Stone Soup is a quarterly publication of the San Geronimo Valley Community Center.
San Geronimo Valley Arts Center Inc. 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd PO Box 194 San Geronimo, CA 94963
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Hoop Fest by Kerry Olivotti, Arts and Events Coordinator
Fred “Lee” Berensmeier by Paul Berensmeier
Spring at the Community Center is shaping up to be a busy time of year for events here in the Valley. Along with some long held traditional events returning, we are excited to announce the Inaugural Valley Hoop Fest , a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Fundraiser, that will take place on Saturday March 30, 2024, at the Community Gym and Lagunitas School Lower Campus. Before giving you all the exciting news about Hoop Fest I want to remind everyone about our favorite annual events that the Community Center presents every year. You can read about all these events and all the important details inside this edition of Stone Soup. Returning this spring are community favorites including our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Youth and Family Talent Show on Saturday March 16 , Howie’s Birthday Bash at Giaco’s on Sunday April 14 , NextGen Climate Fest on Saturday April 20 , Spring Art Show Reception on Friday May 10 (show runs May 10-26), Annual Golf Tournament and Oyster Feed Fundraiser on Thursday May 23 , and on Sunday June 2 our Valley Summer Music Series kicks off with Tim Weed and special guests. Working with Valley native Aaron Weiss, we are excited to be hosting the Hoop Fest in honor of the Valley’s multigenerational love of basketball and to raise the always needed funds to maintain and make needed upgrades to our incredible community gym and recre- ational programming. The day begins at 10am with a 3 on 3 tournament that includes both Competitive and Just for Fun Brackets so you can sign up for whatever level of competition suits you. You can sign up as a Team of 3 or as a Free Agent and you will be assigned to a team. Hoop Fest will also feature some fun FREE competitions for everyone, whether you’re playing in the tournament or not, including a 3 point contest, Hot Spot competition and our very own Buck Chavez will host a Kids Basketball Clinic & Scrimmage in the gym. You can sign up to participate in these events on the day of Hoop Fest, no pre registration needed! Even if you are not playing Basketball, Hoop Fest promises to be a super fun, family friend- ly event with lots to do for everyone including Corn Hole and other Lawn Games, BBQ Food Truck by Leslie Ann’s Table and Shave Ice from Silver Shave Ice , offered throughout the day. You can find more information about Hoop Fest including Tournament Registration, Ticket Purchasing and Rules & Regulations at https://events.humanitix.com/valley-hoop-fest
At 91, Fred “Lee” Berensmeier passed away at his Lagunitas home sur- rounded by his beloved artwork and family on January 29, 2024. Lee was the son of Fred Carl Berensmeier and Wilhelmina Westheider. His first seven years were spent on the East Coast, where he enjoyed playing in the open fields and mountainous areas of the Upper State of New York. Moving to Florida, he remembers catching land crabs with the local boys with a special tool his mechanic father gave him to extract crabs from their lairs. Fred Sr. provided Lee with brushes, an easel, and paints when he was three. One morning his white shirt was streaked with beautiful colors. He said, “I’m a rainbow!” Lee was the best at drawing in each grade, so he knew he wanted to be an artist very early. He was always asked to design the school posters. Moving to San Francisco in the late 30s, his dad regularly drove him through the San Geronimo Valley on their way to Dillon Beach. They often brought a rabbit home for dinner as both were, as Grandpa said, “Marksmen!” Lee went to Mission High School, then SFSU where he met his future wife, Jean, and competed in track & field (High Jump & High Hurdles). Lee also competed with Jean on test scores, the winner hav- ing to buy dinner. Lee and Jean loved to go on nature adventures with his dad, Fred Sr., who later became “Santa” at the San Geronimo Valley Christmas Art Festival for sixteen years. An SFSU class assign- ment led Lee to become the first Berensmeier to work in the San Geronimo Valley at Forest Farm Summer Camp. He sent drawings of the Valley to his sweetheart, Jean, and soon they worked there togeth- er, falling in love with the Valley in 1952. They rode the ridges on horseback (he was the horse wrangler) and dreamed of living there. Lee married Jean in 1956. Lee earned a master’s degree in art and became head of the Fine Arts Printmaking Department and art instructor at City College of San Francisco (1968-1993). In 1958 he was drafted and served in the Korean war where he became a true “marksman” and competed on the “sharpshooters” team at his military base at Fort Ord. He once amazed Jean by shooting a bird right through the eye from “quite a distance.” He played on the army softball team and used his speed, playing in short right field in order to take hits away, yet still being able to sprint back and catch the long ones. After the service, in 1961, Lee and Jean spent nine months traveling on a Vespa throughout Europe. A highlight was the 17,000 year old Lascaux cave
Sponsorship Opportunities are also available for individuals or busi- nesses, and you can find out more information on our new website at www.sgvcc.org and hit the (LEARN MORE) button at top of page.
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The Edie Robinson Community Service Award Now accepting nominations for 2023 and 2024 It is again time to nominate two new recipients of the Edie Robinson Community Service Award (ERCSA) for 2023 and 2024.
Rolling Stones by Alexa Davidson Executive Director
It has officially been eight months in my new role as Executive Director. The transition has been seamless. Guided by the support of our team, our board, our partners, our supporters and our community residents, we have wel- comed in the new, while also ensuring that
ERCSA was created in 1999 as a way of permanently honoring Edie Robinson’s many years of community service, and honors community volunteers who make outstanding, long-term contributions to life in the San Geronimo Valley. The award recognizes positive achievement, devotion, and community building. The ERCSA committee initi- ates a broad community nomination and decision process, to choose recipients. The recipient’s portraits will be rendered by Anne McClain and added to the beautiful ERCSA Award Triptych that hangs in the San Geronimo Valley Community Center. The new recipients will be honored at the Healthy Community Collaborative annual barbeque on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Community Center.
we preserve the legacy of the Center and all that it has been for over five decades. While the first eight months have been truly fantastic, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t faced challenges. The storms in February 2024 were a real test of leadership, partner- ships, and teamwork. I am very proud of how the San Geronimo Valley Community Center demonstrated exceptional resilience and efficiency in its response to the storms and associated power out- ages. Swiftly springing into action, our team established a crucial charging and warming station (even while we were out of power ourselves), offering essential services to the community. Partnering with VERG (Valley Emergency Readiness Group), we conducted door-to-door outreach to areas experiencing prolonged outages, ensuring that residents were informed and supported. VERG also provided the Community Center with a small generator to keep us online during the storm. Collaborating with County Public Health, Marin County Fire Department, and Supervisor Rodoni’s office, we advocated, made plans… and back-up plans that would allow us to be responsive as the situation evolved. Despite challenges in com- munication during the outages, our use of social media, email, the readerboard, and direct outreach allowed us to get important infor- mation out to residents. We aim to educate the community that, in future disasters, as long as it is safe to travel to the Community Center, they can rely on our team’s rapid and comprehensive response. Operating under our Continuation of Operations Plan (COOP), our dedicated team members, temporarily reassigned from their usual roles, successfully provided senior lunch, food bank programs, charging and warming operations, and crucial communi- cation tasks. With the Community Gym in operation as a charging station, we were also able to provide kids and families with safe and fun recreation activities while school was closed due to the outages. While this column gives me an opportunity to share the victories and the challenges at the Center, it is also a place where you can get to know me as an individual. One big highlight of the last few months is that my younger sister Sophie Davidson, who is a beloved staff member at the Community Center, was accepted by Samuel Merit into their Occupational Therapy program! She will be graduating from San Francisco State with her bachelors in May and then will begin this program in Fall 2024. I am so excited for her and feel confident that she will make a big difference in her work. Another very fun highlight is the addition of a new furry friend to our family. My husband Danny and I adopted a three-legged kitten named Fiona from the Sonoma Humane Society in mid-January and we are having so much fun. She is playful, sweet, and totally unbothered by the fact that she is missing an appendage. Adopting an animal is such an incredible thing to do. The Center partners closely with Marin Humane who provides pet food and supplies at our food bank. If you are considering a pet, I highly recommend rescuing an animal from Marin Humane or another local shelter or adoption agency. I wish you all a happy and healthy Spring and invite you to join us at the many fun events we have planned. See you soon!
Portrait of Edie Robinson by Anne McClain
The following is a list of all recipients to date: 1999- Edie Robinson; 2000- Jean Berensmeier; 2001- Grace Tolson; 2002- Suzanne Sadowsky; 2003- John Beckerley; 2004- Zoila Berardi; 2005- Steve Pinkney; 2006- Ken Naffziger; 2007- Margaret and Kit Krauss; 2008- Diana Debardeleben; 2009- David O’Connor; 2010- Marty Meade; 2011- Cia Donahue; 2012- Amy Valens; 2013- Phil Sotter; 2014-Richard Sloan; 2015- Aneice Taylor; 2016- Melvyn Wright; 2017-Joseph Walsh; 2018- Al and Lisa Baylacq; 2019- Andrew and Susi Giacomini; 2020-Kelly Hunt Miceli; 2021-Anne McClain; 2022 Howie Cort. Nominations can come from Valley organizations or individuals and must address the following: 1. How has this person demonstrated their long-term commitment to volunteerism and better- ment of our community? 2. Describe their broad reach, impacting more than one organization or area of the community. 3. Tell us about this person’s character and why they deserve to be recognized for their service. 4. Anything else that is important for the committee to know about your nominee. Criteria: • This award is for volunteer service, not for contributions through a paid position. • Volunteer service must be long-term and over a life-time, beyond a single contribution to the community. • Nominees must live in the San Geronimo Valley. • Volunteer service should have a broad impact, rather than be specific to a single organization.
How to Nominate: Deadline for nominations is on Friday, May 10, 2024, by 5 pm. Please email or mail your nomination letter addressing the above to: Email: adavidson@sgvcc.org
Mail to: San Geronimo Valley Community Center c/o Alexa Davidson PO Box 194, San Geronimo CA 94963
You can also email your nomination to: edierobinsonaward@sgvcc.org
We look forward to receiving your nominations!
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 Milestones column, 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 organizations, 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: Dave Cort, Alexa Davidson, Larry Rippee, Danielle Fogel, Helen Ferlino, Albert DeSilver, Poko Giacomini Production: David Russ, Russ Ranch Productions
Printing: Marin Sun Ads: Danielle Fogel
David Bernard, President Liora Soladay, Co-Vice President Alexander McQuilkin, Co-Vice President John Beckerley, Secretary Owen Clapp, Treasurer David Lakes Kelly Lawson Wyatt Miceli, NextGen Amy Waterhouse Bonny White San Geronimo Valley Community Center Board Members Carolina Balazs Sarah Brewster Matthew Brockley Buddy Faure, NextGen Zachary Goodman Brandon Johnson
Meet Fiona
Page 2 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Jean Berensmeier, Founder
Spring 2024 Volunteer List Daniel Ager Emily Akemon Carole Alter Gisela Alvarado Will Anton Velvy Appleton Kristy Arroyo
Volunteer Profile: CYO Coaches
by Lori Ramirez, Recreation, Wellness, Youth Programs Manager and Dave Cort, Community Ambassador The San Geronimo Valley Community Gym is celebrating its 15th basketball season as the “Home Court” for St. Cecilia’s CYO Youth Basketball, Lagunitas Middle School Basketball, and weekly Open Gyms for players of all ages and skill levels. Prior to the opening of the Community Gym in January 2010 all of the local teams were on permanent road trips and pick up basketball was on the playground asphalt. While the outdoor courts are super fun and still are the location of the Saturday morning game, which is now in its 50th year, it is sure nice to have a beautiful Gym. To celebrate the Community Gym and to raise funds for Gym upgrades the Community Center is hosting its first ever Valley Hoop Fest, 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Deep appreciation goes to San Geronimo resident and Lagunitas School graduate Aaron Weiss for his leadership in organizing the tournament. To learn more about the tournament and to register go to the Community Center website www.sgvcc.org This Stone Soup edition’s volunteer profile is focused on this season’s CYO coaches. Jake Morse & Adam Smith coach the 4th grade boys team, Nicole Ramirez and Sophie Davidson coach the 5th grade girls team, Matt Brockley and Rodrigo Corral coach the 6th grade boys team, Michael Conklin and Matthew Wadlington coach the 7th grade girls team and Craig O’Connell coaches the 8th grade boys team. We have deep appreciation for these coaches who volunteer hundreds of hours each season going to weekly games around the County, running practices where their players work on their basketball skills, social skills, and life skills, attend- ing coaching seminars, and communicating with their players’ parents and family members. We spoke with coaches Michael Conklin and Jake Morse about what motivates them to coach, highlights from this year, and the positive benefits for our youth and teens playing team sports. Both Michael and Jake are motivated by coaching their own children and the friends and classmates of their children. Michael and Jake are both excellent athletes and had very positive experiences playing youth sports themselves. Michael shared “As a former athlete, I firmly believe that being able to compete while a member of a team prepares you for life in a way that you don’t get in an individual sport. Trusting your teammates, being held account- able for both yourself and someone else, being present and most importantly, being put into situations that aren’t scripted and learning to deal with the results as a team.” Jake shared “I’ve seen so much improvement with our team this year and the last couple games have been so competitive, it’s great to see! Our team has grit, a fire, an energy, and a passion that will just continue to grow as they do. The Valley has great athletes, we’re competitive in every sport! All these kids really like playing together and will only continue to get better as they grow and gel together as a unit.” Michael and Jake regularly share with us special moments in their games such as when a play- er who has not yet scored makes their first basket, when there is an exciting ending to a game, or when a new friendship is made through playing on a team. Thank you to our amazing coaches and we hope many of you can participate in the March 30th 3 on 3 Tourney. There is a competitive division and a “just for fun” division. As always in our Valley, everyone is welcome!
Nancy Masterson Brian McCarthy Pat McGraw Heather McNeil Catherine McQuilkin Will McQuilkin Michael McQuilkin Marty Meade Tony Miceli Kaden Morgan Jake Morse Craig O’Connell Paul O’Sullivan Peter Oppenheimer Michael Pallmann Morgan Patton Bob Penner Anne Pennypacker Ben Podoll Samantha Podoll
Jenni Bahrt Al Baylacq Lisa Baylacq Kathy Beckerley Sandy Bellak Tere Bennett Paul Berensmeier Julie Bernstein
Kay Bolla Bob Cahn EJ Chavez
Grace Chavez Dave Childers Joanie Ciardelli Matt Cohen Michael Conklin Rodrigo Corral Howie Cort Daley Cort Ervin Cortez Mike Davidson Samantha Davidson Susan Davis Amy DeBenedictus Amanda Eichstaedt
Moira Pucci Cody Rahn Stella Ratto Molly Rea Jordan Reeser
Carol Rebscher Sara Robinson Linda Rockwell Alejandro Rosales Jerome Rubin David Russ Katherine Sanford Eileen Schatz Corinna Schubert Judith Selby Lang Sharon Lebell Terry Shea Laura Sherman
Marie Eisen Chris Elliot Tim Eziekiel Jim Fazackerly Stephanie Fein
Phil Ferlino Tony Ferrari Kevin Frazier Ashley Fullerton Tealy Gapinski Kevin Gladstone Carol Griffin Jim Griffith Sascha Guilish John Gunnarson Miyo Hall Teska Hapig-Ward Kathleen Hasse Peg Hunter Maureen Hurley Carmen Irizarry
Adam Smith Andy Smith Gina Smith David Solnit Leya Steiber Laura Szawarzenski Chris Taylor Kira Thelin Dennis Thompson James Tolbert Seamus Tomkins John Torrey Juliette Valente Paul Valente Oliver Valente Merrianne Vizza BuzzVoytovich Mathew Wadlington JeanA Warner Aaron Weiss Ayumi Weissbuch Peter Werba Katherine Wethington Robert Wick Carole Williams Tina Whyte
Kristin Jakob Anna Jensen Leila Joslyn
Muniera Kadrie Dahila Kamesar Mark Karan Joe Kerr Michel Kotski Susan Kraft Matthew Krauss
Shayna Kreps Richard Lang
Beth Wolf Rose Wolf Ted Wright Summer Yore
Liz Lauter Al Lubow Nancy Rae Ludwigsen
Michael Conklin CYO Coach
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 3
Senior Activities SENIOR LUNCH
EXERCISE FOR ALTACOCKERS (OLD FARTS) Energize and strengthen your body with stretching, breathwork, dance movement, weights, yoga and Qi Gong. We move making space in our bodies allowing for the unobstructed flow of Qi/energy/life force. Improvement in movement, strength and flexibility. Guaranteed to crack a smile. Bring a yoga mat. Donations gratefully accepted FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Mondays @ 4 - 5:15pm Thursdays @ 4 - 5:15pm LOCATION: Mondays - West Room Thursdays - Valley Room CONTACT: Carole Alter, axiatonalarts@yahoo.com, (415) 747-9354 CHAIR YOGA WITH MUNIERA Just before the Senior Lunch, Muniera Kadrie is offering a free one hour Chair Yoga session to awaken the body, mind and spirit! FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Mondays, 11 - 12pm LOCATION: Living room CONTACT: Muniera (415) 488-9115 SENIOR TEA & COOKIES The San Geronimo Valley Community Center hosts a Tea and Cookies Get Together for Seniors. Enjoy this casual get-together with staff and other seniors in our com- munity.
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center welcomes all to join us at our Senior Lunch for a nutritious and delicious congregate meal provided through Community Action Marin. Funding for this program, at least in part, is made available by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin Depart- ment of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services. FEE: Suggested donation of $3 for over 62 $6 under 62 DAYS/TIME: Monday, 12:00 pm LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT: Nicole Ramirez, nramirez@sgvcc.org GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY A discussion group for seniors meeting Tuesdays from 10:15-11:45 am. Volunteer counselors help senior members of our community sort through the transitions and realities of aging that we all face: the loss of independence and control, isola- tion, and declining physical health.
FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: Tuesdays, 10:15 - 11:45am LOCATION: Living Room
CONTACT: Sara Brewster, mizbrewster@comcast.net, (415) 488-0419 *Limited to 10 seniors (currently full: see below for details on a second group) SENIOR STROLL Meet Center Staff in front of the Community Gym to take a walk around the San Geronimo Commons. The back 9 is flat, level and easy to walk. The walk will last from 45 minutes to an hour. Bring your water bottle and let’s meet in front of the
FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: First & Third Friday of the month, 11 - 12pm LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org SENIOR SOCIAL
gym. FEE:
Free DAYS/TIME: Fridays (senior stroll will be canceled if it rains), 9:30 - 10:30am
LOCATION: In front of Lagunitas Community Gym CONTACT: Poko Giacomini, pgiacomini@sgvcc.org ELDERS ADVISORY GROUP
Directly following the Senior Tea, the Community Center hosts “Senior Games & Social” with activities and various games including chess, backgammon, board games, scrabble, cards, dance, music, friendship, conversation, discussion and more. FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: First & Third Friday of the month, 12 - 2:30pm LOCATION: West Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org
The San Geronimo Valley Elders Advisory Council is a gathering of individuals and representatives of organizations that identify and address the needs of elders of the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio through coordination, advocacy, trusted advising and agreed upon actions. The Elders Advisory Council inspired connec- tions, build community, and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement.
FEE: Free DAYS/TIME: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2 - 3:30pm LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT: Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org
Elders Connect A new Growing Old Gracefully group and the launch of a newsletter just for elders We are so happy to share the news that a second Growing Old Gracefully group will start this March! As a direct result of our last article in the Winter edition of the Stone Soup, two community members, John Gunnarson and Peter Oppen- heimer, reached out to us to find out more and have a conversation about how to begin a new group. It never ceases to amaze me how when an ask goes out to our community, people always step up to the plate and fill the need. The magic of the Valley provides yet again! The Growing Old Gracefully group is a facilitated peer support group designed to support older adults as they navigate the challenges of growing older. One of the benefits of participation is the development of meaningful relationships with others undergoing similar challenges and compensatory joys of being an elder. The group has an organic format with an open check-in at the start of each session. Facilitators will listen to participants and focus on various pre-selected issues and themes as we navigate the aging process, during what has been described as “the third act” of one’s life. Facilitators will listen to the interests of the group and topics that emerge to go deeper on, sometimes posing a specific question to get people thinking. Group Details: The group will meet on Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am in the Community Center Living Room starting on March 14th with an introductory session. This intro session will kick-off an initial eight week group that meets weekly through May 2nd. The group will be limited to 10 participants. The intention is for this Growing Old Gracefully group to become an on-going group that meets every week on Thursdays.
A little bit about our new facilitators:
John Gunnarson: I am 75 years old, an elder who is seeking a pathway for growing old gracefully. I have worked as a facilitator, trainer, and coach working with adults in my field, early childhood education. I was born in San Francisco and attended the University of California at Berkeley. I have lived in the Valley with my wife, Marcia, and my children since 1981. I previously served as a board member for the Lagunitas School District. I love the Valley and want to help sustain it as a com- munity for the young, for families, and for elders. I look forward to learning from others and deepening my relationships. Peter Oppenhiemer: I am an elder who has been living in the San Geronimo Val- ley for over 40 years. A graduate of Stanford University, I am a trained and experi- enced group facilitator, who has worked with both youth and adults. My interest in co-facilitating this particular group arises from my own ongoing experience of living within a body of diminishing capacities, an increase in social isolation and seeming societal irrelevance, and the inevitable confrontation with my own mortal- ity. I look forward to conversing with others about our thoughts and experiences with regard to a shared aspiration for “Growing Old Gracefully.” With a limited group size of 10 people please email Julie Young, jyoung@sgvcc.org by March 6th. In your email please include your phone number and any other per- tinent contact information. You will be contacted by one of the facilitators prior to the March 14th intro session. We are also thrilled to share that we have launched a monthly senior newsletter that we are calling “Elders Connect.” We made a plan for the newsletter to launch with the new San Geronimo Valley Community Center website and we are proud to say, we made it happen the 1st week in February! The Elders Connect is a work in progress and will look a bit like our weekly update but senior-age friendly focused. We want it to be a quick reference of what’s happening on a weekly basis and look- ing out a couple months with opportunities to “save the date!” for senior outings, excursions, activities and resources. Email Danielle Fogel at dfogel@sgvcc.org to get on the email distribution list for the Elders Connect newsletter.
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Berensmeier continued from page 1
paintings. Lee became a father in 1962 when Paul was born. Wanting to raise their son in the country, they bought a house in Lagunitas (1963) on the slopes of Mt. Barnabe where they lived the rest of their lives. A well known artist, Lee was an annual participant in the Spring Art Show from its inception. By the 60s, he was creating collagraph images by printing flattened- out objects such as metal war toys, tin cans, and other artifacts along with his etchings, serigraphs, linocuts, and drawings. In 1981 he took a year “sabbatical” and studied petroglyphs. He discovered a rare solar-lunar calendar petroglyph atop Fajada Butte in Chaco Canyon. His artwork includes images from his personal experiences with the natural environment, studies of Native American philoso- phies, and petroglyphs and pictographs of the American Southwest. Lee’s work has been exhibited at Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Brandts Klaedefabrik Museum in Denmark, Yerba Buena Center and de Young Museum in San Francisco. One of his pieces was accepted in the Smithsonian’s permanent art collection. His col- lagraph “Coyote and White Man Looking for Bent Heart” was awarded to the Library of Congress permanent collection. Discovering children were not getting outside enough, Lee co-founded Wilderness Way with Jean and Paul in 1999, a family run non-profit Environmental Education Center in the Valley. Lee has always been Wilderness Way’s “go-to-guy” for native crafts and art projects. A strong, quiet family man, Lee had a soft supportive presence, never seeking the limelight, because what he did was not for himself, it was for others. He was always there, whether it be an exciting family event, community project, or politi- cal meeting to help preserve his beloved Valley. He was a great mentor and role model to Paul and Tina. He was a proud spouse with Jean for 67 years, and a proud father to Paul for 61 years.
Lee will be best remembered for his wonderful smile, consistent encouragement of artists, tireless dedication to his artwork, and lighting up the Community Center with amazing colors and images on countless occasions. He always encouraged artists to be their best, and had a unique ability to turn their “mistakes” into key parts of their art by suggesting altering them creatively into a positive aspect. He would say, “There really are no mistakes in art.” Lee loved being outdoors hiking, gardening, and supporting the family. He was proud not to have missed any of Paul’s Little League baseball games or college decathlons, often filming them. When Paul learned to pitch Lee was his catcher, and the two often invented deceptive pitches together. Lee loved Native American flute music. Paul’s “Kokopauli Callings” CD was Lee’s favorite and it often could be heard echoing through the studio as he worked on his beloved images. A great artist, teacher, visionary, husband, and father, Lee is survived by his sister Margo, son Paul, daughter-in-law Tina and nephew Shad. There will be a celebration of life for Lee at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center Saturday May 4th, 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, per Lee’s wishes, we hope you will donate to Wilderness Way, specifically for restoration of the salmon mural he created and future art projects. These funds will also support the continuation of Wilderness Way now and for future generations. Make checks or money orders out to “Wilderness Way” (PO Box 286 Lagunitas, CA 94938). Under notes please write “WW donation: Lee’s art”. As Grandpa “Santa” Berensmeier said, “Lee lived life to the fullest!” May we hear him in the babbling brooks, remember him through his magnificent imagery, and see his spirit dancing in the wind, colors and light as they caress the golden rolling hills of his beloved San Geronimo Valley.
Cloud Shaman Calling Back The Red Fish
Old Man Image Maker Contemplates Genetic Incarnations
Raven Dancer
Tonight’s Sky by Rich Lohman March-May 2024
Moving to the right of the Pleiades and upward, you’ll find another object worthy of binocular viewing. It is called the Perseus Double Cluster. This is another open star cluster….actually two of them very close together. In a very clear, dark sky you might be able to find this cluster with your naked eyes. To find it with bin- oculars you’ll need to scan very slowly between the end star of Perseus and the end star of Cassiopeia. The starry clusters will fill your binocular field with sparkling jewel-like stars. At the end of March we have a comet paying us a visit from the outer solar sys- tem. Named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, it will be most visible on or around March 30th. About 8:30 in the evening point your binoculars low in the west, below and to the right of Jupiter and very near the lower star in Aries. Scan very slowly and look for a smudge in the sky. This comet last visited us in 1954. Let’s hope we have clear skies to view its visitation!
The winter/spring night sky in the southwest will con- tinue to be dominated by the constellation of Orion, accompanied by the constellations of Taurus and Gemini. You will also see Leo to the east of Gemini (not shown on
the sky map). Other constellations nearby: Auriga, pentagon-shaped above Taurus, and Perseus and Cassiopeia (the W on its side) toward the northwest. The map shows an area of the sky between southwest and northwest. The more familiar Big Dipper you’ll find in the North. The two stars on the cup of the Big Dipper will point you toward Polaris, our pole or North Star. I’ve personally found that I can remember and identify an object in the sky if I know a story or something more about it than just its name. I’d like to use that practice in talking about the Pleiades, the beautiful open star cluster now located in the West, about halfway up from the horizon and a bit above very bright Jupiter. Just with your eyes you’ll see a fuzzy blob in the sky. With your binoculars you’ll see a beautiful array of a dozen or more stars. The brightest of these stars form what is often mistaken as the Little Dipper. Surrounding the stars you may also notice a wispy veil, remnants of the gaseous nebula from which the stars were born about 100 million years ago. All stars are born out of very dense clouds of gas and dust, but it’s unusual to see the remnants of that cloud. This constellation is also called The Seven Sisters who, in Greek mythology, were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione. The 9 brightest stars in the cluster are named after the 7 sisters plus their father and mother. The brightest star is Alcyone. “Google” the other sisters’ names if interested. The story goes that, to protect them from the pursuits of Orion the hunter, Zeus converted these 7 sisters into stars and placed them in the heavens. In Japan the cluster is called Subaru, mean- ing “gathered together”, and the auto company uses the 6 brightest stars for its well-known emblem. The current company is a merger of multiple companies.
Feel free to email me if you have questions: richneal@pacbell.net
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 5
Youth Activities SUMMER IS COMING AND IT’S TIME TO PLAN!!!
DATES: • Week One- June 24th-June 28th • Week Two- July 1st- July 3rd (no camp 7/4 & 7/5)
• Week Three- July 8th-July 12th • Week Four- July 15th-July 19th • Week Five- July 22nd-July 26th *Aftercare is available for Summer Bridge participants (no aftercare on Fridays) Pre registration is required AFTERCARE HOURS: • 12pm-3pm • Weekly Fees: $120 • 3pm-5pm • Weekly Fees: $100 Scholarship available upon request For more information contact: Nicole Ramirez, nramirez@sgvcc.org, or Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center is preparing to embark on an unforgettable journey at this year’s summer camp! With the sun shining bright and the great outdoors calling your name, it’s time to get ready for endless fun, new friendships, and exciting outdoor adventures. From thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, creative arts and crafts and awesome field trips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into nature’s wonders, explore the wilderness, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our experienced and dedicated staff are here to ensure your safety and guide you through every step of the way, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a love for adventure. So, grab your sunscreen, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embrace the spirit of summer at camp in the San Geronimo Valley! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make this summer one for the books. Space is limited so register today at sgvcc.myrec.com and get ready for the ultimate summer camp experience!
Starting Middle School this Fall and want to be prepared?
Join us for a three-day Jump Start to Middle School , facilitated by Cory VanGelder 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 on Wednesday. Details for the trip will be provided when the program begins.
FEES: $110 *no one turned away for lack of funds DATES: August 12th - 14th TIME: 10am-1pm (Wednesday 10am-3pm) Scholarship available upon request
For more information email Cory VanGelder, cvangelder@sgvcc.org
Summer Day Camp AGES: 5-11 LOCATION:
The LOFT CAMP HOURS: 9am-3pm; Weekly Fees: $300 AFTERCARE HOURS: 3pm-5pm; Weekly Fees: $125 Weekly Sessions: • Week One- June 24th-June 28th • Week Two- July 1st- July 3rd (no camp 7/4 & 7/5) • Week Three- July 8th-July 12th • Week Four- July 15th-July 19th • Week Five- July 22nd-July 26th Scholarship available upon request For more information contact: Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org
MOUNTAIN BIKE FOR 6TH-8TH GRADE with Emile Mulholland
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center is excited to continue our partner- ship with Mulholland Mountain Biking who will be leading students on after school mountain bike rides from the San Geronimo Valley! Mountain biking is a wonderful tool that people of all ages can use to build their self esteem, appreciation for the natural world, physical health and bonds with peers. A few of the kids from our weekly rides have gone on to become champion bike racers and, more importantly, they all seem to continue to be physically active people who love the outdoors. Our rides this session will go from 2:30 to 4:45pm, giving us a long enough win- dow of time to enjoy a great variety of surrounding trails. This should give us a good amount of time to explore some of our local trails and have some fun on our bikes while still safely making it home before dark. Emile fell in love with the sport of mountain biking as a teenager racing his dogs up the steep slopes of San Geronimo Ridge. He went on to become a serious cross-country mountain bike racer, briefly making it into the professional level. He started coaching mountain biking in 2002 and now has a small coaching business leading groups across Marin. Emile has helped a handful of our local riders achieve top state and national level competitive results but his biggest passion is helping our local kids build confidence and a connection with the outdoors. SPRING SESSION DATES: February 7, 2024 - March 20, 2024 (Late registration welcomed) FEE: $175 AGES: 6th-8th DAYS/TIME: Wednesdays (2:30pm - 4:45pm) *No class 2/21
Summer Bridge is a school readiness program intended to support your child’s transition and promote a successful start in kindergarten. The Summer Bridge dates will be Monday, June 24th-July 26th from 9am–12pm, Monday-Friday. Summer Bridge is FREE and children who require all day care are invited to our Summer Day Camp for a half day fee with the exception of Fridays. *Participants (who have not already participated in this program) must register for the full 5 weeks.
Page 6 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
LOCATION: CONTACT:
Lagunitas School Gym Lot
Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org *Minimum of 6 students; Maximum 12 students Scholarships available upon request
By learning to cook from scratch with fresh ingredients, students become healthy eating advocates and are empowered to control their long term health. Scholarship available upon request. SPRING SESSION DATES: 3/26/2024 - 5/21/2024 (8 weeks) No classes on 4/9 FEES: $240 DAYS/TIMES: Tuesday; 4:00pm- 5:00pm AGES: 4th-8th grade LOCATION: LOFT HOLIDAY CAMP Holiday Camp is held when school is closed and offers parents a safe place for children to play, do art activities, eat healthy snacks and have some gym time. Holiday Camp will be held in The LOFT above the gym for ages K-6th grades. FEE: $50/Day DAYS/TIME: Spring Break: April 8th - 10th; 9 - 5pm AGES/GRADE: K-6th LOCATION: LOFT - Above Lagunitas Community Gym CONTACT: Lori Ramirez, lramirez@sgvcc.org *Scholarships available upon request “MARIN IT TOGETHER” “Marin it Together”, Friday Night Events at The LOFT brings together Middle School aged youth from the San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio, Marin City, San Rafael, and Coastal West Marin through food and fun activities. These events are brought to you by the West Marin Coalition for Healthy Youth and serve as a platform for building bridges between communities and creating West Marin as a safe, welcoming, and diverse place for youth engagement and activities. These events will be held every 3rd Friday of the month ( 3/22, 4/19, 5/17) excluding June, July & August FINDING YOUR VOICE FOR KIDS with Essence Goldman Essence will ignite or rekindle your child’s inner music star, using breakthrough tools from a lifetime of singing, songwriting, recording and performing on stage. Your child will learn healthy vocal and performance techniques. They will play their favorite songs on ukulele or guitar, even if they are beginners or haven’t touched an instrument in years. Your child will unlock their creativity to write their own original songs. We will sing, laugh and share. This class is an opportu- nity to meet new friends and collaborators and watch stage fright vanish and bar- riers fall! SPRING SESSION DATES: 3/26/2024-5/28/2024 (9 weeks) No class on 4/9 FEE: $252 DAYS/TIME: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00pm AGES: 7-17 LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT: Essence Goldman, essence music live <missessence@gmail.com
ABADÁ-CAPOEIRA MARIN FOR KIDS Youth & Adult classes are being offered at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center starting in Spring 2024. Our mission is to provide the very best capoeira program in Marin County and enrich our students’ lives through culture and diversity. By incorporating these values, we hope to help our students become good citizens in our local and global community. Our program is based on encouragement, truth, trust, active listen- ing, and personal effort. Scholarship available upon request. SPRING SESSION DATES: 3/25/2024 - 5/27/2024 (9 weeks) No classes on 4/8 FEES: $225 DAYS/TIMES: Mondays; 3:15pm-4:15pm AGES: K-7th LOCATION: Valley Room CONTACT: Lori Ramirez, lramires@sgvcc.org KIDS COOKING FOR LIFE Youth classes being offered at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center start- ing in Spring 2024. Our lessons are hands-on and students quickly learn that cooking is FUN. Students learn to chop, mince, measure, stir, sauté and simmer together to pro- duce a meal that is shared at the end of the class. We start with a nutrition lesson followed up by a student-led, instructor sup- ported cooking experience. Our kid approved recipes are developed by our recipe team and test kitchen. We want students to eat the rainbow and be introduced to a range of new foods and tastes they may never have tried before. Our aim is for them to deepen their appreciation of food and learn to think of creative ways to combine different ingredients and flavors. Climate Fest is Coming! by Amanda Gilbert Greenstitch and Fibershed join forces to support youth and community education We are excited to have formalized the collaboration between Greenstitch and Fibershed (“a nonprofit organization based in West Marin that supports regionally based fiber and textile production, processing, manufacturing and use in a way that builds community and ecosystem health”) mentors and interns. Greenstitch mentor Cory VanGelder and Fibershed’s Heather Podoll have offered a safe, local, hands-on space to amplify youth’s ability to engage in climate action. Being a member of Greenstitch for the past three years has been a way for me to face climate anxiety by having a positive effect on the community. It has taught me hands-on skills I may not have otherwise been able to learn at this age, such as being able to write this article. In addition, having opportunities to interact with members of the public has allowed me to adapt my facilitation of conversations about an intense subject in order to engage people of all ages and backgrounds. We are incredibly lucky to collaborate with Fibershed, which is located in Point Reyes. An example of what they have achieved: “In 2023, Fibershed and 5 part- nering organizations received a Climate-Smart Commodities grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to expand Fibershed’s Climate Beneficial program into several regions across the U.S. The land stewardship practices that will be supported and funded as part of that grant are expected to draw down 3 million metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) from the atmosphere into the soil over 20 years”. Greenstitch and Fibershed interns will create an inviting and uplifting experience at the Second Annual Climate Fest on Saturday, April 20th from 12pm-3pm. This
*Minimum of 5 students
will include a climate art installation for the month of April at the Community Center entitled “Entanglement”. It will be inspired by our conversations about how consumerism has had such a large impact on climate and social justice. The installation will continue Greenstitch’s theme of engaging with creativity to create a fresh perspective on this overwhelming subject. Art allows us to feel vulnerable and then engage with the reality of what is happening to the Earth. Simultaneously as we prepare for the Climate Fest, we will be hosting a mending bar and clothing swap on Friday, March 1st as an opportunity not only to open up a community space for teens and young adults to interact, but also to share mend- ing skills and take an action which has significance within the textile industry, which contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. This has been inspired by Fibershed’s Learning Center, which is located just outside Point Reyes Station. It is a demonstration and teaching site that hosts community classes and events.
We hope you come and experience one of our upcoming events!
Greenstitch interns at the 2023 Holiday Arts Faire
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 7
Gratitude by Dave Cort, Community Ambassador
of fun, delicious crab and raising funds for the Lions to distribute through grant making to local nonprofit organizations. Lion Michela Rizzo led a hard-working Crab Feed Committee that organized this event where over three hundred resi- dents attended.
I deeply appreciate the positive feedback that I am receiving from Community members about my Gratitude Column in each Stone Soup. Please email me at dcort@sgvcc.org if you would like to share an act of gratitude in our San Geronimo Valley and Nicasio communities for me to run in future columns.
For this column I would like to start by sharing the incredible love that has gone out to Lucas Chavez as Lucas keeps up the incredible positivity in deal- ing with his brain tumor. As I am writing this column in mid February shortly after Lucas had an eight hour surgery to remove the tumor, I want to remind readers to check out the Go Fund Me for Lucas to make a donation to support his recovery and to send messages of love and caring to Lucas. Google “Support Lucas Chavez in his Recovery” to find the link.
Bruce Potterton Bruce was a skilled handyman, always kind, and outgoing and thorough with his work. He loved people and was a great conversationalist. He spoke to his daughter Haley almost every day. “He was one of the most loving fathers I have ever known,” she said. Bruce made a big impact on our lives and many lives of people in the local horse community. Bruce was generous with his time recently volunteering in the Food Pantry at the Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his daughter, Haley Potterton, and two dogs. Sandra Hart passed away in December. She was a long time Woodacre resident. She is survived by her son Sam. Sandra was a former sangha member at Green Gulch Farm and an evangelist for the healing power of laughter. She was an artist, an avid reader, and a true friend to many. Dave Shore was an outdoor adventurer who was conscientious, believed in people, and always worked to improve lives. His early exploits included becoming an Eagle Scout in Southern CA, school president, and becoming a pioneer of the early whitewater rafting scene. After years of being a guide in the Grand Canyon and traveling the world inspiring river conservation efforts, going on first descents of rivers such as the Zambezi, Alsek, Manso, and others, he racked his oars for the financial world. He tried out various areas of financial services, but quickly real- ized his passion lay with financial advising. This led him to start Marin Financial Advisors and move to Woodacre in 1991 where he started a family, later moving to Lagunitas in 2009. Since then he had a vital role in the community. He served on the board of the Woodacre Improvement Club, helped build the play struc- ture at Lagunitas Elementary, and assisted in the construction of the Woodacre Ballfield. Even after moving to Central Marin in 2017, he was a key player in the creation of the San Geronimo Community Fund. Though he never stopped his travels after “retirement” in 2020, his big dream was to learn to wing foil. True to his nature, he took it up and he was getting pretty good at it until the sudden diagnosis of cancer took him in January 2024. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, and friend. For him, please be sure to “have fun, try and learn something new.” The San Geronimo Valley is home to incredibly talented musicians, artists, and crafts people. At the top of my list is legendary drummer and longtime Woodacre resident Harold Jones. Harold is known as the greatest, all-time, singer’s drummer. Harold has played drums with Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Sarah Vaughn, and Count Basie. This past December, Harold played percussion at the Family Music Hour. It was a special evening and honor for my wife Howie having Harold sitting next to her on stage as she and Harold played together for the entire evening. To close my Gratitude column, I want to share the huge smile I get on my face when I see Waffles the Donkey and Waffles family walking down Sir Francis Drake going for a stroll and picking up garbage. I love our Valley!
Lucas Chavez and his girlfriend Hannah
Congratulations to the Heart of Marin nominees from the Community Center. Paul and Juliette Valente were nominated for the Volunteers of the Year award. Oliver Valente, Paul and Juliette’s grandson was nominated for Youth Volunteer of the Year. Carol Rebscher was nominated for Board Member of the Year and I was honored to be nominated for a lifetime achievement award by our Executive Director Alexa Davidson. In addition, Zoila Berardi was nominated to be included in the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame.
This year’s San Geronimo Valley Lions Club Crab Feed which was held at the Woodacre Improvement Club in early February was an incredible success in terms
With Respect by Alexa Davidson
Sadly, our community has lost many valued members recently. We honor their lives and contributions today and always.
Paul Torikian , was born Bogus Torikian and originally came to the US from Turkey. He and his wife Christiana lived in Forest Knolls for 30 years before mov- ing to Santa Rosa last year. Paul was a beloved 35 year member of the SGV Lions who always had a joke and an easy smile to give to everyone. A very social man, he invited folks to come together for neighborhood holiday brunches and started a local men’s social group that met once a month to discuss issues of the day. Don Bliss and wife Gabriella have lived in Forest Knolls for many years and Don was a 15 year very active member of the SGV Lions. Don helped to build the bus shelters, install the benches, and was co-bartender pouring beer for the annual Fourth of July and Crab Feed Festivities. Daniel J Mchugh died Friday, January 12, 2024, on the morning of his 67th birthday. He led a distinguished 40-year international career in transportation and logistics which began in Bangkok in 1985, and ended in San Geronimo this past month. Dan knew honesty and kindness were more important than facts, educa- tion, money, appearance, failure or success. He had an unyielding positive attitude toward everything and everyone in his life, as was marked locally by his love of the people he met and became friends with walking his dog Okinawa in the San Geronimo Commons and delivering food for the Fairfax food bank. Dan hoped kindness would be his lasting trademark, the gift he would leave to the world, the request he made to all who met him… continue to be kind and the world will be a better place.
Sherrie Lyn Grossi , age 84, of Woodacre, California passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. She was the beloved mother of Kelly Hunt Miceli.
We would also like to mention by name and with respect other members of our community who have recently passed away. Michael Chavin and Dennis Stuart.
John Cutler , Grateful Dead producer, sound engineer, and archivist, known for his longtime involvement with the group, like recording their final studio albums, In The Dark (1987) and Built to Last (1989), and later taking on the role of their chief sound tech, has passed away. John and his wife, Anne were longtime Forest Knolls residents. Cutler was 73. Ann Eller was a Woodacre resident. Ann loved the world of construction and had a long career in real estate property development. She started her own successful business to manage homeowner associations in Marin County, Ventures in Real Estate in 2003. She continued this business until her retirement in 2021. She hosted parties in Samuel P. Taylor park and in her backyard. She is survived by her husband Tom Eller.
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