Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably I shall begin. The Super Bowl Party at a large white house in Washington DC attended by the Valley’s very own Robert Mailer Anderson, included many guests from the Democratic Party hierarchy including a big Chicago Bears fan by the name of Barack Obama. My leading sports correspondent, Very Spotted Owl, reports that when Robert posed for post game pictures alongside that very same Mr. Obama, one wisecracking guest remarked ‘Who’s that standing next to Bruce Anderson’s nephew, Robert?’ I couldn’t possibly comment.
However, I can comment on last Saturday evening’s marvelous entertainment for the discerning adult held at The Grange here in Anderson Valley. I’m referring to the play performed by local resident and accomplished actor of stage, screen, and television, René Auberjonois along with co-star Howard Hesseman (Johnny Fever, hip d.j. on television’s ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’). It was entitled ‘Off Their Cuffs’ and featured a series of short stories, poems, and quotes read by these two very professional and talented actors. They played to a virtual full-house of nearly 300 people with proceeds going to the AV Education Foundation and it appeared that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It just goes to show: if quality entertainment is provided for our many erudite Valley citizens then they will certainly support it. What’s next, René? Anyone?
Not for the first time, but hopefully the last, I have managed to botch the last name of one of the Valley’s Clark/Reilly clan. Christy, who recently helped me in finding good homes for Sam Prather’s pups, is actually Christy Reilly. She is not a Clark. That leads me to this week’s Quote of the Week from the ever youthful and sexy English actress, Joan Collins, who said in one of her wiser moments, “Show me a person who has never made a mistake and I’ll show you someone who has never achieved much.” Thanks for your support, Joan.
Public Service Announcements. #111. I am indebted to my dear friend, Silver Swan, for reminding me that this coming Saturday, February 19th, there will be a community ‘Welcome Back’ Party (from the Middle East) for the Valley’s own Sergeant Manuel ‘Manny’ Mendoza along with a celebration of the young man’s birthday. It’s from 1-5pm at The Fairgrounds in Boonville and an event that we perhaps should all consider attending. For further information call Marcela at 391-6947. #112. For your disposal of hazardous materials please note that The Haz-Mat Collection is this weekend: Fri/Sat, Feb 18th/19th. It is free and runs from 9am-1pm at The Fairgrounds parking lot in Boonville. #113. Laughing Dog Books in downtown Boonville will host author Jean Hegland this Saturday, Feb. 19th from 2-4pm. Remember there are new hours at our local bookstore: 10am-6pm every day, except Tuesdays when they are closed. #114. The big social event this weekend is the KZYX Benefit starting at 7pm Saturday, Feb 19th at The Grange. It’s The Full Moon Fandango, a dance party fundraiser, with live music by The Battlin’ Bluebirds, all female blues band from San Francisco, and Rogerwood, There will be local beer & wine, soft drinks & snacks. Admission is sliding scale -- $10 - $15 with kids 12 & under free. Come as you are or dress to the nines. #115. Time again to remind you of the excellent service provided for many in the form of the Bookmobile Library. Over the next month it will be in the Valley on Tuesdays, Feb 22nd, March 8th, and March 22nd. On each of those days, they will be in Navarro from 9am-9.30am, (then off to Comptche from 10:45-11:30am), at The Floodgate 1-1.45pm, Philo 2-2:45pm, and then the Boonville Apple Hall Building 3-3:45pm. Make another note on your calendars; it’s a wonderful thing.
Moving quickly on to a couple of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge. Yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…First it’s more Egg News. Regulars continue to rave about the free-range eggs available from Jennifer, well actually her chickens, in Philo at 895-2585. Large and very tasty, unlike those excuses for eggs that we are offered at most big stores these days, she has about one hundred chickens currently laying. They are just off the highway about ½-mile north of downtown Philo just past and opposite the 22.34 mile marker at 7900 Hwy 128. Check out the little refrigerator a few yards off the west side of the road. Short of laying the eggs myself on your porch I’m not sure what else I can do.
…Following last week’s rambling and repetitive letter to the AVA concerning late night/early morning disturbances on the street outside The Boonville Saloon, many Three-Dot regulars were up in arms with claims that the writer of the letter had it all wrong. I decided to put my ace crime reporter, Balding Eagle, on the case. In the last few years, through the tenancy of Tom Towey and now Shelly Mayberry and Marcia Martinez, The Lodge/Saloon, has gone through a major transformation in terms of the frequency of such incidents. In fact there has not been one 911 call to report problems since the two women took over there late last summer. Therefore it came as little surprise to me that, based on Eagle’s further inquiries, it would appear that the complaints made by local resident Dr. Herb Ruhs were, according to those interviewed, exaggerated and had little to do with the bar and its patrons. The establishment had closed at least an hour earlier, owners Shelly and Marcia were cleaning up in fact, and the disturbance consisted of just a single guy doing ‘doughnuts’ in a little Honda who had not even been a customer in the bar. Of course, everyone will tell their own version of the story but upon hearing that the original tale came from the man who is/was apparently the physician to Captain Fathom, I know whom I tend to believe.
…As a fan of the City of Detroit, for all sorts of reasons too self-indulgent to mention here now, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Chevrolet ‘Imported from Detroit’ commercials on television that have appeared in recent weeks. Now, I am the last Vulture to say anything positive about today’s television commercials, let’s face it, 95% of them are basically insulting to any vaguely intelligent mind, but these pro-Detroit ads are doing their best, in an intelligent and thoughtful way, to bolster the fortunes of a real American city that has seen better days and will hopefully see them once again at some point. Let’s support the Motor City!
I’m outta here. Meanwhile, ‘Keep the Faith.’ Be careful out there. Stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you. Oh, and of course, one final request, “Let us prey.” Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or by e-mail turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net. PPS. Hi, Silver Swan — behaving yourself? Hopefully not! PPPS. Buy a Chevy today!
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