This Flipbook is the Summer 2026 version of Stone Soup
San Geronimo Valley Arts Center Inc. 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd PO Box 194 San Geronimo, CA 94963
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Rafael, CA Permit No. 966
ECRWSS Postal Customer
Edie Robinson Community Service Award Announcing the 2025 & 2026 Edie Robinson Community Service Award Recipients Since 1999, the Edie Robinson Community Service Award has honored volunteers who make outstanding, long-term contributions to life in the San Geronimo Valley through service, leadership, and community building. Created in honor of Edie Robinson’s many years of extraordinary dedication to the Valley, the award celebrates those who help strengthen our community through generosity, care, and commitment. Honorees are selected through a broad community nomination process, with former recipients participating in thoughtful discussion and decision-making. Each year, the process is both inspiring and difficult because there are always so many deserving nominees who quietly and consistently contribute to Valley life. We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 and 2026 Edie Robinson Community Service Awards: John and Marcia Gunnarson and Michael McQuilkin. 2025 Honorees: John and Marcia Gunnarson John and Marcia Gunnarson are an inspiring team whose energy, creativity, and willingness to pitch in have strengthened countless aspects of community life. Over the years, they have supported a remarkable range of community efforts through civic engagement, environmental stewardship, education, and volun- teer leadership. John has served as both Trustee and Board President of the Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees and has co-led the “Growing Old Gracefully” group at the Community Center while helping sustain programs like the memoir group. Marcia has long volunteered with children at Lagunitas School through the STRAW habitat restoration program and has also worked with the Marin Master Gardeners Program to support healthy gardens and environments throughout Marin County. Together, they have been involved with the “In Spirit” fundraising plant sale, Valley No Kings activities and rallies, the local Indivisible chapter, the Two
Valley Games X by Kerry Olivotti and Helen Ferlino
There are few events that capture the heart, humor, and hometown spirit of the San Geronimo Valley quite like the Valley Games. Part Olympics, part block party, and entirely Valley-style, the Valley Games have become one of the Community Center’s most beloved traditions — bringing together neighbors of all ages for a day of friendly competition, laughter, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. This summer, we are thrilled to celebrate Valley Games X, the tenth anniversary of this one-of-a-kind event that could only happen here. Held on Saturday, August 29, Valley Games X is a family-friendly event where “Valley Villages” compete in Olympic-style games across a wildly entertaining lineup of events, including Cornhole, Hacky Sack, Ping Pong, Chess, Baking, an Obstacle Course, and Basketball Hot Spot. Teams including the Lagunitas Lightning, Forest Knolls Trolls, San Geronimo Running Salmon, Woodacre Wild Turkeys, Nicasio Newts, and the Townies will come together for a full day of camaraderie, community spirit, and good-natured rivalry. New to the Valley Games? It’s easy to join the fun. Teams are made up based on the village you live in, or identify with, so simply sign yourself or your family up, and we’ll place you on a team. Because the Valley Games only happen every two years, each event welcomes a new generation of families into the tradition. For longtime locals, it’s a chance to reconnect and represent your village with pride. For newcomers, it’s an unforget- table introduction to the playful and deeply connected spirit that defines life in the Valley. As Valley Games X marks decades of community fun, this year’s celebration also honors someone who has helped shape the spirit behind the event from the very beginning: the Community Center’s own Helen Ferlino. To top off the festivities, beloved Bay Area band New Monsoon will rock the Community Center Courtyard for Helen’s birthday. Helen, the Community Center’s Finance and Administration Director, has long been one of the driving forces behind the Valley Games—bringing creativity, humor, and heart to this Valley tradition. So it feels only fitting that as we celebrate ten years of village pride, playful competition, and hometown connection, we’ll also celebrate her 50th trip around the sun. Valley Games continues on page 2
Edie Robinson continues on page 10
Rolling Stones
Valley Games continues from page 1
I’ll let Helen take it from here…
by Alexa Davidson Executive Director Rooted There is a word we’ve been returning to often at the Community Center lately: rooted . It’s a simple word, but it holds so much. To be rooted is to feel connected: to a place, to people, to a sense of belonging that grounds you in who you are and where you are. It’s something we
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 infor- mation 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 organizations, byline columnists, or display ads. We reserve the right to refuse to publish ads or submissions. Editorial Committee: Danielle Fogel, Alexa Davidson, Jessica O’Connell, David Russ Proofreading: Alexa Davidson, Danielle Fogel, Poko Giacomini Production: David Russ, Russ Ranch Productions David Lakes, President Amy Waterhouse, Co-Vice President Alexander McQuilkin, Co-Vice President Kelly Lawson Morgan Patton Heather Richardson Liora Soladay Gordon White San Geronimo Valley Community Center Board Members Printing: Marin Sun Ads: Danielle Fogel Alan Weiler, Treasurer John Beckerley, Secretary Buddy Faure Zachary Goodman Brandon Johnson In my first weeks working at the Center something Dave Cort said really stuck with me. We were working on a budget for a youth substance abuse and prevention program that we run in partnership with the County of Marin and West Marin Community Services. Dave said the gym should be in use all the time. I had never really thought about our activities as substance prevention. This was the start of my mind and heart opening to the fact that our programs and services are so much more than what they seem on the surface. There’s connection and being a safe space without unhealthy choices. At the senior lunch, there’s conversation and connec- tion and a chance for people to check in on each other. Our Human Services team is able to provide resources they might not know people need if we didn’t have this weekly touch point. Another Valley highlight is our incredible artists and musicians! I married into a rock band. This has given me 25 years of an extended family. I am so excited that New Monsoon will bring their sound to San Geronimo as part of Valley Games. New Monsoon has been the soundtrack for half of my 50 years so it’s only fitting for them to help send me into the next 25! So practice your hula hooping, get your high point Scrabble words ready, warm up your hacky sack skills and get ready to see me on the dance floor. At the overnight camp I went to for 12 years an annual activity was the color war. The entire camp was divided into teams by color. The teams compete against each other in activities for the day like tug-of-war, water balloon tosses, relay races. For many summers I would lose my voice because although the athletic competitions were not my strength, cheering for my campmates was the way I would participate and earn points for my team. When the Center started to host the Valley Games I immediately was ready to participate. I missed the Valley Games in 2024 to be at the funeral for my 103-year-old, father- in-law, Jack. What a celebration of a well lived life. My time with him really high- lighted that if you do the simple things we have learned about, eat well, get some sleep, move your body around, lift some heavier things and spend time with other people you might get to live a long healthy life. I might not live to 103 but in the past couple of years I have started lifting weights and prioritizing being with friends. Working at the Center is a daily dose in connection and laughter. I thought, what better way to get more people to the Center than to invite them to my 50th birthday and showcase all the ways the Center keeps us healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally. I have told the story of my initiation into the Center many times. The first day of the gym opening was the opening day of my son’s first CYO basketball season. We walked into the gym 25 years or more in the making. I saw all the tiles of donors, I knew some names and not others. I decided that all of these people had put their energy, time and dollars into the gym and I would step up and get involved then too. I joined the board a few months later. Years later, a job opportunity came up and I went for it. After being on the board, using many of the Center’s services, my children in the youth programs and attending many arts and events I feel truly part of something unique. I am celebrating my 5 year mark as a staff member here this month.
talk about in our work, but it’s also something I feel every single day. Working at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center is, in many ways, an experi- ence of living inside memory. I walk the same campus where I once went to school and see people I’ve known since childhood. There is something deeply meaningful about knowing the Community Center is woven into people’s daily and weekly routines. The familiar rhythm of cars pulling in, laughter echoing from the lunchroom, and the steady, almost clockwork setup of our programs by dedicated staff and volunteers all feel like vis- ible signs of roots taking hold. What’s become increasingly clear to me is that being rooted somewhere is not just about history. It’s not even about how long you’ve been here or how many people you recog- nize. Community is not passive. It is something we actively foster, sustain, and choose to build, over and over again. Even here, in a place where I know so many people, I am still creating my community. Being rooted requires showing up, reaching out, deciding to connect with people beyond a passing interaction. It asks us to reach out, to participate, to invest in one another. It is not just that we have roots—it’s that our roots are intertwined. I recently learned that redwood trees, though they grow so tall and strong, their root sys- tems are surprisingly shallow. What keeps them standing is not depth alone, but connec- tion. Their roots weave together beneath the surface, holding each other upright, sharing strength across the forest. That is what this community feels like to me. Some of us have been here for generations. Some are just beginning to take root. But all of us, in one way or another, are part of that shared network—holding and being held. And that is why it is so painful to witness when people are forced to uproot. I see it in young families who love this place but can no longer afford to stay—where the cost of childcare, housing, and healthcare makes it impossible to deepen their roots. I see it in older adults who have spent a lifetime here, now facing the reality that aging in place is no longer viable, and must leave behind not just their homes, but their commu- nity, their identity, their sense of belonging. When people are uprooted, something profound is lost. Not just for them, but for all of us. I think about this often in the context of our work at the Community Center. At its core, our role is to help people grow and sustain roots here. Sometimes that looks like meet- ing basic needs—food access, affordable childcare, senior support. Sometimes it looks like something less tangible but just as essential: creating spaces for connection, for culture, for the small, human moments where relationships begin. A conversation on a field trip. A shared meal. A familiar face in a time of need. These are the threads that weave a community together. And yet, we are navigating a moment where many of the systems that support rooted- ness feel increasingly fragile. Funding for early childhood education is declining. Mental health resources are being reduced. Support for the arts—so often a gateway to connec- tion and expression—is more limited than ever. At the same time, members of our com- munity are facing real fear and uncertainty, particularly those navigating the realities of aggressive immigration enforcement. In the midst of all of this, we recently had the honor of hosting Javier Zamora at the Community Center. In his memoir, Solito, he recounts his journey from El Salvador to the United States at just nine years old, traveling alone to reunite with his parents in the Canal District of San Rafael. Listening to him speak to a courtyard of more than 400 people, I was struck not only by the power of his story, but by his call to action. He told us that this is a moment to be brave, to be loud, to stand up for one another. That we cannot wait for someone else to protect our neighbors—we must do it ourselves. As I read his book, I couldn’t stop thinking about what my own life looked like at nine years old. Javier and I are nearly the same age. While I was here—rooted in this commu- nity, surrounded by familiarity and support—he was navigating an unimaginable journey, separated from everything he knew. That contrast has stayed with me. It has deepened my understanding of what it means to be rooted—and what it means when that rootedness is disrupted, or denied altogether. So much of what we do at the Community Center is about creating the conditions for people to belong. To feel safe. To feel connected. To put down roots—or to grow them stronger. And maybe that’s what I keep coming back to. Being rooted is not something we do alone. It is something we create together. It lives in the ways we show up for one another. In the ways we protect and advocate for our neighbors. In the choices we make to invest in this place—not just as individuals, but as a collective.
We are the forest. And it is our connection to one another that allows us to stand tall.
Page 2 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Jean Berensmeier, Founder
Summer 2026 Volunteer List Velvy Appleton Ty Arian Nika Ayre Emily Akemon Will Anton Maddie Antonio Manny Arroyo Jenni Bahrt Bo Baker Catherine Barnes Al Baylacq Mel Bebbington Penelope Behr Sandy Bellak Julie Benjamin Zoila Berardi Kay Bolla Bob Brenner Bob Cahn Jeanne Carlson Lynn Charne EJ Chavez Richard Lang Susie Lerer Roger Marden Audrey Matheson Anne McClain Eben McConnell Dan McGarry Pat McGraw Michael McQuilkin Kevin Meade Mellisa Meith Bertha Mendoza Tony Miceli Carl Miller Eva Montgomery Rebecca Nowlen Fiona O’Connor John O’Connor Kate O’Connor Morgan Olsen Peter Oppenheimer Arianna Ortiz
Volunteer Profile: Kevin Gladstone by Alexa Davidson
As we launch our refreshed Volunteer Program at the Community Center, we wanted to highlight one of the many different ways people contribute their time and talents to this community. Volunteer Kevin Gladstone may not be leading a class or organizing a large event, but his role is an essential one—and a reminder that no act of service is too small to make a meaningful impact. Kevin volunteers as the “labeler” for Stone Soup , helping prepare the newsletters that are mailed to our out-of- town readers each quarter. A longtime resident of Forest Knolls and former printer by trade, Kevin first became connected to the Community Center through partici- pating in programs himself. After meeting longtime community member Larry Rippee, the two discovered Kevin’s printing background and realized there might be a perfect volunteer fit. “But the reason I’m into the Community Center is because I am a community-oriented person,” Kevin shared. “When I moved to Forest Knolls it seemed like a great resource, and I got involved.”
David Ortiz West Owens
Buck Chavez Lucas Chavez Nicole Chavez Jeanine Chavin
Snuey Pearlman Jeannie Pfeiffer Colby Ramirez-O’Donnell Molly Rea Carol Rebscher Ned Riley Larry Rippee
Kevin describes his volunteer role with humility and humor. “It is a very simple job,” he said, “but mostly I enjoy it. It’s a huge mountain of work and by the time I’m done I’m exhausted—but it’s all done, like a time-lapse photography video.” He appreciates that the role allows him to contribute meaningfully even with a busy schedule. “It’s only a one-day job once a quarter, and it allows me to stay involved.” For Kevin, volunteering is about more than completing a task. It’s about connection. He enjoys meet- ing members of the Visual Arts team, chatting with people around the Center, and staying connected to what’s happening in the Valley. “Volunteering is always a giving back to the community for everything it’s done for me,” he said. “It’s just a gesture, but it’s my effort to give back.” When asked what makes the Community Center special, Kevin didn’t hesitate. “The Community Center is built on the idea that everyone belongs and everyone has something to contribute.” He believes one of the Center’s greatest strengths is its diversity of opportunities. “Just about anybody could find something they’re interested in,” he said. “Anybody can find anything at the Community Center.” Kevin also reflected on what it means to live in this community. “I’ve got a really nice village that I live in—Forest Knolls—and I just love the natural beauty. When I’m done with my job and I come to the Valley, I feel relaxed. For me it’s a getaway as well as a place to live.” Looking ahead, Kevin hopes the Valley continues investing in affordable housing and opportunities for people to age in place. He expressed admiration for the work of the Two Valleys Land Trust and hopes future generations can continue to build lives in the community they love. And perhaps most charmingly, Kevin shared one final thought about his volunteer experience: “I get a kick out of seeing my name in the volunteer section of Stone Soup every quarter. After I’m done labeling the newsletter, I open it up and there’s my name. It’s always an honor.” As we continue building our Volunteer Program, Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder that community is built not only through big gestures, but through consistency, care, and people willing to quietly show up and help make things happen.
Owen Clapp John Clarke John Cunningham Michael Conklin Rodrigo Corral Howie Cort Daley Cort Dave Cort Marian Cremin Samantha Davidson Katie Davidson Anny Densmore Donn DeAngelo Wilmar DeLeon Rudi Dundas Thomas Durrer Chris Elliott Marilyn Englander Stephanie Fein Phil Ferlino Albert Flynn DeSilver Tealy Gapinski Jackson Gaunt Kevin Gladstone Emily Goodwin Tobias Green Nick Giusto Arielle Giusto Sasha Gulish John Gunnarson Clayton Haberman Miyo Hall Sam Harris Kathleen Hasse Poppy Henderson Anne Hillsley Janet Hughes Kelly Hunt Carmen Irizarry Kristin Jakob Nancy Rae Ludwigsen Judy Kaufman Eleanor Kernodle Joe Kerr Carolina Killion Steve Kinsey Lesley Klor Karen Koenig Gideon Korrell Susan Kraft Mary Alice Kirincic Paul Kirincic
Sara Robinson Linda Rockwell Jerome Rubin David Russ Tracy Sands Suzanne Sadowsky Eileen Schatz Corinna Schubert Tom Seitz Judith Selby Lang Ella Signor Jeff Silberman Michael Simler Michael Singleton Andy Smith Jeff Smith
Gina Smith Jay Soladay Phil Sotter Leya Stieber
Mira Stinemates Larkin Sylvester Kelly Sylvester Tom Tabakin Chris Taylor Shanna Tellerman Ace Thelin Jasper Thelin
Kira Thelin Eva Thomas Dennis Thompson James Tolbert Vanessa Trinidad-Benito
Tom Valens Amy Valens Juliette Valente Paul Valente Lyla Warren Sam Watson Aaron Weiss Peter Werba Stefan Werba Chris West April Wolcott Ted Wright Mark Woodrow
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 3
Food Bank Banter by Nicole Ramirez, Director of Programs Food Injustice
With Respect Victoria Bloom (written by her daughter, Lea Ritter)
I am sharing the very sad news that my mother, Victoria Bloom, passed away on March 1st. She died just as she wished — peacefully in her home, surrounded by family and friends. My mom was an active and beloved member of the San Geronimo Valley com- munity for decades. She helped organize the first major remodel of the Forest Knolls Park, worked as a peer resource teacher at Lagunitas School, and was the spirited organizer behind the very first Doggie Olympics. She brought enthusi- asm, humor, and care into everything she did for the community she loved. She was also a longtime practitioner at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a place that meant a great deal to her. During one of the Dalai Lama’s visits, she received a wedding shroud directly from him — something she treasured deeply. John Cook John Phillip Cook (1952–2026) passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, after a battle with urothelial cancer. A longtime resident of the Bay Area and former San Geronimo Valley community member, John spent over 40 years building a career in environmental and utility management work after earning a degree in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University. He was known for his kindness, easygoing spirit, humor, and deep love for music, gardening, astrono- my, hiking, travel, and gathering with friends and family. John raised his daugh- ter Maralisa in the Valley and later made a loving home in Fairfax with his wife, Jennifer Rienks. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife Jennifer, his daughter Maralisa Simmons-Cook (Max Schieble), step- daughters Katherine Wethington and Meghan Rienks, stepson Luke Wethington, his sister Marianne Nelson (Scott), nephews Graham Nelson and Ty Cook, sister-in-law Fran Cook, best friends Greg and Linda Kannall, and, many other close and loving friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6 at 1 PM at Fairfax Community Church. May the four winds blow you safely home. Dane Larsen Dennis Dane Larsen, a longtime Forest Knolls resident, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 75 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Martha Cederstrom, his daughter Sophia Larsen, his brother Eric Larsen (Jill), and nephews Zac and Evan. A graduate of Terra Linda High School, Dane studied architecture at Harvard before earning degrees in ceram- ics and counseling from San Francisco State University. He worked as a ceramics instructor, contractor, designer, counselor, and volunteer with Marin County Search and Rescue, always guided by a deep commitment to helping others. An accomplished endurance athlete, he completed countless trail races including the Dipsea, Western States 100, and Leadville 100, later sharing a love of cycling with Martha and friends throughout Marin. Dane was also a devoted spiritual practitioner, studying Buddhism for decades and maintaining Native ceremonial traditions. Known for his generosity, curiosity, craftsmanship, humor, and love of community, Dane will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, friend, and neighbor who was always ready to lend a hand. A Celebration of Life will be held in June. Suzi Schuenemann Suzi Schuenemann, a longtime Lagunitas resident, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, in Sequim, Washington, after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, with her husband Jim and sister Heidi by her side. She is survived by her husband, her sons Gabriel (Jessica) and Andrew (Jenna), and her four beloved grandchildren, Ethan, Sebastian, Ariya, and Teio. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A more complete remembrance of Suzi’s life will be included in a future issue of Stone Soup . parade, the InSpirit plant sale, and so much more. Many of these traditions have been sustained largely by residents now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Traditions, of course, should evolve. At the same time, they can quietly fade away without enough support to carry them forward. We have already lost the Holly Fair and Halloween on Meadow Way. Many long-time residents would welcome opportunities for younger residents to become involved in these community tradi- tions, helping shape what they become next. So what might our Valley look like ten years from now? Our institutions and tra- ditions will—and should—change, but which ones do we hope to see still thriv- ing? I hope the Valley Emergency Fund continues to support families in need. I hope InSpirit is still growing and selling plants each May. I hope the Two Valleys Community Land Trust continues its work for affordable housing, and that the Planning Group remains a steward of our Valley. I hope Halloween in Woodacre continues, and that our Community Center remains active and vibrant. How might newcomers and long-time residents come together to both sup- port what we have and help it evolve? Change is rarely easy. Perhaps those of us who have been here longer can make room for new ideas and new ways of doing things. Perhaps newer residents might find ways to step in and participate. Perhaps the best place to begin is simply with conversation.
Access to food in California is shifting for many people who depend on CalFresh (SNAP) benefits. Beginning June 1, 2026, California will implement stricter work requirements for adults ages 18–64, along with tightened eligibility requirements for certain immigrants that began on April 1, 2026. These federal changes, driven by H.R. 1, limit benefits for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) to three months within a 36-month period unless they meet work or training requirements. Cuts to these critical programs will affect families and individuals throughout our community and across the state. Mixed-status immigrant families with children may lose access to food benefits. In Marin County, approximately 15,500 residents across 10,000 households rely on CalFresh benefits. During the government shut- down of CalFresh benefits in November 2025, I took an informal poll at our San Geronimo Food Bank and found that roughly 45% of our patrons were impact- ed—approximately 270 individuals. Our patrons include residents from throughout Marin and the Bay Area, includ- ing many immigrants and single adults. Because we only require a ZIP code and family size, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center Food Bank remains highly accessible and well attended, serving an average of 600–700 individuals and approximately 240 households each Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm. Located at the San Geronimo Commons, the site has allowed us to provide much-needed free, nutritious food in a welcoming environment. We also host a Food Bank at the Community Center every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm. Food is a basic human right, and when access to it is denied, it strikes at the core of our humanity. The recent changes to food benefits will make access to food even more difficult for many of our patrons. Our drive-up Food Bank has also seen a recent decline in participation, which we believe may be tied to the ris- ing cost of gasoline. Patrons traveling from East Marin or farther West Marin are forced to make difficult decisions between saving gas money and accessing free food that could help offset other living expenses. These challenges make it increasingly difficult for low-income families, individu- als, and seniors to survive—let alone thrive—in Marin County. We remain committed to providing high-quality food bank services and ensur- ing dignified access to food for all patrons and volunteers. In partnership with the Marin Community Foundation, the County of Marin, SF Marin Food Bank, and Community Action Marin, our Community Resilience Teams (CRT) are help- ing distribute physical and virtual grocery cards to nearly 1,700 Marin residents impacted by recent changes in food assistance programs. This collaborative effort will provide up to $600 in flexible, tapered support to help ensure families con- tinue to have reliable access to food without experiencing an abrupt interruption
in assistance. To understand if you’re affected visit ben- efitscal.com. As always, we welcome donations of excess local har- vests of fruits and vegetables, canned goods, nonperishable food items, and monetary contributions. :)
Valley Changes by John Gunnarson
The Valley is evolving. Many of us moved here decades ago because it was a beau- tiful place to live, housing was relatively affordable, alternative thinking was wel- comed, and it offered a home for artists, musicians, craftspeople, educators, and the self-employed. Over time, things have changed. Rents and real estate are no longer affordable for many. Baby boomers are beginning to sell their properties, and new families are moving in. New residents come to the Valley for many of the same reasons earlier generations did: the natural beauty, a slower pace of life, a touch of bohemian spirit, and a strong sense of community. I believe that these values are widely shared by both long-time residents and newcomers. As someone who has lived in the Valley for 45 years, that sense of community has been especially important to me. I cherish the Holiday Fair and Kate’s Café at our Community Center, Halloween in Woodacre, pop-up concerts on Railroad, the Lagunitas Community School, the St. Cecilia’s rummage sale, the Fourth of July
Page 4 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
NextGen Greenstitch Program by Poppy Henderson, Larkin Sylvester, Ella Signor, Eleanor Kernoldle, Fiona O’Connor, Ocean Ely, Delilah Kohn, Elly Ferlino and Cory van Gelder
Local organic food
The average distance food products travel in the U.S. is 1,300 miles (a huge car- bon footprint). Local produce hugely reduces packaging and travel. In addition organic farms sequester carbon and are environmentally and economically beneficial. Allstar Organics: Husband and wife, Marty Jacobson and Janet Brown run this certi- fied organic farm established in 1994. Janet has spent her life promoting organic locally grown produce from school gardens to food policy. As a guest speaker at the Climate Fest she emphasized the need to support young adults to become farmers. AIM Agriculture Institute of Marin: Andy Naja-Riese, CEO was a guest speaker uplifting AIM’s vision of supporting local responsible food and farming systems. AIM Operates 9 Bay Area Certified Farmers Markets all with local farm grown food. Marin Organics: Fosters community and communication among Marin County organic producers, as well as promotes the ecological, social and economic impor- tance of organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture throughout Marin. Pt Reyes Cheese: Local, organic cheeses produced from 710 acres of carbon-seques- tering pasture and 50% of farm power from methane-generated renewable energy. J&D Bees and The Bee Club book: Award winning author Mea McNeil was our guest speaker about the importance of bees. We depend on bees to pollinate 80% of fruits and vegetables and 50% of clover and alfalfa for all dairy products. With climate change already putting pressure on food security, bees must be supported and protected. Lagunitas School Garden: Provides hands-on learning, sustainable and mindful eat- ing and promotes environmental interest. West Marin Food Systems: Includes a Regional Farm to School Program that is involved with school gardens at Nicasio, Shoreline, Bolinas Stinson and Lagunitas Community School.
CLIMATE . . .
On April 19, the fifth annual West Marin Climate Fest brought music, perfor- mance, food, and activism to our Courtyard. Greenstitch Teen Climate Interns produced the event with support from the Community Center’s Events Team. We hosted fourteen booths all relating to our overarching theme, sustainable and local food systems. It was wildly successful, bringing about 250 attendees. Over the course of the festival, a question came up, asking us how these community organi- zations play a role in addressing the Climate Crisis. To respond to this comment, the Greenstitch Interns have worked together to emphasize the interconnectedness of all the participating booths.
Reducing food waste
Food waste generates approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing plastic waste
Marin Glean Team: As a part of West Marin Food Systems, this team gleans produce that would otherwise not be harvested. Collected food is donated to food pantries, schools, and senior housing sites. Approximately 8,344 pounds of produce gleaned to date. Extra Food: Rescues excess food from businesses and schools from fresh fruit to dairy products and prepared meals and immediately delivers it to people with food insecurities. In Marin 1 in 5 people have food insecurity. This food would other- wise be wasted. All of these amazing organizations are engaged deeply in building the climate future we want. We are grateful we can look to them for hope and inspiration!
4-8% of global oil consumption is currently used for plastic production. Microplastics are negatively affecting us, marine ecosystems and the oceans’ ability to sequester carbon. Black Mountain Beauty’s makes products that use no plastic in their packaging and ingredients in response to the fact that In the US, 7.9 billion units of plastic are manufactured annually for cosmetics and many cosmetics contain plastic. Zero Waste Marin reduces plastic waste by making recycling and composting easier and promoting waste reduction through reuse, repair, and more mindful purchasing. West Marin Food Systems provide eco-sorting stations and reusable foodware pro- moting zero waste events. Our event included their reusable foodware and eco- sorting stations.
Milestones by Alexa Davidson Honoring Transitions, Celebrating Achievements
the opportunity to walk through key sites of the Civil Rights Movement and con- nect history to lived experience in powerful ways. We extend our deep gratitude to both Anita and Katherine for their years of service, creativity, and care. Their legacies will continue to ripple through this community for years to come. To learn more about Anita and Katherine’s impact, check out the April 29th issue of the Point Reyes Light. See class photos on page 9. Another important milestone this time of year are graduations. We extend huge congratulations to the graduating 8th grade classes of Nicasio School and Lagunitas Community School. We are so excited to see what each of these incred- ible students does as they enter their next phase of life! We also celebrate our local high school graduates from Archie Williams High School and beyond. This milestone represents years of hard work, growth, and perseverance, and our entire community shares in your pride. A special shout- out goes to Colby Ramirez O’Donnell, son of our Director of Programs, Nicole Ramirez—the Community Center team is cheering you on as you head into this next chapter. As always, this section is meant to reflect the many meaningful moments that make up life in our Valley. If you or someone you know has a milestone to share—a graduation, a new baby, a big achievement, or another life moment— please send it my way. I would love to help celebrate it with the community. adavidson@sgvcc.org
This season brings with it a meaningful mix of reflection and celebration across the Valley—moments that remind us just how special this community is. We begin by honoring two extraordinary educators from Lagunitas School District who are retiring this year: Anita Collison and Katherine Sanford. Together, they have shaped generations of students and helped define what makes education in the Valley so unique. Anita Collison’s journey is a true reflection of deep community roots and dedi- cation. After first arriving in the Valley, she began as a school bus driver, later contributing as an art teacher and classroom aide, before ultimately becoming a beloved third- and fourth-grade teacher in the Open Classroom program and now in the Lagunitas Community School. For more than three decades, Anita has been a steady and creative force, championing self-directed learning and nurturing curi- osity, confidence, and independence in her students. Katherine Sanford, during her nine years at Lagunitas, brought vision and inno- vation to the middle school experience. She reimagined curriculum in ways that encouraged students to engage deeply with the world around them. Her eighth- grade Change Project—where students identify a real-world issue and develop a plan to address it—has become a defining part of the program. Equally impactful are the immersive learning trips she led to the American South, offering students
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 5
Summer Camp Programs
San Geronimo Valley Community Center Summer Day Camp Get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with connection, creativity, and out- door fun! Our Summer Day Camp is back for another vibrant season packed with arts and crafts, sports, group games, and exciting field trips in and around the Valley. Campers will spend their days enjoying the outdoors with trips to local beaches, plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and lots of time to play and explore together. Each Wednesday after lunch, we’ll head to the Archie Williams Pool for an afternoon swim. Our camp encourages multi-age, cooperative play, creating an inclusive environment where friendships grow and everyone feels part of the community. We’re looking for- ward to five incredible weeks of summer fun and can’t wait to welcome you! Camp Details: • Ages: 5-11 • Dates: June 29, 2026 - July 31, 2026 ( no camp on 7/3 ) • Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm • Beforecare: • 8am - 9am • 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
Session Dates: June 22, 2026 through June 26, 2026 • Ages: 5-10 • Days/Times: Monday through Friday; 9:00am - 3:00pm • Fees: $440 • Location: East Room For more information email Lori Broadbent, lramirez@sgvcc.org Swim Lessons at the Woodacre Improvement Club (WIC) San Geronimo Valley Community Center is partnering with the Woodacre Improvement Club to Offer Swim Lessons. The San Geronimo Valley Community Center (SGVCC) is excited to continue our partnership with the Woodacre Improvement Club (WIC) to offer swim lessons this Spring and Summer. This collaboration provides a wonderful opportunity for local residents to build confidence in the water, improve their swimming skills, and stay safe this summer. Additionally, by working together, SGVCC and WIC are strength- ening community connections, promoting water safety for all ages, and ensuring that swimming education remains accessible to families in our valley. The swim lessons will be held at the WIC Pool, a central and accessible location for both children and adults. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swim- mer looking to refine your technique, there will be a class for you. The lessons are designed to promote water safety, enhance swimming abilities, and help swimmers of all ages reach their full potential. Meet the Instructor: Trevor Nestler, the lead instructor for this program, brings over 15 years of teach- ing and coaching experience. He swam competitively for 14 years in Santa Rosa, giving him a strong foundation in technique and training. Trevor has worked with a vari- ety of swim teams and taught at Santa Rosa city pools, where he gained extensive experience working with swimmers of all levels. He is also Lifeguard and CPR cer- tified, ensuring that every class is not only educational but conducted in a safe and professional manner. Trevor’s passion for swimming and water safety makes him an ideal instructor for swimmers of all ages.
Camp Fees:
• 9am-3pm
• Weekly: $325 • Single Day Drop-in ( Mon., Tues. & Thurs.[excluding 7/2] ONLY ): $100 Beforecare Fees: • 8am-9am: • Weekly: $62.50 • Single Day Drop-in: $15 Aftercare Fees: • 12pm-3pm for Summer Bridge Campers ONLY (Mon. - Thurs.): $130 • 3pm-5pm: • Weekly: $125 • Single Day Drop-in: $30 • Week Two: July 6th - July 10th • Fieldtrip: July 10th - Stinson • Week Three: July 13th - July 17th • Fieldtrip: July 17th - Heart’s Desire/Blue Water Kayak • Week Four: July 20st - July 24th • Field Trip: July 24th - Chicken Ranch Beach • Week Five: July 27th - July 31st • No Fieldtrip: July 31st - Waterslide at Camp Jump Start to Middle School Starting Middle School this Fall and want to be prepared? Join us for a three-day Jump Start to Middle School, facilitated by Lori Ramirez and Skyler Pemberton. 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. Weekly Session Dates & Fieldtrip Locations: • Week One: June 29th - July 2nd ( no camp 7/3 ) • Fieldtrip: July 2nd - Agate Beach 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.
Please select the level that matches your child’s age group. Trevor will ensure each student is placed in the appropriate class so everyone gets the most out of their lesson. All classes have a minimum of 3 students and maximum of 6 students. Summer Session Dates: All sessions are Monday through Saturday • Session 1: July 6th - July 11th • Session 2: July July 13th - July 18th • Session 3: July 20th - July 25th
• Session 4: August 3rd - August 8th • Session 5: August 10th - August 15th • Session 6: August 17th - August 22nd • Session 7: August 24th - August 29th Puddle Jumpers (Level One) *No/Little Experience • Ages: 3 - 6 • Times: • 12:15pm -12:45pm • 12:45pm - 1:15pm • 1:15pm - 1:45pm (A Little Experience) • Fees: $200 Wave Riders (Level Two) * Some Experience • Ages: 6 - 8 • Time: 1:45pm - 2:15pm • Fees: $200 Tide Surfers (Level Three) *Experience • Ages 8 - 11 • Time: 2:30pm - 3:15pm • Fees: $250 Deep Sea Divers (Level Four) *Pre-Team Practices • Ages: 12+ • Time: 3:15pm - 4:00pm • Fees: $250
• DATES: August 3rd - 5th • COST: $110 *no one turned away for lack of funds • TIME: 10am-1pm (Wednesday 10am-3pm)
Play-Well: Join us for a week of Play-Well Summer Camp Fun! STEM + Dino Design using LEGO® Materials: FULL DAY Let your imagination run wild all day long with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! First, discover the world around us through our inquiry-based learning model and engineer-designed projects. Then, return to the age of dinosaurs, using LEGO® to bring the time of the dinosaurs to life. Design and engineer secure habitats for gentle herbivores, embark on daring expeditions to track down elusive species, and uncover the secrets of powerful predator dinosaurs. Get ready for a dino-sized adventure packed with building, problem-solving, and imagination!
Page 6 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Summer Fun in the Valley ! by Lori Broadbent Summer in West Marin is all about sunshine, adventure, and making memories together — and we are so fortunate to have so many incredible opportunities right here in our own backyard. From beaches and hiking trails to swimming and kayak- ing, there is no shortage of ways for local youth and families to stay active, con- nected, and engaged this summer.
This year, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center Summer Camp is packed with exciting field trips and outdoor adventures. Campers will enjoy beach days at Stinson Beach, Chicken Ranch Beach, and Agate Beach, as well as kayaking adventures at Heart’s Desire Beach. Weekly visits to the Archie Williams Pool help campers stay cool and build con- fidence in the water.
necting with future classmates, becoming familiar with campus life, and learning what to expect as they begin middle school. A special part of the program is the mentorship provided by interns from the Community Center’s Youth Job Train- ing Program — rising 7th and 8th graders who help guide and support incoming students. Participants are able to hear firsthand from current middle schoolers who once participated in the same program, creating a welcoming environment where students can ask questions, ease fears of the unknown, and build confidence before the school year begins. The program wraps up with a memorable day at Stinson Beach, offering one final opportunity for fun, connection, and summer memories. Whether it’s a child’s first time kayaking, learning to swim, hiking local trails, or preparing for middle school, these experiences help create lasting memories and strengthen community connections. We look forward to another season of summer fun in the Valley!
For our youngest community members, Summer Bridge offers a free TK/Kindergarten readiness program designed to support incoming TK and Kindergarten students as they transition into elementary school. Through play, structured activities, and daily routines, students learn the basics of being in a classroom setting while building confidence, independence, and friend- ships with their future classmates. Participants also enjoy swim lessons at the Woo- dacre Improvement Club, making the experience both educational and fun.
We are also incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by beauti- ful open spaces that encourage exploration and connection with nature. Campers spend time hiking through Roy’s Red- woods Preserve and Gary Giacomini Open Space Preserve, experiencing firsthand the forests, trails, and natural beauty that make our community so special. In addition to summer adventures, the Community Center is proud to support youth as they prepare for important transitions. Our Jump Start to Middle School program gives rising 6th graders the opportunity to spend three days con-
Be the Influence by Amanda Sheeren, Marin Healthy Youth Partnership There’s a moment most parents know well. Your teenager is heading out the door to a friend’s house, a party, a neighborhood gathering, and you feel it: that quiet knot of worry. You wonder who’s in charge over there. You wonder what the rules are. You wonder if your own values will hold up against the pull of the crowd. Here’s something worth knowing: your influence is far more powerful than you think. And it starts right inside your own front door. Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships has been working for years to give local parents the research, tools, and community support to do exactly that: create home envi- ronments that protect not just their own children, but also their friends and peers. The Myth of the “Safe” Supervised Drink One of the most persistent misconceptions among well-meaning parents is that allowing teens to drink at home, under adult supervision, teaches responsible hab- its and reduces risk. It feels logical, but science tells a different story. Research published in the Journal on the Study of Alcohol and Drugs found that teens permitted to drink at home under adult supervision are actually more likely to engage in harmful behaviors outside the home, including binge drinking and drunk driving. Early exposure to alcohol in the home, despite the best intentions, tends to lead to more problems, not fewer. There’s another dimension parents may not consider: if you allow minors to drink without informing every parent involved, you are making a decision for someone else’s child, and it is a decision their family may not condone. Not every young person responds to alcohol the same way, and alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, and Marin County has given parents and neighbors a powerful tool: the Social Host Ordinance. Every city in Marin, as well as the county itself, has adopted this law. It holds adults accountable when two or more minors possess or consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances on private property, regardless of whether the adult provided the substances or was even aware the gathering was happening. First enacted in 2006 to address underage drinking, the ordinance has since been expanded to include cannabis and other controlled substances. Penalties are real: depending on the jurisdiction, a violation can result in criminal misdemeanor other dangers don’t disappear simply because an adult is present. Understanding the Law: Social Host Ordinance
charges that appear on a permanent record, or civil fines ranging from $750 to $2,500. Restorative justice options have also been added in recent years. Importantly, the law doesn’t just apply to parties you host. If you leave town and your teenager throws a gathering, you can still be held responsible. Parents are legally accountable for what happens in their home until their child turns 18. This isn’t intended to frighten families. It’s intended to reinforce something most Marin parents already believe: that every adult in this community shares responsi- bility for keeping our young people safe. Your Rules Ripple Outward Research consistently shows that teens with parents who set clear, consistent expec- tations around substance use are more likely to delay early use (which is associated with the highest risk) . When family support is strong and the rules are firm, the message sinks in, even when teenagers seem not to be listening. Think about your child’s closest friends. Every household in your circle that holds the same line reinforces that line for every kid who walks through their door. A single family that says “not here” quietly protects the teenagers of a dozen other families too. When enough homes take that stance together, it stops feeling like a restriction and starts feeling like a shared community norm. That cultural shift is exactly what Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships is working toward. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone One of the hardest parts of parenting a teenager isn’t setting the rules. It’s feeling like you’re the only one who has them. It can be genuinely uncomfortable to call another parent before a sleepover and ask about their family rules. Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships offers practical tools to help, including parent- to-parent conversation scripts that give you the words for exactly those moments. Because when parents talk to each other openly, something shifts. The burden lifts. The norms change. You can also let your neighbors know when you’ll be out of town. If you suspect a party is happening somewhere, you can call your local police department anony- mously. And if there’s ever an emergency, call 911, even if underage drinking was involved. Officers take good-faith efforts to address an emergency into account. Marin is a community that shows up for its young people. Keeping our homes substance-free, and saying so out loud, is one of the most meaningful ways to do it To learn more, explore the research, or find conversation scripts, visit btimarin.org , an initiative of Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships mhyp.org .
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 7
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator