Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. There were attendances of about 100 people at The Grange on both Friday and Saturday for the AV Theatre Guild’s production of ‘Cocktails with Mimi’ and having attended on both evenings I know they were delighted to be there. Director Marcus Magdalena has put together a fine cast and crew, including four or five standout performances among a group of talented local thespians, and with the final two shows taking place this coming weekend (see PSA’s below) it would be a shame if you missed it on seeing what has become one of the more entertaining and enjoyable annual events on the Valley’s calendar. Trust me on this; you can thank me later. (I should mention that the irony of not having any alcohol for sale at an event called ‘Cocktails with Mimi’ was not lost on some of us. Perhaps some people brought their own beer/wine to sip in the parking lot. I couldn’t possibly comment).
Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #113. As mentioned above, the annual A.V. Theatre Guild production is presenting its second and final weekend of performances this week. ‘Cocktails with Mimi’ is ‘a comedy for all ages’ and will be presented on Friday and Saturday May 4th/5th at The Grange with a curtain at 7pm both nights. Alicia’s tacos will be available before the show and during the intermission but you’ll have to bring your own cookies! #114. The Boonville Farmer’s Market Opening Day, featuring the Spring Plant Sale, is on Saturday, May 5th from 10am to 12:30pm in the parking lot at The Boonville Hotel. #115. The Annual Boontling Classic 5K Footrace is on Sunday May 6th at 10am. Sign up on the day between 8:30am and 9:30am. For further details call Flick at 895-2701 or Bruce at 895-895-3589. #116. The revitalization of AV Youth Soccer continues this week with sign-ups at the Elementary School on Sunday 6th from noon to 2pm. #117. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital return to the Valley on three occasions in May. These will be from 2-3.30pm on Thursdays, May 10, 24, and 31. If you call the vets 48 hours in advance (462-8833) you ensure that your pet’s charts are brought ‘over the hill’ and also order any medications. New customers and their pets always welcome. #118. The 16th Annual Anderson Valley Beer Festival is just over a week away: May 12th from 1-5pm at The Fairgrounds in Boonville.
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.
…I had a delicious sirloin sandwich at Lauren’s Restaurant this past week and I thought you should know. Served with her ‘Valley’s Best’ fries, it was, as you can no doubt imagine, positively orgasmic.
…While the regulars praised the Theatre Guild play at The Grange last week, it was nevertheless suggested by several of them that an event such as this should have some snacks (cookies, brownies, etc) available before the show and during intermission. While I find them delicious (and had two plus a tamale), as did several others, it was pointed out that not everyone wants the tacos served up by Alicia. I’m just passing on the thoughts and comments of the people, it’s my job.
…Although numbers were perhaps down on previous years, the Unity Club’s Wildflower event, run by their Garden Section, was still regarded as a success this past weekend. The regulars I spoke with certainly enjoyed themselves. I did too. Talking to members of this splendid organization of women is always fun and informative and, while my own membership remains in infinite limbo, they remain one of my favorite Valley groups, despite the fact that they didn’t save me any of the chicken salad sandwiches which was one of the main reasons I attended!
…From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another in his insightful series, ‘The Approach of the Apocalypse.’ Buzzard reports, “The AV Farm Supply has accepted an offer-to-buy and is now in escrow to be sold! According to long-time owner (38 years, no less!) Dave Gowan, it remains unclear if the new owners will offer the same kind of farm supply business that many Valley folks have relied upon for such a long time. No hay and feed, no pet supplies, no gardening equipment, no knowledgeable advice on all things connected with farming, and no vet visits for your pets! All of which, if not continued, is bad news for the Valley, I must say. Dave and wife Nancy cannot be blamed for moving on of course — their efforts in serving the Valley over so many years are to be commended, but the loss of this institution, along with several other fairly recent changes to the Valley’s social, economic, and commercial fabric, not to mention the nation’s general malaise, all point to the likelihood that the Apocalypse continues to approach. Meanwhile, until it arrives, enjoy your loved ones and support your local businesses!
Finally, and perhaps inevitably, your Quotes of the Week will refer to farmers and farming. Let’s start with this observation from President Kennedy who said, “The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways.” Then we have this from Bharati Mukherjee (1940-?) the award-winning Indian-born American writer, currently a professor in the department of English at the University of California, Berkeley: “A farmer is dependent on too many things outside his control; it makes for modesty.” And from S.J. Perelman (1904-1979), the American humorist, author, and screenwriter (who must have visited the Valley at some point), we have these wise words, “A farm is an irregular patch of nettles containing a fool and his wife who didn’t know enough to stay in the city.” And finally, from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) the American statesman, senator from Massachusetts, and Secretary of State under three Presidents, who observed, “When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers therefore are the founders of human civilization.” Let’s just hope they are able to find somewhere local to get their supplies!
Time to take my leave. So, until we talk again, Keep the Faith; be careful out there; stay out of 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. On the sheep, Grace.
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