# 473 - 26th August, 2015

   Greetings one and all. Are you are sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin… I am pleased to report that our A.V. volunteer firefighters who have been battling the forest fires east of here for the past month or so have finally returned safely to the Valley. ‘Great job one and all! - the gratitude of many Nor Cal folks could not be more fully deserved…

    That provides a fine segue to the fact that Volunteerism seems to be a frequent topic of discussion in these parts and, as I like to do every few years or so for your Quote of the Week, here are a few fine examples of what some wise people have said about this worthy pastime… From Margaret Mead (1902-1978), the cultural anthropologist, we have, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”… And there is this simple but insightful thought from Lily Tomlin (1939-?), the American actress, comedian, writer, and producer – “I always looked at certain situations and wondered why somebody didn't do something about them. Then I realized I was somebody”… Muhammad Ali (1942-?), generally considered among the greatest heavyweights in the sport's history and highly regarded by many for his thoughts on religious freedom and racial issues, provides us with, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth"… And the observation "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve” comes from Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), the philosopher, physician, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner… Finally, I leave it with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) – ‘Mahatma’ to most of us, to sum it all up with his comment, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”…

    Onward… Here’s this week’s Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.’s)… Calendars and pens at the ready… #544 - The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley on two occasions over the next month - that’s Thursdays, September 10 and 24 at the Anderson Valley Farm Supply on Highway 128, north of Philo… #545 - A film entitled ‘Boonville Redemption’ will be shown at 7pm on Friday, Aug 28 at the Boonville Assembly of God Church next door to the Senior Center. Free Admission for all ages. Apparently it is “a movie night, fun for the family and folks are inited to watch the movie before it's even released to the theaters. It's a family oriented movie about ‘wrong choices and redemption’.” Doors open at 6:30pm… I could be mistaken but I suspect the venue for this screening is an insight to what the film is about - not that there is anything wrong with that, and some folks will be happy to know that the marketing for the movie comes with a quote from the Bible and accolades for the movie come from various religious groups. I just think that folks should be informed of the movie’s content in the interest of the public not making a ‘wrong choice’ about what to do on a Friday evening… # 546 - The Boonville Farmers’ Market continues every Saturday at the Boonville Hotel, 10am -12:30 pm, featuring locally grown and produced vegetables, herbs, fruit and meat, as well as crafts.  You will also find knife and tool sharpening some weeks, music and conversation every week, plus other featured events throughout the summer and fall.  For more info, call Cindy at 895-2949… #547 - The A.V. Lending Library run by The Unity Club is open Tuesday and Saturday at The Fairgrounds - Tuesday 1.30pm-4.30pm and Saturday 2pm - 4pm… #548 - The County Dump is open from 9am - 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Remember, no dead animals!… #549 - The Barn Sale returns on the first weekend of the month next week - that’s Saturday and Sunday, September 5/6…
    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 27, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at Noon, will be Parmesan Breaded Fish with Chocolate Revel Bars for dessert… Then, next Tuesday, September 1, the lunch will feature Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes with gravy, and Birthday Cupcakes for dessert. All meals include vegetables, salad bar, and fruit, plus milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade. What a deal - it maybe the best $7 you’ll spend all week!  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 (yet surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley, a somewhat secret location that sees people get together and share their thoughts about life in Anderson Valley and often far beyond, 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, with that in mind, I shall quickly put my pants on and continue…
… School started this past Monday and a good thing too… Flying around the school on ‘opening day’, I was impressed by the vibrant enthusiasm shown by teachers and students alike. However, while regular readers will know that I am far from prudish, I was nonplussed by the fact that the school dress code seems as if it will be severely tested over the coming weeks… I have asked this before, but when is a school uniform going to be introduced? An idea that has many more benefits than flaws despite what some people will no doubt think…
… Talking of the school, how refreshing to see a few of our local teachers enjoying a glass of wine or a pint of beer together at The Buckhorn on Friday evening following a long week of preparation for the new semester. Some folks may think this is not a good thing, as if it in some way might detract from their abilities as teachers. What utter nonsense… If my offspring went to a school where the teachers got together for a chat and a drink on a Friday evening, I would be very pleased in the belief that an exchange of ideas and team spirit was being fostered. Alternatively, if this activity was frowned upon, I would fear the lack of a broad-minded and enlightened education being received by the fruits of my loin… Just sayin’…
… The Connecticut Cormorant, a dear friend of many, many years, stopped by the Three-Dot this past weekend and proceeded to devour vast quantities of beer and cigarettes, while unceasingly indulging in the kind of nefarious activities generally associated with those who embrace the hedonistic lifestyle. Among all the pleasure-seeking, he also found some moments for quiet reflection and managed to share his skills in the art of bird feather arranging with some local folks that included Hummingbird and the Larger Breasted Warbler… He commented how remarkably welcoming he found the Valley, and that he had made more friends here in one week than he might in one year back on the east coast… You’re welcome, sir, and let’s hope it’s not too long before your next visit…
… Myself and many other regulars thoroughly enjoyed Sunday’s Lions Club ti-tip bbq benefit for the A.V. Volunteer Ambulance department that was attended by about 120 people in the glade at The Fairgrounds. Led by Chairman Bill Harper and his crew of lions and lionesses, this organization continues to lead the way in the Valley in terms of its benevolence and continuing enthusiasm for the causes they support and the hard work they put in. And they do it with a smile too!… The introduction of ribs to the menu was a masterstroke that has been a long-time coming… As for the music, provided by the Joe Blow Band, many in the crowd recognized that the recently added lead female vocalist Stephanie clearly has potential and she could go far… Yes - a fine afternoon in the Valley was had by one and all…
   
    Well now I think it’s time to take my leave. Besides I’ve got see a man about a sheep… So, that’s enough, “take me drunk, I’m home,” and 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 almost always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture - pleased in the knowledge that the old hare has safely moved to his new burrow…
p.s. You can contact me with words of support/abuse either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at
p.p.s. Skylark – read any good books lately?… Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!… Everything cool with you, O.J.? Of course it is…