Welcome to Penngrove, California. Corner of Main Street and Adobe Road Circa Earliest Locals of Note. Labors of Love

Transcription

1 Volume 4 Spring 2011 Edition Issue 3 Your Community Magazine Highlights: Penngrove Panthers Inside Penngrove Sips, Savors & Sounds Penngrove Map & Directory Cotati - In The Neighborhood Event Listings FREE - Thank the Advertisers Pg. 5 Pg. 6 Pg. 7 Pgs. 10/11 Pg. 14 Pg. 19 Corner of Main Street and Adobe Road Circa 1874 Earliest Locals of Note Penngrove s first inhabitants, the Miwok Indians - Page 8 Labors of Love Penngrove businesses run by couples - Page 4 Penngrove & Neighborhood Events Listings of the many & varied events coming up - Page 19 Welcome to Penngrove, California

2 Barbara J. Perry MBA Broker Associate Realtor DRE Licence # Wishing to save a few bucks on mandated by law. Forget something, and commission, some adventurous sellers you may find yourself in legal hot water. embark on the home selling task without For-Sale-By-Owners may be fairly certain an agent. You ve heard the usual that they have dotted all the i s and arguments against doing this the crossed all the t s, but many will still paperwork hassle, the improper pricing, worry: Did I provide all of the disclosures? the legal pitfalls so I will not talk about Was everything done properly? This those here. Instead, here are the drawbacks creates anxiety. Then, after the sale, the of a different kind that are almost always unexpected call: Hi, this is the buyer. overlooked the emotional ones. There s water in the basement and this was not disclosed to me before the purchase. That Uncomfortable Feeling The seller stutters: I was not aware of To some people selling is second nature that... We ll see, replies the buyer, I ll they easily strike up conversations with have someone contact you soon. Now perfect strangers and quickly earn the seller has to sweat and worry and their trust and their business. agonize and lose sleep waiting for However, for a larger majority, that call from someone whose trying to sell something to a name is probably followed by stranger feels uncomfortable. The ESQ. Don t get me wrong uncomfortableness is amplified many solo sellers complete their if a person has an emotional transactions without any legal attachment to the thing being problems. But just thinking, Am sold (as is the case with homes). I forgetting something creates Hearing negative unnecessary anxiety. comments about one s How does working with an home and facing agent alleviate this? An agent rejection repeatedly is a is trained in all the different dreadful experience for many solo-sellers. legal aspects of selling a home. Not only Those who work with an agent have it does this minimize the chances of easy. A good agent will gently provide advice something going wrong, but it also gives on what improvements are needed and how the seller added peace of mind one less to best stage the home for showings. The thing to worry about. Does this mean agent handles the showings, answers the that agents are perfect and never make objections of potential buyers, and is trained mistakes? No, but they have Errors and to handle the salesy part of guiding Omissions Insurance if something should someone from just looking to I want to go wrong. Hey, even more peace of mind! make an offer. The seller just sits, smiles, and waits for a signed offer to arrive. Stress and Disappointment Selling a home takes time. Time to do the Anxiety advertising, time to show the home, time As you already know, selling a home to talk to potential buyers, time to properly involves lots of paperwork, much of it (continued, Page 2) November 2010 As winter approaches, the real estate market will likely slow down. That s when it becomes especially important to have a skilled Realtor on your side. If you are buying, a knowledgeable Realtor will know where to find good homes, even if there are fewer homes on the market. If you are selling, a good agent will know how to attract qualified buyers, even if fewer people are looking. Are you thinking of buying or selling soon? If so, give me a call or send me an today, and let s work together. I offer thorough knowledge of the local market, friendly service, and no sales pressure. Barbara a J. Per erry y MBA Broker Associate Realtor (707) perryb4@comcast.net RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE TM Experience The Dream Team Enjoy Double the Selling and Buying Power Barbara & Joseph Perry Office: perryb4@comcast.net Lic # Lic # Barbara s Homeowner News Do You Really Need an Agent? We are happy to announce that we have joined forces with Coldwell Banker, one of the most widely respected and trusted real estate names in the nation. We are certain that our progressive approach to marketing, dedication to perfection and uncompromising service, combined with the unparalleled resources available through Coldwell Banker create a winning combination to serve you. Together, we are poised to deliver the highest degree of service through our unmatched global network, nationally acclaimed marketing resources and knowledge of the local Sonoma County market. FREE Barbara s Homeowner Newsletter Call or today to receive your free monthly copy! Get Healthy in 2011 Community Health & Fitness Fair Saturday, April 2nd, 10am-2pm Samples - Raffle - Demonstrations Main Street Fitness Stay in Touch Massage Growing Vitality Nutrition Ruthy s Real Meals Orenda Anti-Aging & Gia Wellness Products Mama Baretta s Gluten Free Breads & Cookies Sally Criss - Acupuncturist & Herbalist Tara Firma Farms Tarma Designs - Earth Friendly Jewelry for Active Lifestyles Saladmaster Eco-Friendly Cookware and more... First Ever! Free Admission! Main Street, Penngrove for more information Located in the old train depot building by Penngrove Park PENNGROVE PROUD 2

3 Index Labors of Love: Penngrove businesses run by couples Page 4 Penngrove Elementary School News Page 5 Reader s Comments Page 5 Inside Penngrove Page 6 Sips, Savors & Sounds Page 7 The Earliest Locals of Note Page 8 Penngrove Map Page 10 & 11 Service Directory Page 10 & 11 Cotati - In the Neighborhood Page 14 Mother Knows Best Page 18 Penngrove Pantry Page 18 Community Switchboard Page 19 Hometown & Neighborhood Events Page 19 PAGE Eclipse above Penngrove Passanisi s in Downtown Penngrove Treasures for your Home & Garden. Unique, affordable gifts Come check out all our locally handmade products Open 7 days-a-week Passanisi s Downtown $5 off $30 purchase With coupon - Expires 5/29/ Main St., Penngrove, CA Welcome from the Publisher It s been a cold and rainy winter and, despite the very real concerns of global warming, we look forward to a sunny spring with the promise of bountiful crops for farmers, vintners and gardeners of all persuasions. Penngrove is never so beautiful as when fields and pastures engender new growth, blooming flowers and fresh vegetables alike, and embrace the magical rites of spring as only our verdant valley of plenty can offer. One of the Proud s missions from the very outset was not only to keep people up to date with current events in Penngrove, but also to share some of its remarkable history. Now our intrepid correspondent Chuck Lucas has come up with what we like to call, with apologies to Mel Brooks, the Complete History of Penngrove, Part One, an exploration into the early days of our region when it was inhabited and nurtured by the Miwok Indian tribe. As you will see, in some respects we ve come a long way; in others, perhaps we have to look back to the wisdom of our forebears to learn how to keep our Mother Earth flourishing and surviving. Without which our social fabric, political leanings or life itself would have little meaning. Penngrove, though small in size, is made up of many different peoples, some here for generations, some newly-arrived, and each with different backgrounds, views and outlooks. This issue, we take a look at local businesses started by husband and wife teams, often a formidable challenge in combining personal and professional lives, but seemingly a rewarding one, as you will discover, when love and labor work hand in hand. We also invite you to get involved in local activities that in turn support community projects like our valiant Social Firemen who put on so many fine events that raise funds for things like the new playground equipment in the park and the 4th of July parade. Last thought, it s time to get your garden growing, even the small plot out back can support a small herb or kitchen garden, and there s nothing like watching those tomatoes, beans or lettuce start sprouting a few months from now; then wait til you get to eat them! Don t forget that Penngrove Proud is online, as well as print, to share with your friends and family all around the world at Let them know, so they to can keep up with all that s going on in our town... Lynda Sutton-Smith Publisher 3 PENNGROVE PROUD

4 LABORS OF LOVE For some couples, the idea of saying goodbye at the front door and leaving for work everyday is an essential part of maintaining ones own identity in a marriage or long-term relationship. Yet for others, living and working together is the perfect complement of their partnership. It is no secret how hard it can be to start and build a small business in today s economic climate, and the stresses and strains that come with that can play havoc with even the most stalwart of relationships, but it can also be a joy to build a dream with the one you love beside you during good times and bad. Julie & Joe Caprara Couples team up for business in Penngrove Here in Penngrove there are far more small businesses than you might imagine in the community, some more obvious with shingles on Main Street, but many tucked away in the nearby houses and farmlands, and lots of them have been started by husband and wife teams. One of the veterans of Main Street now, having started in 1994 as a video store next to the Penngrove Market, is Julie and Joe Caprara of Caprara s Pizza. They moved onto pizza in 1998 when there were no other eateries to be found in Penngrove. Both Joe and Julie dreamed of their own pizza business after Joe complained that there was no good pizza delivery. No such complaints now! They opened their new larger space over in The Grove in I should let my husband answer this, better if I get to read what he has to say, Julie laughed when asked about the best and worst things about working with her spouse. That probably sums up how we like to work together. You have to always agree to disagree, she said, but then you re always here together, so you know what each other is up to. On the other hand, When we take our holidays, we close. We always do that at Thanksgiving time and that s been known since we ve opened. Everybody is always aware of Thanksgiving vacation. I think the best thing is that when you do work together, if you start the business together, I feel you re more apt to be successful, because we both put in the same amount of time and the same amount of energy. There was a lot of struggles, the hours, and working other jobs, Joe recalled. It was very difficult, because the video store wouldn t support us, so we had to hold our other jobs as well. And we did that for five years. It s a labor of love, but it s very tiring, says Joe. It s a lot of long hours, but it is rewarding. The new location really helped and the kids are a huge help. You know I couldn t even imagine doing this without them. This place is truly a family business, because honestly the girls do so much for us. Continued on page 12~ Frizelle Enos Feeds FEATURING PREMIUM LIVESTOCK FEEDS Horse Swine Rabbit Goat Poultry Wild & Domestic Bird Seed Cover Photo: Thanks to Jan Shaw for sharing her family photos. Your Community Magazine Publisher/Creative Director - Lynda Sutton-Smith Editorial Director - John Sutton-Smith Contributing Writers - A.R. Amis, Chuck Lucas, Contributing Photographers - Chuck Lucas, John Sutton-Smith, Lynda Sutton-Smith, Advertising Executive - Debbie Goodier Koos Published By Double S Designs P.O. Box 553, Penngrove, CA penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net Published Quarterly - Available via Direct Mail, Penngrove Merchants and local businesses. Opening in Penngrove Mid-March FRIZELLE ENOS FEEDS Feeds, Seeds N Country Needs Alfalfa Grass Hays Straw Pet Supplies Premium Pet Foods Work Clothing & Boots Livestock Supplies Wood, Gas & Pellet Stoves ORGANIC Main Street, 265 Petaluma Ave, Penngrove Sebastopol ~ M-F 8-6, Sat 9-1 PENNGROVE PROUD 4

5 Reader s Comments, Dear Editor, I read your magazine frequently. It has had some interesting articles, and I especially enjoy the ones with historical information. However I found the grape article to be incomplete. Far too often history is sanitized to the point of inaccuracy. For example, the Spanish Catholic missions became slave camps where local native Americans were forced into, and often tortured. Also it would be great to point out that there are now some organic wines. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers have been poisoning our air, water and workers for many decades... So we are being continually poisoned by several sources including the wine industry. Thank you, Barbara Daugherty Dear Penngrove Proud, Thank you for your beautifully-presented magazine, especially the cover of the last issue which was spectacular. It certainly does Penngrove proud to have our own community mag and to know who is doing what in town. I have already discovered some very useful local businesses here that I didn t know existed before. I hope everyone appreciates your work and the opportunity to promote their wares and services to the community at large. Thanks again, Jessica Kramer Send letters or comments to Penngrove Proud, POB 553, Penngrove, CA or penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net When busy lives meet big responsibilities P With so many demands on your time, some things just have to wait. But don t put off talking to a State Farm agent about life insurance it may be the most important thing you ever do. Tony Maestri CPCU ChFC CLU, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0G06219 Bus: Toll Free: tony@tonymaestri.net State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 5 Penngrove Panthers Penngrove Elementary School News At the last Dine & Donate of 2010, the patrons of Sally Tomatoes were delightfully entertained with holiday caroling by our own Penngrove Elementary students. A group of twelve carolers were accompanied by 6th grader Robert Chipman on the electric guitar. These talented students definitely made everyone s night merry & bright! Before the winter break, Ms. Rochelle s class put on the wonderful play Jack and the Beanstalk. The whole class was very excited to share the musical with the audience of families and fellow students. All participants received bouquets courtesy of LV Flowers in Cotati. A yearbook cover contest is being held again this year allowing students to show off their artistic flair. The theme for the cover is simple: Our school! The contest winner will receive a free yearbook and some colorful pens for autographs! Run, don t walk as Girls on the Run returns to Penngrove this spring. Using the power of running and being active, girls learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, goal-setting, conflict resolution and healthy decision making. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this program possible. February was the month for the Penngrove Festival of the Arts, starting off with the return of the talent show, going under the new name of Penngrove Idol! This year s show was once again packed with a variety of acts, from rock-n-roll to tap dancing, singing to original skits and traditional cultural dances. For the first time, the show included a panel of Idol Judges. Simon Cowell, you ve got nothing on Emily Isetta & Natalie Mar at the Penngrove Idol these kids. It was a fun-filled night of talent featuring our very own Penngrove stars. This year s event had to be moved over to Kennilworth Junior High School due to over-whelming response over the years. The 6th grade Outdoor Education Dept. held a very successful bake sale before the show and at intermission, along with a PTA-sponsored Silent Auction. Following this was the Annual Art Show, open to all students to participate in. The display was set up in the main building, transforming the hall into an art gallery. Students brought in all kinds of art works, including photography, painting, sculpture and crafts for display. The first Penngrove Jog-a-thon was held March 2nd. It was a fun and fit activity for kindergartners through sixth-graders to help earn money for their school, with all the children striving for their own personal best. Some of the funds will be used for each teacher to receive a $500 classroom grant to buy classroom supplies. Believe it or not teachers receive only about $100 for supplies per year! Jog kids jog! Ms. Rochelle s class. Photo courtesy of Nicole Whitehorn The Retail Nursery with the Name of the Town Look for the Large Green Sign at Our Entrance Gate 9740 Old Redwood Hwy. at Minnesota Ave. Penngrove PENNGROVE PROUD

6 Inside Penngrove Penngrove will be hosting its first Community Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, April 2nd from 10am - 2pm. It s all taking place at the Penngrove Station, just behind the park (see photo #3). A variety of local healthrelated businesses will be there to share information and give away samples, including our own Main Street Fitness, Stay in Touch Massage and Tarma Designs. Cindy Tuck of Main Street Fitness is spearheading this event, so stop by and see what they have to help you live a healthier lifestyle! Cindy and Jim Tuck s daughter, Petaluma High School sophomore Courtney Tuck, placed third in the CA indoor state track meet that was held at the end of February. She broke the 15 year old Empire high jump record from 1996 of 5, by clearing 5-4. Congratulations! Welcome to Frizelle Enos Feed Store that will be opening in mid-march in the former Larsen Feed Store down behind the old bank building. This will be a full service feed store, similar to Enos Feed store in Sebastopol. Mack s Bar and Grill is now open and attracting thirsty locals. Drop in for a cold drink and some lunch or dinner, don t miss the pulled pork sandwich. Live entertainment on Saturday nights, no cover and open mic on Thursday evenings. Penngrove Broad inventory of Glassware, Formal & Casual Dishware, Pottery, Furniture, Paintings, Jewelry, Buttons, Kitchen Decor, Children s Dishware, Cast Iron, Pyrex & Bakelite Utensils. Elementary has been keeping busy with its Festival of the Arts, including their annual Talent Show, billed this year as Penngrove Idol, which had to be moved to a larger venue this year as so many families, friends and community members come to enjoy this annual event. The Girl Scouts of Sonoma County held their Thinking Day celebration, once again at Penngrove school this year, with all troops attending. Each troop chose to represent a different country and made displays and food depicting them (see photo #2). There was a great deal of excitement downtown a few weeks ago when a major water main burst on Main Street. Downtown roads were closed until the gushing water could be stopped. Thanks to Tom Richman for sending me the picture (see photo #1). Redwood Montessori School kindergarten class will be having their annual cookie sale on Saturday May 7th, from 12-2pm in front of the school. They are raisng money to help endangered animals. The children will spend the month of April learning all about the animals they chose to support and why they are endangered. When you re traveling up or down Highway 101 through Novato and you re hungry, or just want some tasty treats to take home, stop at the Rustic Bakery cafe s new location on Grant Ave. They offer delightful breakfasts and lunches. Try the quiche yummy! The Penngrove Social Firemen have been putting on some tasty events of their own, including the Sausage and Risotto Dinner, which over 200 people attended, with the the proceeds going towards funding for the July 4th Parade. From the looks of things everyone at the ever-popular annual Crab Feed enjoyed the delicious crab, pasta and salad, and certainly ate their fill. Don t miss their next event - the annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Feast on Saturday, March 13th. Great food, drinks, games, music and fun! Once the ground dries up from all the rain, the new playground equipment that is being purchased from the funds raised by the PSF Luau will be installed in the park. Looking forward to some nice spring weather soon, so get out, soak up some sun and enjoy it! See you around town. We carry: Lenox, Booth, Spode, Franciscan, Minton, Pacific Pottery, Mikasa, Catalina, Jeanette Glass, Lancaster, Bauer, Redwing, Viking, Cambridge and much more... Want information on a favorite piece? We can research background and market price information for you. Open: 11am-4pm Tuesday thru Saturday Main St. Penngrove Penngrove Burgers * Beer * Milkshakes $3.00 Happy Hour - Mon to Fri - 3-6pm $3.00 Beer, Wine and 1/2 Town Burgers Sonoma State Students and Staff Happy Hour - All Day - Mon-Fri (with Univ. ID) Main Street, Penngrove * PENNGROVE PROUD 6

7 Sips, Savors & Sounds Something for Everyone s Taste In Your local Area Providing the latest information on our local and surrounding area bistros, cafes, bars and other establishments offering eats, drinks and live music. Mack s Bar & Grill A new neighborhood bar and grill in the old Black Cat location, with a friendly atmosphere, along with refurbished wood floors and redesigned bar. Serving up cold beer, on-tap and bottled, mixed drinks and a full food menu, available in the Grill or at the bar. SuperBurger If you want a big, juicy burger or chicken sandwich with fries and an old-fashioned milkshake, then this is the place for you. Good selection of cold beer and wine and soft drinks. Happy Hour Deals 3-6pm, Mon-Fri. Casual dining in or takeout. Children s menu. Yanni s Sausage Grill Tucked away behind the blue door is sausage paradise. Eight traditional, but original flavors are made on-site and they are fabulous. Served on a grilled roll with your choice of toppings. Also serving beef burgers, thin crust pizza, and breakfast sandwiches. Frozen 4-packs of sausages available to go. Full Circle Baking Company Baking bread since 2004, the family-run Full Circle has been milling organic flour and grain for more than a half century. They pride themselves in carrying on their family tradition, bringing generations of experience to all of their delicious, handmade artisan breads and rolls. Penngrove Pub A local neighborhood pub, with a big screen TV, free pool Sunday and Monday, and Happy Hour on Monday evenings. Enjoy free pizza on Friday nights. Full bar, plus tap and bottled beer. Pool table and darts; live music some weekends. Rustic Bakery With their organic handmade flatbreads, crostini, and shortbreads, Rustic Bakery is a rising star in the artisan food world. In front of their bakeries in Larkspur and the new one in Novato, are comfy neighborhood cafes with great croissants, pastries, organic soups and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Caprara s Pizzeria Enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. As well as their excellent signature pizza (also available in Take n Bake), Caprara s serves up a delightful assortment of homemade pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads, plus soft drinks, beer and wine. Delivery available. JavAmoré Café This is what a local coffee shop should be like everywhere! Kim and her friendly staff offer a wide variety of quality coffees, teas and pastries, along with a hearty breakfast menu, lunch sandwiches, soups and salads in a warm and inviting space. Catering service is also available. Twin Oaks Tavern An old time local gathering spot, with great lunch service, delicious sandwiches and burgers along with pasta, potato and green salads as well as daily specials. For gamers, there s pool, as well as sports TV. Live music happens Friday night s. Enjoy their nice outdoor patio. All addresses and phone numbers can be found in the Service Directory on page 10 7 Celebrating our 8th year in Penngrove Our Speciality Eggs Benedict Served Saturday & Sunday only A large variety of delicious Coffee & Tea. Enjoy Breakfast & Lunch, including Pastries, Omelets, Bagels, Smoothies, Sandwiches, Soups & Salads. Special Children s Menu....for the love of coffee Main St., The Grove Suite A, Penngrove, CA Catering Available Open: Mon-Fri: 6:30am-3:30pm Sat: 7am-3pm, Sun: 8am-2pm Breakfast Hours: Thurs.-Fri: 7:30-11am Sat: 7am-12pm, Sun: 8am-1:30pm PENNGROVE PROUD

8 The Earliest HISTORY OF PENNGROVE, PART ONE By Chuck Lucas THE STONE AGE PEOPLE OF PENNGROVE The pungent smoke from the campfire wafts slowly skyward filling the umbrella of oak trees with a fine haze in the warm October sky. The sounds of children laughing and playing can be heard. Women and young girls giggle and gossip as they weave their intricate baskets, but the prevalent sound is from a group of women relentlessly pounding their stone mortars with basalt pestles while singing the ancient rhythmic ancestral acorn-grinding songs. These sounds, like the smoke, permeate the air. The women are preparing the dinner meal as they await the return of the hunters. This year s harvest has been good to them and the mood among the women is Miwok Indian Chief cheerful. The acorn mush they are preparing is a daily staple in the Miwok diet and provides a sense of security knowing their granary baskets are full. This scene was repeated for thousands of years by Penngrove s earliest inhabitants the Coast Miwok Indians. THE COAST MIWOKS For at least 5,000 years before they first set eyes upon Europeans when they saw Sir Francis Drake s ship, the Golden Hind, at Drake s Bay in 1579, (verified by Drake s Chaplain Francis Fletcher s diary), the Coast Miwoks ( Miwok means People ) lived a life of plenty in and around Penngrove. The Miwok villages ranged from Bodega Bay on the north, eastward towards the town of present day Sonoma and included all of Marin County to San Francisco Bay. Over 600 archeological sites have been found in these areas usually found around small bays, ponds, streams and rivers. Their neighbors were the Pomo s in Sebastopol to the north and the Ohlones that occupied the San Francisco peninsula and lived in settlements as far south as Point Sur. These tribes lived similar lifestyles consistent with other prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies through out the history of mankind but the mild climate and abundance of food and wildlife gave the Miwoks a lifestyle to be envied. The Miwoks were a short, stout people with long black hair and dark skin. The men usually didn t wear clothing if the weather was good. Women would wear skirts made of grass or tule reeds. Young children didn t wear clothing but older children dressed like the adults. In the colder months they would make capes and blankets out of animal skins. Strips of rabbit skin would be sewn to the skins of dear or mountain lion providing a warm soft lining. Bearskins were used to sleep upon. Piercing of the nose and ears took place at an early age and both the men and women would have facial tattoos. They would adorn their bodies with beads and necklaces made of bone and shells as a fashion statement. When the weather was good most of the Miwok daily life took place outdoors. The houses (kotcas) were constructed with various materials that they found locally. Houses were usually made with tule reeds that were bound together and latched to large willow poles. Other materials used were the bark of redwood and cedar trees that formed a teepee shaped domicile. The basic house was ten to twenty feet long and would usually hold one or two families. The men usually built their sweat lodges underground with sod covering a large framework of poles. The houses were small and cramped. From the rafters of the kotcas hung many of the families necessities covered with hanging basketry, skins, weapons and traps. The males spent their days hunting and fishing. When they returned from their hunting they would relax in their sweat lodges (lammas), sweating and conjuring up power and magic to ensure the game was abundant for the next day s hunt as well as sweating out the human scent. With a bow and arrow (introduced around 500 A.D.), they hunted deer, elk, Grizzly bears, brown bears, squirrels, raccoons and rabbits. Deer were valuable to the tribe for their meat and all the parts of the animal were used. The antlers, horns and hoofs were used to make tools and PENNGROVE PROUD 8

9 the skin was tanned with the brains of the animal for clothing. Quail, geese, ducks and other small waterfowl were hunted with nets and bolas. Small animals such as gophers (finally a good use for them), insects, lizards and snakes may have been the original fast food and often hunted by young boys with sticks or snares. The next meal was only a short walk away. For the Miwoks eating local wasn t only a way of life, it was the only way of life. ALMOST AMPHIBIOUS Our region had a lot more water in those days and the land was dotted with small rivers, streams, saltwater marshes and freshwater swamps. Stephen Powers, a nineteenth century ethnologist, said the natives were almost amphibious. The Miwoks would often journey from their base camp as they followed the food chain, traveling long distances on foot as the seasons dictated. A journey to the coast would provide salmon, clams, crabs, mussels, oysters and abalone caught with a variety of tools such as nets, digging sticks, harpoons, and basket traps as well as fish hooks made of stone. While the men were out hunting, women would do the grinding of acorns and collect seeds and grasses. In the fall and winter they would collect shellfish by digging into mud flats to find clams and returning with woven burden baskets filled with mollusks from the bays and estuaries. The mounds of shells were often the clue to finding the settlements by archeologists. Every day women and children would gather firewood for their fires and ovens. Sonoma hills used to store the harvest of acorns, nuts and grasses and were also the main utensil for cooking. They had no kettles, pans or microwaves so they would cook their dinner in one of two ways: one was roasting over an open fire (mmm BBQ), and the other method was to place very hot rocks in a tightly woven basket filled with water. The rocks would be removed when they cooled and more hot rocks would be added until the liquid would come to a boil. It s fascinating that a mere 200 years ago a Stone Age civilization existed and thrived right in our own backyards. THE ACORN EMPIRE For millennia before Sonoma County became known as the Redwood Empire it could have been called the Acorn Continued on page 15~ The Coast Miwoks were exceptional basket weavers and their work is highly prized among collectors and museums. They are valued not only for their intrinsic beauty and delicate designs but because they are extremely rare. Made of reeds, fern roots, sedge roots, willow branches and other organic materials they were very perishable and usually left no record of their existence. According to Gene Buvelot, a Miwok council member, (the Miwoks are now known as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria) one of the largest collections of Miwok basketry is in Russia which received them in trade from the Miwoks while the Russians were at Fort Ross. Baskets were Start Your Child on the Right Track! Building Blocks Preschool Inc. Providing Quality, Educational Childcare for Children Ages Two thru Five Years P.O. Box 837, 228 Adobe Rd. Penngrove, CA MaryJo Thurston Owner/ Director Lic # Award-Winning Bacon & Ham ~ Duck ~ Tri-Tip Corned Beef ~ BBQ Chicken ~ Baby-Back Ribs Pork Chops ~ Smoked Salmon ~ Exotic Meats Fresh & Smoked Turkeys Order now for Easter Leg of Lamb Traditional Smoked Ham Dry Aged Prime Rib Complete Meat Service Cutting ~ Freezing ~ Smoking Marinated Meats ~ Slaughtering Sausage Kitchen ~ Freezer Meats Wild Game Processing Open Monday-Saturday 8 am to 5 pm 7750 Petaluma Hill Rd. Penngrove, CA Ph: (707) Fax: (707) PENNGROVE PROUD 9

10 Willow Farms Robert s Road Santa Rosa PENNGROVE BUSINESSES H PENNGROVE 1 - AZEVEDO ANTIQUE STORE 2 - BARBARA PERRY REAL ESTATE 3 - BUD S CUSTOM MEATS 4 - BUILDING BLOCKS PRE-SCHOOL 5 - CAPRARA S PIZZERIA 6 - DAVIS PUBLISHING 7 - DOUBLE K DESIGNS 8 - FRIZELLE ENOS FEED STORE 9 - FULL CIRCLE BAKING CO JAVAMORÉ CAFÉ 11 - MACK S BAR & GRILL 12 - MAIN STREET FITNESS 13 - PASSANISI S HOME & GARDEN A - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL B - FIRE STATION C - PENNGROVE PARK D - POST OFFICE E - COMMUNITY CHURCH F - COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE G - PENNGROVE POWER & IMPLEMENT & MUSEUM H - FAIRFIELD OSBORN PRESERVE 3 14 PETALUMA HILL RD A ADOBE ROAD ADOBE ROAD 10 Eichten Ln Oak St PASSANISI NURSERY 15 - PENNGROVE GROWER S NURSERY 16 - PENNGROVE HAIR COMPANY 17 - PENNGROVE MARKET 18 - PENNGROVE PETS 19 - REDWOOD MONTESSORI SCHOOL 20 - STATE FARM - TONY MAESTRI 4 E MAIN STREET STAY IN TOUCH 22 - SUPERBURGER 23 - TWIN OAKS GARAGE 24 - YANNI S SAUSAGE GRILL 15 8 PENNGROVE 18 1 F Woodward Ct Woodward Ave D Ronsheimer Rd OLD REDWOOD HWY Grove St 13 The Grove 21 G 5 O Penngrove St 10 9 Apple Crate, 8109 La Plaza, Cotati, Arch s Glass, 8079 La Plaza, Cotati, Avon - Elaine Muller, Penngrove, Azevedo Antiques Main St., Penngrove, Barbara & Joseph Perry Real Estate, Penngrove, Bauman College - The Grove, Main St., Penngrove, Baxman Trailers, 610 Pepper Rd., Petaluma, Beyond the Glory Sports Bar, 1371 N. McDowell Blvd., #130, Petaluma, Brander Veterinary Hospital Lakeville St., Petaluma, Brodie s Tire Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, Bud s Custom Meats Petaluma Hill Road, Building Blocks Pre-School Adobe Rd., Penngrove, CA Audio/Video - The Grove, Main St., Penngrove Caprara s Pizzeria - The Grove, Main St., Penngrove, Century 21 Bundesen - Martha Cooper, 612 Petaluma Blvd., S. Petaluma, Century 21 Bundesen - Georgia Marino, 612 Petaluma Blvd., S. Petaluma, Clover-Stornetta Dairy - Cotati Akidio, 216 East School Street, Cotati, Cotati Chamber, 216 East School Street, Cotati, Cotati Corner, 1818 La Plaza, Cotati, Davis Publishing/Artful Arrangements Orchard Lane, Penngrove, Deborah Morris, LCSW, 315 E. Cotati Ave., Suite G, Cotati, Double K Designs Old Redwood Hwy. Suite A, Penngrove, Ferina Trucking - Penngrove, Fishman Supply Company Industrial Ave., Petaluma, Friedman s Home Improvement Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, Fringe Beauty Salon - The Grove, Main St., Ste C, Penngrove Frizelle Enos Feeds, Main Street, Penngrove, Cotati ROHNERT PARK Local Service Directory h Shop Locally Support Your Neighbors PENNGROVE PROUD 10

11 East St ak St. ation 12 Phillips Dr C LOCAL BUSINESSES HIGHWAY 101 E S N W Orchard Valley & Kohl s Shopping Centers APPLE CRATE, COTATI 2 - ARCH S GLASS, COTATI 3 - BRANDNER VETERINARY HOSPITAL, PETALUMA 4 - COTATI CHAMBER, COTATI 5 - FRIEDMAN'S HOME IMPROVEMENT, SANTA ROSA 6 - GLENN S AUTO, PETALUMA 7 - MILLER S DRIVING SCHOOL, COTATI 8 - MORE UNLIMITED, COTATI 9 - REED S TRAILER SALES, PETALUMA 10 - RUSTIC BAKERY, NOVATO & LARKSPUR 11 - SCANDIA, ROHNERT PARK 12 - SEVALLI, THWAITES & SOPER INSURANCE, PETALUMA 13 - WHOLE FOODS, PETALUMA 23 San Francisco Petaluma 7 Denman Rd. Full Circle Baking Co. - The Grove, Main St., Ste 120, Penngrove, Giant Tree Removal Experts - POB 955, Penngrove Glenn s Auto Ross St. Petaluma, JavAmoré Café, The Grove Main St., Penngrove, Jay-Palm s Western Store Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove, Ken Giorgi Electric Lasley Mechanical Main St, Penngrove, Mack s Bar & Grill Main St., Penngrove, Main Street Fitness - The Grove, Main St., Penngrove, Maverick Leather Company Main St., Penngrove Miller Driving School, 8053 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, More Unlimited, 8282 Old Redwood Hwy. Cotati, Music Together - Oliver s Market East Cotati Ave. Cotati, Orchard Supply Hardware - N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, Palace of Fruit - 8 N. Ely Rd., Penngrove, Passanisi Nursery Petaluma Hill Rd. Penngrove, Passanisi s Home & Garden Store Main St., Penngrove, Pecoraro s Academy of Martial Arts - www. rpdojo.com, Penngrove Community Club House Oak St. Penngrove, Penngrove Community Church Oak St., Penngrove, Penngrove Elementary School Adobe Rd., Penngrove, Penngrove Growers Nursery Old Redwood Hwy. Penngrove, Penngrove Hair Co Main St., Penngrove, Penngrove Market Main St., Penngrove, Penngrove Motorcycle Co. Shop & Clothing Store Main St, Penngrove, Penngrove Pet s Main St., Penngrove, Penngrove Pub Main St., Penngrove, Penngrove Station Mini Storage Woodward Ave., Penngrove, Peter s Nursery Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove, Quality Inn Montero Way, Petaluma, Rafy s Pizzeria, 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, Redwood Empire Gymnastics Payran St., Petaluma, Redwood Montessori School Main St., Penngrove, Reed s Trailer Sales, 5500-A Old Redwood Hwy, Petaluma, Roca Construction, Penngrove, Sasee Hair, 70 West Cotati Avenue, Cotati, Scandia, 5301 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, S.C. Phillips Enterprises - Penngrove, Sevalli, Thwaites & Soper Insurance, 1345 Redwood Way, Petaluma, Softshell Massage & Spa - 10 Kentucky St., Petaluma, Sophie Makes It Simple Starlight Developing - Penngrove, STS Transportation - Penngrove, State Farm Insurance, Tony Maestri, Penngrove, Stay in Touch Massage, Main St., Penngrove, SuperBurger Main St., Penngrove, Tailwagger Inn Old Redwood Hwy, Penngrove, The Grove Plaza Main St., Penngrove, Twin Oaks Garage Old Redwood Hwy. Penngrove, Twin Oaks Tavern Old Redwood Hwy. Penngrove, Valkyrie Tattoo Main St., Penngrove, Whole Foods Market, 621 East Washington St., Petaluma, wholefoods.com Willow Farms - Roberts Road, Penngrove, Yanni s Sausage Grill, Main St., Penngrove, Sevall, Thwaites and Soper Insurance Agency Ray Soper Partner/Broker - License For all your Farm, Home, Auto, and Commercial Needs 1345 Redwood Way, Petaluma, CA Phone: Fax: Awarded Best Charcuterie 2010 Harvest Fair All our sausages are handmade with our original, traditional recipes! Loukaniko, Garlic, Sweet/Hot Italian, Greek, Olympic Flame, Chicken Limoncello, Gyro (lamb) Grilled Sausage Sandwiches Thin Crust Pizza - Beef Burgers Frozen 4 Packs of Sausages To Go Wed-Fri 11-7, Sat 11:30-7, Sun Main St, Penngrove PENNGROVE PROUD

12 Continued from page 4~ John and Francesca Vrattos make spectacular sausage-based sandwiches at Yanni s where they have been cooking up their gourmet sausages, pizza and pastries on Main Street for nearly a year. John was the sales manager for large bakeries in San Francisco and Oakland, when he was laid off after 30 years, so this is the first time they ve really worked together as a couple. But we ve been married 32 years, so we know each other pretty well, Francesca says. Most couples have either worked together all their lives or not at all, so it is unusual to start working together later in life. As Francesca says, The best thing is we get to put our ideas together. We have our own talents John is very good at marketing and advertising and sales, and I do the recipes and come up with the concoctions for all our sausages and pizzas. And he s got the grill down. He s kind of a perfectionist with that; he does everything consistently and our main thing is always to be consistent in what we offer to the customers. They have a perfect complement of talents. Yes, exactly. We know each other so well that we know what each other needs. You know what buttons to push and not push and that makes it much easier. When you work with a stranger or Francesca & John Vrattos someone you don t get along with there s always that conflict, but we don t have conflict in our marriage and we re friends, so that always helps. share not only the headaches but also the benefits. And the other person knows where you re coming from; Oh it was a long day, or whatever. They know because they were right there with you. Making good food and selling it is a natural business for married partners not so different from what they might do at home perhaps, but teaching, real estate and even personal training are also businesses at which Penngrove couples have made a success. Jeff and Kim Mattison have been together for thirty one years and have run the Redwood Montessori School for ten years. When they found the cute yellow house on Main Street, it was in bad shape, Jeff recalled. Kim & Jeff Mattison We wanted to be in a kind of one-room schoolhouse, said Kim, and I was taking Jeff to work one day and we saw this house with a For Lease sign up, and a bunch of garbage everywhere. Jeff said to me, Are you sure? We knew it was going to be a lot of work, added Jeff. It took us about eight months to fix up, it had been so neglected. We knew if we were going to do this, we were going to do it with a standard of excellence, both inside the classroom, and in terms of the community. We wanted a place that would reflect well on the community. The Penngrove Market has been a mainstay of the town for many years and through a succession of owners. Now Tarun Gaur and his wife Prithi have taken over the store. Tarun has owned other markets in the area before he married Prithi. So I guess you can say she married into it, he says. I think some of the best things are that we share not only the headaches, but the benefits of owning a business, and we pretty much know what the other one s thinking, how we re going to do things. If I need something done, I can count on her and vice-versa. My wife and I get along so well, he continued. I think the bond is stronger for couples that work together, because you Lil' Indy Raceway Miniature Golf - Grand Arcade Blaster Boats - SpinZone Batting Cages - Viking Pizza This coupon entitles you to 2 for 1 Miniature Golf Buy one round and get another round of equal or lesser value FREE 5301 Redwood Drive Rohnert Park (707) Group Rates Birthday Parties 5301 Redwood Drive Rohnert Park (707) scandiafunland.com Made with Pride in Penngrove, CA Now Open to the Public Monday - Saturday 6 am - 2 pm Our many varieties include: Sourdough, Roasted Garlic & Cheese, Kalamata Olive & Semolina Cranberry Wholesale & Retail Organic Bread, Baked Fresh Daily Main St., Suite 120, Penngrove, CA PENNGROVE PROUD 12

13 You start thinking, Well if they can do it, why can t we do it? said Kim who was a veteran Montessori teacher before starting their own school. We were sitting on the sofa and Jeff said, Why don t you write up a business plan? And I said, What s a business plan? When I find out what it was, I wrote one. Originally, the idea was for Jeff to continue his day job while they got the school going, and just manage the business for Kim, but they were successful quicker than they anticipated. It wasn t designed for me to be in the classroom that soon, said Jeff, but it worked and I found it to be a natural thing for me. Jeff and Kim had spent a couple of years traveling together earlier in their relationship, going all over the world. So as Jeff says, we had been spending 24 hours a day together before, and we get along pretty well. For us being the owners and living together, it s sort of like its school 24/7. Redwood Montessori School Pre-school & Kindergarten Morning, Afternoon & Full Day Sessions Ages 3-6 years Year-round $100 off first month s tuition Cindy and Jim Tuck run Main Street Fitness together. They didn t plan to start a business together when they first met. I actually met my husband at a gym, Cindy told us. I was going in to sign up as a member and he was a trainer there. And that was 25 years ago. Like many couples who start their own business, Jim and Cindy worked various different jobs while setting it up. He was a foreman for a major construction company, said Cindy, Jim & Cindy Tuck and I was an accountant for a big company in Petaluma. His sister owned a gym and he branched out from that and opened his own personal training studio. A couple of years after I had triplets, I just needed to get out of the house, so he said to me, Why don t you be a personal trainer for a couple of days a week. So I did and in 1997, we got a new home in Penngrove and he left his job for something completely different, completely new with four children. The plusses for us are that we re literally a block away from our home; we wanted to be in Penngrove, because that s where we where children love to learn Main St, Penngrove Redwoodmontessori.com live and the kids go to school. The downside is that if we want to take a vacation, we re both gone, so we have to really plan for that and it s far and few between. Business is doing so well that they are now looking for one or two full-time trainers to join the team. Barbara and Joseph Perry run their own real estate company and as Barbara says, It s always good to have a partner in case you re stuck somewhere else, he can get there. He s also a lot better at computers than I am, and that helps. The harsh business climate can also challenge even the closest of couples. Yes, it can be very stressful with the economy, Barbara admits, and you feel that tension when you re doing it together. However she said, I think this year is going to be a lot better. Her husband Joe has worked in commercial real estate for many years, while Barbara does residential. It s a lot different, she says. A commercial deal can take up to a year or so to complete. But it has helped keep the residential side going during the recent slump and Barbara, now affiliated with Coldwell Banker has already seen signs of movement in recent months. No matter how hard the challenges of sharing a growing business in today s economy, the consensus seems to be that the rewards of building not only a life, but a business together, are worth all the hard work and problems that come with it. Joe Caprara sums it up thusly. The great things about it are that we re together all the time, and the challenges about it are that we re together all the time. Welcome to your New Neighborhood Bar & Grill Full Bar Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily Lunch 11am-9pm Dinner 5pm-9pm Breakfast Sat & Sun 8am-Noon Families Welcome Saturday Night Live Music Thursday Night Open Mic Main St. Penngrove, CA PENNGROVE PROUD 13

14 City of We have a little bit of everything COTATI In the neighborhood The Apple Crate ~ Gifts & Collectibles ~ Come see our new facelift! Open: Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday: 10-5, Sunday: La Plaza, Cotati, CA (just behind the Park) Complimentary gift wrap Baby & Childrens items ~ Home & Garden Decor Bath & Body Gifts ~ Purses ~ Jewelery ~ Scarves Religious Gifts, Angels & Medjugorje Blessed items New Spring & Garden items arriving daily Bob Brooks WE BUY... Gold ~ Silver ~ Antiques We also offer: Estates ~ Jewelry Copies, Printing & Banners, FedEx, USPS, Packing Supplies, Notary Public 8282 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati Cotati has long been considered the Hub of Sonoma County by virtue of its central location and its distinct and historic hexagonal plaza. Surrounded by beautiful vistas of hills, vineyards, majestic oaks and redwoods, Cotati mixes all the benefits of living in a small city, with the cultural advantages of being located near major urban centers and a highly acclaimed state university. Cotati s roots are steeped in agriculture and music, and our citizens are proud of the diverse and charming community that has been shaped by over 100 years history. Shop Local ~ Dine Local Celebrate Local in Cotati ~ Upcoming Events ~ Cotati Pasta & Bingo Night Sat. March 12, 5 8 pm Cotati Veterans Memorial Building, 8505 Park Ave. Cotati Farmers Market & Concerts in the Park Thursdays, June 2 Sept. 15 4:30 7:30 pm, La Plaza Park 31st Annual Cotati Jazz Festival Sat. June 18, 12 7 pm La Plaza Park, FREE Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival Sat. July 16, 10 am 3 pm La Plaza Park Cotati Chamber of Commerce 216 E. School St., Cotati ~ Licensed Contractor # Arch s Glass Inc. complete glass service Table Tops Shelves Shower Doors Insulated Glass Mirrors Garden Windows Aluminum & Vinyl Windows Screens Plastic Open Mon - Fri 8am-5:30pm 8079 La Plaza, Cotati, CA or Since 1964 Rick Stewart MILLER DRIVING SCHOOL Patient, Courteous Instructors Handicap Equipped Vehicles Available Miller Driving School $15 OFF Class or Driving Lesson One per person with coupon Expires 5/30/ Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, CA Fall PENNGROVE PROUD

15 Continued from page 9~ Empire. Acorns (umpa) were the basic dietary staple for the Miwoks like maze was to the Pueblos, potatoes for the Irish or rice for Asians. It was eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The preferred acorns were from the Black Oak, the white oak and the Valley Oak. The rare blue oak was also an acorn of choice and one of the few remaining Blue Oak groves is near the airport in Novato and can be seen from the freeway as you head south. The acorn harvest marked the beginning of the New Year and the acorn cycle was the measurement of time. Winter was noted by the number of moons since the past acorn harvest and summer was noted as so many moons before the next acorn harvest. The Miwoks would tend and care for the oak trees like we would an orchard. The biological rhythm of the oak tree was the rhythm of the Miwoks. Festivals, dances and feasts marked the stages of the acorn s development. Harvest time was the best time of the year and they celebrated when the trees were laden with acorns. They partied at harvest time like we did when the Giants won the World Series but without the garlic fries. And much like Giant fans shouting U ribe!, the Miwoks had a chant where they would sing Acorns and answer Plenty. The acorn harvest would usually last two to three weeks. Boys would climb the trees to shake out the nuts with sticks. The acorns were gathered in large burden baskets and when they were full they were taken out into the sun to dry. They would then carry the acorns back to their permanent winter camps and store them in large granary baskets (chuckah) that were built on stilts to prevent critters from absconding with the goods. If you ve ever been tempted to bite into an acorn you know that they are very bitter from the tannin they contain. This is the same tannin that an oak barrel imparts to a fine Cabernet wine. The tannin s bitterness had to be leached out before it was edible. Every morning the women would gather the acorns from the granaries and they would remove the hulls. Then they would begin pounding the nutmeat with their mortars and pestles. When the consistency of a fine flour was achieved, it was put in a tightly woven basket lined with fern leaves and the women would pour large quantities of water over the flour which would leach out the tannin. After this was done the flour was put in a watertight basket. With two sticks, the Miwok woman took very hot rocks that she had heating in the fire, and then dipped them quickly in some water to remove the ashes and carefully put them in the basket with the acorn flour. She constantly stirred the contents of the basket with a stick to keep the rocks from burning a hole in the valuable basket adding more hot rocks as needed. The water quickly came to a boil. In a few minutes the acorns would have been transformed into either an acorn soup or, if she boiled it longer to reduce the water content, into acorn bread by heating it on a flat rock over the fire or in a clay oven. Ethnographers have estimated that a large Indian family could consume 2000 pounds of acorns a Miwok Basket year. Although hunting game, fishing and harvesting, grinding and cooking acorns was laborious and time consuming it didn t take the constant effort of an agrarian-based society. With food, clothing and shelter for the taking it is no surprise that they remained in their hunter-gatherer Stone Age way of life for thousands of years, living peacefully among nature, family and other local tribes. AND THEN THE WHITE MAN CAME The early contact with Drake in 1759 went well. They gave and received gifts. They fed the Englishmen. Drake s men may have given them knives that would be the first iron tools they ever saw. It is said that Drake left an engraved plaque as a monument to the occasion but the plaque and its location have been a source of much discussion and searching Continued on page 16~ Carrying Top Brands: Montana, Cougar, Lance Reed s has the largest RV/Trailer inventory in the North Bay 5500-A Old Redwood Hwy, Petaluma Open: Mon - Sat 9AM - 6PM PENNGROVE PROUD 15

16 Continued from page 16~ has never been found. Miwoks made their canoes out of tule reeds gathered from the sides of lakes and streams, imagine the awe that must have been inspired when the Indians saw the Golden Hind. After five weeks in the safe harbor of Drake s Bay, where they repaired the ship and hunted for food, Drake continued his voyage to circumnavigate the globe for the honor of his Queen, Elizabeth I of England. The Miwok s next contact with whites didn t go as well. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE In 1769 Father Junipera Serra set out from Mexico to establish a series of missions that were spaced one day s journey apart by horseback. Working their way up from San Diego they founded what is now Mission Dolores in New Albion, now Jeff s Jeff LaGrave Owner SPECIALIZING IN HORSE & UTILITY TRAILER REPAIR, DIESEL TRUCK REPAIR, WELDING & FABRICATION 5745 Old Redwood Hwy. Penngrove, CA (707) A Full Service Salon for Women, Men & Children in Downtown Penngrove Welcome Spring with a Fresh New Look from Penngrove Hair Company Annette, Mandy & Cherine are here Tues.-Sat. Call us today - Annette: Mandy: Cherine: Main St., Penngrove, CA Open Tues.-Sat., Eve. by appoint. known as San Francisco, in In 1823 Father Jose Altimira founded the Mission de Solano in current Sonoma. When the missionaries arrived they changed the lives of the Miwoks forever but not for the better. Before the missionaries came, Miwoks lived in a virtual Eden. All their needs were provided by nature just for the gathering. They lived in peace with other tribes. They shared. They chanted and danced. They worshipped human and animal spirits under the spiritual guidance of shamans. They considered the coyote the origin of cosmogony (a theory that explains the origin of the universe). They didn t wear much clothing except during the winter. Life was good. The padres were interested in saving the souls of these heathen peoples no matter how hard they had to beat or whip them. Initially, the Indians were drawn to the missions with gifts of cloth, beads and the miracle of metal. The Miwoks would exchange gifts and a feeling of interest in the Spanish Franciscan monks developed. Soon the missionaries began to baptize the Indians usually trying to have the chief be the first one to go under the Holy water. Once baptized, everything changed. They were made to stay at the mission and families were separated. The padres wanted to create a Catholic utopia whereeach Indian would spend ten years at the mission learning farming, tending and raising cattle, blacksmithing, carpentry, tanning hides, tallow making and other European trades. During that time they were not compensated for their labors, which is often called slavery. Supposedly, after those ten years, they would be freed to tend small farms in the area only to be replaced by more Indians. Thus were created a small, successful group of farmers whose souls the padres had saved from eternal damnation. That didn t work out so well for the indigenous peoples. As a group they became depressed. After they were baptized their freedom ended. They were no longer the free spirits they were just a few short years before. Men would try to escape and if caught would be whipped severally. They were physically abused. Young women, whose chastity must be protected, were separated into their own quarters much like convents (or prisons if you prefer), which of course would prevent any commingling, and the population decreased. But as bad as the beatings and abuse were, the diseases that they were exposed Davis Publishing The books are fast, fun and filled with ideas! Ideas are valuable we can use them or save them for later. But, without them... Diane H. Davis, Publisher Self-Help and Insightful Fiction, since 2008 Affordable adult and parent/child Classes Easy Fund-raising Plan for non profits Accepting submissions of 4,500 words Local outlet - Artful Arrangements Sat 10-2pm, 205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove ~ PENNGROVE PROUD 16

17 to were even more devastating. European diseases such as measles, small pox, syphilis, mumps and influenza decimated the population. A single epidemic wiped out a third of the people. The monks may originally have had good intentions, but they left the Indian population depleted, depressed and wracked by continual illnesses. THE MEXICAN GENERAL VALLEJO In 1834 the Mexican government declared, out of apathy and exhaustion after the Mexican War for Independence, that all the missions should be dissolved and should be secularized. At the end of the Mission period, the 27-year-old General Mariano Vallejo, the former commandant of the Presidio in SF, was given a land grant by the Mexican government of 44,000 acres that was later increased to 66,000 acres. Vallejo s goals were three fold: he was sent to secularize the missions, keep an eye on the Russian settlement at Fort Ross that was established in 1812, and to raise cattle, horses and sheep. He was among the first agrarians in Sonoma County. His rancho at the Petaluma Adobe encompassed a large part of Penngrove, Petaluma and Sonoma. The Vallejo fence, made out of rocks that were cleared from the fields by the natives, can still be traced on Google Maps. Construction began on the Adobe in April of 1836 and wasn t completed until It was twice the size of the restored Adobe seen today. The main economic interest at the Adobe was the hide and tallow trade here in America and Europe. The Indians were taught how to plant crops of beans, wheat, corn and barley as well as gardens with vegetables. But by 1846 the end was near for Vallejo s domain. Anglos began arriving. On June 6, 1846, forces led by John C. Fremont, in what is known as the Bear Flag Revolt, declared that California was independent and called it the Bear Flag Republic. Vallejo was imprisoned at Sutter s Fort in Sacramento and his Miwok shelter wife and family were put under house arrest. Vallejo s lands were soon over run by Anglos and squatters coming to California for the Gold Rush. He sold off most of the remaining property in After the rancho take over, most of the Indians fled and never returned. In Nicasio in 1850 the Indians were given 80,000 acres from land of the mission at San Raphael, but that land too was soon illegally taken from them. In 1920, acres were Continued on page 18~ Win a $20 Gift Certificate to Caprara s Pizzeria Congratulations to Marianne Grauer our Guess What and Where #14 Photo Contest Winner. She has won a $20 gift certificate to Caprara s Pizzeria. The photo was of the CA Distinguished School banner at Penngrove Elementary School. GUESS what & where Penngrove Proud GUESS What & Where photo contest. Win a $20 Gift Certificate to Caprara s Pizzeria. Do you know What and Where this is? or phone your answer in to: penngroveproud@sbcglobal net or Random drawing from all correct entries received by 4/28/2011 Petaluma People s Choice Award Best place for your pet BRANDNER VETERINARY HOSPITAL INC. Medical, Surgical and Dental services for all small animals. Puppy & kitty packages - Boarding Barry J. Santero, D.V.M. Penngrove resident since 1989 Mon.-Fri. 8am-5:30pm, Sat. 8am - 12pm 347 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA (707) At The Grove Take Out or Dine In Pasta Burgers Ribs Wings Salads Beer & Wine Also Available Take & Bake Open Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday Main St. Suite F, Penngrove, CA Pizza is not a Luxury It s a Necessity! $ 1OFF Medium Pizza $ 2 OFF Large Pizza $ 3 OFF X-Large Pizza With coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. PENNGROVE PROUD 17

18 Continued from page 18~ Mother Know s Best For Virginia Drury MOTHER If I could give you diamonds for each tear you cried for me. if I could give you sapphires for each truth you ve helped me see. If I could give you rubies for all the love that you ve shared If I could give you pearls for the wisdom that you ve shown. Then you ll have a treasure, mother, that would mount up to the skies That would almost match the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes. But I have no pearls, no diamonds, As I m sure you re well aware So I ll give you gifts more precious My devotion, love and care. ~Author Unknown~ purchased for the tribe in Graton and the Coast Miwoks and the Pomos became a single entity known as the Graton Rancheria. The land was hilly and steep. Water was limited and home construction was costly. The people often lived in tents (not that there s anything wrong with that). Most of the people found it undesirable and left the rancheria. Today there is only one small dwelling occupied by an Indian family. In 1958 the federal government dissolved 41 of the rancherias and included the Miwok land, but the Indians continued to fight. In the 90 s they took their battle to Washington. The tribe then officially became known as the Federated Indians of GratonRancheria (FIGR). By 2000, President Clinton restored the federal status of the tribe. Today the FIGR is embroiled in a struggle to construct a large gambling casino and hotel resort in Rohnert Park on land purchased by the tribe. The impact upon the area may be significant but much less so than the impact western civilization has had upon the Miwoks - Penngrove s earliest locals of note. clucas6305@penngrove.com Penngrove Pantry By A.R. Amis Try this light, but delicious, and healthy salad. Serve with a cup of soup and a slice of French bread for a filling and nutritious lunch or dinner. Warm Snow Pea & Chicken Salad INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed 1-14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons rice vinegar 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided 2 tablespoons tahini, or cashew butter 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb snow peas, trimmed and thinly slivered lengthwise 2 tablespoons chopped cashews PREPARATION Place chicken in a medium skillet or saucepan and add broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to cool. Shred into bite-size pieces. (Cool and refrigerate the broth, reserving it for another use.) Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil and tahini (or cashew butter) in a large bowl until smooth. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in slivered peas and cook, stirring, until bright green, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the dressing. Add the chicken to the bowl with the peas; toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with cashews. ~ Household Food Tips ~ Cheese: To easily shred cheese, let sit in freezer for 30 minutes. The firmer cheese is less likely to make a melted mess on your grater. To prevent hard edges from forming on older cheese, lightly oil the outsides OR rub with butter before storing. Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream & Yogurt: Keep them fresher longer by storing carton in the refrigerator upside down. Milk: Rinse the pan with cold water before scalding milk to prevent sticking. Oil For Frying: To effectively strain debris from used cooking oil, use a coffee filter placed in a funnel. If you would like to share any of your own family recipes, tips or hints, please send them to penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 553, Penngrove, CA PENNGROVE PROUD 18

19 Penngrove Hometown & Neighboring Events ~March ~ Cotati Pasta & Bingo Night - 12th 5 8 pm, Cotati Veterans Memorial Building, 8505 Park Ave. Cotati Call Suzane at for more info Penngrove Social Fireman Corn Beef & Cabbage - 13th 1-5 pm, games, music, fun, raffle. $12.50 adults, $5 children under 12 At Penngrove Clubhouse, Woodward & Oak St. Call Kim at for more info Plant Tomato Seeds for Summer - 20th Get a jump on starts for your garden, $10, 10am-Noon ArtfulArrangements.biz Orchard Lane, Penngrove ~ April ~ Penngrove Social Fireman Poker Tournament - 23rd At Penngrove Clubhouse, Woodward & Oak St. Call Kim at for more info Plant an Aloe Vera - 17th Make a gift for Easter or Mothers Day, $10, 10am-Noon ArtfulArrangements.biz Orchard Lane, Penngrove ~ May ~ Penngrove Social Fireman Rummage Sale - 7th 9 am - 4 pm, Penngrove Clubhouse, Woodward & Oak St. Donations accepted Friday, May 6-9 am - 3 pm. Furniture ok, no big appliances. Info Nancy Brant Redwood Montessori School Annual Cookie Sale - 7th 12-2 pm, In front of the school, Main St, Penngrove Fun Poetry for Father s Day - 22nd Br creative with your child, Team rate $15, 3-5pm davis-publishing.biz Orchard Lane, Penngrove ~ June ~ Cotati Farmers Market & Concerts in the Park - 2nd Thursdays, June 2 Sept. 15, 4:30 7:30 pm, La Plaza Park, Cotati Call Suzane at for more info 31st Annual Cotati Jazz Festival - 18th 12 7 pm, La Plaza Park, Cotati, FREE Rhyme Time Fourth-of-July Poem - 26th Br creative with your child, Team rate $15, 3-5pm davis-publishing.biz Orchard Lane, Penngrove ~ July ~ Rancho Adobe Firefighters Pancake Breakfast - 2nd Rancho Adobe Firehouse, Main St. 7am Pancakes, eggs, sausage - $7 adults, children pricing TBA Info Penngrove Fourth of July Parade and BBQ - 3rd Parade at 11 am on Main Street - FREE Followed by music, BBQ, games in Penngrove Park, No coolers or dogs Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival - 16th 10 am 3 pm, La Plaza Park, Cotati Send Event Listings to Penngrove Proud, POB 553, Penngrove, CA or penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net 19 Help your child to succeed - Teacher available for after school tutoring. Many years experience, Great rates! Help your child be successful. Call PSF COMMUNITY CLUB HOUSE FOR RENT - Hall in Penngrove for rent for your event. Large hall with kitchen facilities, bar and stage area available. Call for more information. WORDSMITH - Professional writer/editor For all your creative, business and personal needs. Public Relations, Scripts, Biographies. Advertising, Marketing, Letters, Proposals, Resumes, Contact: or johnss1@sbcglobal.net. Community Switchboard Ads are $8 for up to three lines. or mail to penngroveproud@sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 553, Penngrove, CA Debbie Goodier Koos Account Executive Call or me today! Community Magazine Why advertise in Penngrove Proud? Directly mailed to all Penngrove residents Additional 5,000 distributed throughout Penngrove, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, & Santa Rosa Quarterly publication with staying power Attractive ad rates with free design & layout Online presence dkoos@penngroveproud.com Ross St. Suite E-F-G Petaluma Est Do you drive a Diesel? Have you ever tried to find a high quality shop to work on your truck? Is the dealer a pain in your neck? Let me guess, most other auto repair shops won t even touch your truck. If this story is a familiar one, not to worry, your search is over. Glenn s is the answer to all your service and repair needs. A.S.E. Certified Master Diesel Technician, Glenn Reed, has over 25 years of experience in diesel service and repair. $100 towards any diesel repair over $400 Injectors - Glow Plugs - Fuel Pumps EGR Issues - Electronics Max value $100 - Expires May 24, 2011 BUSINESS HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8am-5pm SATURDAY BY APPT. PENNGROVE PROUD

20 We In sp i r e Ho me I m p ro v e me nt F o r Every Spa ce. Get the Most Out of Your SPRING At Friedman's our mission is to inspire home improvement by exceeding the expectations of our valued do-it-yourself and professional builder customers. We'll help you get started, and keep your project within budget. We have the best spring values for your dollar. Saving you money and giving you more time to work on your spring projects! You Get Affordable Quality, Local Advice, And The Lowest Price. Period. We're Not Just Selling Products We're Improving Your Lifestyle. We Carry A Wide Range Of Great Products All Year Long! visit us at FRIEDMANSHOME.COM SANTA ROSA Santa Rosa Avenue SONOMA Broadway UKIAH Airport Boulevard LOWEST PRICE. LOCAL ADVICE. STANDARD MAIL POSTAGE & FEES PAID PERMIT NO. 553 PENNGROVE, CA Your Community Magazine Visit Penngrove Proud Online Share with your Family & Friends World-Wide! See us on Facebook Postal Patron