# 182 - November 11th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...Let’s take care of a couple of things before getting to the really important stuff...Public Service Announcements - #115: The monthly meeting of the I.C.W. (Independent Career Women) will take place next Wednesday, Nov 18th at Lauren’s at 7pm. I hope my invitation does not get lost in the mail yet again and meanwhile can only wonder to myself - ‘when will the men in this Women-Powered Valley get something similar organized?’... #116: An early heads-up that the Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will be in the Valley for their monthly visit next Thursday, Nov 19th. They will be at the A.V. Farm Supply north of Philo on Hwy 128 from 2pm to 3.30pm... #117: And another early warning for you - the final Barn Sale of the year will be on Saturday/Sunday, November 21st/22nd at The Big Barn at the St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on A.V. Way just north of Boonville. More details next week... Now please read on...
Today, November 11th, is Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Europe and Canada), rightfully regarded as a very important day for observance. This occasion marks the anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War One (the so-called “War to end all Wars” - if only it had been), which took place at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. It is not a day to celebrate victories but rather one to take a moment for remembrance of those who fought, and in many cases gave their lives, so that ours may be better. I’d like to share with you a few words from the very moving poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon, written in 1924, that will allow you to reflect for a brief moment or two on this day. This four-line stanza is also known as ‘The Remembrance’...
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
And for this week’s edition of Anderson Valley Who’s Who I appropriately offer you the names of those who run the local branch of the American Legion. Keep up the good work and many thanks to all who served – Commander Ray Langevin, Adjutant Mark Fontaine, Sergeant-at-Arms Freda Fox, Vice Commander Brian Schreiner, Membership Secretary Larry Lombard, and Financial Officer Kirk Wilder...
The Quote of the Week – well, we’re not having a quote this week but rather a poem, or part of one. I thought it would be appropriate to include a poignant verse from the poem “Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori” (It is sweet and correct to die for one’s country) by World War One poet, Wilfred Owen, probably the finest war poet of all... Owen and others have suffered a gas attack by the Germans and are transporting a dying fellow soldier away from the front lines. The man’s suffering leads Owen to seriously question the persuasive argument for going to war that is often given to impressionable youth by those they may look up to...
“If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My Friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.”
Be careful out there...May your god go with you… Let us pray… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net

# 181 - November 4th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...Another slight error by yours truly last week when I incorrectly informed you that the final Barn Sale of the year had taken place at the usual venue just north of Boonville. No, no, no! There is to be one more, on Nov 21st – 22nd – the perfect time to purchase holiday gift bargains and to enjoy a pre-Thanksgiving burger, I’d say...
How was your Halloween? Hopefully you did not get caught up in the annual ‘Battle on the Streets of Boonville’ between The Zombies and The Angry Villagers, thankfully won once again by the Villagers. With their burning torches and sharpened pitchforks, the Villagers saved the town from those walking corpses who would no doubt have made things very difficult around here had they been victorious – certainly with their plans to ban all speed limits, bring in a Starbucks and a Taco Bell, invite outsiders to plant even more vines, and shockingly install Brewery Supremo ‘King’ Ken Allen as Mayor of Anderson Valley. It was a narrow escape and we have much to be thankful for...
With our freedom guaranteed for another year I think for the Quote of the Week we should bring in the famous words of Abraham Lincoln on this subject – “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks go to Abe, and the mighty ‘Angry Villagers’...
Some more do-gooders around here are featured in this week’s edition of the A.V. Who’s Who which introduces to you the board members of the Navarro River Resource Center, whose office is in downtown Boonville, in the building alongside Mosswood Market – Patty Madigan, Bill Taylor, Fred Martin, Linda MacElwee, Kirk Vodopals, and Joe Scriven...
Next Wednesday, November 11th, is Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Europe and Canada) and surely a very important day for observance. This day marks the end of hostilities in World War One (the so-called “War to end all Wars” - if only it had been), which took place at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. It is not a day to celebrate victories but rather one for remembrance of those who fought, and in many cases gave their lives (and obviously many continue to do so), in the hope that ours may be better. If there is any form of remembrance/service/gathering for this reverential occasion here in the Valley please let me know. However, to my knowledge, there is no such service and that’s really too bad…
Moving quickly on to a couple of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know’...
... When not sipping a drink or two at The 3-Dot, several regulars and myself have been enjoying the Friday evening scene at Alicia’s Restaurant in Boonville. With Alicia herself on the taco grill and some excellent Mariachi bands providing the entertainment, it’s the best flavor of real Mexico in the Valley, in my humble opinion, and I urge you to check it out sometime. Before anyone hops on their burro and rebukes me for putting Alicia’s above Libby’s, I am only saying it is more ‘Mexican’ than Libby’s, which does marvelous food obviously but which is actually more CalMex than the ‘real thing.’ Trust El Zopilote on this – or just ask any Mexican friend you may have...
... Latest news on the new tenants at the old Brewery building (formerly The Buckhorn and The Ox) seems to suggest that the downstairs is definitely to be ‘King’ Ken Allen’s whisky distillery (I’m serious) while upstairs it may be a new version of The General Store. At least that would mean my pizza idea would be enacted (although a basic cheese and/or pepperoni pie without all the ‘weird’ stuff would be nice) but there’s still no sign of that bank and pharmacy...
I’m outta here, I have to see a man about a sheep – I know you understand... Be careful out there; stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net

# 180 - October 28th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... It would be sloppy of me to not remind you that next Tuesday, Nov 3rd, is Election Day – so I just did... However, it was remiss, and very sloppy, of me to not mention the final Barn Sale of 2009 which took place last weekend (10/24 and 10/25) so the very least I can do is thank Gloria Ross and her team of volunteer helpers for all their work every month in putting together this excellent gathering as they raise money for their church – an afternoon of bargains and burgers doesn’t get any better than this...
Which leads straight in to the Quote of the Week from non other than legendary ancient Greek philosopher and poet, Homer, who wisely once said, “The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.” So I’ll see you at The Barn Sale next spring, right?!?!...
This week’s edition of the A.V. Who’s Who shares with you the bored members of the A.V. Land Trust (alphabetically) – Karen Altaras, Kathy Bailey, Thom Elkjer, Barbara Goodell, David Hopmann, Patrick T. Miller, Alan Porter, Lee Serrie, and Steve Snyder...Who, I am assured, are all ‘dedicated to the preservation and restoration of our unique rural landscape with its abundant natural resources for the benefit of future generations.’
Moving on to some of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know’...
... First up this week at The 3-Dot was what seems to be a regular event these days - Winery-Bashing. On this occasion we wondered whether or not the Valley has more than the average number of women who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer for the population in this area. The obvious implication being the preponderance of wineries in the Valley and the possibility of whatever it is they spray being connected with such illnesses. Are any studies being done on this? We did not have the statistics at hand; this was just a little harmless, yet somewhat informed, pontificating after all, but it is a serious issue and one worthy of further investigation surely...
... Related to this, are the comments I read in last week’s Valley People section that talked about the plague of flies in the Valley at this time of year and its connection to the significant decline in the number of frogs – the flies’ natural enemy –quite likely as a result of the spraying done by the wineries. As was written last week, a winery advocate might say, “you can’t grow grapes without sulfur, you fool, so what if a few frogs go, too?” Charming, eh? I would respond to such nonsense by mentioning that a couple of months ago I was reliably informed that at one of the winery’s ponds there had been sightings of six-legged frogs! Six-legged frogs! This is arguably worse than having no frogs at all, and once again prompts the question, “What the hell is been sprayed around here?”... Anyway, we opened a bottle of Pinot and moved on with our discussions...
... One of the regulars asked who was entitled to get the free rides on the Senior Bus, driven these days by the always smiling, personable, and very healthy Natalie Matson. Apparently any Senior is - for just $5 a ride. It was heartily agreed that this is a wonderful service and there are many deserving seniors who are greatly helped by it as they are transported to their get-togethers at the Senior Center or to the shops in Ukiah, etc – just as long as nobody uses it as their personal cab! Surely not...
... Regulars also discussed Michael Addison’s replacement on the School Board being appointed by the Board members themselves. Yadira Mendoza-Sanchez may well do a good job, Ben Anderson may have done an equally good one, some might say even better. Either way, shouldn’t the Community vote upon such an important position? Just wondering...
... I spoke with the Navarro Store’s owner and music impresario, Dave Evans, following the final show of the year a couple of weeks ago and he assured me that they would be back next year with another series of live concerts down in the Deep End. As I’ve said many times, this is one of the best Saturday nights out you could wish for in the Valley with its excellent bands, beautiful setting, and reasonably priced food and drink. The crowds have bee steady yet not as good as this scene deserves. Those who hesitate because of the ‘reputation’ of the Navarro scene are ill informed on the matter. Many others are missing out on something they’d enjoy if they actually attended. You know, those who bend you ear with “Oh, yes, I love to go out and listen to live music” but who don’t. It's only my humble opinion, of course, but next summer a little less talking and a little more walking might pleasantly surprise a few folks around here...
Oh, dear, now I suppose I should get my coat and leave...Anyway, ‘Have a spooky Halloween’ – I’m going as an ornery black creature with a featherless red head and a curmudgeonly attitude... Be careful out there and stay out of the ditches, think good thoughts, and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net

# 179 - October 21st, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Let’s start with the ‘Thought for the Week – “Just because somebody has more dogs than teeth does not necessarily mean they are a bad person”.... And talking of dogs, don’t forget that the vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital are in the Valley tomorrow (10/22) at the A.V. Farm Supply from 2pm to 3.30pm – I humbly suggest you support this excellent service and at the same time save yourself that drive ‘over the hill’...
Moving on to a few of the questions under discussion over the past week at The Three-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley at a location known only to ‘those in the know’...
... The first question raised was ‘When will there be a limit put on the number of vines that can be planted here?’ Yet another new winery is going in between Floodgate and Navarro on the east side of Hwy 128 and I am reliably informed that it could well involve more than thirty acres being planted. The owners, Rhys Winery, are not local and once again money seems to be no object in their desire to make even more. As for those ugly corporate-type signs at the entrances – Entrance #1 and Entrance #2 indeed! It’s too bad...
... Enough ‘winery-bashing’ for this week, it’s time for a glass of pinot and a less serious topic - but still something that inquiring minds want to get to the bottom of... The Islings have bought what was The Ox and, before that, The Buckhorn Saloon in downtown Boonville. Now what goes in there? I vote for a pizzeria with a small banking center and pharmacy counter, with a car/truck wash outside... Regulars were also wondering how much of the building former owner and Brewery Supremo, ‘King’ Ken Allen, has leased back for his own ‘activities’ in the basement and would he be sub-leasing any of this to whoever the new tenants upstairs is to be??... I couldn’t possibly comment...
... And the final question that had the regulars shaking their heads was whether or not somebody would step in to bring back the Woolgrowers Sheep Dog Trial and BBQ to the Valley next summer now that the long-time organizers have decided they can no longer do it. Fortunately I was able to somewhat calm their fears because I have it on fairly good authority that moves are afoot to revive this wonderful event and, although a few things may be altered/added/subtracted, the basics will be the same for what I know is the favorite annual Valley event held at The Fairgrounds for many Valley folks. Keep your fingers, claws, and hooves crossed and I’ll keep you posted...
It’s a shame that there are so many questions and so few answers forthcoming at this point. One can only hope that we will not be left with the answer as offered by writer/patron of the arts, Gertrude Stein, who once said, “There ain’t no answer. There ain’t going to be any answer. There never has been an answer. That’s the answer.” – and that, good reader, is your Quote of the Week...
Time for this week’s edition of the A.V. Who’s Who and it is this fine group of Valley people who serve on The A.V. Housing Association and who share the goal of creating affordable housing in the area – there is President Bill Sterling, V.P. Kathy Cox, Treasurer Art Hatcher, Secretary John McCue, board members Karen Bates, Sara Fowler, Ron Verdier, and Tracy Thieriot, plus Property Manager Enrique Mendoza, Administration Manager Sheila Leighton, and Development Director Jerry Cox – keep up the good work folks!...
Well now I think it’s time to take my leave... Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts, and may your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
p.p.s. “My bad” – as people annoyingly say – but I failed to include Beth Swehla among the list of A.V. coaches in last week’s list. She deals with the A.V. Junior High 8th grade volleyball team (Sid Frazer has the 7th and 6th graders) and has been a coach at the school since 1991...

# 178 - October 14th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... After a week off for my annual ‘beak and claw’ check-up, one or two of you will no doubt be pleased to hear that I am ready to rant and rave, not for the first time, about the ridiculously loud fans that are used by many wineries for frost protection; those which sound like several helicopters hovering overhead to anyone within a mile or so of their operation as they drone on for several hours of the night at certain times of the year – including a couple of nights last week! They are really, really loud. Obviously I do not expect the wineries to lose their crops, besides, as regular readers will be well aware, I like wine, A.V. wines in particular, however I have always thought that there were alternative ways to fight the frost that are not as invasive on the local population, after all I cannot imagine the winery ‘powers-that-be’ putting up with such noise if they were being kept awake at night in their ivory towers... Anyway, I have it on good authority that there actually are alternative fans that cause far less noise pollution. Even if they cost a little more (and I don’t know if they do) it would be very community-minded and selfless of the wineries, who are surely conscious of this situation, to look into this before the main frosts that will be here next spring and for them to ‘do the right thing’ – in fact it would be rude of them not to, don’t you think?
With the topic of business practices/ethics on my mind, here’s our Quote of the Week which, if applied to this case, perhaps offers hope that the wineries will work on this.’ It’s an old English proverb that states, “A guilty conscience needs no accuser,” (but I am being one anyway)...
Moving quickly on... For this week’s edition of the Anderson Valley Who’s Who here are a group who certainly deserve a mention – The High School and Junior High Coaches: Volleyball – Mike ‘Flick’ McDonald; Junior High Volleyball – Sid Frazer; Soccer – Tom Smith and Steve Sparks; Football – John Toohey and Logo Tevasu; Baseball – Ben Anderson; Girls’ Softball – Bill Noble: Boys’ Basketball – Jim Boudoures; Girls’ Basketball – Bryan Wyant; Junior High Basketball – Ben Anderson; and Tennis – Dick Browning. Many thanks to all and ‘Go Panthers!”
How about a couple of quick Public Service Announcements?... #197 – It’s time once again for The Grange Groove Dance, taking place this Friday (16th) at The Grange on Hwy 128 between Boonville and Philo. I am assured by the lovely Jennifer P. that D.J. Jeff will be getting his groove on (and helping you to get yours on too) from 7.30pm until 10pm-ish All are welcome, donations gratefully accepted, tailgate outside if you wish... #198 – The Mendocino Animal Hospital vets will be at The A.V. Farm Supply next Thursday (22nd) from 2pm until 3.30pm for many of your pet’s needs. I suggest you take advantage of this wonderful service and save all the time and money of ‘going over the hill’...
As I sat in The Three-Dot Lounge, my favorite gathering place in the Valley, Hummingbird shared a tale with the regulars about her shopping experience in Ft. Bragg a couple of weeks ago... It was a very hot day and she stopped by at the ‘Understuff’ lingerie store where the excellent air conditioning provided a welcome relief as she picked out a couple of items. As she was paying the sales assistant they suddenly both became aware of heavy panting and muffled grunts from the changing room at the back of the store. ‘Surely not!?!’, they each thought as they stared towards the back of the shop and then at each other with shocked expressions on their faces. But what else could it be? Suspecting the obvious, the sales assistant walked swiftly back to the changing room and pulled the curtain aside - there stood an embarrassed women trying on some ‘understuff’ with her two, very hot and bothered bulldogs lying on the floor beside her, both panting heavily with the odd grunt thrown in too. It was not a big deal after the woman explained that the dogs were suffering in the car, and all was forgiven, although, as Hummingbird pointed out, in a lingerie shop grunting and panting bulldogs are obviously not compatible with the usual ambience required...
I’m outta here – I have a ‘liaison’ with Hummingbird!... Be careful out there, stay out of the ditches, and think good thoughts... May your god go with you… Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”… Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net