Greg’s Happenings by Greg Kristapovich
Supporting the Jerry Rice Toy Drives, from left to right are: Lorenzo Noto, of Noto’s Sicilian Restaurant, retired NFL player Don Peterson, former 49’er cheerleader Christine Castillo and Nugget Bar owner, Dennis Sanfilippo.
The readers have spoken – or at least a few. After last week’s column, I got some callers on my hippy dippy hotline (209-559-8368); and the consensus was that Mike Hoffman should put his magic rain canoe back atop his truck racks – and bring forth more rain/snow. So he did – and it worked again! (01/12/10 and 01/13/10)!!! And the chain monkeys, snow plowmen, skiers, snowboards and farmers are happy once again! I, myself, didn’t like April temperatures in January. So, let’s just enjoy the winter for now! And I’m still trying to decide where I should take my first ever ski lesson at. I must meditate, contemplate and deliberate this thoroughly.
Here’s a trivia question for ya: The idea for forming which local band began on the film set of the movie “Back to the Future 3”? I’ll tell you in a bit.*
A successful Jerry Rice Toy Drive was held at The Nugget Bar in Murphys, and some notable NFL people were there to celebrate, including David August, representative for the NFL Alumni Association! Indeed, Nugget owner, Dennis Sanfilippo, is an ardent supporter of the NFL Alumni. “Dennis supported the NFL Alumni’s ‘Caring for Kids’!” exclaimed Mr. August. “Dennis has a strong belief in kids; and since he won the Lotto, he’s given lots back! We, the NFL, ex-ball players and supporters of the alumni, value those people (like Dennis)! You don’t always see people who care about what’s going on in the world, in the streets, with the kids.” Mr. August was also joined at the event by former 49’er “Gold Rush” cheerleader Christine Castillo, of Antioch, CA. So, what was it like to cheerlead for the 49’ers? “I cheerleaded through high school, and I’ve danced for seventeen years, but cheerleading for the 49’ers was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life! I’ve been a 49’er fan my whole life!” Christine proclaims. Although Christine did appear to be having a lot of fun, this night, celebrating the toy drive! Another NFL luminary in attendance was tight-end Don Peterson, who played for UCLA, the Rams, Raiders and the 49’ers. He played alongside Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Steve Young, Kenny Stabler and a lot of “All Pros”! But Don spoke with humility. “We came here (to the Nugget) to take care of the kids; those who are underprivileged. When you’re very gifted as a person, and you’re very happy with what’s been given to you, as God’s gift; it’s very important that you learn as a player – and a person – to give back. The most important thing you can do is give back!” The toy run at the Nugget was a success, and Mr. August has more special things in mind! “The Nugget will be the place for NFL players! With me being a representative for the NFL Alumni, we’ll be passing through here and doing different fundraisers with Dennis – and making this a little sports bar!” Can you dig it!
Recession buster of the week: Don’t spend a lot of money for expensive fire kindling at the stores! Free kindling is everywhere! When a branch falls in your yard put on your gloves and start breaking it into little pieces, and toss ‘em into a plastic totes. I do this all year long. Maybe a tree limb fell in your neighbor’s yard but he uses propane for heating. He doesn’t need kindling. Ask if you can have it. See that tree limb lying along the road? Toss it into your pickup truck, (or a van/auto – assuming you’ve got some cargo space. Be resourceful and save $$$!
Belated birthday wishes to folk singer Joan Baez and rock and roller Elvis Presley! Joan debuted in 1960 with “Joan Baez” on Vanguard Records, and had her best seller in 1975 with “Diamonds and Rust”; though she continued to make music well into the ‘90s. In fact, her 1992 release, “Play Me Backwards” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. In 2000, she received a lifetime achievement award at the British Folk Awards! Joan was born Jan. 9, 1941 and just turned 69. Elvis debuted in 1956 with “Elvis Presley” (RCA Records). Rolling Stone calls Elvis “the first real rock & roll star” whose “accomplishments are unparalleled”! He has sold over 1 billion records worldwide and has had 149 singles on the charts: 114 in the Top 40; 40 in the Top 10 and 18 #1s!! Elvis was born on Jan. 8, 1935 and would have been 75.
I wanted to publish one of James Dean’s speeding tickets, but am consulting my personal guru/legal advisor, Mahat, to make sure that’s legal. I’m awaiting M’s response.
Was looking over the current Billboard albums chart (published in Rolling Stone Magazine), while having lunch at the Pinecone Café (Hwy 108 in Mi-Wuk Village). Know what? The Pinecone’s got some pretty good food. I had the chicken lasagna platter, and it was absolutely 5-star!! It’s a fun place to dine, too, with a nice color TV, and snow plowers who hang out there and tell some fascinating stories! By the way, Jimmy Buffett debuted on the charts at #17 with his new release, “Buffet Hotel”! JB is still awesome, man!
GROOVY HAPPENINGS: Larry Henderson’s having a successful run at Camps Restaurant in Angels Camp (Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. – although he’s taking this Saturday off)! He will be bringing his acoustic folk/rock music to Mike’s Pizza of Sonora (Thursdays, from 6-8pm) and Bistro 49 in Arnold on January 22nd—as well as every other Friday! Stage 3 (at 208 S. Green Street, downtown Sonora) will host the Grass Menagerie with their hard-driving bluegrass, Sat., Jan. 16th, at 8 p.m.! Admission is only $10. Reservations recommended! Call 209-536-1778, or log on to www.stage3.org! Got a groovy happening? Call my HD (Hippy Dippy) Hotline and let me know!
Caller on my hippy dippy hotline asks me if I’m going to weigh in on the theory of global warming. Well, I don’t want to ever avoid controversial issues. Only fraidy-cats avoid controversial issues. Then the caller says that Soeul, South Korea has just had their biggest snow storm in 70 years; and that the USA is experiencing an “Arctic Blast”; and people in the southern states all the way down to Florida are almost freezing to death! “Global warming, Greg?” he asks. Well, all I can say is…ah, well, mmm, Hey, how about those Lakers?!
*Answer to the trivia question: Patrick Karnahan and Richard Restivo, as extras (in Back to the Future 3) were in the Hill Valley Band for all the night scenes. During the breaks, the two boys started talking about how great it would be to form a folk band with no limits, and have lots of fun! The band is now known as the Black Irish Band!! Unreal, huh? Now please excuse me while I continue listening to their awesome new CD, “Twenty”. Rock on, people!
