This is the interactive copy of the Summer 2025 Stone Soup. Stone Soup is a quarterly publication of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center.
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3 rd Annual Valley Car Show by Kerry Olivotti We decided to do it again—mostly because everyone told us we had to—but we’re genuinely stoked that the Valley, along with folks from all over the Bay Area, love this event enough to want to bring it back. So mark your calendars: the 3rd Annual Valley Car Show is happening on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11 am – 3 pm at the San Geronimo Valley Commons (aka the parking lot of the old San Geronimo Golf Course Clubhouse). Once again, we’ll be featuring over 60 vintage, classic, and just plain cool cars, live music from Pardon the Interruption, and a Beer & Wine Garden—this year with beer from our exciting new sponsor, Fairfax Brewing Company, and wine from our neighbors and longtime supporters at JD Ranch and Vineyard. Food will be pro- vided by local favorites:
Family Music Hour XXIII by Kerry Olivotti To know the story of the McQuilkin Family Music Hour is to know the story of the San Geronimo Valley. It’s a story shaped by this community — and accord- ing to founder Michael McQuilkin, it wouldn’t, and couldn’t, exist anywhere else. He knows because he tried.
• Double Baked Pizza , firing up their delicious oven-baked pies • Granelli Meat Co. , serving up scrump- tious pulled pork sandwiches and hot links • Gisela Flores Catering , bringing back her refreshing agua frescas and adding her delicious tacos to the menu this year • And of course, Silver Shave Ice will be back to help beat the summer heat with their signature refreshing treats!
Family Music Hour was born out of Michael’s deep-rooted belief in real con- nection — the kind you make face to face, not through a screen. Growing up in Rochester, New York, that connection looked like family gathered around grand- ma’s piano in the living room, singing and playing together. So when the world began disappearing into devices promising “connectivity,” Michael was skeptical. He looked around our Valley and saw families still trying to hold onto that old tradition — of music, of gathering, of togetherness — and that’s when the light bulb went on. The rest is history. The Chavez Family is also part of the origin story. Before Family Music Hour, there were the Chavez Family Singers, with McQ on piano. They played birthdays, bar mitzvahs, celebrations of life — whatever they could book. But Michael had a thought: Why wait for a special occasion? Why not create the occasion and let the audience come to them? On December 15, 2012, the first Family Music Hour sold 75 tickets. Three months later, 200 people showed up. And just like that, McQ was in it for the long haul. At one point McQuilkin considered doing shows outside of the Valley but quickly realized, the San Geronimo Valley, the people that inhabit these hills and valleys and the heart and hub we have at the Community Center were too big of characters to take out of the story.
Festivities kick off at 11 am, with live music starting at 11:30 am, the Sponsor Choice Awards at 1:00 pm, and the grand finale Valley Community Voted Best in Show award announcement wrapping up the day at 2:45 pm. The Car Show is FREE ADMISSION to public.
Spaces are going quick so if you haven’t registered your classic, vintage or cool car yet make sure to do so now to secure your spot! $40 We’re incredibly grateful to our early sponsors, including Dan McGarry and the Fairfax Brewing Company team , who will
be on hand pouring their crisp, refreshing beers; Wine Sponsor JD Ranch and Vineyard , whose owner Dennis Thompson is also this year’s Car Show Poster Artist; plus Boylan’s Barn, Fradelizio’s, Fairfax Market, B&B Hardscapes, Napa Auto, Susan Royce Printing, and VW & Audi Marin . Sponsorship opportunities are still available with great benefits at both the $100 and $250 levels. For more information, please contact Albert DeSilver at adesilver@ sgvcc.org or 415-488-8888.
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Rolling Stones by Alexa Davidson Executive Director
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This summer, on Sunday, June 29, the McQuilkin Family Music Hour celebrates its 23rd performance in its 13th year. After missing its first-ever (outside of Covid) show this past winter, it returns stronger than ever — and with a brand-new addition to the band: Bonabelle Blue Heron McQuilkin Gapinski, a third-generation member (on both sides). We’ll give her a few years before expecting her first solo, but like so many others in the Music Hour family, we can’t wait to watch her grow. The Family Music Hour is as homegrown as it gets — a showcase of the incredible, hyper- local talent that fills our Valley. Just as the Annual Spring Art Show lifts up visual artists, this event has become a stage for our singers, musicians, and performers. Michael has built something rare: a space of mentorship, inclusion, and community. Many of the perform- ers you see today spent years watching from the wings before stepping into the spotlight. Each show brings together pros and amateurs, touring artists, young up-and-comers, col- lege-bound kids chasing their musical dreams — and usually at least one new face making their debut. As Michael says everybody is somebody’s somebody, there is no wall between the performers and the audience. What everyone agrees on is McQuilkin’s remarkable guidance and gift for accompaniment — he, the crack band and every singer that steps up to the mic make it all look effortless, masking the depth of work and rehearsals that go into producing a concert like the Family Music Hour. Which add up to at least 3 months from the beginnings of prep, with song selection on through to the final number. In the end, the McQuilkin Family Music Hour is more than a concert—it’s a living, breathing expression of the San Geronimo Valley’s heart and soul. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community gathers not just to be entertained, but to lift one another up through shared song, stories, and tradition. What began as one family’s vision has blossomed into a cherished institution, where generations come together to celebrate the joy of music and the power of connection. As the curtain rises on the 23rd performance, with the next generation already tuning up, the Family Music Hour stands as a beautiful reminder that in our ever-changing world, community and creativity remain our most enduring instruments. McQuilkin Family Music Hour XXIII will feature the following singers, Alexa Davidson, Andrew Giacomini, Alexander McQuilkin, Buck Chavez, Gracie Chavez, John Cunningham, Kira Thelin, Tealy Gapinski, Will McQuilkin, Katherine Wethington, Kevin Meade, Paul O’Sullivan, Indigo Jenkins, Wayne Patton and Alice McConnell. This summer the band includes McQ, David Russ, Howie Cort, John Cunningham, Bruce Greenstein, the legendary Lagunitas Horns Tim Cain, Tony Petroccitto, Chris Lege, and another Family Music Hour debut local pedal steel guitar hero Dave Zirbel.
This spring has been one of the most emotion- ally complex seasons I’ve experienced as Executive Director of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center—a time marked by both profound heartbreak and immense gratitude. Like so many of you, I’ve been holding both at once, and what continues to
ground me is this: we are handling it together. On April 18th, our Valley was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy when four young people lost their lives in a car accident in Woodacre. As the news rippled through our tight-knit community, what followed was an outpouring of love, support, and deep presence. In vigils, shared silence, and spaces for grief, this community showed up—as it always does. In our hardest moments, the strength of this place shines brightest. I am remind- ed, once again, how lucky I am to live and work among people who know how to hold one another through loss. This tragedy took me back to my own family’s experience. Three and a half years ago, my sister was in a devastating car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. She had to relearn everything—how to walk, talk, live independently. And this community carried us through it. You held us. I remember thinking then, as I do now: you never expect some- thing like this to happen, but if it does, you hope you’re in a place like this. The day after the April 18th crash in Woodacre, my family left for a long-dreamed-of trip to Kauai—a celebration of my sister’s recovery. It had been on her “recovery to-do list,” alongside milestones like “walk,” “drive,” “return to work,” and “babysit my best friend’s kids.” In Hawaii, I watched her laugh, hike, swim, and thrive. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for her life and for the community that helped make her healing possible. And at the same time, I felt the weight of grief for the families in our Valley just beginning their own journeys of loss. Life is fragile. And we must hold each other close, every chance we get. We’ve also recently lost two beloved members of our community. Chuck Ford passed away on May 20th after a courageous battle with cancer. Chuck was a steady presence in the Valley and a quiet but powerful force in my own journey as a leader. He believed deeply in the mission of the Community Center—and in me. On May 16th, we also said goodbye to Marcia Phipps, a longtime Lagunitas School teacher and my own middle school math teacher, who shaped the lives of generations of children. Saying goodbye is never easy, but saying thank you is: thank you to both of these remarkable people who left lasting legacies in our community and in my life. Amidst these personal and collective losses, there’s been another emotional undercurrent running through this season: uncertainty. Every week brings new questions about the future of the social services so many rely on. We’ve already seen reductions in federal funding, and we continue to hear from the County about contracts at risk—many tied to food access, senior services, mental health programs, and the arts. At the same time, we’re see- ing growing need in our community. People are hurting, and they’re turn- ing to us. The Community Center has always met the moment with care and creativity and we have prepared with foresight to be able to do so— but the weight of it is real. Each day, our team is holding space for people in transition, offering stability and connection in a shifting landscape. And still there is much to celebrate! I want to honor my friend and col- league Socorro Romo, Executive Director of West Marin Community Services, who is preparing to retire after a lifetime of service. Socorro has led with clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to equity. Her impact on West Marin is profound. It’s been an honor to work beside her, learn from her, and build strong collaborations between our organizations. Her legacy will continue, and I am grateful to have shared in her orbit. This season is also marked by moments of hope and celebration in the lives of our young people. As our 8th graders prepare to graduate from the Lagunitas Community School, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing their brilliance firsthand. They’ve completed their “Change Projects,” tackled issues that matter deeply to them, and stood before their peers and com- munity to deliver powerful TED-style talks about how they are making a difference in their communities. Their insight and passion are inspir- ing. Our youth have reminded us—yet again—of the bright future being shaped right here in our Valley. As I reflect on this season, I keep coming back to this truth: our lives are full of contradictions—joy and sorrow, fear and hope, loss and celebra- tion. This community knows how to hold them all. We’ve been through a lot—but we’re facing it together. We grieve together, grow together, and rise together. Let’s keep showing up for one another—in tragedy, in triumph, and in all the everyday moments in between. That is the heartbeat of this place. And I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of it.
Please join us on Sunday June 29 at 4 pm to celebrate once again! Dinner (available for separate purchase) begins at 4pm, Show starts promptly at 5:30pm. Purchase tickets suggested donation $10. Nobody turned away for lack of funds.
Credits Stone Soup is printed four times a year and reflects the diverse cultural interests of the Community Center and the Valley. Though it is a publication of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, it is meant as a journal for everyone in or around the Valley. We are interested in your input. If you have any comments, ideas for articles or columns, news, art, stories, poetry, photography, or information for the publication, please forward them to: The Stone Soup Editorial Committee c/o San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. P.O. Box 194, San Geronimo, CA 94963. Phone (415) 488-8888 • email: dfogel@sgvcc.org, or visit www.sgvcc.org. Stone Soup does not exercise editorial control on the content of submissions by organi- zations, byline columnists, or display ads. We reserve the right to refuse to publish ads or submissions. Editorial Committee: Danielle Fogel, Alexa Davidson, David Russ Proofreading: Alexa Davidson, Danielle Fogel, Albert DeSilver, Poko Giacomini, Helen Ferlino Production: David Russ, Russ Ranch Productions Printing: Marin Sun Ads: Danielle Fogel and Albert DeSilver David Lakes, President Liora Soladay, Co-Vice President Alexander McQuilkin, Co-Vice President David Bernard, Treasurer Brandon Johnson Kelly Lawson Heather Richardson Amy Waterhouse Alan Weiler San Geronimo Valley Community Center Board Members John Beckerley, Secretary Carolina Balazs Sarah Brewster Buddy Faure Zachary Goodman
Page 2 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Jean Berensmeier, Founder
Summer 2025 Volunteer List Nika Ayre Emily Akemon Will Anton
A Volunteer’s Profile: Sasha Gulish by Cory vanGelder When I first learned that Sasha Gulish had volunteered to photograph the portraits for our Indigenous and Latinx Land Stewards exhibit, I had no idea just how much skill, care, and quiet magic she would bring to the project. Sasha’s approach was more than professional—it was deeply human. She arrived at each shoot with a calm presence, immediately creating a space
Susan Kraft Susie Lerer Rebecca Nowlen Anne McClain Pat McGraw Michael McQuilkin Tony Miceli Carl Miller Josh ”Bones” Murphy Riley Ned Amy Nestler Pete Nestler Morgan Olsen Laurie Olson Peter Oppenheimer
Maddie Antonio Heather Arnold Manny Arroyo Jenni Bahrt Al Baylacq Mel Bebbington Sandy Bellak
of trust and ease. Her ability to connect with each individual, to truly see them, allowed something extraordinary to unfold: people dropped into themselves with a kind of relaxed authenticity that only comes when one feels fully appreciated and witnessed. Though I wasn’t sure what a realistic timeline would be for such a project, Sasha—despite a demanding schedule that frequently has her traveling across the country for high-profile commercial work—gra- ciously made time. In just two weeks, she conducted three full photo shoots, carefully edited the por- traits, and prepared them for exhibition printing. The speed and quality of her work felt nothing short of miraculous. Sasha is an internationally recognized photographer known for capturing honest, emotionally resonant images, whether she’s working with celebrities, families, or community members. Her portraiture in this exhibit offered not just representation, but reverence. Like many of the people who sat before her lens, I left this experience with deep gratitude—for her talent, for her spirit, and for the gift of a new connec- tion with someone who makes the world brighter simply by showing up with presence and purpose. With Respect Harold Wong , a beloved Woodacre resident, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Hawaii in 1937, Harold was raised in Honolulu, where he attended Catholic schools and vividly remembered the planes flying over Pearl Harbor. He later moved to San Francisco, dedicating many years to the Convent of the Sacred Heart. A lifelong martial artist, Harold practiced Shaolin and Tai Chi, through which he met his wife, Barbara Lawrence. Together, they shared a deep love for art—Harold’s early paintings reflected a fluid, impressionistic style, and he later became known for his handcrafted mobiles. An avid gardener, he inherited his mother’s bonsai-inspired techniques and cultivated a lush sanctuary in Woodacre. Harold was known for his generosity, supporting numerous children’s charities, and was a magnet for both kids and dogs—often seen walking his tiny companion, Mocha. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and sister, I-Ping Wong. Joe Hopkins passed away on April 22, 2025, at his home in upstate New York, where he had returned nearly a decade ago to reconnect with his roots. A longtime resident of Forest Knolls and Lagunitas, Joe was known throughout the San Geronimo Valley not only for his exceptional skill as a carpenter but also for his soulful, uncompromising approach to life. He raised his son Taylor in the Valley, instill- ing in him a deep love for nature, creativity, and community. Friends and neighbors remember Joe as a deeply authentic and kind-hearted man who forged lasting connections through his quiet strength and generous spirit. Though he spent his final years in New York, Joe’s heart never left the Valley. His wish was to return to the place he loved most—Forest Knolls—for his final rest. A GoFundMe has been created to help support memorial expenses and to bring Joe home: spot.fund/HelpTaylorAfterLoss. Those who knew Joe are invited to contribute and share memories of a man who left a lasting mark on the people and places he touched. Joyce Vagasy , was born on August 26, 1938. She was described as open-hearted, proud of her Irish heri- tage, and was a loyal parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Church. A trailblazer, Joyce was the first woman to graduate with a degree in Architecture from Cal Poly in 1962, where she also met her husband, John Vagasy. Though trained as an architect, her true artistry emerged in interior design and textiles. She earned acclaim for her work on San Francisco’s Palace Hotel and was recognized with numerous awards for her unique textile designs. Joyce, a long time resident of Forest Knolls, was a friend to many in this community and she will be missed. Marcia Holbert Phipps , a beloved San Geronimo Valley resident, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of May 16, 2025. Born in Butte, Montana in 1943, Marcia’s adventurous spirit was shaped by a childhood that spanned from Montana to Mexico to the beach town of San Clemente, California. After graduating from Chapman College, she moved to San Francisco and embraced life as an independent young woman—until love and the counterculture movement led her and her husband, Darrell, to a bold new chapter. In the 1970s, they left behind corporate jobs and conventional living to raise their children in a house truck named “Salvador,” eventually settling off-grid in the San Geronimo Valley. There, surrounded by redwoods and guided by stars, Marcia raised her family with wonder, pur- pose, and intention. As her children grew, Marcia turned her energy toward education and earned a master’s degree from Dominican College. She taught middle school math and science at Lagunitas School, where her class- room blossomed into a museum of natural history—filled with fossils, skulls, and student-collected specimens. After retiring, Marcia threw herself into travel, exploration, and community involvement. She led nature hikes as a docent at Audubon Canyon Ranch and helped organize The Senior Lunch at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Darrell; her sisters Judy and Tracy; her children Alyssa, Colin, and Jesse; and her beloved grandchildren Ruby, Ryder, Silas, Moss, Cricket, and Indy.
Paul Berensmeier Tina Berensmeier Kay Bolla Bob Brenner Bob Cahn Jeanne Carlson Lynn Charne EJ Chavez Jeanine Chavin Owen Clapp John Clarke Kylie Clarke Faye Coddington Rodrigo Corral Howie Cort John Cunningham Donn DeAngelo Samantha Davidson Mike Davidson Mike Drayton Chis Elliott Marilyn Englander Anne Faught Stephanie Fein James Finnegan Lila Fox Kevin Frazier Ashley Fullerton Tealy Gapinski Andrew Giacomini Kevin Gladstone Emily Goodwin Tobias Green Sasha Gulish John Gunnarson Clayton Haberman Miyo Hall Diana Hammer Brent Harris Kathleen Hasse Poppy Henderson Anne Hilsley Janet Hughes Carmen Irizarry Judy Kaufman Carolina Killion Steve Kinsey Joe Kerr Gideon Korrell Michelle Kotski
John Pedersen Heather Podoll Molly Rea
Carol Rebscher Elliana Rivera Sara Robinson Linda Rockwell Jerome Rubin David Russ Suzanne Sadowsky Eileen Schatz Corinna Schubert Richard Shaw Virgil Shaw Martha Shaw Savannah Shore Ella Signor Michael Singleton
Sonny Smith Melissa Meith Larry Rippee Molly Rea Andy Schmit Jeff Smith Gina Smith Jay Soladay Leyam Stieber
Mira Stinemates Duncan Sylvester Larkin Sylvester
Chris Taylor Tom Tabakin Jasper Thelin Kira Thelin Vanessa Trinidad-Benito Juliette Valente Paul Valente Sam Watson Aaron Weiss Peter Werba Jesse Wernici Shayna West Marina Eisenzimmer Carly Frazee
Other recent passings that will be highlighted in future issues: David Semling and Al Ardelle.
With Respect continues on page 4
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 3
PACT (Parent Alliance for Conscious Tech) by Eddy Hueso Here to improve our community’s relationship with tech. Last year, a few of us parents in the Valley found ourselves having the same conver- sation over and over again. We were grateful our kids had playmates and beautiful nature to go to, but more and more often, we were bumping into a quiet conflict: different households had very different expectations about screen use. Some kids had phones, some didn’t. Some were watching YouTube together at playdates, while oth- ers were trying to get outside. It was awkward to bring up, hard to manage, and easy to avoid—until it started affecting our kids’ wellbeing, and our confidence as parents. That’s when we began forming PACT: the Parents’ Alliance for Conscious Tech . We are a growing network of parents, neighbors, and caregivers in San Geronimo, who believe that kids need support—not just individually, but as a community—to have a healthy relationship with screens and media. PACT exists to help families create shared agreements around screen time, espe- cially in social settings like sleepovers, carpools, or group outings. Our goal isn’t to shame or judge anyone’s choices. It’s to make it easier to talk to each other, set clear expectations, and support kids who are trying to unplug in a world that rarely encourages it. We’ve heard from so many parents who are quietly struggling with the same thing: wanting to limit screen time at home, but feeling like the “odd one out” when their child is the only one not on a phone. When families coordinate, kids don’t feel singled out—and the results can be surprising. More time outside, more creativity, less drama. And best of all, more real play. PACT also provides tools for parents—how to set up filters and controls, how to navigate new devices, and how to talk with kids (and other adults) about boundar- ies. But our real work is cultural. We are trying to reweave the community safety net that once made it easier for kids to be kids without a device in hand. We know this isn’t just about phones. It’s about helping our children develop atten- tion, imagination, and self-regulation in a time when these things are under con- stant pressure. It’s about giving them space to grow without the noise of constant digital stimulation. And it’s about reclaiming our right—as families and communi- ties—to shape the environments our kids grow up in. At our monthly gatherings, we share stories, frustrations, and solutions. We host events and brainstorm ways to support tech-free fun. We talk about how to make sure kids still know how to knock on a door, ride their bike to a friend’s house, or build a fort in the woods. It may sound quaint—but more and more of us are real- izing it’s actually essential. If this resonates with you, we invite you to join us at https://pactaction.org . PACT is not just an organization—it’s a movement of parents who are willing to speak up, link arms, and say: we can do this differently. We can protect childhood. Together. Chuck Ford Lawrence Charles “Chuck” Ford, Jr. , a beloved member of the San Geronimo Val- ley community, passed away on May 20th at the age of 78. In 1973, Chuck and his wife Liz moved with their two young sons from San Francisco to Lagunitas, drawn by the Valley’s natural beauty and strong community spirit. Deeply invested in local life, Chuck served on the Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees and became passionately involved in Inner City Outings, a Sierra Club program offer- ing wilderness experiences to underserved youth. His love for the outdoors and commitment to youth development led him to the Team Program, an outdoor adventure-based program within the Tamalpais Union High School District, which he led for 21 years. Through Team, Chuck introduced hundreds of students to the wilderness, creating what he called his “true life’s work.” He was later elected to the Tamalpais High School District Board, continuing his dedication to public education. With Respect continued from page 3 Chuck’s life in San Geronimo was defined by service, adventure, and deep roots. Even after retirement, he remained a steady presence on local trails and in youth programs, mentoring students and leading hikes and backpacking trips well into his final year. A former commercial photographer, he found his greatest fulfillment not behind the camera, but on the trail, helping young people navigate both nature and the challenges of growing up. Chuck was honored with multiple Golden Bell awards and was named Teacher of the Year by the Tamalpais Union High School
Food Bank Banter by Nicole Ramirez, Director of Programs
The Baggers
At the San Geronimo Valley Community Center food bank we have many volun- teers that have found the “job” or task that speaks to them. Some like to sort the rotten food, unload the pallets of boxed food, bag bagels, carrots, or onions, orga- nize the bread, or set up the walk up table. Some volunteers have fixed jobs and others vacillate through the various tasks at hand.
Melissa Meith, Anne Hillsley and Kathleen Hasse
One of the most important jobs at the Food Bank is what we call “bagging”. Before we start any packing, sorting or organizing we get the bags ready to pack with groceries. It is a magical compilation of mind melds and mathematics. The women who take on this task gather at the helm of the assembly line early to start the discussion on what to use for the “count”. The count is sometimes rice, cab- bage, or a can of beans that is used to determine the total number of bags we will use to distribute food. The staff determines the total number of bags needed based on previous weeks distribution. The “baggers” then converse amongst themselves to calculate literally how many cases or boxes will be needed to get the bags ready. These amazing women- Melissa Meith, Kathleen Hasse, Marilyn Englander and Anne Hillsley work diligently using their math skills to get the right amount of placeholders for the bags.
Marilyn Englander
It is a joy to see the “baggers” throwing out numbers, making calculations, and multiplying mentally and on occasion using their phones to double check their mental math skills. A true collaboration of minds. Not only do they bag, they share stories, recipes, laugh, and comment on the food. When I asked Melissa what she enjoys about bagging she simply replied, “The people I get to do it with”. During the task of bagging friendships have blossomed and it has been fun to witness. Some of the women primarily stick to bagging while some have ven- tured off to other jobs like sorting food or bagging bagels. But once a “bagger” always a “bagger”, and the strays return to their beloved post. We are so grateful to these wonderful humans who give their time, energy and effort and math skills, to the greater cause of providing free accessible food for all.
District. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz, sons Peter and Ethan, grandsons Maximos and Nikiforos, and several nieces and nephews. His legacy was celebrated at a memorial service on May 31st at the San Geronimo Val- ley Community Center—a place he loved and served with unwavering heart. (excerpt from Marin IJ)
Thank You Ladies!!!!
Page 4 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Read Chuck Ford’s full obituary using the QR Code here.
Kids Corner : Meet The Youth Team by Joan Diamond
Hey Valley Friends and Families. If any of you have children enrolled in The Loft, Zoila’s, Vast, Youth Job Training Program, Holiday Camp or Summer Camp, or your child attends SWAP, Empowerment, or Greenstitch, you’ve had some contact with one or more of our team members. If you’ve ever wondered about who we are and why we love what we do, keep reading: Nicole Jene’e Ramirez, Director of Programs Born in : Los Angeles, CA Favorite Color: Green, Purple and Maroon Favorite Candy as a Kid: Hot Tamales and Starburst Favorite Game: Basketball Favorite Childhood Memory: Going to Sleep Away Camp with my brother, first time without my mom. So Fun!!! My Superpower: MY LOUD VOICE!!!! I’m happiest when: I am swimming underwater. Favorite thing about Zoila’s: Snack time and asking the children what they did over the weekend. Favorite thing about the Loft: Air Hockey and Joan’s Cooking. My message to the kids I work with: Dream Big—Be your authentic self and be kind to yourself and others. Anything else?: Children make me smile and I love the joy they bring to our world. Lori Ramirez, Recreation, Wellness & Youth Programs Manager Born in: San Francisco Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Candy as a Kid: Butterfingers! My mom’s favorite as well. Favorite Game: New York Times Connections, Othello with the kids at the Loft and Memory with Leo at Zoila’s (he’s got a winning streak I just can’t break!) Favorite Childhood Memory: Spending a week each summer at Konocti with my mom, sister, brother, cousins and aunts. It was a truly magical time! My Superpower: I’m the fearless leader of an all-girl super squad—four daughters, each with their own unique powers, personalities and missions. Together we’re unstoppable. I’m happiest when: I’m at the beach with my daughters, searching for shells and crabs, chasing waves or just soaking up the sun. Favorite thing about Zoila’s: Connecting with the kids--Every day is full of energy, imagination and sweet conversations that give me a window into who they are. Favorite thing about the Loft: Spending time with the kids and being a support- ive presence for them. My message to the kids I work with: Each of you is special and has something amazing inside of you. Whatever it is, the world needs your light. Keep trying, keep learning and never be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how we grow! Favorite Candy as a Kid: Butterfinger Favorite Game: Dungeons and Dragons Favorite Childhood Memory: Hanging out with my brother and cousins in Berkeley. My Superpower: Movie Trivia I’m happiest when: I’m hanging out with close friends and family. Favorite thing about Zoila’s and The Loft: Playing games with the kids My message to the kids I work with: Always treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Zoila Berardi, Family Advocate Born in: San Francisco Favorite Color: Turquoise Favorite Candy as a Kid: U-NO Bar Favorite Game: House Favorite Childhood Memory: Going to a dairy farm in Oregon with my cousins. Dad telling stories. My Superpower: Patience I’m happiest when: I’m with the little people or family. Favorite thing about Zoila’s: Logan, Leo and Ava. Favorite thing about the Loft: Having My 70 th birthday party there. My message to the kids I work with: Be kind and laugh! Anything else?: I’m old and I have great wrinkles Maile Marino, Family Advocate Born In: San Francisco Favorite Color: Periwinkle, green, red Favorite Candy as a Kid: Reeses Favorite Game: Sudoku Favorite Childhood Memory: Making my mom go on the Gravitron with me. My Superpower: Patience and Empathy. I’m happiest when: I’m with my family, friends and pets. Favorite thing about Zoila’s and The Loft: The kids! My message to the kids I work with: Remember to always be kind to others. Eric Humphrey, Family Advocate Born in: San Leandro Favorite Color: Black
Jasmin Vasquez, Family Advocate Born In: Marin General Hospital Favorite Color: Black, white, pink and purple. Favorite Candy as a Kid: Reeses Favorite Game: Fortnite Favorite Childhood Memory: Playing outside with my friends.
My Superpower: Connecting with kids. I’m happiest when: I’m with my friends. Favorite thing about Zoila’s and The Loft: Being able to hang with all the cool kids. My message to the kids I work with: Love One Another.
Joan Diamond, Family Advocate Born in: Brooklyn, NY Favorite Color: Blues and greens
Favorite Candy as a kid: Bazooka Bubble Gum, Atomic Fireballs, Black Licorice, Charms Lollipops—Too many, that’s why I don’t eat sugar—I like ittoo much! Favorite Game: Hot Seat Favorite Childhood Memory: Summers at Camp Lokanda! My Superpower: I feel deeply. I’m happiest when: I’m speaking my truth or hearing another person’s truth— being real! I’m dancing freestyle. Favorite thing about Zoila’s: Watching how kids find joy and wonder in the simplest of things, like going down a slide, getting covered in sand, making up a word…it’s contagious. I also love how they respond to life with their whole beings…no holding back. Favorite thing about the Loft: Watching kids cook something on the griddle, laughing with the kids about a funny and original Meme of The Week entry, just hanging out and getting to know a kid. My message to the kids I work with: Whether you know it or not, you’re each amazing people with precious gifts to share. Be here now—the present moment is where the good stuff happens.
Taylor Marino, Family Advocate. Born in: Greenbrae, CA Favorite Color: Red Favorite Candy as a kid: Twix Favorite Game: Uno
Favorite Childhood Memory: My dad worked at a farm and we were on a hill get- ting the cows in for their dinner and my dad saw them running down the hill and he told me to go behind a wall and I looked up and saw cows jumping over me. My Superpower: Animal Whisperer I’m happiest when: I’m at the beach. Favorite thing about Zoila’s: Seeing all the kids playing together. My message to the kids I work with: Be true to yourself and follow your dreams.
Cory VanGelder, Wellness Coordinator Born in: San Francisco Favorite Color: Spring green Favorite Candy as a kid: Butterfinger Favorite Game: Kick the Can
Favorite Childhood Memory: When my older siblings played these elaborate make-believe games in the backyard with the neighbors, and they gave me, the youngest, a part, and I felt so included. Sometimes I could be the hot dog man or the robber. My Superpower: Loving and connecting with young people I’m happiest when: I’m in nature, in the ocean, riding my bike, hiking… Favorite thing about Empowerment: Students get to be themselves and talk about what’s on their minds and support each other and discover other people share their same feelings and concerns. Favorite thing about SWAP: Students make a commitment to take time during their school day to focus on wellness. Students just put on a fabulous wellness week and worked really hard to bring activities that would uplift and bring well- ness to their peers. Favorite thing about Greenstitch: Students, starting in Middle School, have a place to connect with other young people who care about the future of the planet and want to do something that really makes a difference. Having fun together put- ting on events and making murals. My message to the kids I work with: You are awesome, way more cool than you realize.
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 5
Summer Day Camp We’re excited to bring back our Summer Day Camp for another fun-filled season of friends, sunshine, and adventures both in and out of the Valley! Join us for arts, crafts, sports, games, and field trips. Located in beautiful West Marin, we’ll spend plenty of time outdoors hiking, play- ing games, and exploring beaches, parks, open spaces — and of course, swimming! Our camp fosters multi-age cooperative play, creating a unique experience where everyone can participate and build friendships. We’re planning an exciting five weeks and hope to see you there! Camp Details • Ages: 5-11 • Dates: June 30 - August 1, 2025 (no camp on 7/4) • Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm • Aftercare: • 3pm - 5pm • 12pm - 3pm ( Summer Bridge campers only ) • Location: The Loft and Gym, Lagunitas Community School Campus, West Marin. 1 Lagunitas School Rd. San Geronimo, Ca. 94963 Camp Fees • 9am-3pm • Week one: $260 • Weeks two-five: $325 • Single Day Drop-in (Mon., Tues. & Thurs. ONLY): $100 per day
Aftercare Fees • 12pm-3pm for Summer Bridge Campers ONLY (Mon. - Thurs.): Weekly $130 • 3pm-5pm: • Week one: $100 • Weeks two-five: $125 • Single Day Drop-in: $30 Register here!
Weekly Session Dates • Week One: June 30th - July 3rd (no camp 7/4)
• Week Two: July 7th - July 11th • Week Three: July 14th - July 18th • Week Four: July 21st - July 25th • Week Five: July 28th - August 1st
Scholarship available upon request. For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
The Community Center’s Summer Camp offers fun field trips like kayaking in Tomales Bay.
Youth Activities RAINBOW PLAYGROUP
NEXTGEN PEER COUNSELING—AGES 18-30 Online weekly Peer Support Group facilitated by Cory van Gelder. For more information contact cvangelder@sgvcc.org. EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS Come to the Empowerment Group for Middle Schoolers facilitated by Cory van Gelder We focus on connection and peer support navigating all the challenges of middle school. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Wednesday, 2 - 3:15pm. Starts with new school year LOCATION: Wellness Lounge CONTACT: Cory van Gelder, cvangelder@sgvcc.org *Max Students: 10 THE SAN GERONIMO VALLEY OPEN GYM WEEKLY CALENDAR • Hoops (ages 18 & up) Sundays 8am -10am
Rainbow Playgroup is designed for caretakers, mothers, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers and friends to have a safe place for their little ones (ages 0-5) to play and socialize. On Tuesdays from 10 am - 11:15 am, Rainbow Playgroup is visited by the Marin County Free Library Learning Bus, which offers bilingual stories and activities. Free DAYS/TIME: Tuesdays/Fridays 9:30am - 12:00pm LOCATION: East Room CONTACT: Perla De los Santos, pdelossantos@parentservices.org AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES Join us for fun and engaging After School Enrichment classes at the San FEE: Geronimo Valley Community Center! Designed for students of all ages, our pro- grams offer a wide range of creative, active, and educational opportunities right after school. Highlights include: • STEM with LEGO® Building with Play-Well : hands-on engineering fun through creative play • Swim Lessons at the Woodacre Improvement Club (WIC) to build water skills and confidence • Capoeira with Abadá Capoeira : a dynamic Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines music, movement, and culture
Mondays 5:30pm - 7:30pm Wednesdays 6:30pm - 9pm • Ping-Pong on Sundays 6pm - 9pm • Pickleball on Tuesdays 6:30pm - 9:00pm • Volleyball on Thursdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm
The 2025/2026 sessions will run on the following dates: • Fall Session: September 15 – November 7, 2025 • Winter Session: January 20 – March 20, 2026 • Spring Session: April 13 – June 5, 2026 Stay tuned for full class offerings and registration details!
For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
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Summer Bridge Program for Incoming TK/K Students
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s Summer Bridge program is a free 5-week summer program designed to ease the transition into Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten for incoming students. Prioritizing students attending Lagunitas Community School and Nicasio School, with secondary pri- ority given to Valley residents attending other schools, the program takes place on the Lagunitas School campus to help students build familiarity, confidence, and skills in their new school environment. This program is exclusively open to students who have not previously participated in Summer Bridge, ensuring a unique and tailored experience for each cohort. Our curricu- lum focuses on fostering readiness in key developmental areas, including social-emotional skills, early learning foundations, and comfort navigating a classroom setting. A special feature of this year’s program is the integration of free weekly swim- ming lessons at the Woodacre Improvement Club (WIC). Additionally, we plan to enhance the curriculum with exciting new activities such as visits from WildCare, bike riding sessions, and other enriching programs. By the end of the Summer Bridge program, our goal is for every student to feel confident, prepared, and excited to begin their TK/K journey.
Details for the swim program will be shared closer to the start date, contingent on sufficient interest.
Participants must register for the full 5 weeks
Dates • Week One- June 30th - July 3rd (no camp 7/4) • Week Two- July 7th - July 11th • Week Three- July 14th - July 18th • Week Four- July 21st - July 25th • Week Five- July 28th - August 1st *Weekly aftercare is available for Summer Bridge par- ticipants (12pm-3pm) and (3pm-5pm) No aftercare on Fridays. Pre registration is required.
Register here!
For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
Jump Start to Middle School
Register here!
Program Details: Dates: August 4th - 6th
Starting Middle School this Fall and want to be prepared?
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM (Wednesday 10 AM - 3 PM) Cost: $110 (No one turned away for lack of funds!)
Join us for a three-day Jump Start to Middle School, facilitated by Cory van Gelder and Lori Ramirez. This course will help you get connected to other middle school students, includ- ing eighth grade students who will be assisting and are looking forward to helping incoming students feel comfortable and get their questions answered. We will offer tips on how to manage your time, stay organized and help you be prepared to have a successful start to Middle School. We will end the session with a field trip to Stinson Beach on Wednesday. Details for the trip will be provided when the program begins. NEW! Wildlife Wonders using LEGO® Materials Camp with Play-Well ! Design and build your way through the animal kingdom, from sea to safari, using tens of thousands of LEGO® parts. With the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor, you’ll recreate diverse habitats while crafting animals in their natural surroundings. Your animal adventure awaits!
Scholarship available upon request.
For more information email Cory VanGelder, cvangelder@sgvcc.org
Spring/Summer Dates- May 23, 2025 - August 15, 2025 • Day/Time: Every other Friday; 5:30pm-7:30pm
• No class on Friday, July 4th • Cost: $20 per students/class • Location: The LOFT • Maximum of 7 Students
• Dates: Monday, August 4, 2025 - Friday, August 8, 2025 • Times: 9:00am -12:00pm • Cost: $210 • Location: Community Center • Minimum 10 Students/Maximum 16 Students
*For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
NEW! Magic: The Gathering – Youth Game Night Join us for a fast-paced and imaginative youth game night centered around Magic: The Gathering —the world’s most popular strategic trading card game! Designed for youth grades 4th through 8th, this semi-weekly gathering offers a welcoming environment for new and experienced players to learn the game, build decks, and challenge each other in fun, friendly matches. Led by experienced player and facilitator Eric Humphrey, each session encourages creative thinking, strategy, and good sportsmanship. As students gain confidence, they’ll also have opportunities to mentor others and even help organize matches or small tourna- ments. MTG builds critical thinking, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and decision-making skills. It also promotes collaboration, patience, and respectful competition—all while creating space for youth to bond over shared interests. Program Goals: • Create an engaging, in-person social experience through strategic gameplay • Support the development of logical thinking and strategic decision-making • Build community and peer mentorship through shared learning and friendly competition • Attract new participants from local and neighboring communities through effective promotion Spring/Summer Dates: May 30, 2025 – August 22, 2025 • Day/Time: Every other Friday; 5:30pm–7:30pm • Cost: $20 per student/class • Location: The LOFT • Maximum of 7 Students
*For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
NEW! Dungeons & Dragons Youth Game Night Join us for an exciting new youth game night centered around the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing game— Dungeons & Dragons! Designed for youth grades 4th through 8th, this semi-weekly gathering invites participants into a world of imagination, strategy, and storytelling. Led by an experienced Dungeon Master (DM) also known as, Eric Humphrey, each session will guide a group of 4–7 players through collaborative adventures filled with cre- ativity, decision-making, and teamwork. Over time, participants will develop the skills and confidence to take on the role of DM themselves—opening the door to multiple games and greater participation. Dungeons & Dragons fosters creativity, collaboration, and communication. It helps youth build friendships, express themselves, and sharpen essential academic skills including reading, writing, and math—all while having fun. P rogram Goals: • Foster social connections and creative expression through storytelling and play • Provide a safe and welcoming space for youth to explore and learn a popular, skill-building game • Develop leadership skills by mentoring players into becoming future Dungeon Masters
For more information email Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 7
NextGen Green stitch Program Honoring Our Oceans: Reflections from the 2025 Climate Fest by Larkin Sylvester, Greenstitch Intern On Saturday, April 26th we held our fourth annual Climate Fest. The courtyard was alive with the music of Eloise O’Bryan followed by sounds of high school band Jinx rocking out with a driving beat and electrifying vocals. Aerialists danced their way up and down the apparatus, showing emotion and meaning with every movement. Kids joyously lapped their ice cream while others got information from people at the climate information booths.
background as a high school biology teacher and her unwavering care for both the planet and our students, Heather has been a vital part of Greenstitch for the last year and a half. We wish her all the best as she begins an exciting new chapter in her life in Burlington, Vermont. We send her off with so much gratitude and we will miss her tremendously.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Land Stewards or Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang’s work here are websites or emails: Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin: https://www.coastmiwokofmarin.org/ Theresa Harlan https://www.alliance4felixcove.org/ Carlos Porata www.carlosporrata.com Henry Frank www.redtailart.com Marilú González Rivera https://www.indigenouslovedesign.com/
Alicia Retes aliciaretes@gmail.com Teya Valentina teyavalentina.com
Dana Hawke ladyhawke7171@gmail.com Judith and Richard www.onebeachplastic.com
In the galleries hung photographic masterpieces of The Stewards of the Land by Sasha Gulish, featuring Indigenous and Latinx people who love the land with all their hearts. If you took a stroll into the next gallery, you would see One Beach Plastic art hanging on the walls—images of litter gathered at Kehoe Beach, strik- ing in their conflicting beauty, reminding you of how much waste ends up in our beautiful oceans. Jason Deschler of the Coast Miwok Council offered powerful songs for our community and the victims of the tragic car accident a week earlier. Morgan Olsen, a Greenstitch Intern, wrote and read the poem below about the ocean at the opening of the Climate Fest: Sapphire Soul Hold me in your arms Cradle me in the womb Kiss my cheek a salty blue Teach me to forgive the ones who hurt you A gown of seaweed A crown of coral Teared apart by plastic knife’s Your creatures are truly divine But I see you drain Your life polluted Your fight is strong against our minds walls The ones we use to forget Can you forgive us for the islands of fake color Can we fix this Can we teach each other our words Shatter the mirage with truth pushed down I’ll wipe your tears And surrender to your tide Reflections from the Climate Fest and the Greenstitch Internship by Emily Goodwin,and Ella Signor Greenstich interns Seeing the community come together over climate issues close to our hearts is empowering in our journey to create a society focused on the preservation of our planet. Being able to gather a multi generational group of climate activiste gives us hope that we have the ability to move forward during these tough times. Living in a community surrounded by nature, we are constantly reminded of the biodiver- sity and life that we are working to save.
Lagunitas School One Beach Plastic Activity by Madison Lescohier Richard Lang and Judith Selby Lang’s ongoing art project, One Beach Plastic, has spanned nearly 30 years and operates on multiple levels. At first glance, their pho- tographs—featuring carefully arranged plastic pieces collected during hundreds of visits to Kehoe Beach—are striking compositions of found material. But beneath the surface their work reveals something deeper: the powerful impact that just two individuals can have on the environment by consistently returning to the same stretch of beach and removing plastic waste by hand. To make even more of an impact, the two artists have turned their personal project into a hands-on activity that the elementary students from Lagunitas School had the opportunity to take part in this past April.
And a few more important things . . . by Cory van Gelder, Greenstitch Mentor
Each class of kids filtered in throughout the morning to look at the Lang’s artwork on the walls before sitting down to learn about the work and what they would be participating in. Then the fun began as they were released to tables to make plastic arrangements on different colored pieces of construction paper. Watching the T/K through 4th graders create their own works of plastic art was incredibly uplifting. Their immediate enthusiasm as they grabbed for oddly shaped pieces and made their own colorful arrangements reflected the imagination and creativity that is so ingrained in the experience of navigating the world as a child.Some kids rushed through composition after composition while others took their time or collaborat- ed across the whole table. Looking back on the experience reminded me that the world is full of chances to play, if you take the time to notice and prioritize curios- ity. And through play, we can share meaningful messages, like the importance of protecting our environment, and the impact one person can make by picking up one piece of plastic at a time. I spoke with Richard following the experience and his parting words captured the hope and simplicity that defined the day: “We always ask, ‘Are you going to buy less plastic?’ and the kids shout, ‘Yes!’ And then we ask, ‘What will you do if you see plastic on the beach?’ and they say, ‘Pick it up and make art!’”
Starting off the day, we had a land acknowledgement reminding us that we live on the land that Coast Miwok or Huukuiko (their name for themselves) tended and raised their families on for 5,000 years. Jason Deschler of the Coast Miwok Council offered beautiful songs for our community and the victims of the tragic car accident that happened just a week before. He then gave a presentation about the importance of fire in our ecosystem. The Greenstitch Interns, Ella Signor, Nika Arye, Poppy Henderson, Larkin Silvester, Morgan Olsen and Emily Goodwin all worked hard producing this event including inviting organizations for information booths, booking musicians, scooping ice cream donated by Strauss Creamery, making announcements and selling plastic-free body care products they had learned about from Marnie Jackson of Black Mountain Beauty. Greenstitch is grateful to have the hands-on support of the Community Center for this event that brings our community together around care for our future and the planet. We also want to extend our deepest thanks to our extraordinary volunteer assis- tant, Heather Arnold. Heather has brought enthusiasm, an incredible sense of organization, awesome sewing skills, tech help and all around support. With her
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