After preaching more than a thousand sermons to his 140-member congregation, the Rev. Randal Kay announced his resignation from the Felton Bible Church. His last sermon will be Sunday, Oct. 15.

If you read my column regularly or even once in a while you’ve probably heard me lament about the difficult growing conditions here in my garden. Between the sandy soil, 5 hours of intense sun but for only 6 months of the year, gophers, squirrels, moles, deer and chipmunks I’m happy if any plant thrives. So it is with pleasure that I report to you the small successes I’ve had lately and maybe give you hope that you might also grow plants that provide some color and fragrance in your garden along with attracting hummingbirds, songbirds, bees and butterflies.

The cast of 9 to 5, The Musical — playing at the Mountain Community Theater in Ben Lomond weekends through Oct. 21 — takes a raucous comedic look at how three women fight for respect in a sexist workplace.

After more than 30 years of following his musical passion, Ben Lomond resident and world-renowned classical guitar luthier Kenny Hill hasn’t dropped a beat.

On another man, the Texas persona might seem a bit much — the aw-shucks, ma’am, almost-apologetic twang, huge Cattleman hat perched over perpetually squinty eyes, deep resonant voice— but on Boulder Creek resident Kevin Foster, the image looks as natural as the Lone Star flag fluttering under a late-afternoon sun.

The 31st Annual San Lorenzo Valley River and Road Clean-up, organized by The Valley Women’s Club is Saturday, Sept. 16, at locations in Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond and Felton, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.