Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. First an update from the world of higher education. AVHS alum Cassidy Hollinger, currently a freshwoman at the illustrious Vassar College in upstate New York, is to play a vital role in her college’s production of ‘Bulrusher,’ a play written by Eisa Davis, the niece of sixties political activist Angela Davis and part-time AV resident. The Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama, believe it or not, is centered upon an illegitimate African American girl in the Anderson Valley of 1955 — ‘bulrusher,’ for those who are not aware, being the Boontling word for bastard. A total coincidence, of course, but undoubtedly one to which the talented Ms. Hollinger will bring not only her wide array of talents but also plenty of first hand knowledge (of Boonville that is, not of bastards).
Next up, here’s a couple of Public Service Announcements. #67: The Vets from Mendocino Animal Hospital are back in the Valley tomorrow, Feb 25th, from 2-3:30pm at the AV Farm Supply. Save yourself a trip over the hill while supporting a very useful service. #68: The HazMat (Hazardous Materials) vehicle is at The Fairgrounds parking lot in Boonville on both Saturday and Sunday (Feb 27th and 28th) and you are encouraged to drop off those things that are not accepted at The County Dump. Note that dead animals, as with the Dump, are not accepted here either, so just drag them off to a corner of your property and leave them to be dealt with swiftly by us Turkey Vultures, nature’s finest garbage collectors bar none.
A couple of topics under discussion at The Three-Dot Lounge — “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…The end of the reign of ‘King’ Ken Allen is drawing near. The AV Brewery Owner and Supreme Leader is currently in escrow with potential new owners who are very keen to take over his operation. Rumor has it that Ken may be out of the Valley by summertime at the latest. Meanwhile, if anyone has similar feelings at his departure to those they had when Richard Nixon left the White House, it is completely understandable. These are two Machiavellian characters, yet each left their stage with nearly as many supporters as detractors. Funny old world, isn’t it?
…On a somewhat related note, and to clear up some recent rumors, the co-owner of both “The Boonville Lodge” name and its liquor license holder, Tom Towey, assures me that, if and when he does sell the license and name, he will be doing his very best to keep them in the Valley. Knowing Tom to be a man of his word, I therefore do see perhaps a glimmer of hope for the social scene on the distant horizon.
Until then, the rampant rumors about the replacement for The Lodge at the now vacant spot in downtown Boonville continue with the latest suggesting a Mexican cantina with a beer and wine license. That’s something I’m really not sure about. After all it’s not likely to serve chicken fried steak and real mashed potatoes with a pint of ale is it? Don’t get me wrong; as the Valley’s demographics continue to rapidly change, I’m sure the return of a Mexican bar is imminent. (There was one, ‘Mary Jane’s,’ many years ago at what is now Lauren’s Restaurant). Furthermore, readers of this column will be aware that as a big fan of the super chicken burrito and a Corona or a carnitas plate with a bottle of Pacifico, I would no doubt be a regular customer at such a bar. But in the meantime, many Valley folks agree that surely there is still a strong need for a traditional American bar and grill of some sort around here. Claws crossed.
…An error was made here last week when it was stated that the high school football team continues to play in black and gold/yellow. They did so for about a decade but thanks to generous contributions by the alumni, this past fall season they were able to revert to brown and gold/yellow, thus joining the baseball team in wearing the traditional school colors. Next up? Hopefully the soccer boys and volleyball girls.
Having earlier mentioned former President Richard Nixon perhaps we should turn to him for the Quote of the Week. It was Tricky Dicky who said, “When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal.” Or this classic, after he had lost the election for Governor of California in 1962, a full twelve years before he was to resign as President, “You won't have Nixon to kick around any more because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference” If only.
It’s time to take my… 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 either through the Letters Page or by e-mail at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net. PPS. Dave Johnson, owner of the location formerly known as The Boonville Lodge, does not live in the Valley. Some might say that at this point in time he is wise not to do so. PPPS. Two mentions of Richard Nixon in one column. That alone is worth your dollar, I’d say.
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