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Bodega Bay Beat by Joan Poulos - May 2017

The two boats that decorated our shore on Bay Flat Road are gone – but now there is another one. For the two removed, apparently the state provided the money, but the county employees bid for and won the right to do the removal on their off time. Now THAT is ingenuity. They did an excellent, non-invasive job.

It must be a province of age, but most of the events that I attend are funerals or memorials of some kind. One of the most touching and well designed to honor the deceased is the memorial Ren Brown put together for Robert De Vee. You could almost feel Robert’s presence as we walked around admiring the genius, which he showed in his varied and very excellent paintings. As Ren said, no one had any idea that he was doing such varied and prolific painting. It was exactly the kind of Memorial Robert would have wanted – excellent food, good friends remembering all the good times and everyone admiring all the wonderful work he had produced. If you are lucky some of the paintings may still be hanging in Ren Brown’s gallery. It was a wonderful tribute. If I am lucky, when I die they can go to the Grange Hall and have my columns mounted and people can say, “Oh yeah. I remember when that happened.”

The community was all geared up for Fish Fest April 8 and 9. The elements co-operated on April 9 but April 8 was rainy and hotel cancellations were plentiful. The boat carrying the memorial wreath to honor those who have died at sea went out April 9. The pastor from Fisherman’s Chapel thanked the ocean for providing such largesse. Some of the attendant fishermen held their tongues, especially in light of the information that a salmon season was doubtful. Nevertheless, it was an appropriate prayer and true recognition that we are indebted to our ocean. There were varied priests and preachers there to honor the dead. Personally I think we should include a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace as they throw out the wreath, but no one asked me. As a community we do honor those who have given their lives on the sea. Each day as I listen to the roar of the waves, and watch the changing tide levels I marvel at the power and importance of our ocean. We need to sign up for every group there is – likeOcean Conservancy, that is dedicated to keeping this important resource safe and protected. More locally, give kudos to those workers who worked so hard to celebrate Fish Fest ( the list is too long to name names) and help raise the money that keeps this community functioning. It is great fun and you will get good fish and chips and meet many of the dogs in town.

Did you get fooled on April Fools’ day? I’ll admit that for a few minutes I was when my friend called and asked whether I saw it on FaceBook, THE PRESIDENT RECUSED HIMSELF and will step down.

The first part I could admit was possible, in light of the multiple conflicts he has with the confirmation of several of his nominees, but the last part gave it away...Just call me gullible. It was a good joke.

Easter approaches. Even the non-Christians among us pitch in and dye eggs and make children happy to hunt for them. There is nothing more cuddly than an Easter bunny. For those of us who observe the Christian holiday, the celebrations start with sadness. We celebrate Maundy Thursday, the last time Jesus had with his friends and which we celebrate with remembering the Last Supper. This isn’t widely celebrated. This year Fisherman’s Chapel had a service on Thursday. When you think how many major artists have painted The Last Supper (I remember standing in awe of the painting in Italy) maybe even non-Christians can honor the man who required that all his followers practice Peace and help their fellow man (including being grateful to Samaritans (now Syria). In the Orthodox branch of the Christian church, they take to the streets on Good Friday and carry their icons from church to church in solemn parade. The bells in the churches all toll on Friday. Then quiet on Easter Saturday. On Sunday (starting at midnight) JOY dominates. Firecrackers; singing; long parades celebrating the holiday, which is celebrated by those who have moved into urban settings from villages, go back to get a lamb to barbecue for the Easter holiday. Families go through their neighborhoods asking who would like to share the celebration – especially those who have very little. Sharing is the rule of the day. It’s a little like Christmas here.

Should anyone who travels like to witness heartfelt celebrations, go to Greece on Greek Easter. It is an experience those of us who have been lucky enough to witness never forget.

We are having another Town Meeting. Our Supervisor, Linda Hopkins will be there and you can broach any questions you may have (like why doesn’t the county fill in the potholes on Whaleship Road – it’s a county road). See you at the Grange, April 27.

We have another crisis. Another boat went down, taking with it all the earthly possessions of its owner. Lorie, at the harbor, broached the idea of helping to Fisherman’s Chapel. We are agreeable and gearing up to help. The fisherman is Andy Mereci. We are furnishing him with a new sleeping bag and buying certificates for food from Safeway. We are starting a fund – so far certificates and sox. Lorie, at the Harbor, can give more information.

This is the way Bodega Bay takes care of its own.

Spring is definitely here. The little yellow flowers by roadside are in bloom. The vineyards are budding out. The birds are making nests. It is nice to see water in the Laguna de SR. Anyone who says we have no seasons on the coast has spent no time here. It is Spring. Maybe you can see a whale or two or some baby seals learning how to live on their own.

It is a wonderful time, in a wonderful place. Enjoy and remember, BE KIND.

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