Occidental Oriented

Harmony / Salmon Creek School
A huge Thank-You to the following individuals and companies, without whom, the school’s recent auction could not have been as successful: Suzanne Huston, the auction chair, Barbara Gonnella of the Union Hotel, Michel Augsberger of Bistro des Copains, Kurt Beitler of Bohème Wines, Ken and Akiko Freeman of Freeman Winery, and Andreas Krieger of Sean Thackrey. Generous donations also came from: Bella, Belle Glos, Bodega Rancho, Chasseur, Coppola, DuMOL, Dutton-Goldfield, Robert Foley, Freestone Vineyards, Halleck, Hartford, Heintz, Paul Hobbs, Kistler, Kosta Browne, Lynmar, Marimar Torres, Chris Maybach, Pahlmeyer, Patz & Hall, Ramey, Ravenswood, Revel Wines, Rochioli, and Wild Hog.

When you’re choosing a wine, a restaurant, or a service or retail establishment (next issue), please, please go out of your way to support these generous people. Also, this list is not complete, so if you send me folks I’ve forgotten, I’ll do a part 2 next issue! Thanks.

Local Organic Food
For quite some time, I’ve promised an article about my quest for local, farm-raised, organic chicken. Here it is! After watching the movie Food Inc. several months ago, I became extremely disheartened with the choices available at supermarkets and chain stores. Even some of the well-known organic chickens appear to be living very unhealthy, unsanitary (and downright unhappy) lives as they fatten up, awaiting their chance to become the stars of our dinner table.

Enter Marc Felton of Felton Acres. He calls his chicken pasture-fed, feeding them a mix of organic grains as supplement to their diet of pasture greens, bugs, and the nutrition that animals get in a more “wild” environment. His land in Sebastopol is a model of old-fashioned sensibility, with state-of-the-art modern equipment—a perfect blend.

But it would all be meaningless if the chicken were not the most succulent, beautiful (the white meat seems whiter and the dark meat “purer!”), tastiest I’ve ever eaten. Go local farmers! Support Marc: feltonacres.com.

Occidental Veterinary Hospital
OVH will be having an Open House on June 12 from 3:00 to 5:00p.m. The Hospital has expanded into the adjacent 800 square feet, with a new spacious reception area and two new exam rooms; the entrance has moved to the northern part of the building. Dr. Walters, Dr. Foley, and their entire staff hope you will join them for their celebration.

St. Phillips Flea Market
Saturday, June 12 from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., there will be a flea market in the parking lot at St. Phillips Church, to benefit the roof fund. Parking spaces for rent are $20.00 and tables (while they last) are $5.00. For those who do not wish to sell, please donate items for the church to sell; call Maggie at 707.874.2355 and they will make arrangements to pick up.

Additionally, on Sunday, June 13, from 9:00a.m. to 12:30p.m., St. Phillips will host a French toast breakfast, including eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice. $10.00 for adults; $8.00 for children.

Occidental Center for the Arts
OCA presents Chris Caswell, The Heart of the Harp: an Evening of Music, Lore, and Song. A local treasure, Caswell is one of the world’s finest players and builders of the Celtic Harp. He will be joined on Saturday, June 12, 8:00p.m. by a special Mystery Guest.

A true Celtic bard, he is a natural raconteur, historian, musicologist, and teacher. During the seventies Chris served as a seminal influence in re-introducing the Celtic harp to American players. It has been suggested that he helped provide the “blueprint for Loreena McKennitt and a host of others in the creation of what's commonly regarded as North American Celtic music. Suggested donation: $20, $15 seniors/students; all benefits will benefit the OCA. Refreshments will be available for purchase as well. Reservations are highly recommended, 707.874.9392.

C.E.R.T. Classes - Occidental Fire House
Community Emergency Response Team trainings will be June 7 through 28 on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. for a $50 fee.

Training will include seven classes: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, Light Search/Rescue, Organization and Psychology, and a Review with Simulation.

Learn how to prepare and help yourself, family and neighbors. Get certified and take home a manual, backpack, and equipment. To register, call: 707.874.3784, or email oep2010@comcast.net.