At some moment every day I call up a memory of one or another of my family members who have passed on, so I was especially taken with this poem by Tim Nolan, who lives in Minnesota. His forthcoming book is The Field, (New Rivers Press, October, 2016).

My Dead

They grow in number all the time
The cat, the Mother, the Father
The grandparents, aunts, and uncles

Those I knew well and hardly at all
My best friend from when I was ten
The guy who sat with me in the back

Of the class where the tall kids lived
Bill the Shoemaker from Lyndale Avenue
The Irish poet with rounded handwriting

They live in The Land of Echo, The Land
Of Reverb, and I hear them between
The notes of the birds, the plash of the wave

On the smooth rocks. They show up
When I think of them, as if they always
Are waiting for me to remember

I drive by their empty houses
I put on their old sweaters and caps
I wear their wristwatches and spend

Their money. So now I'm in six places
At once—if not eighteen or twenty
So many places to be thinking of them

Strange how quiet they are with their presence
So humble in the low song they sing
Not expecting that anyone will listen

American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation ( www.poetryfoundation.org ), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They do not accept unsolicited submissions. Poem copyright ©2015 by Tim Nolan, "My Dead," (The New Republic, August 14, 2014). Poem reprinted by permission of Tim Nolan and the publisher. Introduction copyright © 2016 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The SPCA of Lake County will hold its “Paint Night” fundraiser on Friday, July 8.

The event will take place beginning at 6 p.m. at Small Town Ceramics in Lower Lake.

Join them for a super fun night of painting, fun and food.

Tickets are $40 per person and include instructions, all paint supplies, gourmet hors d’ouevres, beverages and dessert. You can bring your own wine.

There are only 25 spaces available, so reserve early.  Payment must be received at time of reservation.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.spcaoflakecounty.com or call Fawn at 707-350-5866.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rose Family Preschool Program in Lakeport presented its annual “Circus of Stars” on April 29 before a large crowd of family and friends.

The 16n students from the “Butterfly,” “Jr. Butterfly” and “Caterpillar” classes wore hand-painted costumes as they presented a 40-minute program of animal acts and songs which included dancing bears, juggling monkeys, galloping ponies, tight-rope walking elephants, and fire-jumping lions and tigers.

After a quick costume change, the children completed their program with a variety of animal and circus
songs, and a finale parade of animals, all to the joy and delight of the audience. 

“The circus has been a wonderful annual tradition, teaching the students to be part of a live singing performance at a very early age. I’m always so proud and excited to see them gain confidence while having such a great time; memories I hope they will always remember,” said instructor Martha Rose.

Rose began her career 29 years ago as a licensed daycare provider with a preschool program.

She offers both a beginning program for 3 year olds and a pre-kindergarten program for 4 years olds.  Classes run from September through May.

To schedule an interview call 707-263-3283 as spaces are limited.

The electoral map in presidential campaigns has changed quite significantly since the extremely close 1960 election, in which a young charismatic senator managed to squeak by an almost equally young incumbent vice president.

Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy enhanced his electoral chances by picking Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate, for the widely-held view that Texas’ 24 electoral votes were crucial to victory.

Keep in mind that combining the 24 votes from Texas, which the Democrats carried by a narrow margin, with the 27 electoral votes from Illinois, which Kennedy carried by an even slimmer edge, and you have an interesting scenario if the 51 votes had gone to Vice President Richard Nixon.

But then Nixon only carried his home state of California by less than one percent. However, if he had carried Texas and Illinois, his electoral votes would have put him in the White House as the 35th president.

The changing electoral map apparently consumed Lyndon Johnson’s keen political interest four years later.

As we sadly know all too well, tragedy struck on Nov. 22, 1963, and Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president.

The HBO film “All the Way,” based upon an award-winning Broadway play, is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the larger-than-life President Johnson’s tumultuous first year in office in the wake of President Kennedy’s assassination.

Much of the film focuses on the political battle for the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which pitted Johnson against some of his old Senate allies, notably Georgia Senator Richard Russell (Frank Langella), while he sought election year compromises to thread the political needle.

Probably the best thing about “All the Way,” which by the way is a play on the “All the Way with LBJ” campaign slogan, is that Bryan Cranston, the Tony Award-winner for playing LBJ on the Broadway stage, transforms himself again, complete with Texas twang, for the same role.

Cranston’s Lyndon Johnson is brash, profane and a Machiavellian political manipulator. Oddly enough, he frets about the upcoming 1964 election, which never should have been in doubt regardless of whether his opponent would be Barry Goldwater or Nelson Rockefeller.

Though he could be tough and merciless, Johnson is also portrayed as consumed with self-doubt and a fear of political humiliation.

But mostly, Johnson demonstrates keen deftness for maintaining a high-wire act as one who followed a beloved predecessor, a status he seemed unlikely to match.

There are great scenes with a determined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Anthony Mackie), who is seen working feverishly to bridge the differences with factions in the civil rights movement who don’t quite trust LBJ, son of the South, to deliver on the big promises.

But then, Johnson is also seen as being tough on his mentor, Senator Russell, when he professes to love him more than his own father, but threatens to crush him if he gets in his way of passing civil rights legislation.

The one person on Johnson’s staff who seems to be the key to holding the President together is long-time aide Walter Jenkins (Todd Weeks), but the interesting thing is that only weeks before the 1964 election, Jenkins was arrested in a sex scandal in a YMCA men’s bathroom.

Little attention is paid to this scandal, which in the end had little if any impact on the election, but then “All the Way” has nothing to say at all about more damaging material involving former aide Bobby Baker and insider Billie Sol Estes.

The Lyndon Johnson political style seemed to assume the mantle of the take-no-prisoners posture, even when negotiating with allies. He’s quoted in the film as saying that “there’s no place for nice in a knife fight.”

An interesting part of the political equation for the looming election campaign against Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater was the fear of losing the South. Indeed, in 1960, the Kennedy-Johnson ticket carried most of the South with the exception of Florida.

“All the Way” revives memories of the serious political and moral skirmishes in the South, most notably in Mississippi where three young Freedom Summer workers were killed by segregationists.

As a result, there are potent reminders of the bitter fight when the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party challenged the establishment at the Atlantic City convention by seeking to have their own delegates seated as part of the state’s delegation.

All in all, “All the Way,” while allowing Melissa Leo a chance to shine as the supportive Lady Bird Johnson, is nonetheless the Bryan Cranston show. Almost forgot to mention Hubert Humphrey (Bradley Whitford), who comes across as disposable to LBJ’s political ends.

Speaking of things barely mentioned, the Vietnam War is glossed over until the end credits, which serve to note that by the Spring of 1968 the war had caused many American deaths for a cause that generated widespread protests.

I was slightly more interested in the end credit note that in “facing a divided electorate and poor health” Johnson announced in March 1968 he would not seek re-election.

Senator Eugene McCarthy might take exception to that. His significant showing in the New Hampshire primary demonstrated Johnson’s vulnerability such that New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy entered the race, with Johnson shortly thereafter announcing he would not run.

“All the Way,” airing several times in late May and early June, is tailor-made for political junkies and historians for a polarized election year in which the controversial Johnson commercial about the perils of nuclear war would come off as relatively benign.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

Mentoring a new generation of hunters

Question: I just took my first Hunter Education Class last week at the age of almost 60. I am interested to put my training into practice and bring my kids and grandkids into it as well.

What is a good plan to begin hunting that can include all of us, since I have never had anyone to teach me how to start? (Ken B., Palo Alto)

Answer: First of all, welcome to the exciting camaraderie of California hunters.

We can recommend several options. First, put your new Hunter Education Certificate to use right away by purchasing your hunting license and tags/tag applications. The Big Game Drawing online application deadline for elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, and premium deer tags is midnight June 2, 2016.

We encourage you to go through the application process together. It will introduce all of you to navigating the online system and may also prompt an interest in other big game hunting opportunities, such as apprentice hunts. If your grandkids are junior hunters, ages 12-17 years old on July 1 of the license year, these apprentice hunts are an excellent option for most big game.

Every hunter who annually applies for draw hunts anxiously awaits the results from the draw. Then, if successful, they can enjoy the experience of spending scout time leading up to the hunt planning for their adventure. The planning stage is an important part of the hunt you can all do together.

Don’t forget, an integral part of the hunt is sighting in your firearm or bow at the range, another activity you can do together.

Draw hunts are not your only options – wild pig tags and some deer tags are simply available for purchase. Wild pig hunting is a good introduction to big game hunting and require a tag to hunt them. However, the season is open year-round and there is no daily bag limit.

Consider hiring a licensed hunting guide. It may cost you some extra money, but guided hunts frequently give you access to private properties with higher density game populations. Guides should have expertise for the species and the area you are hunting.

Soak up everything the guide is willing to teach you. If you or your kids are successful, most guides will offer to field dress the animal for you. We strongly recommend having your guide teach you how to field dress the animal and do it yourself.

What info must be on a sports crab pot buoy?

Question: What information is required to be displayed on sports crab pot buoys? I have placed my CF numbers from my boat on mine but have read that I must also place my GO ID numbers on the buoys.

Can you please let me know what’s required for my buoys? Also, what are all of the necessary requirements for my crab pots to make them legal? (Ken H.)

Answer: No identification is currently required to be placed on the buoys of sport crab traps. However, beginning Aug. 1, 2016, a crab trap buoy must be legally marked with the operator’s GO ID number as stated on his/her sport fishing license.

Keep in mind that crab traps are only allowed in waters north of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County), and are required to have at least two rigid circular openings of not less than four and one-quarter inches inside diameter, constructed so that the lowest portion of each opening is no lower than five inches from the top of the trap.

Starting Aug. 1, 2016, crab traps must contain at least one destruct device of a single strand of untreated cotton twine size No. 120 or less that creates an unobstructed escape opening in the top or upper half of the trap of at least five inches in diameter when the destruct attachment material corrodes or fails (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(C)(1-3)).

Compound bow for protection?

Question: This question goes back to the special junior turkey archery hunts available prior to the start of the regular spring turkey season. I accompanied my son on one of those hunts. I was concerned about our safety because there are bears and mountain lions where we would be hunting, as well as mountain lions basically everywhere in California.

If I had had my hunting license, could I have had my compound bow on me for safety? I ask because I know you cannot have a firearm on you during archery-only seasons (I don’t have a firearm anyway), so could I have had my bow on me during the junior-only hunt? (David R., Sunnyvale)

Answer: You could have possessed a crossbow in this circumstance as long as you had a valid hunting license and tag for game that could be lawfully taken with a crossbow (such as wild pigs if they are present in the area) and you do not hunt turkey.

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – People Services Inc., a local not-for-profit organization serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is gearing up for its annual fundraising event, the Chicken-Que Country Picnic.

On Saturday, June 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport, you and your family and friends can enjoy great music by the LC Diamonds, garner some great items from the silent auction and enjoy a delicious mean for only $7 per person, all while supporting a great organization.

A big thanks to sponsors North Lake Medical Pharmacy; Donna Schipper Foundation; Westamerica Bank; Umpqua Bank; Middletown Luncheon Club; Stockmyer Trucking; Savings Bank of Mendocino County; and Mark Parode.

Sponsorships are the foundation of this fundraiser and they are always looking for more donors. If you are interested please contact Ilene at 707-263-3810.

Tickets are available at all People Services sites for only $7 for one or four for $25.

Please call 707-263-3810 for further information.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake has opened an expanded dental care suite designed with the patient experience in mind.

The bright, spacious and beautiful suite is located in Clearlake at 15230 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 105.

The new suite, located just down the hall from the previous space, has 10 operatories (up from four), a state-of-the-art Panoramic x-ray machine, welcoming lobby and entirely new equipment.

“Our goal is bright and healthy smiles,” said Mark Cooper, DDS, director of the dental service. “With the new office, we can greet patients more quickly, provide them with the care they need and send them home motivated to maintain their dental health for a lifetime.”

Five dentists, a team of registered dental assistants and dozens of patients a day could attest – the previous dental care space was simply too small.

“Over the past year we have been actively expanding the dental care service to meet growing demand, including hiring a new full-time dentist,” explained Garin Fuhriman, administrative director for St. Helena’s Rural Health Clinics. “This bigger and brighter space allows us to do what we do best: serve our patients.”

The dental care team focuses on restorative and preventative dentistry with an emphasis on patient education. Services include exams, cleanings, fillings, sealants, dentures and partials.

Intraoral cameras allow dentists to show patients exactly what is happening inside their mouths, while screens at every chair can display educational videos about oral hygiene or what is involved with a particular procedure.

The St. Helena Family Health Center Dental Care serves the whole family, including children and adults, and is open Monday through Friday.

Dental services for children and teens are also available at the Konocti Wellness Center in Lower Lake. Dental care services accepts patients with Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal insurance.

On May 24, the community members is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the new dental care suite.

From 5 to 7 p.m., individuals can tour the space, meet the dental team and enjoy food and entertainment for the whole family.

The new dental care suite is located at the St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake at 15230 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 105, in Clearlake. Schedule an appointment by calling 707-995-4540.