Pulse Publications #23 - January 2024 by PULSE Custom Publications

January 2024 - Issue #23

Stories inside

PULSE PUBLICATIONS SENIORS, VETERANS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES

Ordinary People Doing EXTRAORDINARY Things Sunday mornings come quickly for Batina Wingo. On these days she’s at the Church of God In Christ by Riverside Drive in Barstow at 0600 sharp. She’s the Energizer Bunny of HELP Outreach, Inc., who leads the non-profit though you’d not know it from her as she rarely mentions her role as President. She avoids drawing attention to herself. Complete article on page 13

THE LAND OF THE FREE

Last year, after driving past many times, I visited the Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo. I wrote an article about it that appeared in the May 2023 edition. The sculptures are very large and incredibly detailed. The common theme is the struggle for freedom against communism, especially the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Artist, Weiming Chen, a native of China, immigrated to New Zealand before the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Since the massacre, he has dedicated his life, and his art to the struggle for freedom. Complete article on page 16

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

OF THE WEST POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

P O Box 290066, Phelan, CA 92329-0066

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

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

The Civilizer

Frederick Henry Harvey was born June 27, 1835. He immigrated to the United States from England with his parents in 1853 at age 17. He found a job scrubbing pots at the popular Smith and McNell’s Restaurant in New York City. He worked his way up through dishwasher, busboy, waiter, and line cook. He learned the restaurant business there. But, more importantly, he learned the importance of good service, fresh ingredients, and the handshake deal. Complete article on page 25

Inside: Student Stringers - Page 8 News 4 Veterans - Page 10 A Chat About Parkinson´s - Page 11 Marcy’s Musings - Page 20 Don’t miss up... events are fillin’ up! Page 26

Buy Local!

What are your NEW YEAR Resolutions? We can help you cross them off your list!

Healthy Lifestyle

Finances

charge Exercise classes at no Workshops Diabetes/Weight loss Doc Talk Seminars tional Lunch Daily SB County Nutri r a physician to Recommendations fo match your needs.

Monthly Seminars to help you manage your money Get your affairs in order so that your family doesn’t have to Is Reverse Mortgage for me?

Education

Socialize

Classes Know your Cell Phone Medicare 101 seminars kshops Smart Senior Series Wor lable at our ai av s ce ou es R t/ or p p Su r Senior Resource Cente

Monthly BINGO for Prizes Support Groups (Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Grief) Painting/Crafting Classes Variety of Events

SeniorKicksClub.com 760.338.0914 Call Today for the Schedule & Reservations Classes offered in Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia

Sponsored by CHOICE MEDICAL GROUP for Seniors in the High Desert community! 2

January 2024

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Editorial

S WE START A NEW YEAR, 2024, we put 2023 behind us. The past is the past and cannot be changed or relived. It is the here and now that we have any control over. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions, and if you do, do you carry them out? How about making plans to take better care of your heath, your finances, your relationships or making improvements to your home? How about adding value to your life, by joining and supporting a non-profit or service club that serves the communities where you live and work? Our TEAM is looking at many new ways to support you in your endeavors to improve your lives. At no time in my life has community involvement been more important to our future than now. Our lives have been made easier by all the new gadgets and ways to buy products. But with that comes a lack of getting to know people, social media is NOT the answer. An e-mail or text message are good but will never take the place of a face-to-face meeting between people.

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 66jimconkle@gmail.com

Get to know your neighbors, the people that work in your community and make your connection with your family a priority. As the old saying goes, Stop, and smell the flowers. Supporting our advertisers and becoming a subscriber ensures the PULSE will continue to bring you the publication you are reading.

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

We are pleased to add more writers to our TEAM, see photos below. They are the foundation we build every issue of the PULSE on.

Jim Conkle

Happy

Our Writers John R. Beyer Collectors Edition

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.

John Wease

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

Ann Miner

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

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Marcy Taylor

1 760 985 1918 mltaylor@gmx.com

Liz McGiffin

1 760.887.3427 Published author in local magazines, newspapers and book/Borrow SmartRetire Rich. Representing Senior Kicks Club

John Paul Garner

John is a retired high school football coach and veteran. He has published two books, lives in Barstow, and loves being a member of the HIgh Desert branch of the California Writers Club.

January 2024

New Year’s Resolutions.... Are They Still a Thing?

S THE COUNTDOWN TO A NEW YEAR BEGINS, the tradition of making resolutions becomes a thorn in our sides. From promising to get physically fit to vowing to kick bad habits, setting resolutions has become synonymous with new beginnings. However, the statistics reveal a stark reality: a significant number of these well-intended resolutions fail within the first few months. But why do New Year’s resolutions often fall short of realization? One of the primary reasons resolutions fails is the establishment of unrealistic expectations. When the clock strikes midnight, enthusiasm and optimism drive many people to set ambitious goals without considering the practicality or sustainability of these objectives. Unrealistic goals can set individuals up for disappointment and demotivation when faced with challenges. Resolutions often lack specificity and actionable plans. Vague goals like “get fit” or “eat healthier” lack the necessary detail and structure for implementation. Without a clear plan outlining the steps required to achieve these objectives, individuals may struggle to translate intentions into actionable behaviors. The ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality can sabotage resolutions. When faced with setbacks or minor deviations from the set

January 2024

By Dr. Melissa Mischka, PsyD

goals, individuals might perceive these as failures, leading to abandonment of the entire resolution. This mindset overlooks the value of progress and discourages perseverance. Many resolutions are made in isolation, without accountability or support systems in place. Lack of encouragement or external support can make it challenging to stay motivated, especially when facing obstacles or moments of weakness. Attempting to overhaul multiple aspects of life simultaneously can lead to overwhelm and burnout. Trying to change too much too quickly can exhaust motivation and willpower, making it difficult to sustain the initial burst of enthusiasm. The ritual of making resolutions primarily at the start of a new year contributes to a cyclical pattern. There’s often a lack of reflection on why previous resolutions failed, leading to the repetition of similar goals without addressing underlying obstacles. While New Year’s resolutions carry positive intentions, their efficacy often falters due to inherent flaws in their formulation and execution. Instead of solely relying on resolutions, consider adopting alternative approaches for lasting change: 1. **Goal Setting with Realism:** Set achievable and specific goals with actionable steps, ensuring they align with

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

personal values and lifestyle. 2. **Continuous Reflection and Adjustment:** Regularly reflect on progress, adjust goals if needed, and celebrate milestones achieved along the way. 3. **Focus on Habits and Systems:** Emphasize building sustainable habits and systems that support long-term change rather than short-lived resolutions. 4. **Seek Support and Accountability:** Engage with a supportive network or seek professional guidance to maintain accountability and motivation 5. **Embrace Mindful Persistence:** Cultivate patience and resilience, understanding that change is a gradual process requiring consistent effort and selfcompassion. While the tradition of New Year’s resolutions embodies hope and the pursuit of self-improvement, their failure rates highlight the need for a shift in approach. Sustainable change requires realistic goals, thoughtful planning, ongoing evaluation, and a mindset focused on progress rather than perfection. By embracing continuous growth and making deliberate, sustainable choices throughout the year, individuals can move beyond the limitations of traditional resolutions toward meaningful, lasting transformations.

Recovering from Festive Over Eating Indulgences...

You NEED a Game Plan,

HERE YOU GO!

OW THAT YOU HAVE HAD YOUR HOLIDAY CONSUMPTION FUN, celebrated and allowed yourself some delightful transgressions and delicious treats, it’s time to get back on track and begin your health focused journey into 2024. Motivation always helps!! Remember you promised yourself and your concerned loved ones that your pesky, Holiday, lower region bulge will not be allowed permanent residency. There will be no fun in bearing the cost of the inevitable health issues it will drive in the long run. So, don’t over think it, recovering from holiday excesses is not an insurmountable task. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. A little behavior modification and 8 simple principles can launch and ensure your certain success. TENET #1: BEGIN WITH PRAGMATIC GOAL SETTING, Start with a plan, set rational and achievable goals. Assess TENET #6: DEVELOP MINDFUL EATING AS A RITUAL your outcomes as you progress. Be ready to make gradual Eat focused entirely in the moment, use all of your senses adjustments to your diet and lifestyle which are inspirational, without judgment. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, sustainable and support your progressively improved wellbeing savor each bite, and listen to your body’s signals. Amazingly this and appreciation. broach can promote a healthier relationship with food and even prevent overeating. TENET #2: HYDRATION Water, water, water as your master facilitator. Proper hydration TENET #7: INDULGE YOURSELF IN GOOD SLEEP HABITS, flushes out toxins, aids digestion, reduces fatigue, supports A night of adequate deep sleep will support a good attitude, proper elimination. It and can even help alleviate that bloated restore and transform you and can inspire behaviors supporting experience that holiday feasting can cause. Start anew, make wellness living. Awakening restored promotes heart health, less that BHA, BPS free water bottle a part of daily wardrobe. Set a experience of stress, normalizes blood sugar, improves your timer on your phone to support drinking intervals throughout the immune system, helps fight chronic disease development, and day. improved metabolism ( calorie burn). TENET #3: FOCUS ON NUTRIENT DENSE, CALORIE LITE TENET #8: GET PHYSICAL Shift your focus to nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, Exercise is a fundamental to recovery. So make it easy and fit vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide it naturally into your lifestyle. Choose activities you enjoy, a brisk essential vitamins and minerals, helping your body recover and walk, a workout class, a fun dance routine or committed gym regain balance with fewer calories and more satisfaction. time. You will burn extra calories, build muscle that continues to burn calories for up to 24 hours after you stop, and can facilitate TENET #4: SIZE MATTERS a boosted mood and energy levels. Back to basics with portion management, use the palm of your hand as a guide for most servings: meats and starches, but Recovering from holiday indulgence is not an insurmountable double or triple the portion for veggies. Slow your roll, take time task, it can be a wonderful adventure! Start with understanding to savor your meal, start to finish make it last 20 minutes. This and embracing change as a fundamental part of the journey. allows your brain and gut time to communicate with each other, Commit to it as a personal choice, follow your conviction to giving the brain a chance to receive satisfaction signals and help your intentions and goals, and utilize the principles provided you stop eating naturally and avoid overeating. above. Seek supportive, like minded partners progressively acknowledge your successes, no matter how small to support TENET #5 CHOOSE WISELY motivation and encouragement along the way. Remember, it’s Banish the health killers: foods with added sugar & salt and not about perfection but progress on the path to a healthier you. Processed Foods. These cheap additives destroy your ability to enjoy the real taste of good food and recognize the lack of For the Health of it...... Melanie Ajanwachuku, B.S.,R.D.N,CDCES quality in junk food. Junk foods do not provide your body with the nutrients it needs. They drive excess appetite and leaves you unable to recognize that you are over consuming. Time to institute Clean Eating as a routine.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

Simply The Best

N MY PREVIOUS LIFE IN APPLE VALLEY, I had an early morning routine that involved a visit to the Del Taco at the edge of the parking lot of the Target Supercenter. I’d order an egg and cheese burrito and a large iced coffee, light ice. Their iced coffees were better than that served up at Starbucks and I’d park in their parking lot and people-watch while eating. On one particular morning as I checked my order, I saw that the burrito was only half full and I complained to the young girl working the drive-thru. I said that it didn’t look like what was pictured on the menu. She looked at me as if she had better things to do and replied, “If you don’t like it, you can always go to Barstow.” I thought, “Gee, customer service is not her middle name.” But as it turned out, that’s exactly what I did. I moved to Barstow not because of the burrito but because life was telling me that this was where I was supposed to be. I now have a new morning routine involving the Del Taco on Mountain View where customer service is their middle name and the breakfast burritos are often as pictured. My fascination with customer service is not weird, I think, as most of us—in fact, probably all of us—appreciate when we are treated with kindness and made to feel welcome. Part of my joy in the morning is the greeting I receive from Cat, the kindly grandmother who works the drive-thru at the Mountain View location. When she hears my voice, she recognizes me and says, “Welcome, my friend.” It’s funny

January 2024

how three simple words can make you feel special and that I believe is part of the uniqueness of our three Del Taco’s. In sharing my story with CJ, the general manager of all three stores, and Julie, the niece of the franchise’s founder and the former Mayor of Barstow, they were more than happy to share stories about the mystique surrounding our DTs— about why former residents who, like in this time of year, have returned to visit family but first visit a Del Taco because they miss the food and the service. As CJ remarked, “We could hire fewer people, but it’s the people and not only the food that customers like. We’re like family.” Family. Really? What a concept!

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By J.P.Garner

Nowadays, corporations strive to minimize customer interaction but not at Barstow’s Del Tacos where Ed Hackbarth, an owner, is sometimes seen outside, collecting money on the store’s busiest night: Taco Wednesday. On one particular night, a concerned customer alerted the DT staff that there was some guy outside, collecting money, not knowing that he was an owner. Of the days of the week that customers fill the lane at the drive-thru, the favorite is Taco Wednesday which evolved from the original good deal of a 50-cent taco and a 50-cent drink. Julie, who worked at DT as a young child, recalled that on one occasion, the Lenwood store sold 14,000 tacos. Isn’t that like enough tacos to go around the world or at least to Victorville? Taco Wednesday, however, became the store’s busiest night because, formerly, it was typically the week’s slowest night. Not anymore. Julie laughed when she recounted the story about how, in years past at the 1st

Street location, the prep and assembly area was so tight and so busy that she, as a young girl, was used to delivering bags of tacos to her father, Tony, in the front because she could fit through the narrow spaces between the workers. That was back when the 1st Street operation was the only Del Taco in town and on Friday nights, everyone would cruise Route 66 that, like now, served as Main Street. The Barstow Taco is a featured food item because it is part of the classic menu that’s still available to customers. Its unique construction with a tomato slice at the top has been adopted by corporate. In fact, corporate wants so badly to mimic Barstow’s menu success, that it has often visited to learn how to cook the meat. CJ explained, “We cook the meat fresh every day. Corporate, however, pre-cooks their meat, then freezes it which affects its taste. Fresh always tastes better than preserved.” On an average week, Barstow’s DTs will freshly cook 1,000 pounds of meat and serve it with their original meat sauce which is prepared inhouse.

“Fresh is also how we serve our cheese. We get blocks of cheddar—about 4,000 pounds per week—which we grade every day because fresh tastes so much better. It’s more work but customers like it.” More work but customers like it. Another unique concept. The world has changed many times over since Del Taco was founded in Yermo so many decades ago. For the most part, though, the food, the service, and the uniqueness of the familyowned and operated business haven’t. People have grown up with Del Taco. I took my granddaughter and me to the 1st Street location for breakfast back when she lived with me in the late 90s and before dropping her off at the Henderson school. We’d have breakfast burritos and orange juice served by Kelly who has been a constant at that location. CJ commented on how often people come back after being away. As I was departing the interview, I met a couple from Utah who were visiting family for the holidays. They had just finished their meal and were at Del Taco because, in 1988, it was where they went for their first date. They’ve been together ever since. Then, last night, I went to the DT on Mountain View to take pictures. Inside was seated a young man eating his meal who I approached. I explained what I was doing and asked if I could take his picture. He agreed and then we talked. His name was Matthew and he had just moved to Helendale from Missouri. This was his first time at Del Taco, so I asked

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

what he thought of the place. Matthew smiled broadly and replied, “After eating here, I’ll never go to Taco Bell again.” His answer surprised me because I had just been thinking that the loneliest place in Barstow on a Wednesday night must be Taco Bell. Coincidence? Maybe. Uncanny for sure. But the three DTs in Barstow are unlike any other fast-food restaurant. CJ explained it best when he shared a story about when he was in Victorville to conduct some business and he was wearing his Del Taco jacket. A woman saw this and commented on it. She asked if he was from one of the Victorville Del Tacos, and he replied, “No, mam, Barstow.” She suddenly cheered up and said, “I wish I could go to Barstow every day for lunch.”

Lucky us. We can and we do. What can be found at any of the three Del Tacos daily is good food, good service, and good people. Especially good people and amazing customers. The stories about them and their loyalty to what Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson started in Yermo in 1964 are numerous, but the common thread that weaves through them all is that, of the many Del Tacos in the western half of the forty-eight, the three in Barstow are simply the best.

January 2024

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

Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Holds Club Fair

By Mattie Beck and Kaden Tinder

N FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, Lucerne Valley Middle/ High School held a club fair, which was planned and put on by the site’s ASB program. The event took place during the middle and high school lunches and was intended to give students the opportunity to raise funds for their school-related clubs. The booths stationed by the various club members sold a variety of delicious food items, such as pizza, hotdogs, snow cones, and donuts. The class of 2026 (Club 26) even had a make-your-own smores table! In addition to several delicious food items being sold at the event, students could also participate in several other activities. For two dollars, for example, students could pie freshmen in the face to help support the class of 2027. Overall, everybody involved had a lot of fun. While looking forward to winter break, students had the chance to interact with their friends and maybe even find out about clubs on campus that they didn’t know existed. According to one student in attendance, “The clubs had great ideas for food! It was a lot of fun.” Another student added, “Many great ideas were brought together for this spectacular event! It must have been tough to plan!”

January 2024

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Piñon Hills Chamber

“Where the Desert Meets the Mountains”

A Note from the Chamber

January 2024

Chambers of Commerce may be an old school way of doing business. While moving new business introductions and on-going contract negotiations to the digital age may be faster, easier and trending. As a business owner your instincts are more in tune when face to face. Shaking hands and warm smiles remain the best ways to know clients or vendors and often open up more possibilities. Your talents are valuable to your business. Put them to work at a chamber meeting as our guest speaker.

Sun

Showcase your business at Annual Events

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

a a

I’ll not likely forget. There were smiles a plenty, and so full of surprise and wonder I leaked a tear. Not once, but twice. I was amazed at the organization and sheer number of gifts donated to the two programs and deeply moved by their impact on the kids in trailer parks and apartment complexes. We are more when we give to those with less. The word describing the event that comes instantly to mind is “family.” We

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

PO Box 720095 10405 Mountain Road Pinon Hills, CA 92372

760-868-5801 info@PinonHillsChamber.info

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

HRISTMAS . . . it’s been asked so many times before, so, at the risk of being redundant, I will ask it again: why can’t we feel generous and connected to each other throughout the year? Why wait until Christmas? The energy and enthusiasm felt and shared during the Cops and Kids and Toys for Tots gift giveaway in Barstow on Saturday, December 23, could easily have powered an aircraft carrier, it was that huge. That magnificent. To have been a witness to and a documenter of one of the eight caravans that traveled through the city, bringing joy and cheer to our children was a privilege

Advising players to reserve their seat as space is limited.

The chamber meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 PM.

on Saturdays

By J.P.Garner

are that despite our differences and maybe, during this time of year, when we are brimming with brotherly love, we are that because of them. It takes many colors, many beliefs, and many walks of life to make a nation, but only the simple act of giving makes us family. Makes us one. Barstow has been called many things— some not so nice and some meant to hurt. But that which is most true about us—that which elevates us—is that we’re the little city with a big heart.

January 2024

NEWS 4

VETERANS

A Sentimental Moment...

EMPER FIDELIS. Anymore we hear it spoken with deep pride and without any hubris. Even still, some among us may not know its meaning because it’s Latin. When translated, it means, “Always Faithful.” It’s the Marine Corps motto, adopted in 1883. To borrow a quote from Marines.com, it signifies “. . . the bond developed and shared between Marines . . . [and] goes beyond words that are spoken . . .” It’s a profound feeling acquired from having endured and overcome the rigors of training and the sacrifices that come with duty to country, and having achieved the high standards of the Corps. And, for many, for having survived the horrors and trials of combat. It’s not something you can buy, inherit, or even pilfer. It comes only from sacrifice, service, and shared experiences. . . to include pain and loss. Only a few know its meaning and only a few have lived it fully. This is why when you hear someone say, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” they’re not kidding. Some years ago that motto burrowed itself in my marrow back when the military was as unpopular as a venereal disease. Thankfully, the times have changed and with it, our temperaments so that I can now display a Marine decal in the back window of my car and its meaning be known to all who see it. There are soldiers, sailors, and airmen and then there are Marines. The distinction is significant. I wax poetic because I happened to think of the Marine Corps motto some weeks before Christmas when I bumped into the Commanding Officer of the Logistics Base here in Barstow. We were attending the Harvey House Christmas celebration and had secured our cars in the same area of the parking lot. Talk about luck or serendipity, or even the divine hand scripting events, but when I exited my vehicle, I noticed a Marine in his service “A” uniform, looking

January 2024

squared away, and walking toward the Harvey House. I walked next to him and glanced at the collar of his khaki shirt and saw a silver eagle. I knew instantly he was the Commanding Officer of the Marine Base and for a second I thought I had inadvertently intruded on his space. But, even still, I inquired to be sure and he kindly replied he was. Feeling that Providence had brought us together, I informed him of my desire to write an article about the Toys for Tots Program and he graciously shared his knowledge of it as we walked toward the celebration. The rack of ribbons on his left breast revealed his record of service and achievements and for a second, maybe longer, the part of me that was still connected to when I had served wished I still was. Colonel Gregory B. Pace explained that the Toys for Tots program had been operating for the last couple of months, collecting toys and receiving information about the needy children in town. When I asked who should be my point of contact, we agreed that I should start with the Base Sergeant Major—SGM Miller Daceus. As we entered the Harvey House, we parted company, he to meet and greet other attendees and me to take pictures of the

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By J.P.Garner

event. I wasn’t alone long when Colonel Pace returned and introduced me to SGM Daceus. He looked resplendent in his Dress Blues while his handshake was warm and friendly without being firm. I shared my desire to write about the Marines’ commitment to Barstow and its long-standing gift-giveaway program and, after comparing schedules, we agreed to meet the following Tuesday afternoon. The Toys for Tots program is a tradition performed by Marines all over the country. Service is at the heart of any man or woman in uniform and it is with a deep sense of purpose that I will write about a program that will touch the hearts of many kids in our city. As I stood there, strangely in awe of these men whom I knew from my time as a Marine had made a life-long commitment to an ideal—to our country and what it stands for—I felt honored and safe. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, or just weird, but when I looked about the room full of people celebrating the best time of the year, I suddenly felt immensely grateful for the men and women who weren’t with friends and family at Christmas so that we could be. Oo-rah!

A Chat About

Parkinson’s

OW! THE CHRISTMAS PARTY for Parkinson’s Support Group was a success! Stephen and JoJo Miller, professional caterers, who are members of the group, served us amazing desserts in a beautiful setting – at no charge to us!! Tables were decorated and the festive atmosphere was enhanced with singing of Christmas Carols led very nicely by Bill Lopez on his acoustic guitar. Silly door prizes were offered just for fun, and even Santa would have enjoyed the party. Thanks, as always, to Choice Medical and Liz McGiffin for opening their room and hearts to us. With leftovers from holiday meals saved in the freezer, it might be helpful to patients with PD to know what sort of foods are the easiest to swallow. Food consistency and texture can make a huge difference in our ability to swallow and add to eating pleasure. Stick with foods of a soft, even consistency. You can get a nice, varied menu with the following tips: Your blender and your food processor are your friends when it comes to transforming solid food into smooth, creamy, easyto-swallow fare. Combine fruits with cottage cheese, cream cheese or yogurt. Puree a favorite soup to remove chunks. Then thicken the soup with mashed potatoes from the turkey dinner, or strained peas, those Christmas green beans with almonds, and so on. Just blend and serve. Add desired seasoning to augment the flavors to your taste. Thick spreads like hummus or cream cheese served on crustless bread or as a snack on a spoon. Mashed avocado or

by Ann Miner

bananas are “snackful”, too. Fruit nectars make a good dessert. You get the idea. As for liquids, a product called “Thicket” is clear and tasteless when added to water or other thin liquids. I hope this is helpful. You can get more details about swallowing and other PD tips from my book, which I shamelessly suggest, because I wrote it just for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. Just email me and I will see that you get a copy, only $15 with shipping. Mention this column for a 20% discount. The February meeting will feature the popular Greg Cox from Arroyo Physical Therapy. Greg is a movement disorder specialist and has a heart for Parkinson’s patients, as some of the group already knows. February 5th, 1:00 PM. Choice Medical Center, 19111 Town Center Drive, Apple Valley, in front of Jess Ranch. Meanwhile, Happy New Year and good luck with those resolutions! Ann Miner eannminer@yahoo.com, 760-954-2859

Today’s Woman Foundation INVITES YOU TO

“STRENGTH IN UNITY” FEB 10, 2024 10:00AM - 1:00PM Join us for a compassionate conversation about GRIEF as we navigate the healing journey with counselors, other professionals and women & men who have lost loved ones.

5 REASONS TO ATTEND: You’ve lost a significant person or want to know what to expect when you do Understand the types of grief and when it may be time to seek help How to support grieving children What to say to someone who has lost a loved one Strategies for picking up the pieces 2. Know how to 1

Facilitators: Cindy Bostick, Today’s Woman Foundation Exec. Director Marlo Cales, Mourning Sun Children’s Foundation Exec. Director Strech Suba, Former Houston Astros Coach & GriefShare Facilitator FOR REGISTRATION & LOCATION INFO: USE QR CODE OR LINK BELOW

HTTPS://TODAYSWOMANFOUNDATION.TICKETSPICE.COM/STRENGTH-IN-UNITY

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

s a m t s i r h C s l e g n A

ARINE. IT’S LIKE THE WORD PORSCHE. It requires no explanation because everyone knows what it means. It means the best. And it’s not braggadocio or boast that swells the chest of a recruit on graduation day from boot camp or straightens the back of an old “Jarhead” when he hears the Marine Corps hymn. It is the knowledge that they are part of a proud and distinguished legacy honed in battle ever since the first Marine was recruited at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA in 1775. It was there that Captain Samuel Nichols was looking for “a few good men” to form the landing force of the Continental Navy, about half a year before the Colonies declared their independence from England and its King. Except maybe for the Spartans, no other force in the history of the world has been allied to the ideals of honor, devotion, and service to country as long as the Marines have. Two hundred and forty-eight years. Nations have come and gone in that time, and the world has changed repeatedly. But not the Marines. Steadfast and loyal are they. Sure there are the SEALs and the Special Forces—the elite units with unique skills and training, but unlike the other service branches, a Marine is first and foremost a rifleman. An expert with their weapon. So, it was with some wonder that just before Christmas I saw Marines in a different light. Not as warriors but as angels in a way, and I know how that sounds. Kind of corny, so forgive me if I was moved by the season. But Christmas Angels was an appropriate description given the joy and happiness they brought to thousands of kids through Toys for Tots. The program got its start in 1947 when the wife of reservist, Major Bill Hendricks, asked for his help delivering handcrafted dolls to agencies servicing needy children. When the good Major could find none, his wife, Diane, said, “Start one.” Given his marching orders, he and the Marines 12

January 2024

in his Los Angeles reserve unit acquired 5,000 toys which were delivered to needy children. Inspired by what was viewed as a “successful community engagement,” the Commandant instructed Marine Corps reserve units to start a Toys for Tots program at their locations, and in 1948, Toys for Tots was made into a “national community action program.” What quickly boosted the program to national prominence, however, was Major Hendrick’s real-world job in public relations in Hollywood. He was close friends with many celebrities, most particularly Walt Disney who designed the poster bearing a miniature three-car train that became the symbol of the program

Seventy-six years later, Toys for Tots is thriving nationwide and certainly here at Barstow’s logistic base where last year, from the warehouse across from the fitness center, Marines provided 32,480 toys for 31,400 kids in the High Desert. Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas Eatherton, the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer or “SNCO” in charge of the program, Toys for Tots is year-round. ”We don’t stop,” he explained. “We’re prepared to help in the event of a natural disaster like an earthquake or a catastrophic event,” he explained. The program, operating out of the Marine base in Barstow, serves the kids in the High Desert but also receives requests

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By J. P. Garner

for toys from down the hill from cities like Rialto and Fontana and as far east as Baker where their Chamber of Commerce has asked for toys. According to Lance Corporal Samantha McGarity, the requests come mostly from non-profits large and small, but also from schools, hospitals, and churches. The program chiefly supports nonprofits, though, who call ahead and order toys according to the ages of the kids they service. The toys donated to the program are organized by the ages described on the boxes or shrink-wrapping. According to Gunny Eatherton, however, older kids are sometimes forgotten, so the program will purchase pallets of toys from large distribution centers just for them, If you are a non-profit and wish to order toys for your organization, or if you wish to donate toys or cash to Toys for Tots, apply and donate online using the QR code below or visit Barstow-ca.toysfortots.org. Prepared to serve. That’s what Marines are. Ready for any situation. They’re first to fight and, during the months following Christmas, they’re prepared to serve the needs of kids in our communities in the High Desert. Often portrayed as tough and brave—and they’re definitely that— but at their core, they soften when dealing with kids. There’s a gentleness in their actions and kindness in the words which draws kids to them. Or maybe it’s the uniform—the Dress Blues they wear when delivering the toys. It’s certainly eye-catching. No other like it. But it’s hard to fake true sincerity; harder even to mimic compassion. And it is that, that kids will never forget.

Ordinary People Doing EXTRAORDINARY Things

By J. P. Garner

UNDAY MORNINGS COME QUICKLY FOR BATINA WINGO. On these days she’s at the Church of God In Christ by Riverside Drive in Barstow at 0600 sharp. She’s the Energizer Bunny of HELP Outreach, Inc., who leads the non-profit though you’d not know it from her as she rarely mentions her role as President. She avoids drawing attention to herself.

Instead, on the non-profit’s Facebook page, she calls out the volunteers who, on their assigned Sundays, gather at the church where, in the kitchen and a meeting room next to it, they regularly heat up and assemble 500 meals to distribute to the homeless and disadvantaged who circumstance or misfortune has displaced in the streets of Barstow or one of its motels. The acronym “HELP” stands for Hearts Extended by Loving People. She’s been performing that mission since 2019 when feeding the homeless and disadvantaged was part of the weekly shower program offered by the church. Back then, anyone in need could take a 15-minute shower, eat a meal, and leave with a sack lunch prepared by Batina’s group. Nowadays, the meals are delivered. But before that happens, the prep happens and that takes time. It started today at 0730 with Marsha Johnson in the lead. She stepped in for Batina who was in Las Vegas supporting her sister who lost her son. Marsha focused on bringing out the frozen chicken donated by KFC and lining the pieces in metal pans. They’d be reheated in the oven. I helped too by washing the pans in which the rice is prepared and then dousing the rice with hot water and inserting them in the ovens above the chicken. Afterward, I assembled the

bread rolls wrapped in aluminum foil. It was easy work but it felt good. Better I think than the things I do on most days. I was struck by the fact that what the volunteers to the program donate is time. And what I wonder is more valuable than that? Certainly, the donations of food and money make their work fruitful but the donation of time—time possibly spent with family or, given that it is a Sunday the work is performed, time spent in church, practicing their faith. But then I realized what better way to practice their faith than to do the work of the Lord. To do, as St. Francis of Assisi once suggested, “Preach daily. Use words when necessary.”

As I assembled the bread rolls, I thought about the man I saw curled up in a sleeping bag on the sidewalk next to the fitness center on Yucca. I pulled to the curb and called out to him but he didn’t stir from his slumbers. Perhaps he was finally warm and sleeping and refused to wake. I hoped we’d find him later when we went out into the streets and delivered the 4-500 meals being prepared. The streets aren’t empty in the early morning. They are populated by the homeless who can be seen wandering about, perhaps looking for someplace warm or they’re so hungry and cold they cannot sleep. Moving, if only aimlessly, helps them set aside what they cannot forget—what they always remember: the time they were home and warm—the time they mattered.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

In the dim light of dawn, they walk the streets seemingly lifeless and without hope. The Bible says the poor are always with us but it is the people I see volunteering for HELP Outreach that give those without hope a gift of kindness— that, however small it might seem to us who have plenty, is large to those who have nothing. It is that I see in the work performed by the volunteers who, on this Sunday, have gathered at about 1:00 in the afternoon to assemble the food that has been cooked in the morning. Marsha altered the menu by adding red beans to the rice and a KFC biscuit to some of the meals. There’s always chicken, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes and gravy—and often a treat from Panera Bread. There’s water too. A ton of it. And maybe just as important as the food, there’s always a kind word and a smile offered up along with the food that, if only for that moment, reconnects the homeless and disadvantaged to that which often shuns them: the human race. The homeless might be invisible to us—a minor distraction as we exit the Walmart or the drive-thru at the Del Taco on Mountain View, but not to Mike, the retired construction worker, whose devotion to his son’s dream finds him scouring the streets of Barstow in his Toyota truck every Sunday or to elevenyear-old Aria who, when you listen to her talk, sounds like she’s going on thirty. Goodness knows not age or color, only the heart of the ordinary people who labor in anonymity and without recompense. They are what’s best about us—what’s best about humans in general but especially what is best about Barstow. When you see the joy they bring to their work—their passion to serve—it is not a stretch of the imagination or the English language to describe them as ordinary people who do extraordinary things. January 2024

f o h c r a e S n I

s n e i Al

CCORDING TO MICHAEL, a staff member at the Little A’Le’Inn, in the very tiny town of Rachel, Nevada, “I’ve seen things in the night sky that should not be there.” “Aliens?” I asked, a hunch since I had just driven the Extraterrestrial Highway. He looked at me. “Not sure, but whatever I was looking at did not maneuver like a plane or helicopter should. Just bizarre really.” Being a bit peckish, I had stopped by the very uniquely colorful restaurant along Nevada State Route 375 for a spot of breakfast. The eggs, home fries and sour dough toast were yummy. Nikki, the unofficial manager said, “I’ve lived here all my life. The night skies are

The famous black mailbox near Rachel, Nevada - do aliens leave mail for earthlings? Take a trip and see.

January 2024

By John Beyer

The Nevada Highway 375 signage says it all.

almost scary since they are so full of stars. We have no light pollution at all.” This area of Nevada is so removed from city lights, especially lying in the middle of a valley that no city lights could interrupt the celestial ceilings of the night sky. “And you?” I asked. A moment of silence. “Yeah, I’ve seen things that I can not explain. A green comet, I thought, streaking across the desert sky at night. I’ve seen lots of meteorites but nothing that looked like that. Green, almost effervescent.” That was strange, but I just happened to be in the middle of alien country and anything could be expected. Rachel is less than 28 miles from Area 51, the once top-secret military installation that houses aliens and alien aircraft - wait, I’ve been listening to too many conspiracy podcasts. The existence of Area 51 was finally acknowledged by the United States Government in 2013, but as of yet, no public tours are allowed. Now, that’s a way to get rid of the national debt. “Dude, I just shook hands with a Grey,” one enthusiast may blush. “I’d pay another gazillion dollars for that again.” Driving into Rachel from the small town of Alamo was rather lonely. Fifty-two miles along Route 375 leaves a person wondering what could occur in these isolated night skies.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Forget the night skies for a moment since it was daytime. As I was driving I pulled over for a moment as a huge flock of birds, not sure if they were sparrows but from a distance they appeared to be, blocked the roadway. I got out and just stood there. There must have been hundreds just walking around the black top, not paying any attention to me - and I was only 30 yards or so away from them. I studied the birds for a moment wondering why they were gathered as such when suddenly like a black cloud they all took to wing. For a moment the sun was lost in their ascension. Glancing across the sky there was nothing unusual, bright blue backdrop with a few puffy white clouds. As I climbed back into my truck, there were noticeable goosebumps on both of my arms. It was very eerie and disconcerting. I mentioned my incident to Nikki. “Yeah, the birds do act strange around here once in a while.” It should be noted that just prior to my unnatural experience with the flock of birds, I had stopped by the iconic black mailbox. The mailbox that folks can leave messages to aliens if they choose along 375. I did not since I was not sure of the postage cost to a galaxy far far away.

2972 - Great food, drinks and souvenirs at the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, Nevada

Visit the ‘recovered’ flying saucer in front of the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, Nevada.

Rachel is located at the southern end of Sand Springs Valley. Driving through it. there is nothing to see in this empty bowlshaped place which measures about 25 miles wide but with the emptiness, it seemed a lot wider and more desolate. Northwest of Rachel is a dry lake bed with no name. Suspicious? And if that isn’t strange enough, the history of the valley will surely raise eyebrows - much like Science Officer Spock does when he is inquisitive about some space anomaly. Seems that near this locale is something called the Alamo breccia - an ancient layer of sea sediment from an inland sea over 50 million years ago. There have been a lot of past inland seas, thus a person can wander many deserts and find seashells and other fossils - no big deal. But the fossils found in this breccia layer are not supposed to be there. Fossils of these deep water fish at one time in the past were violently thrown to the shore of the sea to mix with the more typical and newer shallow based life. Now, these fossils are all mixed together - hardly what a scientist would expect. Geologists theorize that a massive meteorite smashed into the land about 375 million years ago. This would have caused the older and deeper sea life to crash onto the shoreline and later mix with the shallower sea life once the sea dried up. “Well, what about the crater? Where is it?” one geologist may have asked. Years counting in the hundreds of millions would have filled the crater leaving no sign of it today. This only leads more and more people to believe there is something ‘alien’ about the lands surrounding Rachel. And this brings in the curious. So, there is a welcomer. Little Fidget, the greeter dog, greeted me with a wag of its tail and a sniff of my leg.

“He loves guests, and gets plenty of attention,” Michael stated. “We get anywhere from one hundred to five hundred visitors daily during our top season.” The crush of tour buses, mellow biker gangs, families on vacation, foreigners looking for space foreigners, and men dressed in black, occurs during the months of March through October. For a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint, Little A’Le’Inn is truly worth a visit. There are alien statues outside, a mockup (maybe) of an alien craft hanging off the rear of a tow truck, plaques dedicated to this and that, and just the vastness of the desert is enough for any visitor to enjoy. The large valley used to be home to various bands of the Paiute Indians and in the hills around Rachel petroglyphs, arrowheads and other signs of early native American settlement can be found.

A historical plaque explaining the importance of the lands surrounding Rachel, Nevada

There is no evidence that any long term residency had taken place from any of the tribes moving through the area though. Rumor has it that for more of a permanent residency they traveled to south to Las Vegas - perhaps at Caesar’s. Then the miners moved into the local mountains seeking their fortunes. Like all such dreams, there were good and bad times in the search for fabulous wealth. There are dozens of abandoned mines and ghost towns within an hour of Rachel. One example is the town of Logan,

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

approximately ten miles west from the town of Hiko and three miles south of Mount Irish Peak. Here a settlement was founded after silver ore was discovered in 1865. But, like many mining camps, this one did not last long either. A post office opened in 1868 and closed in 1871 when the mines played out. It became a ghost town, and there are others to explore such as Crescent, Freiburg, and Groom. Yes, the same name as was given that humongous dry lake bed which Area 51 now occupies: Groom Lake. A note of caution on two aspects of traveling through these deserts. When wandering through a ghost town with mine shafts, be very careful where you tread. These are remote areas that have been unoccupied for many decades and anything that once may have been sturdy in the mines probably isn’t now. Folks can and do lose their lives exploring where they probably should not have. And, when approaching Area 51, the signs concerning the use of deadly force are real. I have been escorted away from the tall chain link fences in the past by a couple of not-so-friendly security personnel. One of them had the strangest eyes too, they sort of had an inner lid - but perhaps it was the sunlight. Nikky told me a story about the production of the 2011 film Paul. A parody of many science fiction movies and some scenes were supposed to take place within the Little A’Le’Inn. “A film crew came in, took photos, did sound checks and then left.” she stated. “Then they copied the interior and filmed it someplace else. So, if you watch the movie Paul, it didn’t happen here.” Ah, the magic of Hollywood. I have never viewed the film but plan to now, so I can tell anyone in the room watching that it wasn’t filmed where it looks like it was. I stood outside after my adieus and looked across the vastness of this huge empty valley. Tens of thousands of people from all around the globe come here to visit, but are only those from planet earth? John can be contacted at beyersbyways@ gmail.com January 2024

THE LAND OF THE FREE

By John Wease

AST YEAR, AFTER DRIVING PAST MANY TIMES, I visited the Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo. I wrote an article about it that appeared in the May 2023 edition. The sculptures are very large and incredibly detailed. The common theme is the struggle for freedom against communism, especially the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Artist, Weiming Chen, a native of China, immigrated to New Zealand before the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Since the massacre, he has dedicated his life, and his art to the struggle for freedom. The sculptures are easily seen from the Interstate 15, and the park was located there for the very reason that the massive art would be visible to the millions that pass by. To fully appreciate the details, one must visit the Liberty Sculpture Park and see it up close. The giant 64 represents the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. The iconic photo of the man with a briefcase defiantly standing before a line of Chinese tanks is represented life-sized. The Umbrella Brigade of Hong Kong protesters is very moving, as well as the Swimming for Freedom sculpture. Swimming for Freedom represents the many Chinese mainlanders that attempted to swim to Hong Kong to avoid the Mau Zedong Great Purge. Many drowned or died due to the cold water. In June, I was invited to the unveiling and dedication of Weiming Chen’s latest sculpture. I managed, as well, to get myself invited to watch them move the massive sculpture from the studio in Newberry Springs to the Liberty Sculpture Park. The concrete base, shaped like Mainland China, was constructed at the park. The sculpture is in two parts. The background structure is a massive steel structure that must weigh many tons. In front of this steel structure, representative of a jail or prison, stands a woman with a chain around her neck. She is the “Woman in Chains.” In this age of content warnings for movies, and trigger warnings for books, I probably should include a warning here. If you are one of the rainbows and unicorns and flowers everywhere people, you may want to skip the rest of this article. Perhaps because it represents the real-life plight of one individual, That makes it even more disturbing. I found it disturbing enough that I needed a few months before I could write the article. So, since you are still reading this, here is the story. In the 1970s the CCP was concerned about population 16

January 2024

growth in China. A one child policy was put in place in the late 1970s. As with many cultures, the families there wanted a boy child to carry on the family name. This led to gender specific abortions, infanticide, and abandoned girls ending up in orphanages. Many girl babies ended up adopted in the United States and other countries. It is estimated from hundreds of thousands to possibly several millions of these girls were hidden by their families. These undocumented girls were uneducated and largely unemployable. Parents caught with more children than allowed were subject to fines and even imprisonment. The one child policy was later relaxed in rural areas. Two children would be allowed if the first was a girl or handicapped. This was especially true if the parents were both only children. The skewed population control led to a shortage of women available as wives, especially in poorer, rural areas. This led to an increase in human trafficking of women from poorer areas sold as “wives.” One of these “wives” was purchased by Dong Zhimin around 1998 in Xuzhou, China. The one child policy ended in 2016 but many couples were accustomed to smaller families by then. With an aging population, and a declining number of births there was concern about a future workforce. Mr. Dong proudly posted a video in January 2022 of how he was doing his part. The video showed Dong and his eight children eating their dinner inside his house. Reporters went to his house for more information and found his “wife” outside of a dilapidated shed, barefoot, dirty, and chained by the neck. Her food was in a dish on the ground.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

in secrecy. After a Zoom meeting between the young ladies and the home owner, they are moved in. Natalie explains on her part, it is not a program. It is more of a Big Sister relationship. Her task is to help acclimate the young women back into a normal life. All of the women have to want out. Many were kidnapped and forced into drug addiction. Some were sold by their families so going home is not an option. The first young woman Natalie was to have, was a Chinese girl, sold by her parents at age six. She was kept chained in a basement until she was rescued at age twenty-four. She was sexually abused and carried six pregnancies to full term. The babies were removed at birth but where they ended up is unknown. Natalie had a problem with a home repair and this poor girl was placed in another home. Natalie was trained in drug addiction treatment while in law enforcement and suffered abuse as a young child herself so is very motivated to help these young “sisters” rejoin a normal, happy life. Her organization is called: DELIVERANCE WARRIORS 4 CHRIST – Home for Girls Rescued From Sex Trafficking DW4C PO BOX 353 Newberry Springs CA 92365 DeliveranceWarriors4Christ@gmail.com

The video went viral. The CCP said at first that she was legitimately married but mentally ill and was chained to prevent her injuring others. Some who tried to investigate further were jailed as trouble makers during the politically sensitive period of the Winter Olympics held in China. Eventually, the truth came out about the “Xuzhou Chained Woman.” The couple that initially sold her and Dong were arrested. Dong was charged with unlawful imprisonment, sexual assault, and severe mistreatment. The woman, Yang, had been imprisoned for over twenty years. She had been beaten, teeth knocked out, raped, and gang raped by others. Seventeen county officials were punished for dereliction of duty. Yang was just one victim. How many more girls or women were trafficked, bought as wives, or shipped and trafficked in other countries is unknown. Before you think that could never happen here in the land of the free, well here is another warning. You won’t like this next part very much either. We hear of the dangerous narcotics flooding into the United States almost daily. The drugs flow in because there is a ready market here. The same is true, apparently, with human trafficking, especially in the sex worker trade. In May, I met local Newberry Springs resident, Natalie Mar. Natalie worked twenty years in law enforcement. Now retired, she is assisting with a Christian based program to rescue young women from the sex trade. Called Rescue America, some three hundred volunteers contact young women at massage parlors and other locations to find sex workers held against their will or otherwise wanting to leave that life. An exit strategist places them in a safe house until they can be placed in a home. Omega Kingdom Ministries provides counseling, education, and legal aid. The young women are then placed in a Christian home in another part of the country for their safety. An airline transports them without identification. Doctors provide medical care, again

She is paying all expenses with her retirement income so donations are very much appreciated. She accepts cash, checks, money orders, or Zelle. Gift cards for clothing stores or markets, or hygiene items are welcome. I have seen Natalie and a nice young “sister” at the Route 66 Swap Meet selling craft items she made as well as at our July 3rd Festival selling donated items to raise funds. So, if you are struggling with a New Year’s resolution, forget the exercise equipment and send a donation to DW4C. I think you will be glad you did.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

How Bill Keys Was Freed by the

Court of Last Resort

By Jaylyn And John Earl www.thedesertway.com

Photo courtesy of William McKeen

THE MIDST OF THE ROARING TWENTIES, the stout 30-something man was a Ventura, California, attorney by trade. Although he immersed himself in juris prudence, he found that to make ends meet he needed what millennials nowadays call a “side hustle.” Writing fiction suited the gent’s keen wit, colorful oration and flair for the dramatic, so his fan base was quickly growing. And of course, it helped pay the bills. It is well known that courtrooms and boardrooms are not peaceful places of refuge. Where does someone go when they seek solitude, a lack of distractions and the beauty of nature to inspire their imagination? Why, the desert, of course. Well equipped by his half-ton truck modified for camping with its compound transmission, oversized tires and a 30-gallon water tank mounted around the muffler in order to heat the water during travel, he began visiting Joshua Tree in 1927. Joshua Tree would not be designated a national monument for nearly a decade and the fictional name of Perry Mason was but a twinkle in his eye. The undeniable truth was that Erle 18

January 2024

Stanley Gardner loved to write. The desert wilderness and freedom allowed him to create characters and circumstances completely within his control, although at the same time giving them free rein until oftentimes they took on a life all their own and pulled the story in unexpected twists and turns, much as his own life had. Gardner understood well the pitfalls of distraction. Suspended for a month from his Indiana law school when he was enthralled with the sweet science of boxing more than his studies, he returned to California, pursued his legal education on his own by working as a typist in a law firm for three years and passed the California State Bar Exam in 1911. He began his career as a trial lawyer representing indigent people, in particular poor Chinese and Mexican immigrants. Peppered with Joshua trees, manzanita and greasewood, the vast desert was a bonus after a hard week at work and an easy half-day’s drive from the city. Gardner was far from roughing it, however. His truck was set up with a stocked ice box, gasoline cooking stove, full-size bed and a desk upon which he put his typewriter. He respected the desert but needed a

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

modicum of creature comforts it could not provide. Undoubtedly, there was something about the pungent breeze during a cloudburst, the way light painted shadows over the mountains, the artful randomness of stacked boulders under an immense clear sky and the silence that let his imagination soar like nowhere else. According to the Winter 2010 edition of the Morongo Basin Historical Society Newsletter Quarterly, one of Gardner’s favorite destinations was via Quail Springs Road to a shortcut south through a canyon and into the wilderness where he’d set up camp. A 1955 map showed the route as Quail Wash but once the area became a monument, it appeared simply as a Jeep trail on maps. A National Geographic Trails Illustrated map indicates Gardner’s route was called Quail Wash until inside the monument when it became Quail Springs Historic Trail, still considered a challenging route even to this day. If the name Erle Stanley Gardner rings a bell with you, it should but not for the reason you may be pondering. During his many sojourns to the area Gardner became friends with longtime Joshua Tree homesteaders Bill and Frances Keys. In a nutshell, Bill Keys got in a dispute

A postcard by Stephen Willard, circa 1938. Courtesy Palm Springs Art Museum.

that ended in tragedy in 1943. Keys was sentenced to ten years at San Quentin Prison after fatally shooting his neighbor, Worth Bagley, although Keys adamantly claimed self defense. Afterwards, Frances Keys reached out to Gardner, soliciting his help. Upon review, Gardner believed Bill Keys had not been properly defended therefore denied justice. Gardner championed Key’s case in the Court of Last Resort he established to aid prisoners who may have been unjustly convicted. Even Bagley’s former wife testified on behalf of Keys. After a lengthy uphill litigation battle, Gardner won 69 year old Bill Keys’ release, but by that time he had already served five years. Keys used his confinement wisely and spent much time in the prison library reading books about the desert he missed. Some eight years later, Keys received a full pardon. Gardner would go on to write about the incident in The Court of Last Resort, published in 1952, later made into a TV series. The Worth Bagley Stone was created by

Daily News, 25 May 1950.

Bill Keys to mark where he shot and killed his neighbor, former Los Angeles deputy Worth Bagley, after being ambushed over a land use dispute over Wall Street Mill. After his parole from from San Quentin, Keys made and placed this marker at the location of the shoot out. It read, “Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W.F. Keys, May 11, 1943,” and stood on the side of the trail leading out to Wall Street Mill for over 70 years. The original stone was vandalized in 2014 and is now in the park’s museum for

0.3 miles from the trailhead on Queen Valley Road. The first mural to be painted in Twentynine Palms in 1994 was of Bill and Frances Keys at their Desert Queen Ranch. It was very well-received by the town and local media. The mural featured in Huell Howser’s Visiting video was removed in 2011, but a new Desert Queen Ranch mural was completed in 2013. Erle Stanley Gardner continued to write throughout his lifetime. One of his most popular characters was larger-than-life fictional attorney Perry Mason, a series of novels he began writing in 1933, a decade before Bill Keys was convicted. The Perry Mason storyline became a smash hit television series starring Raymond Burr from 1957-1966. The main character was inspired by Earl Rogers, a trial attorney who appeared in 77 murder trials but lost only three. He was recognized for the extensive use of demonstratives, e.g., visuals, charts and diagrams, during trial before it became common practice. Gardner’s love for the desert played a key role and wove its way into the literary tapestry of many of his books. Some of his titles included Hunting the Desert Whale, The Desert is Yours, Whispering Sands: Stories of Gold Fever in the Western Desert, Hunting Lost Mines by Helicopter and Neighborhood Frontiers: Desert Country…and many others. Known as the best-selling American Daily News, 25 May 1950. author of the 20th century who sold more than 100 million books at the time safekeeping. The stone is a valued part of his death in 1970 at 80 years old, Erle of the historic archeological record. Park Stanley Gardner had also published under cultural resource numerous pseudonyms. staff have since In 2001, Huell Howser Productions, installed a toin association with KCET, Los Angeles, scale metal featured Gardner’s Temecula Rancho del replica near the Paisano in California’s Gold. site of the original Consider for a moment, if you dare, how stone. Location: the peace of the desert could spark your 34° 1.597′ N, own creative juices. Maybe it’s just what 116° 8.411′ W, you needed all along. in Joshua Tree National Park, on courtesy of the Wall Street Photograph Joshua Tree National Park, Mill Trail about 2014.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

Mltaylor@gmx.com 1 760 985 1918

Marcy’s Musings Victorville pays Tribute to Route 66

ITH A THEME OF “CHRISTMAS ON ROUTE 66,” it was only fitting that the Route 66 Museum volunteers would serve as Grand Marshalls. Mohahve Historical Society Vice President Delvin Harbour and member Bill Cadenhead were on opposite sides of the big red Olsons vintage flatbed truck, happily waving at the huge crowd lining both sides of Seventh Street, which is, of course, Route 66. The Grand Marshall’s entry included a 1950’s Ford hay-loader and six classic cars, two belonging to Brian and Shawna Gentry, owners of the popular Route 66 Restaurant Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe. The Route 66 Museum float was actually the fourth in line, preceded by the Sheriff’s Posse, the City Council members, and the ROTC. The Jr. Fair Board float did a great job of representing one of the last fairs

January 2024

still on Route 66. The City of Victorville’s float, “The Route 66 to the Magical Land of Seussville,” deviated from the original route to make their own “by-pass” to a place populated by the Cat in the Hat, the

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Grinch, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 among others. The almost two hour parade with 110 entries, the most ever, included plenty of school bands, cheerleaders, dancers, antique and classic cars, motorcycles, floats, and horses. Its traditional ending, with Santa Claus riding in the vintage convertible fire engine, ushered in the holiday season in grand style. Following the parade, which ended at Forrest, attendees could cross the street and stop off at the Victor Valley Legacy Museum to learn a bit of local history, then continue three blocks farther north and go under the magnificent Route 66 arch, then turn left and go two blocks to the Victorville Route 66 Museum to get the full Route 66 experience. Thanks, City of Victorville, for recognizing and honoring the historic Route 66, right in our own backyard!

High Desert Faith Groups Come Together to Promote Peace

HE 23RD ANNUAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRAtion of the Interfaith Council of the High Desert, with the theme “Sowing the Harvest in Love; Let Peace Begin With Us,” took place Tuesday November 21, at the High Desert Center for Spiritual Living in Apple Valley. The beautiful music of the Trinity Lutheran Church Bell Choir set the mood. Following the welcome by Tina Arredondo from the hosting church, and Anita Holmes, President of the Interfaith Council (IFC), two Apple Valley Town Council members, Kari Leon and Art Bishop, welcomed everyone and made remarks. The traditional back and forth “Call to Prayer” by David Rib blowing his Jewish shofar horn, and Iman Yousef Farha of the Victor Valley Islamic Society chanting

prayers, had particular meaning this year, in light of the current war in the Middle East. The lighting of the Flames of Faith and two rousing songs by the High Desert Center for Spiritual Living members, were followed by Baha’i prayers, a song, and wise words from Dr. Nirmala Murthy of the Art of Living Foundation. Other presentations included songs from the Victor Valley Threshold Singers, the Jewish Congregation Bamidbar Shel Ma’alah prayer, words from the Trinity Lutheran Church pastor, music from the Unitarian Universalist Society of the High Desert, words from the Victor Valley Islamic Society, prayers from the youth of Krishna Valley Temple, and a song from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following closing comments and a closing song by the Bell Choir, everyone in attendance was asked to join hands and sing, with sincerity, “Let

There Be Peace on Earth.” According to their program, the purpose of the Interfaith Council of the High desert shall be: “To promote mutual understanding, respect, and education among the member religious traditions, and to deal with issues and concerns for the problems of the community, the nation, and finally the world.” Attendees were asked to start with themselves and their families and associates, and then spread the love to the greater community and onward. Since we live in a multi-ethnic community including citizens of various religions, races, and ethnicities, with various languages and customs, we are all better off when we learn about and accept one another. Thank you to the Interfaith Council for bringing us together every year with your important message.

MHS Christmas Extravaganza

HE LONE WOLF COLONY was packed the night of December 14 as the Mohahve Historical Society hosted their annual Christmas party and Installation of the 2024 Board of Directors. The excitement was high as the creatures performing in the “Genuine Desert Animals” skit took the stage for a reprise of a catchy song, first introduced last September on our prize-winning float in the Apple Valley Happy Trails Parade. The dairy cow, the racing burro, the pigeon telephone, and the Jess Ranch turkey represent real live animals, important to the area in the late 1940’s -1950’s era and beyond. However, the children of the pioneering families had their own breed of animals, such as the Apple Valley DeeGee Bunny and the Lucerne

Valley Bunny-Duck. And let’s not forget the influence of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans family, represented by Trigger (Jr.), Buttermilk, and Bullet, all of whom lived out their lives right here. Though not technically animals, the significance of the huge tarantula, featured in the 1955 sci-fi thriller, and the now endangered Desert Tortoise, could not be left out. After a short history lesson - you know we ARE the Mohahve HISTORICAL Society - the audience members joined in for a rousing rendition of the song. There was more to come. MHS member Bonnie Ingram, also known as “Boni on the Keys,” entertained until it was time to enter the dining room for a traditional Christmas dinner served by the Lone Wolf Colony staff. The meal was followed by the Installation of the 2024 Board of

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Directors by Shannon Irwin, Director and CEO of the Lone Wolf Colony. Two outgoing officers, Mary Dutro and Carol Wiley, were also recognized. Next came the introduction of two AV Town Council members, Kari Leon and Curt Emich, who attended along with their spouses. The raffle of 10 surprise donated gifts followed. Of course, the evening ended with the traditional singalong led by the “High Desert Jammers,” a group consisting of five MHS members and three other musicians who continue to volunteer their talents year after year to spread the holiday joy. Our sincere thanks to all of the MHS members and other volunteers who contributed to make the evening memorable! January 2024

Celebrating the History of Apple Valley

HE TOWN OF APPLE VALLEY has lots of history to celebrate. For example, did you know that the Apple Valley Inn turned 75 years old on Nov. 27? That’s right! The Inn opened its doors Thanksgiving day 1948. However, it wasn’t until 40 years later that the Town officially incorporated.

On Tuesday November 28, to honor the Town’s 35th Anniversary, residents were invited to “Apple Valley Through the Eras.” Every town department and several town committees participated, filling the Conference Center with information tables, displays, flyers, and some very cool give-aways. Guests were treated to delicious sandwiches and snacks, a continuous slide show of Town events and

activities, and even a chance to show off their golf skills by trying for a hole in one, which was rewarded with a genuine Apple Valley golf ball. Wonderful banners, each depicting a decade of the Town’s history from the 1920’s through the 1990’s, hung in the entry way. (If you missed this event, stop by the Building and Development office to view the displays.) Two weeks later, Tuesday Dec. 12, the Town Council sponsored their annual Christmas Tea. Guests entering the beautifully decorated Town Hall were met with a feast of tasty food, an excellent performance by the Granite Hills High School Choir, and another chance to learn a bit of history. The Apple Valley Legacy Museum display in the lobby featured several Terri Lee dolls, made by hand right here in Apple Valley at the Terri Lee Doll Factory. Guests met cowboy Gene Autry, the only adult doll and the only celebrity doll ever made, complete with his original box, button, and photograph. A second display showcased a little known, but

very famous Apple Valley Ranch, the Ihmsen Apple Ranch, which produced world famous apples. It later became the Godshall Dude Ranch, home of the first local non-professional rodeo, attended by locals and celebrities alike. Our own Jeanne Godshall Abbott, number #1 female trick rider, from Little ol’ Apple Valley, performed all over the United States and Europe, promoting the Western way of life and rodeo entertainment. The Apple Valley Heritage Room, home to more Terri Lee dolls, and plenty of historic displays and scrapbooks, was also open to visitors. To learn more, come to the Apple Valley Legacy Museum at the Apple Valley Inn Cottage #153 during daily open hours, or make an appointment to browse through the Town of Apple Valley Heritage Room. Don’t forget to check out more local history on “Throwback Thursdays” on the Town website.

How Many Miles From Camp Cajon?

HE “CAMP CAJON TEAM” is at it again! On Wednesday, December 13, member Mark Landis and his very strong son, armed with a generator, a jackhammer, and some shovels, dug a hole to prepare for the placing of the new Route 66 signpost on Wagon Train Road in the Cajon Pass. “Why the jackhammer?” you may ask. Being the knowledgeable historian that he is, Mark was sure they’d hit a layer of asphalt from an earlier Route 66 alignment. And he was right!

January 2024

Then on Saturday, December 16, a team consisting of Mark, John Lenau, and Nick Cataldo, arrived to finish the job of concreting the post. After a long leisurely lunch break to let the concrete set up, they returned to attach the directional signs with mileage indicated. As many of you know, the Camp Cajon project started back in 2019 with the construction of the replica 1919 original Camp Cajon monument. The 100 year milestone called for a big Fourth of July celebration. That effort was followed by the addition of one of the original concrete picnic tables, the construction of a four panel information kiosk, and the erection of an original mileage marker. Who knows what they’ll think of next? So take a drive down the I-15, get off

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

at the Wrightwood/ Silverwood 138 exit, drive down Wagon Train Road past the modern-day McDonalds, and take a trip back in time at Camp Cajon. NOTE- This story may have a correction or two, as they haven’t done the Sat. work yet. They will send me some step-by-step photos tomorrow or Sunday.

Friends of the Apple Valley Library Christmas Bash

HE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WAS in full swing at the Friends of the Apple Valley Library’s December 12 annual holiday celebration. The buffet table, in the beautifully decorated activity room, was full of delicious dishes. The raffle table was covered with holiday gifts. The sounds of the outstanding

talented Victor Valley College Choir filled the air. Parliamentarian Judy Odenbreit did the honors of installing the 2024 Board of Directors: President Diane Witthauer, 1st Vice President Barbara Betterly, 2nd Vice President Linda Cirk, Secretary Kristin Youngberg, and Interim Treasurer David Stedman. The FAVL

members look forward to seeing you shop at the Friends Bookstore. You are invited to attend the general membership meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, always featuring an interesting speaker or performer. Of course, new members or volunteers are always welcome.

Freedom Fund Awards Dinner

ITH A THEME OF “THRIVING THROUGH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP,” NAACP Branch 1082 hosted their Freedom Fund Awards Dinner Friday November 24, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, all attendees were invited to join in singing of the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The focus of the program was to honor Veteran members of the branch. A video presentation set to music, developed by Dr. Carla Yates, played tribute to the many men and women who had served. Retired teacher Gloria Roberts, her two daughters, two of her grandsons, and other family members were acknowledged as a gold Star Family, following the death of Tech Sgt. Isiah Roberts in 1969.

Keynote speaker Lt. Col. Michael Yates was introduced by his eldest daughter, Michelle, who read his long list of accomplishments both during and following his active military service. Lt. Col. Yates shared his wisdom and experience, making the point that we have to first find positive change within ourselves in order to change those around us. If we exemplify and live up to higher moral standards, others will emulate us. Next representing County Supervisor Paul Cook, Paul Marsh presented military certificates to all Branch 1082 members who had served. Another group of community members were recognized with awards and a chance to speak. Honorees included Deputy Sheriff Greg Jones, receiving the President’s Award; Regina Weatherspoon

Bell, receiving the Community Activist Award; Bishop David Denson, recipient of the Faith Award; Francis Lewis, honored with the Community Leadership Award; and Frank Kelly, receiving the Youth Engagement Award. After the benediction, which ended the formal program, and the Opportunity Drawing, the dance floor was open and quickly full, as people celebrated the accomplishments of the many people who were honored throughout the evening. A big thank you goes out to NAACP Branch 1082, and the Community Sponsors, for bringing the High Desert community together to honor our Veterans and other outstanding leaders.

Upcoming

Community Events

Mon. Jan. 8 - NAACP Victorville Branch 1082 general membership meeting- 6:00, all are welcome Tues. Jan. 9 - Friends of the Apple Valley Library meeting and program- 11:00, all are welcome Mon. Jan. 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March- Civic Center Drive- 9:30, all are welcome Sat. Jan. 20 - Fieldtrip tp Palisades Ranch Helendale sponsored by Mohahve Historical Society and Mojave Desert Land Trust-meet at 9:30 at the ranch (call 760-985-1918 for a reservation) Thurs. Jan. 25 - Mohahve Historical Society Meeting at Lone Wolf Colony- doors open 6:30, Program- Mojave Desert Land Trust, all are welcome Sat. Jan. 27 - Old West Days at the Victor Valley Museum- 11:00-4:00, admission will be charged, call the VV Museum for more information

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

The Civilizer

OF THE WEST

By John Wease

REDERICK HENRY HARVEY was born June 27, 1835. He immigrated to the United States from England with his parents in 1853 at age 17. He found a job scrubbing pots at the popular Smith and McNell’s Restaurant in New York City. He worked his way up through dishwasher, busboy, waiter, and line cook. He learned the restaurant business there. But, more importantly, he learned the importance of good service, fresh ingredients, and the handshake deal. He later moved to New Orleans and then to St. Louis where he worked in a jewelry store. He married in 1856. He started a café with a partner that was doing well until the Civil War began. The partner, a supporter of the Confederacy, headed south with all their money. Financially ruined, Fred began working for the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad which was later bought by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Once again, he worked his way up the corporate ladder. One promotion included a transfer to Leavenworth, Kansas. In this position, he traveled extensively by rail. He was disappointed with the very poor choices of meals available to rail passengers at that time. Passengers had to scramble during the short stops the train made to take on fuel and water, to buy what they could find and hurry back to the train. In 1873, he opened two eating houses with a partner, Jasper “Jeff” Rice. The eating houses were 280 miles apart along the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Although the restaurants did well, that partnership failed as well. Fred then took over the twenty seat lunch counter upstairs at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe station in Topeka, Kansas. The first thing he did was order new plates, linens, and flatware. And, of course, the food was made with the freshest of ingredients, and service was first class. The success of that one small lunch counter led to a handshake deal with the superintendent of the AT&SF to open a few eating houses along the railway. The railroad built the rent-free facilities and delivered fresh meat and produce in their Santa Fe Refrigerator Dispatch cars. The steam trains needed to stop every one hundred miles to take on fuel and water. By the late 1880s, a Fred Harvey dining facility was located at each one. At the time of Fred Harvey’s death, in 1901, there were forty-seven Harvey House Restaurants, fifteen hotels, and thirty dining cars serving his food. The railroad advertised “Fred Harvey food, all 24

January 2024

the way.” This was a play on their slogan “Santa Fe, all the way” that referred to the longest railway in the country. Fred Harvey is credited with creating the first restaurant chain. He also started the first chain of hotels. In reality, souvenir shops, book stores and newsstands could be included as well since all could be found at his facilities. His hotels offered fine dining to the middle class and upper-class travelers in dinner jacket required dining rooms. The elegant dining rooms were equipped with fine China dishes, highly polished silverware, and Irish linen napkins. More casual dining rooms featured large, horseshoe shaped counters that predated the iconic American diner. An 1880s menu listed a “blue plate special,” a daily special at a reduced price. Blue plate specials were widely known some thirty years later. Meals were organized to such a degree that hundreds of passengers could be served every twenty minutes. Fred Harvey is referred to by some as the founding father of the American service industry. His methods are studied to this day in programs of hotel and restaurant management, marketing, and advertising. He named his company simply “Fred Harvey.” This seemingly unimaginative name was a brilliant marketing strategy. After his death, his son, Ford Harvey, ran the company for much longer than Fred had.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

To the customers, they were still eating Fred Harvey’s meals, cooked and served the Fred Harvey way. Almost as though they believed Fred could stop by to make sure everything was done correctly. One of Fred Harvey’s innovations, and perhaps the best known, was initiated in 1883. Fred was a hands-on kind of leader. Never one to run his growing business from his home in Leavenworth, Kansas, he frequently visited his facilities. The story has it that he entered one of his restaurants one morning to find his entire male staff hungover, dirty, battered, and bruised, from an evening of drunken brawling. Someone suggested he hire women as they didn’t drink and were always on time. Okay, I’ll say it. Oh, how times have changed. Fred placed ads in midwestern papers for single, white women, ages eighteen to thirty. Other qualifications were that they must be attractive, of high moral character, intelligent, and with at least an eighth- grade education. For the contracted period of employment of six months (there are references of nine and twelve-month contracts as well) the young women would receive $17.50 per month, room and board, and “liberal tips customary.” Dormitory style housing was provided with a senior waitress serving as a dorm mother to enforce the strict curfews. The girls wore black dresses (no shorter than 8” off the floor, and in no way flattering) with stiffly starched white aprons. No makeup or jewelry was allowed. Hair was tied up and all wore a big white bow. Each of these “Harvey Girls” set tables precisely, kept silver polished, served customers in a professional manner without fraternizing. Thousands of eastern and midwestern girls went to the Wild West to become Harvey Girls. It is unknown how many found husbands among the business men and ranchers that ate meals in the Fred Harvey restaurants. It is said that having the Harvey Girls present created a mood of civility and helped maintain tranquility in dining rooms full of sometimes rowdy western characters. These classy young

women certainly played a large part in earning Fred Harvey the nickname of “civilizer of the West.” Fred Harvey played a large part in promoting tourism in the Southwest. From a small display of Native American jewelry in the Gallup, NM restaurant grew an industry of Native American jewelry, arts and crafts. Souvenir shops at Fred Harvey eating houses likely led to the numerous souvenir shops that were found along the old Route 66 and a decorating style known as “Southwestern.” The early Harvey Houses were simple wooden structures to keep costs down for the railroad. Near the end of Fred Harvey’s life, the railroad embraced more elegant styles. Spanish or Mexican-influenced designs that are now referred to as “Santa Fe” style. El Tovar, his elegant hotel on the south rim of the Grand Canyon was just breaking ground at the time of his death. Fred Harvey’s home in Leavenworth, Kansas is now the Fred Harvey Museum. A number of historical museums in the towns where his restaurants were located have collections of Fred Harvey memorabilia. One hundred and twenty-two years after his death, he has a large number of fans that call themselves “Fredheads.” Every famous person needs famous last words. There are two versions of Fred Harvey’s last words. Fred Harvey sold sandwiches to those that wanted something fast they could grab and go. Ham, or cheese, were the choices and made with three slices of bread. At fifteen cents, the sandwich was considered a great value. One version of the story is, as his sons stood around his deathbed, he said: “Don’t cut the ham too thin!” He was well-known for offering generous portions so this could well be true. The other version, related by employees was: “Slice the ham thinner, boys!” Either way, it is interesting to think of this English immigrant that embraced the American entrepreneurial spirit, created what would become the sixth largest food service company, and died concerned about ham sandwiches.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

. . . t ! u p o u s s i ’ n i l l fi Don’t m re

a s t n e ev

Friends of the Apple Valley Library 14901 Dale Evans Parkway Apple Valley, CA 92307

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Speaker: Sid Hulquist, Retired Apple Valley Fire Protection District Chief Topic: “Wildlife, Landscapes & History of the Mojave Desert”

Seniors With Inquiring Minds 9333 “E” Avenue Hesperia, CA 92345 Percy Bakker Community Center Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

January 4th Norman Bossom Hiking in the UK January 11 Tom Lecoq This-n-That #5 January 18 Jim Conkle, Staying Active & Happy in Old Age January 25 Plan B, again!

Happy

Widows or Widowers of High Desert Saturday at 9 am Questions call 702-526-6421 Trinity Lutheran Church, 16138 Molina Dr. Victorville January 6. January 13. January 20. January 27.

January 2024

New Years Celebration Otis Bigger will speak about the Tuskegee Airmen Breakfast at Denny’s on Main St. in Hesperia at 10 am TBA

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

E: kbmagill@hvvmg.com

Kathleen Magill, RN 800.655.9999

Health Educator hvvmg.com P: 760-261-6422 EXT. 4181 members@hvvmg.com

F: 760-269-1283 E: kbmagill@hvvmg.com

Senior Wellness Center Health Education 12408 Hesperia Rd, Door 28 Senior Wellness Center Health Education 12408 Hesperia Rd, Door 28

Senior Wellness Center Kathleen Magill, RN Health HealthEducator Education 800.655.9999 hvvmg.com members@hvvmg.com

P: 760-261-6422 EXT.Door 418128 12408 Hesperia Rd, F: 760-269-1283 E: kbmagill@hvvmg.com

Kathleen Magill, RN Health Educator

P: 760-261-6422 EXT. 4181 F: 760-269-1283 E: kbmagill@hvvmg.com

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

January 2024

ENJOY LIFE MORE IN 2024

Services Include: Joint Replacement Hand & Wrist Fracture Care Sports Medicine Spine Surgery

760.358.0936

1890 W. Main Street Suite #130

12490 Business Center Drive Suite #100

Barstow

Victorville

sportsmedorthoinstitute.com 28

January 2024

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Pulse Publications #23 - January 2024

Articles inside