by David Maciel
Sponsored by Ray’s Food Place, Furber Plaza 
May brings warmer weather & Mother’s Day and this flank steak recipe will keep Mom smiling. I’ve made this several times and it’s always a hit. It pairs well with a cold pasta salad & a nice glass of your favorite beverage. It can be cooked in the oven but I prefer the BBQ or smoker. You can sear the flank steak on an open flame or in a cast iron pan.

Ingredients
• 1 flank steak
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the BBQ to 375°F. In a medium bowl, combine parsley, Gorgonzola cheese, spinach leaves, garlic, onion, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt and pepper; mix well. Place flank steak on a cutting board and spread the spinach mixture evenly over the top of the steak. Roll up the steak and tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals to secure it. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add steak roll and cook for 3 minutes per side or until lightly browned on all sides or sear on an open flame on the BBQ. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve warm.

Cort Harold Amelung, a lifelong Cloverdale native, passed away suddenly yet peacefully at home following recent health challenges, leaving behind a life deeply tied to the community he always called home. The Amelung name has long been part of Cloverdale’s history, and Cort carried that legacy with a steady, understated pride. His family was known for operating local staples including Harold’s Dante Hotel; “The Dante”, Harold’s Car Wash on the Boulevard, and a neighborhood laundromat – places that became gathering spots for the community and part of everyday life in Cloverdale.

Cort was a private man who kept to himself, but those closest to him knew a different side – witty, funny, and full of a dry sense of humor. He loved to play subtle jokes, often delivered with perfect timing, and his humor was something his close friends especially appreciated. Though his circle was small, his friendships were strong, and he was a generous and loyal friend – someone who showed up, helped quietly, and gave without ever needing recognition.

He lived a simple and humble life. He found peace in the outdoors – hunting deer and wild pig, fishing, and exploring under open skies, often alongside his best friend Scott Gladden, and always with his dog Brownie.

During his marriage to Marilynn, Cort had three children Dillon, Sadie, and Dallas whom he was very proud of and loved deeply. He also had a stepdaughter, Shannon, and her daughter, Olivia.

For the last decade of his life, Cort and his partner, Nancy Bach, built a life together marked by companionship and shared moments. Cort was preceded in death by his mother, Noriece Amelung, his father, Harold Amelung, and his brother, Bill Fleming.

Cort will be remembered as someone who didn’t seek attention, but left a lasting impression through his humor, loyalty, and steady presence. His roots in Cloverdale – and the life he lived here will not be forgotten.

Giovannetti. A 1960 graduate of Cloverdale High. She attended Chico State University. She taught elementary education in Woodland and Healdsburg and in later years worked at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Ginny was preceded in death by her husband Ron Malvesti, her parents and her brother Leo. She is survived by her loving daughter Deanna Danforth (Lee) and her adoring granddaughter Cate. She is also survived by her brother and sister Paul and Geri Giovannetti.

Services were held March 26 in Healdsburg, CA.

It is with sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life well lived, that Dolores’ children share her passing at the age of 100.
Dolores was born on Rancho Sespe in Ventura County, California, the eldest of four children. She met her beloved husband in high school, and they married after his discharge from the Navy in 1945. Soon after, they moved to Sante Fe Springs, where they raised three children.

Dolores worked for many years in a bridal salon, but her favorite role was as a teacher’s aide. In 2010, she settled in Cloverdale to be closer to family, coming full circle from her ranch beginnings to city life, and back again at Red Fox Ranch.
A member of St Peter’s Catholic Church and the Senior Center, she enjoyed crocheting and there she met her devoted caregiver. Though she became hard of hearing, her social spirit never faded – she embraced texting and social media to stay connected.

Her faith and her family were her greatest treasures. She had a gift for making each person feel truly seen and valued. Her children teased her, saying that the secret to her longevity was eating meat daily, salting her food and drinking a glass of wine every night.

Dolores is survived by her children Bob (Marsha), Irene (Pat), and Debbie (Steve); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many extended family members and friends. A memorial at Red Fox Ranch will be held at a later date.