Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. How about starting off with two ideas, that have come my way via local folks, each with the potential to solve some of the financial problems facing the Anderson Valley Health Center? Firstly, a splendid idea from the Valley’s own Uncle Sam (aka Bruce Hering) — a Medical Marijuana dispensary to benefit the Health Center, set up at the Health Center, with inventory provided in the form of ‘pledges’ from the many expert horticulturists who live here. Think about it. And secondly, and this one has come from several folks chat-ting over a few glasses of wine, with many of the wineries’ employees receiving medical treatment at the Health Center, how about we introduce a local ‘tax’ of $1 on every bottle of wine sold here — all proceeds payable by the wineries to the Health Center. Can the wineries afford this? ‘Yes’ would be my guess. So, we would have a local tariff that is used specifically on something the community needs — not on missiles, bailouts, and other such craziness that is beyond the Valley. I believe, as do many far more informed people than myself, that the idea of focusing on local assets for the benefit of local communities is the way of the future, and certainly these are two assets at which we excel and have plenty.
Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #134: It’s Father’s Day this coming Sunday (19th) and if other Dads are anything like me then they will really appreciate a little something from Pat Hulbert’s Bake Sale taking place on the porch at Lemons Market in Philo at 10am on Saturday, June 18th. All proceeds will benefit the Philo Methodist Church and Pat Hulbert’s cookies, Zuke bread, Huckleberry and Apple pies, and tarts, are not to be missed — they will sell out, I’m sure. #135: Coming to downtown Boonville, Friday thru Sunday, June 17th-19th is the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, returning here to Anderson Valley for the 6th consecutive year. Given the number of Festival vendors who also going to be here from the ‘outside,’ I seriously doubt the Festival’s benefit to the Valley’s restaurants and eateries in terms of significant income, despite the fact that 5,000 visitors are expected to attend. However, there is no doubting the excellent time that many local folks who attend the festival will enjoy. This year’s top names, amongst the many wonderful reggae and world music artists, include Toots and the Maytals, Pablo Moses, Dennis Alcapone, and my personal favorites, Steel Pulse. #136: The Senior Center is offering an AARP Driver Training Course beginning at 8am on Tuesday June 21st. Call 895-3609 to reserve your space. Taking these classes could lead to insurance discounts and Ya gotta like that!
There were plenty of ‘Enquiring Minds’ involved in heated debates this past week at The Three-Dot Lounge. Yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley. Here is a sampling.
…‘Enquiring Minds at The Three-Dot want to know’ — #1: When will Elderly residents live at the Elder Home? Many Valley people have asked me in recent months about this and would no doubt appreciate an update on the progress being made there following the various fundraisers held in recent years. I know there is progress and an explanation is forthcoming I’m sure. I believe someone involved will be answering those inquiries in these pages soon. Over to you, Elder Home Committee.
…‘Enquiring Minds at The Three-Dot want to know’ #2: Why, when the Valley is trying to ‘Save the Health Center,’ are there many patients apparently paying a mere $7 charge for services. We at the 3-Dot could not think of anyone, in any walk of Valley life, who did not have more than $7 to spend on his or her health. Furthermore, it was reliably rumored that there are some patients who don’t even pay a cent; some who fail to receive bills due to administrative error; and that there are even some coming here to get treatment who are not even residents in the Valley, claiming they cannot afford treatment in their own communities. How does all this happen? I think we should be told.
…‘Enquiring Minds at The Three-Dot want to know’ #3: Why do certain people always find fault with things in the Valley? Whether it’s the Wineries, the Elder Home, the Health Center, the school, or whatever, it would seem some people are just that curmudgeonly. I couldn’t possibly comment; after all, I love living here.
Time to take my leave. Meanwhile, with the hot weather finally here, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; children too I suppose. Otherwise, Keep the Faith; 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.” Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net.
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