Greg’s Happenings by Greg Kristapovich
It’s been an interesting week: A new thrift shop opened in Arnold, (the only thrift shop along a 26 mile stretch of Hwy 4, from Markleeville to Angels Camps); I got a bellyache scarfing up one dozen slices of pizza at the Round Table Pizza lunch buffet right next door; a deer ran into the left rear fender of my pickup truck, while I was delivering SMTs along Hwy 108 (between Cold Springs and Pinecrest); I was surrounded by dozens of burly bikers from the Henchmen Motorcycle club at the Red Brick Saloon in San Andreas, while I was photographing a band; Justin Flores (of Star 92.7 fm) admitted on his morning show that they put the family Christmas tree up on November 7th; Ian Anderson (aka Jethro Tull) once again did his one-leg hopping act, while blowing with abandon on this “heavy metal” flute at the Gallo Center for the Arts! (His concert was outtasight!); and someone on the street actually asked for MY autograph! (That blew me away!) I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Someone told me that my autograph is now selling, on-line, for three cents in Tuolumne County and two cents (and rising),in Calaveras! (I think that person might have been pulling my leg.) Anyway, it’s been an unbelievable week!
COUNTDOWN: Only fourteen (14) more days (as of this issue’s publication date) – until the fabulous Sonora Christmas Festival!!! (And to Justin, who’s already put up his Christmas tree: right oh, dude!!) It is NOT too early to start thinking about Christmas. Hey, you start thinking about your summer vacation in January or February, (six months ahead of time) making various reservations, etc. You start thinking about your childrens’ birthday party’s months ahead of time, too! What’s so bad about contemplating Christmas a mere six weeks before the holiday? Six weeks fly by! So, to help get you in the mood, let me now say, “Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas!!” Now, start looking for your boxed up artificial Christmas tree, so you can put it up tomorrow – and your Christmas card mailing list! Start getting those cards out!!
I didn’t realize just how totally wild Halloween night was! Jeanne Hand, owner of the St. Charles Saloon in Columbia reports that a female came to their Halloween party dressed as “One Night Stand”! Now, now; don’t get the wrong idea. Cindy Mann did indeed come as “one night stand,” Recalls Jeanne, “But she (Cindy) had a lamp shade on her head. On top of her table, she had a glass, an ashtray and cigarettes, and a bunch of other little things glued on the top; and on the front of her, were the drawers to the table!” Fortunately no one could open her drawers. Not surprisingly, she won their costume contest! I doubt she’s gotten her costume copyrighted, so this might give you an idea for your upcoming costume ball! Don’t forget, costume balls can be held any time of the year!
Arnold finally got what they needed in that town: a thrift shop! Whenever I’ve driven through the Murphys/Arnold area, I’ve thought, “What this area needs is a thrift shop!” Well, on November 5th, the new Calaveras County Human Society Thrift Shop opened in the Meadowmont Shopping Center, next to Big Trees Market!!! Judging by the number of people who showed up for their grand opening, there were many other people yearning for a thrift shop in that area! I left with a paper bag full o’ groovy goodies including a rare LP, “James Brown – ‘Live’ at the Apollo” (recorded October 24th, 1962) and a three-VHS set called “Johnny’s (Carson) Favorite Moments: “The Best of the ‘60s and ‘70s”; “Best of the ‘80s and ‘90s” and “The Final Show-America Says Farewell”! (I sure miss Johnny. He was a cool dude!)There was a lot more crammed into my bag, too! I figure I left with about $200 worth of stuff (retail value) for just over $6! And my loose change went to a great cause! “The Calaveras Human Society badly needs another shelter,” bemoans store manage Jenni Roland, “because so many people are losing their homes, and can’t take their animals to rentals – or can’t even afford to feed their animals anymore! Our shelters: we need to improve them badly, so that’s why we’re here! You can come here, (to the thrift shop) and get good stuff; and remember, it’s for the animals!” And I will note that, as the national unemployment rate has hit 10.2%, thrift shops can help you get by!
Back down the hill in Murphys, had a recent Sunday breakfast at Noto’s Sicilian Restaurant. They’ve got some nice breakfast specials! Had their Denver Scramble. On that particular Sunday, (November 1st,) I was enjoying my sumptuous scramble and reading the Sunday San Francisco Chronicale; and to my amazement, Murphys was featured in a full-color feature in the Travel section! The article mentioned several “in” spots in Murphys. I’ll be checking ‘em out and reporting back to you very soon! More and more, the rest of the world is starting to realize that Murphys is one enchanting little hamlet! And a leisurely stroll down it Main Street can be an incredible adventure!! By the way, my delectable Denver scrabble at Notos’s was prepared–to perfection, by Maria and served graciously by Sarah. My compliments to the staff and management at Noto’s!!!
By mid-afternoon, I became a bit exhausted. I had a ton of posters to put up for the Sonora Christmas Festival, (Friday, November, 27-Sunday, the 29th, at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds)! So I stopped into one of my favorite health(y) food stores, Nelson’s Candy Kitchen! (Some of their confections contain nuts and dark chocolate – which have proven health benefits.) Lorna, the manager, showed me their wide array of special Thanksgiving candies, including solid milk chocolate and dark chocolate turkeys and cranberry “jellies”! Today, I decided to be decadent and had some Homemade Thanksgiving Marshmellow squares (approx. 1.5” by 1.5”) Each square features the face of either a little boy or girl pilgrim – or Indian – or a turkey! They were pretty yummy! Feeling the rush of energy these little snacks gave me, I was able to boogie on with renewed vigor! Next stop: Sustenance Books to check out the new arrivals! Groovy! The 2010 Guiness World Records book was in! It’s jammed with incredible data! Check this out: “Most No.1’s From a Music TV Talent Show: When David Cook’s “The Time of My Life” debuted at No.1, on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs and Hot Digital Tracks charts, it brought the total of No.1 hits by artists discovered on American Idol to 179! Kelly Clarkson had the first American Idol No.1 in October 2002 with “A Moment like This!” By the way, Susan at Sustenance Books says she’ll have this groovy book at 20% off the retail price, through November! I realize this is supposed to be the “on-line” age, but nothing beats the feel of a good book in your hands!
Grrrroovy Happenings: Open mic/Karaoke, Wednesday nights at Lupita’s Eproson House in Twain Harte! Like they say, “Rock and roll (and Karaoke) will never die! Free salsa lessons there on Thursdays nights! At the fabulous Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance”, will mesmerize all who attend, Thursday, Nov., 12, through Sunday the 15th! (Ticket prices are very reasonable – and, groups of 15 or more save 15% on tickets!) For group sales, call (209) 338-5062. For smaller ticket orders, call 338-3115, or log on to Gallarts.org! o Nov. 14th Diamond Jim’s in Mi-Wuk Village (on Hwy 108) will host Full On Fegus, a four-member band that plays everything from blues and swing to classic rock and ‘50s! (Show starts at 8:30 p.m.)Tommy Warren continues his popular run at Twain Harte’s Golf Club, Friday the 13th, 6 to 8 p.m.! Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub in Copperopolis hosts the very entertaining Greg Brown (Wednesdays at 6 p.m.) He cheerfully takes audience requests while singing and tickling the ivories of his electronic keyboards; performing everything from Elvis to Merle Haggard! The Jamestown Hotel has ‘live’ music Friday and Saturday, with the popular Tom Drinnon strumming and singing country and classic rock! Know of any groovy happenings? Call my hippy dippy hotline at (209) 559-8368! See ya next week. In the meantime, start shopping for your Thanksgiving turkey! Peace, love and cranberry sauce!
