Greetings one and all. Are you are sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin. Following the events of the horrendous Valley Fire not too far away from here in recent times, the irrepressible Judy Long, President of the AV Volunteer Firefighters Association, made a presentation to our local ICW (Independent Career Women’s) organization last week with this in mind. These are some of her suggestions on preparedness in case a similarly awful event occurs in the Valley, along with some ideas from ICW members who were present. A plan on where you will go; information on a key person to contact; keys in your vehicles, gas too; cash on hand. small bills if possible; tinned food items; water, pet food, warm clothing, tent, and sleeping bags ready to go; a file with copies of your important documents and, for your insurance company, photographs of your important belongings so that claims can be dealt with efficiently and effectively; a camp stove; a couple of pots, frying pan, and cooking utensils; paper eating-utensils; fire extinguisher; personal hygiene items; cell phone, phone charger, and local phone book; first aid kit (including bug spray); tool kit; collapsible pet carriers; inclement weather clothing and heavy-duty footwear; a whistle; a Swiss Army knife or similar tool; a battery-operated radio and extra batteries; flashlight (and extra batteries), solar lights, and glow sticks; and no doubt more items you can come up with yourselves. “Heaven forbid,” but it could happen here, and adherence to this list will probably be of great assistance if it does.
Since the Fair ended it has been a slow-ish week on my social calendar so right to Public Service Announcements. #543. The Barn Sale returns this coming weekend for its monthly opening at The St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Refectory on AV Way just north of Boonville. It is open from 9am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4. #544. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will be visiting the Valley on just one occasion in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, due to staffing levels, it’s not until Thursday, October 29. #545. The Mendocino Bookmobile returns to the Valley on Tuesday, October 6. They are here on alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at each of these places and times: Navarro Store 9am (for just 30 minutes); the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Phone 463-4694 for further details. #546. The A.V Museum is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm-4pm. Situated in The Little Red Schoolhouse next to the Elementary School on AV Way, this is a perfect thing to do in the Valley when you have a couple of hours spare on a weekend afternoon. “The Best Little Museum in the West.”
Here is the menu for the Community lunches next week at the Senior Center at the Veterans Building in Boonville. The Center asks for a $6 donation from seniors and charges $7 for Non-seniors. Tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at Noon, will be Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes with gravy, and Birthday Cupcakes for dessert. Then, next Tuesday, October 6, the lunch will feature Potato- Kielbasa Skillet, with Texas Sheet Cake for dessert. All meals include vegetables, salad bar, and fruit, plus milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade. What a deal. Maybe the best $7 you’ll spend all week! Hopefully you will be able to attend, and remember – ALL ages are welcome! Hope to see you there.
Topics and Valley events this week from The Three-Dot Lounge — “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (yet surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…The AV Lions raised/earned over $900 in tips for their efforts on the beer booth at the County Fair. They have now decided to take these funds and supplement them with an additional amount from their frequently opened reserves to make a total donation of $1500 to the Lake County Lions as that organization continues in its efforts to help those in need following the tragic Valley Fire, which saw so many lose so much. For the umpteenth time, I find myself saying, “Well done for doing the right thing, AV Lions!”
…Is there a better version of Huevos Rancheros served to the public in the Valley than that offered at The Buckhorn, Boonville, for weekend brunch from 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday? I didn’t think so. And it’s particularly good with a cool Pacifico beer, or three.
…Writing of a delicious meal, I am reminded that a number of local folks have recently asked about the opening hours of Stone and Embers (at The Madrones complex just south of Philo). I can inform you that they present their wonderful pizzas and other delights from noon to 4pm from Friday thru Monday, not enough for those of us who like a pizza done differently and with great quality.
…Locals were also wondering about the progress of the high school’s Varsity sports teams so far this year. They are all about half-way through their seasons and football is 4-0; boys soccer 9-1-1; and girls volleyball 9-0. All three of them well on their way to play-offs. Girls soccer has a losing record but there may not be a team that tries harder.
…With winter approaching (although I am still not convinced) maybe it’s time to get some winter wear? The Frosted Owl in SoBo (south Boonville), just past the fire department going south, has a number of sweaters and the such-like at very generously discounted prices. A cozy top for just $2? Ya gotta like that. With a range of items. new and “experienced” clothing for men, women, and kids; up-cycled clothes; unique gifts and jewelry; handmade arts & crafts; and a mending/sewing service. Well worth the visit. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-7pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-4pm.
…From our 3-Dot regular, The Old Buzzard, comes another “Signs that the Apocalypse is Approaching.” Buzzard reports, “Royalists and commemorative-china merchants will have rejoiced recently when Elizabeth II notched up her 23,226th day on the throne of Great Britain, overtaking her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Republicans, or anti-Monarchists, are as heavily outnumbered as in 1952, when the 25-year-old queen began her reign. However, much else about Britain is unrecognizable from those days. It has been transformed from the world’s factory into its factotum, with manufacturing jobs replaced by those in financial, legal and business services, and arguably leading the way in many aspects of modern culture. Immigration has increased the non-white population from 75,000 to around eight million. Gays can marry, while fewer straights bother: nearly half of children are born out of wedlock against 6% at the start of Elizabeth’s reign (unwed couples are no longer barred from her annual garden party). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved governments, and English cities’ powers are growing. Calls from the provinces for independence from London and from the country as a whole from the EU are louder. If less glorious, Elizabeth’s domain has become a happier yet more divided kingdom. Governing such an entity will be a test for whoever is the political party in power. The days of a ruling monarch ended over three centuries ago and for some that was the apocalypse. They believe that Elizabeth II might well have done a decent job in modern times, certainly when compared to some of the recent politicians in particular.”
Time to take my leave. I’ve got to see a man about a sheep. So, “Take me drunk, I’m home.” Keep the Faith; be careful out there; if you break a leg don’t come running to me; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle; and may your god go with you. The final request, Let us prey. Turkey Vulture. Contact me through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture9@gmail.com. PS. Hi, George, hope you and Sheila are well. Is that “lafter” I hear, Carroll? Bobwhite Quail, keep up the knitting!
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