# 154 - March 25th, 2009

Greetings one and all…Are you sitting comfortably - then I shall begin…Let’s start with some Public Service Announcements: #141 – Thursday, March 26th, will see the traveling Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital in town at Dig Landscape and Garden Supply a mile or so north of Philo. They will be helping within your pet’s needs from 2pm until 3.30pm and you can sign in earlier if you wish. As a ‘heads-up, I am assured that the vets will be back in the Valley on April 9th and then again on April 23rd – same time and place...#142 – The Barn Sale returns this weekend, March 28th and 29th, 9am – 3pm each day – it’s Holcomburger time!...#143 – The Grand Opening of the new Philo Fire Station, and BBQ, will be at 2pm on Sunday, March 29th – opposite Jack’s Valley Store, just north of Philo...Now you know...
I haven’t shared any of this for a time and I’m sure you’ve been disappointed so here’s some good old Jive Turkey for your reading pleasure...We Turkey Vultures are the only scavenger birds who do not kill our prey. Furthermore, if you were to ever make a close inspection of my feet you would undoubtedly be reminded more of a chicken than either a hawk or eagle. Our feet are useless for ripping into prey but we do have the most powerful of beaks that can tear through even the toughest cowhide. We then simply thrust our head into the quite delicious cavities of the preferably fresh animal before us. Now you know and have a little more understanding of my world – glamorous eh!?!
Whilst we are on the topic of my hedonistic lifestyle, here’s the ‘Value of a Drink’ Thought of the Week from the mind of legendary American comedian, Henny Youngman – “ When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading!”...Perhaps a bit of an over-reaction by the comic genius, but somewhat understandable wouldn’t you say?
Moving quickly on...It’s time for The Valley Quiz...Answers at the end...
1. In what year was our wonderful A.V. Animal Rescue founded. And by whom?
2. Last summer’s Mendocino Lightning Complex fires lasted from June 20th until July 19th – how many fires were there?
a) 69 b) 109 c) 129
3. What links Cornelius Prather, Annie Gertrude Reilly, and Thelma Pinoli?
On to matters of a more meaningful nature...I was able to attend the wonderful fund-raiser dinner for A.V. High School freshman Eric Guerrero held at the Grange on Saturday evening. Eric has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment at U.C.S.F. The event was a huge success with delicious Mexican dishes of enchiladas and posole etc prepared by several cooks in the Grange kitchen. There were many, many people who turned up to give support to Eric and wish him well in his recovery – the parking lot was full and there were vehicles along the side of Hwy 128 for some way. I spoke to Maria Reynoso, who works at the A.V. Medical Center, and she informed me that Eric is doing very well and is getting the best treatment available...
Now let's get to some of the topics under discussion this week at The Five-Dot Lounge - yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite bar/restaurant in the Valley..... What is happening at the new Ball Winery opposite Golden Eye Vineyards on Hwy 128 just south of Philo? This project was moving along rapidly and appeared close to completion until the financial crisis hit owner Jim Ball and all work stopped. I had heard that it would still open in February but so far nothing and The Five-Dot’s regulars were wondering what was going on..... Similar inquisitions are still rumbling on with regards to the Buckhorn/Ox sale in downtown Boonville. Apparently moves are afoot and one can only hope that current owner and A.V. Brewery Supreme Leader, ‘King’ Ken Allen will 'do the right thing' during negotiations and will not have to be taken to the Hanging Tree on A.V. Way to solve any problems that may arise - it's a joke, Ken, you old buzzard!..... There’ll be no Woolgrowers Fair and BBQ this year (there wasn’t one last year due to the Fairgrounds being used by the firefighters) and that is very disappointing to many Valley folks. Apparently the main problem is the shortage of new organizers as the ‘old guard’ tries to step away from the excellent ‘job’ they have done for many years..... It’s pledge-drive time for the local public radio station and so try to give a little if you can, It’s a tough time for everyone but most folks at The Five-Dot, whilst having ‘issues’ with KZYX & Z on some levels, still support it and realize that if the struggling station goes under now it will not be coming back anytime soon..... And the final thought/rumor this week suggests that Sheriff Dennis Miller is doing a fine job since his return to the Valley ‘beat’. According to my reliable sources, he is being very fair-minded, giving the local guys a break if their ‘crime’ is negligible, and yet cracking down on those speeding tourists in the heart of Boonville – as I witnessed personally on Sunday afternoon...
I should go now – I’ve got to see a man about a sheep...Be careful out there; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you...Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey”…Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture.
You can contact me with words of support/abuse by e-mail at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
Quiz answers...
1. The amazing Cheryl Schrader started the Animal Rescue in 2000.
2. There were 129 separate blazes burning in Mendocino during last summer’s fires.
3. Those three Valley stalwarts were all postmasters in Philo, with Cornelius founding it in 1888.