PULSE Publications #21 - November 2023

November 2023 - Issue #21

Stories inside

PULSE PUBLICATIONS SENIORS, VETERANS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES

The Mayor of Route 66 The Mayor of Route 66 is a relevant and timely documentary exploring the importance of preserving historic landmarks and the tight knit community of Route 66. As a person who loves traveling and learning about historical landmarks, I thought what a better way to combine my passion and creativity to create a film about Route 66. When I began my project, I set out to make a film about Route 66 that explores nostalgia and a simpler form of life, but through the journey I discovered much more.

Complete article on page 16

Giant Rock:

Between a Rock and an Odd Place The next time you ask someone what rock they crawled out from under, consider this cautionary tale about Giant Rock. Technically, Frank Critzer was a squatter, since he was living on government land. In the 1930s, Critzer became known as “straight road Critzer” by locals because he built 60 roads all leading in a spider web fashion to Giant Rock. In addition, he built a series of concealed caverns on the side of the rocky butte which were invisible to unsuspecting visitors.

Complete article on page 22

Check out the events going on in our area this month.

United States nicknamed

POSTAL CUSTOMER

*************ECRWSSEDDM*****

P O Box 290066, Phelan, CA 92329-0066

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Victorville, CA PERMIT #187

Uncle Sam

On September 7, 1813, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States, but soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.”

Complete article on page 14

1813

Inside: A Chat About Parkinson´s - Page 7 News 4 Veterans - Page 8 The Twenty-Fifth Annual Pistachio Festival - Page 14 Marcy´s Musings - Page 26 Newberry Springs Invaded! - Page 30

Buy Local!

COMPLIMENTARY

CORKY’S PIE FOR ALL SENIORS IN THE HIGH DESERT

ATTEND A MEDICARE MEETING NEAR YOU! Nov 1st 1 PM - 9333 E Avenue, Hesperia Nov 2nd 2 PM - 18564 Hwy 18, #107, AV Nov 2nd NOON - 10433 Mountain Road, Pinon Hills Nov 4th 10 AM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 6th 2 PM - 18564 Hwy 18, #107, AV Nov 7th 11:30 AM - 4128 Warbler Road, Phelan Nov 7th 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 8th 2 PM - 14874 S Mojave Drive, Victorville Nov 9th 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 13th 10 AM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 14th 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 15th 10 AM - 1890 W. Main Street, #170, Barstow Nov 16th 2 PM - 18564 Hwy 18, #107, AV Nov 18th 10 AM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 20th 10 AM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 21st 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 22nd 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 28th 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Nov 29th 1 PM - 9333 E Avenue, Hesperia Nov 30th 2 PM - 19111 Town Center Drive, AV

Reservation Required 760.338.0914 HDMedicare.com 2

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Kandys Pups ‘N’ Stuff

PET HOTEL

I

N MARCH OF THIS YEAR, I met Kandy Yanes, the owner of Kandys Pups N Stuff pet spa, hotel, boutique, and café. It is located at 204 N. 3rd Ave. Suite D and E in Barstow. I had toured the facility for an article that appeared in the April 2023 Pulse. It was an amazing tour of a surprisingly high-end pet care facility that is family owned and operated. They have a well-stocked boutique with just For the canine fur babies, there are about anything you may need to spoil your pet. There are some yummy looking treats three choices. The Luxury Suite, under in the pet café. The grooming salon/spa construction during my last visit, is now area is very clean, organized and upscale. available to spoil your dog in a large, private room. Luxuriously equipped with a queen-sized people bed, a chandelier, and a big screen television. My wife and I recently stayed in a high-end hotel while at our granddaughter’s wedding. The television there was much smaller and there were no chandeliers.

For stays over six days, a spa treatment is included.

Of course, room service and one-on-one play/exercise time is included. The luxury suite is $100 per night.

The second option is the Mini-Suite.

For $75 per night your poor dog must be content with a smaller television and a dog bed. A very nice dog bed but no queen-size for your little princess. The room service and play/exercise time is also included. The television in either suite option can play television programs, cartoons, or music as requested by the owners. Some owners provide a list of their regular programs so the dog feels As they were pretty much booked up more at home.

The Econo-Suites are only $50 per that day, Kandy invited me back for a closer look at the pet hotel facilities. As night. They are the white, western slatwith everything at Kandys (the apostrophe fenced suites. Sorry pooch, no TV at is intentionally omitted) the hotel facilities all. Room service, play/exercise time is are above and beyond. All are located provided as with the other options. While inside the climate-controlled interior of we were suffering in the hotel with the the building and care is provided 24-7. small TV and no chandeliers, our two big New, since my last visit, is a “cattery” for mutts had a four-night vacation sharing boarding feline fur babies. Apparently, it an Econo-Suite at Kandys. Our dogs are is a popular addition as the cattery was not the types to wear the bling or fancy little outfits available in the boutique but nearly fully occupied.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By John Wease

after seeing Kandys, we couldn’t imagine entrusting their care to anyone else.

For any boarding option, special diets are no problem. One of our dogs was finishing a course of medications and that posed no issues either. Grooming or spa treatments can be scheduled while they are there. Some owners request videos, or photo updates, or ask to speak to their pets by speaker phone. Not a problem at Kandys. They are truly caring providers, and understand just how crazy we pet owners are. For their senior citizen or disabled customers, they are willing to pick up the pet free of charge anywhere in Bartow for boarding or grooming. And, speaking of seniors, Kandys gives a ten percent discount to seniors and military.

In fact, military families make up about half of her business.

As the only facility like this in the High Desert they are pretty busy. They are open to giving tours so check them out.

For boarding or spa services a reservation is required. Even to schedule a tour, it is probably best to call first. Their hours are 9:00-6:00 every day. Their phone number is 760-912-5260. I’m a big fan. I think you will be too.

November 2023

3

Medicare information meetings: Why you’ll be glad you went What’s in it for you?

of their plans, you now Medicare meetings are a great way to learn about different have someone you can call whenever you Medicare health plans before you sign up for one. need.

What you can expect

A general overview of the Medicare program Time to get your questions answered during a Q&A

3 things you might not expect

Attend a meeting near you

Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th – December 7th.

Be sure to sign up for an in-person meeting in your area to connect with a Medicare Specialist and to learn from other attendees like you.

Every year, Choice Medical Group offers educational meetings for the senior community to help them understand what the benefits are for the upcoming year. They encourage all seniors to attend, to educate themselves and to meet a specialist that can answer their personal questions.

Corky Pie Voucher provided at end of meeting for your time.

No pressure. If you’re just there to learn and aren’t ready to make a decision, there’s no pressure to sign anything or enroll in a plan until you’re ready. You’re welcome to sit back, relax and learn.

Extra perks. When you research Medicare health plans online, it’s hard to compare apples to apples.

Medicare meetings give you a chance to learn about the perks that are unique to each plan – things like fitness programs, travel benefits, and discounts for eyewear and hearing aids.

Someone you can call. When the Visit HDMedicare.com for a list of dates/locations, view the meeting is over, you’ll walk away with a personal contact of a Medicare dates on the back page of this publication or call Senior Resource Specialist, If you have a follow-up Center 760.338.0914. Reservations are required as meetings fill question or decide to enroll in one up quickly. Call today.

4

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Editorial

T

HIS IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR I have always enjoyed the most. Weather changing, spending more time with family and of course all the holidays and special events that are scheduled, of which I am very much involved.

Beginning of October there was the Phelan Fun Days followed by the Barstow Mother Road event, Lone Wolf Colony’s Fall Festival and then all the Halloween events for young an old.

Being a kid has no age limits.

November and December have just as many events scheduled which we will list in those issues of the PULSE. For all of us seniors this is also the time of the year to reevaluate, renew or make changes to our Medicare coverage.

In this issue there are some great ads that addressed this important issue. Contact them and get your questions answered by the experts that have your health coverage a priority.

I am asking our readers for feedback on how we can make the PULSE better. What kind of articles and advertisers would you like to see in our publication? We publish for your enjoyment, entertainment, and enlightenment.

If you truly want to make our communities better places to live and work, please adopt a senior, a veteran, a family, or a pet. Sharing our abundance with others, even if it is only a hug or a kind word, is the greatest act we can perform.

Remember Daylight Saving Times goes in to effect on Sunday November the 5th, at 2 am. Spring Ahead Fall Back.

For most of us that means we gain an hour or get back the hour we lost last spring.

Jim

e l k n Co

P O Box 290066 - Phelan, CA 92329-0066 10405 Mountain Road - Piñon Hills, CA 92372 JAMES CONKLE Publisher 1 760 617 3991 jim@motherroadenterprises.com

LORI WESTON 1 760 680 9472 Lori@motherroadenterprises.com

JORGE LEANDRO RODRIGUES Graphic Designer 55 16 99991 0229 leandro.works@gmail.com

PULSE PUBLICATIONS TIFFANIE WILLIAMS 1 442 364 4884 Tiffanie@pulseofthehighdesert.info TOM SCHIBUSCH 1 760 559 9403 Tom@pulseofthehighdesert.info

PULSE events in November High Desert Marines Moose Lodge Hesperia Friday the 3rd 8am Face2Face Marriott Hesperia Friday 3rd 5 pm Pistachio Festival Newberry Springs Saturday 4th all day Veterans Event Serrano High School, Tuesday 7th at 5 pm

Jim Conkle and Miss Olive Oatman

Our Writers John R. Beyer

Jaylyn and John Earl

Happy Wanderers Exploring the Mystery and Majesty of the Southwest Deserts thedesertway.com

John Beyer

John Beyer has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers and the like for decades, writing on a variety of topics.

Collectors Edition

John Wease

John Wease is a published author, with his modern-day western fiction novel “The Horseman” available at the usual online sources.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Ann Miner

Parkinson’s Advocate eannminer@yahoo.com 760-954-2859

Marcy Taylor

1 760 985 1918 mltaylor@gmx.com

November 2023

5

New Veterans Monument on Route 66

I

N 1946 SONGWRITER BOBBY TROUP was driving cross country to California with his wife, Cynthia, when they launched the celebrated tune “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”. Modern highway systems have bypassed the old U. S Highway, resulting in a death blow to scores of small towns that thrived on the passing traffic. Goffs, California is one of those towns on old Route 66. The posted road sign announces “Goffs. Population 23”, but if you ask the local residents, the snarky comeback is “ they forgot the hyphen, it’s 2 or 3…”. Travelers may miss the town completely with an eyeblink on this shortcut to Laughlin from Interstate 40. Or perhaps they were still in shock at the fuel prices on the exit at Fenner, which typically is the most expensive fuel stop in Southern California. However, the town refuses to become a ghost. The once derelict Goffs schoolhouse was rescued in 1990 by the celebrated desert historian Dennis and Jo Ann Casebier, and this put Goffs back on the radar. Along with volunteers from the Friends of the Mojave Road, the 70 acre property has grown into an assemblage of vintage East Mojave artifacts that has no rival. Now known as the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association (aka Goffs Schoolhouse and Museum) the restored one-room schoolhouse and museum attracts denizens of the desert, casual travelers, and tourists from out of the country. It has become an adhoc community of like minded folks that appreciate desert history and want to preserve it.

On Saturday, November 11 2023, the MDHCA Goffs Schoolhouse and Museum will dedicate it’s newest homage to East Mojave history: The Mojave Cross Veterans Memorial.

The story of the Mojave Cross begins deep in the East Mojave, in a remote location embedded within the Mojave National Preserve. In 1934, John Riley Bembry, a local hard-rock prospector and homesteader, joined together with other local homesteaders to erect a wooden cross atop granite boulders near Teutonia Peak.

The Cross was intended to pay respect and honor for fallen Veterans of World War 1 and it was maintained by the VFW Death Valley Post 2884. After all the other men passed away and VFW post 2884 closed, J. Riley Bembry remained the steadfast steward 6

November 2023

of the White Cross World War 1 memorial for 50 years. He maintained and replaced the wooden cross faithfully, eventually declaring the memorial to honor “The Dead of All Wars”. The wooden cross continued to be targeted by periodic vandalism, so around 1978 Bembry asked his good friend Henry Sandoz to fabricate a metal cross.

Bembry, being 40 years senior, appealed to Henry & Wanda Sandoz in requesting that they would continue to maintain the Mojave Memorial Cross as his health was failing. Riley Bembry died January 7, 1984.

This is a story of a promise made and promise kept. Henry and Wanda Sandoz continued as stewards of the Mojave Memorial Cross after Bembry’s death, even though neither of them served in the U. S. military. In 1994, 60 years after the Cross was erected, the National Park Service took over the surrounding 1.6 million acres from the Bureau of Land Management. In 1999, an environmentalist and retired National Park Service employee named Frank Buono made a formal legal complaint about the Mojave Memorial Cross, stating that it’s presence “offended him” because it violated the constitutional principle of separation of Church and State. The Sandoz’s refused to remove the Cross from the Park, resulting in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The matter was adjudicated first in the California District Courts, and then was elevated to the United States Supreme Court. The Sandoz’s were championed by notable First Amendment rights defense organization First Liberty Institute. On April 28, 2010, the Supreme Court released it’s decision decree that the Memorial Cross could remain in place. A few days after the momentous ruling, an unidentified vandal cut down and stole the 76 year old monument that Bembry and Sandoz had worked so hard to preserve. The news of the theft spread like wildfire, followed by national news coverage. The anonymous vandal communicated and published a manifesto in the local newspapers, but was never caught. On Veteran’s Day November 11, 2012, Henry Sandoz rededicated the Memorial by erecting a replacement metal memorial cross in place of the stolen original. The Sandoz’s had brokered a land swap in the meantime, carving out a small private inholding containing the controversial White Memorial Cross, and donated it to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Local VFW groups have assumed stewardship responsibilities going forward

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By Debbie Miller Marschkwe (Miss Olive Oatman) MDDHCA

to keep the M e m o r i a l maintained in perpetuity.

For all intents and purposes, the matter was resolved.

H o w e v e r, the stolen original Mojave Memorial Cross was then found abandoned on the side of a road, 400 miles away, in Half Moon Bay, CA. Attached to the abandoned cross was a note that indicated it was, indeed, the famed controversial cross that had been stolen on May 10, 2010. This original Cross was returned to the Sandoz’s, where it was hidden away and stored in a private location for ten years. In January of 2022, Wanda Sandoz was contacted by MDHCA volunteer Debbie Miller Marschke who inquired if Sandoz would donate the Cross for which the Supreme Court case was based. The “Original” Mojave Memorial Cross now stands at MDHCA Goffs Schoolhouse and Museum to serve as an interpretive display and a monument to all Veterans. To create an ongoing legacy of honor, bricks engraved with names and branch of service are available for purchase, which will become part of the exhibit. This exhibit is intended as a living memorial as well as one for those who have passed on. The MDHCA will use these bricks to encircle the Mojave Cross exhibit with a Veterans walkway of honor.

The first order of bricks will be finished and displayed November 11, 2023 during the Veterans Day Mojave Cross Exhibit Dedication event. The Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW post 9375 & 1508 “Riders” will present a color guard flag ceremony and 21 gun salute. Guests will include Riley Bembry’s son Jess Bembry and Wanda Sandoz. Keynote speaker will be Col. Erik Gramling, Chaplain, U.S. Army Ft. Irwin National Training Center. The contents of the note that was taped to the abandoned cross by the offending vandal has never been released, and will be read at the ceremony. The walkway construction will commence and continue as bricks are purchased.

Travelers can visit the Goffs Schoolhouse and Museum most days from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission to the Grounds is free.

Donations of any denomination are graciously accepted. Goffs is located 12 miles north of Interstate 40, Goffs Road exit, on Old Highway 66. See the website: themojaveroad.org for information about the organization. Also check out Facebook/ Meta page: https://www.facebook.com/ MDHCA.

A Chat About Parkinson’s

W

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make This Fall When You Sell E OPENED THE OCTOBER MEETING of the Parkinson’s support group with learning “All Your High Desert, CA Home?

by Ann Miner

God’s Creatures Got a Place in the Choir”...some sing loud and some sing higher, and some just clap their hands, or paws or anything they’ve got now.” We’ll try again at the November meeting, because it’s a lot of fun and a happy song.

Liz McGiffin of Choice Medical treated us to beautiful pies from Corky’s, which gave us time to relax and get better acquainted.

We’re so grateful to Liz and Choice Medical for giving us a meeting place and providing some much-appreciated services.

Also, at the November meeting, which will likely be in the past at this publication, we will hear from Phyllis Griswold. She has had Parkinson’s for 20 years but shows no evidence of it.

When I mentioned that she didn’t seem to have symptoms, she told me she had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that affect brain activity to treat certain medical conditions.

The amount of stimulation in DBS is controlled by a pacemakerlike device placed under the skin in the upper chest. A wire that travels under the skin connects this device to the electrodes in the brain.

Deep brain stimulation is commonly used to treat a number of conditions, such as: • Parkinson’s disease.

• Essential tremor.

• Conditions that cause dystonia, such as Miege syndrome.

• Epilepsy.

• Tourette syndrome.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

H

IGH DESERT, CA - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.SellersTraps.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-833-298-4054 and enter 1000.

You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of www.HighDesertHomeSales.net and GDR Inc BRE # 01524222.

Copyright © 2023

While DBS is not for everyone, it can be a miraculous improvement for some. It’s a serious and risky surgery, and much discussion with your neurosurgeon is required.

If you know of anyone touched by Parkinson’s disease, please tell them about our monthly meetings. We meet every first Monday at 1:00 PM at Choice Medical Center, 19111 Town Center, in Apple Valley in front of Jess Ranch. I know there are many more of you than I have met. We have new attendees at every meeting and would love to include you, your family, and friends. People who are not affected by the disease also attend the meeting for information about some services.

No need to make reservations, but if you have questions, call me, Ann Miner,at 760-954-2859, I love it when you do.

Ann Miner

Author/Speaker/Parkinson’s Advocate (760) 954-2859 eannminer@yahoo.com - OnTopicSpeakers.com

Monthly publications featuring local events, resources and articles of interest for all ages in and around Southern California areas - available in both print and digital formats.

Do not miss receiving future issues of Advertising Rates PULSE PUBLICATIONS by subscribing today.

Full Color Ad Rates

Photo by Liz McGriffin

Full Page ad 1/2 Page ad 1/4 Page ad 1/8 Page ad Business Card*

$2,400.00 $1,200.00 $600.00 $300.00 $270.00

*Special 3 month rate billed and due with PULSE PUBLICATIONS 1st month advertising

Premium Pages

Prices for Special Placement Placement One time Back page $2,800.00 Center Spread $4,500.00 Inside Front Cover $2,200.00 Inside Back Cover $2,200.00 November 2023

Contract $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00

7

NEWS 4

VETERANS

Celebrating a

M

CENTURY

By Georgia Ritchie

ichael Mercadante with son Michael, neighbors and friends, celebrated Mike’s 100 years at a Birthday Party hosted by Helendale Senior Outreach Senior Center. One-hundred plus “party goers” enjoyed a complimentary lunch along with “a memorable pictorial cake” and ice cream provided by Helendale Community Service District co-host.

Recognizing Mike’s incredible life history and a United States Army veteran of World War II, ceremonies opened with Ace High School Honor Guard, followed by Pledge of Allegiance and audience participation in our National Anthem led by Jean Miernik.

Acknowledgements were initiated by Ft. Irwin Garrison First Sargent Brian Samaniego. Seven solders present shook hands with Mike. Presentations were made by Helendale American Legion Post 855, Barstow VFW Post 240 and Citizens on Patrol pictured above (left to right,) Henry Spiller, John Puglisi, Mike Mercadante (still active) Dave Hart and Don Smith. San Bernardino County Sheriff Dept., representatives from offices of Congressman Jay Obernolte, State Assembly Tom Lacky, San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Cook and Helendale Community Service District also bestowed certificates to honor our Centurian.

A robust “Happy Birthday” was sung to Mike by all proud and blessed to celebrate “our very own Good Samaritan,” a man, loyal to God, family, friends, country and community. Thank you Mike. We all love you a bushel and a peck!!

8

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Marines, Military & the High Desert

A

S ANY MARINE, Marine is a Rifle Man no BROTHER, OR matter their rank or job.

SISTER, will tell Here in the High Desert, you, we hold we not only have two dear to our hearts the Marine bases, Barstow motto SEMPER FI. We are and Yermo, but two not arrogant, but we are organizations for those confident.

Marines no longer serving There is an old saying on active duty. High that it takes just a few Desert Marines and the hours after leaving the Marine Corps League. Any Air Force to become former military personal reclamated back into can be a member of the civilian life. A Soldier a day High Desert Marines but or two, a Sailor a week. you must have been a A Marine will never be Marine to be a member of reclamated back to being the Marine Corps League, a civilian, NEVER. or a Navy Corpsman.

Drive around any All Marines hold our, July 1957 community and count Docs, Navy Corpsman, in the number of miliary flags by branch. the highest esteem. They are allowed and The USMC will outnumber all the others honored to wear our uniforms but with combined. Why? Because Once a Marine their Navy ranks and insignias. always a Marine. Our proud traditions are November 10 is the USMC 248th instilled in us from the very first day we birthday. When I joined in 1957 it was our joined.

182nd birthday. That is a difference of 66 I have never met a fellow Marine that years, for those who know me, know that doesn’t remember their DI’s names, Route 66 is a special part of my life, as is Drill Instructors. Or their MOS, Military my being a Marine.

Occupational Specialty. Of course, every We can’t leave out that we have one of

the most important Army training bases in the world, FT IRWIN. And for those of us that have lived in the high desert area for a long time remember GEORGE AIR FORCE base.

We also have an active Military Officers Association of America, MOAA, in the high desert.

Last but not least, is the Veterans Home in Barstow. The second oldest in the state.

Together all these entities offer veterans and current serving military a number of support groups.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES and HAPPY VETERANS DAY to all our service men and women. Thank YOU for serving.

Make sure you have access to the High Desert’s most extensive health care network.

Selecting a health care plan and physician are important decisions.

When you choose a plan that includes Providence, you’ll gain access to the High Desert’s award-winning hospital along with some of the best physicians from the largest, most comprehensive health care network in Southern California.

By choosing one of our Providence St. Mary’s physicians, you’ll have convenient access to: •

An extensive network of specialists to meet all your health care needs

•

In-network hospital access to Providence St. Mary Medical Center

•

Multiple urgent care locations

•

In-person, virtual visits and after-hours care

•

Providence Affiliated Physicians, St. Mary

Our medical groups: •

St. Mary High Desert Medical Group

To learn more, visit Providence.org/highdesert.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

9

We’re proud to offer “Student Stringers” articles from our Lucerne Valley Middle/High School students who are earning community points in their Helping Hands graduation program. These students are mentored by staff teacher David Prouty, who has an English/Journalism background. Each story is vetted and then passed along for publication within the Lucerne Valley section of PULSE PUBLICATIONS, publisher James Conkle.

This partnership is approved by LVUSD, Andrea Moretz Office Manager Helping Hands program, Rusty LaGrange, founder of the project, and owner/publisher of The PULSE PUBLICATIONS, James Conkle. For further Information on this project or for similar ones call 760-617-3991 or email sales@pulseofthehighdesert.info

Homecoming Floats are Back at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School

T

HIS SCHOOL YEAR, for the first time in nearly a decade, Lucerne Valley Middle/High School had a floatbuilding contest. Each class participated in building and decorating a Mardi Gras-themed float. All of the classes worked hard on their floats and they were all quite different from one another. The sophomore float, for example, had a customordered background, Mardi Gras-colored tassels, and a green couch. According to sophomore class officers Estephani Cazales and Christian Barajas, “We were impressed with all of the hard work that was put into the float.” Estephani added jokingly, “We hope we win again next year!” The freshman float had a much more “do-it-yourself” feel to it with hand-made paper decorations. When asked about the freshman float, English teacher and ninth grade class advisor David Prouty said, “I was very proud of how the freshman worked together to build

By Gavin Strauss

their float; several students stayed after school to make decorations and everything on the float except for the chairs was designed and created by the students.” Although everybody appreciated the hard work put into all of the floats, the sophomores ultimately won the contest.

In addition to all of the floats being included in the contest, they were also a major part of the parade that took place during halftime at this year’s homecoming football game. Each float, after circling the track, stopped in front of the stands and waved and threw candy at the cheering spectators. All involved were very excited about the return of the homecoming floats and hope that they will remain an annual tradition at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School.

Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Holds Annual Yearbook Cover Art Contest

L

By Yessenia Cazales and Nathan Bhojwani

UCERNE VALLEY MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL recently had its annual yearbook competition hosted by Mr. Haecker, the advisor for the LVMHS yearbook club. The theme of this school year’s yearbook is “Comic Book” and many students were excited to submit their drawings for a chance to have an impact on their school’s legacy. The Lucerne Valley Middle/High School prides itself on having a massive collection of yearbooks that dates all the way back to the year 1996. This year the student who won the yearbook art cover contest was 11th grader Cheyanne Flowers. In addition, 11th grader Daphne Demke got second place and 12th graderJair Baez came in third.

Cheyenne went through the process of digital drawing to create the winning yearbook art cover. She was very excited to find out that her drawing was chosen to be the yearbook cover for the 2023-2024 school year. In addition to having the artwork on the cover of the yearbook for all to see, the winner will also be awarded a deluxe edition of the 2023- 2024 yearbook. Michael Haecker said “I love to see all the creative things the students come up with during the creation of the yearbook and we have all sorts of exciting ideas for the future yearbooks.”

10

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Piñon Hills, CA e h t f o GEM sert e D h g Hi

Piñon Hills home to Cottage Industries Locate your business where you live, in Piñon Hills.

Add your talents-expertise and business together where you live.

Writers-photographers-artistscrafts-upholstery-farmingranching-trucking. An endless list of opportunities to establish your business and life in a area where you are appreciated and welcomed.

Welcome to Piñon Hills

“Where the Desert Meets the Mountains”

CONTACT US PO Box 720095 10405 Mountain Road Pinon Hills, CA 92372

760-868-5801 info@PinonHillsChamber.info

San Bernardino County High Desert area of Pinon Hills is a great place to live and work. Buy an existing home & property or develop vacant land to fit your needs.

Bingo/Games during happy hour. Being held each Saturday at the chamber 3pm to 8pm.

Advising players to reserve their seat as space is limited.

GREAT schools K-12.

Access via Hwy 138, Hwy 18 and local roads. East to the Victor Valley or west to the Antelope Valley.

Shopping centers with Stater Bros markets, Rite Aid, hardware/auto stores, medical offices and restaurants close by. Animal clinics. Community Services District, internet and phone services and home trash pickup. Local post office, home deliveries from all major carriers.

In Piñon Hills

Beauty can be found everyday.

Open spaces with 2.5 acre lots or larger. Enjoy summer and winter weather and view scapes.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

11

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL

T

PISTACHIO FESTIVAL

WENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, I attended the first Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival. It was held inside Big Al’s metal barn. I frankly can’t remember how many vendors were there, but there could not have been many. I remember meeting Bill Mann and buying one of his wonderful desert guide books. I also remember a food vendor selling ostrich and buffalo burgers. It was a typical small-town festival, reminiscent of the Apricot Festivals of the past. It was an event very much appreciated by the residents of Newberry Springs, and the growing number of pistachio growers.

many talented local artists. Jane is the director at Desert Discovery Center and Main Street Murals and always makes the art show a must see. Entry forms are available at the Family Center with information on how to enter.

New last year was the first annual Kickball Tournament. Organized by Mike Matson, there will be four teams competing this year, starting at 8:00. It is a very enjoyable sport to watch. Thanks to the generous donation of Clearway, there is a lighted scoreboard to help keep track of the fastpaced action. It is similar to baseball but with big rubber kickballs. The winning team receives a $500 cash prize and a trophy.

This year, there will be a large pavilion where families can relax and eat the delicious food from the wide variety of food vendors. All of the major food groups will be represented. Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, Mexican food, as well as many specialty food vendors such as baked goods, pickles, jerky, honey, and many more. Of course, there will be pistachios.

While dining, several musical groups will entertain there. I’ve heard blue grass, jazz, The festival moved to the community and possibly a guitar picking comedian. park and has grown. It has grown a lot.

It is sponsored by the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organization of business owners and individuals, all unpaid volunteers. Under the infectiously energetic leadership of Rose Beardshear, the festival has grown to more than eighty vendors. Last year more than 3,000 people attended. Generous sponsors, terrific vendors, and hardworking volunteers have transformed the Pistachio Festival into a truly regional event.

A DJ will broadcast throughout the day During the festival there will be an art for the rest of the festival. Several youth show inside the Community Services groups are being lined up to entertain.

District building. Organized by Chamber There will be vendors selling general member Jane Laraman-Brockhurst, there merchandise and cottage industry will be an amazing array of art from our products. November is not too early to get a jump on holiday shopping. Public and business organizations will be there to discuss and hand out information.

Be sure and stop by the Chamber of Commerce booth. They will have a variety of Pistachio Festival souvenirs for sale, area maps and tourist information.

You can also buy raffle tickets there. Or ask how you can join the Chamber and get involved in helping to make Newberry Springs even better.

12

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By John Wease

Newberry Springs Economic Development Association (NSEDA) will also have a booth. If you are not familiar with NSEDA, they have the CoppiMumfort Community Garden, the Desert Gardeners group, and the current co-op garlic growing for-profit test garden. Aside from their work in sustainable agriculture, they also promote cottage industry and economic development while preserving our rural lifestyle.

The young ones will be delighted to meet and have their photo taken with the Route 66 Pistachio Mascot who will be walking the grounds to greet all. He is scheduled to help start the kickball championship match. And, kids of all ages will enjoy the petting zoo.

The Newberry Springs 25th Annual Pistachio Festival is a family friendly place to spend the day, enjoy the activities, the good food, and good company. The festival is located at the Newberry Springs Community Park at the south end of Newberry Road. The hours are 9:00-4:00 on Saturday, November 4th. Admission and parking are free. I hope to see you there. I think you will enjoy it.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

13

United States nicknamed

Uncle Sam

O

N SEPTEMBER 7, 1813, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (17661854) stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States, but soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.”

The local newspaper picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for—and personification of—the U.S. federal government.

In the late 1860s and 1870s, political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902) began popularizing the image of Uncle Sam. Nast continued to evolve the image, eventually giving Sam the white beard and stars-and-stripes suit that are associated with the character today. The Germanborn Nast was also credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as well as coming up with the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party and the elephant as a symbol for the Republicans. Nast also famously lampooned the corruption of New York City’s Tammany Hall in his editorial cartoons and was, in part, responsible for the downfall of Tammany leader William Tweed, alongside former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia who ran his platform on ending Tammany Hall and its corrupt practices.

Perhaps the most famous image of Uncle Sam was created by artist James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960). In Flagg’s version, Uncle Sam wears a tall top hat and blue jacket and is pointing straight ahead at the viewer. During World War I, this portrait of Sam with the words “I Want You For The U.S. Army” was used as a recruiting poster. The image, in July 1916 with the title “What Are You which became immensely popular, was Doing for Preparedness?” The poster was first used on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly widely distributed and has subsequently been re-used numerous times with different captions.

In September 1961, the U.S. Congress recognized Samuel Wilson as “the progenitor of America’s national symbol of Uncle Sam.” Wilson died at age 87 in 1854, and was buried next to his wife Betsey Mann in the Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, New York, the town that calls itself “The Home of Uncle Sam.”

14

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

1813

Who Was the Inspiration for ‘Uncle Sam’?

Uncle Sam is a common nickname for the United States or the country’s federal government. According to legend, the name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812.

The Sam Wilson Story

The most popular theory concerns Samuel Wilson, a New York meatpacker who provided food to U.S. forces during the War of 1812. As the story goes, Wilson and Elbert Anderson, the contractor he supplied, stamped all their beef and pork barrels with the initials “E.A.-U.S.” The “U.S.” was shorthand for United States, but workers began joking that it stood for “Uncle Sam,” as Wilson was locally known. Before long, soldiers had helped bring the term into common use as a nickname for the United States.

The Sam Wilson story was first popularized in an 1830 article in the New York Gazette. It was later made a matter of public record in 1961, when Congress passed a resolution acknowledging Wilson as the “progenitor of America’s national symbol of “Uncle Sam.’” Nevertheless, many modern researchers doubt the tale’s veracity. Historian Donald R. Hickey has uncovered a reference to Uncle Sam in a U.S. Navy m i d s h i p m a n ’s diary from 1810, which suggests that the term predated the War of 1812.

In 1813, meanwhile,

Wilson’s hometown newspaper wrote an article that referenced the term, but made no mention of his role in inspiring it. Instead, the story stated that the name was simply a playful take on the “U.S.” that was often emblazoned on military wagons and supplies.

artist James Montgomery Flagg. In 1916, Origins of ‘I Want You for U.S. he used his own face as a model for an Uncle Sam cartoon in a periodical called Army’ Illustration Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly Newspaper.

Whatever its origins, the nickname “Uncle The image, which shows a goateed Uncle Sam” became entrenched in the American Sam pointing straight at the viewer, later vernacular in the years after the War of appeared in a now-famous World War I 1812. The first drawings of Uncle Sam recruitment poster featuring the tagline “I followed in the 1830s, but his trademark Want You For U.S. Army.” look wasn’t popularized until the 1870s, when Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas BY: HISTORY.COM EDITORS HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and Nast began drawing him with a whiskered editors to create accurate and informative content. All face, top hat and red-and-white striped articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY. com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline pants. have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, The final step in the character’s transition including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and into a national icon came courtesy of Christian Zapata.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

15

T

The Mayor of Route 66

HE MAYOR OF ROUTE 66 is a relevant and timely documentary exploring the importance of preserving historic landmarks and the tight knit community of Route 66. As a person who loves traveling and learning about historical landmarks, I thought what a better way to combine my passion and creativity to create a film about Route 66. When I began my project, I set out to make a film about Route 66 that explores nostalgia and a simpler form of life, but through the journey I discovered much more.

By Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones is a passionate storyteller hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She transitioned from Marketing to filmmaking in order to create content and tell stories about subjects that are dear to her heart. She is drawn to comedic stories, stories that explore humanity and truly loves telling stories that are often overlooked. Stephanie recently graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Film and TV Production from the University of Southern California.

The title The Mayor of Route 66 comes from Jim and his friends taking on the responsibility to maintain Route 66.

The dedication and hard work made it a perfect title.

Crew and cast at Rose’s place for the campfire cooking of the S’mores.

Crew setting up at Richie’s Real American Diner

Len & Jim

16

November 2023

When I reached out to Jim Conkle via LinkedIn, I never expected the journey that I encountered. Spending a few days with Jim and Leonard, I got to experience first-hand the kind, generous and genuine community of Route 66. I learned Route 66 is not only a road that goes from Chicago to LA but a community of people that are like family. After a few days with them, my documentary transformed to showcase their efforts to preserve Route 66 for generation to come. Their work is truly inspiring and that of true visionaries.

My amazing team and I anticipate completing the project by October 2023. Following the completion of the short film, we plan to share the Route 66 experience with people from different backgrounds by going to various Film Festivals.

Filming at the Bagdad Cafe

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Jane, Rose & Len

Delvin at the California Route 66 Museum

Outside of Mannie’s shop on the Santa Monica Pier

Mannie on the pier

Jim at the Bottle Ranch

Bob Waldmire billboard

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

17

MEDICARE ADS ARE IN FULL FORCE!

By Liz McGiffin (Senior Kicks Club)

I

F YOU’RE ENROLLED IN MEDICARE, you might want to turn off your television this time of year.

In the weeks ahead, the airwaves will be flooded with advertisements promoting insurance plans during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that will end on Thursday, December 7th.

During open enrollment, you can make changes to your Part D prescription drug or Medicare Advantage coverage, and it’s important to review your current selections. Drug plans often change the prices and terms for covering medications — and your needs may have changed in the past year. Medicare Advantage plans can add or remove providers in their network at any time, and many include prescription drug coverage that should be reviewed.

But government officials and researchers have voiced rising concerns about the way these plans are marketed to more than 66 million Americans covered by Medicare, considering the complexity — and importance — of enrollment decisions.

A new study by KFF, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy, examined 1,200 television ads promoting Medicare that aired during the 2022 enrollment season and found that most had promoted Medicare Advantage plans. Drew Altman, KFF’s chief executive, described the blitz as “annual marketing madness” that can confuse and mislead people trying to make complex choices about their coverage.

And research by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit research group focused on health care issues, found that as many as 19 percent of Medicare beneficiaries had reported receiving phone calls or seeing ads that would be considered fraud, including offers of “special discounts” for signing up within a certain time frame. Ten percent reported receiving calls asking for their Medicare or Social Security number before plan details would be given.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (C.M.S.), which runs Medicare, has moved to strengthen its regulation of plan marketing. Starting with this enrollment season, C.M.S. will require all television ads to be approved in advance and add new messaging standards for all forms of marketing — including direct mail, email and phone outreach.

With that warning in mind, let’s consider the changes you can make to your Medicare coverage during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) enrollment, new federal cost controls on prescription drug plans — and how you can cut through the marketing noise and make smart buying decisions.

What can you do?

If you are enrolled in traditional Medicare (Parts A and B), paired with a Medigap supplemental plan, there’s no need to review that coverage. But Part D and Medicare Advantage selections should be rechecked annually. This is why we highly encourage all Seniors to attend a meeting to receive information and answers to their questions. If not in a group setting, be sure to reach out to your LOCAL Medical Specialist to discuss in person or on the phone. Our Senior Resource Center has Insurance Company referrals that have proven to be trusted.

For over 15 years, Choice Medical Group has offered meetings for the High Desert community to attend, or serve as a reminder to review benefits for the next year.

Our Senior Resource Center is open to all Seniors in the High Desert (not just Choice Medical Group members) to provide you with information, a trusted, local Medicare Specialist and/or ad18

November 2023

ditional support and resources.

In 2024, Medicare will provide relief to people who encounter very high drug costs. The Inflation Reduction Act eliminates a requirement that enrollees pay 5 percent of the cost of drugs when their total spending, with the value of manufacturer discounts on brand-name drugs, exceeds a threshold — $8,000 next year.

This will provide critical savings for older people who have to take costly drugs for conditions such as cancer. Some patients spend more than $10,000 a year for drugs, even when they have coverage under Part D. Also starting in 2024, the Inflation Reduction Act expands eligibility for Part D subsidies for older people with low incomes. The federal Extra Help program helps beneficiaries with premiums, deductibles and cost-sharing.

A variety of federal and state programs are available to help low-income people with Medicare costs.

Begin your shopping by reviewing the Annual Notice of Change that your current plan provider sends each fall. This notice will include the premium you’ll be charged in the coming year and the annual deductible; it will also tell you if coverage of your drugs will change, or if changes are being made to your Medicare Advantage network. You might receive this via email or in the mail.

Use Medicare’s online Plan Finder tool to evaluate options — and don’t limit your search to the premium you’ll pay. It’s important to consider the plan’s deductible and whether it covers all the drugs you take. Plans also can impose coverage restrictions, such as prior authorization, quantity limits or so-called step therapy — that is, requiring you to use a less expensive drug than one that your physician has prescribed.

Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, so it’s important to understand if that coverage will change in the year ahead. You’ll also want to check on whether the providers you want to use are still included in the network.

Make sure, too, that they’re in the network of any new Advantage plan you’re considering. “You should always ask about this by phone by calling the plan provider,” If you need assistance with plan enrollment, it might be easier just to reach out to the Senior Resource Center that provides a list of Medicare Specialists that they know will help Seniors and be there throughout the year for their Medicare insurance questions and needs. Senior Resource Center is located 18564 Highway 18, Suite 106, Apple Valley. Hours 7am-4pm 760.338.0914

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

! p u ’ n i l l fi e r a s t ven

. . . t u o s s Don’t mi

e

Seniors With Inquiring Minds

Widows or Widowers of High Desert

11/2 DuWayne Lee The Wit and Wisdom of Charles Schultz

11/4 Thanksgiving Potluck 11/11 Veterans Day Celebration 11/18 Breakfast at Denny’s on Main St. in Hesperia at 10 am 11/25 No meeting due to Thanksgiving

Percy Bakker Community Center 9333 “E” Avenue - Hesperia, Ca 92345 Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

11/9 Apple Valley School Board President Bender an Superintendent Mrs. Trenae Nelson

Saturday at 9 am Questions call 702-526-6421 Trinity Lutheran Church, 16138 Molina Dr. Victorville

11/16 Bill Lopez JKK’s 60th Anniversary 11/23 and 30 - No meetings

Friends of the Apple Valley Library

It’s Fall .. Y’all

14901 Dale Evans Parkway Apple Valley, CA 92307

Schedule of of Events Events Schedule

11/14 Dr. Francis Williams Our Changing Life Style OCTOBER OCTOBER

10/3 -- Painting Painting with with Pat Pat 2pm 2pm Senior Senior Lounge Lounge 10/3 10/6 Birthday Party 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Bellview Bellview Hospice Hospice 10/6 - Birthday Party 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: 10/9 -- Crafting Crafting for for a a Cause Cause -- 1pm 1pm Senior Senior Lounge Lounge (HD (HD Cancer Cancer Connection) Connection) 10/9 10/11 Karoke at the Lounge after lunch 10/11 - Karoke at the Lounge - after lunch 10/12 -- Intergenerational Intergenerational Dinner Dinner & & Games Games at at the the Lounge Lounge 5pm 5pm 10/12 10/25 Cell phone class w/Katiann & Friends 1pm Senior 10/25 - Cell phone class w/Katiann & Friends 1pm Senior Lounge Lounge 10/31 BINGO in Costume 1pm Town Center SPONSOR: Bellview Hospice 10/31 - BINGO in Costume - 1pm Town Center SPONSOR: Bellview Hospice

It’s Fall .. Y’all

NOVEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Schedule of Events

11/3 Birthday Party 11:302pm Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Bellview Bellview Hospice Hospice 10/3-- -Birthday Painting Party with Pat Senior Lounge 11/3 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: 11/3 Weight Loss w/Dr. K Senior 10am Lounge Town Center Center 10/6-- -Weight Birthday Party 11:30 SPONSOR: Bellview Hospice 11/3 Loss w/Dr. K -- 10am Town 11/7 Painting with Pat 2pm Senior Lounge 10/9- -Painting Craftingwith for aPat Cause 1pm Senior Lounge (HD Cancer Connection) 11/7 2pm -Senior Lounge 11/9 Tribute to Veterans 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: SPONSOR: Calstro Calstro Hospice Hospice 10/11-- -Tribute Karoketo atVeterans the Lounge - after lunch 11/9 11:30 Senior Lounge 11/10 Fall Craft 2pm Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Charter Hospice 10/12 -- Fall Intergenerational Dinner & Games at the Lounge 11/10 Craft - 2pm Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Charter5pm Hospice 11/13 Caregiver Tips Seminar 2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert 10/25- -Caregiver Cell phone class w/Katiann & Friends 1pmSPONSOR: Senior Lounge 11/13 Tips Seminar 2pm Town Center Desert View View 11/21 Life, Love & Loss (Grief) Workshop w/Cindy Bostick Barstow 1:30 10/31- -Life, BINGO in & Costume - 1pmWorkshop Town Center SPONSOR: Bellview Hospice 11/21 Love Loss (Grief) w/Cindy Bostick Barstow 1:30 11/29 -- BINGO BINGO for for Prizes Prizes -- 2pm 2pm Town Town Center Center SPONSOR: SPONSOR: Desert Desert View View 11/29 ** CLOSED FOR LUNCH 11/10, 11/23 & 11/24 NOVEMBER ** CLOSED FOR LUNCH 11/10, 11/23 & 11/24 11/3 - Birthday Party 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Bellview Hospice DECEMBER DECEMBER 11/3 - Weight Loss w/Dr. K - 10am Town Center 12/1 Birthday Party 11:302pm Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Bellview Bellview Hospice Hospice 11/7---Birthday Painting Party with Pat Senior Lounge 12/1 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: 12/5 Painting with Pat 2pm Senior Lounge 11/9 Tribute to Veterans 11:30 Senior Lounge SPONSOR: Calstro Hospice 12/5 - Painting with Pat 2pm Senior Lounge 12/11 Adopt a Senior Senior Meet & Greet Greet 3- SPONSOR: 4pm Senior SeniorCharter LoungeHospice 11/10-- -Adopt Fall Craft - 2pmMeet Senior Lounge 12/11 a & 34pm Lounge 12/11 Intergenerational Cookie Decorating & Dinner 5pm Senior Senior Lounge 11/13 Caregiver Tips Seminar 2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert View 12/11 - Intergenerational Cookie Decorating & Dinner 5pm Lounge 12/12Cell Phone class w/Katiann & Friends Friends 1pm Senior Senior Lounge 11/21 -Cell Life,Phone Love & Lossw/Katiann (Grief) Workshop w/Cindy Bostick Barstow 1:30 12/12class & 1pm Lounge 12/20 BINGO for prizes -2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert View 11/29 Prizes 2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert View Reservations 12/20 - BINGO for prizes -2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert View Reservations Adopt a Senior Senior November 13th 11/23 December 8th ** CLOSED FORNovember LUNCH 11/10, & 11/24 8th Required Adopt a 13th -- December Required (see page back inside cover for details) (see page back inside cover for details)

760.338.0914

760.338.0914 DECEMBER 760.338.0914 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL 760.338.0914 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED ALLSPONSOR: Bellview 12/1 - Birthday Party 11:30 SeniorFOR Lounge Hospice CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS! 12/5 - Painting with Pat 2pmAND Senior Lounge CLASSES, WORKSHOPS SEMINARS! 12/11 - Adopt a Senior Meet & Greet 3- 4pm Senior Lounge 12/11 - Intergenerational Cookie Decorating & Dinner 5pm Senior Lounge PULSE PUBLICATIONS 12/12- Cell Phone class w/Katiann & Friends 1pm Senior Lounge 12/20 - BINGO for prizes -2pm Town Center SPONSOR: Desert View Reservations

November 2023

19

MCC Employees Attend Safety Training Sessions Safety was the name of the game in October as employees of Mitsubishi Cement Corporation (MCC) trained over a period of two weeks to fulfill federal mining standards.

The sessions, which also happen in the spring, took place at Bear Valley Country Club in Spring Valley Lake. All 165 workers from the Cushenberry plant in Lucerne Valley were required to attend to satisfy annual safety refresher requirements from the Mining Safety and Health Administration. This federal agency operates within the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and illnesses in America’s mines.

Although the refresher training could have been satisfied with meetings and ‘tailgate’ discussions in the field, plant manager David Rib said the “full-day offsite sessions convey the emphasis on safety in a setting that helps get the message through.” The sessions covered such topics as recent industry accidents, safety inspections, industrial hygiene testing results and hazard communication. Industrial hygiene refers to methods which aid in keeping workers healthy. MCC employees also learned about potential hazards and work conditions specific to their plant and the proper use of personal protective equipment. “We encourage all employees to be positive contributors to their own (MCC Safety Supervisor Gerald Jones conducts a safety and the safety of their coworkers,” safety training session at Bear Valley Country Club.)

Rib said.

20

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

It’s your call The best Medicare coverage starts with a great network

Choosing a Medicare plan for 2024? Remember, the quality of your care depends on your network. Perhaps that’s why so many Medicare Advantage plans include the expansive Providence network.

At Providence St. Mary Medical Center, choose from 1,600+ network primary care and specialty doctors, enjoy same-day or virtual appointments, and stay connected via the easy-to-use patient portal.

This year, choose more than just a plan.

Choose Providence. Choose you.

Questions? 714-683-1256 (TTY: 711) We accept most Medicare insurance plans.

For a complete list, call or visit us online.

◀ Scan this QR code with the camera on your smartphone

providence.org/OCHDchoose

Compassionate, Personalized Care

Top-Tier Doctors

Award-Winning Hospitals

Senior Specialty Care

24/7 Access to Care

Most Medicare Plans Accepted

SP23-6211 © 2023 Providence. All rights reserved.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

21

Giant Rock:

Between a Rock and an Odd Place

By Jaylyn and John Earl

T

HE NEXT TIME YOU ASK SOMEONE what rock they crawled out from under, consider this cautionary tale about Giant Rock. Technically, Frank Critzer was a squatter, since he was living on government land. In the 1930s, Critzer became known as “straight road Critzer” by locals because he built 60 roads all leading in a spider web fashion to Giant Rock. In addition, he built a series of concealed caverns on the side of the rocky butte which were invisible to unsuspecting visitors. The cozy rooms that Critzer dug under Giant Rock were a total of 400 square feet. During WWII, Critzer ran afoul of the government and was accused of stealing dynamite and later of being an enemy spy.

Postcard of Giant Rock Airport. It operated from 1947 to 1975, first under Frank Critzer then George Van Tassel.

22

November 2023

The roughly seven stories tall granite boulder called Giant Rock, located on Bureau of Land Management Public Lands in Landers, California, is a fun area to visit for off-roaders, dirt bikers and campers, but we wonder how many truly know much about it beyond its amazing visual impact on a flat surface. Tim Carter of the Ask the Builder site, came up with a mathematical formula based on Giant Rock’s uneven circumference and determined Giant Rock weighs 29,452.5 tons. Researchers, like Barbara LaGrange, has written extensively about Giant Rock, as well as The Integratron, in the vicinity.

Giant Rock is estimated to be 65-136 millions of years old. It was considered to be the largest free-standing boulder in the world. Native Americans considered it sacred.

On October 18, 1984, The Sacramento Bee reported that after hermit Frank Critzer blasted his way under Giant Rock to hollow out two rooms with only a small stairwell leading inside, he drilled air shafts into the boulder’s side and cemented small windows in the rock’s wall. Critzer’s only companion was his loyal dog. It took 10 years to complete but by 1941, the 1,600

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

foot long airstrip Critzer made by dragging a stone-weighted iron with his old Essex automobile, was averaging a plane a day.

Critzer registered for the draft in 1918, then was interned in Kansas for being a World War I German sympathizer. The FBI wanted Riverside County authorities to keep an eye on him. Over time, the three assigned deputies and Critzer became friends of sorts. Deputy Harold Simpson recalled target shooting with Critzer and listening to Critzer’s elaborate radio with 4,800 feet of antenna wire, or talking about Critzer’s strange home under the rock.

Deputy Simpson filed reports after each visit and knew the radio was capable of receiving signals from Germany and Italy.

According to local news reports at the time, Critzer had also been investigated in 1938 by U.S. Customs officials who found “hangars” camouflaged by a giant canvas cover. In addition, military intelligence went to Giant Rock to drop in on Critzer but found nothing illegal. Most of all, authorities were baffled by reports about single-engine planes conducting quick meetings on the airfield with lumbering transport planes and black sedans leaving the airport under cover of darkness, so they hatched a plan.

As the story goes, on the fateful day of July 24, 1942, Deputies Pratt, McCracken and Simpson investigated Critzer for possibly being a World War II spy and amassing illegal explosives. Critzer went out with a bang when he detonated himself in his underground bunker to avoid capture, ending his life. However, some experts believe the explosion actually occurred when the FBI launched a tear gas canister into Critzer’s home which ignited Critzer’s small cache of mining dynamite. Except neither version is accurate, and the truth is stranger than fiction. On July 1, 1942, authorities got an unexpected break when the government raised the maximum draftable age from 50 to 55 years old. Was

Frank Critzer, who was 54, registered?

The deputies set their plan into motion.

They wanted to set up night surveillance at the air strip to see what was happening but they needed Critzer out of the way, at least temporarily. When confronted, Critzer told Deputy Simpson he’d been meaning to go to Riverside to register but hadn’t got around to it yet. Simpson suggested they’d give Critzer a lift on the county’s dime but Critzer refused and warned he would never leave Giant Rock voluntarily. Things escalated quickly.

Morongo Basin Historical Society Museum and Research Center. Photo courtesy of Jaylyn Earl.

According to the the Morongo Basin Historical Society and Twentynine Palms Historical Society commemorative magazine titled 100 Year Project 19102010: Early in World War II, the United States raised the maximum draft age to 64 in what is known as the Fourth Draft

or Old Man’s Draft. Frank Critzer, a U.S. citizen of German ancestry living under Giant Rock, was 54. On July 24, 1942, three sheriff’s deputies from Riverside County offered to drive him to Banning to register for the draft. When Frank refused, the deputies said they had to take him in.

Before leaving, Frank told the deputies he had to go to the outhouse. According to police reports, he went into his 10′ by 10′ bedroom inside the rock to get his hat. Frank emerged holding a flashlight battery attached to a wire dangling from a binocular case. He held another wire running along the wall, when he said his peace. Frank then touched the wires together and caused an explosion. All three deputies survived. Two of them were blown 80 feet from the entrance. Deputy McCracken suffered critical injuries when a piece of Frank’s vertebrae was propelled into his stomach like a bullet. The blast lifted the 26,000 ton rock a foot off the ground. Authorities recovered Critzer’s charred remains and 217 lbs. of dynamite.

Critzer is buried in Victorville, California.

Many thanks to Barbara Harris and the Morongo Basin Historical Society for telling us (as radio announcer Paul Harvey used to say) the rest of the story.

Legend has it Hopi shamans in the 1920s prophesied the future of the 21st century would be foretold by sacred Giant Rock

in Landers, California, based on how the 7-story granite boulder split in the future.

In February 2000, a humongous chunk of rock did indeed break off the side of Giant Rock thus fulfilling the Hopi legend, ensuring the continuity of the world. Had Giant Rock broken in the center, the Hopi predicted mankind would’ve ceased. It has been said that the Maya were masters of time, whereas the Hopi are masters of space. Many Hopi spiritual elders claim that we are living in the final days of the Fourth World.

According to Barbara LaGrange, “the Integratron is a 38-foot high, 50-foot diameter, non-metallic structure designed by the engineer George Van Tassel as a rejuvenation and time machine. Van Tassel was a legendary figure, a former test pilot for Howard Hughes and Douglas Aircraft, who lived at Giant Rock, and operated Giant Rock airport [on 4 square miles of leased land]. His annual Spacecraft Conventions were attended by thousands across two decades, featuring high profile UFO contactees and pioneers in the fields of antigravity, primary energy research, and electromagnetics. Van Tassel led weekly meditations in the excavated room under the rock from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, which he claimed led to UFO contacts.

He said UFO channelings and ideas from scientists such as Nikola Tesla led to the unique architecture of the Integratron. He spent 18 years constructing the building.”

The Intergratron. Photo courtesy of Jaylyn Earl.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

23

Los Angeles Times, 17 June 1954

An article published in the June 23, 1996 edition of The Desert Sun, said Van Tassel’s first actual encounter with aliens happened on August 24, 1953. According to his autobiography, a flying saucer hovered 4 feet off the ground at 1:50 a.m. He was sleeping when it landed but awoke to find an alien standing at the foot of his bed. The alien introduced himself as Solganda from the planet Venus. Van Tassel accepted its invitation to enter the alien ship, which was 36 feet in diameter 24

November 2023

and 19 feet high, occupied by four Venutians. They had a discussion about the destructiveness of man. The Venutians offered Van Tassel “a gift to mankind,” the formula for the Intergraton. The idea was to build a machine that would rejuvenate living cell tissue, adding 50-80 years to an average lifespan. Mankind could devote the extra time to accumulate knowledge and put it to good use. The plan was infused in Van Tassel’s brain. One part of the puzzle was missing though. The Venutians did not tell Van Tassel how to complete the Intergraton. Van Tassel died in 1978 at the age of 68. By then, Van Tassel estimated the Intergraton was 82% complete. Built to the specifications of Solganda, the 16-sided circular two story building with its 16 small windows three stories tall was acoustically perfect but remained unfinished. After his passing, Mrs. Van Tassel sold the Intergratron for $10,000 dollars, later reclaimed it then sold it again for $25,000 dollars. After changing hands again, three sisters from New York now own it and run a successful sound bath business. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

We have seen the aftermath of people digging under Giant Rock perhaps trying to peer into Critzer’s demolished digs, as well as graffiti vandalism, trash, old fires, and people driving their quads onto Giant Rock. Raves were occasionally held here; one resulted in a murder charge for providing illicit drugs to a minor. A volunteer group called Friends of Giant Rock organizes trash pickups and graffiti removal, but sadly it only stays clean for a short period before it gets trashed again. Please join the group for their next event in September 2023! In collaboration with Blightsites, High Desert Keepers, the Landers Community Association, the Mojave Desert Land Trust and Positional Projects offers the 8th annual

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

John stands next to the Giant Rock’s enormous split.

#storiesandstewardship onsite restoration in Landers, CA. 34.3331572,-116.3972266 Whenever you visit, please remember to practice leave no trace principles.

Van Tassel was close friends with Cabot Xerxa and Dutch psychic, Peter Hurkos, both frequent visitors. In 1977, renown prognosticator, The Amazing Chriswell, claimed World War III would begin at Giant Rock. Apparently Giant Rock made quite the impression on the visionary, as he mentioned again with his prediction of the coming shrimp rain in 1978. He asserted Giant Rock would provide high ground from the tides that would sweep from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans. According to their website, The Intergratron is open Thursday-Sunday for the gift shop, sound baths, meditation and other activities. Call ahead to confirm. The paved road ends past the Intergratron. Drive on the packed but rutted sand, keeping the closest rock formations to your left. You will see Giant Rock ahead. In fact, you can’t miss it.

Bonus trivia! Landers had the biggest earthquake in the world in 1992.

JOIN US FOR OUR

Medicare Expo Meet our local physicians and specialists

Learn how to LOWER your drug costs

Explore the 2024 Medicare plans

Talk to community health and wellness experts

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 1 – 4 P.M. Hilton Garden Inn 12603 Mariposa Rd. Victorville, CA 92395

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS NO-COST COMMUNITY EVENT. Join us for fun and prizes. Light refreshments will be provided. Free drawing without obligation.

For more information, call 760-261-5016 TTY: 711 (M–F, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. A licensed salesperson will be present with information and applications. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

November 2023

25

Mltaylor@gmx.com 1 760 985 1918

Marcy’s Musings s e i d a L e h t Check out Being Vice President of the Route 66 Association California East is a big responsibility and a stressful job. You can tell how hard Delvin (and Jim Conkle) are working here, as judges of the Miss Route 66 Pageant in Barstow Saturday October 14.

Amboy, Here We Come!

O

N THE EVENING OF THURS. SEPT. 28, Mohahve Historical Society members took a virtual trip east on Route 66 to the small town of Amboy, courtesy of speaker John Beyer of “Beyer’s Byways” fame.

His power point presentation showed the “then” and “now” of the once thriving railroad/ Route 66 town, unfortunately bypassed by the I-40. For so many small Route 66 towns, the I-40 seemed to be the beginning of the end. But fortunately for Amboy, who else but Albert Okura, the “Chicken Man” of Juan Pollo restaurant fame, stepped up to the plate and bought the entire town in 2005. He managed to keep it (somewhat) alive for many more years, and the Route 66 tourists, many from foreign countries, just keep on coming! There was a lot of hoopla in 2019 when the iconic Roy’s Restaurant’s neon sign was lit up after decades of darkness.

Our VP Delvin Harbour, in his role as VP of the Route 66 Association California East, was of course there for the festivities.

In his presentation John mused that it’s somewhat amazing that this almost ghost town in the middle of the desert, with only a few buildings left standing, one store open, no potable drinking water, and a line of porta-potties, continues to attract tourists, curious for the “experience” Amboy has to offer. He reminded us that the empty school buildings, the deserted

Upcoming

motel rooms, and the small cemetery are all reminders of the many lives that had once filled the town. I suspect that the several Clampers monuments touting its importance, the Yin and Yang statues greeting people, and the bragging rights for hosting the successful 2018 “Mad Mike” rocket launch, might contribute to its hanging on by a shoestring.

The sudden death of the town’s owner, Albert Okura, in January 2023 was a shock to many of us. But a few relatives and dedicated staff members have taken the reins to keep the memories alive. So why not take the Route 66 instead of the I-40 the next time you’re heading east, and stop in and say “Hello.” You’ll find it well worth driving a few extra miles.

Community Events

Nov. 11- 9:00 Veterans Day Parade- 7th Street Victorville, followed by ceremony at Forrest and Seventh Street at Veteran’s statue, Victor Valley Legacy Museum open for Veteran’s tribute and displays (760) 985-1918 for more info Nov. 13, Monday - Victor Valley Branch NAACP, general membership meeting. 6 pm - Victorville office Nov. 16- “Growing up in Old Town Victorville” Dennis Hom, Lone Wolf Colony, doors open 6:30 (760) 985-1918 for more info Nov. 18- Apple Valley Museum Hop- starts at 10:00 at Victor Valley Musuem, 11:00 at Apple Valley Legacy Museum, 12:00 at Town of Apple Valley Heritage Room (760) 985-1918 for more info 26

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Mojave River Valley’s Mini BBQ

I

T WAS A BEAUTIFUL WARM (and non-windy) night for the annual MRVM BBQ on Wed. Sept. 27. We all enjoyed a delicious meal and way too many home-made desserts, as the band played by the light of a giant Super Moon! In our defense, how could we be expected to vote for the best dessert if we didn’t sample them all? It was also a good night to renew a membership, buy a 50/50 ticket, or purchase books at 20% off, all to support local history and keep the museum doors open.

MHS was well represented by Board Members Carol Wiley, Delvin Harbour, and Marcy Taylor, as well as Brent Gaddis, Jessica Ebert, Katie Boyd, and Nelson Miller. Actually all 7 of us are members of both organizations, and I might add, Brent and Nelson are MRVM Board Members, and Katie is a docent and exhibit curator, all working to make this event a success.

If you haven’t visited the MRVM lately, take a short drive up the I-15 to Barstow Road (Hwy 247) exit, turn left, go 2 blocks to Virginia Way, and there you are. Or better yet, take the scenic route, the old Route 66, i.e. the Mother Road, i.e.

National Trails Highway, through Oro Grande and Helendale to Barstow’s Main Street, turn right on Barstow Road, and go up the hill to the museum. You won’t be sorry. The inside and outside displays are over the top, and the books and gifts for sale are hard to pass up. I learn something new every time I visit, and so will you.

Ten Years of the Cow!

T

HE CROSS-EYED COW PIZZA in Oro Grande, which has the distinction of being the only restaurant in town, celebrated its 10-year anniversary and a changing of the guard Friday the 13th of October. But there was no bad luck involved! The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce members turned out in full force with the red ribbon and giant scissors, as owners Jim and Donna Granger handed the reins one generation down to daughter Weather Grace Preston.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Donna Granger came to a Victorville Old Town Route 66 meeting to introduce herself and to announce that they were going to be opening a pizza place with a catchy name on Route 66 in Oro Grande. But thinking back, that meeting was in 2012, the summer I painted all the silhouette murals on boarded up Old Town buildings in preparation for the August Route 66 festival coming to town. Time flies!

After a welcome by the Chamber President Mark Creffield, the keynote

speaker was none other than MHS member and Honorary Oro Grande Mayor, Joe Manners. He gave a bit of history of the location, that started off in the early 1920’s as a Tedford gas station and garage. After years of being vacant, when Studebaker Corporation went out of business in 1966, owner Carl King moved into the building to sell used cars and Studebaker parts. The next tenant was Ralph Baker, who sold used appliances.

Following another period of vacancy, Jim Granger bought the place, and with a lot of hard work and imagination, opened the iconic Cow 10 years ago.

Joe’s Two Bits worth was followed by the presentation of certificates by local dignitaries, one who claimed to have gone to elementary school with new owner, Grace. Next came the ribbon cutting, a beautiful ceremony on the restaurant

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

patio, with the rumblings of passing trains providing background music.

Most of you historians know the old trails followed the river, and later the railroad and the Route 66 did the same. But did you know that when the train stops in Barstow, the engineers have been known to call in their pizza order, which is hot and ready when they make an unscheduled stop, just across the road from the restaurant, to pick it up. Now that’s life in a small American town!

So if there’s anyone around this part of the world that has not visited the Oro Grande CEC Pizza restaurant, what are you waiting for? And for you regulars, there is always something new to see, like the almost finished new mural out back, or the shiny red bicycle sculpture piece that appeared on the patio. Wishing you guys another 10 or 20 or 30 great years!

November 2023

27

Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez World War II Medals Presentation to Victor Valley Museum

I

F YOU VISIT THE ORO GRANDE CEMETERY, the oldest cemetery in the Victor Valley, the first thing you will see as you pass through the decorated wrought iron gates is the Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez monument. The brainchild of high school student Kenny Blum, the monument was placed in 1976 to honor a 21-year-old Oro Grande man, the first San Bernardino County casualty of World War II, who was serving in the Philippines.

Here’s the sad story: During the 1940’s the desert was segregated and you might even say racist. So a young Hispanic man, out of school and unemployed, was falsely accused and arrested for the murder of a Mr. Chacon, who was known to carry a large amount of cash in his money belt. Despite the fact that a Mr. Bennington later confessed to the murder, was executed, and buried in an unmarked grave in the Oro Grande Cemetery, young Manuel was not exonerated. He was given a choice to stay in jail or join the service. His boyhood friend, Felix Diaz, saw Manuel for the last time as he boarded the bus, which had come to pick up a number of young Hispanics living in Oro Grande or on the E Street side of the tracks in neighboring Victorville. It was November of 1940, and the men were off to the Philippines to battle the Japanese troops. The Americans were outnumbered in manpower, weapons, ammunition, and equipment, and Lt. Rodriguez did not make it home. He and many others did not survive the Bataan Death March, and lie somewhere in the islands in an unmarked mass grave.

Fast forward to 2013: Brothers George and Tony Valdivia, neighbors to the Rodriguez family, found Manuel’s Purple Heart out in the desert! They brought their find to the attention of George Salazar, who was in charge of conducting Memorial Day services at the Oro Grande Cemetery. He passed the medal to Manuel’s boyhood friend, Felix Diaz, who in June of 2018 donated it to the Victor Valley Museum for display in the Veterans Tribute area.

Fast forward again to 2023: Angelina Flores, the great-grand niece of Manuel Rodriguez, and the daughter of nephew David Carresco, was exploring her relative’s town of Oro Grande. Like most visitors, she stopped at the only restaurant, the Cross-Eyed Cow Pizza place for lunch. While waiting for her order, she noticed on the wall an “Epoch Times” newspaper article featuring Joe Manners, the Honorary Mayor of Oro Grande and caretaker of the cemetery. One thing led to another, and after a series of phone calls between Joe and the family, a meeting was arranged. So the nephew of Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez and his wife Margie arrived at the 28

November 2023

Oro Grande Cemetery on Tuesday September 19, 2023, to see, for the first time, the monument dedicated to his uncle. The family made the decision to return Manuel’s medals and accommodations to the desert, to the area of his hometown, where they belong.

The following day, Wednesday September 20, 2023, a group met at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley, the location of Manuel’s Purple Heart. In attendance were Honorary Mayor Joe Manners, also a member of Mohahve Historical Society; three other MHS members Marcy Taylor, President; Meera Maheswaran, Recording Secretary; and Mike Phillips, Director 3 and editor of the society’s newsletter; as well as Rene de la Cruz, reporter from the local Daily Press newspaper, who had written the article on Felix Diaz presenting the Purple Heart to the museum in 2018; and Tiffany Talavera, Victor Valley Museum Director. Family in attendance included David and Margie Carrasco from Phoenix, Arizona, and David’s sister Julia and her husband Laszlo Gogacz from Redlands. The short ceremony in the Veterans area, beside the display case housing Manuel’s Purple Heart, included the playing of Taps, a tribute speech by David Carrasco, a history of Manuel’s time in Oro Grande, as well as the events and circumstances leading up to his deployment by Joe Manners, and a presentation of a thank-you certificate from the family to the Victor Valley Museum.

It was an emotional time for those in attendance. The display box of medals and badges of Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez will hopefully soon be on display near his Purple Heart in the Veterans tribute area for all museum visitors to see. We in the Victor Valley are proud to honor our local Veterans, and those who gave their lives for our country.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

T

WO DAYS LATER, SEPT. 30, a group of MHS members headed in the other direction on the Route 66 to another one of Albert Okura’s popular tourist attractions, the McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, located on the site of the original McDonald’s on North E Street. Although that restaurant was torn down in 1972, Okura turned its 1980 replacement building into his iconic museum, honoring the well-known fast food restaurant chain.

However, that was not our first stop. The day’s adventure started at Camp Cajon on Wagon Train Toad in the pass, where we were met by San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society President, Nick Cataldo.

After a brief overview of the importance of the site and a look at the attractions there- the original Santa Fe and Salt Lake monument, the replica Camp Cajon Centennial monument erected in 2019, one of the original concrete picnic tables, and the “work in progress” information kiosk- we were off to follow the old Route 66 down the mountain.

At the Cleghorn Road stop we learned about the early trails and wagon roads, the mule and camel caravans, the John Brown Toll Road, and the nearby 1912 monument dedicated to pioneers Sheldon Stoddard and Sidney Waite. We passed through Cozy Dell, the location of the lower toll house, and made a quick stop at Blue Cut, where we unfortunately found the Clampers 1994 monument tagged with graffiti. We learned about, but were unable to see, the Sycamore Grove monument, now within the Glen Helen Park property. Never fear, the information packets, photos, and map of the trails and roads could be reviewed at a later time (for homework.)

Then it was time to actually drive the rest of the way on the original Route 66 into the city of San Bernardino, something many of us had never taken the time to do. And let me tell you, it took a lot longer than a zip down the I-15. So that gave the shotgun passenger plenty of time to share

the “Lower Cajon Pass Tour” booklet with the driver and other passengers.

When we arrived at the McDonald’s Museum, our two MHS members who live in LA were there waiting for us. And boy, was there a lot to see! It’s impossible to describe the gigantic collection of McDonald’s memorabilia within those walls. Even more exciting are the parking lot displays- plenty of huge cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny and the Hamburglar, and vehicles such as the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, and the Hotdog Mobile. My favorites parts are the unbelievably detailed colorful murals, created by Phil Yeh and other artists and community members, that cover all four outside walls of the building. One depicts the California Route 66 from Santa Monica to Needles, with the High Desert well represented. You can find the Iron Hog Saloon in Oro Grande, and Elmer Long’s Bottle-tree Ranch in Helendale. And you can’t miss the Victorville Route 66

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Museum, and good old Trigger standing tall on his pedestal. You’ll also see Roy’s Cafe in Amboy, and Snoopy’s brother Spike further down the road in Needles.

Members who wanted more to see had only to stroll across the parking lot to the Military Museum, actually two buildings packed with more photos, memorabilia, uniforms, and vehicles than a person could possibly digest in one short visit.

The friendly and knowledgeable docents in both places made for an enjoyable and educational experience. While the McDonald’s Museum is open daily, to see them both you must go on a Saturday.

And to see another of Phil Yeh’s detailed community mural projects, look no farther than Old Town Victorville on the wall of the old Bank of America building on A Street at Seventh, across the parking lot from the Victor Valley Legacy Museum. If you look closely, you will see the MHS name on one of the railroad cars, as a donor to the project.

November 2023

29

Newberry Springs Invaded!

I

REMEMBER my English ex-coal miner grandfather speaking “of goulies and ghosties, and long-leggedly beasties, and things that go bump in the night.”

No matter what manner of tommy-knockers or roaming spirits they had in Nottinghamshire, there could be no comparison to the October 21 invasion of countless spooks, ghosts, goblins, and zombies at the Newberry Springs Community Park.

Perhaps we were saved by the equally large number of little princesses, cowgirls, and superheroes. Or, maybe it was the well-decorated and stocked treat stations that kept the candy flowing to avoid any force and they were handing out candy sinister tricks. from the back of a fire truck. The Newberry Springs Service Association (the Senior/Family Center), The Mojave Trails Outreach and Food Pantry, and the Patrick’s Future Farmers all had treat stations among others. Also, on hand for “spooktacular enjoyment,” DOA Creations had their frightening haunted house open for business. For all who dared enter.

It is believed that Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

Much like the Day of the Dead celebrations held in Mexico, they believed the dead returned on that evening, October 31, and were honored with bonfires. In some areas, people dressed in animal skins to frighten away any unfriendly spirits, or tables of food were left out for them.

I am, of course, referring to the Newberry “Souling” was practiced in some areas.

Springs Annual “Pumpkin Patch” event. It The poorer class visited the homes of the is one of the ever more popular “trunk and treat” events that provide a safe location for kids of all ages to dress up, act silly, and receive an overload of candy. And, all-in-one safe location without having to walk through neighborhoods, or in traffic, at night. Newberry Springs, as spread out as it is, is not a candidate for the traditional trick-or-treat activities found in most cities.

The so-called trunk stations, most were actually tables, were decorated and the best decorated one received a prize. Our volunteer fire department was on hand in

30

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By John Wease

wealthier people and offered to pray for the souls of departed loved ones. In return, they were given pastries called soul cakes. “Guising” became popular in Ireland and Scotland where people, wearing disguises, performed tricks at the door.

Songs, dances, or jokes were performed in the hope of earning a treat from the home owner. Most commonly the rewards were nuts, fruits, or coins. Tricks for treats.

In the early twentieth Century, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought guising to the United States. By the 1920s rowdy gangs of youths began celebrating with pranks and vandalism. My father once told me he and his friends went out at night tipping over outhouses. I’m guessing home owners were less than pleased on a cold, Connecticut November 1st morning to find this had happened. During the Great Depression, the vandalism grew worse, along with assaults and violent fights between youth gangs.

In the 1930s, to curb these activities, communities began organizing the trick-or-treat traditions we are familiar with today. The tradition was suspended during World War II due to sugar rationing. After the war, we had the baby boom, and the countless new suburban housing tracts.

Halloween grew exponentially as well.

The candy companies promoted safe, wrapped candies instead of the earlier traditional treats. Their Halloween candy sales have grown to over three billion dollars each year. Adding in costumes and decorations, Halloween is now the second largest commercial holiday in the United States.

October Oct 9 @ 2PM

November

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SCAN

Dr. Gautams Offices* 930 W Main St, Barstow Wellcare

Oct 23 @ 10AM

Nov 1 @ 10AM

Oct 15 @ 3PM

Oct 24 @ 11AM

Nov 1 @ 1PM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SCAN, United Health Care

Heritage Big Bear 42002 Fox Farm Rd St. 103, Big Bear SCAN

Oct 16 @ 2PM

Oct 24 @ 2PM

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia Wellcare, Humana

Oct 17 @ 10AM

Heritage Big Bear 42002 Fox Farm Rd St. 103, Big Bear United Health Care

Oct 25 @ 10AM

Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, Victorville SCAN

Mollies Kountry Kitchen 21851 CA-18, Apple Valley Wellcare

Oct 17 @ 2PM

Oct 25 @ 2PM

Heritage Big Bear 42002 Fox Farm Rd St. 103, Big Bear SCAN

Oct 18 @ 10AM

Dr. Gautams Offices* 930 W Main St, Barstow Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield

Oct 18 @ 2PM

Los Domingos 1520 E Main St, Barstow SCAN

Los Domingos 1520 E Main St, Barstow United Health Care

Nov 2 @ 10AM

Nov 13 @ 11AM

Nov 28 @ 10AM

Nov 13 @ 2PM

Nov 28 @ 10AM

Los Domingos 17790 Wika Rd, Apple Valley United Health Care

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia United Health Care

Nov 14 @ 10AM

Nov 7 @ 11AM

Nov 15 @ 11AM

December

Dr. Gautams Offices* 930 W Main St, Barstow SPANISH ONLY

Heritage Big Bear 42002 Fox Farm Rd St. 103, Big Bear Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield

Nov 7 @ 2PM

Nov 15 @ 2PM

SCAN, United Health Care, Humana

Oct 27 @ 2PM

Nov 8 @ 11AM

Nov 17 @ 10AM

Dr. Gautams Offices* 930 W Main St, Barstow

Los Domingos 17790 Wika Rd, Apple Valley SCAN

Nov 8 @ 2PM

Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, Victorville Alignment, Wellcare

Nov 27 @ 10AM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville

SCAN, United Healthcare, Wellcare

Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, Victorville Humana, Aetna, Anthem

Mollies Kountry Kitchen 21851 CA-18, Apple Valley Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield

Oct 20 @ 2PM

Oct 30 @ 2PM

Nov 11 @ 12PM

Nov 27 @ 2PM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SCAN

Nov 29 @ 2PM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville United Health Care

Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery 19250 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley SCAN, United Health Care Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, Victorville United Health Care

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia SPANISH ONLY

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville Humana

Heritage Big Bear 42002 Fox Farm Rd St. 103, Big Bear Wellcare, Humana

Oct 29 @ 3PM

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia SCAN

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SPANISH ONLY

Los Domingos 17790 Wika Rd, Apple Valley SPANISH ONLY

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield

November

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SCAN, United Health Care

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville Wellcare

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Dec 1 @ 5PM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville SCAN

Dec 4 @ 2PM

Percy Bakker Center 9333 E Ave, Hesperia United Health Care, SCAN

Dec 5 @ 10AM

The Resort at Heritage 12424 Hesperia Rd Door 33, Victorville Aetna, Anthem, Humana

Call 800.655.9999 or visit us at hvvmg.com/medicare to RSVP today! *Limited space, RSVP early to ensure your attendance

For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings, please call 800.735.2922

November 2023

31

32

November 2023

PULSE PUBLICATIONS