Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. How about a great bit of news? Over $5K was made in profits from the recent crab feed to benefit the AV Senior Center! Given the price of crab ($5 a pound), this is an exceptional total and goes to show that not only did people come out to support the Seniors, they also spent money generously at the bar and on raffle tickets and the silent auction when they were there. On behalf of our Seniors, I have been asked to pass on their deep appreciation to the many people who contributed in one way or another to putting the event together, and of course those who attended this wonderful gathering — a virtually unique event at which the community sits down to eat together.
And for your Quote of the Week, let’s stay with good causes and turn to this comment from Walt Whitman (1819-1892), the American poet, essayist, journalist, humanist, and wit, who perceptively pointed out, “Charity and personal force are the only investments worth anything. And of course, I should also mention these wise words from Francis Bacon (1561-1626) the English philosopher, statesman, and scientist who said, “In charity there is no excess.” Not when it comes to the giving-folks of Anderson Valley it would seem.
Public Service Announcements, calendars and pens at the ready. #117: This coming weekend is the 6th Annual AV Film Festival at The Grange on Friday/Saturday, January 27th-28th. The program is as eclectic as ever with some excellent documentaries, a feature film for all the family on the Saturday night, and the usual assortment of socially aware and environmental films, plus the recent work of the AV High Film Class, with some films accompanied by the filmmakers themselves, present to discuss their projects. Beer from the AV Brewery, local wines, and hot and cold food is available, including delicious tacos from Alicia’s Restaurant. All profits will go to the AV Senior Center, AV Animal Rescue, and the AV High School Film Class. Festival details can be found on the Festival website www.andersonvalleyfilmfestival.org. #118. The vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital are back; they will be at The AV Farm Supply tomorrow, Thursday, January 26th from 2-3.30pm. They have asked me to inform you that you do not have to arrive early and then wait a long time, everyone showing up at anytime before 3.30pm will be seen. #119” A few Crab Feed tickets are still available for the second of the Valley’s two crab feeds, but it is anticipated they will sell out very soon, if they haven’t already. This is the 10th ‘Original’ Crab Feed, benefiting the Catholic Church, and will be Saturday, February 4th. For ticket information, call Gloria Ross at 895-3071. As usual, the event is to be held at The Apple Hall in Boonville and, as I’ve said many times, together with the previous crab feed, this is one of the best pure Valley-dweller gatherings of the year.
Moving quickly on to a few of the topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge: “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…Following the aforementioned crab feed, several revelers continued with their evening at The Boonville Saloon (formerly The Boonville Lodge). By 1am, three of them were in no shape to drive home to Philo so, to solve this dilemma, bartender Cindy Hughbanks stepped up and drove them there. Now that’s what I call excellent bartending and a full service bar!
…Another ‘feel good’ story that regulars at The 3-Dot were sharing this past week was the sight of several employees and out-of-town sales people employed by the AV Brewery, led by co-owner Trey, enjoying a hearty lunch at the Senior Center. Brewery manager, Fal Allen is on the Senior Center Board and no doubt encouraged this and I must say it was very pleasing to see. Some Valley business folks are never seen out and about in the community and that has always puzzled me.
…The 3-Dot was closed on Sunday afternoon, so along with many regulars I endured the disappointing loss by the 49ers among a large crowd of local 49er fans who assembled at The Buckhorn, Boonville. For one and all, the afternoon was no doubt an emotional rollercoaster that ultimately crashed and burned following the bonehead play by the ‘Niners’ second-string punt-returner — his second such egregious error of the game, which together led directly to 10 points for the opposition. I imagine he left San Francisco on a red-eye flight very early on Monday morning, never to return. Nevertheless, not to make light of such a disappointing loss to the big bad NY Giants (in overtime 17-20), there was a silver-lining: the large plate of hot and spicy wings were back to their very best and when served with a pint of Guinness for $12, the excruciating loss was almost bearable. (But not quite.)
Time to take my leave. Until we talk again, 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 either through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net, PPS. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not!
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