Occidental Oriented - July 2011

I just returned from a 2 week+ trip to the mid-West, with a 2500 mile drive to Washington, D.C. Now let me start by saying Chicago is a very cool town. Wish we’d somehow reversed the times and spent more than a day there! Micro-breweries abound, walking and recreating along Lake Michigan is stupendous, and the overall vibe is amazing.

But from Illinois, through Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, until Maryland/D.C., I must say I’ve never seen so many overweight and unhealthy-seeming people.

On the bright side, I felt skinny again (something I haven’t felt in a long time); of course, it doesn’t change my reality (I’m still f*t by CA standards), but it was a welcome switch!

When we finally got back to our little neck of paradise, I was even more grateful than usual for our beautiful community, our natural beauty, and our open-hearted and –minded people.

55th Occidental VFD Barbeque

The summer is here and it is almost time for Occidental’s Volunteer Fire Department annual firefighters’ barbeque, and it is always a great party!  It will be held under the redwoods on Sunday, July 17 at the Union Hotel Grove on Bohemian Highway, one mile north of downtown Occidental, from 12p.m. noon to 6p.m.  Admission is free.

There will be live music from the Steve Balich Polka Band and country western and rock and roll music by the California Cowboys (www.californiacowboys.com) for listening and dancing.  There will also be beer, salami throw, raffle, door prizes, wine, barbequed oysters, kids games, bounce house, and desserts.  Dinner prices are: Barbequed chicken $10.00, children $7.00, and tri-tip $ 13.00.  This year, by popular request, “dinners to go” will be offered, if you don’t have time to stay.  Pre-sale tickets are available at Occidental Hardware store or by calling the fire station at 707.874.3800.  All proceeds benefit the Occidental Volunteer Firefighters Association and donations are always welcome.

Occidental Center for the Arts

The Moonbeams, from Sebastopol, will kick off Independence Day Weekend, with their own brand of Razzle Dazzle, on Sunday, July 3 at  4 p.m. Hozanna, Vince, Patrick, Karl, Nils, Jim, and  The Shivettes performing a “Jazzy Motown Cabaret”, at the OCA Amphitheater!

A nationally known Bi-lingual Storyteller who uses puppets, song, and dance to tell folktales, myth, and Latino history in English and Spanish, is coming to OCA July 9 at 2 p.m. Olga Loya believes in the power of stories to keep cultural traditions alive and to break down barriers between cultures. This Latina teller of tales grew up in the barrio of East LA. and is also an author, performance artist, and teacher. Recommended for ages 5 years and up; $20 per family, $10 for adults, $5 for children; reservations: 707.874.9392. There will be refreshments for sale.

Free Movie:

“What If Cannabis Cured Cancer?” On Saturday, July 23, 7p.m., OCA will show a highly acclaimed documentary film on the benefits of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of cancer is narrated by actor Peter Coyote. There will be a Question and Answer session after the movie with lead researcher, Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather. This free showing is sponsored by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) and Sonoma Alliance for Medical Marijuane (SAMM). Info on the film, call 707.823.9644. Refreshments for sale.

On to the news—less than usual, so I’ve waxed poetic! Remember, please send me your news. By keeping me the most informed person in Occidental, you then become so too!