Insider Edition 79 | November 14, 2024 | | |
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Hello Windsor!
As we enter the Holiday season, it is a good time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for each year. The first things that come to my mind are family and the Town we live in.
The dedicated staff and the residents of this great Community have truly made Windsor one of the best places to live and raise a family in the state.
Please join me in celebrating the 23rd Annual Town of Windsor Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, December 5 at 5 pm on the Town Green. For more information visit Holiday Celebration 2024 | Windsor, CA - Official Website.
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In this edition of the Insider:
Michael A. Hall Park Gardens
Community Meeting
Volunteers Needed
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Holiday Dinner at the Senior Center
Food Scraps
Windsor CRV Center Location
Fireplace & Chimney Safety Tips
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MICHAEL A. HALL PARK GARDENS | |
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On October 30, the Town celebrated the newly planted pollinator garden and rain garden feature at Michael A. Hall Park located at 431 Jane Drive, Windsor!
Town Water Conservation and Storm Water program staff talked with residents at the event about the important function of both gardens and shared information on sustainable landscaping and stormwater pollution prevention. Staff from Conservation Works shared information on the importance of pollinators such as bees, and guided residents through making their own native seed bomb to plant at home!
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Overall, it was a great event, and the Town is thrilled to have these beautiful and functional gardens as a new part of the park! Check out the native pollinator garden and rain garden anytime, located at the north end of Michael A. Hall Park. | |
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Economic Development Strategic Plan Meeting November 18 at 6 PM!
The Town of Windsor is developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) to establish a clear path for economic growth while setting specific goals, strategies, and actions to strengthen our local economy and tax base. In partnership with Economic Development Growth Strategies and the Natelson Dale Group, our aim is to create a comprehensive plan that reflects the vision and priorities of our community.
During this meeting, we will review the Preliminary Framework report, which outlines major themes, strategic approaches, and recommended business targets for Windsor’s EDSP. The framework draws on initial findings from extensive community engagement, economic data analysis, and input gathered through datasets, surveys, interviews, and meetings with stakeholders throughout 2024. This report provides preliminary recommendations that will guide a more comprehensive draft of the EDSP.
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2nd Community Meeting Details
Date: November 18, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town of Windsor City Council Chambers
This workshop is an opportunity to build on the Vision, Strategy Themes, and Potential Action Items outlined in the framework. We invite all residents, local business owners, and community leaders to participate in a discussion about Windsor’s economic future, share feedback on the framework, and confirm ideas that emerged from the community engagement process. Your input is crucial in shaping the EDSP and ensuring it aligns with the interests and aspirations of Windsor’s residents, policymakers, and businesses.
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This workshop is part of a broader community engagement process, including meetings with stakeholders, Council members, and Town staff. For more information, please visit our dedicated EDSP webpage, where we will post updates throughout the plan’s development, or contact Economic Development Manager Tim Ricard at tricard@townofwindsor.com or 707-838-5339. | | |
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Volunteer Day: Wilson Ranch Soccer Park!
Please join your neighbors and help beautify the grounds at Wilson Soccer Ranch!
Friends, families, and neighbors are welcome and encouraged to join.
All necessary equipment will be provided. Please bring gloves if you would like to wear them.
Email edagosta@townofwindsor.ca.gov or text 707 892-1279 if you want to attend.
For more information visit, https://www.townofwindsor.com/volunteers.
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HOLIDAY DINNER AT THE SENIOR CENTER | |
Windsor Senior Recreation Center (WSRC) Holiday Dinner | |
The WSRC is hosting its annual holiday dinner, on Tuesday, December 10 at 3 pm. The cost is $10 per person, and you must pre-register by calling the Recreation Department at 707-838-1250. Space fills up quickly! | |
The County transfer stations are seeing a high level of contamination in organic waste disposal. This is an accumulation countywide. We hope you can help our community be better by keeping harmful contaminants out of the compost, such as plastics, clothing, and garbage while ensuring the proper material goes into your kitchen pail and organic waste cart or bin. | |
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We can help you to compost by giving you a FREE kitchen pail to dispose of the scraps, leftovers, and soiled paper products properly.
You can get a FREE kitchen pail by stopping by any Town office or by calling Sonoma County Resource Recovery at 707-795-7470 or visit https://www.sonomacorr.com/.
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During the holidays, it is estimated that “70 billion pounds of food waste are sent to the landfill every year, with the heaviest losses during the holidays” per Brightly, a sustainability platform.
Please follow this illustration or visit Curbside Services: Compost Cart | Zero Waste Sonoma. If you have a questionable item and need assistance, please call Sonoma County Resource Recovery at 707-795-7470 or visit https://www.sonomacorr.com/.
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WINDSOR CRV CENTER LOCATION | |
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Windsor California Redemption Value (CRV) Center
Closing November 30
Windsor residents, please be advised: The CRV (California Redemption Value) center managed by United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay (UCPNB) on Bluebird Drive will conclude operations on November 30, 2024, marking the end of its two-year pilot program in partnership with the Town of Windsor.
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Efforts are underway to open a new CRV redemption location at Windsor Creek Elementary School.
Until the new center opens, residents can redeem at
these nearby CRV facilities:
- 370 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
- 485 Grove St, Healdsburg, CA
- 1000 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA
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When Windsor's Brogard Recycling Center closed in 2022 due to market challenges, residents were left without a local option for CRV redemption. In response, the Town, in collaboration with Zero Waste Sonoma and UCPNB, established the Bluebird Drive CRV kiosk through a CalRecycle-funded pilot program.
To address community feedback about space and capacity at the Bluebird Drive site, the Town worked with UCPNB and the Windsor Unified School District to designate Windsor Creek Elementary School as the new CRV location. An MOU with the school district is in place, and CalRecycle approval is expected soon.
As part of the Bluebird Drive site transition, the location will be repurposed as a Community Resiliency Hub by Nuestra Comunidad, a Windsor-based nonprofit. This new center will offer residents vital support, such as emergency preparedness resources, health and safety programs, and crisis assistance.
For more information, please contact Tim Ricard in the Economic Development Office at tricard@townofwindsor.ca.gov or 707-838-5339.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to maintain this valuable service for the Windsor community.
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FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY SAFETY TIPS | |
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Sonoma County Fire District: Fireplace & Chimney Safety Tips for the Colder Season
As the colder months approach, many in our community are preparing to light their fireplaces and wood stoves to keep warm. However, it’s essential to ensure that fireplaces and chimneys are ready to operate safely. The Sonoma County Fire District has prepared a few key tips to help you protect your home and loved ones as you start using your fireplaces and stoves this season.
Clear Away Debris & Obstructions
Debris such as bird nests, leaves, or other materials can block the chimney flue, preventing smoke and gases from escaping properly. An obstructed chimney can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home, which can be deadly. Before the season starts, make sure to remove any blockages and check that the damper opens, closes, and seals properly.
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Schedule an Annual Chimney Inspection
Each year, a certified chimney sweep should inspect and clean your chimney. Over time, chimneys can develop creosote, a highly flammable residue from burning wood, which accumulates on chimney walls. Excessive creosote can lead to chimney fires, so regular inspections and cleaning are crucial. A professional will also check for any blockages, cracks, or loose bricks that may lead to dangerous conditions.
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Install & Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every home should have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Before lighting your first fire of the season, test these devices and replace batteries as needed. Place alarms near each bedroom, and if you have multiple levels, make sure each floor has at least one detector. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making detectors essential for safety.
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Dispose of Ashes Safely
Ashes from a fireplace can stay hot for days, so always use a metal container to store them. Allow the ashes to cool completely before disposing of them and store the container away from your home and any other structures.
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By following these simple steps, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a cozy, safe winter season with the warmth of your fireplace. The Sonoma County Fire District is here to support you in keeping your home safe. If you have any questions about fireplace safety or need further resources, feel free to reach out to our team.
Stay warm and stay safe this season!
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Come Join Us!
The Town of Windsor is active with events year-round.
The following Town links will provide you with dates and event details to "mark your calendar".
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The Town of Windsor is looking for talented people.
For information on open positions, click here for the full list. If you have questions about working for the Town, please reach out to our Human Resources team at hr@townofwindsor.com.
Join our team! Go here to apply.
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Here are some public meetings and workshops we would love for you to participate in. For more information on the agenda, view the meeting, or the recording click on the meeting link. | |
As always, if you'd like to get the Insider sent directly to your email inbox, go to our Notify Me page to sign up. Please let us know what you think -- we welcome your feedback. | |
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Town of Windsor
9291 Old Redwood Highway
Windsor, CA 95492
(707) 838-1000
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