Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. A significant event this coming weekend in the Valley is the celebration of Paul Titus’s 90th Birthday. Paul informed me that he is now the youngster of the family. He has a sister who is 92 and a brother who is 99! The three of them are the last of 13 siblings born into a family that originally homesteaded on Mountain View Road almost 100 years ago. Paul, wife Vera, and their family, have lived in the Valley since the mid-50s and it is that family and their friends who are putting on the party on Saturday, August 4, starting at 1pm at the Fairgrounds in Boonville. It will be an afternoon of bar-b-que and music with a performance by The Coyote Cowboys featuring Paul’s two sons, Craig and Dean, who tell me that all friends of their father are welcome. I hope to see you there.
Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #129. The Boonville Farmers’ Market makes its weekly appearance once again on Saturday, August 4, with all the usual local fruit and vegetable produce plus live music provided by Michael and Leslie Hubbert. #130. The Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival is also Saturday, August 4, at Yorkville Cellars on Highway 128. Tastings, bar-b-que, music, silent auction — all starting at noon and going to 5pm to benefit the Yorkville Volunteer Fire Department. #131. The monthly Barn Sale on AV Way just north of Boonville, has moved to the first weekend of the month, Saturday/Sunday, August 4 & 5. Lots of bargains can be found and each day the Sale runs from 9am to 3pm. #132. The annual AV High School Soccer Alumni Game is at Tom Smith Field behind the school at 2pm on Aug 11. #133. That same day sees the ‘Airport’ Party happening nearby on Airport Drive from noon onwards. Apart form the airplane rides and communal gathering, it’s a pot luck so remember to take something along to share — more than a couple of sticks of celery and stale bread, please! #134. The County Bookmobile will be in the Valley on August 14 & 28; September 11 & 25; October 9 & 23. These are alternate Tuesdays and the times at various locations are: 9-9:30, Navarro Store; 1-1:45, Floodgate Store Parking Lot; 2-2:45, Philo; and 3-3:45, Boonville Apple Building. Now you know, so mark it on your calendar and experience the joy of reading a good book!
Topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge. Yes, “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…For many years, late night revelers around these parts have been aware that the CHP officers finish their shifts along Highway 128 in the Valley at 10pm. I am not suggesting they drive slightly above speed limits after that time but perhaps some do and perhaps others accidentally forget to put on their seat belts or switch off their high beams in towns. Accidents are very rare after that time and knowing when the CHP is around didn’t really affected people’s habits. Until perhaps now. Apparently officers have been working longer hours and have been spotted lurking as late as 10:45pm at the gas station in downtown Philo (speed limit 30mph). While I do not expect this news to affect anyone’s driving, I just thought you should be told.
…Regulars once again got into the ‘Valley Wineries’ discussion this past week and specifically how many winery tasting rooms were currently open in the Valley between Yorkville and Navarro. After enjoying a bottle or two of rather nice Zinfandel from Brutocao Cellars, our wine-saturated analysis brought us to the grand total of 27. Yes, 27! We also believe four more could be on the way, two of which are pretty certain to open in the near future. Some people might think that was more than enough. Next up: how many actual wineries are there?
…Can anyone tell me, and also the many people who have expressed surprise/concern, why Gowan’s water their apple trees alongside Highway 128 by their Oak Tree Stand during the hottest part of the day and use what are, according to some experts, very inefficient overhead sprinklers? I am not an expert, far from it in fact, but some people who are, do not have an explanation. Maybe somebody can enlighten us all?
…Personally, I thought the $25 per day entrance fee for last weekend’s “Really Quite Difficult Living Fair” (or something like that) was probably about right. In fact, given the amount of information and insights to be gained, some folks might even have viewed it as a bargain. However, several people in the Valley commented to me and to others that this was too much to spend on just getting into the event, before things have been bought, or refreshments paid for, or potluck items accounted for. The event was perhaps not aimed at such folks and apparently the attendance was good overall with many people coming from out of town. Nevertheless, given all of the events that take place in the Valley during the summer, people from certain sections of Valley folks felt, and I assume many others did too because those who speak up are just a fraction of those who also agree, that it was just not affordable for them at this time. That’s too bad. Just passing this input on to those who decide such things.
…And finally this week, with all of these fundraisers to benefit our many local organizations and charities, I find it quite disturbing that there has yet to be one that donates money to the Save the Turkey Vulture Fund. Given our role as nature’s garbage collectors, a job not nearly as glamorous as you might think, this lack of support is just not good enough. I can only share with you the wise words of my mother: “You will miss me when I’m gone.” Send contributions to The Nest, c/o AVA, Box 459, Boonville, CA 95415.
Time to take my leave. Until we talk again, Keep the Faith; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you. A 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. On the sheep, Grace.
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