LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, 3-1-2012

Five rules
Editor: In response to recent letters to the Tribune Editor, I add my two cents.
1. If it’s sectarian, discount the comments by 100 percent, unless it’s by your sect.
2. If it’s medical, consult your medical doctor.
3. If it’s engineering, understand the lasting implications of what has been proposed once it’s built.
4. If it’s “reported,” check out all of the facts before forming an opinion no matter the “reporter or reporters.”
5. If it’s a “grass roots movement”, check out who sowed the grass and why.
John Lloyd
Healdsburg
 
Mr. Healdsburg
Editor: By now most people know we have a new Mr. Healdsburg — the charming Chris Herrod, aka Mr. Six String, took the crown at the 2012 Mr. Healdsburg Pageant, a fundraiser for the Raven Performing Arts Theater. For his talent act, Chris performed a medley of 60s songs that set the audience rocking and cheering from the very start. But he wasn’t the only entertaining performer, and it was wonderful to watch each of the contestants make the most of their moments in the spotlight.
It takes a lot of people to create a special event like this, and I want to thank them all. First and foremost, I am grateful to the seven contestants who bravely put it all on the line in front of about 400 people. They are a wildly entertaining and diversely talented bunch.
Scores were pretty tight throughout the evening. I thank the judges for taking their role seriously; they keep the contest fair for all. Emcee Samantha Vega is an amazing talent, and remarkable marketeer. Her commitment to its spirit is admirable. I have no way to thank her enough. I appreciate the army of volunteers who worked so hard; some even worked many hours in the days/weeks before the show. Some come back year after year to help out; others joined in at the very last minute to help keep my panic in check.
I’m especially grateful for the pageant’s sponsors, whose loyalty and support ensure our success. Kisses go out to Richard Norgrove and the BRBC, who have supported us with time, labor, and product for many years. And a big group hug goes to Ken and Diane Wilson and the entire clan at the booming Wilson Artisan Wineries. They always bring phenomenal wines to the event, and this time around they brought a selection from every single one of their wineries, including the deLorimier Sauv Blanc that has a perpetual slot in my fridge at home.
Everyone involved seems to understand that this show is part of what makes Healdsburg just quirky enough, and it’s key to keeping the Raven thriving as a community gathering place.
I’m pretty sure that our retiring Mr. Healdsburg 2011, Tej Sekhon, won’t fade quietly into the sunset. But now is the time to celebrate our 2012 Mr. Healdsburg. Chris, I’m hoping you milk the heck out of your title!
Carol Noack, producer,
Mr. Healdsburg Pageant