The Sun lost an important member of its team this weekend when our sweet, funny front office dynamo, Melanie, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a big hole in The Sun.
At once, cute, perky and a little bit goofy, Melanie was the perfect fit for our hectic yet quirky office. A senior citizen in body only, she could multitask with the best of them, able to answer the phone and greet visitors at the same time – all with a smile on her face and a witty comeback if necessary.
She loved the tumult of our children who piled in after school looking for food and a place to rest after a long day. She rejoiced in the office dog. She was ecstatic when we ordered in pizza.
And while we’re all still reeling from the news, it’s also been a bit of a wake up call – one that only a sudden death can evoke – to live each day to the fullest. Too often we rush around, heads down, going about our daily business with little or no thought to what is around us.
There is so much to celebrate everyday if we take the time to notice. Just this week, for instance, The Sun brings news of the Impact100 Sonoma grant recipient. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley was awarded a whopping $100,000 from the Impact100 women to build upon a fledgling teen program that includes a critical college-bound component. We’re excited to see this program take flight.
Also in the news, a new solar installation at the police station promises to save up to 70 percent of energy costs in that building. Tuesday night’s school board meeting brought up a similar hope for the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. According to a recent survey of 400 random selected citizens, 66 percent or voters would a potential GO Bond measure that would improve student achievement, college and job preparation and prevent further budget cuts by improving energy efficient, thus saving millions of dollars.
This is all good news. And there’s more. George McKale will soon be looking for volunteers for The Big Dig, an archaeological excavation to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Sonoma pueblo. While that column ran in last week’s Sun, you can read about it on our web site. The Sun is sponsoring the Dig and you can pick up a cool bumper sticker for your digging efforts.
Don’t forget to read Ken Brown’s column and take advantage of a Friday morning hike on the Overlook Trail with he and Heather Morgan. You won’t be disappointed in the beautiful surroundings and the sure-to-be lively conversation.
Most importantly, take time to notice all that’s around you. Our beautiful Valley is home to so many interesting and unique people. Like our Melanie, who will be greatly missed. We dedicate this issue to you, Mel.
