Thursday, June 26, 2014

# 412 - June 25th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… There is a rumor spreading around town that the location which was the former home of The Boonville Lodge in central Boonville is soon to re-open as an up-market shoe store. Apparently, property owner and #1 on the Valley’s Most Wanted List, Dave “I’m not greedy’ Johnson, is in negotiations with a couple of San Francisco gentleman who feel there is a need for high-end alligator-skin shoes, crocodile-skin boots, and lizard-skin moccasins etc. These fellows have a secret source for such materials and feel the Valley is the ideal place for their enterprise. We shall see...

       This may be true or perhaps it is simply gossip. Either way, let’s have some appropriate comments on both ‘truth’ and ‘gossip’ for your Quote of the Week… First we have this from Antoine Rivarol (1753-1801), a Royalist French writer during the Revolutionary era, who observed, “Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good in a bad way”… Also on gossip we have these words from social commentator Will Rogers who wrote, “The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them”… And here’s one about ‘truth’ from Mark Twain who commented, “Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it”… And here’s another one - from Winston Churchill, who remarked, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened”… Here’s the final two - one on each side… From author/philosopher Henry David Thoreau we have “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth”… But perhaps most pertinent to the new shoe store in town, let’s turn to Kin Hubbard (1868-1930) the American cartoonist, humorist, and journalist who wisely observed, “There isn’t much to be seen in a small town, but what you hear makes up for it”…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #744 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, June 26. As always the venue and times are the A.V. Farm Supply from 2-3.30pm. New customers are always welcome and for those who have been before you can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts. Their next visit will be in July on Thursdays 10 & 17… #745 - The next in the Guest Chef series of events to benefit the Senior Center is this coming Saturday, June 28 with a happy hour at 5.30pm followed at 6.30pm by a Texas-style bbq by chef David Knight. The menu will feature Fresh Green Salad, Delicious Barbecue Ribs, Texas Style Chili, Hot Buttered Sweet Corn, Crispy French Bread, Brownies and Ice Cream, with Local Wine and Beer. $30 tickets include your dinner and one drink, plus your donation. Get your tickets early as only 60 will be sold at the Senior Center 895-3609, Lemons Market, Rossi’s Hardware, or AV Market… #746 - Later that evening, on Saturday June 28 at 8.30pm, it’s the monthly Community Sing-along at Lauren’s Restaurant… #747 - The Mendocino Bookmobile is in town next Tuesday, July 1. They are in the Valley on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am; the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. The Bookmobile is then off the road from July 15-18 so their next visit to the Valley will be Tuesday, July 29. Phone 463-4694 for further details… #748 - The Old Time 4th of July Celebration will take place at The Fairgrounds in Boonville on Friday, July 4 from noon to 4pm. Adults $4 and Under 18 free! This event will benefit the A.V. Education Foundation and will feature the Red, White, and Blue Parade at 12.30pm, followed by events such as the Crowing and Clucking Contest, a Cake Auction, the Tug O’ War, bbq sandwiches by the A.V. Lions, and much, much, more … #749 - The A.V. Historical Society and Museum presents a book-signing event on Sunday, July 6 at 2pm. This will feature co-authors, Valley old-timer Wes Smoot and my good friend Steve Sparks, who will be signing copies of their soon-to-be-published book ‘Then and Now - an Anderson Valley Journey’. Refreshments and snacks will be available and all proceeds from sales of the book will go to the Museum…
       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches over the next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Building in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from Seniors and charges $7 for Non-Seniors… Tomorrow, Thursday, June 26, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Oven Fried Fish, Oven Fries, Cole Slaw, Cornbread Muffins, Tabbouleh Salad, with Cake & Fruit Cup for dessert… Then next Tuesday, July 1, the menu will feature Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Rolls, Quinoa Salad, with Birthday Cup Cakes for dessert... Remember, all ages are welcome!... Hope to see you there…

        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 (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…
... The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival took place here in Boonville for the 9th successive year over this past weekend and I heard many positive reviews from a number of regulars. However, I’m sure some of our local eateries and places of libation are tired of listening to the myth that they benefit substantially from this self-contained event given its many food and drink vendors set up inside the Fairgrounds. Meanwhile, most Valley residents hunkered down in the hills and those around town invested in some top quality ear-plugs (apparently on sale at Golden Buttocks Winery now that their frost protection fans are no longer in operation and locals are once again able to sleep and have no need of such items). Having said that, I know of many Valley folks who did go to the Festival and had a great time, and found the kindness and friendliness ‘vibes’ at a very high level. Furthermore, any negative reviews, no matter how justified, should also take into account the undoubted joy given to many of the male population of the Valley by the sight of the young female festival-goers, with bare-midriffs, balancing hula-hoops on their gyrating hips that hypnotically circle around and around as if they were... (continued on page 74)...
… After hovering and observing such delightful scenes for a couple of days, I finally landed at The Buckhorn, Boonville, on Sunday afternoon and, along with about 100 others, watched some soccer live from the World Cup in Brazil - it was U.S.A. v Portugal in the second match for both teams. The crowd in attendance, mostly visiting for the Music Festival but taking a break to watch some soccer, seemed to have a great time and only one local left in disgust at the whole proceedings, muttering to himself as he left, “I f***in’ hate this s***”…I’m not sure whether he was referring to the soccer, the Festival, or his life in general - or perhaps all three…
… A regular at the Three-Dot mentioned that the S.A.N. (Senior Assistance Network), the local grass roots organization recently formed to help seniors in the Valley get assistance with various chores or circumstances, were looking for someone to help a Boonville senior with a few hours of weed-wacking every month at this time of year. In this particular case, the senior in question cannot afford to pay so the person will have to volunteer their time and any expenses they have. If there is anyone out there who can help, please call Steve Sparks, the S.A.N. Facilitator, at 353-0369… 
       Well now I think it’s time to take my leave, besides I’ve got see a man about a sheep… So, until we talk again – ‘Keep the Faith’; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; 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”… Poking and stroking but humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - extremely honored to have the 2nd tallest tree (343.6 feet) in Hendy Woods named after my ilk…
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. Skylark – read any good books lately?
p.p.p.s. Keep on humming, Hummingbird…
p.p.p.p.s. Everything cool with you, O.J.? Of course it is…

Thursday, June 19, 2014

# 411 - June 18th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… With the First Day of Summer this coming Saturday, June 21, let’s begin this week with some relevant Quotes of the Week…
       Main man of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, not surprisingly had this to say, “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun”… Comedian Lewis Black weighs in with his comment, “I believe that summer is our time, a time for the people, and that no politician should be allowed to speak to us during the summer. They can start talking again after Labor Day”…. Writer Henry James keeps it simple with “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language”… While we have this classic from Aristotle, “For one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy”… And British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll puts it perfectly with, “What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade”… But best of all we have this from literary heavyweight and philosopher, G. K. Chesterton, who observed, “Let a man walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer's day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented”… Precisely, G.K….

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #587 - It’s here!!... The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival hits town over this coming weekend, Fri, Sat, Sun, June 20-22 - have fun!… #588 - The next in the Guest Chef series of events to benefit the Senior Center is on Saturday, June 28 with a happy hour at 5.30pm followed at 6.30pm by a Texas-style bbq by chef David Knight. The menu will feature Fresh Green Salad, Delicious Barbecue Ribs, Texas Style Chili, Hot Buttered Sweet Corn, Crispy French Bread, Brownies and Ice Cream, with Local Wine and Beer. $30 tickets include your dinner and one drink, plus your donation. Get your tickets early as only 60 will be sold at the Senior Center 895-3609, Lemons Market, Rossi’s Hardware, or AV Market… #589 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the A.V. Farm Supply once more this month - on Thursday, June 26, and then twice next month - on Thursdays, July 10 and 17…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches and dinners over the next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Hall in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from seniors for both lunches and dinners and charges $7 for Non-Seniors for lunches and $8 for the dinners… Tomorrow, Thursday, June 19, the lunch, presented by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Chicken Quesadillas, Rice, Refried Beans, Salsa, Quinoa Salad, and Banana Split Cake for dessert… Then next Tuesday, June 24, the dinner menu, served at 6pm, will feature Spaghetti, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Faro Salad, and Caesar Salad, with Italian Cream Cake Dessert… Remember, all ages are welcome!... Hope to see you there…

       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 (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…
… It is with regret that I announce that Pat Hulbert’s Country Kitchen will not feature at the County Fair this year. Pat is having surgery and has been unable to find someone who can take her place to oversee the group of 30-plus volunteers who provide the famous apple pies etc that have been served by Pat, and her mother before her, for 49 years. She will be back next year and there is no truth to the hurtful rumor that she would lose her spot if she did not attend this year…
… Kudos to our local Veterans of American Legion Branch 385 who kindly donated a U.S. flag to the A.V. Elementary School as a replacement for their bedraggled ‘Stars and Stripes’ that had certainly seen far better days…
… Many Valley folks have asked where they can watch soccer’s World Cup tournament that most of the world is currently enthralled with. There are two options in Boonville - The Buckhorn, with its excellent beer selection and splendid pub grub menu, is a good place to watch sports with a couple of televisions on which they will show matches. One drawback is that they will not have the sound on unless there is a very large crowd demanding it (U.S.A. v Portugal Sunday at 3pm during Sierra Nevada Music Festival perhaps?). Furthermore, they do not open until 11am, or 10am at weekends, and thus do not have the matches that the kick-off at 9am… The alternative is the Redwood Drive-In, which does have the matches with sound. However, the viewing area is not at the comfort level of the Buckhorn, and the sightlines not nearly as good, but they do serve beer and a drive-in menu and are open for every match…
The Anderson Valley Elementary School Art Show is currently on display at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville. Local artist Chris Bing has done a fine job teaching art this past school year and his creative display of the children's work is equally wonderful. The exhibit runs until July 6, so try to get in to see it soon.  Birds are flying all around the restaurant!...
… Hopefully a new high school Volleyball coach has been found. Those involved with the program were becoming concerned but I believe a well-qualified young woman has been found and I thought you should know…
… Last weekend saw the adult soccer league match between two of the Valley’s three teams, last season’s champions Valladolid and the team named for the ancestral home town of the vast majority of our Mexican residents, La Laguneta. It was the Ferreyra family-led Valla who came out of top 3-1 thanks to goals by former A.V. high school student athletes Vidal Ferreyra plus two from his younger brother Omar…

       Well now I think it’s time to take my leave, I’ve got see a man about a sheep… 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”…
       Poking and stroking but humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - thinking you should now that we Turkey Vultures are monogamous and mate for life and sometimes, to prove our loyalty, we like to indulge in an ‘erotic’ display dance on our nesting grounds! Too much information?…
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. Hi, George – hope you and Sheila are well…
p.p.p.p.s. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

# 410 - June 11th, 2014

      Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… This coming Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m sure many Valley folks will be thanking their Dads for the contributions they have made to their lives, or at least buying them tools for household maintenance!... This occasion has been celebrated since the early 1900s but was not officially recognized as a holiday until President Nixon did so in 1972 - one of the more honorable acts by ‘Tricky Dick’, some might say… Anyway, for all of my offspring out there, wherever you are, a new set of beak and claw cleaners and some gift certificates for various A.V. restaurants and wineries would be gratefully accepted…

       Obviously we must have some relevant comments for your Quotes of the Week… First up let’s hear from Britain’s King George who was on the throne from 1910-36 and who at point said, “My father was afraid of his father. I was frightened of my father, and I am damned well going to see to it that my children are frightened of me.” (His oldest son and heir was Edward VII who was so scared that he ran away and married an American divorcée and then had to abdicate the throne!)… Next up we have author Ernest Hemingway, another man not entirely in touch with his sensitive side, who claimed “To be a successful father, there’s one absolute rule - when you have a kid, don’t look at it for the first two years”… Fortunately we can turn to some wise words from Eleanor Roosevelt who observed, “The kind of man who thinks that helping with the dishes is beneath him will also think that helping with the baby is beneath him, and then he certainly is not going to be a very successful father”… And let’s finish with this truism from scientist Margaret Turnbull who said, “No man is responsible for his father; that is entirely his mother’s affair”…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #713 - It’s Flag Day on Saturday, June 14, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. So now you know and here is no excuse for not flying your flag!… #714 - As mentioned above, it’s Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15… #715 - The Mendocino Bookmobile is in town next Tuesday, June 17. They are in the Valley on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am; the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Their next visit will be Tuesday, June 17. Phone 463-4694 for further details… #716 - It’s coming!!... The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival hits town over the weekend of June 20-22… #717 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the A.V. Farm Supply once more this month - on June 26, and then twice next month - on Thursdays, July 10 and 17 - yes, they have added a second visit… #718 - And I almost forgot to mention that the Drumming group will be having a session this evening, Wednesday, June 11, at The Grange from 7-9pm…

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community lunches over the next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Building in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from Seniors and charges $7 for Non-Seniors… Tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Hamburgers, Buns, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Cabbage and Apple Slaw, Macaroni Salad, with Ice Cream Sundaes for dessert … Then next Tuesday, June 17, the menu will feature Beef Broccoli, Chow-mien Noodles, Stir Fry Veggies, Bulgur Salad, and a dessert of Strawberry Pie... Remember, all ages are welcome!... Hope to see you there…

       In this week’s ‘History of A.V.’ notes, we are sad to report that the Pronsolino Ranch on Signal Ridge loaded up their flock of sheep and drove them away for the last time this past week. After ninety years Angelo Pronsolino has called time on the shepherding days of his family’s ranch that they purchased in 1923. While it is believed that Angelo, Eileen, and the family celebrated their ‘retirement’ with a glass of wine, I am sure there was more than a tint of sadness at the passing of an era… Great job, Angelo!…
      
       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 (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…
… Soccer’, the World’s game, sees its four-yearly World Cup tournament begin tomorrow, Thursday, in Brazil when the hosts play Croatia in the first match at 1pm our time. The games are ion ESPN and ESPN2 as well as Mexican channels but for a better experience I suggest you get together with friends at The Drive-In or The Buckhorn, Boonville. The tournament will run for a month until the Final on July 13. Regulars at the Three-Dot have been making ‘friendly wagers’ and while the usual suspects are favorites to win - Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, some of us have a sneaking suspicion that there could be a surprise. Look for an England v Mexico final!!!... p.s. If you see High School Soccer coach Steve Sparks around town ask him for a list of the matches - he has it all on one postcard size schedule…
… The Navarro Store’s Dave Evans, impresario-bar-none around here, continues to forge ahead with the live music scene in the Deep End. Despite the many rules and restrictions put in place by the overly-officious folks in Ukiah, he is planning to put on two major events later this summer. I may be mistaken but I have an idea that The Sub-dudes may be the headliners at one of those, while Charlie Musselwhite may be at the other. If true, it doesn’t get much better than that and Dave will have pulled off another massive coup for the Valley!...
… Reader, and Turkey Vulture fan club member, Marshall Newman, responded to my comments last week on the Hendy Woods' mountain lion sighting. He writes, “In the 1970s and early 1980s they had lots of room to roam and sufficient water in the area, but a reduction in potential prey due to the drought may have caused the cats to expand their range’… Yes, folks, they may on your doorstep any day now…
… As summer progresses, be aware of those peculiar folks, unable to get rid of the vast crops of squash/zuchini that they have inexplicably grown, who will be sneaking up to your parked vehicle and putting bags of these things into your trunk… It is not the worst thing that can happen to you, and I am not really complaining, but it does feel a little odd when it happens, not unlike that feeling you get when your underwear draw has obviously been tampered with - I think you understand… You have been warned…
… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘Signs that the Apocalypse is Approaching’… Buzzard reports, “Well, with Seebass (pronunciation unclear) winery soon to be installed at the former Zina-Hyde Cunningham tasting room in central Boonville we are once again at 30 tasting rooms currently open to the public in the Valley between Yorkville and Navarro. For wine lovers, and I include myself in that unholy group, this is obviously a good situation. For the winery owners who know how to run a good business, have a good product, or have unlimited funds, or all three, then it is pretty good too. However, four tasting rooms have closed in the last year and the smaller concerns may have a problem surviving with so much competition - not just with the number of locations challenging for the tourist dollars, but also in staffing their establishments with competent employees. Add the restaurants and stores and one has to wonder if we have enough service industry employees around here? Particularly when one considers there are few places to live that such folks can generally afford. It is an on-going discussion point at the Three-Dot, and one that has many of us dreading the thought that when the tourists are not around, the Apocalypse may quickly be upon us and more closures result. Turkey Vulture, myself, and the many other oenophiles in the Valley sincerely hope not…

       I’m outta here… 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”… Poking and stroking but humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - hoping you enjoyed the read and who knows, you might miss me when you’re gone (?)… And special Father’s Day thoughts and best wishes to the Venerable Pheasant…
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…
p.p.p.s. Is that ‘lafter’ I hear, Carroll?...
p.p.p.p.s. Keep up the good work, Round-eyed Robin

Thursday, June 05, 2014

# 409 - June 4th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… In one of the letters I received this week was this comment on the state of the American beer industry from Doctor Ivor Bigthirst of San Francisco. The good Doctor writes, “Brewing in America has certainly benefited from the craft-beer revolution, but I fear the tendency has been one of severe overcompensation. Pale fizzy dishwater has been replaced with the likes of Bacon Brown Ale, Toasted Chocolate Lager, and Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout. I’d say the brewers in this country still have a long way to go until they can brew an elegant and pure Pilsner to compete with those of central Europe, or a creamy, perfectly smooth stout to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Guinness - the delicious black nectar from Ireland”…
       I tend to agree with the Doctor and could add my own thoughts on raspberry ales, pumpkin stouts, etc and the overly-hopped beers that so many micro-breweries produce. However, I shall resist and instead turn to the wise words of some expert American beer consumers for your Quotes of the Week… Let’s begin with this from comedian Henny Youngman “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading”… Another wise but humorous remark, this one from Steven Wright, “24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case.  Coincidence?  I think not”… And more humor, with an historical perspective, from Dave Barry, “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza”… And inevitably we shall finish with some words on the subject from one of the wisest of all Americans, Benjamin Franklin, who knowingly observed, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”… Well said, one and all… 

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #494 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley tomorrow, Thursday, June 5. As always the venue and times are the A.V. Farm Supply from 2-3.30pm. New customers are always welcome and for those who have been before you can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts. Their next visit will be on Thursday, June 26 and then only once in July I’m sorry to report… #495 - The monthly Barn Sale takes place this coming weekend at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on A.V. Way, just north of Boonville from 9am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8… #496 - A final reminder that sheep-shearer Matt Gilbert is setting up his schedule for the next few weeks of work in the Valley. If you have sheep to shear and/or good wool to buy do not hesitate to call 972-9144 and Matt will fit you in - you’ll be very pleased that he did… #497 - It’s coming!!... The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival hits town over the weekend of June 20-22…

       And that’s about all I can come up with this week. Since the demise of the Community Newsletter and its comprehensive coverage of Valley events, it has not been easy to find out what is on the Valley social calendar. I did check on the Chamber of Commerce website events page to see if, on the off-chance, they mentioned any commerce going on and, not surprisingly I’m afraid to say, found nothing for the whole month of June apart from the monthly Grange meeting on June 17!?!? That was it… So, if anyone has some input on Valley events please to contact me - see my e-mail address at the end of the column in the first ‘p.s.’.

       As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Hall in Boonville… The Center asks for a $6 donation from Seniors for both lunches and dinners and charges $7 for Non-Seniors for lunches and $8 for the dinners… Tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Rice, Spinach, Broccoli Salad, and Bread Pudding for dessert… Then, next Tuesday evening, June 10 at 6pm, the dinner will feature Pork Chops, Red Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Sourdough Bread, Strawberry Gelatin, and Quinoa, with Lemon Cake for dessert. As this is the 2nd Tuesday of the month, the dinner will be followed by Bingo at 7pm. Hopefully you will be able to attend, and remember – ALL ages are welcome! Hope to see you there… 

       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 (and surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in A.V. and where we subscribe to the Winston Churchill philosophy that “A lie will get halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put on its pants”… So I’ll put my pants on and continue…
… Giving jobs to family and friends, whether they are the best person for the position or not, is a fact of life in every society and the Valley is no exception. It is a way of the world, and the local version, Boonepotism, is a condition that is alive and well. Some folks get frustrated by this but most of us at the Three -Dot accept it, realize its inevitability, and just hope it doesn’t really mess anything up too badly…
… A continuing topic of discussion among the regulars at The 3-Dot is the number of tasting rooms and restaurants in the Valley… Many of them are providing some excellent ‘stuff’ and the Valley is increasingly becoming even more of a place for a high-quality wining and dining experience… I personally like the trend but until we have more places for visitors to stay overnight there are limitations and one wonders where will all the money come from to support so many businesses to ensure their survival? Perhaps it really is time for that ‘tastefully designed and appropriately located motel’?... Over to the Valley’s wheelers-and-dealers with a few dollars to spare…
… Great job by the Lions’ Club last weekend at the benefit BBQ for the A.V. ElderHome… The tri-tip was very tasty, not too salty as some have been, and the chicken and fixings were equally as good… And as always those guys seemed to have fun doing it…
… Coq au Vin, the country-French style restaurant at The Floodgate, is not being sold. Circumstances have changed, and the Richard family are continuing to provide their excellent food so make a reservation and enjoy - 895-9255…
… A mountain lion was apparently spotted chasing a deer near to the Ranger Station in Hendy Woods last week… It’s nothing to really worry about, after all county trapper Gary Johnson tells me that if the lion wants to end your days, because of their stealth and killing skills you will never even know about it, the beast will have done the job in the blink of an eye. Yes, you’ll be admiring the wonderful trees, and the next second you’ll be a gooey mess on the forest floor … Good to know… 

       Well now I think it’s time to take my leave… Besides I’ve got see a man about a sheep… 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”…
       Poking and stroking but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has returned safely to his burrow…
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. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!
p.p.p.p.s. Bobwhite Quail - keep up the knitting!