Three cheers for the 2010 Rio Nido Clean-Up crew!

Rio Nido Clean-Up

The Rio Nido Clean-Up was held on July 9th-10th 2010.

Rio Nido Task Force Beautification Committee Lead Jennifer Ostrom reports that this year’s Rio Nido Clean Up (held on July 9th and 10th) was a HUGE success! Thanks to our hard-working volunteers, dumpsters provided by Redwood Empire Disposal (with huge help from Pam Davis), and Dennis Judd/Cipora Properties who provided the Rio Nido Lodge as the clean-up site, we made major progress.

Despite the fact that budget cuts have drastically reduced resources vis-à-vis previous clean-ups, we got a LOT done! While volunteers on foot slogged along the roadside & through creek beds to collect trash and debris, the guys in trucks still managed to collect piles of junk from folks who can’t afford trips to the dump, plus tons of tree limbs, construction debris, tires, chunks of cement, and scary toxic substances which burned holes in the gloves of our very own intrepid garbage-picker, Kim Holliday!

Jennifer enthused that the cleanup truly exceeded her expectations and wanted to officially thank the contributors to the cleanup, which include (with apologies to those for whom we do not have last names):

Pamela Davis of Redwood Empire Disposal;  Brad Metzger for copies & donuts (split with Homeowner’s Association); Domenic Farnocchia for logistics ; Matt Malik & Jay;  Ingrid Emming & Nate Lester; Fred Beeler ; Johnnie Etheredge; Alexander;Thomas;  Randi Watson; Jeremy; Kim Holliday; Frank; Matt Bedford; Ron Boles; Elisabeth Parker; Vicki Cunningham; and Ann Thomas

Future clean-ups: Jennifer aims to implement these clean-ups four times per year on a seasonal/quarterly basis. Several people chimed in that they would chip in for future such events, others suggested we might get RRROC funds for this.

Marshmallow Roast and Pancake Breakfast a sweet success!

Marshmallow Roast

Rio Nido resident Kai Ostrom roasts a marshmallow (photo by Domenic Farnocchia)

The smell of sweet success wafted through Rio Nido during the weekend of July 17th and 18th, as neighbors and visitors enjoyed Saturday evening’s Marshmallow Roast followed by  Sunday morning’s Pancake Breakfast. Luckily, Susie Merkell kept the Pee Wee Mini Golf open for both events so kids could channel their sugar rushes while adults worked off all the calories consumed!

Nearly 20 kids gathered at 7pm to roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and watch Pink Panther cartoons on the big screen. Sponsored by the RNHOA and organized by Domenic and Suzanne Farnocchia, a fun time was had kids and adults alike.  The next morning from 9am-noon, neighbors sat down to the RNHOA’s delicious, hearty pancake breakfast with scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, orange juice, and coffee.  Those inclined (& over 21) could also indulge in a bloody mary, ramos fizz, champagne mimosa and other yummy drinks.

Don’t miss the next Pancake Breakfast (followed by the Rio Nido Art Show with face painting for the kids) on Sunday August 8th!

Join the Russian River Photo Club

Share your images and experience among a small but growing collection of photographers, of all levels, living in or around the Russian River. Join the group online here. Check out some of the photos they’ve taken so far.

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Tapas Opens at the Rio Nido Lodge

Pegasus Theater Company brings Rio Nido new short plays by Northern California playwrights in its annual Tapas: A New Short Play Festival, opening May 21 at the historic Rio Nido Lodge. Tickets are on sale at pegasustheater.com