Pulse Publications - February 2024 - Issue #24

February 2024 - Issue #24

Stories inside

PULSE PUBLICATIONS SENIORS, VETERANS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES

On Any (SUPER BOWL) Sunday at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner After surviving the holidays, I breathe a sigh of relief. We finally can get back to normal.

No more of the excessive candies, cookies, pies, and other holiday temptations.

There is a little bit of a letdown though. Maybe, that is why they load up February with celebrations and events. Some are bigger than others.

Complete article on page 12

Barstow Harvey Houses I wrote an article for the January edition of the Pulse about Fred Harvey, the entrepreneur that grew the Harvey House enterprise from a twenty-seat lunch counter at the AT&SF Topeka Kansas depot. When I visited the Barstow Harvey House, I learned it opened in 1911, replacing the previous building that was destroyed by fire in 1908. Both of these dates were after Fred’s death in 1901. The “Casa del Desierto” is considered the finest existing railroad hotel/depot in California. I had to wonder, what was the Harvey House like in Fred Harvey’s days?

Complete article on page 16

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

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Local Author’s Book Wins Award

We are blessed with many things in the High Desert, and among them is a writer’s club that meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Community Church in Jess Ranch on Apple Valley Road. Its membership numbers a little over a hundred writers, one of whom, a resident of Hesperia and former instructor at Victor Valley College, recently won top honors in the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, a writing contest sponsored by the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs (NABE).

Complete article on page 19

Inside: •

Student Stringers - Page 8

•

A Chat About Parkinson´s Page 11

•

Marcy’s Musings - Page 20

•

Don’t miss up... events are fillin’ up! - Page 26

Use the QR-Code to find us online.

ENJOY LIFE MORE IN 2024

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February 2024

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Editorial

I

T IS WITH GREAT PRIDE WE BRING THIS ISSUE of the PULSE to you. This is our 24th edition. We have come a long way since that first issue. As we strived to improve with each issue and will continue to do so with all future issues, we want to THANK all our readers and contributors, and most importantly our ADVERTISERS & SUBSCRIBERS. For without them there would be no PULSE. The fact that everyday another newspaper/publication ceases to exist for several reasons. We, at the PULSE, have found a NICHE market. There is an old and true saying about a publication, Content is King. Our awesome TEAM of writers and staff amaze me with their talents and commitment to the PULSE. My family and I are truly blessed to have all of you in our lives.

The success of the PULSE has led us to look at more ways to fill gaps in bringing you news, stories, and information. These include more social media presence and more publications. We are researching now in bringing out a bi-weekly, at first than going to a weekly publication, a source for local news. These new publications are in addition to our monthly PULSE. We are looking for more people to join our TEAM. We have openings for Ad Sales Reps and Reporters (for the new publications).

If your group or business are looking for ‘Speakers’ our TEAM, staff & writers, are available.

We plan on making 2024 an AWESOME year, please join us.

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

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

PULSE PUBLICATIONS TIFFANIE WILLIAMS 1 442 364 4884 Tiffanie@pulseofthehighdesert.info

Jim Conkle

”Good morning Jim, my name is Vickie Mckenzie. I live in Lucerne Valley, I love Lucerne Valley. I have read probably every pulse publication paper that has come out. I just finished reading the January 2024 publication issue#23. I have found that to be the most interesting Pulse publication, I have read so far since you started doing these. I picked this one up at the First Foundation Bank. Here in Lucerne Valley, yesterday.

I found every article in this paper to be enlightening and just so much information I thank you for putting this paper out for us, in the High Desert. I am not a writer, so my commas and periods are probably not writing correct lol. I just want to say thank you. I appreciate what you all are doing and continue to look forward to your writing. Happy new year to you and your staff. May God bless you all.”

Vickie McKenzie, Lucerne Valley

LORI WESTON 1 760 680 9472 Lori@motherroadenterprises.com

TOM SCHIBUSCH 1 760 559 9403 Tom@pulseofthehighdesert.info

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.

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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

Marcy Taylor

FullAdvocate Page: 14” High x110.25” Wide Parkinson’s 760 985 1918 eannminer@yahoo.com mltaylor@gmx.com Half Page: 6.25” High x 10.25” Wide 760-954-2859 (Horizontal Ad) 1/4 Page: 1/8 Page:

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Exploring the Impact of Romantic Relationships on Mental Health

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OMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS have long been a subject of fascination, embodying the complex interplay of emotions, connection, and personal growth. Beyond the realm of love and companionship, these partnerships have a profound impact on mental health. In honor of Valentine’s Day, it felt appropriate to discuss the intricate dynamics of romantic relationships and how they contribute to the well-being of individuals involved.

At the heart of a healthy romantic relationship lies a robust foundation of emotional support. Partners serve as pillars of strength for each other, creating a safe space to express vulnerabilities and share the highs and lows of life.

This emotional security fosters a sense of belonging and comfort, positively influencing mental well-being.

Intimacy in romantic relationships, both physical and emotional, has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall mental health. The release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” during moments of intimacy contributes to feelings of bonding and relaxation, counteracting the effects of stress and anxiety.

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February 2024

by Dr. Melissa Mischka, PsyD

Romantic relationships fulfill the fundamental human need for companionship. The absence of loneliness that comes with a fulfilling partnership can significantly impact mental health. Shared experiences, laughter, and the knowledge that there is someone to navigate life’s journey with contribute to a sense of purpose and joy.

While the positive aspects of romantic relationships are evident, challenges within these partnerships also play a crucial role in individual development.

Negotiating differences, resolving conflicts, and learning to compromise are opportunities for personal growth.

Overcoming relationship hurdles can lead to increased resilience and emotional maturity.

Effective communication is essential for any successful relationship. Partners who can express themselves openly and listen empathetically create an environment of understanding and emotional connection.

This, in turn, promotes mental well-being by reducing misunderstandings and fostering a sense of mutual support.

On the flip side, toxic romantic relationships can have severe repercussions on mental health.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Manipulation, control, or abuse within a partnership can lead to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Recognizing and addressing toxic dynamics is crucial for preserving mental well-being.

Maintaining a healthy balance between independence and togetherness is key to sustaining mental health in romantic relationships. While connection is vital, it’s equally important for individuals to nurture their personal growth, interests, and friendships outside the romantic sphere.

Romantic relationships play an important role in shaping mental health. From providing emotional support and reducing stress to presenting challenges that encourage personal growth, the dynamics of love and partnership significantly influence our well-being. Recognizing the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and the need for both independence and connection contributes to the creation of fulfilling and mentally enriching romantic relationships.

As we navigate the intricacies of love, acknowledging its impact on mental health is an essential step toward building resilient and harmonious partnerships.

The Funniest Guy I Know

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By Mike Apodaca

HERE ARE PEOPLE YOU MEET whose faces may be familiar, but, oftentimes, their names allude you. Charles Roedell is a retired teacher who will never be forgotten by anyone who has ever met him. He stands

out as one of a kind.

Charles and I taught together for nine years at Lime Street Elementary School in the Hesperia Unified School District over thirty years ago. Charles kept us all laughing. It was his superpower. He had an uncanny way of seeing the humor in any situation. He was fun to be around, even when he would find humor at my expense. His antics always left me in stitches.

Charles is one of those special people who has never lost his childhood heart.

Everything around him is a playground.

He’s a man of fun, who loves deeply, cherishes his family, and cares about schoolchildren. Even in retirement, he is a favorite substitute teacher in Hesperia.

Tragically, Charles was recently diagnosed with ALS. This news has unleashed an outpouring of love and concern from all who know Charles. The principal at Topaz Elementary School, Karen Prestwood, is spearheading special

events and fundraising for ALS all in the name of Charles Roedell.

The first event will be a special day at Chili’s in Victorville (11910 Amargosa Road) on January 29th. Just tell your server that you are there for the Charles Challenge and 15% of the proceeds will go to battling ALS. Next, there will be a Run-Walk-and Strength-A-Thon on February 3rd at Sultana High School in Hesperia from 11:00-1:00.

Use the QR-Code below to learn more.

Please join us in honoring a very special teacher and fighting against this terrible disease.

Extending the Season…

By J.P.Garner

It is the season to give and remember. The season to pray . . . and forgive. No greater gifts are there, I think—no better acts of love. We should grab those feelings and hold tightly to them because they are, quite simply, the gifts that should be given each day in the coming year. Time and forgiveness. They are the gifts most needed because we are all broken in some way . . . all flawed. We heal best when we come together, and we are healed when we are forgiven.

Hoo-ah!

I

’M DISTRESSED BY THE PASSING OF CHRISTMAS. Not depressed but missing it already. Sadly it comes but once each year. We celebrate it in many ways, and in the best place of all: our hearts. We gathered in homes and churches, town squares and city halls, and schools and shopping malls.

We walked briskly from store to store, looking for the perfect gift when the perfect gift is the time we give . . . the time we spend with each other.

Is there a better way?

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

February 2024

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The Truth about

Valentine’s Day A

CCORDING TO RESEARCH FROM THE BIG WIGS AT NASDAQ, Americans spent nearly 26 billion dollars in 2023 on Valentine’s Day. Wow! That is a lot of cash flying from wallets for one day per year telling a person you love them.

How about a text message? But, no television commercials insist there is so much more to experience on February 14th.

There are ads for pajama grams, nightgown grams, chocolate grams, flower grams, ham grams, and some grams that cannot be written about in a family newspaper. But, just let the imagination go for a few seconds.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69% of Americans are overweight or obese.

But yet we spend as a nation 2.5 billion dollars on chocolates for our loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

Artist’s rendering of what St.Valentine may have looked like (St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tacoma)

“Yeah, give me that box of bonbons,” one passionate patron may have said at See’s Candy. “My wife will love the fifteenpound box.”

“My husband loves sitting watching football for seven hours on Saturday,” a loving wife may say. “I’m sure he’ll work off that twenty pound box of big fat chocolate cookies. He gets up to grab a beer during quarters.”

I’m sure I will now receive nasty emails for these comments.

I am not mocking folks wanting to say they love their significant other on this 6

February 2024

Example of modern day cards.

made-up holiday each February, but come on - really, 26 billion dollars?

How about a nice picnic? How about a drive through the woods - and romantic things can occur there, as well as the picnic. Just bring a comfortable and thick blanket.

I recall giving my lovely wife, Laureen, a Tiffany diamond ring on our fifth Valentine’s together.

“It’s lovely,” Laureen said. “But a walk in the park holding hands would have been just as good.”

My bookie had already spent the money I had paid, so Laureen got both the walk and the ring.

Now, when I hear anything about Valentine’s Day, I immediately venture into the Hallmark World. I am not meaning to demean the Christmas Hallmark films I still tear up every time the female star breaks up with the male star and then miraculously makes up with him (the prince, the stable boy, the grocer, the lawyer, etc.) in the last ten minutes of the movie.

Who wouldn’t? Pass the tissues, please.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

B y John R Beyer

But what is the real reason for Valentine’s Day? A look back into history will enlighten anyone interested.

The ancient Romans had 12 main gods they worshiped. One such god was Jano, the goddess of love and marriage and the Romans celebrated her on February 15th each year.

There would be celebrations, bonfires, drinking, carousing, and everything else that goes along with love and marriage.

The original name of this festival was Februa, from which we get the name for the month of February. The name for these festivities was changed to Lupercalia and was supposed to not only honor Jano, but to purify whatever city was holding the party to promote health and fertility.

All was well until Emperor Claudius II Gothicus decided that it was fine for civilians to enjoy blissful marriages, but not soldiers.

It is rumored that he said, “A married soldier will be a weak soldier - so no marriage for you.”

It should be noted that Claudius II was also good at persecuting Christians wherever they could be found. Of course, this was the early days of Christianity and most services and liturgical readings were mainly done in silence, hidden away from such Claudius types.

One such Christian priest, Valentine of Terni - Terni being a small town 65 miles northeast of Rome along the River Nera - thought that was not a cool decision by the emperor.

In secret, Father Valentine would conduct marriage ceremonies for Roman soldiers.

He was eventually caught and jailed - and this is where it gets very interesting.

Valentine still ministered while in prison and in fact, the story goes he cured one of his jailer’s daughters of blindness.

The jailer was so grateful that he stated in perfect Latin, “It wassa miracle!”

Where Valentine simply shrugged his shoulders, “Well, yeah.”

After the miracle, Valentine actually fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and would write beautiful love letters to her.

But the romance didn’t last long.

Emperor Claudius II had had enough of

A company written love message for a special person.

this rogue taking up space in his dungeon and had him executed for sins against Rome on or about February 14th circa 270 CE.

The night before he was to die, the doomed priest scratched out one last note to his beloved and simply signed it - from your Valentine.

In 313 AD, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and a tale started that Emperor Claudius II could be heard screaming from his marbled tomb.

From the time of Valentine’s death, men and women continued to write love notes to each other on February 14th to commemorate St. Valentine - the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers.

Starting in the 17th Century, small gifts were often exchanged between lovers,

and this continued on into the 19th Century when greeting cards took over, allowing people to simply sign their names rather than take the time to express their own feelings.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday to tell your significant other that they mean the world to you. But so are the other 364 days of the year. And try getting a restaurant reservation on the 14th of February.

Laureen and I like to dine out on the 15th.

Or really any other day.

John can be contacted at beyersbyways@gmail.com

What is the Random Acts of Kindness Day?

O

By J.P.Garner

N ANY GIVEN DAY, much goes unnoticed on the busy streets of Times Square in New York City. Like maybe a homeless man without socks and shoes. People in the Big Apple are notoriously in a hurry to get someplace so they haven’t the time or maybe even the compunction to stop and help. It is the way of things in a city of millions that one in need goes unnoticed. A hungry dog might garner more attention than a veteran waylaid by life and circumstance.

But on the night of November 12, 2012—a frigid night in which the temperature had plummeted to the mid-30s—Officer Larry DePrimo was made aware of the man’s plight when he overheard a passerby chuckle about his predicament. DePrimo was on counterterrorism watch at his post on 44th Street and Broadway and, on investigating the report, he discovered Jeffrey Hillman, an Army veteran, propped up against a fence.

After speaking to the man, DePrimo went inside a nearby Skechers store and, using his own money, bought socks and a pair of size 12, all-weather boots. He returned to the man and helped him put on the socks and boots. A tourist named Jennifer Foster, who was visiting the city with her husband from Arizona, took a picture of the random act of kindness and reported it in a letter to the police department. They, in turn, posted on their

Facebook page and the picture and accompanying story went viral. In a matter of days, the post was viewed 1.6 million times.

Not all random acts of kindness receive such notoriety, but on Saturday, February 17th, we as a nation will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. The Random Acts of Kindness movement is believed to have started in the San Francisco Bay Area when, in 1982, journalist Anne Herbert published an article on the subject entitled, “Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty.”

Nine years later, a woman noticed the phrase scrawled on a warehouse wall and mentioned it to her husband, a seventhgrade teacher. He shared it with his students, one of whom told her father, a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. He, in turn, wrote about Herbert and her phrase.

The dominos continued to fall when Reader’s Digest published the story, which was reprinted by Conari Press and later, in February 1993, made into a book called, Random Acts of Kindness. Readers of the book were inspired to create local Random Acts of Kindness days which expanded into a national day of celebration in February 1995 that would occur each Valentine’s Day week.

According to Psychology Today¸ kindness is a value that is often disregarded. And mostly because kind people are sometimes viewed as “enablers,” or worse, as “suckers” by the cynical. The opposite is what is true. Kindness not only promotes gratitude in the person performing the act but also empathy and compassion, which, in turn, connects us to others. That feeling melds us together rather than divides us.

Kindness extended to the least of us—like the simple act of opening a door, paying forward for someone’s groceries, or in dramatic situations involving the homeless, buying them a pair of shoes—heals us and makes our sense of belonging strong.

We are better for it and should practice kindness every day and not simply on February 17th.

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

February 2024

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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 Music Concert and Art Festival

By Gavan Strauss

A

S THE FIRST SEMESTER of the 2023-2024 winded down and everybody was looking forward to winter beak and the new year, the music and art departments at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School worked together to put on a music and art concert/festival to showcase the many talents of the school’s students.

Before and after the music portion of the event, those in attendance could view the artwork that was displayed; some of the artwork was even for sale and people could vote for their favorite pieces. Those in attendance were very impressed with the quality of the artwork and with how well the musicians performed. It was very evident that the musicians had been

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February 2024

practicing and working very hard and that they had improved greatly.

In addition to the music and the art, there was another component added to the event that was unexpected by many.

Intermittently throughout the show, members of the school’s recently formed drama club put on performances ranging from ones that were melancholic in nature to ones that received laughter from the crowd.

The performances were well

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

received as they made the amazing event even more entertaining.

Overall, the event was a great success and an excellent example of the wonderful things happening at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School. According to Leon Willoughby, a sophomore who performed in the concert, “It was very inspirational playing in front of everybody.

I think it went very well.” Eighth grade student Emma Rogers added, “Although I was nervous, the experience was very exciting.”

Piñon Hills, CA

“Where the Desert Meets the Mountains” Remembering the inspiring Thomas Briggs’s Welcome Wagon introduced to Americans in 1928, the story which is worth retelling and imitating.

Somewhere along the way, the Welcome Wagon “tradition” fell to the wayside.

The Pinon Hills Chamber launches an adaptation of Briggs idea of meeting the community and introducing useful products.

The introduction of the Pinon Hills Cottage Industry neighbors and their trademark products/services to the public has been more of an annual shopping experience during Summerfest.

2024 is gearing up for change, Pinon Hills Chamber is moving forward presenting local business information to new and sequestered residents in a historic welcoming tradition. Become a Pinon Hills Member - Get noticed, introduce your business and your unique products to the community in a Welcome to the Neighborhood Basket.

We all consider our life here a great delight and think of Pinon Hills as unique, with self-reliant individuals and talented artisans. Please help Pinon Hills residents learn about shopping locally.

Chamber of Commerce Presents: Summerfest Cottage Industry Extravaganza Each June Vendors sign up now

Membership has its advantages: $24 annual Dues Business/Residents

Play Bingo!

Art Show each October at Phelan Phamly Phun Days Artists display your creative talent and win a prize

Interested players - Sign up! We’ll save your seat!

Multiple games and chances to win.

Advising players to reserve their seat as space is limited

CONTACT US

Pinon Hills Chamber

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

PO Box 720095 10405 Mountain Road Pinon Hills, CA 92372

760-868-7191 info@PinonHillsChamber.info

A college football game helped launch the 24-hour convenience store.

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HE COMPANY NOW KNOWN as 7-Eleven has a history of being ahead of the curve. Back in 1927, when its founders were running the Southland Ice Company in Texas, an executive recognized the potential of selling basic provisions like milk and bread alongside the ice blocks that were so essential to households in the days before refrigerators were common.

With a little company restructuring, the first convenience store chain was up and running. (The name was changed to 7-Eleven, a reference to the hours of operation, in 1946.) 7-Eleven invented the Slurpee. FACT FIB Ready to Reveal?

Confirm 66jimconkle@gmail.com as your email to reveal the correct answer. SIGN UP INCORRECT. IT’S A FIB Although “Slurpee” is a 7-Eleven brand name, the famed slushy soft drink is identical to the ICEE created by Dairy Queen franchisee

Omar Knedlik in the late 1950s. In 1963, 7-Eleven opened its 1,000th store, but a more significant milestone in the convenience store realm was also about to happen. Around this time, according to Oh Thank Heaven!: The Story of the Southland Corporation, one store located near the University of Texas campus in Austin found itself unusually busy in the hours after a school football game, to the point where employees never had

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the chance to shut the doors for the night. When this situation unfolded again following the next football game, the company’s brain trust sniffed a potentially transformative moment for the business, and established 24-hour shops near Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Meanwhile, another 24-hour experiment was unfurling at a 7-Eleven near the Strip in Las Vegas, a move that yielded an increase in profits and the surprise side effect of deterring burglaries. Eventually, both 7-Eleven and their competitors realized that it wasn’t just the ampedup college students and gamblers who sometimes needed a 24-hour pit stop, paving the way for the proliferation of these ever-open outposts to provide beer, chips, and a range of other goodies to help folks everywhere make their way through the night.

February 2024

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Auditions for the Sound of Music

R

EMEMBER JULIE ANDREWS SINGING, “The hills are alive with the sound of music?” The movie and the stage play on which The Sound of Music was based are classics.

All-time favorites. Here recently, auditions for a stage production of the timeless musical were conducted at the Performing Art Center at Barstow Community College are only four non-singing parts.” on January 16-17.

The production calls for a minimum of eighteen performers, which Ms. Ross says, “. . . is a bare minimum,” but of the large number of auditioners who appeared at the Center’s Black Box Theater, she ended up casting thirty-three. She also needs a large crew.

As she explains it, “[We need] people in the booth [doing] lights, sound, etcetera.

[We also] need a running crew [to do] set changes, a rigging crew to fly in scenery, and assistant stage managers. Then you have people to do the props, sewing, The classic stage play, scheduled to [building and painting] sets, hair & makeup, be performed during the period, April house management, poster and program 5-14, requires specific skills like singing design.”

After catching her breath, she summed and dancing. According to Amy Ross, the Director and lead instructor of the up the play’s needs by simply saying, Performing Arts program at BCC, “There “It takes an army of people to create a

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February 2024

PULSE PUBLICATIONS

By J.P.Garner

production.”

So, if you’re interested in being part of the magic of a Broadway-type musical, you can contact Ms. Ross at aross@ barstow.edu. “Our normal rehearsal and class schedule is Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. But people will only be called to attend only when they’re needed.”

Though rehearsals for the musical started on Monday, January 29, anyone with a desire to help make the musical special can still apply.

A Chat About

T

Parkinson’s

HE OLD APPLE TREE had stood its ground for five decades. Only a few branches yielded apples now, while the others dried out and occasionally fell to the ground.

A pair of woodpeckers found a hollow in the mother trunk and began clearing it out to make a nest, while I watched from the patio. Time after time, the mama bird disappeared down into the trunk, snagged a piece of debris, and reappeared in the opening to drop it to the ground. Meanwhile, the papa was searching for nest-building materials. The little home was soon complete.

Before long, four tiny new babies announced their arrival with tinkling chirps resonating from their sheltered bed inside the old tree.

Hey, caregivers. Have you heard of a “ludicrous Thursday lunch”? The rules are that it can’t be on Thursday, and it can’t be lunch. This means that we need to pause now and then and allow something to refresh us. I stand at my kitchen window and watch any of the more than 25 species come and snatch seeds from the feeders. Are the birds as happy as they look as they hop around the ground?

Then there are the thieving squirrels stealing the bird seed, or the bunnies frolicking in the early morning light. Even lizards can be entertaining. They dig holes so fast you can hardly see their feet!

Time slips by. Have I watched for 10 minutes? Two minutes?

I only know that I have taken a little break to revive my spirit for

by Ann Miner

the next task.

Precious caregivers.

Take care of yourself.

You work, you worry, you tend to the needs of another. In all cases, we try to keep life as normal as possible.

Wouldn’t a ludicrous Thursday lunch be a nice break now and then? It’s so important when we may be caught up in the details of living with Parkinson’s, caring for a loved one, walking through the routines day after day. Find something for yourself. A few minutes of contemplating on the formation of the cumulus clouds in our blue desert skies. Is that one an elephant? Is that a wren’s nest in the cactus? Look around and you will surely find something besides TV to give you a mental break.

Remember, you have friends who understand at the monthly Parkinson’s Support Group meetings - 1:00 pm on the first Monday of the month at Choice Medical Center, 19111 Town Center Drive, Apple Valley.

Everyone is welcome, PD or not. We have fun and informative meetings.

Ann Miner 760-954-2859 eannminer@yahoo.com. We can’t wait to meet you!

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

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February 2024

11

On Any (SUPER BOWL) Sunday

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FTER SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS, I breathe a sigh of relief. We finally can get back to normal. No more of the excessive candies, cookies, pies, and other holiday temptations. There is a little bit of a letdown though. Maybe, that is why they load up February with celebrations and events. Some are bigger than others.

at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner

Groundhog Day is nothing more than a few minutes on the news here. Maybe if we lived where they have severe winters, we would have more interest in a furry little animal that allegedly predicts the weather.

We do have four seasons here in the High Desert. Sometimes we experience all four in a single day.

Presidents’ Day is another non-event. It is a paid day off for many, but not a major celebration.

The original Washington and Lincoln birthdays were changed to one Monday federal holiday to honor all presidents, good or bad, living or dead.

For some it might be more than a big yawn.

The major celebration in February is Valentine’s Day. February 14 is a celebration of love and romance. It is a commercially huge day for any in the flower, candy, greeting card, or restaurant business. It may be the last bastion of oldon that day. And, if a man thinks a new fashioned, non-woke, gender identity. It vacuum cleaner would be the ideal way is largely up to the husband, boyfriend, or to demonstrate his love? May he rest in male significant other to spoil his partner peace.

The other commercially huge February event is the Super Bowl. Whether you are a football fan or not, it is a big deal.

Super Bowl parties abound. Many watch the game just to see the commercials or the half-time extravagant entertainment.

For the beer companies, it is one of their best sales periods of the year. When the players exercised their right to kneel during the national anthem, I, along with many fellow military veterans, exercised my right to no longer watch their games.

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February 2024

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By John Wease

However, on the morning of the Super Bowl each year, a local cultural event is by far my favorite option. I have visited the Prado Museum in Madrid to see the largest collection of art by the masters in Europe, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, so I know a little about culture.

Every Super Bowl Sunday it is possible to immerse yourself in the culture that Southern California in particular is best known for. I am speaking, of course, of car culture.

We love our cars. There are car clubs in many High Desert cities. There are clubs for enthusiasts of classic cars, customs, hot rods, resto-mods, low riders, and on

and on. The car clubs hold annual shows that are appreciated by enthusiasts, car owners, and just plain dreamers like myself.

Some shows restrict entries by types or years. Some are open to everyone including commercial trucks and motorcycles. Entries are judged by categories, and trophies awarded.

Many clubs, if there are no local shows, have get togethers at the local donut shop, pizza joint, or, if lucky to still have one, the drive-up hamburger stand. These are, of course, just excuses to drive their cars, and show off their rides to fellow enthusiasts.

One of these informal get togethers, and by far the largest I know of, takes place at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner in Yermo every Super Bowl Sunday morning.

Many dozens of vehicles line up, row after row, in the parking lot. One large dining room is reserved for car owners. isn’t an organized, juried show with prizes Car clubs take the opportunity to hand and entry fees, you find more “works in out fliers advertising their shows. As it progress.” It is a great place to see what is out there. From Model T’s to new Mustangs, “rat rods” to show-winning restored classics, hot rods to vintage big trucks, all can be found there.

I spend my time speaking with the car owners, while trying not to drool over their classic rides. The owners come from all over the High Desert and as far away as San Bernardino and Las Vegas. If you get there early, you can watch the cars arrive, like the swallows at Capistrano. It is fun to see the cars and remember the car your friend had, the car you had, or the car you dreamed of having, way back when.

And, I can’t imagine a better location for such a large, informal, gathering of car enthusiasts than Peggy Sue’s. The 50s themed restaurant is ideal as a large number of the car enthusiasts came of age in the 50s, 60s, or the muscle car era of the 70s. It is a very popular restaurant enjoyed by locals, tourists, and

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the countless travelers on the adjacent interstate. The restaurant began as a Highway 91 roadside diner in 1954. The diner had three booths and nine counter stools. It was built out of railroad cross ties acquired from the nearby Union Pacific rail yard.

Peggy Sue and her husband Champ met as performers at the Knott’s Berry Farm Bird Cage Theater. Peggy Sue went on to appear in movies. They purchased the long-closed diner in 1987. They wanted a place to display their large collection of movie and television memorabilia. Peggy Sue used her grandmother’s recipes and the little diner was a big success. They expanded the restaurant by converting an original attached apartment into the Purple Room dining room. The life-sized Blues Brothers perform perpetually there, never drowning out the 50s music in the background.

They continued adding on as the business grew. They added more dining areas, all with life-sized personalities like Elvis and Marilyn, a “five and dime” gift shop and old-fashioned soda fountain, a hand-tossed pizza restaurant, and behind the restaurant a park-like area. The park area has ponds and trees, giant dinosaurs, and one King Kong sized ape. They cleverly call it the “Diner-saur Park”. The walls of the restaurant are covered with movie posters and autographed photos of Hollywood and television personalities.

The waitresses are all in 50s era styles. The menu items are all named after different personalities, and portions are large.

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner is located at 35654 Yermo Road in Yermo. This year’s unofficial gathering of cars will be on Sunday, February 11. It is a great, laidback place to enjoy the morning visiting with friends, or making new ones. It is also an opportunity to embrace a little culture, Southern California car culture.

February 2024

13

Tarantula:

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HE MOVIE TARANTULA featuring the small desert town of Desert Rock, Arizona, and a giant tarantula was actually filmed in Apple Valley, California. Many of the scenes were shot at Dead Man’s Point.

It was the fourth biggest film at the box office in December 1955. The movie’s tagline said, “More terrifying than any horror known to man comes a creeping crawling monster whose towering fury no one can escape!”

The sci-fi hit was produced by UniversalInternational years before computer generated imagery became commonplace.

Other sci-fi movies, It Came From Outer Space, The Incredible Shrinking Man, and Creature from the Black Lagoon all come from that wonderful sci-fi director Jack Arnold.

ImDb explained the plot by saying, “A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.”

Remember, the road to hell is paved with good inventions. See what we did there?

Miners to Movies at Dead Man’s Point

and supplied booklets, commerative patches and t-shirts for the special event.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long before vandals defaced the monument with bright red paint on the concrete. Soon after the monument was re-painted, somebody attempted to pry off the spider web base along with sawing off the spider’s legs attached on top of the monument. They were apparently unaware the sculpture was reinforced with rebar deep within, and were mostly unsuccessful. One metal leg was hacked off but left behind at the scene of the crime.

Marcy Taylor, president of the Mohahve Historical Society, and owner of the Apple Valley Legacy Museum since 2015, was able to retrieve it at the site. The sculpture has since been reluctantly removed by a sheet metal worker at the behest of Mr. Parker to protect it from further attacks.

A more robust metal sculpture is currently being constructed by the artist. We hope it will return to its rightful place at Dead Man’s Point soon.

Composite photo of Dead Man’s Point from Bear Valley Road courtesy of John Earl, Google Earth and UniversalInternational, 2013.

Dead Man’s Point is a natural rock formation that lies at the junction of State Route 18 and Bear Valley Road between Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley about 11 miles east-southeast of Victorville, California.

How did it get its macabre name? The most popular theory is that nearby Dead Man’s Hills from certain angles resembles a man lying on his back with his hands clasped over his chest as if expired, although there were several unrelated men’s bodies discovered in the vicinity in the late 1880s.

The June 2023 edition of The Mohahve Muse reported Dead Man’s Point received a historical marker on April 30, 2023, called Miners to Movies erected by the Clampers (E Clampus Vitas.) Thank you to Dennis Parker, the Noble Grand Humbug, who constructed the creative metal sculpture 14

February 2024

Dead Man’s Point. Crossroads, Highway 18 and Bear Valley Road, 2013.

The spider that portrayed the giant tarantula later appeared in The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) as the Goliath spider threatening the diminutive man.

Tarantula grossed $1.10 million dollars, a figure quite impressive in the mid-1950s.

The pivotal scene at Dead Man’s Point was where an uncredited handsome young jet pilot saved the day by blasting the giant arachnid into smithereens. His name? Clint Eastwood.

Bonus Trivia: Experimentation with computer graphics and animation began as early as the 1940s. Leading the charge was John Whitney, a pioneer in digital art and animation, who experimented with mechanical animation techniques on custom-made devices built from WW ll

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By Jaylyn And John Earl www.thedesertway.com

anti-aircraft machinery. The first time that CGI appeared in a film was with Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo in 1958 and the use of patterns for a 2D animation.

Above Photo: Desert race at Dead Man’s Point in about 1969. The 15 year-old fellow in the dark leather jacket on the Triumph, briefly leading the pros, used to be me.

I think I finished this particular race second to last in my class, which is pretty much where I finished most races if I didn’t crash first. As I recall, there were about 400 or more riders in this particular race and “Rocket Rex” Staten was likely the winner, because it seemed he won most of them. ~John

Note: We were contacted by Cathy Wicks soon after we published this article.

It turns out the pro behind me in the yellow satin vest was her father, Carl Steven.

Cathy’s Mom, Vera, and Grandma, Gladys Smith, fondly known as Granny Honey, sewed vests for their motorcycle club, The Desert Challengers. That way they could identify them from the crowd of other riders. Sadly, Cathy lost her Dad in May of 2018. We’re glad our photo brought Cathy and her family good memories of race day with her Dad at Dead Man’s Point. ~John In real life, the California Tarantula , Aphonopelma chalcodes, also known as the desert tarantula, is a very docile native spider. Tarantulas are not poisonous to humans, though like all spiders they have venom that is effective on small arthropods for subduing their prey. While female tarantulas can live for up to 25 years, the average lifespan of the male is only seven or eight years.

Disclaimer: To our knowledge, Dead Man’s Point is on private property. The historic marker is opposite Dead Man’s Point across Bear Valley Road, where there is ample parking.

Directions: 24700 California 18 Apple Valley, CA 92308 Coordinates: 34°28’21″N 117°7’28″W

Coffee Grounds and Concrete

By J.P.Garner

L

EGEND HAS IT THAT COFFEE can trace its origin to an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi who observed that, after eating berries from a particular tree, his goats were so energetic, they didn’t sleep at night. He told an abbot at a local monastery about the effect the berries produced in his herd, who then fashioned a drink from the berries which, to his surprise, made him alert through long and arduous hours of prayer. Word spread of the discovery to Arab countries and eventually coffee became a popular drink in the civilized world.

So, if your day cannot begin without a cup of coffee, you’re among the millions of caffeine addicts in the world who consume roughly 2 billion cups of the stuff in a single day. What is not commonly known is that 2 billion cups of coffee each day produces 60 million tons of spent coffee grounds each year. A portion of this is smartly recycled as fertilizer while most of what’s left over is burnt off or compacted into landfills where, while it decomposes, produces methane.

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is reportedly 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat and impacting the world’s climate.

Like some kind of comic book superheroes, the scientists at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia discovered that roasting spent coffee grounds in the oxygen-free device produced a substance they called “biochar.” When used as a substitute for sand in the production of concrete, it increased the strength of the material by 30%.

In regular concrete, water is the secondlargest ingredient. It is absorbed by the cement over time, leading to a drying effect, known as desiccation, which often

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weakens the material by shrinking and cracking it at a micro level.

What the coffee grounds do as biochar is reduce this reaction. As the concrete hardens, the biochar slowly releases the water, which rehydrates the surrounding material, thus reducing shrinkage and cracking.

So, it’s becoming likely that the coffee grounds you toss each day are being reused in the foundations of homes, shopping malls, highway bridges, or to construct massive buildings. It’s not too much of a stretch of the imagination to look into the future and see where coffee grounds will be recycled on a massive scale like plastic bottlers.

February 2024

15

Barstow Harvey Houses

By John Wease

I

WROTE AN ARTICLE FOR THE JANUARY edition of the Pulse about Fred Harvey, the entrepreneur that grew the Harvey House enterprise from a twenty-seat lunch counter at the AT&SF Topeka Kansas depot. When I visited the Barstow Harvey House, I learned it opened in 1911, replacing the previous building that was destroyed by fire in 1908. Both of these dates were after Fred’s death in 1901. The “Casa del Desierto” is considered the finest existing railroad hotel/depot in California. I had to wonder, what was the Harvey House like in Fred Harvey’s days?

I grew up in the dark ages. That is to say, before the World Wide Web. If we wanted, or needed to research, it would require a trip to the library. Unless, of course, you had an older brother that had a summer job while in college selling encyclopedias.

Now, you can find just about anything with a Google search. You never know what is factual. Some of these information sites even include disclaimers that the

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information is not verified.

Fortunately, we have an excellent source of factual historical information right in Barstow. I am referring, of course, to the Mojave River Valley Museum. Along with their fascinating displays, their book store has hundreds of books about our local history. The volunteer docents are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share their knowledge. With a twenty-dollar museum membership, all books and gift shop items are ten percent off. It wouldn’t take long to pay for the membership that way. Serious researchers should know that they have an archive room in the back just chock full of information, some waiting for volunteers to sort through, organize, and catalogue it all. I knew exactly where to go to find out about the earlier Barstow Harvey Houses.

Fred Harvey, with a handshake deal made with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway superintendent, began building eating houses and hotels along the Santa Fe tracks, beginning in Florence, Kansas.

Prior to this, Stackpole and Lincoln operated eight eating house/hotel/depot facilities in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Plagued by fires and deeply in debt, their San Bernardino, Barstow, and Needles facilities were acquired by Fred Harvey in 1887. This first Barstow Harvey House appears in old photos to be a twostory brick building and was destroyed by fire two months after the change of ownership.

It was quickly rebuilt as a wooden structure and the depot as a separate

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building. This structure also burned in 1892. It was again rebuilt and included a hip roof design favored then by the railroad. This hotel and eating house would have been the last that Fred Harvey visited. At the time of his death, it would have had a small staff of a manager, a cashier, two laundresses, a baker, a cook, one maid, four Harvey Girls, a porter and a yardman.

Fred Harvey had a sweet deal with the railroad. The railroad built the buildings on their land and pretty much gave him a blank check to set them up and operate them. The railroad benefited as well. The Fred Harvey food and facilities helped to popularize rail travel. Barstow became a hub for rail travel, much as Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago are hubs for airlines today. Other rail companies established junctions with the main lines east and west of Barstow. The Randsburg Railway in 1898, Ludlow and Southern in 1903, The San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake (now Union Pacific) in 1905, and the Tonapah and Tidewater in 1907.

In 1908, the third Harvey House was destroyed by fire. By this time, the AT&SF was building more elaborate structures than the original wooden, quickly erected buildings. In 1910 they began a major upgrade at this all-important Barstow rail hub. Along with a new hotel, restaurant

and depot, they built housing for railroad employees, new machine shops, new power generating facilities, new oil and water stations, new automatic safety switches, a new round house, and new stone and sand storage facilities. While they were at it, they realigned tracks, filled low-lying ground, and even changed the course of the Mojave River. They added seven new passenger tracks and a track behind the building so food and supplies could be delivered to the loading dock.

The new buildings were made of reinforced concrete and brick.

The architectural style is described as a blend of “Spanish Renaissance and Classical Revival with Moorish hints.” My mother, if still alive, would describe it as “pretty fancy.” The complex was given the name “Casa del Desierto.” Or House of the Desert in Spanish. The style fits well in the desert location. All the buildings were connected by covered walkways.

The western most building was the “Reading Room.” This building was for the railway employees. In the basement was a dormitory. The first floor was the recreation room, library, and manager’s office. On the east end was a theater with monthly performances to entertain the employees and local residents. The performers included singers, theater groups, magicians, and acrobats, traveled by rail from one facility to another.

The central building was the depot.

Inside was the waiting room, ticket office, baggage room, Wells Fargo, and company office. Amtrak began using this building in 1971. The Amtrak Southwest Chief still stops there but ticketing is done online.

The stop now is only for passengers to embark, disembark, or to use the restrooms.

On the east was the Harvey House

Hotel and restaurants.

Entering the lobby there was a Fred Harvey sandwich, magazine, and souvenir shop. Ahead was the elegant stairway that led to the twenty-five guest rooms. To the left of the lobby was the casual dining room with a horseshoe shaped dining counter. To the right, the formal dining room, dinner jackets required. You can still feel the elegance. The copper light fixtures in both dining rooms, and the terrazzo lobby floors, make it easy to feel you are back in the golden age of rail travel.

The dining rooms are empty now except for those elaborate chandeliers and are now called ball rooms. Both are used for special events. Upstairs are city offices and the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. In

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the rooms facing the tracks are several company offices as well as the Goldstone Visitor Center.

The central kitchen and storage areas were behind the restaurants. On the west side was Harvey House employee dormitories. The basement was for male employees, the first floor for Harvey Girls. The second floor contained hotel rooms and connected to those over the restaurant. I have not verified this but believe the Route 66 Mother Road Museum is located in this wing now.

The northeast wing had employee lunch rooms, offices, storage and processing areas. If you visit the Western America Railroad Museum, the somewhat odd rooms off the main room are where these processing areas were located. An ice plant, meat butchering area, laundry, and an ice cream plant that produced from thirty to fifty gallons of ice cream each day all were located there. Along with being a passenger rail hub, the Casa del Desierto was a central kitchen that supplied the dining cars and other Fred Harvey facilities.

When people took to the highways in their automobiles, and air travel became affordable, the golden age of rail travel came to an end. During World War II thousands of soldiers were housed and fed there during their rail travel across the country. Santa Fe closed the facility in 1973. They tore down the Reading Room and announced that they would demolish the derelict old Casa del Desierto. It was an unwanted, attractive nuisance eyesore on their land and had served its usefulness. How the City of Barstow, the Mojave River Valley Museum, the son of a Harvey Girl, and many others came together to save the once great building is a story in itself. A story for another day.

February 2024

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A Casting Call in Daggett

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CTORS ARE AMAZING. They make the unreal believable and the real, memorable. Because they have worked so hard at perfecting their craft, they make what they do look easy—so natural—but it’s damn hard. Who can think of Patton, the general, and not see George C. Scott, the actor?

Or Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich from the movie of the same title? Their “acting” was so compelling and convincing that they became the people they played, and their image is forever embedded in our minds.

Background actors, however, are seen and unseen. Our focus is so locked onto the principal characters of a scene we are aware of the background actors only as part of the setting—as part of the backdrop to a scene—as they do not command our attention. And yet they are so vital to a story because they add realism to it. Even emotion.

That was the purpose of the Casting Call recently conducted at the Coolwater Plant in Daggett. Background actors were needed to play control room technicians and outside workers in hazmat suits in a short movie about a courageous woman at the center of a potential nuclear disaster.

The movie, entitled “JIN,” is about—and I quote from its logline—a Kurdish female researcher at UCLA, [who has] created the most advanced Artificial General 18

February 2024

Intelligence, [which has been installed in] a large colorful box she named JIN. [AGI hasn’t been invented yet, but in the movie, it] only operates within academic circles until a [nuclear plant leak occurs.]

The Coolwater Plant serves as the nuclear facility which, because it is scheduled to be torn down next year, the owners have allowed the production crew to refit as needed. “We can paint it blue if we want,” said Oscar Gervet, one of the movie’s two producers.

“Soon, JIN unveils the imminent threat of a nuclear explosion and recommends shutting down the plant, but [certain officials] refuse. Against all orders, Rozhin, [JIN’s creator] grants [the device] full access [to the problem] until one of the officials stops her.” To know the rest of the story, you’ll have to see the movie which the short film, scheduled to make an appearance at festivals in March, hopes to generate interest in. The 18-minute film, which is a “pitch” for a feature film, packs a punch.

Seven players were selected on the first day of the audition, one of which was Gil from Barstow, a student at BCC. I could tell from his broad smile he was elated to be in the film. He was chosen to work three days. When asked why he had made the drive from Barstow, he said, “I’ve wanted to act since I was one year old.”

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By J.P.Garner

His answer surprised me. That he had fixed a path for his life at that young age and has stuck to it in the twenty-four years that followed was impressive. Being cast as a control room technician in a sci-fi thriller has only increased Gil’s dedication to his goal of acting and to his choice to attend UCLA’s theater art program. That he knew that at one year old is a testament to the power a movie can have.

But for Hamoun Dolatshahi, the writer and director of JIN, the movie set in the future is about the present . . . about having the courage to do the right thing in the face of oppression. In the movie’s pitch, Houman who was raised in Iran as well as Turkey and the U.S., explained his motivation. “Iran is experiencing a woman-led revolution that has resonated around the world. Many women in my family are risking their lives to stand up to the Islamic regime, fighting for freedom.

Their courage and stories are heroic and inspire me in the making of this film. “Jin” means “woman” in Kurdish and the story is my tribute to those remarkable women.”

Remarkable women. Even here, in our small desert oasis, far removed from a world that views us as a pit stop for food and fuel, we are blessed with remarkable women who defy oppression and oppose corruption. Women not dissimilar from the women in Iran who face greater obstacles and greater threats. While JIN, the movie, might be a sci-fi thriller about one remarkable woman who risks losing her creation, JIN, the story, is about the many courageous women in Iran who daily risk their lives for seeking equality, freedom, and a voice with which to be heard.

Local Author’s Book Wins Award W

By J.P.Garner

E ARE BLESSED WITH MANY THINGS in the High Desert, and among them is a writer’s club that meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Community Church in Jess Ranch on Apple Valley Road. Its membership numbers a little over a hundred writers, one of whom, a resident of Hesperia and former instructor at Victor Valley College, recently won top honors in the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, a writing contest sponsored by the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs (NABE).

It was his first book.

Richard Spencer, who writes as Richard S. Thomas’ because, as he explains it, “. . . there’s already a Richard Spencer out there,” is also an award-winning craftsman with wood. He taught woodworking at the college for ten years after retiring. He started writing after leaving the college because he had few options when his vision started growing worse. “I have macular degeneration,” he said.

His first novel and the prize-winner in the science fantasy category, Earther Wizard, The Rise of Colin Duncan¸ however was the result of a dream he had for decades and finally “put pen to paper” in January 2022. He smiles when he admits, “If I had it to do over again, I would have started twenty years ago.”

His interest in science fiction and later the fantasy genre was spawned by his parents who encouraged him to read at a young

age. “I remember joining a subscription service in first grade. A book appeared in the mailbox once a month and I couldn’t wait to devour it.” Back then, the books he enjoyed the most were the ones about big adventures. “When I read my first science fiction story, I was hooked. I cut my teeth on Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Then graduated to Robert Heinlein.”

During his time in the Navy, leisure time was limited, but still, he read when he could. “During those years, my taste shifted to the spy thrillers of James Bond and Matt Helm. Later, it shifted once more to action and adventure fantasy. My alltime favorites are the Wheel of Time and Sword of Truth series.

Earther Wizard is his first attempt at science fantasy. The story—and I paraphrase from the book’s back cover— follows the adventures of Colin Duncan, a 27-year-old former Marine with no prior knowledge of a parallel planet that occupies the same space as Earth. A planet filled with dragons, wyverns, wood nymphs, wizards, and . . . magic! In this place, Colin is introduced to magic when a wizard steps into his bedroom through a portal in the middle of the night, intent on killing him.

In a running battle across two continents, he is pursued by wizards who see him as a threat to their power and a host of fearsome, shapeshifting, sentient, creatures who assist them. Colin’s only ally is Willowmae, a resourceful wood nymph full of surprises. To survive, he must become the Earther Wizard in a journey filled with discovery, betrayal, friendship, and no small amount of pain.

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When asked what inspired him to write this story, Spencer replied, “I dreamed of writing for decades. I would spend idle hours thinking about characters and plot lines. So, the idea for my first book was not a single inspiration or epiphany. It was more of a slow process or evolution of ideas over a long period of time.”

Spencer went on to explain how instrumental to his success were the people in the High Desert chapter of the California Writer’s Club. “I had been struggling on my own for about six months when I discovered the [the writer’s club.]

It is filled with people who love to write and love to help others write better. I was encouraged to join [a critique group] and at each meeting, the other four members, in the nicest possible manner, would take a machete to my [writing.] I learned more about writing from those folks in six months than most people learn in college in four years.”

Spencer is as much surprised by his success as he is overjoyed by it. Not only was Earther Wizard recognized with a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, but it was also acknowledged as a Finalist in the fantasy category of the prestigious American Writing Awards. Additional acclaim was bestowed at Amazon where his book has received only 5-star reviews.

His book is currently available at Amazon.

When he’s not writing, he will portal to monthly club meetings or materialize at the weekly Roundtable for Writers conducted from 8:00-10:00 at Corky’s Restaurant, the first Friday of each month, and every Thursday thereafter.

As an afterthought, Spencer admitted, “I have no formal writing education. In fact, I never attended college. But because of what I have learned from the people in the writers’ club and the validation I received from the contests, I will write two more books in the Earther Wizard series and I have two other series I’d like to develop.”

February 2024

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Mltaylor@gmx.com 1 760 985 1918

Marcy’s Musings The Victorville Lions Club Celebrates 98 Years

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OU MIGHT THINK THAT NOTHING MUCH went on a century ago in Victorville, then known as the town of Victor, a small railroad town near the Mojave River.

But some local citizens banned together and formed the Lions Club in the charter year of 1926 to improve the lives of residents. I was privileged to attend the 98th Anniversary Celebration and Open house of the Victorville Lions Club January 13 at the invitation of current President Linda Titus, also a Mohahve Historical Society member.

The service projects of today’s organization may be quite different than those of 98 years ago, but their goals are the same. The anniversary event, which was held at the Victorville Senior Citizens Club Center, included a nice luncheon, a presentation on the dangers of youth vaping, and an overview of the many worthwhile projects of the local branch.

With the state of the environment as one of the club’s concerns, two benches made of

recycled water bottles were presented to the Victorville Senior Citizens Center.

In addition, a “Happy Dollars” collection was taken to support a local Scout’s upcoming trip to England. And the program concluded with a blood-pumping drum lesson by Chazz, a well-known San Bernardino County Fair staple who hosts his yearly popular drum circles.

If you’re looking for a satisfying volunteer opportunity, the Lions Club could be the place for you!

Celebration for Jazz Musician Jimmie Smith

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T WAS A GLAMOROUS AFFAIR IN RED, BLACK, and gold at the Hilton Garden Inn Sunday Jan. 7 to honor the High Desert’s own Jimmie Smith. Billed as a late 85th birthday celebration, as well as a farewell concert by Jimmie Smith and Company, attendees, both local and outof-towners, were treated to music, tribute speeches, presentations, and a delicious buffet meal. There is not enough space in this publication to list Jimmie’s long line

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of accomplishments, but we’ll start with teacher, mentor, counselor, administrator, professional musician, choir director, church deacon, and family man. His awards, including The Jazz Living Legend Award from the City of Los Angeles, filled two tables.

Jimmie’s most memorable accomplishment, was, according to some, not the numerous stars and jazz musicians that he played with all over the country, but his creation of an outstanding youth Bell Choir. These young people, who performed both locally and on the road, never ceased to astonish their audiences with their professional dress, strict discipline, and amazing talent. More than one speaker highlighted this group, including his niece who uses the lessons learned in Bell Choir with her own students today.

After living and teaching in California, both the LA area and the High Desert,

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for most of his professional life, Jimmie, along with several family members, will soon be relocating to the Lone Star State of Texas, the place of his birth. Our loss, their gain! We wish Jimmie the best in the next chapter of his life.

Give Peace a Chance

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OHAHVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY members made their first appearance as a group at the 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Peace March that took place January 15, 2024, with the theme “Living the Dream: It Starts With Me- Spreading Hope, Courage, and Unity.” I’m sure Dr. King would have been more than happy to see the marchers of various races, ages, nationalities, and religions, representing a number of churches, organizations, and non-profits, come together for a common

Our thanks to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority High Desert Alumnae Chapter for hosting this important march and celebration once again. From the Victor Valley High School Air Force Jr. ROTC. to the three speakers (Rabbi Robert Bloch, Phillis Morris-Green, Esq., and Iman Yousef Farha), to the dynamic Burning Bush Church T and T Youth Choir, to the presentation by the Delta G.E.M.S., to the beautiful musical numbers led by LaMarche Mosley, the event was aweinspiring. One more plaque, number 10, was added to the Civil Rights Memorial near City Hall on Civic Drive, honoring NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, the subject of the winning essay by Discovery School of the Arts 5th grade student Sophia Burciaga. Please take cause, to celebrate diversity, and work to the time to visit the Civil Rights Memorial make Dr. King’s dream a reality, even in and read the ten commemorative bronze this time of political and social turmoil in plaques dedicated to America’s Civil our country.

Rights leaders.

Victor Valley High School Administration Building Gets a New Name

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N JANUARY 6, 2024, the City of Victorville and Victor Valley Union High School district were proud to honor the late Felix Diaz with a named building at the high school from which he graduated in 1953. The newest campus building now bears the name The Lt. Col. Felix G. Diaz Administration Building. It was quite a celebration, with performances by the

share memories of this influential Veteran, community leader, and educator.

To get more insight into the life and work of Felix Diaz, pick up a copy of his autobiography “Footsteps From the Barrio.” It presents the history of midcentury Victorville, the issues, customs, and laws of the time, and the unlikely chance that a boy from E Street should have a beautiful building on the D Street Victor Valley High School Cheer Squad, side of town named after him. the Victor Valley High School Drum Corps, the California Cadet Corps, and a Mariachi band, with school board members, local dignitaries, administrators, teachers, and school support staff, military, and a host of local residents and supporters all in attendance. Lt. Col. Diaz’s wide influence was clearly on display, as I looked around and saw attendees of various ages, races, and walks of life.

The ceremony ended with a barely visible sheet of canvas suspended from the roof being lifted to reveal the new signage at the top of the building. Following the unveiling, the crowd was invited to tour the building, enjoy refreshments, and

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Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Honored at Cowboy Christmas Celebration

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HURCH OF THE VALLEY, Apple Valley’s first real church, that got its start in 1947 in the Branding Iron Bar (of all places), took its members and guests on a walk back in time on Christmas Eve, with a Cowboy Christmas service honoring the Town’s most famous residents.

Yes, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans themselves hosted Christmas Eve services there

starting in the 1960’s. This year the “cover charge” was to show up wearing a cowboy or cowgirl hat. Yahoo! However, for those newcomers and city slickers who came without, the generous church members had a large number of bandanas and hats on hand.

Excitement filled the air as attendees posed for photos sitting on haystacks, enjoyed a ride on horseback, joined in the sing-along of traditional Christmas carols, feasted on donuts and hot chocolate, and enjoyed the fellowship in the worship tent and around the campfire. The spirit of Roy and Dale was certainly in the air on a beautiful still crisp desert evening, with a perfect view of the sun setting over Bell

On the Road to the Murray Ranch

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N THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, eleven High Desert residents, including six MHS members, braved the rain and the freeways for an educational and enlightening trip to the Peterson Auto Museum on Los Angeles’s Museum Row. Robert E. Peterson, publisher of “Hotrod Magazine,” who founded the Peterson in 1994, traces his roots to the High Desert, specifically Barstow where he grew up and graduated from high school. And yes, Barstow is a Route 66 town. So it only makes sense that the Smithsonian Traveling Green Book exhibit would make a three-month stop at the Peterson, from Dec. 16 through March 10.

Of course, our group was mainly there to see our very own Murray’s Overall Wearing Dude Ranch display, with information and artifacts provided by two MHS members: Fran Elgin from the Mohahve Historical Society’s History Room at the Victor Valley College Library, and Marcy Taylor from the Apple Valley Legacy Museum. Exhibit curator Candacy Taylor, also author of “The Overground Railroad,” spent several days here on the desert, researching the Murray’s history, exploring the former ranch property in the Bell Mountain area, 22

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and photographing the remains of the structures, reservoir, windmill, and cypress trees that define the property.

After meeting in the lobby area, the group’s first stop was the Green Book exhibit entrance, where we were welcomed by friendly docents who were happy to take a group photo. Marcy Taylor gave a brief overview of Victor Green’s travelers guides, the ranch history, her 10-year involvement in the Bell Mountain research project focusing on the homesteading families and the two-black-owned ranches, numerous presentations on the subject, meeting with Candacy, and the culmination in the creation of this traveling exhibit.

The Murray Ranch, located in what is now known as Apple Valley, formerly referred to as “the outskirts of Victorville,” was the only ranch in the display. There were many other exhibit sites to explore: service stations, hotels, rooming houses, barber and beauty shops, restaurants, and more, all welcoming minority travelers along the route. However, in some parts

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Mountain in the distance. MHS members Jada Kaltenbach and Marcy Taylor loved having the opportunity to include out-oftown relatives from Wyoming and Utah in a real good old-fashioned Apple Valley Cowboy Christmas.

A big thank you to the Church of the Valley congregation for keeping local history alive.

of the country, notably the unforgiving desert regions of Arizona and California, safe places were few and far between. So it’s no wonder that travelers were relieved to pull into the Murray’s, the only listing between Needles and the one site in Pasadena. That’s a long jaunt across the desert and down a mountain on the old Route 66. Some members of our group well remembered their parents carefully choosing destinations and stopping places for meals and overnight stays.

Prepared travelers carried food, water, bedding, tools, maybe a chauffer’s hat, and most importantly the “Green Book.”

To learn more, a lot more, purchase your own copy of the well-researched and detailed “Overground Railroad” by Candacy Taylor. You won’t find a better history of minority travelers during the Jim Crown years, their trials and tribulations, and ultimate successes-- finding freedom on the road with the invention of the automobile. Copies are available at the Apple valley Legacy Museum. (760) 9851918 for more information.

Our Desert Through the Camera Lens

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HERE WAS NO SHORTAGE of exciting history-related community events to attend this past month. The Jan. 9 Friends of the Apple Valley Library speaker, retired Apple Valley Fire Chief Sid Hultquist, shared his hundreds of breath-taking photos of desert landscapes and wildlife.

A self-proclaimed desert explorer, hiker,

photographer, and fearless adventurer, Sid is definitely enjoying his second retirement, and sharing his travels with local groups. Mohahve Historical Society was fortunate to host Sid as a speaker a number of years ago, and we will look forward to his return at our September meeting.

DVL Project Celebrates Dr. King Day in Style And joining her father for the first time was daughter Nayanna, currently on tour with Pink, whom you might recognize from her roles in “The Color Purple” and other productions. The Holleys ant their talented bandmates played to a packed house, that included many groups and individuals who had participated in the Peace March earlier in the day.

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T’S NOT OFTEN THAT YOU get a chance to attend a concert by the likes of Dorian Holley and his beautiful talented daughter right in your own hometown for the unheard of price- FREE! Dorian, who spent 27 years on tour with Michael Jackson, and performed with a number of other top name stars, made his fourth appearance Jan. 15 at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center for a Martin Luther King Day celebration sponsored by the Leaders, Visionaries, and Dreamers non-profit, and the Victor Valley College Associated Student Body.

Opening with a dynamic speech by Victor Valley College President Dr. Daniel Walden, and concluding with the presentation of certificates from a slew of local dignitaries to thank the awesome performers, all in all it was a High Desert evening to be remembered. A great big thank you goes out to to the event sponsors, the artists and quilters whose beautiful works greeted attendees in the lobby, the performers, all the DVL past honorees in attendance, including 100-year-old artist Sadie Patterson, and most of all the founder and CEO of the DVL project, Regina Weatherspoon-Bell, a real blessing to our community.

Upcoming

Community Events

Feb. 12 - NAACP General Membership meeting- Victorville Branch 1082 Office - 6 PM, 14240 St. Andrews Dr. Victorville Feb. 13 - Friends of the Apple Valley Library- Membership meeting - Apple Valley Branch- 11:00 AM, Program and refreshments Feb. 22 - Mohahve Historical Society Meeting- open to the public- Lone Wolf Colony - 7 PM doors, open at 6:30, speaker Tony Winkel - Mojave Water Agency - “Desert Water Supply and Concerns” (760) 985-1918 Feb. 24 - Mohahve Historical Society fieldtrip to High Desert Interpretive Center Trail- 10 AM, meet at 7620 Deep Creek Rd. Apple Valley (760) 985-1918 to sign up

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Fredrick Douglass

By Michael Raff Member of High Desert Califorina Writers Club mprseven@aol.com

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REDERICK AUGUSTUS WASHINGTON BAILEY was born into slavery in Maryland. It’s not known what year because records at that time were not usually kept for slaves. His mother was black and Douglass never knew who his father was but it was thought he was either white, or Native American. He was separated from his mother in infancy, and was only allowed to visit her a few times before she died. He grew up as property of the Auld family and was sometimes loaned out to other families.

When he was 12, he learned the alphabet and taught himself to read from the Bible. He was whipped by a “slave breaker” so terribly, Douglass later said, “it broke my body, soul and spirit.”

Douglass fell in love with Anna Murray, a free black woman. The fact that she was free intensified his desire to break his chains and in 1838, he escaped by boarding a train in Baltimore and fled to an anti-slavery stronghold. From there he sought refuge at an abolitionist safe house in New York City. His quest for freedom took a mere 24 hours. He soon married Murray, and they settled in New Bedford, MA, then Lynn MA. To help hide his identity, he changed his name from Bailey to Douglass. He became a licensed preacher in 1839, which helped him polish his oratorical skills. He became involved with several abolitionist organizations and this led to his being an anti-slavery lecturer.

At one lecture, an angry mob chased and beat him. His hand was so badly broken, that it tormented him for the rest of his life.

Douglass published his first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass in 1845. It’s his bestknown work. Some skeptics questioned whether a black man could produce such amazing material. It received mostly 24

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positive reviews and became a bestseller.

It was reprinted nine times and translated into French and Dutch. Most likely, the funds from his book provided the judicial means to gain his legal freedom. He went onto to publish two more autobiographies, each one expanding on the first. He traveled to Europe, lecturing for two years in England and Ireland. In England he said he wasn’t treated “as color, but as a man.”

In Scotland he was appointed Scotland’s Antislavery agent.

After returning to the U.S, Douglass started printing his first abolitionist newspaper, the North Star, its motto, “Right is of no sex ― Truth is of no Color ― God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.”

On the tenth anniversary of his escape, Douglass published an open letter to his former master. He condemned the man’s conduct but he also wrote that he had no malice toward him and “there is no roof under which you would be more safe than mine.”

Douglass also fought for women’s rights and was the only black man to attend the first women’s rights convention. He wrote, “We hold woman to be justly entitled to all we claim for man.” In 1851 he merged the North Star with the Liberty Party Paper to form, Frederick Douglass’ Paper.

The following year he gave his famous “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?’” speech, perhaps the greatest antislavery oration ever. Douglass encouraged blacks to be educated―what he viewed to be a key to equality―and advocated for school desegregation.

Douglass was the most photographed American of the 19th century and used photography to advance his views. He intentionally never smiled but looked into the camera as if to confront the viewer. By the time of the Civil War, Douglass was the most famous black man in the U.S― perhaps the world.

During the American Civil War, Douglass fought his own battles: for the equality of his people, voting rights for blacks and women, for the emancipation of slaves, and for blacks to be able to enlist in the Northern army. When the latter was accomplished, Douglass’s oldest

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son, served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, and fought at Fort Wagner. His son, Fredrick Jr. served as a recruiter. With the adoption of the 13th Amendment, Douglass said, “We were waiting and listening as for a bolt from the sky―we were watching―by the dim light of the stars for the dawn of a new day―we were longing for the answer to the agonizing prayers of centuries.”

During Reconstruction, Douglass received several political appointments.

When the Ku Klux Klan rose, he fought them by supporting Ulysses S. Grant’s presidential campaign, who passed the Civil Rights Act, aka, the Klan Act. This made Grant unpopular with whites but won praise from Douglass.

In 1872, Douglass became the first African American nominated for Vice President on the Equal Rights Party ticket. Throughout this era, he continued speaking, battling racism, and fighting for voting rights for blacks and women.

Douglass had five children with his first wife, Anna Murry. She died in 1882, and Douglass remarried to Helen Pitts, a white abolitionist.

The marriage stirred outrage and Douglass said that his first marriage had been to someone the color of his mother, and his second to someone the color of his father.

Moving to D. C. in his later years, Douglass was named Marshal for the District of Columbia by Rutherford Hayes, the first person of color to be named so. He was also appointed Recorder of Deeds for the district of Columbia. He continued his speaking engagements in the U. S. and also in England, Ireland, France, Italy, Egypt, and Greece. He spoke against the separatist movements, for which he was criticized by other leaders and audiences who booed him. He said in 1894, “I hope and trust all will come out right in the end, but the immediate future looks dark and troubled. I cannot shut my eyes to the ugly facts before me.”

President Harrison appointed Douglass

as the minister resident and consulgeneral to the Republic of Haiti, but resigned because Harrison intended on gaining access to Haitian territories.

meeting, Brown urged Douglass to join him on a raid to Harper’s Ferry. He declined saying the mission was suicidal. Brown was later hanged for his part in the raid.

On April 14, 1876, Douglass gave a speech at the unveiling of the Emancipation Fun Facts about Memorial in Lincoln Park. He received Fredrick Douglass a standing ovation and Mary Lincoln, He met with radical abolitionist, John supposedly gave him her late husband’s Brown a few times in 1859. At the last favorite walking stick.

In 1877, he visited his former slave master Thomas Auld on his deathbed.

The two men reconciled. Auld’s daughter, who had attended one of Douglass’s speeches, had set up the meeting, which is said to have given Douglass closure.

In 1899, a statue of Douglass was unveiled in Rochester, N. Y. making him the first African-American to be memorialized in this country.

What’s in a Name?

Mount Rushmore The iconic mountain that bears the giant stone faces of four U.S. Presidents is named after a lawyer from New York. In 1884, Charles E. Rushmore was sent to the Black Hills in South Dakota to secure land for tin mining (on lands considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux).

He spent many weeks exploring the area with guides, and at one point, he inquired as to the name of an impressive peak nearby. Since the mountain had no name, a prospector with him replied, “We will name it now, and name it Rushmore Peak.” From then on, it was referred to as Rushmore Peak, Rushmore Mountain, or Rushmore Rock. When the national memorial was finished in 1927, it officially became known as Mount Rushmore.

Crossword Puzzle

Play with it!

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Crossword Puzzle

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4

Down: 1. Rushmore or St. Helen’s 3. Mt Rushmore state to attribute kudos to a hat!

5. Mount Rushmore four 6. Mount Rushmore is near it 7. Clockmaker at Mt. Rushmore?

10. Mount Rushmore foursome Across: 2. President on Mount Rushmore 4. Washington and Jefferson’s Mt. Rushmore neighbor 8. Abraham’s neighbor on Mount Rushmore 9. Mt. Rushmore mate of Abe, Tom and George 11. Mt. Rushmore material 12. National park near Mount Rushmore 13. Where Mt. Rushmore is, briefly 14. First name at Mt. Rushmore Down:

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7 8 9

10 11

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Answers in the March issue

In the next issue, Alcatraz Island PULSE PUBLICATIONS

Across:

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. . . 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, February 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 1230 PM Speaker:

Topic:

Deputy Ryan Grissom San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept.

Apple Valley Station.

“Community Awareness”.

S.W.I.M.

Seniors With Inquiring Minds Percy Bakker Community Center

9333 “E” Avenue Hesperia, CA 92345 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM February 1 February 8 February 15 February 22 February 29

Norman Bossom - Your DNA Sandra De Fazio - Medicare 101 Ellie Orr - Parade of Pianos and Carlo San Paolo Leah McEntee - Dog sledding history and the Iditarod Alan Sharp - Norton AFB Clean-up

Senior Care Partners Networking February 14 Noon Sterling Inn Victorville

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February 2024

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Living the Dream

by Mary Langer Thompson

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HERE ARE MEN AND WOMEN w h o s e lives have changed the world forever.

In our country, we are blessed to have had many who are inspirations to us long after their passing. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one such person.

His message of equality and freedom resonates loudly at a time when freedom is at stake. On Monday, January 16, many residents of Victorville gathered at the Civic Center to celebrate his life, his message, and his impact on our world.

Among the attendees at the celebration were several members of the High Desert Chapter of the California Writers Club who participated in the 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Peace March presented by the High Desert Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The HDCWC was represented by Mike Apodaca, the chapter President, Terese Moore, Sheryl Lynne Thomas-Perkins, Samuel Lujan, and me, Mary Langer Thompson. Mike had placards printed that read HDCWC with our logo and “Giving Voice.”

The event’s theme, meanwhile, was “Living the Dream: It Starts with Me—Spreading Hope, Courage and Unity.” The march began at 10:00 a.m. with a line-up at Seneca and Civic Drive.

The walk was to the Civic Center where there were memorial plaques from 2015 honoring the winners of the annual essay

contest. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Carla Hamilton-Yates began the program and introduced Rabbi Robert Block who gave the opening prayer.

Victor Valley H.S. Air Force Jr. ROTC gave the Presentation of Colors and attendees were led in the flag salute and sang the National Anthem. There was Music by the Burning Bush Baptist Church T & T Youth Choir and the program ended with the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” Guest speaker Phyllis MorrisGreen, Esq. (Retired San Bernardino County Public Defender) talked about the importance of voting and gave statistics showing that more Blacks from various areas need to get out and vote.

She discussed service and everyone’s responsibility to do something for the larger community.

The winner of the Civil Rights Memorial Essay, Sophia Burciaga, came from the Victorville Elementary School District and was introduced by the Victorville Elementary Superintendent of Schools.

Sophia quoted from her essay. The closing prayer was given by Imam Yousef Farha, the co-founder, religious and social affairs coordinator of the High Desert Islamic Society in Victorville.

This year saw the largest number of people participating in the ceremony. Groups in attendance were acknowledged, including the HDCWC. This was our first year in attendance. It won’t be our last.

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Serving the Tri-Community

Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce membership drive revamping organization mission

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INON HILLS RESIDENTS ORIGINALLY organized to bring a myriad of talents and services to residents in 1934. In 1948, founders drafted mission goals to serve residents and the surrounding community. Today the Pinon Hills area is a bedroom community. Cottage Industry businesses with a full array of gifted Artisan’s live in the area.

The chamber mission statement continues to offer members the opportunity to grow. As we move into 2024, the Board of Directors are launching a membership campaign to introduce new residents to both the services and unique talents within the neighborhood, by bringing back an old concept. How many remember the Welcome Wagon tradition?

Somewhere along the way, the Welcome Wagon “tradition” fell to the wayside. Now, Pinon Hills Chamber and business

owners are bringing it back. Now called WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. It’s a way to say hello and welcome our new residents and businesses to the community. We will share all the amenities that Piñon Hills offers. More importantly, they will be interested in the organizations and businesses near their new home.

Businesses interested in participating in the “Welcome Wagon” program can donate gifts with a business card. It introduces all the business services we must provide here in Pinon Hills to help them navigate where things are.

We all consider our life here a great delight and think of Piñon Hills as the best place we have ever lived. Please help make our newcomers feel the same.

Welcome Wagon® was founded in 1928 by an insightful marketing man in Memphis, Tennessee, Thomas Briggs. Mr. Briggs was inspired by stories of early Conestoga “welcome wagons” that would meet and greet westward travelers, providing fresh food and water for the journey. He created Welcome Wagon® to embody this same spirit of warm hospitality and welcome. He hired “hostesses”, women who were friendly and knowledgeable about their neighborhood, to personally deliver baskets of gifts supplied by local businesses to new homeowners.

Over a cup of coffee, hostesses would tell the new mover all about their community while handing out gifts and coupons from local businesses. This hostess network expanded across the country until, aside from Briggs and just a handful of males, Welcome Wagon® became one of the first all-female companies in the United States.

Welcome Wagon’s personalized greetings and community information have touched the lives of over 100 million households, including American Presidents as they moved into the White House.

The home visits stopped in 1998 as an increase in two-income families meant fewer people were home to accept visits. Welcome Wagon® began greeting new homeowners through the mail with a gift of an attractive, customized Gift Book.

Although the day of door-to-door neighborly visits is a thing of the past, Welcome Wagon® is still committed to connecting with new homeowners through their mailboxes and online. The mode of delivery may be different than before, but the mission is still the same today as it was in 1928: Welcoming families to their new homes by providing them with information of the many local businesses and services that will benefit them as they settle into their new homes and communities.

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S.W.I.M. J

Seniors With Inquiring Minds

IM CONKLE, giving an upbeat lecture on not allowing age to be a hindrance when enjoying and exploring life.

Conkle, publisher of the PULSE newspaper, was guest speaker on January 18, 2024 for the monthly meeting of SWIM (Seniors With Inquiring Minds) in Hesperia, CA. He told the audience of his own aging and that it would not stop him in pursuit of new adventures, which included being the publisher of a newspaper, traveling literally non-stop to explore interesting locations, and left the audience clapping when he suggested they all follow suit. “Getting older happens to all of us,” he stated. “But that does not mean we have to get old in the mind.”

Jim Conkle, publisher of the PULSE newspaper, speaking at the SWIM (Seniors With Inquiring Minds) meeting on January 18, 2024. (John R Beyer)

Jim holding up the artwork of his friend Thomas O Nichols titled Burma Shave

Jim presenting to Congressman Jay Obernolte, twoartworks of Thomas O Nichols.

Thomas passed away theday before this presentation was held at the SWIMmeeting on Thursday January 25.

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February 2024

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H&R BLOCK

Could Send You to the Big Game in 2025

We are sending one lucky winner and their guest to New Orleans in February 2025!

Enter now to win the ultimate big game package! One lucky winner will receive $10,000 in Visa gift cards to be used for big game tickets, 3 nights of hotel accommodations in New Orleans, LA, and round-trip airline tickets for two. See official rules for terms, substitutions, and limitations.

Good Luck!

H&R Block and USA Today

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February 2024

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E: kbmagill@hvvmg.com

Kathleen Magill, RN 800.655.9999

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

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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

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February 2024

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Senior Kicks Club Join the FUN!

Exercise Classes Painting & Craft Classes Educational Workshops Social Get-Togethers Nutritional Lunch Mon-Fri Support Groups Senior Volunteer Group Doc Talks & MORE! Apple Valley 18564 Hwy 18, Suite 106, AV 19111 Town Center Drive, AV "Complimentary to All Seniors!

Thanks to Choice Medical Group!"

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You do not have to be a Choice Medical Group member to attend classes or to request help in our Resource Center.

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