Community Organizations and Services
Down in the Valley by Terry Garthwaite I wrote a song with the Valley in mind, but we hope the hopes
Special, schmecial by Fred Mundy
You hear it all the time . . . “The San Geronimo Valley is a special place.” Many years ago, as a resident of Fairfax, I heard this often and scoffed at the notion. Then, in 1981, I moved to Lagunitas and the scoffing stopped. Here’s a thought . . . how many communities do you know of, with a population of 3,600 or less, where resi- dents care enough to put together a Resource Guide like this? Or, have a Food Bank? Or a vital, buzzing Com- munity Center? Or a gymnasium? Or a variety of school curricula? Or a community newsletter? Or a seniors’ lunch program, an affordable housing committee, a trained disaster council? This “Or a” list could go on for pages! There are so many good people helping in uplifting programs, making good things happen in this Valley, it is difficult to catalog them. This place is different, and dif- ferent in the best ways imaginable. Count your blessings for having found yourselves here. For many, there will likely come a day when you’ll look back on this period and realize you were living among an amazing and rare group of folks. I count myself as a newcomer, and I’ve lived here for 35 years. I continue to learn from those who have been here longer than myself, and I continue to marvel at the tenacity and will and creativity of our leaders. From the Woodacre Improvement Club to St. Ceci- lia’s Church in Lagunitas, and everywhere in between, exceptional people are making life in this Valley unique, providing services for the needy, opportunities for the youth, and a helping hand for our seniors, keeping it clean and beautiful, and just being kind to their neigh- bors. Add to that, a vast network of hiking/biking/riding trails, affordable classes of all types, traditions like the Holly Fair and Valley Toys and Joys, coho salmon and river otters, Spirit Rock, Woodacre Improvement Club, the Lions Club, a mass transit system. . . . Okay, enough with the lists already. I am just so happy to be here! I hope that everyone reading this will consider contributing some time and energy to these causes. Your efforts will be warmly welcomed, and you’ll take away more than you give.
of all people–to live in peace and harmony without the wars of petty differences and indif- ference; to disagree without being disagreeable; to find amicable resolution to thorny problems. We share a love of the land and an appreciation of individuality. We care what happens in and to our com- munity. We are a large extended family, on some common ground.
DOWN IN THE VALLEY 1998 Down in the valley I call my home The people are family, it’s where I belong There’s fussin’ and feudin’ and building a wall, But the love and affection will overcome all. For it’s love and affection will heal the heart We all need connection right from the start And it’s love and affection will heal the heart and I’ll do my part. I talk to my neighbors, I know them by name, Though our lives may be different, the spirit’s the same The land we all live on is dearer than gold, It’s the home where my heart is, a joy to behold. For it’s love and affection will heal the heart We all need connection right from the start And it’s love and affection
will heal the heart and I’ll do my part.
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. Chinese Proverb
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50 th Anniversary
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