# 421 - August 27th, 2014

          Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… This coming weekend will see the annual Labor Day festivities, which have taken place at this time as a Federal holiday since 1894 and viewed by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer… This event celebrates the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers, so in these days of decline in the power of the unions perhaps I should remind you why you will be enjoying your beers and bar-b-que this weekend by referring to the influence and importance of labor unions with some appropriate Quotes of the Week…

       First this from Benjamin Franklin, “We must hang together, or assuredly we shall hang separately”… And then there are these wise words from Samuel Gompers who founded the American Federation of Labor (A.F.L.), “The trade union movement represents the organized economic power of the workers. It is in reality the most potent and the most direct social insurance the workers can establish”… Of course President F.D.R. should have his say with “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions”… How about this from Martin Luther King Jr. - "The Labor Movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress”… Or this from famous American lawyer and leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union, Clarence Darrow - "With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men (and women) that ever existed. They have done more for decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race, for the developing of character in men (and women) than any other association"… Penultimately let’s hear from John F. Kennedy who observed that, “The American Labor Movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America"… And finally let’s hear from French author Alexander Dumas who said “All for one; and one for all”…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… # 916 - The Socialist Workers of Anderson Valley, led by Brother Buzzard, will have their next meeting at… Ha! Ha! - Just joking……… #917 - Blackbird Farm, formerly Highland Ranch, is having an open house to which everyone in the Valley is welcome to go up there and see what they are all about. It’s this coming Saturday, August 30 from 1pm to 4pm. Refreshments will be provided and having met several of the staff I can guarantee a pleasant and informative afternoon. Directions - Just outside Philo turn on to Ray's Road; stay left of the fork; at the gate enter 5151; reset your odometer; drive 2 miles till you get to the end of the road and arrive at the yellow farm house - you’re there… #918 - The Hendy Woods Campfire Program concludes its summer series this coming Saturday evenings, August 24, at the Wildcat Loop Campfire ground. Led by Jeanine Pfeiffer these interactive discussions begin around the campfire at 8.30pm… #919 - The next in the Guest Chef Dinner series to benefit the Senior Center is on Saturday, August 30. This will be prepared by Chris Rossi and friends and will feature Hawaiian Style Roasted Pork and all the fixings. Happy Hour is at 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Tickets available at the A.V. Senior Center, Lemons’ Market in Philo, and the A.V. Market and Rossi Hardware both in Boonville. For full menu and information call the AV Senior Center 895-3609… #920 - An another reminder of the top notch live music coming to the Navarro Store Amphitheatre next month. First, just 10 days away, on September 6 it’s the original line-up of the Subdudes and then on September 27 it’s the return to the Valley of the great electric blues harmonica man, Charlie Musselwhite. Tickets now available - call 895-9445… #921 - A much under-utilized resource should be mentioned once again. Through a private grant to the A.V. Senior Center, generous gas-money reimbursements are available to drivers who take our local seniors to necessary medical appointments out of the Valley. Volunteers, while not paid for their actual time, will receive as much as $20 for driving the senior to Ukiah, $60 to Santa Rosa, and $100 to the Bay Area. Call Steve at S.A.N. (Senior Assistance Network) 353-0369 or Gina at the Senior Center 895-3609 to offer your time to help with this important service … #922 - The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will not be back in the Valley until Thursday, September 18…

       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 for lunches… Tomorrow, Thursday, August 28, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be ‘Build a Sandwich Day’ - Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Condiments, Lettuce, Tomatoes Cheese Onions, Pickles and Freeka Salad, with Strawberry Freeze for dessert… Then next Tuesday, September 2, the menu will feature Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Rolls, Broccoli, Wheat Berry Salad, Green Salad, Fruit Salad, and Birthday Cupcakes... 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…

… A regular informed the ‘usual suspects’ gathered at the Three-Dot that he had checked the Chamber of Commerce’s events page on their website to see what was coming up in the Valley in the way of events and, err, well, commerce. No much it seems. In fact nothing for the next three months except the Grange Member Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month… Very odd…

… Many regulars, including myself, were in attendance at The Buckhorn in Boonville for the most recent Friday Night Live performance at that fine establishment. This featured long-time Valley music collaborators Pilar Duran and Kevin Owens with their latest line-up and they attracted a large crowd of mostly locals who all seemed to have a great time… On a side note, the Guinness and spicy wings were even more enjoyable than the music but I would say that, wouldn’t I?…

… The kids are back in school, which is where they belong, and we at the Three-Dot wish each and everyone a successful year. We also hope that Principal Michelle Hutchings’ vision for the school continues to be realized…

… The Lions’ Club BBQ to benefit A.V. Ambulance was a big success with about 120 in attendance - a significant increase over the bbq fundraisers in the past two years… The topics of conversation were varied and stimulating although one particular subject did keep cropping up - it was not ‘back-to-school’ week; not the weather; not the inconsistent S.F. Giants; not the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri; not important world affairs such as the on-going tragedies in Syria/Iraq, Ukraine, Libya, West Africa, etc; not even the delicious tri-tip and baked potato we all enjoyed… No, the recurring theme was the A.V. Health Center and its continuing issues that appear to have no end. Based on my various conversations, the recent developments seem to be causing quite a rift amongst Valley folks with many differing viewpoints, various distortions of the facts, and a disquieting level of negative discourse… In fact, it is a mess…

       Well, before I get dragged too far in and say something I shouldn’t,  I think it’s time to depart and leave it to the experts… 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”…

       Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture, who is extremely honored to have the 2nd tallest tree (343.6 feet) in Hendy Woods named after my ‘family’ and me…

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?... Keep on humming, Hummingbird… Everything cool with you, O.J.? Of course it is…

# 420 - August 20th, 2014

      Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… I must sadly report the passing of one of the best herding dogs to ever come out of this Valley. Ten-year old Bren of Yorkville, who with owner Kevin Owens was the winner of the Mendocino County Fair Sheep Dog Trial for the past two years, died recently after a short illness. To compound the sadness, her daughter Meg, potentially a champion in her own right, was the victim of a fatal rattlesnake bite in the middle of the night just a few days later. Kevin and those close to him, myself included, who had known both dogs and seen them work the sheep in the Yorkville Highlands many, many times, are inevitably greatly saddened at this loss. It is the passing of an era that saw some of the finest displays of a working dog’s relationship with man, and the deep and enduring mutual love and respect that this kinship so often produces… R.I.P. Bren and Meg - and thank you…

       Another passing, one far more widely felt obviously, has been that of Robin Williams. The outpouring of sadness at his death certainly shows how he affected the lives of so many people in a positive way by the joy and laughter he brought to them. To many, his suicide, following severe bouts of depression, is hard to understand. This issue was previously addressed by a another comic genius, Groucho Marx, in his 1959 book ‘Groucho and Me,’ who wrote: “I'm sure most of you have heard the story of the man who, desperately ill, goes to an analyst and tells the doctor that he has lost his desire to live and that he is seriously considering suicide. The doctor listens to this tale of melancholia and then tells the patient that what he needs is a good belly laugh. He advises the unhappy man to go to the circus that night and spend the evening laughing at Grock, the world's funniest clown. The doctor sums it up, 'After you have seen Grock, I am sure you will be much happier.' The patient rises to his feet, looks sadly at the doctor, turns and ambles to the door. As he starts to leave, the doctor says, 'By the way what is your name?' The man turns and regards the analyst with sorrowful eyes. 'I am Grock.' "… R.I.P. Robin…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #916 - The Hendy Woods Campfire Program continues on Saturday evenings until the end of August at the Wildcat Loop Campfire ground. Led by Jeanine Pfeiffer these interactive discussions begin around the campfire at 8.30pm… #917 - The Lions Club BBQ, this one to benefit the A.V. Ambulance, will take place at The Fairgrounds this coming Sunday, August 24 from 4pm to 7pm… #918 - The Mendocino Bookmobile next visits the Valley on Tuesday, August 26. They are in the Valley on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am (for 30 minutes); the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Phone 463-4694 for further details… #919 - The next in the Guest Chef Dinner series to benefit the Senior Center is on Saturday, August 30. This will be prepared by Chris Rossi and friends and will feature Hawaiian Style Roasted Pork and all the fixings. Happy Hour is at 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Tickets available at the A.V. Senior Center, Lemons’ Market in Philo, and the A.V. Market and Rossi Hardware both in Boonville. For full menu and information call the AV Senior Center 895-3609… #920 - An another reminder of the top notch live music coming to the Navarro Store Amphitheatre next month. First on September 6 it’s the original line-up of the Subdudes and then on September 27 it’s the return to the Valley of the great electric blues harmonica man, Charlie Musselwhite. Tickets now available - call 895-9445… #921 - The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will not be back in the Valley until Thursday, September 18…

       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’ Building 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 August 21, the lunch served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Tacos, Ground Beef, Cheese, Black Beans, Tomatoes Salsa, Corn, Tabbouleh Salad, with Strawberry Whip as dessert… Then next Tuesday, August 26, the evening meal, served at 6pm, will feature Salisbury Steak, Noodles, Rolls, Zucchini, Orange Gelatin, Quinoa Salad, and Texas Gold Cake 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.…

… Some of the Valley Old-timers gathered at the Three-Dot last week commented on the large amounts of money that flow in and around the Valley and could not understand why there was no bank here. They remembered when there used to be one in Boonville many years ago and with commerce greater than in a long time it seems to many that such a business would be busy all day, every day…

… On this subject, a couple of the group thought a bank and a pharmacy situated in the Live Oak Building, currently being renovated, would be the perfect scenario if the owners were to be so community minded… An excellent idea, I’d say…

… Several regulars and myself are wondering whether we shall be sipping some “well-balanced and delightfully smokey” 2104 Pinot Noirs at some point in the next couple of years or so? Hopefully not...

… The A.V. High School Soccer team begins its season next Tuesday, August 26 with a home match at Tom Smith Field against Clear Lake. Kick-off is at 4.30pm… The football team begins on the road at Pt. Arena on the last weekend of the month before traveling to Round Valley the following week. They play their first home game against Mendocino on Friday night (Sept 12) at The County Fair… The volleyball girls are some way off before their league season begins. Their first game is away on September 23 before playing their home opener two days later on Thursday, September 25 against Round Valley… Try to get out and support our school sports’ teams - I guarantee a good time!...

… Not for the first time, Jay ‘how to make a short story long’ Williamson of Santa Rosa wasted more paper space. This time with his tedious, meandering, and predictable letter about ‘Crows vs. Turkey Vultures’ in last week’s edition. What was not so predictable was his announcement therein that he has a ‘friend’! Who knew? Regular readers of this newspaper will be aware that Jay is clearly not a fascinating man, but I for one was glad to hear that he has a ‘buddy’ to share his strange little world with, assuming the friend isn’t imaginary… (Surely that’s not the case?)…

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘Signs that the Apocalypse is Approaching’… Buzzard reports, “The ludicrous comments made by Rush Limbaugh on the passing of Robin Williams, did not really surprise me. His continued presence on the national airwaves is one of the more obvious examples that the Apocalypse is approaching. The man is an insensitive moron and I shall leave it to Bill Shields to sum up my thoughts with these remarks addressed to Limbaugh… ‘Rush, the day Robin Williams died thousands upon thousands of people around the World mourned the passing of a truly unique human being, and gave a thought and human empathy for the pain he struggled with to have forced him to such a tragic end to a life that had brought laughter to so many. Your comments regarding Robin’s death being the result of his leftist leanings were not only remarkably stupid but merely confirmed that you are, and always have been, one large stain on the blister on the scab on the hemorrhoid on the anus of Humanity’… Well said, that man!”  

       Thanks for sharing, Buzzard… 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; 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”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always 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…

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… Is that ‘lafter’ I hear, Carroll?... Keep up the good work, Round-eyed Robin

# 419 - August 13th, 2014

      Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… Bill Sterling, a keen and pro-active supporter of the Valley’s well-being and progress, writes, “At the CSD board meeting at 5:30 pm on August 20th, I shall make a presentation about the STEM project for which George Lee and I are fund-raising. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Over the next three years the High School will introduce new science electives into the curriculum that utilize custom-designed hardware and software that will enable students to conduct hands-on experiments as an integral, essential part of courses in biology, earth sciences, chemistry and physics. The first two electives, biology and earth sciences, will be offered in the 2015-2016 academic year; chemistry and physics will be added the following academic year. Anyone curious about the STEM project, and the current fundraising efforts, might consider attending the meeting. We shall gladly respond to any questions, as we shall gratefully welcome donations… Best regards, Bill…”

       Perhaps inevitably, for your Quotes of the Week, I have turned to the topic of ‘Science’… Let’s start with one of the ‘greats’ in this field, Albert Einstein, who said, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind”… Also in the vein of linking religion with science, there is this observation by American essayist and Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson - “The religion that is afraid of science dishonors God and commits suicide”… Now let’s return to Einstein who kept it simple when he said, “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking”… Controversially, science historian Jacob Bronowski commented, “Science has nothing to be ashamed of, even in the ruins of Nagasaki”… And in a similar vein, Werner Von Braun, creator of the V2 rockets used in the bombing of European cities in World War 2, and later, after ‘changing sides’ from Germany to the U.S., deeply involved with the development of the rockets that had space exploration in mind, predicted that  “Science will free man from his remaining chains, the chains of gravity that still tie him to this planet. It will open to him the gates of heaven” - it should be pointed out that Von Braun’s autobiography was titled ‘I aimed for the stars - but sometimes I hit London’ (?!) … Finally, let’s leave the ‘telling it like it is’ to Plato who said simply “Science is nothing but perception”…

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #584 - The Hendy Woods Campfire Program continues on Saturday evenings at the Wildcat Loop Campfire ground. Led by Jeanine Pfeiffer these interactive discussions begin around the campfire at 8.30pm… #585 - This Saturday, August 16 at 9pm at Lauren’s Restaurant in Boonville, there will be the monthly ‘Open Mic’ hosted by John Pleasants. It is always the 3rd Saturday of each month and sign-ups to perform will begin at 8.30pm… #586 - The next Lions Club Bbq, this one to benefit the A.V. Ambulance, will take place at The Fairgrounds on the late afternoon of Sunday, August 24 from 4.30pm to 7pm… #587 - It’s Drumming night at The Grange tonight - as always the 2nd Wednesday from 7-9pm… #588 - The next in the Guest Chef Dinner series to benefit the Senior Center is on Saturday, August 30. This will be prepared by Chris Rossi and friends and will feature Hawaiian Style Roasted Pork and all the fixings. Happy Hour is at 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Tickets available at the A.V. Senior Center, Lemons’ Market in Philo, and the A.V. Market and Rossi Hardware both in Boonville. For full menu and information call the AV Senior Center 895-3609… #589 - the Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital will not be back in the Valley until Thursday, September 18… #590 - An another reminder of the top notch live music coming to the Navarro Store Amphitheatre next month. First on September 6 it’s the original line-up of the Subdudes and then on September 27 it’s the return to the Valley of the great electric blues harmonica man, Charlie Musselwhite. Tickets now available - call 895-9445…

        

       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, August 14, the lunch, always served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be Joe’s Chili, Broccoli, Cornbread, Barley Salad, Cole Slaw, and Rocky Road Dessert … Then next Tuesday, August 19, the menu will feature Lemon Garlic Tilapia, Couscous, Zucchini, Freekeh Salad, with Raspberry Summer Sensations 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.…

… This week’s 3-Dot Motion was, “Apart from providing employment, which helps the employer as much as it does the workers, the wineries and vineyards in Anderson Valley also contribute sufficiently to the community in other ways”… Following a close vote (we get a tough uncompromising crowd in the 3-Dot), this motion was carried. In my experience and humble opinion, while a number of them are ‘frugal’ when it comes to donations and seem to prefer to mix socially with others in their industry, rarely attending Valley fundraisers or volunteering for local organizations, there are many winery owners, the significant majority in fact, and their ‘white collar’ employees, who most certainly take the opposite stance. These folks, and I have thanked them here on several occasions in the past, are very generous with their money/wine and in many cases their time. For that, I believe that the majority of Valley folks are grateful for the wineries’ presence and positive efforts in support of the Valley. So, despite my negative thoughts on the self-interested actions of a few of the less altruistic wineries, I was one of those who agreed with and supported this week’s Motion… (Dear Wineries, please send me a bottle of your finest wine at your convenience via the A.V.A. office)…

… Eggs, tomatoes, avocados, apples, the list goes on - I’m referring to products that are far more often than not either plain awful or tasteless from Safeway and the such-like. Buy local or grow your own is the sensible and certainly most rewarding thing to do… Just reminding you of something you already know, I’m sure…

… From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series – ‘Signs that the Apocalypse is Approaching’… Buzzard reports, “As the summer continues, here in The Valley it is inevitably accompanied by the increase in tourist traffic, specifically the unbelievably bad drivers at the wheel of many of the R.V.s trundling slowly along Hwy. 128. Have they any idea about California Vehicle Code 21656? The one that simply states, “Slower vehicles must pull over to permit passing”. There are signs on which this is emblazoned throughout the county and particularly on Highway 128. Is it so difficult to understand? Not only that, but there are hundreds of turnouts in which to abide by the law. Why do so many people refuse to do so as they coast along at 35mph whilst many of us are striving to get to and from work at a legal 55mph? It’s not always the R.V drivers either. Quite often it seems to be a gentleman in his sixties with a female companion thirty years younger in the passenger seat of his sports car and there’s no way this “playboy” is going to let someone pass. In my humble opinion not only is he breaking the rules of the road but his “relationship” should be illegal too – aren’t they aware of the fifteen-year rule? But I digress!...”

              That’s enough, Buzzard, you’ve said enough - which I certainly agree with… I’m outta here… 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”… Sometimes poking, often stroking, but always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - hoping you enjoyed the read and who knows, you might miss me when you’re gone (?)…

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… Hi, George – hope you and Sheila are well… Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!

# 418 - August 6th, 2014

Greetings one and all – if you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin… This week, Sunday August 10 to be precise, is the 85th Birthday of my Mother - the Venerable Vulture. While a little unsteady during flight, mentally she remains as sharp as ever and will not hesitate to point out to folks who assume, because of her advanced years, that she might be a little absent-minded, “I am old, not stupid!”… She and my father, also 85, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and received a telegram acknowledging this achievement from the Queen of England! Imagine that… I expect the Queen will be inviting them for tea and scones at The Palace for their 70th anniversary. It would be rude of her not to, wouldn’t you say?… Many Happy Returns, Mom!...

         With such a significant anniversary in mind, here are a few comments on marriage for your Quotes of the Week... “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person” – from American journalist and author Mignon McLaughlin... And from relationship psychologist George Levinger – “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility”... Legendary French movie actress Simone Signoret said, “Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years”... How about this from American journalist and novelist, Anne Taylor Fleming – “A long marriage is two people successfully trying to dance a duet and two solos at the same time”... And of course we have to have some comedic and less favorable views of marriage from a couple of infamous divorcées... First Woody Allen, who said, “Basically my wife was very immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd just walk in and sink all of my boats”... And finally, from Groucho Marx – “Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?”...

       Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #560 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley on just one occasion this month - tomorrow Thursday August 7. They will not be back here until September 18! As always, the venue is the A.V. Farm Supply but their hours have been extended - they will now be there from 2-4pm. 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 with them - making this an even better service than it already is!… #561 - It’s that time again – the Annual Airport Day is this Saturday, August 9 from noon onwards, with free plane rides over the Valley in the afternoon and a pot luck dinner at 5pm… #562 - The Pancake and Egg breakfast is at The Grange on Sunday, August 10 from 8.30am-11am. It is always on the 2nd Sunday and costs $10 per head… #563 - The Mendocino Bookmobile next visits the Valley on Tuesday, Aug 12. They are in the Valley on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am (for 30 minutes); the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Phone 463-4694 for further details… #564 - The next Lions Club Bbq, this one will benefit the A.V. Ambulance, will take place at The Fairgrounds on the late afternoon of Sunday, August 17. More details to follow… #565 - And finally this week an early heads-up that the live music scene is returning to the Navarro Store Amphitheatre, set amongst the giant redwoods, for what will no doubt be two excellent shows in September. On Saturday, September 6th, it will be The Subdudes (original lineup) plus an opening band to be announced. Doors: 6.30pm / Showtime: 7pm. Tickets: $40 - Ticket Outlets: Navarro General Store / Charge By Phone at 895-9445. There will also be the not-to-be-missed ‘Guy’s Grill’ with bbq master, Guy Kephart serving all day long and into the night alongside the store next to the Amphitheatre… And three weeks later, Saturday September 27, same time, place, and price, it’s the eagerly-awaited return to the Valley of the legendary (and I mean legendary – check out his bio) American electric blues harmonica player, Charlie Musselwhite!... It doesn’t get much better than that!...

            As a bonus P.S.A. here is the menu for the Community Lunches and Dinners over the next week at the Senior Center in 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, August 7, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at 12.15pm, will be General Tso Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Snow Peas, Asian Slaw, Wheat Berry Salad, and Raspberry Yogurt Cake for dessert… Then, next Tuesday evening, August 12 at 6pm, the dinner will feature Roman Style Chicken, Pasta, Sourdough Bread, Cauliflower, Farro Salad, and Cherry Gelatin, with Berried Delight 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…

… The fundraising benefit for ‘community good guys’ Mark Pitner and Charlie Paget-Seekins, both recovering from significant illness/injuries, drew a big crowd to The Grange on Sunday evening. With such an outpouring of support, I am sure that they received a boost in terms of morale, and financially too, and let’s hope they continue on their roads to full recovery… 

… Gina, Director at the Senior Center writes, ‘The summer is winding down and fall will be here soon so join us for an end of summer Aloha Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, August 30th. Details to follow through Turkey Vulture and it should be a great time. Meanwhile, remember our bus service that is available in the Valley through the Center. It is $1.00 for use in the Valley and $5 to Ukiah and back. And if you need a break from the heat and a cool place to hang out, or use the Internet, the Senior Center is open from 10:00 to 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays’… Thanks, Gina - keep up the good work…

 ... An annoying member of the public came into The Three-Dot this past week and said he had nearly ended up in a ditch trying to avoid a large number of Turkey Vultures on Hwy 128 who were devouring a dead animal. Needless to say he was physically ejected, but not until I had explained to him the dangers of what we do on the highways and by-ways of the Valley in our brave efforts as nature’s garbage collectors. I went on to add that it’s not all glamour being a Turkey Vulture but that we do indeed get many compliments. I feel I should remind you all, once again, of my favorite one which came from no less an expert than Charles Darwin who said about us Turkey Vultures, “A disgusting bird whose bald scarlet head is formed to wallow in putridity”. Thank you for those kind words, Charles... And that’s another Quote of the Week to share with friends...

       I’m outta here… 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”… Sometimes poking, often 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… Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!... Bobwhite Quail - keep up the knitting!