn serVIces

Carpentry, drywall, electrical, plumbing, installation and assembly. Other imaginative jobs welcome! Fair hourly rate. www.thehandylance.com. (707) 881-7292.

bAbe’s trAnsPort

A personal transportation service for airports, cruises and vacations, doctor visits, shopping and so much more. Flat fee per trip. Larger vehicles on request. All drivers Covid vaccinated. Commercially licensed and insured. TCP #40474. Call Babe’s for reservations at (707) 545-2850.

c ArPet, UPholsterY

AnD tIle cleAnIng

Gavin Anderson, local Sonoma resident. 20 years experience. Senior pricing. Free estimates. Call 935-6334.

one WAY PlUmbIng, Inc.

we heard from SRPD Captain John Cregan who is now the Chief of Police. He deftly outlined reforms and new programs designed to address our mental health and homeless crisis. On the other hand, we recently listened to a presentation by Dora Zuniga who is the director of donor guidance for Project Amigo.

We know the work they do, as late VOM Rotarian Ron Nicholson and his wife Ro were instrumental in our club deciding to make them a charity partner. Project Amigo is a program based in the province of Colima on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It was founded by a Rotarian who, in 1984, took a wrong bus and ended up in a poverty-stricken town just south of the Colima Volcano.

What he noticed was an abundance of children and few educational opportunities. Education is not the priority in Mexico that it is here. Public school just goes through the 6th grade. That’s it! If you want to continue on to high-school it will cost money which

basically puts it out of reach for most families.

After decades of work by Rotarians around the world the villages now have an Albergue which provides room and board. It is largely funded by the State Department of Education but it requires a lot of additional services, especially with the goal of helping these children go beyond the elementary stage and even make it to college. That is how you help break the restraints of poverty.

Dora also invited us all down for a visit. It’s a wonderful program whereby Rotarians, individually or as a small group, go down to Colima for a week of working with the kids, helping with tutoring and personal support. Once you arrive at the airport you are their guests. Housing and food are all provided as you integrate into the community. The slides said it all. Kids having a ball interacting with their guests. If the evening news isn’t cutting it for you anymore, try joining us for breakfast.

Dependable, experts serving you and your neighbors with excellence and integrity for over 20 years. Licensed, bonded and insured. Senior discounts available. CA

Lic. #854537. Find us on the web at www. onewayplumb.net or call us at 537-1308 for all your plumbing needs.

golf c Arts

Huge selection of value-priced, new, used and re-conditioned golf carts for sale. Professional repairs, service. Many years servicing our friends in Oakmont. 584-5488.

for All YoUr PAIntIng neeDs

Quality affordable work at reasonable rates. Interior painting including rooms, cabinets, railings, decks, fencing. Pressure washing and more. Call Michelle, (707) 378-3600.

PAInter/hAnDYmAn

Interior/Exterior. 30 yrs. experience. Single rooms or full interiors. Friendly and honest. Morse Painting, Lic. #656306. Call Dan, (707) 799-5823.

erIc WIlson, generAl contrActor

Remodeling specialists. Kitchens, baths, roofing, plumbing and electrical. Fire and water damage repair. Quality service, reasonable rates. Proudly serving locally for over 25 years. Free estimates. Lic. #669482. Visit our website: www. specialtyimprovementsunlimited.com. Call today, (707) 328-3555.

PAIntIng AnD fAUX fInIshes

Reasonable rates, free estimates, Oakmont references. Lic. #573530. Gary Luurs, 528-8489.

sAntA rosA heAtIng

AnD AIr conDItIonIng

Over 45 years of experience in heating and A/C. Repair and replacement. Specializing in home applications. Discount pricing. CSLB C-20&C43 510017. Call (707) 494-1877.

certIfIeD ProbAte

reAl estAte sPecIAlIsts

32 years sales experience. I understand the CA probate and Living Trust laws when it comes to selling a property. Free market analysis. Call today Martha at Casa Keys, (707) 477-7168. DRE #01055567.

sonomA strong bUIlDer ProfessIonAl remoDeler

With over 25 years of experience in all trades, we use our expertise to complete your project with perfect customer service and satisfaction. Honesty is the most important aspect of our business. We specialize in custom homes, remodeling, kitchen renovations and handyman services. Insured, Lic. #1051454. Call (707) 529-8524.

gArAge Door serVIces

Locally owned and operated Dependable Doors offers full servicing, repair, and replacement of garage doors and motors. Call Casey at (707) 775-8009 for all of your garage door needs. Lic. #1016951.

gArDenIng

Done with an emphasis upon a natural look since 2007. Small jobs OK. Handyman as well. Richard, 833-1806. Oakmont resident.

rePAIrs PIlIng UP? c All rAY No job too big or too small. Heating, water heaters, plumbing, electrical, drywall, patching, painting, appliance repairs, honey do’s, etc. Quality and affordable. Ray, (707) 280-2699.

the VIne lAnDsc APIng Professional fruit tree pruning. Ornamentals. All aspects of general landscaping. Monthly service. Call (707) 935-0519.

notArY PUblIc Oakmont Resident available to come to your home or office. Carol Palombino, (707) 953-8324, carolpal3@yahoo.com.

mArthA l ProfessIonAl

hoUse cleAnIng

Home, office, move-outs. Window, bed linens and much more. 19+ years of experience. References upon request. 548-9482 or marthal1041@att.net.

tonY’s gArDenIng serVIces

General landscape, mowing, yard maintenance (free fertilizer included, so your grass and plants can be greener than ever), high weed clearance, clean-up, hauling, trimming, pruning and gutters. Free estimates. Ref. available. Tony Sandoval, (707) 321-2958.

In home mAssAge therAPY

30-year experience with excellent references. Customized to meet your individual needs. 20% off your 1st session. Lisa Buckner, CMT (707) 529-9401, lisabuckner37@gmail.com.

oAKmont comPUters

PC and Apple repair in Oakmont Village. Technical services and onsite repair. Media transfers. 6536 Oakmont Dr., (707) 282-9046.

ArtIsAn hAnDIWorK

Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and everything Handyman. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Since 1992. Artisan Construction: CA License #634831. Visit www.artisanhandiwork.com. Call (707) 483-4609.

resIDentIAl WInDoW AnD PressUre cleAnIng serVIces serVIco WInDoW cleAnIng co. Decks, stucco, pavements, gutters. Free estimates. Call Dennis at (707) 249-3343.

certIfIeD cnA AnD hosPIce c Are I come to your home and do light housekeeping, run errands and transport you to your doctor appointments or shopping. Over 20-year experience. Please feel free to contact Maria Barrera at (707) 393 -9748 (cell).

A mother ’s loVe PetsIttIng Loving care in your home. Overnites or per visit. Licensed, bonded and insured since 2010. Check YELP. Call or text Gayta, (707) 716-6286.

mAltA senIor InsUrAnce serVIces

Helping seniors and those on disability choose a Medicare health plan. Local independent Agent. Free consult. Call or text Rosanne Malta, (707) 775-7520. License #4167037.

bAthrooms AnD KItchens to PerfectIon

General Contractor, John Coyle. 36 years in the home remodeling business. Specializing in Oakmont since 1986. Bathrooms, kitchens, additions. Free estimates. (415) 879-1634. Bayside Remodeling and Construction.

VAlle Y of the moon PlUmbIng

We are a local plumbing company that can take care of all your plumbing needs from service and repair, to remodels and additions. Call today to schedule a free estimate. (707) 800-2043.

c AregIVer lIVe-In or lIVe oUt 25 years of experience, good references. Please call for details. Justine, (707) 280-4786.

hAVIng troUble gettIng YoUr gArbAge to the cUrb for PIcK-UP?

I can come to your home to put your trash receptacle to the curb Wednesday afternoon, and bring it back on Thursday afternoon. Call Dan Lennox, (707) 889-0205.

DecKs, fences, KItchens AnD bAthrooms

Finish carpentry and general construction. Licensed, bonded and insured. CA Lic. #1044479. Call Rodrigo at (707) 975-6576, (707) 393-9748, or 843-9469.

nRay and Marie Haverson

BACk BY POPuLAr DEMAnD, Mr. kEntOn wEAvEr—DIrECt

FrOM LAS vEGAS

wHAt: Kenton Weaver, Singer and Impressionist

wHEn: October 15 wHErE: Berger Center

tIME: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6:30–9:30 p.m. COSt: $25 per person

Mr. Weaver has been here before and had a fabulous review here in Oakmont. He performs Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boon, Robert Goulet, Kenny Rogers, Neal Diamond and so many more.

Kenton has performed over 1000 shows in Vegas and a special show for the Sinatra family as a tribute to Frank Sinatra’s 100 birthday in Palm Springs. This is a great show that you do not want to miss. For the best table you need to get your money in fast

nCharles Ensley

as it will sell out early, as it did last time.

You can mail your checks to 7111 Oak Leaf Drive, Santa Rosa, Ca. 95409 or you can put it in the ShaBoom folder in the OVA office or you can drop it in my mail slot right side of my garage door.

Please note: You may bring your own food and drink of your choice or we will have coffee, lemon water, ice, cups and cookies (while supply lasts).

If you want a preview of his show, on your URL type in Kenton Weaver and you will see a site that reads Kenton Weaver Oakmont. There is a video you can watch.

We are working on a dance and show for November 12. Details to follow.

Do not forget our fabulous New Year’s Eve Party. We are working on the details now and will let you know about it soon.

Any questions please feel free to call us at 539-6666.

Kiwanis c lub of o akmont

kIwAnIS OFFErS FrEE MEDICArE SEMInArS

Kiwanis Club of Oakmont is presenting two free seminars this fall on Medicare Fundamentals and Changes. They are being sponsored by HICAP (California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program), a Medicare-endorsed service. They sell no products, wishing only to inform the public of Medicare programs and upcoming changes.

The first program is “Medicare Fundamentals” seminar on Thursday, September 29, 10–11 a.m. in the

nHoward Sidorsky

Berger Center. No registration is required.

Having previewed these seminars at a recent Kiwanis meeting, our members are glad to offer these complementary seminars to help residents understand the choices you have under Medicare and its supplemental and prescription plans during its annual change window from October 15–December 7.

For additional information you may contact the number on the back of your Medicare handbook: (800) 434-0222, or Michael Thompson, the local HICAP Coordinator at (707) 921-1294.

Jewish Interest group

FrEE HEALtHCArE SErvICES

In SAntA rOSA

On September 17, the Jewish Interest Group saw and discussed the movie The Band’s Visit. Prior to October’s presentation, we will have time for socializing. So please bring things to share in the way of appetizers, drinks, baked goods, nosh, etc. We will have coffee available.

On Sunday, October 16 at 2 p.m., the Jewish Interest Group will feature the Jewish Community Free Clinic (JCFC) in Santa Rosa. Donna Waldman, the JCFC’s Executive Director will be addressing the club about the services the Donna Waldman.

JCFC provides to anyone in need who is currently uninsured. Those in need can come to the JCFC for primary care medicine, employment evaluations, women’s health care, medications, and laboratory services. All these services are available completely free of charge.

In particular, Donna will be addressing:

1. Brief history of the role American Jews have played providing affordable healthcare to lowincome people.

2. Definition of free clinics verses federally qualified health clinics and role of each in healthcare to underserved populations.

3. Sonoma County’s history of caring for lowincome families over the past 25 years.

4. Jewish Community Free Clinic’s care of lowincome workers, especially farmworkers and domestic workers and people of color.

5. How people from Oakmont have supported our project.

6. How support from the Jewish community for our project has been critical to our success.

7. Brief explanation of what is done at the JCFC: primary care, acupuncture, work and school physicals, vaccinations, monkey pox vaccinations, women’s health, mental health and social services.

8. Some stories of the people who have been helped along the way.

9. Questions and answers regarding covid-19 and what to expect in the coming months.

10.The many ways to support the JCFC: opportunities for special projects, on-site front desk help, help with fundraisers, working on our Legacy Giving initiative that we are rolling out this year.

We are also suggesting a $1 per person donation to cover incidental costs. For those who would like to help set up, please arrive at approximately 1:30 p.m. Any Oakmont resident is invited to attend.

If you are interested in being added to the email list for this group, please email: howard@sidorsky.com.

2022–2023

ovA boA r D o F D I r EC tor S

E-mail: askova@oakmontvillage.com

Jess Marzak, President jmarzak@oakmontvillage.com

Mark Randol, Vice President mark.randol@oakmontvillage.com

Iris Harrell, Secretary

iris.harrell@oakmontvillage.com

Jeff Neuman, Director jeff.neuman@oakmontvillage.com

Marianne Neufeld, Director

marianne.neufeld@oakmontvillage.com

Olga Ydrogo, Director

olga.ydrogo@oakmontvillage.com

Heidi Klyn, Director

bod.heidi.klyn@gmail.com

Elke Strunka, Treasurer (Non-voting officer)

elke@oakmontvillage.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Christel Antone

christel@oakmontvillage.com

pooLS & JACuZZIS

Access to OVA pools is by magnetic card. Call OVA Office, 539-1611 if you need a permanent new member pool access card or to register for a temporary guest pool access card.

W EST: 7 AM–9 PM

(Closes 7 PM Wednesdays for cleaning)

E AST: 6:30 AM–9 PM

(Closes 7 PM Mondays for cleaning)

C ENTRAL: 5:45 AM–9 PM

(Closes 7 PM Tuesdays for cleaning)

JACUZZI HOURS: Same as facility. No one under 18 years in West and East pools and Jacuzzis.

CENTRAL POOL HOURS FOR PEOPLE UNDER 18: 12–4 PM from Memorial Day W.E. through Labor Day W.E. 11 AM–2 PM after Labor Day W.E. until Memorial Day W.E. *W.E. = weekend

Children must be accompanied by an OVA member/resident or adult with a valid guest pool access card. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY AT ANY OVA POOL. ALL FACILITIES CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY.

Need a ride? give a ride!

coor DI n Ator rides to medical Appointments

september 16–30 Marianne Neufeld 707-953-5302 october 1–15 Nancy McDonald 707-591-3110

We provide the following services to Oakmont Residents: n Transportation to medical/dental appointments in Santa Rosa only n Meals on Wheels 525-0383

If you would like to be a volunteer, please call 539-8996. Donations to Oakmont Volunteer Helpers are appreciated and tax deductible. Mail your check payable to Oakmont Volunteer Helpers, 6637 Oakmont Dr., Ste. A, Santa Rosa, CA 95409. Thank you.

Mon.–Fri. medical rides before 9 AM or after 4 PM are subject to limited volunteer driver availability. No service on weekends or holidays. Please call at least three full working days prior to appointment. We regret that we are unable to provide either wheelchair or emergency service.

how to ContAC t Your LoCAL oFFICIALS

county supervisor susan gorin, District 1 Phone (707) 565-2241

Address: 575 Administration Drive, Rm. 100A, Santa Rosa 95403

Email: Susan.Gorin@sonoma-county,org city councilwoman Dianna macDonald, District 3

Email: dmacdonald@srcity.org

Address: City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave., Rm.10, Santa Rosa 95404

Donna Waldman and Deborah Roberts from the JCFC join Healthcare Week at the Capitol 2022.

o akmont g arden c lub

nPatty McHugh

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”—Lauren DeStefano

OCtOBEr MEEtInG

ALL THiNGS BuLBS BY SAvItA wILDEr, BuLB BLISS

wHEn: Wednesday, October 12, 9:30 a.m. social, 10–11:15 a.m. meeting

wHErE: East Rec. Center, 7902 Oakmont Drive

This will be an interactive presentation. Savita is a lively person with a sense of humor, is very knowledgeable about “all things bulbs” and loves to answer your questions. We do hope you will participate—every question and answer are a benefit to all in attendance!

Savita says, “November and December are prime planting time for fall-planted, spring-blooming bulbs. In the Fall I get really excited about sharing information with others about bulbs that do great in our area and are gopher/deer resistant, if not proof.” Planted bulbs are also the perfect holiday gift and Savita will demo a forced bulb container.

nOvEMBEr MEEtInG

HOW OuR HOME GARDENS CAN SAVE NATuRE EVEN WiTH FiRE AND DROuGHT!

BY CArOLYn GrEEnE

wHEn: Wednesday, November 9, 9:30 a.m. social, 10–11:15 a.m. meeting

wHErE: East Rec. Center, 7902 Oakmont Drive

Carolyn has lived in Oakmont eight years and is known for sharing her curiosity and extensive knowledge of local native plants, birds, butterflies, and even ants! She is a certified California Naturalist,

tour leader at the Sonoma Botanical Garden, and has worked as a field biologist (conducting wildlife, plant, and restoration research) for the past 25 years.

Our COMMItMEnt

Goodness, gardening is certainly a challenge in this age, what with fire threat, drought, excessive heat and who knows what else. Your Garden Club board is committed to bringing you information to help us deal with the garden challenges we now face, in the hope that, through careful planning, we can still have beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy for years to come.

As always, let us know what subjects you think are beneficial at this time in our garden lives.

o akmont Art Association

nPeter M. Krohn

tHrEE OAkMOnt ArtIStS

OPEn StuDIOS

This is an opportunity to visit three of our own community’s professional artists. You can hear them speak of their vision and techniques, see demonstrations, ask questions, and of course view their art. The artists have all been juried in to meet the standards of independent judges.

The studios will be open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on September 24, 25 an Oct. 1 and 2.

A New Way to Join with the flexibility of a monthly agreement. Come see the campus and available apartments and how this option can work for you. Think of your future on your terms with engaging opportunities, interesting neighbors and dedicated staff providing the services you want.

Call 707.579.6964 more information arrange a visit.

Just for fun g ames c lub

nPhillip Herzog

wE PLAY GAMES In PErSOn AnD OnLInE

Would you like to learn a new game? Do you want to try a game before you buy it? Maybe you want to explore what kinds of games are out there? You can do all of that at the website Board Game Arena. That is also the website that the Just For Fun Games Club uses when we play online, and we have been using it for two years now. For questions, email us at Just4FunGamesClub@earthlink.net

ABOut tHE JuSt FOr Fun GAMES CLuB:

The Just for Fun Games Club is a great place to make friends and play all sorts of old and new games including board games, card games, tile games and dice games! We meet every Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Card and Game Room at the CAC. However, sometimes we also play online, to do so we use Zoom for communication and the website Board Game Arena for the games. Please call or email ahead to confirm the schedule. There are multiple games being played at the same time, so you will always be able to choose what game you want to play. It’s never too serious—because we play games Just for Fun!

PAn (PAnGuInGuE)

Come play Pan with us! Pan is a gambling card game with lots of players, cards & chips (but we do not play for money, we play Just for Fun). If you think you might be interested in learning this very sociable “anything-can-happen” kind of card game, please come check it out!

Our next Pan games will be on Saturdays, October 1 and October 15 at 1 p.m. Oakmont resident, Jeri Phillips, will be happy to teach interested newcomers how to play Pan at other days and times that are convenient. Please contact her if you would like to learn how to play Pan.

For more information, to RSVP, or to register for lessons, contact Jeri Phillips at Just4FunGamesClub@ earthlink.net Call or text: (714) 883-3126.

At the Pan games, up-to-date Covid vaccinations are required, and masks are optional.

HAnD AnD FOOt

We play Hand and Foot in person each week. Please come and join us. The more players, the better the experience! Are you interested in learning how to play Hand and Foot? Send us an email so the teachers can be prepared. Just4FunGamesClub@earthlink. net. Up-to-date Covid vaccination AND masks are required.

The club has a large collection of games on hand and players often bring new and different games as well. Everyone is welcome to come and have a good time at the Just for Fun Games Club. For more information contact Phillip Herzog at Just4FunGamesClub@ earthlink.net or 843-3053.

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