ON: November 26, 2022 Edition

c Ac c losure

nMarty Thompson

Oakmont’s Central Activities Center will close starting Tuesday, Dec. 6 while a contractor replaces the worn carpeting in the usually busy building. The old carpet is showing wear from more than a dozen years of heavy use since the rebuilt CAC opened in 2007.

The Fitness Center, which has rubber flooring, will be open, but gym users must enter and leave via the building’s side door rather than the main entrance off the CAC lobby.

Relocating the library’s books and other materials is a big job. That will happen during a “book brigade,” with library volunteers passing more than 20,000 books along hand-to-hand to another part of the building.

election Day s ighting Progress reported o n 3rd evacuation route

nAl Haggerty

The Oakmont Village Association is making significant progress on finding a third evacuation route out of Oakmont to avoid the traffic gridlock which occurred during wildfires in recent years.

Jess Marzak, board president, told a Nov. 15 board meeting that the Emergency Vehicle Access Road will be at least 20 feet wide with two feet of packed shoulder on each side to accommodate incoming and outgoing traffic at the same time.

He said OVA has been working out the details with Bill Gallaher’s Oakmont Senior Living, the developer of Elnoka. Surveyors have already begun work on the route, which will run from Stonebridge Rosd near the dog park and Community Garden through the Elnoka property and out to Melita Road.

“The negotiations have gone well,” Marzak said, “and the city has now asked us if we are comfortable enough in our discussions with Gallaher that we would support including the evacuation road in the Elnoka Environmental Impact Report.” He said OVA has informed senior city planners of its support.

He also said the road would be paid for by Oakmont

2023 oVA board of Directors election

nJackie Ryan

Three seats on the OVA Board of Directors are to be filled in the 2023 election that will be held in April. Nominations are open now.

members urged to be Part of o nline Directory

nNews Staff Report

The 2022 Oakmont Community Directory is out, and the community’s first electronic directory is building rapidly, with over 600 residents listed as of Nov. 15.

“I strongly encourage all Oakmonters to sign up for the new Community Directory,” said OVA President Jess Marzak. “One way our community can become closer is to allow other residents to contact us, and the Community Directory is the tool to make that happen.”

The new directory has the latest information for

Board positions at stake are those held by Mark Randol, Olga Yrdrogo and Heidi Klyn. Randol is completing a two-year term and is eligible to run again. Yrdrogo was appointed to the seat vacated by Jeff Young and can now seek a full term. Klyn has served two terms on the board and is not eligible for re-election.

Oakmont members who are in good standing can declare their candidacy by sending a letter postmarked, dropped off at the OVA office, 6637 Oakmont Drive, Suite A, or emailed to Dawn McFarland: Dawn@oakmontvillage.com by Friday, Jan. 25. Letters should include a candidate profile of up to 300 words and a photo, which will be published in the Oakmont News

Ballots for the election will be mailed to members in early March. Results of the election will be announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting on April 3. Voting is by mail. Nominations can be submitted now. Ballots may also be turned in at the Annual Meeting at the Berger Center prior to the start of ballot counting at 10 a.m.

2030—many o pportunities to consider

o

A Town Hall on Monday, Dec. 12 starting at 1 p.m. in the Berger Center will give residents a look at some of the almost 200 concepts to improve Oakmont that have been generated by2030 Working Group volunteers over the past six weeks.

Ten Working Groups focused on the main themes that emerged from last summer’s Community Conversations: Life Safety, Meeting Space, Gathering Places, Maintenance and Modernization, Aging and Diversity, Communications, Commercial Area, Environmental Stewardship, Sub-HOAs, and Financial Alternatives.

Some concepts could be considered soon, while others would be possible only in the future. Many things appear consistent with OVA operations, while others will need financial investment, more study, or both. This is the initial breakdown in the current working list:

“There are many excellent ideas here to consider— far too many to properly handle at once. We will be using objective criteria to help us prioritize the proposed concepts so we can focus on the most promising ones in each category,” said Co-chair Tom Kendrick.

A separate 2030 Working Group met over the past month to develop four broad criteria based on what was learned from the many Oakmont 2030 volunteers and participants over the past year. These criteria will be used to rank-order ideas for further assessment and ultimately, for possible recommended action.

On Nov. 16, dozens of volunteers met to review the

nTom Kendrick and Marlena Tremont, Oakmont 2030 Co-Chairs

Library volunteers in a relay line for a book brigade clearing space in the library in advance of new carpet installation.

(Photo by Marilyn Pahr)

This rainbow appeared to end over Oakmont on Election Day, Nov. 8 (Photo by Julie Kiil)

Important emergency Alerts update

nTina Nerat and Pat Barclay

The City of Santa Rosa is going to a new alert system called CivicReady on Dec. 16. There are new Oakmont residents who weren’t here for the 2017 and 2020 fires and evacuations longer than a week, so it’s time for an update on the various emergency alert systems. For long-time Oakmonters, this may seem like a topic that’s been beaten to death, but emergency alert resources have evolved rapidly in the past two years, so an update is warranted.

Fire season is almost year-round in California with the drought, though the recent rains have lessened our risk. It’s time to get your “toolkit” ready for next year. There isn’t any one app to rely on for alertsmultiple sources of information are needed. The alerts below will give you enough data to decide whether it’s time to evacuate early before mandates lead to gridlock traffic.

CivicReady. The City of Santa Rosa is transitioning its alert services from Nixle to CivicReady on Dec. 16. To sign up, go to https://www.srcity.org/3796/ CivicReady. You will be asked whether you want to receive alerts via text, e-mail, or voice (phone). Then you will receive a verification e-mail to confirm your sign-up. Remember, this is only for Santa Rosa city alerts, and Oakmont is within the city.

CivicReady is only replacing Nixle within the City of

boA r D Continued from page 1

Senior Living and be built to specifications required by the city. “We are hopeful that we will conclude our negotiations in the next few weeks and be able to report the specifics of the agreement to the Oakmont community.”

Marzak said a second major development is that Santa Rosa city planners have agreed to recommend to the city that the new Santa Rosa general plan include a change in Oakmont’s zoning designation from Planned Development to Commercial in the central area, which includes Berger Center, the Central Activities Center and all other Oakmont buildings. He said the new designation will allow much more flexible and less expensive development for both OVA and the owners of commercial buildings.

Santa Rosa and Oakmont is within the city. SoCoAlert remains Santa Rosa’s primary emergency alerting system for large-scale emergencies. The City of Santa Rosa uses multiple notifications and warning systems to ensure emergency information is delivered to the people who need the information.

SoCo Alert and Nixle. To sign up for county alerts, go to https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/ sign-up/#signup. Sonoma County Sheriff’s office uses Nixle. Napa County does an excellent job of consolidating all its alerts on Nixle. Napa Nixles are not to be ignored—as the crow flies, Napa is less than 10 miles from Oakmont. Our recent Oakmont evacuations were from fires starting in Napa County.

The following are excellent apps to also have in your toolkit for emergency information:

Watch Duty. This app provides real-time information about nearby fires, fire movement, and firefighting efforts, often including photos when available.

Windy. This professional weather app that provides real-time, detailed weather forecasts. A major benefit for fire season is its display of current and forecasted wind speed and direction. www.windy.com.

Pulse Point. This is a free 911-connected app that sends alerts in real-time on events that are being responded to by fire departments and emergency medical services.

PG&E. When there is a red-flag warning, pge.com is a good resource to find out if there will be Public Safety Power Shutdowns (PSPS) in Oakmont.

Twitter. This app has been a bit of a mess since Elon Musk bought it earlier this month, so it’s not clear where it’s going for the long haul. However, PG&E, CalFire and other fire monitors use this free app to put out alerts and is often where they post first.

And a reminder: along with go-bags, don’t forget to have data, pictures, and documents backed up and know how to use your cell phone as a WiFi hotspot when power is out.

An electronic copy of this article with clickable links can be found at oakmont-learning.org as well as the following previously published OTLC emergency alerts articles: Aug. 13, 2022, Apr. 9, 2022, Aug. 14, 2021, Apr. 10, 2021 and Feb. 13, 2021.

At-a-Glance s ummary, nov. 15 oVA board Actions

nHarriet Palk

CONSENT CALENDAR

Architectural Committee: Pat Ortiz was appointed and Paul Noah was reinstated as nonvoting members to assist with inspections.

Communications Committee: Appointed Jim Acker.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Golf Advisory: 1. Golf rounds are well under budget. Management remains optimistic the gap will narrow by year end though weather will have significant impact. 2. Cost of Goods in all areas continue to rise sharply and remain unpredictable as does availability. 3. Staffing, especially experienced staff, remains difficult as it does industry-wide. 4. Banquet revenue is near budget and management believes it is well positioned to be aggressive in the wedding venue market. VOM has among the lowest cost points for quality event venues and capabilities in the region.

• An original VOM employee (and former OGC employee) has been promoted to fill the vacant food and beverage manager position; a new events manager began on Nov. 9; Director of Golf John Theilade has announced he will retire Jan. 1. The position will be filled internally by the current head golf professional.

• Capital Expense contributions through nine months were $423,000 including $102,000 in equipment leases.

• Management plans to send a customer satisfaction survey at year end to those on its email list.

• Neither the 2023 Budget nor the Five-Year Capital Plan will be available until late December and may not be discussed by committee until the scheduled February meeting, at which 2022 final financials will be in hand.

Volunteer Resource: This committee is a bridge between those who wish to volunteer and the groups that are looking for help. Efforts are being made to return to the number of volunteers we had pre-Covid, so far with limited success. Ads will be placed on the Berger bulletin board, and a data base will be formed of potential volunteers. All new residents will be invited to a meeting in January explaining volunteerism in Oakmont.

The Oakmont Car Club is underwriting a Secret Santa Christmas tree that will be in the OVA office. Beginning Nov.28, residents can pick a card off the tree and provide the requested gift.

Architectural: Over the last three months, the committee responded to 29 violations and processed 348 applications. Firewise inspections continue, especially at the homes around TrioneAnnadel. Appointment of two new members to the committee will hasten the efforts.

c Ac closure Continued from page 1

nRosemary Waller

MARk yOUR CALENDAR

DEC. 8: LEE-RAhARJO DUO IN OAkMONT DEbUT

On Thursday Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Berger Center, Music at Oakmont presents the rising stars violinist Shannon Lee and pianist Melivia Raharjo. Shannon Lee.

Shannon Lee has been praised for her “remarkable fire, impeccable intonation, and big, vibrant tone” (Gramophone Magazine).

A recent prizewinner in several prestigious competitions, including top prize and audience award at the Sendai Competition in Japan, as well as in the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium, the Naumburg Competition in New York City, and the Indianapolis Competition. Her festival appearances as soloist and chamber musician include the Heifetz International Music Institute as Artist-in-Residence, Music @ Menlo, and Music from Angel Fire.

Born in Canada, Ms. Lee began studying violin at age four in Plano, Texas, making her solo debut at age 12 with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Two years later she performed in Europe with the Nuremburg Philharmonic. Other notable appearances include those with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Fresno Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony, Belgian National Orchestra, and the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra.

She received a diploma from the Curtis Institute, where she also served as a Curtis Artist Year Fellow, developing an elementary school music curriculum as well as an All-City Orchestra chamber music program for high school students. Currently Ms. Lee is pursuing a master’s degree in Violin Performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

It’s a big job, but the library has more than 100 volunteers who regularly manage the flow of books and other materials in and out. To begin and make space volunteers were asked to take home the equivalent of 56 shelves of books and keep them during the project. “They did an awesome job,” said Marilyn Pahr, who leads the volunteers. “With that experience, the volunteers can plan and bring off the big move. They won’t need any extra help,” Pahr said. Starting Dec. 1, library patrons are being asked to

nMarlena Tremont

not return borrowed items until the library reopens on Dec.19 during its regular hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The library will be reaching out for volunteer help as needed. In addition, acceptance of book donations will be suspended until Jan. 1.

The recarpeting was authorized by the OVA Board on Sept. 20 at a cost not to exceed $55,000. The work is being performed by Rugworks of Rohnert Park.

The CAC is expected to reopen Monday, Dec. 19.

lifelong learning

WINTER 2023 CLASS PREVIEW

WEDNESDAy, DECEMbER 14, 2:30–5 PM, bERGER CENTER

Refreshments and music by Louise Bettner at 2:30 p.m., program starts at 3. Come to meet the instructors, hear about the classes and learn about something new.

Never miss a class again! All classes are available in-person or by Zoom and are recorded for class members who have paid. Open an account online when you register.

SaN FraNciScO HiSTOry iN PHOTOgraPHS, 1850–2020

Instructor: Richie Unterberger, music and photography historian Mondays, Jan. 9–Feb. 13, 3–5 PM, berger Center 6-week session. Cost: $95

served on government commissions, diplomatic corps, Congress, the Senate and the White House, leaving a lasting mark on American politics, fashion and culture.

Mick Chantler is a 40-year student and instructor of early American studies and a member of scholarly organizations including the Lincoln Forum.

PEANUTS THrOugH THE DEcaDES

Instructor: David Sandri

Thursdays, Jan. 12–Feb. 16, 3–5 PM, East Rec. 6-week session. Cost: $95

Explore the life and work of Charles Schultz whose iconic comic strip Peanuts set the standard for the contemporary comic page. From the 1950’s into the 21st century, discover how the evolution of themes, characters and artistic styles gave Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang a lasting place in society.

David Sandri is a Bay Area instructor with decades of experience in the alcohol industry, currently teaching on the interconnections between social, cultural and historical subjects.

Born in Indonesia, Melivia Raharjo is currently a staff pianist at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she received her Master’s and Artist Diploma in Collaborative Piano. The first-prize winner of the 2019 Darius Milhaud Performance Prize, Ms. Raharjo was selected to represent the Cleveland Institute as part of the Kennedy Center’s Conservatory Project. She discovered her passion in working with other musicians as a student at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore before coming to the US. Since then, she has performed with such distinguished artists as the Takacs Quartet, Jaime Laredo, and Roger Vignoles. A participant in the Music Academy of the West’s summer music festival, Ms. Raharjo won the Duo Competition with violist Keoni Bolding, a 2021 winner in the Primrose Competition. She has also served as pianist for the cello masterclass program at the Hidden Valley Music Seminar.

Explore the evolution of the Bay Area’s architecture, music, political activism and spectacular beauty through the eyes of local and internationally reknown photographers. Choosing striking images, many of them seldom seen or rarely published, Unterberger uniquely chronicles San Francisco’s history from 1850 to the present.

Richie Unterberger is a Bay Area musical

historian, author and photo researcher. His book San Francisco: Portrait of a City was published in 2022.

gEMS OF THE WOrLD

Instructor: David blount-Porter

Mondays, Feb. 20–Mar. 6, 3–5 PM, berger Center 6-week session. Cost: $50

Discover how history, geology and politics have all been influenced through the intriguing world of diamonds, gems and pearls.

Melivia raharjo.

For their program in Oakmont, the artists have chosen works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Arvo Part, Arseniy Gusev, and Stravinsky. For details, please visit our website www.musicatoakmont.org.

A birthday Party! Audience is invited to remain following the concert for a brief celebration of the 101st birthday of our beloved founder, Bob Hayden. Please note: For the continued safety and comfort of all, proof of vaccination is required. Masks, though not mandated, are strongly encouraged. If you have attended any Music at Oakmont concerts this season or last, you are already logged in, and will need only to state your name at the door.

WhAT: Music at Oakmont WhERE: Berger Center WhEN: Thursday Dec. 8, 1:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: At the door, $25 cash or check made out to Music at Oakmont

Instructor: Mick Chantler

Wednesdays, Jan. 11–Mar. 1, 3–5 PM, berger Center 8-week session. Cost: $120

Examine the personal lives and political careers of the most prominent political family dynasty in the country. For over seven decades, a Kennedy has

Gemologist David Blount-Porter and his three guests, each an expert, will discuss and display diamonds, gems pearls. Students may have one piece of jewelry cleaned.

David Blount-Porte is a renaissance man: Hopi trained silversmith, certified gemologist appraiser, expert witness for the FBI, actor, composer, pianist and lecturer.

Class Scholarships are available. Please contact us at oakmontll.org.

Four Ways to Register for a Class: 1. At the Class Preview. 2. Fill out the form below and put it in the OLL folder in the OVA office along with your check. 3. Online at OakmontOLL.org. 4. Pay at the door on the first day of class

REGISTRATION FORM

Make checks payable to Oakmont Lifelong Learning. OLL follows all state and local COVID guidelines.

THE KENNEDy DyNaSTy

o akmont s quares

nSusan McLean

ThANkFUL FOR FUN AND FRIENDShIP

The Oakmont Squares have a lot to be thankful for this year.

The club continues to buck the national trend of declining numbers. This fall the Oakmont Squares welcomed a group of new dancers. The green light tips, when dancers at all levels can participate, routinely see 16 dancers forming two squares of four couples each.

Square dancing is fun, social and good physical and mental exercise. Many friendships and lifelong partnerships begin on the dance floor.

The Oakmont Squares are also thankful for club caller Lawrence Johnstone who creates novel combinations of calls, tailors the moves to the level of the dancers and entertains with singing calls using various genres of music.

This year’s new class is now closed. Classes begin periodically and will be announced in the future. Experienced dancers who may be thinking about joining the group are welcome to come at any time and dance at the Social Square Dance level, a level which is similar to Mainstream. No partner is necessary since it is customary to switch partners often.

The Oakmont Squares meet Tuesday evenings from 7–9 p.m. at the East Rec. Center. Donation is $6 per person.

Come dance in a square and make a circle of friends. For information call Jenny at 367-2102.

Valley of the moon rotary

nJohn Brodey

c lub

hAPPy DOLLARS

Any happy person will tell you that you can’t truly appreciate and enjoy the highs in life if you don’t experience some lows. That’s life, and the setbacks and losses are part of it.

At our weekly Thursday Rotary meetings, we have a few things we traditionally do in the first half hour and one of them is Happy Dollars. It’s entirely optional and involves a member relating something good that happened during the past week. It can be personal (the winning lottery ticket), club-related or something serendipitous that one of us enjoyed. Then you throw a few Happy Dollars into the pot to celebrate. There have been some thrilling ones, some funny ones and sometimes we hear a member acknowledge another member for something they did to further our mission to “Do Good.”

Obviously, this has also led to confronting those events that inhabit the other side of the ledger. We have had losses, members moving away, deaths in the family, setbacks. Invariably they serve a purpose as they remind us that we must appreciate our good fortune. But even more, in the process we gain a keener sense of adversity and tragedy and how important they are to our understanding of life itself.

Not long ago, one member of our group shared the news that they had just received a diagnosis of early dementia. You could feel everyone react. It was so personal. The outpouring of compassion and support was so powerful. We truly understand how important balancing Happy Dollars with unhappy dollars really is.

To that point, I must share my unhappy dollar. Jack Monahan has been a member of VOM Rotary since 2001. He was the original author of this column. His intelligence, wisdom and dry wit are always on display. He is the kind of a person who contributes to our efforts quietly, no fanfare. He gets the job done. A few years after my joining the club he asked me to take over this column. Something I did with trepidation. But his support, along with his guidance helped me enormously. He edits this column every issue, assembles the club bulletin each week (along with the amazing Star Power) and he is our in-house photographer.

Jewish Interest Group

nHoward Sidorsky

SUCCESSFUL

NOVEMbER PRESENTATION by JCC AND JEWISh FILM FESTIVAL

In November the Jewish Community Center of Sonoma County and Jewish Film Festival gave us an update on their activities. Sandy Andresen, director, explained how the JCC reaches out to people over the age of 55 with a variety of activities via their Friendship Circle. This includes lunches, trips, museum visits and the Jewish Film Festival.

Irene Hodes, the director of the Jewish Film Festival, discussed the movies in the upcoming festival which starts November 29 with a cooperative lunch at the La Bodega kitchen in Sebastopol.

We will have a very interesting program in December with a person living in Jerusalem who left a successful business and a comfortable suburban live in Sacramento to move to Israel. The whys and how he did this along with the challenges he and his wife faced will be discussed. He will be here in person on December 18 to answer all your questions. In addition, he will touch upon the questions raised by the Israeli elections as well as the US elections. Mark the date December 18 on your calendar.

Another forthcoming presentation will include Climate Change. We will learn about the general Jewish desire to be a good steward of the Earth, and the practical things the Israelis are doing to prepare for climate change. We will have a Climate Change guru, Warren Wiscombe addressing the subject in January.

A possible program includes “Judaism and Buddhism and how they interact.” Other scheduled programs are: A book review with the author of Tehran’s Children, Mikhal Dekel, in March; and in April, Rabbi Steven Chester discussing Jewish Medical Ethics.

If you are interested in being added to the email list for The Jewish Interest Group, please email howard@ sidorsky.com.

oA kmont 2030 Continued from page 1 draft criteria and helped in establish this relative weighting:

• Measurable benefits (37.7%)

• Expected community alignment and support (33.3%)

• Cost impact on dues and debt, and cost/benefit assessment (16.4%)

• Non-cost consequences (12.6%)

The Town Hall on Dec. 12 will give residents the opportunity to learn more about the process, the criteria and next steps for some of the most promising proposals that have been collected.

“The Oakmont 2030 process has generated an unexpected wealth of ideas,” says Marlena Tremont, co-chair. “We anticipate that some of the best shortterm ideas will go to the OVA staff or a board committee for immediate attention. The process for more complex opportunities will take additional time, effort and thought, but our goals are to progress in an orderly, transparent way, where we will continue to rely heavily on community input.”

Jack and his wife Corinne have been a delightful presence at all our events and social gatherings over the years. We had sadly learned of Corinne’s health issues in the fall and then in October came the news that he lost his darling wife Corinne to cancer. She was his rock. I can’t imagine how difficult a task it’s been to process grief and think about what the future may look like. Jack’s family has been there for him and asked him to join them in the Sacramento area. So, Jack will be leaving Oakmont.

It is a personal loss for me. I know we are all comforted by the fact that he will be close to his family. But I will miss you, Jack!

onl I ne DI rectory

Continued from page 1 members to locate contact information on neighbors and friends.

The directory offers several improvements over its predecessors. Earlier printed directories came out once a year, while the new listing allows new residents to be added and existing members to update their listings as needed.

To be listed, members need only log onto the OVA website at www.oakmontvillage.com and go to “Members” on the far right of the home page toolbar. Then click on Community Directory and follow the prompts to add your information. Members also may complete their entries on paper at the OVA office.

In addition to being current, the directory is secure because it’s only available with a member password.

Dancer Dave Watts enjoys a lighthearted moment.

Sandy andresen. irene-Hodes.

nDon McPherson

IN POINTING, ThE DONNÉE IS EVERyThING!

Q. What is this “donnée” thing?

A. Everything! Pointing is all about trying to have the thrown boule stop close to the target, the cochonnet (koh-shon-nay). On first impression, it might seem that this requires simply aiming at the cochonnet and throwing the boule at it. A new player quickly learns, however, that aiming to hit the cochonnet invariably results in passing it long, while aiming at it and trying only to get close often falls short.

successful donnée generally will be between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance to the cochonnet. A player needs to consider what loft and distance to use. The higher the chosen arc, the shorter the distance from the landing spot to the cochonnet, potentially limiting the effects of rough or uneven terrain. The lower the chosen arc, the longer the distance from the landing spot to the cochonnet, potentially favorable for smooth, level terrain.

Alec Stone Sweet of La Boule New Yorkais coaches: consider the position of the cochonnet and any other boules on the ground, assess the surface, then choose, aim at, and throw to a specific landing spot as your target. Instead of paying attention to where the boule ends up—a natural thing to do—pay attention to the donnée. Using a divot, leaves, twigs, shadow or other landmark, try to remember exactly where that throw landed. Then adjust the next landing spot based on the “line” that the thrown boule took and where it ended up. Closely watching the données used by teammates and opposing players, Sweet says, “is like having extra boules with which to experiment.”

PÉTANqUE IN OAkMONT

bocce c lub

nEllean Huff

TOURNAMENT NEWS

The Falling Leaves Tournament (Men vs Women) was held on Saturday, November 12, at 1 p.m. The ladies fought hard to win, but unfortunately the men came out on top. Congratulation to the winners listed below.

The “hidden” game of pointing in pétanque is not about aiming or throwing at the cochonnet at all. Rather, it is entirely about choosing a specific landing spot—the donnée (duh-nay)—from which the thrown boule will run up to the cochonnet. Aiming exactly at that chosen landing spot, and then accurately throwing to it (not at it) is the essence of successful pointing.

Depending on the chosen arc of the throw, a

French in origin, Pétanque (pay-tonk), also known as Boules, has been played in Oakmont since the 1980s. The club, founded in 1996, encourages all Oakmonters who may be interested in playing or learning to play pétanque to come to the courts between Berger and the OVA offices at 9:45 a.m. on the Club play days of Monday, 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.

kiwanis c lub of o akmont

nBeverly Singer

IT’S ALL AbOUT ChILDREN

Kiwanis is all about children—making lasting differences in the lives of children, to guide them in becoming leaders in their families, schools, communities and in the world. The Oakmont Kiwanis Club supports active Key Clubs at Maria Carrillo and Montgomery High Schools. Members of these Key Clubs help the Redwood Empire Food Bank, donate to the Pediatric Trauma Center and other organizations for children. They are often seen cleaning up beaches and parks and helping in other community activities.

Besides sponsoring Key Clubs, Kiwanis members enjoy “doing for” Kenwood and Luther Burbank Elementary Schools. This month, Kiwanians learned that all 2nd grade students at Kenwood School received dictionaries which were purchased by the Kiwanis Club. Members look forward to receiving thank-you letters from the 2nd graders telling how much they learn from the dictionaries.

Kiwanis members are hopeful that Covid and the Flu won’t prevent us from being “reading buddies” at Kenwood school this year and next.

The Kiwanis Club meetings have a variety of interesting speakers from child and family support groups. Liz Stoddard was a recent speaker from the Assistance League of Sonoma County. This group is heavily involved in support for children and families through five programs. One is called “Booster Bags.” It is designed to boost the spirits of women and children in crisis situations. Another program is “Sights and Sounds” which provides free screening

of preschool children to detect vision and hearing problems. A third program is “Operation School Bell” which provides children in need with clothing and enrichment activities through literacy development programs, school supplies, early childhood intervention and STEAM programs.

“Bright Beginnings” is a program that supports teen parents and “Safe Haven” is a program to support women seeking recovery from drugs and alcohol. The Key Clubs will be offering their services to help the League and the Kiwanis Club will too.

What the Oakmont Kiwanis Club needs is volunteers to join us and help in activities you would enjoy doing to help others. For information call President Ann Isaacs, (916) 261-7270 or email: annisaacs1@att.net.

ChRISTMAS PARTy

The Bocce Club holiday party for members and guests will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. at the East Rec. Center. Appetizers at 5 p.m. will be followed by dinner catered by the Oakmont Market at 6 p.m. Entertainment will follow dinner.

Reservation forms have been sent to all members. Reservation forms must be returned by December 1.

The annual dues form for the 2023 year are also available. If you wish to just pay dues, tear bottom form and return to the folder in the OVA office. Bocce dues for the year are $15 per person. Dues must be paid by December 31. New members who joined in the last quarter of 2022 will be considered paid in full for 2023.

Bocce will continue through December and January at 1 p.m. Our first tournament of the new year is the annual Valentine’s Day Tourney in February.

If someone wishes to learn the game of Bocce, come join us during December and January.

Great Decisions

nGeorge McKinney

GREAT DECISIONS 2023

TIME TO ENROLL!

The Great Decisions discussion groups meet nine times during February–June each year to read and discuss topics chosen by the Foreign Policy Association. This is part of a national program to expose Americans to important foreign policy issues and provide a framework for discussion about them. As part of the program, each participant receives a book containing important background material for each topic—$28 cost.

The program is open to all residents of Oakmont and their guests. Meetings are Monday mornings from 10 a.m.–12 noon in the East Recreation Center. There are usually 3-4 discussion groups of 12-16 people.

In the second half of the year, we plan monthly meetings to discuss a current foreign affairs topic.

If you have any questions or would like to be on our list for the 2023 season, please email oakmontgd@ gmail.com.

Topics for 2023 are: 1. Global Famine by Daniel Maxwell. 2. Climate Migration by Karen Jacobsen. 3. Energy Geopolitics by Carolyn Kissane. 4. Economic Warfare by Jonathan Chanis. 5. War Crimes by Francine Hirsch. 6. Politics in Latin America by Jorge Castaneda. 7. China and the U.S. by David Lampton. 8. Iran at a Crossroads by Lawrence Potter.

Liz Stoddard receives an award from ann isaacs. a book will be donated to a school in Liz’ name.

Nancy LaPorte and richard goodwin determining données before pointing.

Steven Payette focusing on a donnée before pointing.

Left to right: Bob Swift, Tony D’agosta, Bob cresta and Tony Sarram.

Left to right: Bob Baciocco, Phil Duda and gordon Blumenfeld. absent from photo Jim Munger.

ADVENT, ADVENT

“Advent, Advent, ein Lichtlein brennt…” Advent, Advent, a candle burns. So begins the most famous Advent poem and song in German-speaking countries. And to Germany in the late 1800’s we apparently owe the Christian tradition of Advent wreaths made of evergreen cuttings surrounded by candles.

But what does it all mean?

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival.” The season dates to the fourth century and is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. That places First Advent for this year on November 27.

Now if that reminds you that Christmas is around the corner and makes you feel anxious about all there is to do before Christmas, we extend an invitation to celebrate Advent. Wait! Another thing to do?! Well, sort of.

The story goes that the Advent wreath and its surrounding candles were first employed to encourage patience in children anxious for the arrival of Christmas. Each Sunday preceding Christmas a candle, then two candles and so on would be lit to help pace their expectations.

Fast forward to a community of “active” and less active adults in Oakmont in 2022 and perhaps the need for pacing is not all that different. And to that we might add the need for inner peace.

The Christian church calendar actually begins on First Advent. The four Sundays and weeks before Christmas anticipate the celebration of a new beginning for the world, the coming of Jesus to our world, the gracious visitation of God an earth. The celebration of such a mind-boggling event is prepared for through reflection, silence and meditation. To that end perhaps these daily readings available to download for reading or hearing are helpful: www. pts.edu/devotional.

But wait, there’s more! We invite all, whether Christian or not, to make an Advent Wreath with us after our worship service.

WhAT: Advent Wreath Making

WhEN: Sunday, Nov. 27 from 12–1:30 p.m.

WhERE: East Rec. Center, 7902 Oakmont Dr.

nMary Blake

l awn bowling

INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO bOWL?

The Oakmont Lawn Bowling Club is always excited to have new bowlers. Bowling is six days a week (Monday through Saturday), starting at 12:30 p.m., through April 30. Lessons are free. Membership is $20 per year ($10 if you join after June 30). Club bowls (they’re called “bowls”, not “balls”) are available for practice. You must be an OVA member to participate. Email the club at oakmontlawnbowling@gmail. com if you’re interested in an introduction to lawn bowling.

ANNUAL hOLIDAy AND AWARDS GALA

Our Annual Holiday and Awards Gala is December 2 at the Berger. RSVPs were due on November 21 meaning that if you haven’t already reserved a seat, it’s too late.

Doors open at 5 p.m. when our crew of volunteer gift wrappers will be lined up with scissors, paper, and ribbons in hand to wrap the presents you’ve purchased. These presents are for foster children, many of whom are unlikely to receive a present if not from us.

We’ll have a pasta dinner at 6 p.m. As always bring

your own beverages. We’ll dress up the place for the holidays and supply everything else. Jim K will be master of ceremonies.

2023 MEMbERShIP DUES

You may have noticed how often I complain about how quickly time goes by. Well, here I go again. I can’t believe it’s almost 2023 (silent scream) and time to pay our dues. We’ll have forms available in the bowls room and on the website. Dues are still $20 per year. A great deal to be part of a great club.

TRAINING

We’ve updated the Red Folder to better match our current procedures as well as changes to the official Lawn Bowling Rule book. Starting January 1, we’ll have copies of the new handouts available on the counter in the Bowls Room. If you can’t find your Red Folder or just want to make sure you have the latest version, please drop by, and take a copy. And, for those of you who don’t know what the Red Folder is, it’s given to all knew bowlers once they’ve completed training. We’ve modified the process slightly to also have a single page with a simple glossary for the first day of training.

If you’re interested in training, assisting, or joining in on practice games, contact me at OakmontLawnBowling@gmail.com or at MaryCBlake@comcast.net (that “C” in the middle of my name is important).

NEW bOARD OF DIRECTORS

We have three brand new, never-before, board members, Pam D, Jim B and Gerry M. Our next board meeting will be in January and first order of business will be to set up a calendar for 2023.

Please congratulate our new board: President, Janet Johnson; Vice President, Pam Dempsey; Treasurer, Tony Lachowicz; Secretary, Mary Blake; Director, Steve Pickell; Director, Jim Brewer; Director, Gerry Macintosh.

COMING EVENTS

Annual Holiday and Awards Gala: 5 p.m. Friday, December 2 at the Berger Website: OakmontLawnBowling.com. Email: OakmontLawnBowling@gmail.com.

For a very limited time, tell any member of the Oakmont Gardens sales team “I want 10K my way” and save on the beautiful senior living apartment of your choice. We’ll give you up to $10,000 in savings, any way you want it.

301 White Oak Drive Santa Rosa, California 95409 707-899-1329 • oakmontgardens.com

Jim K as emcee, with Marilyn and Jerry g at the 2021 awards gala.

canine c lub

nRandi Hulce

yEAR-END AND hOLIDAy EVENTS

• Photos with Santa! Dogwood Animal Rescue—Holiday Adoption Event is almost here! Hosted by the Canine Club, this event is Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., on the Berger Lawn. If it rains, the fun moves to the following weekend, December 17. This is a dog friendly event. Don’t have a dog? Come meet the adorable pups available for adoption. Enjoy holiday crafts for sale, merchandize, a raffle, give-a-ways; and best of all, Santa will be there for photos with your fur baby! All proceeds help Dogwood find homes for pups in need.

• Woofers Dog Walk yappy hour: Monday, December 12—meet South End Berger Lawn at 10 a.m.; December 30—meet West Rec. Parking Area. Walk is 1-2 miles (round trip). This is a casual walk; go at your own pace. Remember to bring water for yourself and your pup and wear comfortable walking shoes. All Oakmont Residents and all sizes and breeds of dog’s welcome. Rain cancels

• Membership “Early bird Special:” If you plan to remain in the pack for 2023, why not renew early and save? Current Canine Club Members, who renew November or December, receive an “Early Bird Discount”. Pay only $10 Individual or $16 Household. After December 31, annual dues are regular price, $12 Individual and $20 per Household.

Make checks payable to Oakmont Canine Club. Mail checks to club Treasurer: Dick Ayres, 6429 Meadow Creek Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95409. Dick has a secure mailbox slot on his garage if you prefer to drop it off. You may also leave checks in the Canine Club folder in OVA office.

Welcome to all new members who join year end. Brand-new members, who join November or December, your dues rollover so you will be paid up for 2023!

• Did you get a fun Thanksgiving photo of your pup? Submit your photo to Steve: shuntley@ huntleyenvironmental.com for the club photo gallery.

WhAT’S hAPPENING

AT ThE DOG PARk?

Happy Tails Dog Park is, located at 6302 Stone Bridge Rd (behind the Community Garden) is available to all Oakmont residents. Daily, Sunrise to Sunset.

• big Dogs Get Their Day! Big Dog Play Date: Saturday, December 3 (any breed over 35 lbs.) Bring your Frisbees and ball slings. 9–11 a.m. the park is all yours without any little dogs underfoot.

• Small Dog hours: for pups 25lbs. or less, 3–4 p.m. every Sunday and every Wednesday. Response has been great to the club request that dog owners with breeds larger than 25lbs. observe the 2-hour window per week for small dogs. Club members thank you for respecting their safety concerns.

• The Canine Club Needs More Dog-Loving Volunteers. Do you have a spare hour per week to help at Happy Tails Dog Park as a Doggy Docent? Then please contact Peri for more information: periolinger@yahoo.com.

See club website for listings of all scheduled events: http://www.oakmontcanineclub.org.

WOOF!

Veterans Day in o akmont

o akmont Village library

nMarilyn Pahr

Playreaders

nD. Hall

bOTh bROAD AND DARk COMEDIES COMING TO OAkMONT

A raucous dinner disaster concluded last week when the Oakmont Playreaders finished the comedy Slow Food by Wendy McLeod.

It will be followed on Nov. 21 and 28 by another of Neil Simon’s comedies, I Ought to Be In Pictures, in which a struggling script writer is forced to come to terms with his daughter, who he hasn’t seen in years. It features Star Power, Ginny Smith, Marcel Coder, and Ron White.

A trifecta on the Mondays of Dec. 5, 12, and 19 features The Killing of Sister George by Frank Marcus. In this play, an ageing lesbian television actress simultaneously faces the loss of her popular TV show and the breakdown of her long-term relationship with a younger woman.

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

LIbRARy bOOkS ON ThE MOVE!

Due to carpeting being replaced, the entire CAC will be closed from Dec 7–17. As part of this project, the library is tasked with removing all of its items from the shelves and then returning them once the new carpeting has been laid. Library volunteers have been busy planning for this and have already completed a test run of a book brigade with great success. During the closure, volunteers will move all 20,000+ items via a book brigade to another part of the CAC.

Starting Dec. 1, please do not return library items but instead hold onto them until the week of Dec. 18 when the library will reopen during its normal operating hours of 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Additionally, acceptance of book donations will be temporarily suspended until January 1.

Thank you for your cooperation.

movies At o akmont

WhERE: Berger Center

SCREENING DAy AND TIME: Sundays, 2 p.m. hOSTS: Al Haggerty, Carol Haggerty, Mike McInnis, Jeff Neuman and Deborah Davidson.

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

NOVEMbER 27: FiSHErMaN’S FriENDS

Ten fishermen from Cornwall are signed by Universal Records and achieve a top ten hit with their debut album of Sea Shanties. 2019, PG-13, 1:52.

DECEMbER 4: rETurN TO ME

A man who falls in love with the woman who received his wife’s heart must decide which woman it is who holds his heart. 2000, PG, 1:55.

DECEMbER 11: argO

Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches an operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the 1979 US hostage crisis in Iran. 2012, R, 2:00.

Oliver met Santa last year. This could be your pup this year!

John adams, president of the Vet’s club, left, and Wayne VanBrockern together in a golf cart for Oakmont’s Nov. 11 events. (Photo by Julie Kiil)

An antique Santa Rosa fire truck was on display and in Oakmont’s Veterans Day parade. (Photo by Julie Kiil)

readers of the Slow Food comedy: Morgan Lambert, John Dolan, Sandy White and D. Hall.

o akmont car c lub

nBev Leve, Volunteer Resource Committee

PROUD SPONSORS OF 2022 SECRET SANTA

One of Oakmont’s most popular events over the past 20 years has been the annual car show in May. Cars pay a nominal fee to be part of the show and it’s guaranteed fun for all. This year the club voted to use this income to support Santa Rosa’s Secret Santa program and bring a giving tree to Oakmont. The tree will be in the OVA Office from November 28–December 22. We invite you to visit the tree, pick a heart wish and have a very merry time adding joy to a child or underserved person’s life.

nPeter Schmidt

Pickleball corner

Recent estimates suggest that there may be as many as 8,000,000 Pickleball players who have taken up the sport and that by 2030 that number may increase five-fold to 40 million. Many have come to the sport from other racquet or paddle sports, such as tennis, badminton or ping-pong. For some, becoming introduced to Pickleball has been their first venture into a paddle or court sports in a long time.

Whether you are a veteran player, new to Pickleball or new to sports, in general, one of the ways to improve your game is to watch other players to see how they move and position themselves on the court, how they address the ball and when they may have a soft touch on a return shot or when a hard return or lob is more appropriate. Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of your experience as a player who wants to improve ... not just as a spectator.

When you read this article, the USA Pickleball National Championship tournament at Indian Wells will have been completed. But you don’t have to go to Indian Wells to watch Pickleball. We have some good players on our Oakmont courts and a great venue at the East Rec. to watch some fun Pickleball.

When watching Pickleball to improve your game, choose a specific player for one game, and try to observe:

• Footwork: Split steps, when they stop and split, backswings, body position and use of hips and shoulders, and follow-through.

• Shot selection: When do they hit a third ball drop versus a third-ball drive? When and where do they dink? Do they lob? When do they lob, and is it at the kitchen or the baseline?

lifelong learning

nMarlena Tremont

Maria Carrillo High School has the only Vocal Jazz Program in Sonoma County and has been performing for over 25 years around the country and overseas. Under the direction of Gail Bowers, the MCHS concert will include both vocal jazz and holiday songs and might even include a sing-along.

WhEN: Sunday, December 11, 4 p.m.

WhERE: Berger Center

COST: Admission is free. Donations accepted. Theater seating.

s unday symposium broadcast s eries

• Partner communication and positioning: Who returns a shot down the middle? Who runs down the lobs? Are they poaching? Are they encouraging their partner, and how do they do that?

nHilary Gruendle

MATTIOLI

NigHTS aT THE cONDOr: THE NOrTH BEacH TOPLESS rEVOLuTiON

In this lively presentation, Benita will tell us the captivating true tale of how the Condor, a tiny San Francisco bar, was transformed into the first—and the most famous—topless nightclub.

Fascinated by the tales her husband would tell her, she will talk about his relationship with Carol Doda and other notorious characters of the day. The topless revolution blew into North Beach like a wildfire in 1964, changing the city—and the world—forever.

• After you have watched one player for 5 or 6 points, switch to a different player and try to see if you can find any differences or similarities between how they play.

One benefit of watching videos is you can rewind, fast-forward and replay, which will really help you observe and learn a specific skill or strategy, so that you can work on it on your own.

Whether you are here at Oakmont and waiting for your match to be called, or you are at Rohnert Park waiting for a court to open, or you are on vacation somewhere hoping to get on a court, to play with people you may not know, watch your own age group and skill level and higher skill levels. Then try to apply what you have seen and learned into your game.

Regardless of your skill level or your experience with the sport, Pickleball is a great activity. It is fun, it is social and it will keep you moving. So, get out there!

at the Vom Golf c lub

ChRISTMAS DINNER AT OAk

WhAT: Buffet dinner with seating times at 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m.

COST: $60 per person and of course all Oakmont residents get 10% off RESERVATIONS: Limited availability so call today to reserve a table, 539-0415 x 5 bUFFET MENU: Chicory Salad with assorted citrus, pistachios, feta with a sherry herb vinaigrette; roasted beet salad, apples, shaved red onion, arugula and

goat cheese; green beans almondine, roasted root vegetables, Brussel sprouts and parsnips with garlic, potatoes gratin, mashed sweet potatoes, braised short ribs, herb roasted chicken with gravy, spiral ham carving station, assorted desserts.

DECEMbER LIVE MUSIC

5–7 PM, $5 COVER ChARGE

Dec. 5: The Two of Us—Beatles Cover Band

Dec. 12: Jami Jamison

Dec. 19: Groovy Judy Band—Holiday Theme

barbara Higbie and Friends Windham Hill Winter s olstice concert

nAnita Roraus, OVA Staff Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert, with Barbara Higbie and friends, will occur on December 16. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., event starts at 6 p.m. at the Berger Center. Tickets, $25 per person, are available at the OVA.

Barbara Higbie’s family moved to Ghana, West Africa when she was 13 years of age. It was there she first fell in love with music and studied with master drummer Mustafa Tetty Addy. Later in life, after musical studies at Mills College, studies at the Sorbonne, and a sojourn performing in Paris, she returned to West Africa with a Watson Fellowship to collect traditional music.

A professional musician since age 17, Barbara

has played everything from Traditional Jazz, Bluegrass, and Irish to New Classical Music, Blues, and African Pop. She is known for her ability to compose in a style that is both genre-bending and accessible.

A Grammy-nominated, Bammy award-winning composer, pianist, fiddler, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Barbara Higbie has performed on more than 100 albums, including Carlos Santana’s 2007 release.

Join Barbara Higbie, Jami Sieber, Vicki Randle, Michaelle Goerlitz and Dewayne Pate to celebrate this year’s Winter Solstice along with the release of her new album. Listen to “Tip the Canoe” or “Just Like a Woman” at https://barbarahigbie.com/videos.

cartoon by Peter copen.

MARIA CARILLO JAZZ ChOIR

o akmont rainbow Women

nKaren Mackey and Suzanne Dibble

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oakmont Rainbow Women (ORW) continues to emerge from the COVID restriction with some special upcoming events. The events include our annual Holiday Party, a new inside venue for a monthly social time, and an outing to the Freight & Salvage venue in Berkeley. We’re still being cautious, but we are grateful for the locally OVA-hosted vaccine opportunities.

For the Holiday Party, we will celebrate together on December 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Berger Center. Our special guest will be singersongwriter Melanie DeMore http://www.melaniedemore. com/bio). Melanie has traveled the world and was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. Nothing is closer to her heart than bringing people together to experience the healing power of music. We’re looking forward to her performance and her energy. A great way to celebrate the holidays!

We also want to give a shout out to our own Sherri Hoeffling who will be providing the sound engineering for Melanie’s performance. El Paisa Taqueria, the group that fed us so well last year, will be cooking the food. Here are some additional administrative details for ORW members planning to attend the Holiday Party: This year we have to charge $10 for admission due to the increased costs of food. Female guests (partners or dates who are not Rainbow Women) will need to pay $20. The ORW Board will supply dinner, water and entertainment. Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages. We will need an accurate count and payment by Dec. 1. Please drop your check (made out to ORW) or cash by Sue Dibble’s residence.

Over the spring and summer, we’ve enjoyed an outdoor venue for a monthly Social Time at the West Rec. picnic area. We enjoyed it so much that we hated to let it go with the coming cold and rainy season. So, we are moving the Social Time indoors for the winter at the West Recreation Center on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., beginning this November. Bring your dinner and/or a beverage and visit with others.

Lastly, we are planning an ORW outing to the Freight & Salvage venue in Berkeley, on January 7 to see Cris Williamson & Friends performing in their Grand Reunion. See details at https://thefreight.org. We are arranging for a bus at 3:45 p.m. to transport us to the F&S. Tickets plus transportation and tip for the driver are $90 per person for ORW members. Contact ORWevents988@gmail.com for more information and to sign up. The performance itself starts at 7 p.m.

boomers

nCarolita Carr

ANNUAL hOLIDAy DINNER COMING UP WhAT: Member Appreciation Holiday Party WhEN: Thursday, December 15 WhERE: Berger Center TIME: 5:30 p.m.

Who has the best members in all of Oakmont? We do! So, we are pulling out the stops with a delicious holiday dinner free to members. We will have hors d’oeuvres from 5:30–6 p.m., and then a buffet featuring both turkey and ham with all the trimmings. Please bring the beverage of your choice.

This will be a time for saying hello to old friends and maybe making some new ones. Holiday videos will provide background entertainment.

It is also “ugly sweater” time. And, of course, there will be a contest. Like last year, categories are: most original, best couple, best illuminated, and tackiest. So, get your creative juices flowing and find a sweater that’s sure to be a winner. And if you aren’t in the contest, consider being a judge. We rely on our attendees to join the panel of judges and make these all-important decisions. It’s all-around audience participation!

Register for this fun event now via our website, oakmontboomers.org.

DUES INCREASE

In order to continue bringing you the best in entertainment, the Boomer Board has voted to levy the first dues increase in the history of the club. As of December 15, dues will be $15 per person per year. When you pay your dues for 2023, please keep this in mind.

o akmont Futures

nMarilyn Pahr

TEChNOLOGy FOR ThE hOLIDAyS WEDNESDAy, DECEMbER 14, 4–5 PM, EAST REC.

Learn about technology that can enhance your life and get ideas for a Holiday Wish List.

With a smartphone, smart plugs and a personal assistant like Alexa or Siri, you can use your voice to turn on your holiday lights, play holiday music, get notifications when your Amazon package has arrived or remind you of items on your “naughty or nice” list when you’re out shopping.

Going shopping? With map apps on your smartphone, you’ll never wonder where your car is parked. Apple maps not only mark the location, but using Siri will even get you walking directions to your parked car.

A fitness tracker like Fitbit can monitor your heart rate and sleep, track your daily steps and remind you to move. The Apple Watch has a fall detection feature that can get you help when you need it.

Parliamo Italiano

nJane Rinaldi

GREAT ITALIAN MOVIES

(ENGLISh SUbTITLES) TO ENJOy!

We invite everyone who is an “affezionato” of Italian movies (with English subtitles) to join us on the first Tuesday of each month (the next movie date is December 6) from 2–3:30 p.m. in the CAC Building (Room 6). We may return to the “Ispettore Vivaldi” series which takes place in Trieste, Italy (wonderful actors and beautiful scenery). You can be sure that you will enjoy the movie!

Wireless charging pads allow you to forgo dealing with cables and have your phone or watch charging on your desk or nightstand and simply grab it when it’s time to get up and go.

If you don’t already have one, put a smartphone or smartwatch on your wish list—it will open up a world of possibilities.

The Futures Club is designed to identify what we can do to remain current in the world around us and to acquire skills and adopt changes that will help us live smarter both today and tomorrow. If you want to be on our email list, send your email to futureoakmont@ gmail.com.

toxic Waste collection

nAnita Roraus, OVA

DECEMbER 6, 2–7 PM AT WEST REC

LIMITS: 15 gallons of liquid (with a maximum of five gallons per container) or 125 pounds of solid material. Never mix chemicals. Place in sealed containers in the trunk, packed to prevent spills. Syringes/needles in sealed, approved Sharps containers.

NOT ACCEPTED: Explosives or ammunition, radioactive materials, biological waste (except syringes), TVs, computer monitors and other electronics, business waste.

Online appointments are now available: https:// zerowastesonomahhwevent.as.me/Oakmont.

Also, you are welcome to call 364-6927 to schedule an appointment. Only 100 appointments available— first-come, first-served.

tasting events c lub

nMihir Parikh

“bUbbLES: SPARkLING WINES AND ChAMPAGNE”

DECEMbER 15, EAST REC. CENTER

Let your tastebuds help you choose and decide the right “bubbles” for the holidays! Not labels, not price, but your taste and your preference via TECs fun “blind” tasting. Perhaps this will help you buy the right “bubbles” to celebrate the holidays with your family and friends!

We have selected six different sparkling wines, from six different regions:

• Spain: Raventós “Blanc de Blancs” Brut Conca del Riu Anoia

• Italy: Drusian Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry

• France, Loire: La Petite Marquise Crémant de Loire Brut

• France, Champagne: Charles Heidsieck “Brut Reserve” Champagne

• California, Anderson Valley: Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling Wine

• California, Russian River: J Vineyards Russian River Valley Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

Most of these are highly rated by wine critics, with scores of 90 to 94 points.

As always, the TEC tastings will be “blind,” enabling you to compare these different sparkling wines based on your individual tastebuds, not on price or label! And we combine these fine sparkling wines with a selection of appropriately paired delectables for the bubbles!

We will intersperse the tastings with brief overviews of the region, varietal and expert tasting notes. As always, the event will have some fun wine knowledge-based trivia contests that will provoke interaction and friendly competition, with winners receiving a bottle of fine wine!

Since TEC events have limited seating of 48 seats, the tickets will be first offered to the 50 TEC club members for purchase until Saturday, Dec. 3. After that, remaining EventBrite tickets will be available on Sunday, Dec. 4 to non-member Oakmonters who are on the TEC mailing list with an EventBrite link. If appropriate, we will also have an “Inside Oakmont” on Sat., Dec. 3.

If you want to be included in the TEC mailing list, please contact us: Tastings.Club@gmail.com.

Bubbles: Sparkling wines and champagne at Tasting Events club Event on Dec 15.

cris Williamson and friends

Melanie DeMore.

Just For Fun Games c lub

nPhillip Herzog

NEW yEAR’S EVE PARTy IS bACk! NEW yEAR’S RESOLUTION

Are you looking for a New Year’s Resolution that you can succeed with? Resolve to take a break from life now and then and play games. Resolve to make new friends. Resolve to learn new games. Well, for that matter, don’t resolve anything and come join us anyway!

This year we will again be having our annual NYE Party. It will begin with a social potluck at 6 p.m., then games about 7 p.m., and at 9 p.m. we welcome in the new year. Up-to-date Covid vaccination is required and masks are optional, but

Join the party with games. suggested.

For questions or to RSVP, send an email to: Just4FunGamesClub@earthlink.net.

PLAyING GAMES ONLINE

Would you like to learn a new game or play an old 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 (where that they have over 500 games to play). That is also the website that the Just For Fun Games Club has been using over two years when we play online. 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, December 3 and 17 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! If you would like to learn to play Hand and Foot send us an email so we can schedule lessons. Just4FunGamesClub@earthlink.net. Up-todate Covid vaccinations.

nRay and Marie Haverson

hAPPy NEW yEAR’S PARTy

WhEN: Saturday, December 31

WhERE: Berger Center

TIME: Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner time from 5:30–6:30 p.m., music from 6:30–10 p.m.

COST: $110 (due to the high cost of food and music) MUSIC: Poyntlyss Sistars—back by popular demand. What a fun band and great voices and song choice!

MENU: We will start with an assortment of cheese and crackers, followed by Chardonnay Chicken, HandCarved Prime Rib, Au Gratin potatoes, vegetable medley, tossed green salad and desert table. Coffee, ice, cups and lemon water provided. We will have linen table cloths and napkins. Food will be buffetstyle on China plates.

So weather you like to dance or just like to watch and listen to the music it is fun for all! We will be ringing in the New Year at 9 p.m.

For the best seating, you need to get your reservations in early as it will sell out very fast, as it did last year. So don’t get left out.

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. You can also drop it in our mail slot right side of our garage door.

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

o akmont s ingles

nDeb 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.

hOLIDAy PARTy/WhITE ELEPhANT GIFT ExChANGE

WhEN: Friday, December 16, 6 p.m. WhERE: East Rec. Center

Let’s get into the holiday spirit by gathering for our annual holiday party. Wear your holiday best or your ugly sweater; bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and of course, bring your beverage of choice. Enjoy seasonal music as a backdrop while enjoying the merriment of the season.

We will conclude the evening with an old-fashioned White Elephant gift exchange. Bring something from home to re-gift or an item with an approximate $15 value. It’s always so much fun to watch the “steals.”

Don’t forget your key entry card, your name badge and proof of Covid vaccination. Please RSVP to Priscilla, proslyn49@aol.com. Let’s close out 2022 with a bang!

bON APPETIT

Bon Appetit is taking a holiday respite. We will resume enjoying local meals out in 2023.

SINGLES MEMbERShIP

It’s never too late to be 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 payable to OSC, and place them in the membership folder.

NAME bADGES

Order your magnetic name badge by completing the name badge form in the Singles folder and include your check for $9.60 payable to OSC. Place them in the name badge envelope.

n

s tar of the Valley

Peter Hardy

NEIGhbOR TO NEIGhbOR PANCAkE bREAkFAST

The Neighbor To Neighbor Pancake Breakfast which sponsors one room at the Catholic Charities Support Center, operates “Nick’s Pantry” supporting 48 families and 82 children in need of food, and the Christmas Food Basket Project. The Christmas Basket Project provides $100 Safeway Family Gift Cards and $15 Target Gift Cards to each child under 18 years. The project supplies food and gifts to over 120 families in December each year.

WhEN: Sunday, December 4 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. WhERE: Msgr. Fahey Parish Center, 495 White Oak Dr. COST: $15 adults, $10 children under 12

All-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, ham, coffee and orange juice. One Mimosa or glass of Champagne will be served to any adult guest.

All proceeds benefit the Neighbor To Neighbor Program.

Fitness c lub

nJohn Phillips

ORIENTATIONS AND SEMINARS

We have had quite a few new residents coming into the Fitness Center to see what we offer and I felt that maybe I should publish an article in the paper for those who haven’t made it over to see the center in person. If you haven’t made it into the Fitness Center, I suggest you stop by. You may be surprised at what the facility has to offer besides orientations and various seminars.

Orientations: In the orientation, I will do a quick rundown on how the center is set up and point out important items that you need to be aware of. I will show you how to setup and operate six machines that will provide a basic full body workout. You will receive a workout card to indicate what the settings are for each machine and to make any additional notes you might need.

When you come back on your own you should be able to set up the machines for your use. The six machines that I demonstrate are the seated row, chest press, leg press, leg curl, abdominal and low back. I will also give you some ideas on what typical workouts should look like; such as how many reps and sets should be performed, how long a rest period should be, and ideas on how to progress.

The orientations are held once a week, every other Monday at 4:30 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. They take approximately an hour and have a limit of six people.

Seminars: The seminars are one of the ways to make progress. The seminars take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on participation. They are held every Tuesday at 12 noon and Thursday at 3 p.m., The same subject is covered on both of those days. The subjects range from a body part, such as legs, arms, chest, etc. to a piece of equipment such as the cable crossover machine, the vibration plates, or an activity such as balance or stretching. There are no limits to the number of participants.

The dates for these orientations and seminars can only be found in the Fitness Center on a big dry erase board just as you come in the front entrance of the center. It is not published anywhere else and I hope that while you are looking at the seminar schedule that you might stick around and do a little bit of workout.

I would also like to take this time and remind everyone to support the Oakmont Fitness Club. See the flyer on the end of the cubbies as you come into the Center for more details.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Fitness Center soon. If you have any questions regarding this article or anything dealing with fitness, feel free to contacting me at 494-9086 (texts welcome) or email at wkuout2@aol.com, or stop by the Fitness Center.

nDolora Hurst

Our last jazz concert was truly outstanding! I hope that you were there. Those musicians are incredibly talented and represent some of the most outstanding anywhere. They have now promised to return. You may watch for the announcement sometime this summer.

hOLIDAy PARTy—DEC. 7

The Jazz Club will again have our annual Christmas Party on Wednesday, Dec. 7 in the East Rec. and will feature the members entertaining. It is always a surprise to discover the musicians within the group. It

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.

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.

sAntA

Jazz c lub

is especially fun to find that the person you have been talking to is a terrific saxophone player, or perhaps guitar master. We have a piano, and microphones in the room, and comfortable chairs. There is something especially enjoyable about hearing someone, much like ourselves, possessing surprising musical talent.

Please bring a potluck dish and your choice of drink, a plate and silverware and I will bring a Honey Baked Ham. There is no charge as we are all bringing the food. You do not have to be a member, just someone who likes jazz.

You will need to make a reservation by dropping a

note in the jazz file in the OVA Office by December 3, with your name, address, email and phone number.

If you need to reach me, call 537 7720, or email me at hurstfurn@aol.com.

If you are a member of the club and are not receiving our emails please notify me by dropping a note in the OVA Jazz folder in the OVA Office, or emailing me with your information. The club has no dues, and anyone wishing to be a member of the club is welcome to come join us. We meet the first Wednesday of each month, 2 p.m., in the East Recreation Building.

All jazz lovers are most welcome!

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.

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.

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.

PAIntInG AnD FAuX FInIsHes

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

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

GArDenInG

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

c AreHelPer/comPAnIon

Oakmont resident available for hire to assist Oakmont residents in their home. $25 per hour. Very reliable, references, vaxed/all boosters. Please call to discuss your needs. Benita Jeppson, (707) 291-0032.

notAry PublIc

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

oAkmont comPuters

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

VAlley 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.

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.

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

sHureen’s mobIle nAIl c Are I will travel to you, see what the buzz is about. Get your toe nails cut and filed for $35 and your finger nails for $25, followed with a cuticle oil. Call to make your appointment today. April, (707) 4866193, Monday–Friday, 9-3:30. Licensed in California nail technician.

buyInG VInyl recorDs

LPs and 45s, jazz, blues, rock soul; old jazz and blues 78s and reel tapes. Call/ text (530) 859-3387. Email clearbluesky@ sbbmail.com.

eXPerIenceD c AreGIVer AVAIlAble

Compassionate and conscientious caregiving assistance within your home. Driving to appointments/other activities, shopping/errands, housecleaning, basic meal prep, medications prompting, yard care, pet care, paperwork needs, etc. Fully vaccinated, excellent DMV record. References available. Call Teresa, (707) 477-1094.

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.

Oakmont Village Association

oA kmont VI ll AG e A ssoc IAt I on

Hours: M–F 9 AM–5 PM—Open during lunch Tel 539-1611

6637 Oakmont Dr., Ste. A

OVA E-mail: askova@oakmontvillage.com

Website: www.oakmontvillage.com

Book appointments with staff at: oakmontvillage.com/staff

m AI nten A nce oFFI ce

Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM Tel 539-6720

Maintenance Building (next to Central Auditorium)

con D om I n I um F I n A nc IA l

m A n AG ement (c Fm )

OVA Accounting Tel 800-585-4297

oakmont n ews Tel 707-206-1957

E-mail: cjmprod567@gmail.com

A rc HI tectur A l o FFI ce

Hours: M– Th 9 AM–Noon, 1–5 PM Tel 539-0701

6637 Oakmont Dr., Ste. A

E-mail: christel@oakmontvillage.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

b u LLE t I n b oA r DS

There are three OVA bulletin boards, one at each recreation center, where OVA events can be posted. Please bring in notices to the Events Coordinator at the OVA Office. Size is limited to 8.5"x5.5".

Items “For Sale”, “For Rent” or “Want to Buy” can be put on a 3"x5" card and left at the OVA Office.

Lo C k E r r E ntALS

Annual Locker Fee $30 (January 1–December 31). If you wish to rent a locker, come to the OVA office and give us a check, your information and the number of the locker you want to rent. You provide the lock. We can prorate the annual fee. Daily use lockers are free.

NOTICE: Weekly locker inspections are done by OVA Maintenance. Locks could be sawed off with no prior notice and locker contents removed on all unpaid lockers. Items will be held in OVA Maintenance office for 30 days. If you purchased a locker for 2020, your rental is good through 2021.

If you have any questions, please contact the OVA Office M-F 539-1611

GuESt PASSES

The following are OVA Guest Pass types and duration: 1) Guest from outside Sonoma County— up to 90 days; 2) House sitters—up to 90 days (OVA host must present written request to OVA Office for approval prior to visit); 3) Guests living in Sonoma County—2 days per card, and no more than 3 cards per month. Guest cards are available during regular hours in the OVA Office for a $25 non-refundable fee. Guests accompanied by their Oakmont host are not required to have a Guest Pass.

StorAGE unItS

AnD PArkInG

Call Oak Creek RV & Storage, P.O. Box 2246, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. 707-538-3230

L E tt E r S to th E E DI tor Wr I t E r Gu IDELI n ES

The Oakmont News welcomes letters of up to 250 words from residents to express opinion, criticism or praise. They must include the writer’s name and Oakmont address, although the address won’t be published. See details on how to send them at https://oakmontvillage.com/submit. While letters to the editor may be edited for length and spelling, they are not edited for accuracy. Opinions are that of the writer and not necessarily the Oakmont Village Association.

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.

FItnESS CEntEr

Central Activity Center, 310 White Oak Dr. Daily 5 AM–9 PM. Closed at 7 PM on Tues. for cleaning. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

Str EE t C LEA n I n G City streets in Oakmont are cleaned by the city early on the fourth Friday of each month. Residents who want their streets swept should avoid street parking overnight on those days.

L I br A ry

Central Activity Center, 310 White Oak Dr. Hours: Daily 6 AM–9 PM. Closed Christmas Day. It is run by volunteers. All donations are gladly accepted. Materials we cannot use will be passed on to others.

oA kmont Commun I ty GA r DE n on S ton E br IDGE

For more info on signing up contact OVA at 539-1611 or email Oakmontcommunitygarden@ gmail.com. Spaces are available.

PASSAGES

Please contact OVA resident Bev Schilpp by phone 538-4293 or by E-mail wallyschilpp1@ peoplepc.com if you would like to have published in the Oakmont News the name and date of death of your loved one.

h APPy tAILS D o G PA rk

6302 Stone Bridge Rd

Open to residents of Oakmont Village Association from sunrise to sunset. Small Dog Hours are from 3–4 p.m.

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

ovA

1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 1 PM Always online via Zoom and in-person when possible. All

are welcome. Information to join online is e-blasted out to the community for every meeting along with the in-person location when applicable. Sign up for e-blasts from OVA at oakmontvillage.com/inside.

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

The Board of Directors of Oakmont Village Association reserves the right to select those articles submitted for publication that seem appropriate to the purpose of this association.

men’s bible s tudy

nLou Lacson

OFTEN qUOTED bIbLE VERSE

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Do we really understand this quote’s meaning or do we just quote it for sound bites?

Join us every Thursdays at the East Rec. at 10:30 a.m. and learn with friends and like-minded believers.

o akmont birders

nDawna Foreman

bIRDING ThAT COUNTS ThE 123RD ANNUAL ChRISTMAS bIRD COUNT

Once upon a time before we were born there were so many birds that migrating flocks would fill the sky, obscuring the sun like thick clouds as they flew over your grandparents’ (or great-grandparents’) house. Some birds were hunted for food. Others were coveted by milliners for colorful feathers to adorn ladies’ hats. Birds were also hunted for sport. One of the great competitions of the day was the Christmas “Side Hunt” when hunters would choose sides and go out with guns in hand. Whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) creatures won the day.

But by the turn of the 20th century, people studying birds and hobby bird watchers observed that bird species were dwindling, some becoming extinct. An ornithologist, Frank Chapman, who was active in the nascent Audubon Society, inspired a group of 27 dedicated birders to count rather than shoot birds. So on December 25, 1900, 25 counts were held in locations from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California. Most counts occurred in or near population centers and 90 species were tallied.

On December 18 Oakmont birders will participate in Audubon’s 123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count. It is the 13th year that Oakmont has been one of about a dozen count teams in the Santa Rosa area CBC. Our dear friend, Rhio Rhea, who lead the Oakmont circle for 12 years, will be birding with us again while new leaders, Dawna and James Foreman, veteran CBC birders, will take the lead and compile the lists of species tallied by each team throughout the day.

Why COUNT bIRDS?

Audubon sponsors regular Community Science efforts like the CBC which help us to know the health of bird species as well as changes in their migratory range. Each count year is a little different. For instance, in 2017, a few months after the firestorms, Oakmont birders reported 62 species, including a high count of 24 Hermit Thrush and eight Varied Thrush, far beyond the “usual” number of 8-10 HETH and one or two VATH. In 2021, 42 species were counted including a large flock of Cedar Waxwings foraging in a tree near the Catholic church. Near the polo field, a vibrant Liquidamber held 20+ Pine Siskins and on a small pond were two pairs of Hooded Mergansers and a Green Heron! You just never know...

All birders are welcome! Whether you are a veteran birder, a beginner with binoculars, or somewhere in between, please join us. We’ll gather at Berger Center parking lot, 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 18, rain or shine, where we’ll form teams of 3-5 and bird until noon. After lunch, we’ll regroup and bird until 3–4 p.m. You can bird the whole day or part of it.

To participate, please email me at mojobird22@ gmail.com. Our hope is to compile our tally for the day using eBird Trip Reports. More on this when we organize for our day of birding together!

nElizabeth McDonnell

bEE hAPPENINGS

Quilting bee

IN ThE PAST FEW MONThS

Many members of the Quilting Bee have been busy with quilt projects and in the past few months have shared the results of their endeavors.

Sandi McConnell told of a quilt she made for her haircutter’s mother as an 80th birthday gift using a variation of the nine-patch block. Joan Rumrill’s quilt was of sea turtles called “Life on the Reef.” Janet Chosa displayed her convergence quilt using four pieces of fabric made from a Ricky Tims book. Leigh Uselton told of making a quilt out of various purple fabrics as a gift for her daughter. Her visiting friend took it home to put borders on it and then quilt it for her.

Tomi Speed just finished a quick sewing pattern called “Rock n Roll with a Jelly Roll.” She also showed a quilt made from a kit Cathy Rapp gave her. As the owner of two large Samoyed dogs, she just had to add a moon and the silhouette of Samoyeds pulling a sled in the snow. The quilt sold at auction for $500 raising funds for the Samoyed Club of America.

In September Bee members had a picnic in the CAC patio which included an abundance of delicious desserts. We had a great turnout with much visiting and a game to play. Members were asked to bring Fall or Autumn-themed quilts to show. Pam McVey showed two quilts, one with leaves from a challenge at a Bishop’s Ranch quilt retreat and the second one a table runner from a class she taught.

Cathy Rapp’s quilt was as a part of an international challenge. The theme was “International Festival” and she pulled the topic “Octoberfest.” “Bavarian Beer Garden” was created showing two hands

as a lap size quilt of a star theme with the stars in fall colors. Kar Hofmann showed a challenge using “ugly” fabric.

Kat Stephens brought a quilt of Snoopy and Woodstock jumping into leaves made for a friend’s 80th birthday. Joann Fuller showed a quit made with

cathy rapp.

holding two beer steins clinking together in a toast with a snow-covered mountain in the distance. The hands were of her neighbor Sue Millar and Cathy’s husband, Marv Wilkerson. Her clever use of fabric created see-through “glass” displaying the beer.

Tomi Speed displayed a wall hanging with a scarecrow and the word “Autumn” on it, as well

current events Discussion Group

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.

“Popeye” fabric someone donated to her church. She made a small quilt for a baby or a lap throw for a person in a wheelchair.

Two new members joined us, Janet Madigan and Gloria Casey. Gloria is a new quilter and brought along her first quilt to show. She did a great job.

The Quilting Bee meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Arts and Crafts room from 1–4 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. to machine and hand sew our own projects. For further information please call me at 538-2523.

s oroptimist International o akmont Wine country

nDenise Bickert

WINE COUNTRy CORk CRAFTS

SI Oakmont Wine Country will be selling their signature wine-themed cork crafts December 3 and 4 at Hamilton Family Wines.

Revenue from sales and cork classes has enabled the club to offer two $1,000 Live Your Dream grants this year. The scholarship grants are awarded to a woman who is furthering her education, has a financial need, and is head of household. The candidate can be enrolled in a GED program, technical school or college.

Please drop by and join us at the Holiday Boutique, enjoy our cork craft creations and learn more about Soroptimist International Oakmont Wine Country

Pileated Woodpeckers.

Kat Stephens.