View this email in your browser

Who has the Biggest Oak in Bennett Valley?

Craig Harrison was walking down Sonoma Mountain Road the other day and thought to himself: “We have some pretty big oak trees in Bennett Valley. I wonder who has the largest one?” When he emailed us about it, he added: “I’m going to climb out on the rickety limb of an ancient oak and guess that we might have some trees that date back to the founding of the nation.”

Wouldn’t it be cool to know precisely how old your biggest tree was, simply by encircling it with a tape measure? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Craig consulted with a forestry-savvy friend who says there’s no reliable way to use a tree’s size to tell its age because growth depends on soil and site. (Though there is a way to guess-timate, which you can explore here, if you’re determined.)

But still size matters — to us, anyway! So we are calling for nominees for Biggest Bennett Valley Oak! To enter, measure the circumference of your biggest tree at what the experts call “breast height” (about five feet above the ground). Be sure there are no knobs or bumps and that the trunk is smooth, and make sure your measuring tape stays pretty level. Then, take a photo of the measuring tape (and, for good measure, the tree itself) and submit your pix by replying to this email or email your photo to info@bennettvalley.org The winner will get bragging rights and other goodies we haven’t decided upon yet! All entries due by December 31!

Caveat: If you are concerned about privacy, we don’t have to say exactly where your tree is (though of course, we’d all like to know). Please specify when you enter the contest if you are worried about this.

Photo credit: Robert Stephens. This huge oak tree (above) is across from 5065 Sonoma Mountain Road. When Robert was measuring it (20 feet, 9 inches at its narrowest point, below where the branches emerge) certified arborist Robert Phillips drove by and guess-timated that oak is about 250 years old. Neighbor Mark Richardson and his sister, Caryn remember playing in it — they called it The Ghost Tree — when they were kids. Says Mark, “There’s a big hollow cavity in it, so you could climb down inside.” Every tree has a story!

Big news: Bennett Valley Remains Whole!

• On November 29, the Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to split Bennett Valley between two districts, approving a new map of Sonoma County that keeps our neighborhood intact.

• A shout out to all Bennett Valley voices who helped to reinforce the integrity of our community.

• Supervisors based their decision on 2020 census data.

• For more info on this, head to bennettvalley.org/plan and read the report from our new BVCA board member, Chris Gralapp

Meet Chris Gralapp, new BVCA Board member

As a kid, Chris moved with her family to Bennett Valley in 1965. She and her siblings rambled and roamed the hills, swam in the farm ponds, fished in the creeks, and climbed the peaks surrounding their home. Her parents became charter members of the then-newly formed Bennett Valley Homeowners’ Association (now BVCA) in 1970, and she has proudly continued the membership.

She attended Bennett Valley School, Slater, Montgomery, Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. After graduating from University of California, San Francisco with a Master’s degree in medical and scientific illustration, she has operated her own successful freelance business in scientific visualization for clients all over the world. She has served on several boards, including as Chair of the Board for her professional association.

“I have an abiding love for the valley, and feel that the time is right to become actively involved in the BVCA,” she told us. “One of my missions is to renew awareness of the Bennett Valley Area Plan, which is sometimes overlooked as the guiding document it was designed to be. Our valley stands at a pivotal moment, and I want the plan to stay strong and ensure that newer residents and Sonoma County staff understand how important it is.”

A party to celebrate BV Grange reopening!

Come out and support our Bennett Valley Grange, celebrate its reopening and consider becoming a member! The party is Sunday, December 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be live music, a fun craft table for kids, a wreath making demonstration, hot cocoa, cider, and holiday treats. Come meet your neighbors and do a little holiday shopping (all gifts sold will benefit the Building Fund). Plus: a surprise visitor! (Have you been naughty or nice?)

Updates

Deb Forton got the job done regarding “No Dumping” signs: Since our last newsletter in September, there are new signs posted at Crane Canyon at Inverness; on Bennett Valley Road between Savannah Trail at Enterprise; and on Sonoma Mountain Road, where it widens right before the stop sign at Bennett Valley Road. Deb is still lobbying for signs to be posted at 5561 Sonoma Mountain Road (at Belden Barns) and near 4393 Pressley. Any more recommendations can be sent to Deb at reddogvineyards@gmail.com

Vineyard profile: Berlin Vineyards

Your vines were originally planted in 2008. Is that when you first moved to Bennett Valley, or have you been here longer?

We moved to Bennett Valley December of ‘76 and planted vines in ‘81.

How did you become growers? Was growing grapes a family tradition, or something you discovered on your own? If the latter, tell us the story!

We decided to plant as we saw the wine industry develop. I signed up for some viticulture classes from Rich Thomas at the SRJC

Do you have a vineyard dog or cat (or cow, or llama)? If so, would love to hear the breed and their names.

We’ve had a number over the years and we currently have a Terrier mix named Mosely.

If you could drink any bottle of wine on earth with your dinner tonight, what would it be?

Our 2018 Estate grown Pinot noir. It was grown, produced and bottled right outside out door.

Lastly, what's your favorite memory or experience about living in Bennett Valley?

The roads are definitely better but its also the same quiet & lovely place. When we first came here, some people were still riding their horses down the road (while drinking a beer too!)