Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. First a special extra greeting to Robin the Robin, who is in town visiting her sister, Hummingbird. I can hardly get a word in around The Nest these days! Anyway, how was your Memorial Day Weekend? Mine was quite dignified and relatively unselfish for a change. I was honored to attend the service at The Evergreen Cemetery in Boonville to remember those who have given their lives for their country and for local veterans who have also passed. It was a poignant occasion hosted by the Boonville Veterans with adjutant Mark Fontaine at the helm. Unfortunately, only 13 people were in attendance and, with The Valley packed with tourists and locals alike, all enjoying their holiday weekend, it was sadly ironic that most people were completely unaware that the reasons the holiday exists at all were being commemorated by just a few of us at the local cemetery. Not that it was their fault of course; the event was barely publicized. I shall personally endeavor to see that locals are more informed about the Veterans’ Day activities in November and hopefully the attendance then will be far more in keeping for such an important occasion.
Earlier that morning, I was at a gathering, along with several others, to mow and weed-whack the land surrounding Tom and Val Smith’s home on Gschwend Road above Christine Woods because Tom, who was involved in a serious car crash accident last week, will not be able to get the job done himself this year. Many thanks to Bryan Wyant for getting the guys together and who carried out the workload along with Mark Triplett, Captain Rainbow, The Soto brothers (Manuel and Antonio), and perhaps more who arrived after my departure for the Memorial Day service. Of course, after all this goodness I had to indulge in some self-serving activity and so devouring a tri-tip dinner and guzzling beer along with over 100 other Valley folks at Sunday afternoon’s benefit for the ElderHome put on by the Lions Club was the perfect place to achieve this. I think I was a little greedy but who’s to know?
Surely a little give-and-take like this is what makes the world go round and it is perhaps best expressed in these words from one of my all-time favorites of wit and repartee, the very insightful English social observer, moralist, author, and lexicographer, Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), who said, “Men seldom give pleasure when they are not pleased themselves.” Based on last weekend, obviously I can’t dispute this. And that’s your Quote of the Week.
Public Service Announcements. #42: It’s Election Day next Tuesday, June 8th so try to get out there and perform your civic duty and enjoy what I view as both a right and privilege. #43: The AV Theatre Guild’s presentation of the dark comedy ‘Dearly Departed’ completes its run at The Grange this coming weekend, June 4th-5th, with performances at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday. I have seen all of the Guild’s productions in the past and have been known to offer a little constructive criticism on occasion. In this case, having seen the show twice (along with over 100 people on the Friday and about 75 on Saturday), I believe that it’s the best thing they have done by far, fine acting and a funny contemporary script. I urge you to attend. It really is good. Ask anyone who has seen it. A credit to all those involved. #44: This coming Sunday, June 6th, sees the AV Historical Society’s annual meeting at the Veterans Hall in Boonville. There will be a presentation by an expert on Pomo Indian basketry from the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah. Festivities begin at 1:30pm and coffee and cookies will be served. I think this might be very interesting indeed. #45: Next Tuesday, June 8th, is Bingo Night at the Veterans Hall to benefit our senior citizens. Guests ($7 each; Seniors $5 suggested donation) will be served a fine dinner prepared by this month’s guest cooks: The Senior Center Board. All are welcome to dinner and/or the Bingo. Festivities get under way with dinner at 6pm. Bingo, featuring several prizes, follows at 7pm.
Now, some of the topics this week at The Three-Dot Lounge — “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley. This week our regulars have been discussing the changes on the local business scene and I am fervently trying to get to the bottom of things with the assistance of my ace team of roving reporters. I will hopefully know more next week but in the meantime here are the topics under discussion and investigation:
What will the change of ownership at Mosswood Market mean for that fine establishment’s loyal customers? (Hopefully it’ll be business as usual.) Will Petaluma’s Clover-Stornetta Creamery be taking over the Zub-Zub Ice Cream shop in downtown Boonville or will it be done by a certain local ice cream aficionado instead? What is the latest on the search for a new tenant for the pub/restaurant space in the Buckhorn Building? Is Alicia’s Restaurant planning to serve pizza? If so, will we be able to get a ‘regular slice of pie’ (remember that?) without a bunch of fancy toppings? (Not that there is anything particularly wrong with that.) What sort of food will be served in the restaurant area at the location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge which is apparently going to be owned separately from the bar area? Meanwhile, when will the bar area at the location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge re-open now that the liquor license has been bought by new owners? Will there be a boycott of any sort there, protesting the fact that landlord ‘Honest’ Dave Johnson will be basically getting the same rent that previous owners Tom Towey and Carroll Pratt were prepared to pay if they had been given the chance? All will be revealed as soon as is Vulturely possible. After all, inquiring minds like to know.
Time to take my leave. I have to see a woman about some chickens. Be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you. One final request: “Let us prey.” Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Keep the Faith. PPS. Contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or by e-mail: turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net
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