Letters to the Editor 11-14-13

Stop the blame game
Editor:   
Stop with the blame game. We need to come together as a community and find solutions. Remind drivers to slow down and watch for people near the road who could wander into your path. Never assume that they have seen you and will stop.
The one who is hit, depending on the severity of their head injury, if they survive, will have a long, hard road to recovery.
They could be in a coma for awhile. If they wake up, they will have to re-learn how to do everything: talking, eating and walking, just to name a few of the challenges.
So, when you get on or near the road, remember these things I have said. As someone who has walked down this road.
Kim Peterson, Cloverdale
Ongoing cemetery preservation effort
Editor:   
On October 8, the Historical Society sponsored a Speaker Series program, The Cloverdale Cemetery: The Time is Now, at the Performing Arts Center. Proceeds from this event were earmarked for the ongoing preservation of the Cloverdale Riverside Cemetery and for the restoration of the retaining wall that was seriously damaged in the storms of 2012.  
We had a packed house. Our goal was to raise $5,000 for wall restoration, and we are pleased to announce that the Speaker Series program, along with the October 27 Cemetery Tour, met this goal.  We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended these two events and who donated so generously.  
As a further update provided by Al Delsid, volunteer Project Manager for wall restoration, the wall design, permits and cost estimate for restoration work are nearly complete.  The project will be done next spring after the rainy season.  
In the meantime, Al Delsid and Don Green have covered the area around the wall to prevent further damage this winter.  When the work begins, the $5,000 raised by the Cloverdale Historical Society for this specific endeavor will be released to the City to put towards the Cemetery wall restoration project.  
We would like to thank volunteers Joaquin Espinosa, Al Delsid, Susan Bennett, and Will Layfield who participated in the Speaker Series program, and Jim De Priest and Andrew Smith who helped us with program production; thanks to Susan Bennett for leading the successful Cemetery Tour; to Bob Anderson who is donating his time and equipment for wall restoration; to Don Green, for everything he has done and continues to do for the Cemetery and veterans’ gravesites, and to Wyatt Shook, Marge Gray, Scott Knight and the many Historical Society members who have volunteered their time, labor and funds to support the Cemetery over a period of many years.
Elissa Morrash
Executive Director, Cloverdale Historical Society
Crab feed Dec. 14
Editor:   
Each year, for the past 11 years, the Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale has sponsored a Crab Feed during the month of December. This is the club’s most important fundraiser of the year, bringing into the club coffers the funds necessary for them to give back to the community in the myriad ways they aid those in need. For this reason, the Kiwanis Club wishes to remind Cloverdale residents of this year’s event.
There has been a date change. It’s being held at the Citrus Fair on Saturday, Dec. 14. Tickets can be purchased from Kiwanis members. They are also available on-line at the following url: www.sonomauncorked.com/wine-country-events/annual-events/kiwanis-crab-and-pasta-feed/; (just type in “Cloverdale Kiwanis Crab Feed” and it will give you the ticket purchase site as one of the options). You can also purchase tickets at the Mail Center, Etc.
Don’t forget that the silent and live auctions provide attendees with a wonderful opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for their loved ones. It’s a fun evening, with all-you-can-eat pasta and crab.  
Please don’t miss it!
Sue Cummins
Cloverdale Kiwanis