submitted by Ray Tilton (Mama's Husband)
I have been coming to the river for more years than I care to
admit. Since 1979. I have participated in events, helped with floods etc. I
first worked at the RRR in 1996. My first shift was the day of Rich's funeral.
For the next 7 years I have put in my time at the Rainbow Cattle Company and
"River Business". I have always been proud and considered myself a part of this
community.
When I arrived this time for Lazy Bear, and an extended 3 week stay, I was asked
by Dana to help re-open the Eagle. I had no idea what a ride it would be. I
worked Wednesday nights re-opening, and then Thursday, Friday and Saturday open
to close.
I worked side by side with Dana. I was so impressed by his loyalty, dedication
and love for this community. He genuinely cares about this community and more
importantly the bar itself and those working for him. I considered it a
privilege and an honor to be around such an all around great guy.
Dana, you have my "UNCONDITIONAL" love, respect and admiration. If there is
anything I can ever do for you just holler.
I hope the community up here realizes what a "TREASURE" you all have in Dana.
Love him, support him and look out for him. He is a true gem and a rare person
indeed.
Submitted by Steve Dixon
July 28, 2003
Bears and Cubs of all sizes and shapes descended on Guerneville for Lazybear
Weekend last July 16-21. Huge crowd of wonderful men! Guerneville loves the
Bears. Sandy "Mama" Reinhardt was in town and was "pretty by the pool" at the
Russian River Resort. Many members of Mama's Family came up to the River for
the weekend. Donna Sachet and Lenny Broberg were hilarious and did a great job!
Congratulations to Harry Lit (Mama's Lazy Bear Daddy) and Allen Eggman (Castrobear
Presents) to The Sacramento Valley Bears and all the River businesses for
making this another successful and fun weekend! I will let you know about the
amount of money that was raised for charity in Wanda's next edition. Last year
over $70,000 was raised.
One of the MANY MANY events that took place during Lazybear Weekend was the
Grand Re-opening of the Russian River Eagle. The cutting of the opening ribbon
was accomplished quickly by Harry Lit (The Godfather of Lazybear Weekend) and by
Ms. Wanda Yoakam (The Godmother of the River Eagle). Crowds piled into the bar
to celebrate getting back one of the River's favorite establishments. Opening
night bartenders included: the infamous Ray Tilton (Mama's Husband), Lee Young
(Mama's Sweetness), Dana Smith (Mama's Son in Law) and Bob Young.
Congratulations to the "new" owners: Bob Young, Dana Smith and Jake Schwartz.
Dana is managing the Eagle. Be sure to check out the happy hour drink prices at
the Eagle! Wow!
Country Dan is "doing" Karaoke every Tuesday night at the Eagle: from 8-12.
A wonderful time was had by all at Paul Edmond's (Mama's River Sunshine)
birthday party dinner and the after party at the Rainbow Cattle Company. Arnie
House (Mama's River Rainbow & Paul's other half)) did a great job in organizing
the party. Paul wore his lovely wrist corsage all evening. As usual, T. Jay
Cain (Russian River Floral) did a wonderful job in designing the flower corsage
and flower arrangements. My date was Johanna Lynch (Editor of The Russian River
Times). That was the first time in years that I had a date with a real woman!
LOL
Yesterday , July 27, The Rainbow Cattle Company hosted a good bye party for Joe
(manager) and his "huzband" (hee hee) Blake. They have bought a home in Palm
Springs. We will miss them! Locals and "the usual suspects" were there: Rocky
Horton (looked so butch), T.Jay Cain [he and Rocky bought smart new hats for the
occasion], Miss Mouse, John Johnson, Izzy Mercado, Ms. Wanda, Dana Smith, Jim
and Zeke, Les Herring, Bob Fredericks, Brian Carpenter, Lee Young and Brian
Carr, Cheryl Miller, and Marilyn among just a few. Richard Pearson did the
cooking and it was good to see Mario! Richard and Mario are very busy with
their other bar: The Metro in the City.
I forgot someone's birthday this month : Denny Hamen (Mama's Dream Catcher).
Happy belated Birthday! Sorry that I was unable to make your party. Denny's
other half, David (Mama's Loyal Boy) put the party together.
Speaking of Cheryl Miller: Cheryl is taking a "Thelma and Louise" vacation
around the Southwest. Cheryl is looking to buy a home in Arizona. We will miss
her! Cheryl's birthday is August 13....we will celebrate her birthday at The
River Eagle when she returns from her trip.
Heard through anonymous sources that one of the River crowd, initials: CP, took
a tumble during Lazybear. Hope you are recovering CP.
A sad note: one of our long time Guerneville residents passed away last week.
Debby Dave was a good friend to many of us. Deb had a good heart and will be
missed. Deb was a member of RAGS.