Volume 67, Issue 10 October, 2023

October 2023 Community Center Calendar



10| HVLT Board Mtg |

17| HVCA Board Mtg |

24| HVSD Board Mtg |

1st/3rd Weds. | Tam Design Review Board Mtg |

Saturdays | A.A. Mtg | 10:00 AM

****Save the Date***

MHS/HV Joint Committee Meeting

Monday, November 6th, 4:00 PM

Marin Horizon School Library

Over 90 people filled the Community center Saturday evening for a joyous and lively celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the 1973 ballot measure that provided $600K ($4.2 M today) in bond funds to purchase Homestead Valley open space and park lands for preservation. The period of the early 1970’s was reflected in some of the potluck items (Jell-o mold fruit salad and tuna casserole), attire (tie-dye and flannel), and 1970’s background music. 

But the focus was on telling the story of how Homestead’s open space and parks came to be. A looping slide show showed how local resident Geoff Barrett inspired the community to save the beautiful hillsides in Homestead Valley from development, how community leaders worked together on the bond campaign, and then how the community came together to vote for the bond issue. Following the 79% vote in favor of the bonds, the founders set about to identify and purchase the large parcels that comprise todays open space lands. The slideshow was complemented by two posters that added detail to the overall story and pointed out that the 1975 purchase of the Community Center house and Meadow were kick-started by the successful 1973 open space bond issue. Photo albums and copies of historical documents were laid out on a table for people to look at to understand more about what it took to create the Homestead Valley open space and Parks that we enjoy today. 

Following dinner, the formal program was kicked off by our County supervisor, Dennis Rodoni (Supervisor, District 4), who presented a commendation from the Board of Supervisors to the residents of Homestead Valley honoring their foresight in preserving the lands for enjoyment by everyone over the years and into the future. Mike Cann and Al Wuthnow described their experiences in the early 1970’s in getting the bond issue passed. Marilyn Barrett told personal stories about her father, Geoff Barrett, that helped paint a picture of who Geoff was and what inspired him. Finally, Dirk Rosen, son of Marty Rosen who helped with open space bond issue, relayed a message from Marty (who could not attend due to a conflicting engagement) about how important it is to have housing and open space, and equity for all people and species in a world with a changing climate.  A lively Q&A period followed the panel’s comments.

For anyone who missed this celebration, there will likely be more such events in the coming years as the community has the opportunity to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the purchase of the Community Center property in 1975, and the articles of incorporation of the Homestead Valley Land Trust in 1976. In the meantime, enjoy the trails and parks and be thankful to the community members who made it all happen back in 1973. 



The ad hoc committee for the 50^th Anniversary Celebration of the Open Space Bond Issue (Curt Oldenburg, Marilyn Barrett, Mike Cann, Jim Derich, Diana Flasher, and Marabeth Grahame)

Homestead Valley Halloween

The Milley Awards for Creative Achievement

Homestead Valley's Tim Ryan to be honored on October 22 at the Milley Awards! 

The Milley Awards for Creative Achievement return to the Mill Valley Community Center on Sunday, October 22, to honor those who have distinguished themselves in their creative field, and/or who have contributed to the creative life of the Mill Valley community. Nominations were open for several months and Homestead Valley's Tim Ryan has been named as one of the honorees in the category of Creative Contributions to the Community.

Tim moved to Mill Valley in 1997 and his many connections to our community include: Homestead Valley Volunteer of the Year, PTA President of Tam Valley Elementary, Mill Valley School District PTA Council Executive VP, Mill Valley School District Director of Maintenance and Operations, Tam High Site Council, Kiddo Board, Marin County General Plan Committee and community volunteer of the I Love a Parade MV Committee.

In 2001, Tim began as a volunteer designing and building sets for schools and local community theatre, and started his community art projects. With his Public Engagement Art, Tim tries to create a pause where the viewer must stop and interact with what they have discovered. His projects using scrap, recyclables and found materials involve countless members of the community whom he invites to participate with him. In Homestead Valley, his “Fork in the Road,” a giant metal fork, invited folks to consider the forks in their own life roads. During the pandemic, his “Hearts” and “Wings” projects made it possible for people to work simultaneously on a project without being physically together, bringing joy and light in difficult times.

On behalf of the Homestead Valley Community Association, please join us in congratulating Tim Ryan on this extraordinary achievement! We hope you all get the opportunity to cross paths with one or more of Tim's installations, and experience the joy and magic he brings to our community.

Fall Class Line Up

Music Class Starts Up this Fall

In Harmony offers family music and movement classes for children ages 0-8 and the grownups who love them! These group music classes, designed for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids, are backed by a research-driven curriculum that will nurture your child's inner musician, but the emphasis is on FUN! You and your children will grow a strong bond through singing, dancing, clapping, bouncing, instrument playing and other rhythm activities! So much more than a music class, In Harmony Music fosters developmental benefits that will support all areas of learning.

Three Friday classes offered at Homestead Valley Community Center at 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm. Save $30 with coupon code HVCC. Additional indoor, outdoor and online classes available around Marin. The 10 week fall session started September 11 - Register now! www.inharmonymusic.com

Pie Making Class!

Sundays in October

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

October 8, 15, 29

Have you ever felt intimidated by making pie? Fear not! Come roll up your sleeves and learn to make a tender, flaky pie crust while making your very own humble and delicious apple pie - just in time for the holidays! You’ll learn some tips and tricks and even eat some pie.. mmm. Cost is $95 per person. $105 Parent / Child together.

For more information visit www.homesteadvalley.org 

Free Introductory Yoga Class, October 12, 9:00 am.

Homestead neighbor, Naomi Relnick, will offer a free, introductory Vinyasa Yoga at the HVCA. We recently engaged in discussions with Naomi about our space and what a perfect spot it is for this type of activity.

Naomi is new to the area but brings 20+ years of teaching experience with her. She and her family moved from NYC about 3 weeks ago and is looking to get involved with the community to teach yoga. Her student base has been professional ballet dancers, athletes and the everyday person who is looking to feel stronger, more limber, and confident in their bodies.

The thought is to start with a free, introductory class on Oct 12th at 9:00 AM, gauge the level of community interest and then build the program from there. Participants would need to supply their own mats, blocks and straps. The class would focus on mid level yoga practitioners and then ultimately be structured to accommodate the feedback we are hoping to receive (beginner level or more vigorous, advance level training).

If interested please RSVP below. Please contact Naomi Relnick with any questions at: nrelnick@gmail.com.  

Paint and Sip Evening Art Class!

Join Robb Havassy, featured Local Artist Series artist, for a Paint and Sip evening art class for adults on Wednesday, October 25, from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Contact Robb Havassy to sign up: Robbhavassyart@gmail.com.

You have been reading a lot about the 50^th Anniversary of the Bond Measure that HV passed in 1973 to purchase over 80 acres of undeveloped land abutting GGNRA and a residence on Montford for a new community space. Community Service Area (CSA) #14 became the entity through which these purchases were funded. Today, CSA#14 funds the operating expenses of HVCA and the HVLT.

There are two primary sources of CSA #14 revenue:

Ad Valorem Taxes

·       Based on the assessed value of your property

Measure A Tax (2009)

·       $125 per improved parcel for Community Center repair and renovation and open space fire hazard reduction

·       2 percent annual increase

Twice a year the CSA #14 Board, made of up of community, HVLT, HVCA and County representatives, meets to request and approve funds from the CSA#14 budget to maintain and improve HVLT and HVCA property/facilities. At the September meeting, the following requests were approved:

• $25,000 to fix the water intrusion on the lower level of the HVCA Center.
• $100,000 for the planning and repair of the Pixie trail slides.
• $60,000 for Phase I of the Meadow Restoration Project, focused on upgrading the irrigation infrastructure and electrical supply.

The next CSA#14 meeting is February 15, 2024

The Homestead Valley Community Association (HVCA) Board of Directors has three seats open starting in January 2024. We are looking for enthusiastic, mission oriented people to fill these seats. The HVCA Board is composed of 15 volunteer members from our community. Serving on the Board is a great way to get involved in your community and make sure we continue to provide programming and services that meet the needs of the neighborhood.

Board Members are asked to attend monthly meetings (3^rd Tuesday night of the month @ 7PM) as often as practical, given this is a volunteer position. In addition to the monthly meeting, Board Members choose at least one committee to join. These committees provide direction for activities and services like our pool, rental of the Community Center and Meadow, special events like the 4^th of July parade/picnic and the Music Festival, communication to the community (like this newsletter!), safety and other important functions related to the overall management of HVCA.

Do you have ideas on how to engage our community? Do you want to get to know your community better and have a role in shaping our future? Do you have expertise that you want to share (e.g. finance, marketing, fund raising, property maintenance)? If you are interested in joining the HVCA Board of Directors, please contact Alan Cowan (former HVCA Board Member and Nominating Committee Chair) at alanhcowan@gmail.com.

Homestead Valley Contact Information

www.HomesteadValley.org