# 215 - June 30th, 2010

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... The live music at Dave Evans’ Navarro Store is up and running for its third successive year but unfortunately I’ve been unable to attend the first two events so cannot give my usual hack-writer observations and report. Two weeks ago it was the Hansen-Raitt Band but I was at the very wonderful and moving Tom Smith Memorial, then last weekend when the Dave Nelson Band along with assorted Grateful Deads and Jeffersons were performing I was fortunate to be at the Schoeneman’s Farrington Vineyards for the lovely wedding of Sarah Schoeneman and Guy Pacurar of Brewery Gulch Inn fame in Mendocino. Oh, well, two apparently excellent concerts missed for good reasons but I hope to be sipping the inexpensive beer, devouring the delicious bbq off Pablo’s grill, and dancing under the stars for many of this summer’s upcoming special nights in The Deep End – how about joining me? It’s a good Valley night out – trust me on this and thank me later!
Talking about weddings, for our Quote of the Week, let me offer these words from Aeschylus, a very wise man from Ancient Greece, who said, “When a match has equal partners, then I fear not for its future togetherness.” Perhaps he had Sarah and Guy in mind! Best wishes to you both...
Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s) – #92 – The Olde Time 4th of July Celebration takes place at The Fairgrounds in Boonville from Noon to 4pm featuring a parade, games, music, food and drink, and the all-important A.V. Tug O’ War. Last year in this important Valley spectacle, not only were The Poleekos and Deep Enders victorious over the Boonts and High Rollers in the women’s event and under-sevens, but the Men’s team, ably coached by Christie Clark and anchored by yours truly, won for the eighth year in a row! Will it be #9??... #93 – The new ice cream shop is opening tomorrow (July 1st) at the location formerly occupied by Zub Zub Ice Cream in the heart of Boonville. The owner is landlord, Johnny ‘Two Scoops’ Schmitt of Boonville Hotel fame, and I’m sure it will be done ‘right’ with business-like hours that people can truly rely on to go with ice cream of the finest quality. Good luck to one and all involved... #94 – Lauren’s Summertime Lunch, Thursday thru’ Sunday, 11.30am-2.30pm, is a perfect example of her motto – ‘Good Food; Good Times’. Enjoy...
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’...
... Several regulars have commented on the fine job done by those involved in the production of the new and always useful Valley Phone Book. It’s a fine looking publication and seems to be a very comprehensive effort indeed. Some fine photography too, particularly in the ads on pages 48 and 104 for the businesses of the handyman ‘Cheerful’ Bob Sites and the entertainer ‘Mr. Eleven’ respectively, showing that these two guys are not only worth hiring but that each of them is also particularly photogenic...
... A regular came up with the Quote of the Week when referring to the ‘good deeds’ of former Brewery owner, ‘King’ Ken Allen. He quoted the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who once observed, “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions. He had money as well”... A cynical point of view some might say. ‘Realistic’, is a description I would lean towards... On a related note, and as a second Quote of the Week, Ken might well be missed now that we “don’t have him to kick around anymore”, as another controversial individual, President Richard Nixon, said upon his own departure from ‘office.’ In both cases, it should be pointed out, these two Machiavellian characters did quite a bit of ‘kicking’ themselves...
... A regular at The Three-Dot informed us that the cameras were filming a recent adult soccer game at Tom Smith Field in Boonville because the record-breaking goal-scoring performances of star player, Sergio Gutierrez, who will begin his senior year at the high school in September, have come to the attention of Seattle University, a fine academic institution and a Division 1 soccer school. The coach up there, Brad Agoos, wanted to see film of Sergio playing and, with the assistance of coach Steve Sparks and film class teacher Mitch Mendoza, student Dylan Beatty was on hand to record the highlights of Sergio’s efforts on film. In their final week at school the senior film class edited the footage before sending it to Seattle. With Sergio’s grades in the high 3’s and his parents, Anastasio and Laura, both very keen on their boy going to a top four-year college, hopefully he gets accepted, funding gets found from somewhere, and the dreams of a fine young man might well come true...
It’s time for The Wine of the Week... Well, on this celebratory weekend, how about sipping any wine made from grapes grown in the Valley or at least ones sold by a locally owned vineyard – there are still quite a few remaining, believe it or not. So many of these wines are excellent, whichever varietals you prefer, so for a little casual wining and dining, whether you live here or are visiting, why would you buy anything else?
Whine of the Week... Fast-driving tourists, particularly ‘Mr. Convertible Sports Car’ in his mid-sixties with the Twenty-Something Blonde in the passenger seat, who would probably rather be at a beauty/tanning salon, and certainly wouldn’t spend a minute of her time with the boring guy sitting next to her if he drove a pick-up. These are the types who get drunk, talk loudly, and tip poorly; the kind that speak only of themselves, interrupt others, and try to tell a story that ‘beats’ the one told by the previous speaker. We’ve all met them before and now it’s the season for their appearance in the Valley. I suggest we all try to smile and walk away. I’ll do my best, but if it gets too much I know I can rely on your help to get them to the Hanging Tree on A.V. Way before dropping them off for the hungry pigs on Ornbaun Road!
I’m outta here... But before I go, let me mention that with the hot weather now with us, finally, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle... Otherwise, 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”… Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...
p.s. Keep the Faith...
p.p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net

# 214 - June 23rd, 2010

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... How was your Sierra Nevada World Music Festival? Apparently most Valley residents hunkered down in the hills and those around town invested in some top quality ear-plugs (apparently on sale at Golden Eye Winery and usually sold to the residents in the Christine Woods region who continue to be kept up all hours by that winery’s all-night noisemakers at their ‘Narrows Vineyard’). On Friday, I spent a few hours at a house very near to the Fairgrounds and the music, particularly the bass and drum rhythms obviously, were extremely loud. I’d like to think that, as some sort of compensation for this, the concert brought in loads of money to our local economy but I’m pretty sure it was minimal. Having said that, I know of many Valley folks who did go and had a great time, and found the kindness and friendliness ‘vibes’ at a very high level; some even said it was better than the County Fair! So, even if all I personally get out of it is the sight of a few attractive and scantly-clad young women and a bunch of smelly, scruffy young men to look at disparagingly and make fun of as they stagger around behaving like people at the Beer Fest, then it’s all good with me.... And while were talking about odd behavior let me share with you once again one of my guidelines for a happy and healthy life in the country – “Be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth”...
Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)... #223 – The monthly Barn Sale at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on A.V. Way just north of Boonville returns this coming Saturday and Sunday, June 26th/27th, 9am to 3pm each day. The bargains will be there, and the bbq of course, so you’d be missing out if you weren’t too... #224 - The Symbiotics will be appearing at 9pm at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville on Saturday, June 26th. I am told they are nature’s new R & R Band - what more can I add?... #225 - This coming Saturday morning (9.30am – Noon on the 26th) sees The Boonville Farmers’ Market in the parking lot at The Boonville Hotel and this week it will play host to Mary Pat’s herbs, lotions, and potions, along with all the usual goodies of course... #226 – There’s live music in The Deep End (at The Navarro Store) this Saturday and Sunday – check out the ad elsewhere in this newspaper for further details...
Moving quickly on to a topic that dominated discussions this week at The Three-Dot Lounge – the departure of Mr. Ken Allen from his A.V. Brewery... With the sale some might think we have seen the last of ‘King’ Ken Allen. However, I am reliably informed that he sold ‘only’ the Brewery business and has held on to the property/land (or did the buyers not want it?), plus I believe he is on a short-term contract to consult with the new owners and has also retained the rights to the annual Beer Festival. Oh, no, folks, the old devil is still amongst us in one form or another... Now I know that he has not always been seen in a positive light around The Three-Dot Lounge and amongst some Valley folks, but it must be said that he has provided employment for many locals over the years, donated generously to local good causes from the Beer Festival, and there is no doubting his business acumen and skill, greatly helped by a fine product of course... However, based on my personal experiences, and hearing about those of others, in some of his dealings perhaps his ‘people skills’ were found wanting as his desire for the almighty $$$ swept aside everything in its way - Ken being first and foremost a businessman of the kind who will do whatever it takes to be successful in terms of making money. He is entitled to do so, of course, and he probably doesn’t give a hoot about winning any popularity contests around here, but apparently his ‘style’ has meant some disapproval and antagonism towards him on behalf of a number of Valley folks... Having said that, he undoubtedly has his fair share of ‘fans’, acolytes, and sycophants and that’s fine too of course. On a purely personal level, despite our differences in recent times, if we were to meet before his departure, I’d wish him a healthy retirement, offer my claw, and hope he’d accept it. After all, we were amiable acquaintances, perhaps even friends at one point, and we had a healthy and mutually enjoyable business relationship for over a decade... I’d probably end up saying something like, “Ken, you got to do it your way, you made a lot of money, you gave generously to the Valley, and you appear to have found a level of personal happiness - so good for you. But if you cross The Vulch again, just as you’ve done before, you will be dealt with in the same fashion and then put out on the street as carrion. Now get outta here, you old bugger, take some time to relax, and enjoy yourself...”
Finally this week, I have a couple of comments about the return of ‘civilization’ to the Valley. I’m talking of course about the opening of one, and most probably two, new bar/restaurants in the downtown area of Boonville in the next couple of months or so. Most of you will be very aware that The Boonville Saloon will be up and running soon at the location formerly occupied by The Boonville Lodge. Two big questions remain here – ‘Will the restaurant area alongside also re-open at some point soon?’ (as many people to whom I’ve spoken would certainly encourage), and ‘How is the A.V.A.’s Mark ‘The Major’ Scaramella related to the bar’s new owner Shelley Scaramella?’ - after all it is far from a common name, even in the ‘old country’, and perhaps we should be told before the Valley rumors gather momentum leaving the poor Major in their ignominious dust... And with regards to the possibilities at The Buckhorn Building, they would appear to be very good, with a local top notch bar/restauranteur in advanced talks with Gary and Ginny Island about opening up a pub at their building in the next month or two... Now you are up-to-date...
I’m outta here... But first, with the hot weather finally with us, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle... Otherwise, 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”… Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...
p.s. Keep the Faith...
p.p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net

# 213 - June 16th, 2010

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... And let’s start off with the monthly Bingo Report... Last Tuesday evening’s Dinner and Bingo Night at the Veterans Hall to benefit the Senior Center was another big success. Following the delights of Gloria Abbott’s salad bar, Gina Pardini presented a tasty beef stroganoff dinner with help from Cindy Pardini and Patrick Ford. Then it was the turn of Colonel Bingo, along with his glamorous assistant, Lady Bingo, to take over and provide the entertainment in the form of some good old Bingo. The big winner on the night was Tom Kearns, the son of the Spear family in Boonville and who with his two ‘Bingo’s’ ended up with over $100 in total winnings! Other winners included June Lemons (two smaller prizes), Carolyn Short (a fully deserved prize after she had spent the day working at the polling station), Pat Hulbert (once again winning in her lucky Bingo shirt), Todd Clow, and Drake Mezzanatto, who promptly shared his winnings with his Mom, Renee Lee - yer gotta like that! Anyway, it was a wonderful community night out and we’ll do it all again, as usual on the Second Tuesday of the month, which will be July 13th...
Quote of the Week... The candidate for 5th District Supervisor, Dan Hamburg, and his wife Carrie, are both regulars at the Bingo night and even though it was election night they still showed up. Carrie is an exuberant player and at one point tried to correct Colonel Bingo on an issue of Bingo etiquette. She was obviously never going to win any argument of that sort and soon accepted his explanation, gracefully of course. Clearly she had not been aware of the famous Bingo quote - “Arguing with the bingo caller is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realize that while you are getting dirty, the pig is actually enjoying it.” Carrie did not win any prizes this time but with her enthusiasm and determination I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time...
Public Service Announcements.... #107 – The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital return tomorrow (Thursday, 17th) to the Farm Supply on Hwy 128 north of Philo from 2pm to 3.30pm. Save yourself a trip over the hill if your pet is in some need, and at the same time support this wonderful service. (Perhaps buy a little something at the Farm Supply too while you’re there!)... #108 – It’s time once again for the Dance Groove - Friday, June 18th at 7pm at The Grange... #109 - The Hansen-Raitt Band will be at The Navarro Store on Saturday, June 19th, 5pm – 8pm and as usual the beer and wine will be inexpensive, Pablo will be on the bbq grill, and tri-tip dinners will also be available... #110 – Over this coming weekend (18th – 20th) The Sierra World Music Festival returns to the Valley for what I believe is its 3rd year here and no doubt we’ll have a few thousand extra people in town. Most of this particular crowd will be very nice and polite, and the ‘female of the species’ is always very pleasant on the eye, so let’s give them a big Valley ‘Welcome’, hope they support our locally-owned small businesses, and then wish them merrily on their way come Sunday night.... #111 – Pat Hulbert reminds me that the Philo Church is having a Bake Sale on Lemon's porch in Philo this Saturday (June 19th), from 10am until everything is sold. This will include huckleberry pies, apple pies, tarts, cakes, breads and cookies – don’t be late!...
Moving quickly on to 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 impressed with the A.V. Theatre Guild’s recently concluded annual presentation, entitled ‘Dearly Departed’. Very solid acting of a humorous contemporary play, with fine musical accompaniment, no doubt worked and hopefully can be repeated next year. The final weekend saw nearly 150 for the Friday night show and then a further 130 for closing night on Saturday. ‘Well done!’ to Director Rod Basehore, his assistant Sheila Leighton, their fine ensemble cast of thirteen Valley thespians, and of course the all-important ‘people-behind-the-scenes’...
... One day last week, all the regulars and I raised our glasses to toast the continued support by Valley folks for our locally owned small businesses. T hey each provide something for the Valley and without local support in these hard economic times some may not be around when we need them. I therefore continue to urge you to think twice about spending your dollars in Ukiah/Ft. Bragg/Mendocino/Cloverdale/ Etc, and whenever possible, buy local!
... Several regulars were very pleased to hear that there is to be a new cook at The Senior Center in the form of Natalie Matson, previously the owner/operator of the One Horse Espresso coffee stand, and in more recent times the Senior Bus driver. This is excellent news for food lovers as she certainly knows what she is doing in the kitchen and a fresh line-up of meals will hopefully now be adapted. Sometimes change is a good thing (even in the Valley!) and this will hopefully prove to be the result as the Senior Center looks to revitalize the attendance at their Tuesday and Thursday lunches...
... The Boonville Saloon (formerly The Boonville Lodge) in the heart of town is still on course to open sometime in July. The plans for the restaurant area at that location remain far from clear...
... There is movement regarding a new tenant at The Buckhorn Building and in a week or so I may be able to divulge more. For now, I am sworn to secrecy, although the bribing of a Turkey Vulture is not frowned upon where I grew up and so let’s not forget the quote from English historian and wit, Thomas Fuller – ‘He that bringeth a present, findeth the door open”. I’m just saying...
... Johnny ‘Two Scoops’ Schmitt, of Boonville Hotel fame, will very soon have the ice cream shop up and running at the location formerly known as Zub Zub Ice Cream in the heart of Boonville; that is if he hasn’t already...
Well now I think it’s time to take my leave; I have to see a man about some vanilla chocolate chip ice cream... With the much warmer weather finally with us, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle... Otherwise, 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”… Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...
p.s. Keep the Faith...
p.p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
p.p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace...

# 212 - June 9th, 2010

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Given Tom Smith’s previous powers of recovery from the several near-death experiences in his past, many Valley folks are still shocked at the passing of the long-time high school soccer coach and veteran of the Variety show. On this occasions however, his injuries from the head-on car collision were so many and severe that, when septicemia (bacteria in the blood) set in, Tom just could not pull through. His wife Val writes “there will be a memorial at the Philo Grange on Saturday June 19th from 12-4pm for all who knew and loved him. Please bring stories and memories and a dish to share. He is and will be sorely missed. This will be a non-alcohol event”...
Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… #315 – The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be making their monthly visit to the Valley next Thursday, June 17th when they will be at The Farm Supply north of Philo from 2pm until 3,30pm... #316 – Many of the Soccer World Cup matches will be shown at The Redwood Drive-In over the next month. Schedules are available at there and the big game on the opening weekend is U.S.A. v England 11.30am Saturday, June 12th... #318 – As a final P.S.A. this week, I would like to pass on the names of just some of the live music acts that will be appearing thru’ the summer at The Navarro Store in the Deep End. The performers will include The Hansen-Raitt Band (up next on June 19th), The Dave Nelson Band featuring members of The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Starship; The Boris Garcia Band; Walter Trout; Guitar Shorty; The House of Floyd; The Sub-Dudes (two shows over one weekend); The Roger Wood Band featuring Pilar Duran and Christy Wells; David Hayes, Gene Parsons; Asleep at the Wheel from Austin, Texas; Roy Rogers and It’s a Beautiful Day; and Pablo Cruz...
And here’s a special P.S.A. that may help many of you... Needless to say, it would appear that the computer will become our priority mode of communication with 
the world in less than ten years and we will need high speed Internet access 
to reach most websites. To help the cause, those Valley and coastal dwellers with Dial
-Up, DSL, or Satellite (none of which are considered Broadband by the FCC) can register their physical address with the FCC as a "Broadband
 Dead Zone". At least 50% of
 us are NOT served and yet apparently the data they currently have shows our
 areas as 81-95% served with Broadband. If they think that is true we
 will not be on the list to get the funding we need. No funding = No
 Broadband. I am told it’s as simple as that. 

You can help the effort to get access in these ways: 
 1. Register yourself on the www.broadband.gov website - look in the middle
 column for ‘Consumer Broadband Test’, then look at the bottom of that section 
for "Report a Broadband Dead Zone"... 
2. If you cannot do this on dial up (which some have said they 
cannot), e-mail your physical address (not PO Box) with zip code to either
 carol@oakgrove.com or sfreriks@mcn.org and give them your permission to enter
 your data. I just thought you should know...
Moving quickly on to a few of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge starting with the latest updates on the local business scene...
... Mosswood Market has changed ownership and the new person in charge is former employee Pilar. Best wishes to her and the business, and of course to Sharon, who did such a wonderful job at The M.M., for her future plans... The Zub Zub ice cream parlor was thought to be heading for a corporate takeover by Clover-Stornetto of Petaluma with a local ice cream ‘aficionado’, who was also interested, missing out. Now it appears that neither will get the store and that landlord Johnny ‘Two Scoops’ Schmitt, of Boonville Hotel fame, will take over himself and install a reliable staff that keeps regular business hours. Sounds good to me – ‘two scoops of vanilla chocolate chip in the sugar cone, please, Johnny’... The renovations at The Buckhorn Building continue and hopes of finding a new tenant remain high, with some interest currently being shown... The location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge is to re-open, licenses etc permitting, in late July under the new name of The Buckhorn Saloon, with former bartender/owner Shelly in charge along with business partner and friend Michelle... The attached restaurant section is also creating some interest and I shall keep you posted on developments there as soon as I have any news...
... One of the Valley’s most distinguished senior citizens, Ross Murray, is recovering at home from knee replacement surgery. Ross is 91 years old but knowing him to be a very determined young man, and with wife Joyce at his side, it would not surprise me to see him up and about in a relatively short time; although his dancing days in the chorus lines behind the likes of Fred Astaire, Betty Hutton, Shirley Temple, Eleanor Powell, Olympic ice skater Sonja Henie, not to mention the Andrews Sisters, are probably over...
... A.V. High School Ag Class teacher Beth Swehla stopped in at The Three-Dot to report that the two Canada Geese who have been ‘hanging out’ at the pond in Bill Hill’s Big Hole alongside Hwy 128 opposite Breggo Cellars, have become the proud parents of several goslings. When this news broke, it was drinks all round!...
Speaking of Beth Swehla, I feel it’s time to remind you that the fresh organic eggs available through her Ag Class are some of the best you are likely to find anytime, anywhere. During the summer months, with the school closed, these delicious eggs will be available at Gowan’s Oak Tree on Hwy 128 to which Beth and some of her students will deliver them on a regular basis. Whether scrambled, poached, or fried, they are as tasty as it gets and the vivid color of the yolk is just as an egg supposed to be, as I remember back in ‘the good old days’. Of course, if served soft-boiled and in an egg cup with buttered toast ‘fingers’ to dip into that delicious yolk, then the whole experience reaches orgasmic levels of culinary delight...
Well, now I think it really is 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”… Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...
p.s. Keep the Faith...
p.p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net
p.p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

# 211 - June 2nd, 2010

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Firstly, a special extra greeting to Robin the Robin, who is in town visiting her sister, Hummingbird - I can hardly get a word in around The Nest these days!... Anyway, how was your Memorial Day Weekend? Mine was quite dignified and relatively unselfish for a change. I was honored to attend the service at The Evergreen Cemetery in Boonville to remember those who have given their lives for their country and for local veterans who have also passed. It was a poignant occasion hosted by the Boonville Veterans with adjutant Mark Fontaine at the helm. Unfortunately, only thirteen people were in attendance and, with The Valley packed with tourists and locals alike, all enjoying their holiday weekend, it was sadly ironic that most people were completely unaware that the reasons the holiday exists at all were being commemorated by just a few of us at the local cemetery. Not that it was their fault of course; the event was barely publicized. I shall personally endeavor to see that locals are more informed about the Veterans’ Day activities in November and hopefully the attendance then will be far more in keeping for such an important occasion...
Earlier that morning, I was at a gathering, along with several others, to mow and weed-whack the land surrounding Tom and Val Smith’s home on Gschwend Road above Christine Woods because Tom, who was involved in a serious car crash accident last week, will not be able to get the job done himself this year. Many thanks to Bryan Wyant for getting the guys together and who carried out the workload along with Mark Triplett, Captain Rainbow, The Soto brothers (Manuel and Antonio), and perhaps more who arrived after my departure for the Memorial Day service... Of course, after all this ‘goodness’ I had to indulge in some self-serving activity and so devouring a tri-tip dinner and guzzling beer along with over 100 other Valley folks at Sunday afternoon’s benefit for the ElderHome put on by the Lions Club was the perfect place to achieve this. I think I was a little greedy but who’s to know?...
Surely a little ‘give-and-take’ like this is what makes the world go round and it is perhaps best expressed in these words from one of my all-time favorites of wit and repartee, the very insightful English social observer, moralist, author, and lexicographer, Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), who said, “Men seldom give pleasure when they are not pleased themselves.” Based on last weekend, obviously I can’t dispute this. And that’s your Quote of the Week...
Public Service Announcements – #42 – It’s Election Day next Tuesday, June 8th so try to get out there and perform your civic duty and enjoy what I view as both a right and privilege... #43 – The A.V. Theatre Guild’s presentation of the dark comedy ‘Dearly Departed’ completes its run at The Grange this coming weekend, June 4th/5th, with performances at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday. I have seen all of the Guild’s productions in the past and have been known to offer a little constructive criticism on occasion. In this case, having seen the show twice (along with over 100 people on the Friday and about 75 on Saturday), I believe that it’s the best thing they have done by far, in terms of the fine acting and its funny contemporary script, and I urge you to attend. It really is good, ask anyone who has seen it, and a credit to all those involved... #44 – This coming Sunday, June 6th, sees the A.V. Historical Society’s annual meeting at the Veterans Hall in Boonville at which there will be a presentation by an expert on Pomo Indian basketry from the Grace Hudson Museum. Festivities begin at 1.30pm and coffee and cookies will be served. I think this might be very interesting indeed... #45 – Next Tuesday, June 8th, is Bingo Night at the Veterans Hall to benefit our senior citizens. Guests ($7 each; Seniors $5 suggested donation) will be served a fine dinner prepared by this month’s guest cooks – The Senior Center Board. All are welcome to dinner and/or the Bingo and festivities get under way with dinner at 6pm with Bingo, featuring several prizes, following at 7pm.
Moving quickly 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... This week our regulars have been discussing the changes on the local business scene and I am fervently trying to get to the bottom of things with the assistance of my ace team of roving reporters. I will hopefully know more next week but in the meantime here are the topics under discussion and investigation...
... What will the change of ownership at Mosswood Market mean for that fine establishment’s loyal customers? (Hopefully it’ll be business as usual)... Will Petaluma’s Clover-Stornetto Creamery be taking over the Zub Zub Ice Cream shop in downtown Boonville or will it be done by a certain local ice cream aficionado instead?... What is the latest on the search for a new tenant for the pub/restaurant space in the Buckhorn Building?... Is Alicia’s Restaurant planning to serve pizza?... If so, will we be able to get a ‘regular slice of pie’ (remember that?) without a bunch of ‘fancy’ toppings? (Not that there is anything particularly wrong with that)... What sort of food will be served in the restaurant area at the location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge, which is apparently going to be owned separately from the bar area?... Meanwhile, when will the bar area at the location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge re-open now that the liquor license has been bought by new owners?... Will there be a boycott of any sort there, protesting the fact that landlord ‘Honest’ Dave Johnson will be basically getting the same rent that previous owners Tom Towey and Carroll Pratt were prepared to pay if they had been given the chance?... All will be revealed as soon as is Vulturely possible; after all, enquiring minds like to know...
Well now I think it’s time to take my leave - I have to see a woman about some chickens... 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”… Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture...
p.s. Keep the Faith.
p.p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse at turkeyvulture1 @ earthlink.net