Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. The live music at Dave Evans’ Navarro Store is up and running for its third successive year but unfortunately I’ve been unable to attend the first two events so cannot give my usual hack-writer observations and report. Two weeks ago it was the Hansen-Raitt Band but I was at the very wonderful and moving Tom Smith Memorial, then last weekend when the David Nelson Band along with assorted Grateful Deads and Jeffersons were performing I was fortunate to be at the Schoeneman’s Farrington Vineyards for the lovely wedding of Sarah Schoeneman and Guy Pacurar of Brewery Gulch Inn fame in Mendocino. Oh, well, two apparently excellent concerts missed for good reasons but I hope to be sipping the inexpensive beer, devouring the delicious bbq off Pablo’s grill, and dancing under the stars for many of this summer’s upcoming special nights in The Deep End. How about joining me? It’s a good Valley night out. Trust me on this and thank me later!
Talking about weddings, for our Quote of the Week, let me offer these words from Aeschylus, a very wise man from Ancient Greece, who said, “When a match has equal partners, then I fear not for its future togetherness.” Perhaps he had Sarah and Guy in mind! Best wishes to you both.
Public Service Announcements. #92: The Olde Time 4th of July Celebration takes place at The Fairgrounds in Boonville from Noon to 4pm featuring a parade, games, music, food and drink, and the all-important AV Tug O’ War. Last year in this important Valley spectacle, not only were The Poleekos and Deep Enders victorious over the Boonts and High Rollers in the women’s event and under-sevens, but the Men’s team, ably coached by Christine Clark and anchored by yours truly, won for the eighth year in a row! Will it be #9? #93: The new ice cream shop is opening tomorrow (July 1st) at the location formerly occupied by Zub Zub Ice Cream in the heart of Boonville. The owner is landlord, Johnny ‘Two Scoops’ Schmitt of Boonville Hotel fame, and I’m sure it will be done ‘right’ with business-like hours that people can truly rely on to go with ice cream of the finest quality, baked goods and home-made candy. Good luck to one and all involved. #94: Lauren’s Summertime Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, 11:30am-2:30pm, is a perfect example of her motto: ‘Good Food; Good Times.’ Enjoy.
Moving quickly on to a couple of the topics under discussion this week at The Three-Dot Lounge. Yes it’s “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…Several regulars have commented on the fine job done by those involved in the production of the new and always useful Valley Phone Book. It’s a fine looking publication and seems to be a very comprehensive effort indeed. Some fine photography too, particularly in the ads on pages 48 and 104 for the businesses of the handyman ‘Cheerful’ Bob Sites and the entertainer ‘Mr. Eleven’ respectively, showing that these two guys are not only worth hiring but that each of them is also particularly photogenic.
…A regular came up with the Quote of the Week when referring to the ‘good deeds’ of former Brewery owner, ‘King’ Ken Allen. He quoted the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who once observed, “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions. He had money as well.” A cynical point of view some might say. ‘Realistic,’ is a description I would lean toward. On a related note, and as a second Quote of the Week, Ken might well be missed now that we “don’t have him to kick around anymore,” as another controversial individual, President Richard Nixon, said upon his own departure from office once. In both cases, it should be pointed out, these two Machiavellian characters did quite a bit of ‘kicking’ themselves.
…A regular at The Three-Dot informed us that the cameras were filming a recent adult soccer game at Tom Smith Field in Boonville because the record-breaking goal-scoring performances of star player, Sergio Gutierrez, who will begin his senior year at the high school in September, have come to the attention of Seattle University, a fine academic institution and a Division 1 soccer school. The coach up there, Brad Agoos, wanted to see film of Sergio playing and, with the assistance of coach Steve Sparks and film class teacher Mitch Mendoza, student Dylan Beatty was on hand to record the highlights of Sergio’s efforts on film. In their final week at school the senior film class edited the footage before sending it to Seattle. With Sergio’s grades in the high 3’s and his parents, Anastasio and Laura, both very keen on their boy going to a top four-year college, hopefully he’ll get accepted, funding will be found from somewhere, and the dreams of a fine young man might well come true.
Time for The Wine of the Week. Well, on this celebratory weekend, how about sipping any wine made from grapes grown in the Valley or at least ones sold by a locally owned vineyard. There are still quite a few remaining, believe it or not. So many of these wines are excellent, whichever varietals you prefer, so for a little casual wining and dining, whether you live here or are visiting, why would you buy anything else?
Whine of the Week. Fast-driving tourists, particularly ‘Mr. Convertible Sports Car’ in his mid-60s with the 20-Something blonde in the passenger seat, who would probably rather be at a beauty/tanning salon, and certainly wouldn’t spend a minute of her time with the boring guy sitting next to her if he drove a pick-up. These are the types who get drunk, talk loudly, and tip poorly; the kind who speak only of themselves, interrupt others, and try to tell a story that ‘beats’ the one told by the previous speaker. We’ve all met them before and now it’s the season for their appearance in the Valley. I suggest we all try to smile and walk away. I’ll do my best, but if it gets to be too much I know I can rely on your help to get them to the Hanging Tree on AV Way before dropping them off for the hungry pigs on Ornbaun Road!
I’m outta here. But before I go, let me mention that with the hot weather now with us, finally, please remember to keep your windows cracked if you have pets in your vehicle. Otherwise, be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you. One final request, “Let us prey.” Poking and stroking egos wherever necessary and, as always, humbly yours, Turkey Vulture.
PS. Keep the Faith. PPS. You can contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or by e-mail at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net.
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