Traditionalists
EDITOR: We moved to Cloverdale 17 years ago and have enjoyed the Reveille ever since. I guess we are traditionalists, but we prefer a newspaper that we can touch and feel. I have reviewed the website and the articles available there. I also understand your need to control costs. However, I do not care for the new format (or the minimal content) in the “new” print Reveille. It can be read in about two minutes.
Tom Clark, Cloverdale
Time to lower rates
EDITOR: This is a quote from the Marin Independent Journal’s 1/22/17 editorial. I just couldn’t say it any better: “Possibly, the higher rates set to keep water districts financially afloat during strict rationing shouldn’t be continued. Or, at least, our local water agencies should explain, with facts and figures, why their rates aren’t being lowered as the curtain on our state’s drought appears to be closing.”
Theresa Mahoney, Cloverdale
Disappointed in paper
EDITOR: I was so disappointed today when I received my hometown paper. Other than the first page, there is nothing in it, only ads. I don’t have a computer. I know that I am out of date but I have read the Reveille for 88 years. How do I get my paper back?
Carol Southard, Lodi
Groundhog booster
EDITOR: A reminder of an important February event: In celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, etc., there is another significant occasion that falls between the cracks and is frequently forgotten: Groundhog Day.
In recent years I’ve become dedicated to reminding folks to celebrate this wondrous day, one that can be celebrated by those of nearly any faith or creed or political affiliation. It is my hope that someday this day will be elevated to the status of a National Holiday. I’m working on it. So, do your part. Don’t forget to celebrate Groundhog Day, Tuesday, February 2, and every February 2 thereafter. The beauty of this event is that it can be celebrated as you wish: in individual quiet contemplation of the day, or in an all out party-time celebration; hire a band and caterer, close the street, invite the neighbors.
Traditionally, Groundhog Day is a harbinger of spring. Everyone loves spring. After months of true hibernation, the groundhog emerges from its burrow to check out the weather. If it sees its shadow (sunny) we’re in for six more weeks of wintry weather. No shadow seen (overcast), spring will arrive in only six weeks. Go figure.
With the weather we’ve been having in recent years, I believe that our local groundhog has finally succumbed to the lure of our local vices. Too much Zinfandel, or perhaps he’s been raiding the neighbor’s cannabis patch. He no longer truly hibernates, but still spends most of the time in his burrow, watching daytime television and scarfing up on Twinkies and HoHos. Weather? What weather?
I’ve done some research, and it appears that we have no actual groundhogs here in California, which is probably a good thing. They have much the same lifestyle as gophers, but are much larger. Imagine a den of 25-pound gophers in your front yard. Fortunately, groundhogs are vegan, preferring to dine on a plump turnip or a tasty parsnip, rather than the family cat or small dog. Suggestions for the appropriate observance of Groundhog Day: Be sure to wish everyone you encounter a Happy Groundhog Day.
That is really all that is required, but one can also decorate one’s home with festive lights and ornaments. Brown, green and white lights are most appropriate (brown holiday lights are difficult to find). I have a special groundhog flag that I put out, and also a groundhog hat to wear on that day (looks like a groundhog is sitting on my head).
Keep a bowl of raw root vegetables (cut into bite-sized pieces) by your front door, to pass out to the small children that will come around the neighborhood, “groundhogging.” Not to upstage his prognosticating skills, but I predict that our local groundhog will see his shadow (sunny) on February 2. Too bad. I’m really looking forward to an early spring. Wishing you all a very happy Groundhog Day.
Mark Grandy, Cloverdale
