September 2026 In this edition: ********************* Events Calendar HAM IT UP – Labor Day Talent Show Recap Patterson Point Preserve: "We Bought an Ivy Jungle" Meet Your Street: Time to get to know your neighbors! Community Yard Sale Annual Membership Meeting Update |
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Events Calendar - Sunday, September 27: PPP Restoration Work Party
- Friday, October 2: Monte Rio Revival
- Sunday, October 4: Meet Your Street
- Sunday, October 4: Community Yard Sale
- Saturday, October 31: Halloween
- Thursday, November 26: 6th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
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HAM IT UP – A FEAST FOR ALL Under a warm, starry sky in September, the 14th Annual Ham it Up Talent Show in Villa Grande entertained & delighted once again. Produced by Rick & Nancy Lopes of EzPz Productions, and emceed by Mad Dog, the show hosted a true variety of local talent. Heartfelt singer-songwriters on guitars, humorous vogue drama and antics, poignant poetry, spellbinding storytelling, a sweet folk flute, and a haunting Shakespearean monologue made for a wonderful evening of entertainment and let us celebrate some of the hidden treasures of our unique community. This magical evening is just one of the many reasons we are so blessed and fortunate to live along the banks and hills of the Russian River. We’ll see you next year! |
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WE BOUGHT AN IVY JUNGLE Looking for a holiday gift for a family member, friend or yourself? What about the delightful book "We Bought an Ivy Jungle, the First 10 years of Restoring Patterson Point Preserve: 2009-2019" written by then-Restoration Manager, Leah Norwood. This is a breezy book sharing a series of recipes for the successful restoration of an area, with Patterson Point as the model.
Here’s a testimonial from one of the book’s recent readers:
I finally had a moment to look at "We Bought an Ivy Jungle" and I just love it. I’m so grateful to you and the Friends of VG for caring for this incredible piece of land and opening it up to visitors like our family.
As a first-year public school teacher in Richmond it is fortifying to read stories about what a small group of dedicated and passionate folks can do for their community of humans, plants, animals and other living things.
I hope to return to the Point some day soon. I will be thinking of you and The Friends of VG, and all the communities that have ever loved a piece of land like it was their own flesh and blood. In community, Melissa Sebastian.
The book is available to purchase on our website: $15.00 for members, $20.00 non-members with additional $5.00 for shipping (free, if picked up in Villa Grande). |
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PPP IVY INTERVENTION WORK DAY Volunteers are needed to help with pull baby ivy from the newest restoration area at Patterson Point Preserve. This is a great time of year to make sure they don't have the chance to crowd out the native plants. Contribute however much time you can and learn more about PPP. Wear protective clothing (for sun, thorns, etc.) and bring gloves and water.
Please help us spread the word – bring a friend or neighbor!
Have questions? Email pattersonpointpreserve@gmail.com |
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Come on down to Meet Your Street at the Villa Grande Town Square on Sunday, October 4th 10:00 -11:00 am. This is part of a countywide event sponsored by Sonoma County Emergency Management and will feature emergency information, radio communication demonstrations, a raffle and giveaways.
Meet your neighbors and learn more about emergency preparedness specific to our area. Coffee and breakfast treats will be served. For more information and to help please contact jamescbeck@gmail.com
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COMMUNITY YARD SALE
After Meet Your Street on Sunday, October 4th, stay to enjoy the Community Yard Sale 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. This is a multiple family event sporting everything from teacups to kayaks at prices that can’t be beat! If you are interested in selling items of your own call Roberto @ 415-282-1800. |
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MONTE RIO REVIVAL
The Monte Rio Revival returns on Friday, Oct 2, 5-9 pm. Come down to Moscow Road and Main Street for a free, family-friendly celebration of the legacy and future of Monte Rio's historic downtown. Live music will include Soph & Jake of the Okay Ultras and The Barn Wreckers. There will be food vendors, a local art market, live painting, a vintage photo booth and a return of "Stories Beneath the Trees" for kids. Volunteers are needed on Sunday, September 20th from 9–11am and on the day of the event. Please call Nancy Lopes @ 415-350-6083 or just come by to volunteer.
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Annual Membership Meeting Summary
Members gathered at the Firehouse Plaza on the morning of July 5, 2026, to hear a review of the organization’s activities, financial condition and progress in the Patterson Point Preserve (PPP). They also received updates about the proposed Enhanced Financial Infrastructure District (EIFD) for the lower Russian River and current efforts to address septic issues in our area. Finally, the group discussed how to improve caretaking of Firehouse Plaza for community events, including issues of private parking and dumping of yard debris. Read the full article on our website. |
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