Bird’s Eye View (Dec. 7, 2016)

Let’s go straight to one of my favorite topics: eating out in the Valley, and catch up with this week’s Valley Restaurant Update.

There are just a few days to go before Libby’s Restaurant in Philo closes for the final time on Saturday, December 10. Talking of restaurant closures, The Bewildered Pig (!) at the Floodgate will be closed from January 2-17 inclusive. And in Boonville, Aquarelle Cafe and Wine bar will be taking a break from approximately December 12 to February 10. On the brighter side, there is a fairly reliable rumor that a new Mexican restaurant, based to some degree on Libby’s menu, will be going in at The Lodge building in downtown Boonville, a venue that has been closed for some time. And now that Libby’s is closing, those who remember the breakfast and diner-style restaurant in Philo before Libby’s called Janie’s Place will be interested to hear that there may possibly be a similar place in the works at the same location. I made a slight omission last week and should add that Lauren’s Restaurant is closed New Year’s Day but open for their regular hours over the holidays other than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And finally this week, a large wise bird told me that discussions continue between interested parties and The Buckhorn. It will be too late for that much enjoyed Christmas drink with family and friends but nevertheless at least there is some movement on the issue of getting a pub/bar/restaurant up and running in the Valley once again. something the community would heartily embrace.

Public Service Announcements. #544. Next week, Thursday, December 15 will see the Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital make their final visit of the year to the Anderson Valley Farm Supply on Highway 128, north of Philo. To avoid a line perhaps turn up at around 3pm. New customers and their pets are always welcome and previous visitors should be aware that they can call 462-8833 and the vets will bring your pet’s charts with them. #545. The Mendocino Bookmobile returns next Tuesday, December 13, alternate Tuesdays for 45 minutes at: Navarro Store 9am (for just 30 minutes before heading out to Comptche); the Floodgate 12.30pm; Philo 1.30pm; Boonville (Apple Hall) 2.30pm. Phone 463-4694 for further details. #546. The AV Museum is now closed for the winter. #547. Need a burn permit? From 11am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays you can get one from the Firehouse in Boonville. Call 895-2020 for more information or stop by. #548. The next Barn Sale, will not be until the spring.

Here is the menu for the Community lunches and dinners over the next week in the Senior Center at the Veterans Building in Boonville. $6 donation from seniors for both lunches and dinners and $7 for Non-seniors for lunches and $8 for the dinners. Tomorrow, Thursday, December 8, the lunch, served by Marti Titus and her crew at Noon, will be Citrus Cod with Triple Lemon Dessert. Next Tuesday, December 13, the evening meal served at 6pm will feature Turkey & Mashed Potatoes, with Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake for dessert and then following dinner there will be community singing of Christmas carols. All meals include vegetables, salad bar, and fruit, plus milk, coffee, tea, and lemonade. What a deal! Tai Chi is available every Tuesday at 11am, and Thursdays at 11am is Kathy’s Easy-stretch Yoga class. Also on Thursdays, the Active Life Club runs from 10am to 2pm featuring games, crafts, and music. The Senior Center/Community Bus goes to Ukiah on Monday's and Santa Rosa on the first Wednesday of the month. These trips fill up fast so don't forget to sign up early at 489-1175.

Topics and Valley events under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge: Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant (yet surprisingly reliable) Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.

…The annual Holiday Party and Awards Dunner for the AV Volunteer Fire Fighters was held at Rivers Bend Retreat last Saturday evening and with Chefs Francis and Marie Richard of Coq au Vin fame at the helm in the kitchen a delicious meal was enjoyed as the fully deserved awards were given out. The event was very ably hosted by Chief Andres Avila and, while many folks were mentioned for their tremendous efforts this past year, I should inform you that the most prestigious awards went to Firefighter of the Year, Moi Perez; Officer of the Year, Angela DeWitt; Engineer of the Year, Paul Lasicki; Recruit of the Year, Jimmy Johnson, and EMT of the Year to former Fire Chief Colin Wilson. Well done indeed, one and all, and thank you for your service.

…The seemingly unending generosity of many Valley folks was discussed at the 3-Dot this past week. Highlighted was the hugely significant and much-needed donation given to the AV Historical Society by a local benefactor who has consistently bestowed gifts and money to lots of different Valley organizations and events over many, many years. And while we are on this subject, I should also mention that the recent AV Arts fundraiser held at Lauren’s Restaurant raised $10K that will be donated to supplemental arts programs and scholarships for Anderson Valley students interested in that field of endeavor.

…Somebody else “doing the right thing” for Valley folks is Mitzi Wagner who works out of the AV Health Center advising folks on the health insurance available to them. Mitzi’s knowledge of the labyrinth of health care options and bureaucracy that is involved has already benefitted many local people and she can be reached at the Center at 895-3477.

…Sadly, healthcare is one of the among the many services that are under tremendous threat to the citizens of Aleppo in Syria. As government forces, backed by Russian bombing, made large gains in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, thousands of people are fleeing the besieged enclave. The total number of displaced people is now more than 400,000, said the UN special envoy, Staffan de Mistura. Food stocks have run out and surgery is being performed without anesthetic. Surely something should be done before we all acknowledge just how tragic this was after the event when it is too late.

…Most regulars at the 3-Dot enthusiastically agree with the option of opening their minds and considering what Carl Sagan, creator and presenter of the wonderful series “Cosmos” once said. “Used properly, television can educate and inspire awe as well as any book, painting, or film.”

I’m outtahere. I’ve got see a man about a sheep. Besides, that’s enough for now, so “Please take me drunk, I’m home,” and until we talk again. be careful out there; if you break a leg don’t come running to me; stay out of the ditches; be wary of strangers with more dogs than teeth; show love to your pets, they will be faithful and true to you to the last beat of their hearts; think good thoughts; Keep the Faith; try to not let life get in the way of living; may your god go with you, and may your dog go with you too. A final request, “Let us prey.” Sometimes poking, often stroking, but almost always humbly yours, Turkey Vulture.

A fellow by the name of Charles Darwin said about Turkey Vultures, “A disgusting bird whose bald scarlet head is formed to wallow in putridity.” Thanks for the compliment, Charlie. You’ll go far.

Contact me through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture9@gmail.com. PS. Keep on humming, Hummingbird. Missing the Venerable Pheasant. On the sheep, Grace.