Panthers on a Roll

This just in from coach Flick, “On Tuesday both the varsity traveled to Santa Rosa to take on the Eagles of Rincon Valley Christian High School. The Panthers got off to a slow start dropping the first two sets, and getting pushed to the brink of defeat. The resilient AV teams dug in and bounced back to take the next two sets, with an incredible display of determination and solid defensive play. In the final fifth set the Panthers and the Eagles traded points for most of the game, until Rincon Valley finally edge out the battling AV varsity by a final score of 15-9 On Thursday, Anderson Valley was once again on the road, this time to face the Fort Bragg Timberwolves. This time, Anderson Valley battled their way to two victories. Before the junior varsity match with Fort Bragg, the Panthers were clearly nervous.  But the young Panther team answered the challenge and played flawlessly, defeating the Timber wolves in two straight sets. The varsity victory was also overwhelming. The Panthers served and passed really well, and never gave Fort Bragg any breathing room. Like the JV’s the Panther varsity won in straight sets, 3-0 Last Saturday, the Panthers couldn’t help feeling a sense of deja vous, as the Anderson Valley varsity volleyball team finished a hard week of play by placing second the Eagles Invitational Tournament at Rincon Valley Christian High School. The competition was tough, but Anderson Valley defeated Hoopa, Santa Rosa Christian, and Sonoma Academy before falling to Rincon Valley in two hard fought sets.”

Where are They Now?

Cristina Sanchez lives in Santa Rosa and is married to Jorge Solano, they have one child. She graduated from Sonoma State and works at Redwood Credit Union. Jorge works at Fetzer Winery and still enjoys playing soccer. They are buying their home.

Steve Alvarez was in the service in Germany where he was a diesel mechanic. He is back in California now and used his experience to get a job as a civilian mechanic.

Cassandra Swanson
class of 2009 has decided to follow in her sister Brittany's footsteps and is moving to Phoenix Arizona as soon as she reaches her 18th birthday where she will attend school.

Delightful and Challenging

I asked Stephanie Gold the new AVHS counselor for some thoughts on her experience thus far. “I feel blessed finding myself in a warm and intimate school  team- the whole kit and caboodle. My first day here teachers kept dropping by just to see if I was 'holding up okay'. A kind and welcoming gesture from the faculty. The challenging thins is that I work half time and people need me when they need me. I'm not always here at that moment.” Todd Adams the new science teacher told me that he thinks science can be a
lot of fun but, that he does not relish paperwork. These four items are on his wish list for putting together some lively science demonstrations: 4” or greater diameter iron ball, Hot Wheels ramps and jumps, 6 ft. or longer spring, 4” speaker. If you have any of these call me 894-8429 and I'll contact Todd.

Above and Beyond

Nancy McCleod, Bill Allen, Anastasio Gutierrez, Colleen Schenck and Bob Abeles all have something in common. They went above and beyond on their own time to make the high school a better place. The first four people worked on creating a completely transfigured Jr. High Quad from grant writing to  design to rugged stone planter making and  drought tolerant plantings. Local computer whizz Bob worked with our own computer brainiac Jim Luttikin all summer to install and get “Aries” running- our new master computer program. This job could not have been anything less than a major headache and a frustration fest. The AV School Board took their hats off to these fearless volunteers and presented them with parchment certificates of appreciation at their last meeting. J.R. Saud that when he speaks to other administrators they are always amazed that our volunteers willingly take on so much responsibility.

Saffron Picks a 4H Clover

Saffron Fraser comes from one heck of a community minded family. Her father Dave is a long timer member of the AV Volunteer Ambulance Crew and her sister Glad Walsh is likewise a long time force within the AV Chamber of Commerce. So, it comes as no surprise that Saffron is the Community Leader the AV 4H. She wants to invite all kids 5-19 to join 4H and any interested adult to help out. Learn about raising animals, quilting, preserving, baking, camping, green building and lots more. The 4H usually meets the first Tues. of each month at the Fairgrounds. Contact Saffron at 895-3090 (h), 489-2591 © or at saffron@pacific.net. Learn more about 4H at
www.ca4h.org

The Fairest of them all 2009

Of course we will all be there. Be sure to buy a baked potato with all the trimmings from the AVHS Leaderships classes. This will give you long burning energy so you can “do it all” baked potato first cotton candy and corn dog later. Once fortified check out the amazing number of art entries by Jr. High and Sr. High Students submitted by devoted art teacher Nadia Berrigan. Proceed to the livestock area where you will probably find AG teacher Beth Swehla  with her FFA students in their tailored navy blue jackets showing or grooming their prizewinning animals. Don't forget to look for student entries in the home arts, homegrown and floral displays also. See you at the fair!

Pearls from Mollie

Mollie Johnson mistress of the AV Even Start Program recently dropped a few pearls into my ear. First, the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore Maryland called Mollie to request quilts by Luzma Bucio, Angeles Segura, Carmela Valdivia and Alma Carrillo for their exhibit. This is quite an honor for these four women artists and our community.  Second, on October 2nd the women of “Los Hilos De La Vida”, The Threads of Life will be on hand at Lauren's to sign copies of their brand new book of the same name. Mollie wants to  thank the Mendocino Community Foundation for the $35,000 grant that funded the book and the movie by filmmaker Lee Serrie. If you loved their picture/story quilts or you know a quilt lover you will want this book. Mollie also told me that there is a good opportunity to bridge the cultural divide by volunteering to listen to and assist kids read in both English and Spanish call Donna at 895-3010. Also, Mitzi at the Adult School is looking for volunteers to help adult ESL: learners call 895-2953.

More Than a Bake Sale

A bake sales does not raise $16,000 but the Anderson Valley Parents and Teachers did over just this past year! Would you like to help raise funds for our elementary kids in this budget strapped economy? Money for supplies, filed trips, the music program, the reading programs etc.? Call PTAV President Bronwen Hanes 489-9272 or write bhanes@orionwinesw.com or just come to a meeting at the elementary every third Monday at 3:15 in the library. All are invited and welcome.

Got School News? Contact Terry 894-8429 tryder@mcn.org