Good morning from Whiskey Creek, where the aquifer smack dab under our six acres is so recharged it’s pleading with us to start watering again, despite much more rain in the forecast. A nice problem, I must admit.
Used to be that, in the old days, every now and then I’d write a Welcome column focused on all things CBA. Got up this a.m. thinking it couldn’t hurt to do one of those kind…so don’t expect much humor or entertainment but do be prepared to be informed (as much or as little as you’re up to.)
News Problem
This isn’t a big deal, but some may notice that there aren’t any new “news items” among the eight we display. Had some good ones ready to post but discovered there’s a bug on the entry page that won’t allow me to add new stories. The problem’s been reported and should have a fix by tomorrow morning. And while we’re talking about news items, if you have any to share please send them to me at rickcornish7777@hotmail.com. I cannot remember a single instance when someone sent me an item and I didn’t share it.
Dog Contest
Some months back I began periodically posting as news items the beloved dogs of CBA members. (Actually, since a $30 membership covers the entire family, the features title, “Dogs of the CBA” is quite literal—dogs are, in fact, member, though they’re not allowed to vote.) Well, anyways, things around here at the old homestead have developed recently in such a way that I find that my wife Lynn owes me a favor (I won’t go into the details) and she’s agree to fulfill her obligation by painting a watercolor. (As many of you know, my wife’s an excellent watercolorist, whose favorite subjects are dogs.) So here’s the deal. You email me a photo of your dog, rickcornish7777@hotmail.com, and before I leave for Grass Valley Lynn will select the dog she wants to paint, and I’ll announce the winner from stage when I kick off the fest Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. and turnover the painting. And of course all of the entries will be used over time in the Dogs of the CBA web site feature. What could be simpler…better yet, what could go wrong.
Cat Contest
Ditto
Things to remember FDF-wise
If you’re planning on bringing your pet to the Fathers Day Festival, it’s ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that you first read the rules regarding animals at the fest. Read them carefully and make sure you can live with them. http://fathersdayfestival.com/Pet-Policy.php
If you plan on availing yourself of an electric only camp site, DO IT NOW…we’re going to run out. While we’re on the subject, when people call the CBA telephone hot line for the festival, which I answer several times each day, frequently it’s to learn about camping. Each year some folks call because they’re worried that, due to coming late in the week they’ll find it difficult to locate a good spot for their rig. Many end up taking an electric only spot, not because they need the power but because it guarantees them a good, flat site. Don’t get me wrong—in 42 years we’ve NEVER turned anyone away because we’ve sold out of tickets or have no spots for campers, but as some of you know, things can get a little tight by the end of the week. http://cbaweb.tix.com/Event.aspx? EventCode=920995
Ditto with music camp. There are still slots open, but you need to grab yours. We’ve got a truly excellent line up of teachers this year. Have a look at http://cbamusiccamp.com.
I don’t have to tell anyone that these past two years have been some of the most politically tumultuous in our nation’s history. Nor do I need to remind you that what’s kept our large and very diverse membership picking and grinning and fellowshipping together has been a recognition that POLITICS ARE LEFT AT GATE 4 FOR THE WEEK. A cardinal rule if there ever was one. My point in bringing this up here is simply that the degree of rancor we’ve seen these many, many months may, in some rare cases, cause a small handful of people to momentarily forget the Thou shall not talk politics commandment. Let’s not let that happen.
2017/2018 Board Election
Why do I bring this up under FDF things to remember? Simple—if you’ve decided to run for the board, or if you’re considering a run, you should know that your chances of winning in the October election are much, much, much, much better if you decide by June and circulate your petition at the Fairgrounds. That will help get your name out there, give you a chance to hear what people in the Association are thinking and demonstrate that you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Simple a word to the wise. (If you’d like to know what a petition needs to say, drop me a line. It’s very simple to put one together.)
Welcome Columnists
With rare exceptions our Welcome columnists stay at it years before they decide to become former Welcome columnists, which is to say, retire. We’ve had a few of those recently and we’d like to replenish our pool. Now, I’m well aware that for the majority of normal human beings, writing is not what you could call a joyful experience. I’m not talking to you folks. But there are some people in our midst for whom writing actually is a joy, and it is to you I’m speaking. What we require is 900 words or more submitted once each month. What you write about is your choice. Some people have agreed to take the job on, but with some apprehension. I can say honestly that most of those people have fallen into the groove quite quickly. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Welcome column drop me a note at rickcornish7777@hotmail.com.
Okay, I could go on and on, but duty, (throwing t-balls for the dogs) calls. See you in Turlock. Some rain, lots of sun, plenty of indoor spots when required. BLUEGRASS SEASON IS ABOUT TO OFFICIALLY BEGIN!