Falling back; Council picks; What's Furmint?
That hour you lost last March? You can have it back on Sunday, November 2, as Daylight Savings Time ends…or begins. Whatever. A nuisance either way. So set your old-time clocks back (the enabled devices will handle it themselves) and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. Then try to recapture that comfort when it gets dark, seemingly, at 3:30 that afternoon… The switch might make you grumpy for a few days as your body adapts to the new cycle. For some folks, though – those who have depression or a heart problem – it’s more serious; studies show there’s a higher risk for suicide or heart attack. Yikes. On second thought, unplug the clock altogether. It will be Monday soon enough.
Among the candidates for Sonoma City Council, the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Ken Brown, Gary Edwards and Rachel Hundley. That’s the same slate picked by the “Index-Tribune.” The “Press Democrat” also likes Brown and Edwards, but differs with the choice of Madolyn Agrimonti. The Sun, you might remember, endorsed Agrimonti, Cameron Stuckey and Jack Wagner.
The Jefferson Awards are a bid deal, sort of the Academy Awards of public service. As part of national program, the County Board of Supervisors selects five honorees each year. Among the 2014 notables is Dr. Jack Sherman, for his commitment to developing dental programs to meet the needs of at-risk children and youth in care at the Valley of the Moon Children’s Center (VMCC) and the Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. Dr. Sherman’s role has transitioned from the role of consultant into the VMCC Dental Director, where he provides outstanding services – and all as a volunteer… Other honorees are out of the Valley but worth knowing about: Matt Martin, the executive director of Social Advocates for Youth; Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa; Verity, for services and programs for victims of sexual violence; and Mont Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman, who also chairs the Monte Rio Parks and Rec board.
The Board of Supes, goes the jargon, “is now in a position to continue a comprehensive program of rehabilitating our transportation infrastructure.” Job one is fixing 2.5 miles of Bennett Valley Road, between Old Bennett Ridge Road and Warm Springs Road. The project begins soon. And the pothole on your street moves up on the to-do list.
What’s Furmint? The name may lose a little something in translation, especially the fur part, but it’s actually Hungary’s best-known wine varietal. It’s used to produce dry whites, as well as the famous Tokaji dessert wines. The Sonoma-Tokaj Sister Cities Committee will host a Furmint tasting on Saturday, November 8 at the Sonoma Community Center, as reps from 12 Hungarian wineries will be on hand to present their versions of the Sister City Grape. Tickets are $25, and include hors d’oeuvres, 3 to 5 p.m. Call 938.0224.
