# 186 - December 9th, 2009

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Following the passing of Guido Pronsolino last week at the grand old age of 83, I attended the celebration of his life in Boonville on Friday afternoon, in amongst the gathering there of more than 350 people, a large percentage of which, like Guido, have been born and bred in The Valley. He was obviously a Valley man through and through; those in attendance could not think of anyone who knew dogs, wool, and how to grow things, as well as Guido, and he certainly left his mark on many aspects of Valley life... I spoke to him at his home a month or so ago and these were just some of the many wise words he shared with me that day...
“We have a wonderful home and the land is pristine – we worked hard at keeping it that way and have done a good job managing it I think. There’s no spit and polish but the gates are all hanging and swinging...I thank our neighbors of the past who gave me the chance to learn the history and hardships of ranching and open space. I have always followed the phrase ‘Take care of your neighbors and they will take care of you’ and I feel privileged to have grown up here, to have raised my family here, to be a part of this community, and to have lived here all of my life here. I hope I have not stepped on anyone to get what I have. I have done nothing superior to others but feel I have done a good job in my heart. Every day is a work day and I have been so fortunate to have ‘Tonto’ (wife, Betty) alongside for the ride – she has been everything to me”... Guido – you clearly made a positive difference in the lives of many and in that of the community you lived, and you did it your way - that’s a wonderful thing. R.I.P.
With Guido’s life in mind, here’s the Quote of the Week featuring some thoughtful words from American poet, author, and naturalist – “I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” I think Guido showed that this is certainly possible to do...
On to the week’s Public Service Announcements.... #141: First let me correct an error from a couple of weeks ago when informing you about the ‘Original Crab Feed’ scheduled for Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010 at The Apple Hall in Boonville. I gave out an incorrect phone number for Feed organizer, Gloria Ross, who can be contacted for tickets - a perfect Xmas gift perhaps? Gloria’s correct number is 895-3071. After Xmas, tickets will be on sale at various places throughout the Valley... #142: It’s that time again in downtown Boonville – these local businesses will be open on Thursdays in December from 5pm to 7.30pm for your holiday needs and enjoyment – All that Good Stuff, Zub Zub Ice Cream, Farmhouse Mercantile, and Mosswood Market Café and Bakery. Call Sandy at 3996 for further details... #143: The A.V. Community Chorus will be putting on their Christmas Concert at 9pm in Lauren’s Restaurant on Dec 12th... #144: The Food and Craft Mart, which replaces the Farmer’s Market in the winter months, is at The Grange from 1pm to 3pm on Sundays - not Noon to 3pm as previously noted. Call Cindy at 2949 with any inquiries...
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’...
... Many regulars were very surprised to learn that I had been invited to the Independent Career Women’s (I.C.W.) Christmas Party to be held this very evening (Wednesday 9th) at The Boonville Lodge. Yes, my invitation was not ‘lost in the mail.’ Wonders will never cease! When I heard the news I nearly choked on the very tasty sheep’s stomach I was devouring at the time. I can’t imagine that tonight’s culinary delights will be as tasty as that but I have no doubt The Lodge will do a fine job and that the company I keep will make the evening a roaring success...
... A vicious rumor ran rampant around the Valley this past week and many regulars at The 3-Dot are keen to learn the truth. Did Pastor Bill Nobles, current cook at the Senior Center, really burn all the pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving? Say it ain’t so, Bill!...
... 3-Dot regulars were saddened to hear of more job losses in the Valley with the news that The Boonville Hotel is downsizing and has laid off virtually all their employees, including long-time staff members Gail Meyer, Elaine Busse, Saffron Fraser, Joel Leach, and Jonesy DeWolf. Following the recent announcement that The Boonville Lodge will be closing sometime in the New Year, with a further thirteen employees put out of work, many of us are wondering what all this is leading to. The Valley has had many ups and downs over the past 160 years and, with the final mill closing earlier this year (meaning there are none here for the first time since 1860), some people are thinking that this could be a significant time of change in the Valley’s history. Obviously the situation has come primarily as a result of the poor economy far beyond the Valley environs, but perhaps we can, and should, help ourselves somewhat. Small businesses are an important part of the heart and soul of a true rural community, and surely we do not want our commerce based entirely around wineries and tasting rooms, so let’s get out there and support the local merchants as often as we can – otherwise we will simply have to miss them when they’re gone...
I’m outta here... 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 at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – see you tonight at the I.C.W. Xmas Party!