Give me a P - I - A - N - Oh - Oh - Oh

Mozart would have moaned over it. Beethoven would have bid on it. And now you too will have your chance to tickle the ivories of the real thing - a square grand piano from the good old days: 1877 to be exact.

Until 5:30 p.m. June 8, Sack's Hospice of Petaluma Thrift Store will be taking silent bids on a musical instrument that brought joy to many throughout the Victorian era, so stop on by. Though a little past the time of our aforementioned maestros of the past, a silent bidding could end with you having this touch of musical history. All money will benefit Hospice.

Sack's has 125 volunteers and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this August. At least 30 of the volunteers have been there for the entire 15 year run. Vera Hartsock, the heart of the organization, told me that one volunteer is 93 years old.

From furniture, jewelry, books, clothing and sports equipment Sack's has it all.

"We have really nice suits for $8.50," she said. One of their big events recently was a fashion show with clothing tailored for interviews as part of a co-operative program with SRJC. Vera told me that Sack's is always looking for new volunteers.

"Volunteers become a family with us," she said.

Donations can be made 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sack's Hospice of Petaluma Thrift Store is located at 322 Western Ave. For more information call 765-2228.

On the loose: You may have seen them around town, coming upon them with a start or an ardent chuckle. How could this be, you might ask yourself. And now, much to your relief, that endangered species Potholius Maximus will at last be saved. Yes, you, the citizens of Petaluma can show your support by brandishing your Save The Potholes bumper sticker with pride as evidence that you, too, care about the pride of our fair city. It's all up to you now.

Perhaps a neighbor or a friend has told you it's just not right to sit along the sidelines or weave in and out of traffic when "thar are potholes that need a-savin.'"

How can you sit by and watch as they are patched, as their glory is lost to the ages? With a Save The Potholes bumper sticker you will help, as it says, "Discover, Embrace and Celebrate our Legacy!"

Much to the relief of the citizenry, we now have final proof that underground street fighter Animal's "Operation Hearts and Minds" achieved both its aim and the love of a city.

This piece of automobile artistry proudly proclaims Petaluma as "The Pothole Capital of California," similar to the now-infamous Highway 101 sign.

Though causing some frustration to the authorities, Animal seems in no danger of drawing a halt to his diligent expression of that Constitutional right, freedom of speech. Could his dedication and self-sacrifice be a sign that he is the hero for whom Petaluma has long waited? Could his "road rage" be just what's needed to bring an end to our street woes?

Into every generation a legend is born, someone who compels the world to positive action. From "Operation Early Warning," to "Operation Good News," Animal has mobilized Petalumans to civic activism with a sense of action, humor and persistence.

The River City's favorite pothole circler seems poised to continue his political parodies and performance art, raising an activist awareness of the city's civic needs to the highest level of self-expression. Animal, I salute you!

(Chip McAuley is a reporter for the Argus-Courier. His own performance art activities always includes the use of feathers. Touch his glory at cmcauley@arguscourier.com)

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