The 4.4-magnitude earthquake earlier this week (6:39 PM on Sept. 13) is a reminder that we all need to be prepared for disasters, whether they’re earthquakes, wildfires, floods, or other events, such as prolonged power outages.

If you haven’t already, create a plan and build an emergency supply kit.  Consider the unique needs of your family, such as supplies that might be needed by older adults and those with disabilities. And don’t forget pets! Add items in your kit such as a selfie photo with your pets in case you get separated; medicine and grooming items; and a collar with an ID and leash. For more helpful resources on emergency preparedness, go to https://www.ready.gov/.

Sept. 17: Take Part in Windsor Watershed Clean-Up 

Do you love walking by Windsor's creeks? Do you want to improve the urban wildlife habitat and help prevent trash from downtown streets going into our storm drains, creeks, and ocean? Join the Town of Windsor and Russian Riverkeeper for the 36th Annual Russian River Watershed Cleanup Day this Saturday, September 17, from 9-11 AM.

By volunteering, you will receive a gift and be entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses. Supplies such as gloves, bags, and trash pickers will be provided. The event will start on the Windsor Town Green, on Market Street near Old Redwood Highway; please look for Town staff members.

We recommend you register for the event on Eventbrite. For more information, visit http://russianriverkeeper.org/the-36th-annual-russian-river-watershed-cleanup/

Sept. 16-18: Big Joe Restoration

The sculpture “Big Joe,” located at the roundabout at Old Redwood Highway and Windsor Road, is scheduled to undergo restoration and re-painting from Friday, Sept. 16, to Sunday, Sept. 18. This restoration is not expected to impact traffic.  

“Big Joe” was created by Peter Forakis and is on loan to the Town from the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation. 

Sept. 21: Stop by Our Booth at the Farmers Market

Meet Town Manager Jon Davis and staff from the Town’s water and environment and sustainability teams at the Windsor Certified Farmers Market on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 AM – 1 PM. Stop by our booth to say hello and:

• Create your own water conservation kit.
• Learn about energy and money saving opportunities for homeowners through BayREN.
• Check out giveaways like dog-waste baggie rolls, grease scrapers, and water bottle stickers.
• Get a Kids Creek Protector puzzle to celebrate Creek Week!
• Test your garbage knowledge with the “Do you know your trash?” game!
• Participate in a raffle for two iron garden art pieces.  

Oct. 1: The Parade is Back!

The Windsor Day Parade will take place on Saturday, October 1, at 10 AM. Come out to enjoy the parade with your friends and neighbors and celebrate Windsor’s big heart and small town!

The parade route will start at Windsor High School and end at the Windsor Town Green. The duke and duchess for this year's parade, appointed by the Kiwanis Club of Windsor, will be Jose Castaneda and Anne Marie Pitts for their pride in Windsor and acts of giving back to the community.

Volunteers needed: The Windsor Kiwanis Club needs your help to ensure the Windsor Day Parade runs smoothly. Volunteer tasks include participant and parade route check-in. If you're interested or have questions, email parade@kiwaniswindsor.org.

And if you’d like to take part in the parade, it’s not too late -- you have until Sept. 17 to submit your parade application. Go to https://www.kiwaniswindsor.org/parade to download an application. 

Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Firefighters

A message from your Sonoma County Fire District: We love being out in the community! Our prevention division and firefighters take pride in helping to reduce risk through public education. Want some tips on home hardening? Do you know when to replace your smoke alarm? Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Do you know the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?

Visit our booth and learn the answers to these questions. Of course, you can just stop by and say hi and take a picture with the shiny red fire engine; we would love to meet you!  Upcoming events where you can find us:

• Sept. 16: Fiestas Patrias – Windsor Town Green
• Sept. 18: Fiesta de Independencia – Luther Burbank Center
• Oct. 1: Windsor Day Parade
• Oct. 5: National Walk & Roll to School Day
• Oct. 15: National Fire Prevention Week, Windsor Station 3 Open House

Oct. 7-9: Free E-Waste and Mattress Recycling
in Windsor 

Are you doing some fall tidying? Zero Waste Sonoma has partnered with Conservation Corps North Bay and the Mattress Recycling Council to host free e-waste and mattress collection events at the parking lot of the Windsor Huerta Gymnasium, 9291 Old Redwood Hwy. No appointments are necessary.

Electronics (E-Waste) Recycling: Friday - Sunday, Oct. 7 - 9, from 9 AM – 5 PM: Acceptable items include working and non-working TVs, office equipment, cell phones, tablets, printers, computers, laptops, stereos, game consoles, microwaves, cords, etc. Not accepting appliances, batteries, or light bulbs.

Mattress Recycling: Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 AM – 5 PM: Acceptable items include clean and dry mattresses of any size, box springs, and futons.  Limit of three units per vehicle per day. Not accepting soiled or wet mattresses, futon frames, or bedding. Mattresses will be collected on October 8 only!
 
Visit www.zerowastesonoma.gov  for more information or call (707) 565-3375.