Join Us: Sonoma Overlook Trail Town History Walk and Garden Party

Sonoma Overlook Trail trail stewards and Sonoma League for Historic Preservation  are sponsoring a downtown history walk and garden party at Maysonnave House on Saturday, Sept. 22, 3 to 5:30 p.m. to raise money for the trail’s current rehabilitation project and regular maintenance. Registration cost is $50 per person, which includes finger foods, a glass of wine and a leisurely afternoon in the beautiful Maysonnave fall gardens.maysonnave house

Participants can pick up self-guided walking tour materials at the historic house, 291 First St. East, and learn about the Plaza’s colorful and intriguing history from Chuck Bingham of the League.

Barbara White Perry, Sonoma Treasure Artist and author of Drawing Sonoma, will be on hand and has donated a framed drawing of Maysonnave House and a special bottle of Buena Vista Private Reserve Zinfandel from her vineyard for a raffle.

Volunteer trail stewards will also update participants about the progress of the  Overlook trail rehabilitation project.

If you have any questions contact Hope Nisson at hopenisson@me.com

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Day of Celebration

Today around 50 people came out to celebrate 15 years of the Overlook Trail and offer our gratitude to those who fought to save it, and the town, from the recent fires. State Senator Bill Dodd was in attendance, as well as many local environmental celebrities.

The celebration began with music provided by Paul Genovese and Bob Taylor. After some remarks from Steward Chair Joanna Kemper, the two people most responsible for establishing the trail, Karen Collins and Maggie Salenger, spoke about how the trail came about. A story in the Sonoma Index-Tribune about the celebration also has some of that information.

State Senator Bill Dodd also said a few words and announced that he would donate $500 (a sum that harkens back to a donation of the same amount from State Assemblymember Wes Chesbro when the trail was just getting started). The speakers were followed by a short sing-along of songs of love and appreciation.

Guests enjoyed coffee, apple cider, and muffins before hitting the trail for a hike (naturally). The weather cooperated and the predicted rain held off. About 40 people hiked up to the top and enjoyed the view.

Join us for a Free Community Gratitude Hike!

Join us for a Free Community Gratitude Hike Saturday, December 2 at 9:00am. There will be music, coffee and muffins and we’ll hike the Overlook Trail weather permitting. For more information contact Jeni Nichols at jeninichols@icloud.com.

Day of the Dead Cemetery Tour

45 people came to walk through Mountain Cemetery and hear amateur historian, Fred Allebach tell stories about past Sonomans that now inhabit the cemetery. Not only were the curious hikers entertained with stories about well known pioneers such as Samuel Sebastiani, Mariano Vallejo, and William Montini, they also were introduced to lesser known real estate tycoons, butchers, and even murderers.

Grateful dead folktales were told and Sonoma’s rich history came alive. The funds from this years tour will be used to repair the damage from fire fighting actitivies. If you missed this event and would like to take a self guided tour of the cemetery, pick up the Mountain Cemetery Walking Tour brochure at the Overlook Trail Kiosk written by Fred Allebach and enter the Mountain Cemetery next to the kiosk.

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Walk Sonoma History Through Sonoma Mountain Cemetery

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS—DAY OF THE DEAD

WALK SONOMA HISTORY THROUGH SONOMA MOUNTAIN CEMETERY 

Saturday November 4

Two Opportunities: 9:30 am OR 1:00 pm

The Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards invite you to take a lively, informative walk through our historic cemetery with amateur historian Fred Allebach.

Meet cowboys and Indians, ranchers and real estate tycoons, farmers and farriers, carpenters and stone masons, quarrymen, grocers, butchers, bakers, maybe a candlestick maker, and many more!

This fundraising event is limited to 20 participants. Your $35 donation includes the walking tour and small bites. . . complete with googly eyes.

All proceeds go to the Sonoma Overlook Trail Maintenance and Education programs. The Trail is solely supported by private donations. To reserve your spot, email Hope Nisson hopedn@sbcglobal.net. Indicate time preference.