My pal Frank Zoretich is on his way back to Seattle, tail tucked between his legs, after our marathon Scrabble tournament.
We played 26 games during his four-day visit, and the final tally was 16-9-1 in favor of yours truly, the Scrabble Champion of the World. Thank you, thank you, I hate to gloat, but thank you.
- Meanwhile, out in the real world, life goes on, or so I’m told. The state of California has pounced on more than $1 billion in federal funds for transportation projects, part of the federal stimulus package. Of that amount, $45 million goes to projects in CalTrans District 2, including nearly $40 million to rehabilitate a section of Interstate 5 south of Red Bluff.
- CalTrans and the NorCal Bicycling Partnership are sponsoring Bike to Work Week May 11-15, and have planned a bunch of free events of cyclists. Click here for more information.
- Mark your calendars for Saturday, when the Community Chorale and Women’s Ensemble sing works by Mendelssohn and other composers at the Shasta College Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. event is $7 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. A week later, on Saturday, May 16, the Chamber and Concert Choirs will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre, singing choral works by Brahms, Stephen Foster and others. Prices are the same.
- Mercy Foundation North is sponsoring a free estate planning seminar at Mercy Medical Center on Thursday.  The hour-long program, which starts at 9 a.m., will include information from an accountant, an estate planning lawyer and a specialist in estate giving. Advance registration is required. To register, send e-mail to martha.mccoy-nagel@chw.edu or call 247-3424.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
