San Geronimo Valley Historical Society by Owen Clapp
catalog, digitize, and preserve historical documents, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts across the six West Marin historical organizations. Another key component of the role will involve coordinating, training, and mentoring students and volunteers to expand preservation efforts and to pro- vide educational opportunities.
Marin Historian and Philanthropist Jeff Craemer Funds New Regional West Marin Archivist Position
Funding Establishes “Jeff Craemer West Marin Archivist” Position to Safeguard Regional Collections, Educate Volunteers, and Share History
We have some exciting news to share about the West Marin history collective that the San Geronimo Valley Historical Society is a part of!
About the Collective:
guidance on how to initiate age-appropriate conversations. For parents of younger children, the program offers strategies for establishing a foundation early, recogniz- ing that substance use prevention begins long before the teenage years. These early conversations set the stage for ongoing dialogue as children mature. Mental health receives appropriate attention within the program’s framework. Parents learn about factors impacting adolescent mental health, including both risk factors and opportunities to provide meaningful support. This holistic view acknowledges that substance use rarely exists in isolation and often connects to broader emotional and psychological struggles. One particularly valuable aspect of Let’s Talk Marin is its community discussions, which create opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage more deeply with the content alongside guest facilitators and topic experts. These sessions provide safe, solution-oriented environments where families can share experiences and learn from one another. In addressing such a sensitive topic, knowing you’re not alone can be invaluable. The program also serves as a gateway to additional resources. For families needing more intensive support, including treatment, counseling, crisis intervention, or youth development programs, Let’s Talk Marin maintains a comprehensive direc- tory of local organizations and services. This connection to the broader support network ensures parents can find help when they need it most. What sets Let’s Talk Marin apart is its emphasis on relationship building and creat- ing healthy spaces that foster resilience. Rather than approaching substance use pre- vention through fear or punishment, the program helps parents establish protective relationships with their children. This relationship-centered approach recognizes that connected, supported young people make healthier choices. The program’s message to parents is ultimately hopeful. While Marin’s substance use statistics are concerning, they’re not inevitable. Armed with knowledge, communica- tion skills, and community support, parents can make a significant difference in their children’s lives. Let’s Talk Marin provides the foundation for that difference. For Marin County parents seeking guidance on one of the most challenging aspects of raising adolescents, Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships and their Let’s Talk Marin program offer exactly what its name promises: a framework for meaningful conversation, grounded in research and responsive to our community’s unique con- text. Visit letstalkmarin.org to explore resources, download booklets, and connect with upcoming community discussions. Because when it comes to supporting our youth, informed, connected parents make all the difference. The West Marin Historical Society Collaborative was formed in early 2024 by Dave Cort to coordinate efforts across the region’s six historical organizations. The collaborative includes the Stinson Beach Historical Society, the Bolinas Museum, the Jack Mason Museum of West Marin History, the Tomales Regional History Center, the Nicasio Historical Society, and the San Geronimo Valley Historical Society. Acting as the administrative agent of this new archivist position is our very own San Geronimo Valley Community Center (SGVCC), which operates the San Geronimo Valley Historical Society (SGVHS) as one of its programs. Thank you to Jeff, Carol, and Dave for making this all come together! The valley’s historical society will benefit in a major way from Carol’s support and expertise.
About the Position:
A Parent’s Guide to Let’s Talk Marin: Building Resilience in Our Youth by Mellisa Wahlstrom Marin County is widely recognized as one of the healthiest places to live in the United States, with outstanding schools, abundant outdoor spaces, and strong community connections. Yet beneath this idyllic surface lies a challenge that many local families face: youth substance use rates that significantly exceed California averages. For parents wondering how to navigate this difficult terrain, Marin Healthy Youth Partner- ships (mhyp.org) offers Let’s Talk Marin (letstalkmarin.org), a comprehensive, research-backed resource designed specifically for our community. You may have seen in the Point Reyes Light that the West Marin Historical Society Collaborative has a newly established position titled the “Jeff Craemer West Marin Archivist.” Marin County historian and philanthropist Jeff Craemer has, generously, funded this contract-based professional archivist posi- tion. The position addresses critical preservation challenges facing the region’s histori- cal collections, while ensuring West Marin’s unique and diverse cultural heritage can be accessible to the public for future generations. The Collaborative is fortunate to have contracted with expert local history archivist and librarian Carol Acquaviva to fill the position. Acquaviva will
Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships recognizes a fundamental truth about parenting in our county – While we can’t guarantee our children an easy path through adolescence, we can equip ourselves with knowledge, open communication strategies, and community support to help them build resilience. The Let’s Talk Marin program acknowledges that there’s no single roadmap for addressing adolescent substance use, but there are proven practices, solid research, and collective wisdom we can draw upon.
The reality is that Marin youth face particular challenges. They have easy access to drugs and alcohol, experience high achievement pressure, live within a significant socioeconomic equity gap, and sometimes witness adult substance use behaviors that may inadvertently normalize teen experimentation. Rather than ignoring these factors, Let’s Talk Marin confronts them head-on, providing parents with tools to address these issues meaningfully with their children. The program’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach. It doesn’t simply warn about dangers; it educates parents about typical adolescent development, helping them understand what to expect as their children’s brains, emotions, and social worlds undergo dramatic changes. This developmental perspective is crucial, as it helps parents distinguish between normal teenage behavior and genuine warning signs.
Let’s Talk Marin also provides practical education about substances themselves and
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 19
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