Columns

At this writing, we’re into our second week of some of the most horrendous fires in the history of Northern California. They are still burning and the air is more than a little smoky.

This morning, among all the amazing writing which has emerged from the ashes of the past week, I have to add one small page. It is not my choice to write, as I really have nothing to report of any dramatic nature, since, by sheer luck of the wind Healdsburg and Alexander Valley coughed a bit but didn’t burn. However, deadlines are deadlines, and it is Country Roads time.

The smoke has cleared from the skies overhead but tons of ashes still remain where homes and whole neighborhoods once stood just two weeks ago before the northern California wildfires struck on Oct. 8. The skies may be clear, but our futures are not. Our county just suffered an historic natural disaster, the most destructive wildfire ever in California. We are facing questions and impacts that no one has ever been challenged with before.

Stress, scones and sewing

Rising from the Ashes

“How did Windsor get its name?” This question probably crosses the mind of most every inhabitant of our town at one point or another. However, the historical narrative of the town’s name is often unknown to Windsorites, and some people who think they know the story have some misconceptions. Most people are familiar with the name “Hiram Lewis” (think Hiram Lewis Park), but are in the dark regarding his history and the origins of our town’s name.

100 years ago – October 18, 1917

In the aftermath of the worst firestorm in Sonoma County history last week, local chefs snapped into action doing what they do best: They cooked. They cooked for first responders and the people they saved. They cooked for evacuees. They cooked for volunteers who were helping at local evacuation shelters. The resulting meals included homemade sausages, steak and lasagna. They were adorned with fresh vegetables from local farms, fresh bread from local bakeries and lots of love.

“People are made of flesh and blood and a miracle fiber called courage.” Please send any of your news items to IDlewood 3…” at idlewood3@hbgtrib.com.

Job well done