by David Maciel
Sponsored by Ray’s Food Place, Furber Plaza 
The smell of fall and harvest is in the October air. The cooler morning temps give way to warm afternoons. This creamy very rich soup is a perfect belly warming meal for those cooler evenings

Ingredients
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 (15 oz.) cans pure pumpkin puree
• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. dried sage leaves
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 oz. Parmesan cheese
• 3 strips cooked bacon

Instructions

1. Put a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, salt, pepper, sage, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Stir. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Cover and cook, stirring often, until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Taste. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
3. While the soup is coming up to a simmer, finely grate the parmesan cheese and finely chop the bacon. Mix them together.
4. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drop the Parmesan and bacon mixture into the pan in 6 little piles with space between them. When the piles have melted and started to brown (about a minute), use a spatula to scrape under them and flip them over. They’ll squidge up a bit when you try to get under them but that’s okay. Cook, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, 1-3 more minutes. Remove from heat. Let them cool for a minute and then chop them up.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the bacon and Parmesan crumbles.

John was born to John and June Novak in Chicago, Illinois. He entered eternal rest after a brief illness.

John is survived by wife Kelly, his 4 children and 3 stepchildren, 4 brothers, and one sister. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

John was known for his faith in God and was a man of true kindness, always willing to lend a hand. A proud veteran of the US Air Force and a member of the American Legion volunteering service to the Cloverdale Community.

John was an Educator in Industrial Arts for many years ranging from Chicago, IL. to Sonoma – Mendocino Counties. John retired from teaching at Cloverdale High as an Industrial Arts Educator. John’s students called him respectfully, “Sarge”. John did his best to encourage students with their futures. He will be greatly missed by many who knew him.

A memorial service was held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Cloverdale with full military honors.
On behalf of the Novak family, thank you for your continued prayer and support.

Craig William Furber, 79, of Healdsburg, CA, passed away on September 18, 2025.

Craig was born September 6, 1946, in San Rafael, California, to Helen and Alan Furber Sr. He grew up in Cloverdale, where he played baritone in the high school band. He later earned a degree in Business Administration from Santa Rosa Junior College.
Craig began his professional career in banking, holding a variety of roles from the installment loan desk to assistant manager. In 1973, he became Bank Manager at First National Bank, where he was valued for his sharp critical analysis and skill in navigating complex financial matters. After a successful career in banking, Craig retired from the industry in 1986 to join his parents and brother in developing family land in Cloverdale into homes and the Furber Ranch Plaza shopping center, contributing to the community’s growth.

Craig will be remembered as an avid horse owner (Edelweiss Farms) whose prize-winning horses brought him great pride, a devoted San Francisco Giants fan, a fisherman who enjoyed time on the water with his brother Alan and brother-in-law Jim, and a man deeply dedicated to the animals he loved—especially his horses and dachshunds. Above all, Craig cherished his wife,
Suzanne Furber, whom he met on a blind date that began with a high school dance. The two shared a loving marriage of nearly 50 years until her passing.