Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. As Election Day approaches, I’m sure most of you are aware that there is a vote on libraries coming up. The ‘Vote Yes on Libraries’ signs are everywhere, although other than that, given the distinct lack of signs, slogans, and political discourse around these parts in general, you might not be aware of an even more important vote taking place for the AV School Board. Yes, folks, five candidates are running for the three open seats on the Board, and this too will be decided upon next Tuesday, November 8th. I just wanted to remind you as nobody else seems to be. Now you know, so please do try to get out to vote. You know it makes sense. And remember, if you do not vote, then any complaining about the government is not really valid. PS. For further information about the candidates and their thoughts, check out the Candidate Interviews somewhere nearby in this very newspaper.
There are many excellent quotes that have been made on this topic so here we go with my three favorites for your Quotes of the Week. Let’s start with the classic by Abraham Lincoln who unforgettably said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Up next is drama critic George Jean Nathan’s comment, “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” And finally, one which I think should be followed to the letter here in the Valley, Madonna’s saucy remark, “If you don’t vote, you’re going to get a spankie!” Making it tempting to not vote I would say! I’m (half) kidding.
Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #343: On Sat Nov 5 at The Grange on Hwy 128, it’s The Ruth Moody Band with Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum. This is a benefit for local public radio station, KZYX, and it ‘kicks-off’ at 7pm. #344. Tuesday, November 8 is Election Day. #345: It’s the second Tuesday of the month on November 8 and that means Dinner and Bingo Night at the Senior Center — good food, beer and wine, top quality bingo with prizes, and, as you know by now. You don’t have to be a senior to attend! So, after your hard day at the polls, I urge you to come along and support this event, and remember. All proceeds go to our Senior/Community Center. #346. The ‘Occupy Hendy Woods’ movement of local folks is acting on their words and doing just that, starting on Friday, November 11th at 4pm and going all weekend in their efforts to save that majestic place for all of us to share and enjoy. It will be a time for information sharing, community networking, and discussion as they unite as one clear voice to save our park. The park will close forever in June if something is not done to save it. Let's not let that happen! More details of the weekend’s activities can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
And now to a public service announcement that gets a paragraph of its own. The special Veterans Day (officially Friday Nov 11th) event held annually at Evergreen Cemetery on AV Way will take place this coming Sunday, November 6th at 10.30am It should be stressed that this occasion is not a political or religious event. It offers a chance for us to show support and gratitude for both those who gave their lives or were wounded in wars of the past, and for those who have served or continue to serve so that we may have the freedoms and liberties that we continue to enjoy today. In terms of taking a deep breath and thinking about what really matters, in my humble opinion, this is one of the more important community gatherings of the year. Despite it’s significance it will take less than an hour so please think seriously about attending. Hopefully I’ll see you there. Note: A little inclement weather will not postpone this ceremony, after all those we are remembering went through far worse I’m sure, but in the event of significant rain, signs will be posted at the cemetery informing you that we have moved to the Veterans Hall/Senior Center in Boonville. Different place, same time, 10.30am. (Remember to move your clocks BACK earlier that morning.)
Now for topics this week at The Three-Dot Lounge. Yes, “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…How was your Halloween? Hopefully you did not get caught up in the annual ‘Battle on the Streets of Boonville’ between The Zombies and The Angry Villagers, thankfully won again by the Villagers. With their burning torches and sharpened pitchforks, the Villagers saved the town from those walking corpses who would no doubt have made things very difficult around here had they been victorious – certainly with their plans to ban all speed limits, bring in a Starbucks and a Taco Bell, invite outsiders to plant even more vines, open a medical marijuana dispensary in the school cafeteria, and shockingly install former Brewery Supremo ‘King’ Ken Allen as Mayor of the Valley— a narrow escape and we have much to be thankful for.
…From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series — ‘Forget The Rapture and worry about The Approach of the Apocalypse.’ Buzzard reports, “I recently read in this newspaper about the plague of flies in the Valley at this time of year, and its connection to the significant decline in the number of frogs, the flies’ natural enemy, quite likely as a result of the spraying done by the vineyards. A vineyard advocate said, ‘You can’t grow grapes without sulfur, so what if a few frogs go, too?’ Charming, eh? I would respond to such nonsense by mentioning that a couple of months ago I was reliably informed that at one of the winery’s ponds there had been sightings of six-legged frogs! Six-legged frogs! This once again prompts the question, ‘What the hell is been sprayed around here?’ Anyway, after a few more moans and groans, Turkey Vulture and I opened a bottle of Pinot and moved on.”
…Yes, we did — showing what hypocrites we are! I love wine, and many of the varietals produced by our locally owned wineries are not to be missed. All I can do to explain my hypocrisy is to refer you to the proverb, “All are not saints that go to church.” Or to give you yet another Quote of the Week, how about these words from Greek philosopher and tragedy writer, Euripides, “Often a noble face hides filthy ways.” Come on Euri, didn’t you mean, “Often a filthy face hides noble ways”? Hope you enjoy and get to share these bonus Quotes of the Week with your friends.
Time to take my leave. ‘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. PPS. Hi, Silver Swan. Behaving yourself? Hopefully not! PPPS. Vote, vote!
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