# 317 - July 25th, 2012

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Two old-timers sadly passed recently and condolences go out from many Valley folks to the families and loved ones of both Cleo Hixon, who was remembered last week, and Harold Hulbert, whose memorial is this coming Friday, Aug 27th at noon in the Apple Hall at The Fairgrounds in Boonville … 

       “So what do you do up there in Anderson Valley?” is a question I am frequently asked by Brightlighters who cannot imagine that there is vibrant life beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Well, in terms of variety and sheer enjoyment last Saturday evening here in the Valley would be on a par with anything the great City of San Francisco could offer, I’m sure. As I zoomed manically up and down Hwy 128 I managed to take in some of these events that were being enjoyed by hundreds of folks on a beautiful evening in the Valley. There was Amanda Hiatt’s wedding at The Fairgrounds at which she tied the knot with Jaime; the first anniversary party at The Madrones for Bink Winery and their delicious wines; top class live music provided by Roy Rogers at the Navarro Store’s amphitheatre; Mateo La Campagna’s 10th Birthday Party in Perry Gulch, a very lively affair hosted by parents John and Andrea; and a special benefit held at The Grange for Efren Mendoza who is fighting cancer. Each event was well attended and I cannot imagine many people were at home on such a night of great activity.        

The always-smiling Efren is one of the most popular gentlemen in our Mexican community – as evidenced by the large turnout, and the following afternoon, I stopped by the Mendoza house on Philo and spoke with him as he sat with wife Dary, father Juan, and son Michel, amongst the beautiful roses he so lovingly cares for. He remarked that he had been overwhelmed by the crowd that had shown up at his benefit the previous night and told me that he was “going to beat this thing.” No doubt the many, many people who have been affected by Efren’s warm heart and generosity over his thirty or so years in the Valley will be willing him to do so.

       Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready... #127 – Last call for the Guest Chef Dinner on Friday, July 27 for which a few tickets remain. Jared Titus is the chef and he’ll be serving an Italian Summer Grill featuring salads, grilled chicken and shrimp, and canolis. This is an outdoors event on the lawn at the Senior Center with Dean Titus and Susan Clark providing live jazzy music, with fire pits adding to the ambiance of what should be a lovely summer evening. $30/person, which includes your donation and a complimentary glass of wine… #128 – On Saturday, July 28, The California Wine Tasting Championships take place at Greenwood Ridge Vineyard. Call 895-2002 for further details… #129 – The “Not-so-Simple Living Fair” will return once again to The Fairgrounds in Boonville over the weekend of July 27 thru 29. This event celebrates rural living skills and features workshops, demonstrations, local food, etc. Check out www.notsosimple.info or call 895-2949… #130 – The Bookmobile returns to the Valley on Tuesday, July 31. They will be stationed at Floodgate from 1-1.45pm, Philo 2-2.45pm, and in Boonville at the Apple Building 3-3.45pm… #131 – Heads-up on the next Barn Sale – moved from the last weekend of the month to the first weekend, so it’s Saturday/Sunday, Aug 4 & 5, from 9am to 3pm each day… #132 – The annual A.V.H.S. Soccer/Futbol Alumni Tournament is set for Saturday Aug 11 at Tom Smith Field at the high school from 2pm to 5pm. Teams will include graduates from 1995 to 2012 plus the current school squad…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events 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 where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life...

… It was unanimously agreed by every 3-Dot customer that if you owe someone money, and repeatedly promised to pay them back but haven’t, then perhaps you should. Today would be a good time to accept the responsibility, ‘do the right thing,’ and take care of this… I am just saying…

... PawFest 2012 raised approximately $4,000 for A.V. Animal Rescue and had many of the 3-Dot regulars gushing with praise. Their most common remarks were centered on the facts that firstly it was wonderful to see so many dogs and their owners together in one place, and secondly that the delicious bbq prepared by A.V. Lions’ Judy Long, Olie Eriksen, and Bill and Robin Harper went perfectly with the Poleeko Gold Pale Ale generously donated by the A.V. Brewery… Yer gotta like that!!...

... Loretta Houck of Laughing Dog Books in downtown Boonville tells me that e-book readers can now shop locally by going to LaughingDogBooks.com. Loretta comments, “We've been dragged - kicking & screaming - into the 21st Century, developing an on-line presence.  The site is brand new and a total "work in progress" that will include information about local book clubs, upcoming local events, and oh - "Great Reads" available in the store”… All serious readers no doubt wish this project well…

... From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series - ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse’... Buzzard reports, “There is also no truth to this past week’s rumor that effigies of Animal Shelter Cops, George Hodgson and Torsten Werner, were set alight following last weekend’s very enjoyable PawFest 2012 to benefit A.V. Animal Rescue. Such rumors are perhaps inevitable as these two ‘wannabe real cops’ have jobs that involve arresting dogs and cats, and euthanizing quite a few of them - with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm, some have said. In fact, believe it or not, Werner is an unpaid volunteer cop for this line of work! I couldn’t possibly comment further other than to say that, in my humble opinion, having domestic animals killed by people who are not even in a position of paid employment for doing so, is surely one more sign that the Apocalypse is fast approaching.”

       Oh, dear, have I upset somebody? In this case - too bad. Nevertheless, I’ll get my coat and leave... So until we talk again - ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; 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 through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Keep on wagging that tail, Fred…

# 316 - July 18th, 2012

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin...

       My dear, dear friend, Fred, a fourteen-year old Border collie, whose quality of life had deteriorated rapidly in just a few days, was painlessly ‘put to sleep’ last Wednesday. He had been a wonderful companion and, unusually for his breed, a very carefree and relaxed working dog. When herding sheep, Border collies use their intelligence, their ‘eye’, their unique understanding of and relationship with their shepherd, and a degree of calmness so as not to unduly unnerve the sheep. Fred had all but the last one of these – he was certainly not calm. He was going to enjoy himself and not hide that fact, but his blatant enthusiasm did not affect his performance. Master Shepherd, Kevin Owens of Yorkville, upon watching Fred efficiently move a flock of range sheep high in the hills above the Valley, commented, “I’ve been watching this breed of dog work sheep for over fifty years and Fred is the only one I have ever seen who wags his tail when doing his job!” 

       Following the first six years of his life that were mostly spent in a state of boredom and some neglect, Fred found a new home and his exuberance in the sheep pastures can be put down to this, and the fact that he shared this home with other Border collie friends and sheep who could provide what he wanted most – hard work and play. He had found his heaven on earth. To some he was a local hero as a result of his successful efforts in helping a number of Valley folks move their sheep/goats as the lightning fires of 2008 threatened flocks. Now, with his passing, I like to think he has found the other heaven, where tail-wagging and fun while working sheep are part of every day ‘life’ for the sheep dogs who make it there. If ever a dog deserves to be in Border collie heaven, it would be good old Fred... R.I.P. and may you keep having fun, buddy…

       There can be only one Quote of the Week. This, from an anonymous source, says it all, “Dogs are your best friend, your partner, your defender, and they will always be happy to see you. You are their life, their love, their leader. They will be faithful and true to you until the last beat of their heart”…

       Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready... #128 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital continue to make regular visits to the Valley and they return here tomorrow, Thursday, July 19. They will be at The A.V. Farm Supply from 2pm to 3.30pm and if you call them 48 hours in advance (462-8833) you can ensure that your pet’s charts are brought ‘over the hill’ and also order any medications your pet might need. New customers and their pets are always welcome… #129 – It’s the 3rd Friday of the month so that means the Grange Groove is back, coming to The Grange on Hwy 128, on Friday, July 20 from 8pm on, and featuring the sounds of D.J. Jerry Carp! Yes, that Jerry. ‘The Carpster’, known primarily for his Jazz Odyssey show on KZYX, and the man who put ‘er’ rather than ‘hip’ into hipster, has assured me that he will have them dancing in the aisles, so I urge you to get your dancing shoes on and join Jerry and the crowd for a fun night out… #130 - The Navarro Store has just two shows this year – disappointing, I know, but when there are so many rules and regulations to follow and every county agency wants ‘a piece of your pie’, it is no longer possible for impresario Dave Evans to do what he used to do and give us quality live music all summer long. However, he has lined-up blues rock slide guitarist Roy Rogers for this coming Saturday, July 21 and then later in the year it will be the one-and-only Charlie Musselwhite on Sept 1… #131 – Guest Chef Dinner – Friday, July 27 - Jared Titus is the chef and he is serving an Italian Summer Grill featuring salads, grilled chicken and shrimp, and canolis We will be eating outside on the lawn at the senior center with Dean Titus and Susan Clark providing live jazzy music and fire pits will round out the ambiance of what should be a lovely summer evening. $30/person, which includes your donation and a complimentary glass of wine… #132 – The “Not-so-Simple Living Fair” takes place at the Fairgrounds in Boonville in July 27 thru 29. This event celebrates rural living skills and features workshops, demonstrations, local food, etc. Check out www.notsosimple.info or call 895-2949… #133 – The powers-that-be at the monthly Barn Sale, held at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on A.V. Way just north of Boonville, have decide to change their event to the first weekend of the month for the next few months. So, those of you expecting it on the final weekend of this month will have to wait one more week, until Saturday/Sunday, Aug 4 & 5. For the bargain hunters among you, I’m sure it will be worth the wait…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events 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 where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life...

... As you will have read above, in a week or so the Valley will welcome back the Not-So-Simple Living Fair. There is no truth to the rumor that with so many Brightlighters (City folks) now living in the Valley, organizers considered re-naming their event the Really-Quite-Difficult Living Fair…

... A humble retraction… Apparently, Alan ‘Egg-layer’ Thomas, did not win the chicken-clucking contest in 2011 at the ‘Olde Time 4th of July’ gathering as reported here last week, and so his victory at this year’s event was in fact his first. However, I sense that, given the way he is walking these days, it will not be his last…

… Regulars tell me that the Bastille Day Celebration held last Saturday at the Fairgrounds in Boonville to benefit local public radio’s KZYX & Z was very enjoyable but the turnout was disappointing. The following afternoon at PawFest 2012, held at the A.V. Brewery to benefit A.V. Animal Rescue, there were about 120 in attendance but this was down a little on last year. Nevertheless, it was a joy to have so many dogs present (they were welcome on a leash) when so many laws prevent dogs and their owners spending time together in public on beaches and in forests or woods, etc…

… These situations brought a number of regulars to a discussion on the topic of the Valley being saturated with benefit events during times of economic hardships for many. With the ‘Save Hendy Woods’ movement recently added to the list, and their benefit earlier in the week selling out for the Kristofferson and Bottrell concert, it would seem that this movement is the Valley’s current ‘Cause Célebre’. Obviously, this is a very important undertaking, a wonderful one in fact, and a cause that has been enthusiastically supported from the beginning in this column, and indeed before the movement was formally created. However, it would seem that both this, and also the sheer number of other fundraisers that are now held here, have affected numbers at many events in what are difficult economic times for many. Valley folks have to make difficult choices on which fundraisers to attend and donate their dollars and the organizers of these events are becoming increasingly aware of going to the same ‘well’ time after time.  We discussed the issue at length and, along with the conclusion that this community is amazingly generous, came the realization that there are limits and, for now, the lower attendances and amounts raised at some events are inevitable…

       I must take my leave… So, until we talk again, ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; 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 through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

p.p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace...

# 315 - July 11th, 2012

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Apart from being three of the nicer ladies in the Valley, what do these three have in common? Mary Darling, Joanne Clark, Marriann Kinion?... You guessed it – they are our ‘July Birthday Girls’ and on behalf of many Valley folks may I wish them many happy returns…

       Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready... #346 – This Sunday, July 15 sees the 2nd Annual PawFest to benefit the A.V. Animal Rescue. It is once again at the A.V. Brewery and will feature bbq, beer, wine, and soft drinks, live music from the local musicians who make up The Peanut Butter Jam Band, a raffle, a silent auction, dog demonstrations, including an appearance by local Sheriff’s Deputy Walker and his police dog Argus, and various participation events for your dog, who is welcome in a leash, to enjoy. It all takes place from 2pm to 6pm and is for a great cause … #347 – Earlier that same day, and right across the street, there is a Sheep Dog trial being held at the Johnson Ranch. It is a combination of two long-held trials, the Floyd Johnson Memorial and the Kurt Beebe Memorial, and begins at 10am, leading perfectly into the PawFest that starts at 2pm!... #348 – The Bastille Day Boogie to benefit KZYX & Z local public radio is this Saturday, July 14 at the Fairgrounds in Boonville. There’s the Contino Band with blues, Americana and Cajun music, plus Cajun food. Call 895-2324 for details… #349 – The Bite Hard Boonville Roadrace (.com) is also on Saturday, July 14 to benefit the local bike, walk and ride Cyked Club. The website has more details… #350 - The Vets will return to the Valley to see and treat your pets at the Farm Supply on Thursday, July 19… #351 – The next Guest Chef Dinner held monthly at the Senior Center features Jared Titus who will be serving an Italian Summer Grill on Friday, July 27. Tickets are selling fast. Call Gina at 895-3609 and stop by for yours…

       Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events 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 where people gather and share their thoughts about Valley life...

... Following a similar situation last year, for which inquisitive regulars never did find the answer, many Valley folks are wondering about the story behind those two beautiful horses in the narrow field alongside Hwy 128 between Denmark Creek and Breggo Cellars Winery. Clearly they are two younger horses – the offspring of last year’s inhabitants perhaps? Anyway, if anyone can shed any light on this please get in touch. Enquiring/nosey minds like to know

... Once again Chicken-impersonator supreme, Alan Thomas, won the hen-clucking contest at the ‘Olde Time 4th July Celebration’ in Boonville last week. After many years of desperate struggle in a fruitless search to find an athletic activity that he was good at, Alan seems to have finally found his vocation and repeated his victory of last year with some ease. His talent in this ‘sport’ is something to behold and this year he surpassed himself and went as far as to actually lay an egg. Some people were shocked. Is he going too far? His brother, Jeff, had previously told me that Alan really thinks he is a chicken so I suggested to Jeff that perhaps he should tell Alan that he is not. Jeff said he had thought about breaking this news to his brother, but he has always been reluctant to do so because they do need the eggs…

… Natalie Matson, ex-Senior Center chef and bus driver, former ‘queen of hospitality’ at the Husch Winery tasting room, and one-time founder and owner/operator of the now ‘deceased’ One Horse Espresso coffee stand in the heart of downtown, is in town for a couple of weeks visiting family and friends. She is here with young sons Spike (four) and King (twelve months) while husband Clay is hard at work on the thoroughbred horse ranch in Maryland where the family have been living for the last few months. Having lived in the Valley for ten years or so, they left about fifteen months ago and originally lived and worked at a ranch near to Clay’s family home in Chicago but have since settled in Maryland. During her stay, Natalie plans to visit many of her old haunts although her wine-sipping hobby is probably on hold with two youngsters to deal with. I say, ‘Come on Nat, get a sitter and let’s share a bottle of that delicious Pinot while you’re here!’...

       Well now I think it’s time to take my leave. So until we talk again - ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; 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 through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace...

p.p.p.s. Have you read any interesting books lately, Skylark?

# 314 - July 4th, 2012

Greetings one and all - if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin... Today sees the annual ‘Olde Time 4th of July Celebration’ from noon to 4pm at The Fairgrounds in Boonville. It’s all happening – parades; hot dogs and tri-tip sandwiches; root beer floats, wine and beer; games, races, ‘rooster crowing’, ‘hen clucking’, and of course, the ‘Tug-of-War Contest’. With the event being ‘hosted’ by Hummingbird, referred to by society observer Mitchell Holman as ‘the biggest ham in town’, I can’t imagine why I won’t see you there. (P.s. It is not mere coincidence that I love the sight of a ham on my dining table and also ended up marrying the biggest ‘ham’ in town)…  

       The twenty-six television viewers in the Valley, including myself and Hummingbird, will be well aware that Anne Curry, the television personality, news journalist, and co-host of N.B.C.’s ‘Today’ program, was unceremoniously fired last week. She departed at the end of a tearful on-air farewell in what became a huge talking point for many television viewers around the country. However, she did not seem to be too sad on Friday evening when she was with friends enjoying dinner in Boonville at Lauren’s Restaurant! I guess we can all learn from this. When things seem at their very worst, there is always a silver-lining to be gleaned from somewhere...

       As Anne and I sipped wine together, I reminded her of this and we swapped a number of wise sayings on the topic of optimism. This has now become your Quotes of the Week… Let’s start with something from the brilliant Jane Austen (1775-1817), the English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. Her realism and biting social commentary has gained her historical importance among scholars and critics and she preferred to “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery”… Then of course there is this classic from Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), the Irish writer, poet, and wit, who famously said, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”… However, perhaps the comment that most closely follows my own curmudgeonly point of view, is this from Havelock Ellis (1859-1939), the British physician and psychologist, writer, and social reformer who studied human sexuality, and who wrote, “The place where optimism most flourishes is the lunatic asylum”… 

       The Three-Dot Lounge was closed this past week for renovation so I have nothing to report from the discussions normally held among the locals who like to hang out there. However, I did run into one regular customer, The Old Buzzard, the weekly contributor to this column in the form of his insightful series - ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse’. He was a little out of sorts having recently spoken with Billy Graham, the evangelical Christian who was also talking about optimism and had told the Buzzard, “If I didn’t have spiritual faith I would be a pessimist. But I am an optimist. I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out alright.” The Buzzard was not convinced and responded with his own words of wisdom, “Wise up, dude.”

       Moving on… Public Service Announcements… Calendars and pens at the ready... #228 – With the new owners at the A.V. Farm Supply continuing to run the operation just as before their purchase, the vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will still be making their visits to the Valley in order to see our pets on a regular basis. In the month of July they have two visits planned and the first one of these is tomorrow - Thursdays, July 5 from 2pm to 3.30pm. They will be back on July 19 … #229 – This coming Saturday, July 7, is the 15th Annual Boonville ArtWalk when you can enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant art that Boonville is famous for. ArtWalk is an event sponsored by AV Arts, the AV Chamber of Commerce, and Boonville merchants and takes place from Noon - 6 p.m., with dozens of local artists and craftspeople at businesses throughout the downtown area. With creative art activities for kids and adults, it’s a great summer family outing! Call 707-895-2204 for more information… #230 - Next Tuesday, July 10, is the second Tuesday so that means Dinner and Bingo at the Senior Center – good food, beer and wine, top quality bingo with prizes, and, as you know by now - you don’t have to be a senior to attend!... #231 - The 2nd Annual PawFest to benefit the A.V. Animal Rescue is once again at the A.V. Brewery. Fun, food, drink, live music from local musicians who make up The Peanut Butter Jam Band, raffle, silent auction, dog demos and an appearance by local Deputy Walker and his dog Argus, all taking place from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, July 15… #232 - The Navarro Store has just two shows this year – disappointing, I know, but when there are so many rules and regulations to follow and every county agency wants ‘a piece of your pie’, it is no longer possible for impresario Dave Evans to do what he used to do and give us quality live music in the Valley all summer long. However, he has lined-up blues rock slide guitarist Roy Rogers for July 21 and then later in the year it will be the one-and-only Charlie Musselwhite on Sept 1…

       Well now I think it’s time to take my leave. Until we talk again - ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; remember to keep your vehicle’s windows cracked if you have pets inside; 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 through the Letters Page or by e-mail at <turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net>

p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

p.p.p.s. On the sheep, Grace...