Th E LAST T h REE MONT h S OF T h E y EAR , Oct-NovDec, referred to as Fall, is my favorite season. Full of memories as a young boy, US Marine, young family man and now a member of the senior generation. Reliving the sights & sounds of the people and holidays of the past and creating new ones.
Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday of the year. The reason goes back to my youth when all my family got together. Then as a young Marine no matter where we were a Turkey Dinner was served to us. Many times, it was cold-wet and limited but that didn’t matter being it was better than C rations. I hope all our men and women in uniform today are treated to such a feast.
For all our Seniors and Veterans out there, who do not have family to spend Thanksgiving with, there are many businesses, agencies and churches that provide a meal on Thanksgiving. Many local restaurants and diners have great meals also. Please reach out to our seniors and veterans at this wonderful time of the year.
Always remember to shop globally but BUy locally.
As you read the great articles be sure to also read the awesome advertisements from our advertisers.
Jim Conkle
Phelan, California: The High Desert’s Hidden Frontier
TUCKED ALON g T h E
WESTERN ED g E of the Mojave, where the San Gabriel Mountains meet the desert floor, sits a town that defines what it means to live wild, wide, and free — Phelan, California.Often overshadowed by its busier neighbors, Phelan quietly carries the heartbeat of the High Desert — a place where independence still matters, horses outnumber streetlights, and the sunsets could stop traffic if there were any.
Once called Sheep Creek, this area earned its new name in 1916, honoring James D. Phelan, a U.S. Senator from California. Back then, the community was
little more than ranchland and windmills, where water was hauled by hand and neighbors were measured by their handshake. Over a century later, that frontier spirit hasn’t faded it’s evolved.
Today, Phelan is home to families, farmers, veterans, and dreamers who choose space over sprawl and starlight over city glare. You’ll still find dirt roads and Joshua trees, but you’ll also find growing small businesses, community markets, and a thriving school district that brings the town together on Friday nights.
When residents voted in 2008 to form the Phelan–Piñon Hills Community Services District, they didn’t just create a local
agency — they drew a line in the sand for self-reliance. From managing water to maintaining parks and lights, the people of Phelan continue to prove that small towns can take care of their own. Out here, neighbors wave whether they know you or not. The air smells of sagebrush and freedom. And as longtime residents will tell you — if you’re looking for peace, space, and sky, you’ll find it right here in Phelan.
Because in the High Desert, the best treasures aren’t always the loudest ones they’re the ones that quietly stand the test of time.
By Tiffanie Nicole | Pulse of the High Desert
Marcy’s Musings Welcome to Daggett
"T
h E R AIL h EAD T OWN AND gATEWAy
TO T RANSCONTINENTAL
R AILROAD ," otherwise known as Daggett, California, was alive with activity at their annual Pioneer Days Celebration on Sunday September 21. Excited visitors, as well as hometown folks, lined Santa Fe Street, to hear the singing of "The National Anthem" that kicked off the 9:00 AM Parade. The lineup included a patriotic horse and rider, both sporting red, white, and blue; Grand Marshall Cookie driving an authentic Twenty Mule Team wagon; the Honorary Daggett Mayor cruising down the street in the souped-up red stagecoach; the Yermo School marching band; a number of vintage cars and motorcycles; a float full of life-sized sculptured jungle animals; and the Calico Jeep Club. Also on hand
were Police and Fire Department vehicles, and the Thomas Flyer (New York to Paris) touring car.
There was no shortage of entertainment and activities to enjoy the rest of the day. The docents at the Daggett Museum and Alf's Blacksmith Shop were anxious to share local history. Vendors of all kinds filled the park, where a number of parade entries were also on display. Visitors could test their skill at the rock climbing wall, or simply sit back and enjoy a snack and a beautiful autumn desert day.
The first place parade award went to Cookie and his Twenty Mule Team wagon, actually pulled by only two mules with a little help from a truck of a different era. What's up with that? I guess in a bad economy the other eighteen were too expensive to feed. I really enjoyed meeting Caitlyn, the real live great-great-granddaughter
Lewis Center Masquerade
Th E L EWIS C ENTER FOR E DUCATIONAL R ESEARC h definitely plays an important role in the history of the Victor Valley. The picturesque campus near the Mojave River serves K-12 students. Its second site on Thunderbird Road has been designated as an Historical Point of Interest in Apple Valley, not because of its age (it opened in 1990), but because of the significance of its unique partnership with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The school, also known as AAE (Academy for Academic Excellence), houses a full observatory with a computerized telescope, and a United States Air Force flight simulator.
of Seymore Alf, who came down from the San Francisco area to give tours of the Blacksmith Shop. And what a pleasure to see the old Chateau House visitor center with a fresh coat of paint and lettered to match the original 1926 signage.
Thanks, as always, to Daryl Schendel, the miracle worker who has worked for years to preserve the historic town of Daggett, for Dawn Regina for lending her artistic talent to spruce the place up, and all the other volunteers and participants who helped to put the celebration together. It was a great tribute to the mining and railroad history of the old Route 66 town of Daggett.
The GAVRT (Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope) project, in partnership with NASA and JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab), allows students across America to control the telescope at NASA's Deep Space Communications Complex at Fort Irwin, outside of Barstow, by connecting via the internet to Mission Control in Texas.
When I opened the Apple Valley Legacy Museum in 2015, Lewis Center CEO, the late Rick Piercy, was one of the first to set up a display. Last May a lucky group of Mohahve Historical Society members
got the unique opportunity to tour NASA's Deep Space Complex at Goldstone. In August we received an invitation to the Lewis Center's yearly fundraising gala, a Masquerade held on September 27th. Two members, Meera Maheswaran and Marcy Taylor, joined in the fun, to support the Lewis Center and the thousands of students, teachers, astronauts, and scientists who benefit from this one-of-akind educational institution, located right here on the Mojave Desert in Apple Valley.
Victorian Mansions and Cattle Ranches
"Th E P RINCESS OF S WEETWATER ," a historical fiction work written by Mohahve Historical Society member Therese Moore (aka Tess DeGroot), is now in the hands of many members who purchased the book at our September 24 meeting. One enthusiastic reader, Clara Petrosky, called me the next day to say she was already half-way through the 384-page riveting book, which kept her up until all hours. That encouraged me to pick it up Thursday evening after the Courtyard Concert. The first three chapters had me hooked. Therese's Wednesday nights presentation was equally compelling. Rather than telling us too much about the plot of the novel, she introduced us to the main setting, twentieth century Antelope Valley, home to cattle ranches, agriculture, and hardworking fun-loving people. A great deal of research went into the development of this book. As a
weekend docent at the Magnificent Villa Montezuma Museum in the Sherman Heights Historic District of San Diego, the author was already an expert on Victorian era dress and architecture. To insure that every detail of the desert segments were historically correct, she spent many hours in five different library systems, and visited early twentieth century places such as an historic hotel in Lancaster, the Kemper Campbell Ranch House in Victorville, as well as vintage school houses in Calico and Palmdale. The Floyd Tidwell and North Verde Ranches in the Victor Valley and the Butterworth Ranch in the Antelope Valley also served as models. As the transcriber of the interview of Tex Rankin, a Rancho Verde Ranch cowboy, (which appears in Mohahve VII), Therese was privy to his first person description of everyday life of the era.
Attendees at the presentation learned the real definition of a ranch, and the effect of water-sapping agricultural
operations on the cattle. We heard about jackrabbit roundups, the non-native invasive cottontails, and castration BBQs. We learned about water ditches, filigree grazing, and the yearly cattle drives to Big Bear.
That's enough of a teaser. Now it's time to pick up the book and travel back in time with the runaway princess on her new life adventure. Get your copy for only $15 at an MHS meetng or the Apple Valley Legacy Museum.
A Fieldtrip to the Other AV: Antelope
Valley
PART #3 OF OUR FALL Antelope Valley history lesson, courtesy of MHS member and author Therese Moore (AKA Tess DeGroot), was the Saturday, October 4th fieldtrip to the setting of her historical fiction book, "The Princess of Sweetwater." In case you missed it, Part #1 was her Sept. 24 talk at our monthly meeting. Part #2 was to purchase and read the book. (However, it's not too late to do Part #2.)
A small group of us headed out to the Antelope Valley Rural Museum, whose mission is preserving the history of the area "From Arrowheads to Aerospace."
To tell you the truth, that fascinating red
barn-shaped building located on the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, is probably the nicest and most well put together museum I've ever seen. The one-of-a-kind custom display cases, built by a volunteer cabinet maker, house amazing displays showcasing three facets of local history: the first, what started it all, the Rural Olympics Hall of Fame that developed into the museum; second, the important military history of the area, including an unusual display of thousands of hanging dog tags honoring lives lost; and last, the farming and ranching heritage, in particular that involving alfalfa and cattle. That is the Antelope Valley the Princess of
Sweetwater experiences when she steps off the train in this very unfamiliar place. The second stop for some of us was the Western Hotel Museum located in town on Lancaster Blvd. just one block
west of the train station. This hotel, first advertised in the August 23, 1888, edition of the "Lancaster Gazette," was the model for the hotel in the novel. The two-story structure, the city's oldest building, has been beautifully preserved and furnished, taking visitors back to the late 19th century era, the setting of the novel.
Thanks to the helpful friendly docents in these free museums, and to Therese for arranging this trip. If you missed it, the Antelope Valley Rural Museum is open the first and third Saturdays from 102:00; the Western Hotel Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays 11-4:00. They are both well worth the drive, so you won't be disappointed.
Forty Years of Reading and Research
AT T h E INVITATION OF N ICK
C ATALDO . President of the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society, on Sept. 29 I attended the 40th Anniversary of the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library in San Bernardino. My interest in the second floor Arda M. Henszel California Room was piqued when Mohahve Historical Society members met some of their volunteers at the past two San Bernardino History Day Celebrations.
The evening did not disappoint. It was a packed house in all the various rooms of the expansive library, on both the main
floor and upper level. Helpful librarians and enthusiastic volunteers, a magic show, the San Bernardino Youth Orchestra, and outside dining on a gorgeous warm evening all added to the experience. Nick's table in the lobby promoted the Historical Society and their many projects including Camp Cajon, the Railroad Station Museum, and the History House, as well as their monthly meetings and available reference books. So the next time you're "down the hill in San Berdoo" be sure to stop in and check out this fantastic library, serving the residents of the Inland Empire for the past four decades.
Local Job Opportunities
Th E hI gh D ESERT B LACK
Worker Center Expo created a lot of excitement on Saturday, September 27, at the Millionaire Mind Kids' site on 8th Street in Old Town Victorville. MMK students were easily recognizable by their bright yellow shirts. The occasion was the grand opening of the center, an organization "dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of minority workers in the High Desert." The large parking lot was full of organizations and businesses promoting events, as well as offering educational and job opportunities. A whole line of red tents represented the various departments of Victor Valley Community College, offering
potential students pathways to career success. These included Pharmacy. Phlebotomy, Automotive, Commercial Truck Driving, Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, and more.
Poised-N-Polished Corporation, a non-profit whose mission is to transform lives through education, wellness, and entrepreneurship, was easily recognizable by their hot pink pop-up. Volunteers Connie Williams and Ericka Ross promoted their upcoming "Warriors Wear Pink" event, celebrating the survivors of breast cancer. Thanks to community leaders Dolores Williams, CEO of Millionaire Mind Kids, and Public Defender Phyllis Morris Green, Ret., and all of the other volunteers and organizations who contributed to making this awesome worthwhile event possible. Let's encourage students and young adults to take advantage of the many opportunities the High Desert has to offer.
From the Front Lines to the Mess Hall: Troops Get Their Turkey Dinner
By Tray Folkner
EVER y Th ANKS g IVIN g, while millions of Americans gather around their tables for a hearty meal, the U.S. military works tirelessly to ensure its soldiers—whether stationed stateside or deployed overseas—can do the same. For decades, serving turkey with all the fixings has been a cherished tradition, symbolizing comfort, gratitude, and home, no matter where duty calls.
From the deserts of the Middle East to remote bases in Europe and the Pacific, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) begins preparations months in advance. Massive shipments of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pie are packed and shipped to bases globally. The DLA’s Troop Support division coordinates closely with transportation commands and field kitchens to ensure that everything arrives fresh and on time, regardless of the distance or danger.
In combat zones or aboard ships, where traditional kitchens may not exist, military cooks improvise. They work with limited equipment, converting makeshift areas into dining halls filled with the aroma of roasted turkey. Commanders often serve meals to their soldiers, a custom meant to show respect and appreciation for those under their leadership.
This Thanksgiving, the DLA is estimating nearly 700,000 pounds of food to be prepared, including over 6,000 whole turkeys, 176,000 pounds of beef, 98,000 pounds of ham, 49,000 pounds of shrimp, and 46,000 pounds of sweet potatoes, along with thousands of cases of pies, cakes, and eggnog. That’s enough to serve tens of thousands of troops, bringing a taste of home to those serving far from family.
As soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines across the world carve into their turkeys this November, they can take comfort knowing families across America are doing the same. Keeping alive a time-honored tradition that nourishes both body and spirit.
26th Annual Main Street USA Festival
By John Wease
ANNUAL EVENTS CAN BECOME REPETITIOUS and boring. We often hear this year’s will be the best one ever. I have been to a few Main Street USA Festivals. The one held this year on October 11 was truly the best one ever. There was an air of energy and excitement. Non-stop entertainment kept us moving between the car show and the latest presentation. Although many contributed to making this year’s festival a great success, I was not surprised to learn that the event coordinator was none other than Rose Beardshear. Rose’s infectious energy is largely responsible for how the Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival has become a regionally popular event attended by thousands.
The Main Street USA Festival is held each year on Main Street in Barstow’s “Old Town.” Main Street USA refers to the iconic Route 66 that connected Main Streets in many cities in the eight states it passed through. I can think of no better location for a car show. The Saturday Night Cruisers have hosted the car show for twenty-six years. It is one of my favorites. All vehicles are welcome so you can see everything from rat rods to restored classics, hot rods, customs, and low riders.
New Life Fellowship church served a pancake breakfast as a fund raiser. It was a great way to start the day. They also hosted the National Miss Route 66 Pageant. Kristine Watson began the Miss Route 66 Pageant in 2001. It is a popular and fun tradition and under Kristine’s leadership it gets bigger and better every year. This year was extra special as the winners will wear their crowns and sashes for the 2026 centennial celebrations of Route 66.
Rose lined up as Master of Ceremonies the YouTube travel blogger “Wonderhussy.” Wonderhussy is a social media sensation with thousands of followers. She could be seen all day shooting videos and posing for photos. She specializes in quirky desert locations and events. How could she not have been thrilled to have been invited to the Main Street USA Festival?
Musical entertainment was exceptional. Tiffany Hilarides of the Pit Stop arranged to have Ryan Bodine perform live throughout the day. Ryan is a rising star in the country music world. He was raised in Newberry Springs and has been performing at many venues in the Barstow area as part of his “Hometown Tour.” His soulful songs and traditional country style make him a fan favorite wherever he performs. Between
sets, the DJ’s Legacy Entertainment LLC kept the tunes playing for us.
If marching band music is more to your liking, Barstow High School marching band put on an impressive performance. They marched in and played several songs. The band was accompanied by the flag twirling students of the pep flags squad. It was nice to see young people so dedicated and to see what they can accomplish as a group. It was nice to see they could put their phones down.
There were other groups throughout the day, I only saw the end of a performance by very young cheerleaders. The crowd surrounding them blocked everything except the tops of their pom poms but judging by the applause they were great. I made sure to wait in a choice spot to watch the Route 66 Tappers so I would not miss their performance.
The Route 66 Tappers are a group of young ladies from 38-86 years old. They practice tap dancing as exercise every Monday evening at Dana Park. They were all dressed as Rosie the Riveter in matching outfits. They did an amazing job getting their kicks, dancing to the song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” while actually on Route 66. Jane Laraman-Brockhurst is the leader and dance instructor. Great job Jane.
Along with the entertainment, there were vendors and information booths. Also, a nice food court for food vendors and a beer garden. Vendors were organized by HD Family Events. The most popular photo spot was in front of the Route 66 mural by Ray Valles. If someone tells you next year will be even better, well, I don’t see how.
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A Brilliant Night in the High Desert
By Cindy Bostick
WE ’ RE STILL g LOWIN g from the magic of our White Diamond Gala on October 11th, held at the Victor Valley College Educational Event Center. What an unforgettable evening celebrating courage, compassion, and community!
This year, we had the privilege of honoring ten incredible women — Kirsten Acosta, Brisa Alfaro, Ramona Evey, Candace Howard, Dorothy Lett, Melanie Lovingood, Dr. Elan Mohanty, Janis Parker Pressley, Dawn Quigg, and Donna Rollins. Each woman’s story moved us deeply. Their strength, perseverance, and impact remind us why we do what we do — to lift one another higher and to shine light where it’s needed most.
We are deeply grateful to our top sponsor, First District Supervisor Colonel (Ret.) Paul Cook, as well as our Preserver and Defender sponsors, including Choice Medical Group & Physicians Network, Desert Valley Hospital and Medical Group, and SOL Radiology. All of our valued sponsors are listed on the Todayswomanfoundation.org website. Their belief and trust in our mission helps us continue the vital work of Today’s Woman Foundation — from our Bundles of Hope gift boxes for women in cancer treatment, to scholarships at Victor Valley College, educational workshops, and advocacy for survivors through our SART volunteer work at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
The evening overflowed with love, laughter, and inspiration. Guests shared that they left feeling hopeful, renewed, and proud to be part of something so meaningful. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, the dance floor came alive with a fun “Boots on the Ground” celebration!
To everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, or cheered us on — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You helped make this
gala not just an event, but a moment of community, resilience, and shared purpose.
Please save the date of November 1, 2025, because we’re hosting a powerful SCAM PREVENTION WORKSHOP at the Hesperia Library from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Visit our website to register or send a message to Todayswomanfoundation@gmail.com. Together, we are proving that when women rise, the world shines brighter!
Gratitude Through Grit: The High Desert’s Thanksgiving Story
FROM h OMESTEADERS TO h I gh WAy TRAVELERS , the High Desert has always found a way to give thanks.
Before shopping lines, football games, and parades, Thanksgiving in the High Desert was built on one thing gratitude through grit.
When homesteaders and ranching families first settled across Victor Valley, Lucerne, and Apple Valley in the early 1900s, the desert demanded resilience. Families shared wells, traded goods, and leaned on neighbors when the winds turned cold. And when Thanksgiving came, it wasn’t about fancy feasts, it was about community.
Local histories tell of simple gatherings around wood stoves and campfires where settlers brought what they had: biscuits, beans, fresh game, or a pie baked in a wood oven. Tables were mismatched, meals were modest but hearts were full.
By the 1940s and ’50s, the holiday had evolved into community wide events. Churches hosted turkey dinners, civic halls opened their doors, and families traveling along Route 66 found hospitality waiting in small town cafés.
Today, that same spirit continues. The Victor Valley Rescue Mission, High Desert churches, and countless volunteers serve thousands of meals each year carrying forward a century-old tradition of giving thanks and giving back.
The High Desert may be rugged, but its people remain rooted in gratitude proof
that kindness can thrive even where rain seldom falls.
Thanksgiving Through the Decades
1910s The
homesteader’s Feast
In the pioneer days, Thanksgiving meant coming together for survival as much as celebration. Ranchers and miners shared what little they had biscuits, beans, or a roast jackrabbit. Families invited drifters or lonely travelers to join their tables. Community meant everything when the nearest store might be a full day’s ride.
1920s – growth Along the Rails
As the railroad expanded and desert towns began forming around Victorville and Barstow, Thanksgiving dinners started popping up in community halls and small churches. The new “rail families” brought traditions from back east pies, hymns, and table blessings blending them with the rugged Western spirit.
1930s – hard Times and Shared hope
The Great Depression and Dust Bowl brought hardship, but also unity. Families fleeing the Midwest found refuge in the desert, often welcomed by locals who had little more than kindness to share. Thanksgiving potlucks were common, with everyone contributing something a pie, a potato dish, a prayer. Gratitude was the glue that held the desert together.
1940s – Faith, Family, and Fortitude
By Tiffanie Nicole | Pulse of the High Desert
World War II saw High Desert families sending sons and daughters overseas while defense plants and bases began to shape the region. Thanksgiving became a time to honor servicemembers and pray for their safe return. Churches hosted dinners for soldiers stationed nearby a tradition that lives on at places like George Air Force Base’s former chapel gatherings.
1950s – Route 66 and the Open Road
As Route 66 brought travelers through Victorville and Barstow, roadside diners began offering “holiday plates” for those far from home. Families gathered after church at local cafés, and civic halls hosted free community dinners. Thanksgiving was a chance to show hospitality the desert way.
1960s–1970s
– The Modern Community Table
The post-war boom brought new neighborhoods, schools, and churches. Potluck Thanksgivings became neighborhood staples. Veterans’ groups, scout troops, and women’s clubs led food drives for the less fortunate. It was the beginning of what we now think of as the “High Desert community spirit” grassroots giving without fanfare.
1980s–1990s
– Tradition Meets growth
As the High Desert expanded, so did its heart. Nonprofits like the Victor Valley Rescue Mission, Desert Manna, and faithbased groups began organizing formal Thanksgiving meal programs. Radio stations and grocery stores teamed up for turkey drives, proving that even as the desert grew, it never lost its neighborly core.
2000s–Present – gratitude Under Desert Skies
Today, Thanksgiving here means both reflection and recreation. Families gather for feasts, off road rides, and hikes through Mojave Narrows or the Deep Creek trails. Schools organize food drives, small businesses host coat collections, and volunteers deliver meals to seniors and veterans.
The landscape may have changed but the heart of Thanksgiving in the High Desert remains the same gratitude for what we have, and generosity toward those who have less.
Hartwick’s Market: Barstow’s Hometown Grocery That Built a Community
By Tiffanie Nicole
BEFORE T h E BI g- BO x STORES and interstate exits, Barstow’s Main Street was the heartbeat of the High Desert a stretch of sun-baked pavement lined with mom-and-pop shops, neon signs, and the kind of hometown pride that time can’t erase. And at the center of it all stood a name still fondly remembered by locals: Hartwick’s Market.
Long before supermarkets became corporate chains, Robert E. Hartwick a civic-minded grocer who later served as Barstow’s mayor opened a small produce stand on Main Street in the early 1930s. With crates of fresh fruit, friendly service, and hand-painted price tags, Hartwick’s quickly became more than a business; it became a gathering place. Travelers along the Mojave roads, railroad workers, and local families all stopped in to shop, swap stories, and support a neighbor.
By the 1950s, the family’s enterprise had grown into a modern grocery store at 740 West Main Street, complete with sleek midcentury architecture, polished floors, and the cheery slogan painted across its wall: “It’s fun to save.” A 1958 Desert Dispatch ad proudly listed its number “Phone 2224 or 2225” the same digits seen on the yearbook pages that captured its heyday. Inside, the Produce Department overflowed with apples, oranges, and melons beneath hand-lettered banners, while clerks weighed goods on hanging scales and knew nearly every customer by name.
Hartwick’s wasn’t just where Barstow shopped it’s where the town connected. Families gathered there after church. Soldiers stationed at Fort Irwin picked up Sunday dinners. Kids pressed their faces to the glass candy counter, clutching coins and smiles. In every sense, Hartwick’s Market was a cornerstone of desert community life.
As the town expanded in the 1960s, the Hartwick family grew with it opening another location on East Main Street that continued serving Barstow’s families for years to come. Even after ownership changed hands, locals never stopped referring to it as “the old Hartwick’s building,” a testament to the family’s impact on the community they helped build.
Today, the structure at 740 W. Main Street still stands — its bones and brickwork echoing the optimism of Barstow’s midcentury boom. Though the signage has changed, the spirit of Hartwick’s remains woven into the town’s story: a reminder of when Main Street was the marketplace, neighbors were family, and the High Desert was finding its heart.
Pulse of the High Desert
Slowjamastan: No Crocs Shall Pass
Wh ERE DOES ONE g O when they have a yearning for foreign adventure and new unexplored territory? We have always been fans of international travel and seeing the world. To be candid, we have never traveled outside the United States nor do we currently have passports. Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men. We found a global solution practically in our backyard in the form of a landlocked micronation called the Republic of Slowjamastan, on a desolate stretch of Highway 78, practically a stone’s throw from Ocotillo Wells, if you’re Superman, and a scenic commute from the Coachella Valley. When we heard about a call for action by The Sultan seeking foreign aid in the way of people picking up roadside litter, we knew it would be a great opportunity to learn all about Slowjamastan and The Sultan, himself.
The Republic of Slowjamastan is an 11acre micronation that was purchased for $19,000 dollars after The Sultan, a world traveler who has been to every country in the world, was inspired when he visited the tiny Republic of Molossia.
Founded by Kevin Baugh near Dayton, Nevada, in 1977, it claims sovereignty over
11.3 acres. Molossia is not recognized by any other sovereign states but functions with its own government, laws, currency, and national institutions, serving as a blend of personal sovereignty, creativity, and political satire.
By Jaylyn And John Earl www.thedesertway.com
Some sources claim there have been as many as sixteen micronations within the United States. The exact number fluctuates as new micronations are founded and others fade away. Micronations are not recognized by international law or any United Nations member state.
There is no exact or official number of micronations in the United States, but a 2025 World Population Review report listed nine micronations in the U.S., including the Republic of Molossia, Conch Republic, Nation of Celestial Space and Republic of Slowjamastan.
Micronations, by definition, are not based in law and their activities do not grant any actual immunity from the law. In the case of Slowjamastan, its illustrious leader makes sure everything is tongue and cheek with a healthy dose of good humor. The ruling Sultan’s real name is Randy Williams, who lives in San Diego.
You may wonder how someone with such an obviously American-sounding name was bestowed with a foreign royal title. Since a micronation makes its own rules and laws, Randy, a popular slow-jam disc jockey, self-proclaimed himself The Sultan, enhanced by a feigned foreign accent, official looking uniforms and a devoted entourage from all walks of life.
The Sultan and a work party keep the land in excellent shape.
An audience with the Sultan
We need to point out an important distinction between micronations and sovereign citizens. The former are selfdeclared, unrecognized nations that mimic the structures of real countries while sovereign citizens are individuals who believe the existing American government is illegitimate and that they are exempt from its laws and jurisdiction. Neither will get you out of a ticket.
The concept of a micronation may seem mysterious, even nefarious, but the Republic of Slowjamastan is an open book with an ever-growing fan base of loyal citizens. The Sultan claimed he had ambitious plans for his country’s development, like a Lazy River and later, in a sense, he delivered.
While it is true there are no buildings in remote Slowjamastan, it does have a security office, gate, signage and a growing list of on-property sites. The Sultan regularly receives emails and phone calls from people from all around the world asking if they can live in Slowjamastan, but he politely informs them it is impossible. As of July 2024, the number of citizens was more than 19,000. Citizens of Slowjamastan are known as Slowjamastanis.
Like any other country, Slowjamastan has withstood attacks from foreign adversaries with ill intent against the Motherland. On December 14, 2024, two male adults accompanied by minor children, crept into the unoccupied Slowjmastan under the cover of darkness, broke into a locked structure, stole stuff and vandalized property. One man even encouraged his reluctant children to participate. A beloved mannequin on the property was never seen again.
Their dastardly deeds were all caught on security cameras, so it didn’t take the Sultan long to figure out who the culprits were. Not to mention, the henchman in the affair literally left his calling card, a spraypainted Instagram name. The Sultan contacted both men. The authorities and
the Sultan agreed not to press charges in exchange for an apology and restitution. May we suggest parenting classes.
More fences and cameras on the property have been installed thanks to a generous crowdfunding campaign of Slowjamastan supporters. All of their names, including ours, now appear on a plaque proudly displayed at the gated entrance.
When we arrived in Slowjamastan on a sunny morning in May, there were already a handful of interested participants of all ages gathered around The Sultan’s stately outdoor desk receiving a safety briefing and equipment to do the job safely. Near the desk was a relic from the past, an actual working payphone.
A majestic Slowjamastan flag undulated above in the warm Spring breeze. Road captains were introduced and plans were clarified. The Sultan, while still looking sharp in a more casual uniform than his formal dignified regalia was welcoming and funny. He revealed his intentions of offering free Slowjamastan passports in exchange for sweat equity.
As the blazing sun rose higher in the sky, we ventured out of Slowjamastan onto Highway 78’s shoulder with our trash bags, gloves, day-glow vests, extended arm grabbers and good attitudes. The Sultan led by example and was no slouch when it came to pitching in.
We proceeded to fill our bags with trash that terrible humans had carelessly tossed from their vehicles, enjoyed the vast desert vistas and kept an eye out for each other if anyone needed assistance, like offering cold water. I brought along a bag of tangerines which we dispensed.
Very little traffic passed us during the next couple of hours, as is typical for the remote area. Those few wide-eyed ones who did slowed down and waved. We crossed the road. By the time the party concluded, we were hot and sweaty but there was no trash in sight on either shoulder near Slowjamastan.
If you were wondering, Slowjamastan does have laws contrary to American ones. For instance, wearing Crocs anywhere in the country of Slowjamastan is strictly prohibited.
Offenders will have their Crocs confiscated and will likely have a speedy jury trial made up of their grinning Slowjamastan peers.Penalties could involve a brief stay at the pillory, but it is seldom used and when employed, only in jest. However, its presence reminds passersby that Slowjamastan’s laws should not be disobeyed. Visitors get a kick out of volunteering for photo ops in it though.
A pillory is a punitive device made of a wooden or metal framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head
and hands, used during the medieval times. Although people may refer to the formidable apparatus as stocks, it differs. A pillory is considered more severe. Other laws consist of not biting string cheese. Protocol stipulates it is to be peeled and nibbled, not chomped like a mad man. The Sultan publicizes banishments for offenses from refusing to shake The Sultan’s hand, to failing to provide raccoons with a grub smorgasbord.
As for its politics, Slowjamastan is a self-proclaimed dictatorship, although a benevolent one where a suggestion box is sometimes passed around for ideas. Slowjamastan has its own collectable stamps and currency, the Duble, featuring, who else, His Excellency The Sultan. The micronation also has a national anthem.
Slowjamastan’s national mascot is the raccoon, which is sometimes specified as a ringtail, and appears on the micronation’s coat of arms and teal flag.The eye-masked creature is depicted holding an axe and surrounded by the sun. The design of Slowjamastan’s flag began in the summer of 2021.
In one of its many quirky rules, Slowjamastan has a law that makes it illegal to “molest, taunt, or feed” the national animal. The raccoon embodies the satirical, fun-loving spirit of the project. We had been admirers from afar for years and were honored to finally meet His Excellency, The Sultan of the Republic of Slowjamastan in-person and present him with our Desert Way decal. The Sultan kindly bestowed upon us Slowjamastan passports as a goodwill gesture between nations, which as self-proclaimed desert ambassadors, we appreciated very much. Thank you, Your Majesty.
We witnessed small parties of curious visitors greeted by The Sultan during
Many thanks to the Sultan for allowing us to add our decal to the National Phonebooth.
Presenting gifts to the Sultan
our diplomatic visit. The official language at Slowjamastan is English (GFA) with a general foreign accent, so there are seldom communication barriers.
The Sultan is friendly and gregarious, welcoming everybody while explaining the history of Slowjamastan and patiently answering questions. Every visitor left smiling after their chance encounter with royalty. One cannot help but to like this man and his performance.
Slowjamastan is a developing country who takes its self-defense seriously. A sand submarine called the SS Badassin, a steel submarine designed to protect the land from smuggling “Crocs” via a nearby waterway, even though it is landlocked in a desert, is prominently displayed. It was introduced to the “Royal River” by the micronation’s leader and is named after the capital of Palmerstan, a state within Slowjamastan. Visitors can climb a staircase and stand atop the sub. The Sultan has his eye on bigger bodies of water and expects the Salton Sea will someday be renamed the Sultan Sea in his honor.
The Republic of Slowjamastan has thirteen states that surround its capital, Dublândia. These states were originally created by the micronation’s founder, Randy “R Dub!” Williams, and some of them have been named through public offerings and sponsorships. All states, with names like Field of Dreams, Bucksylvania and DonSamWadi, have their own governors. Currently, four states within the Republic of Slowjamastan are available to rule. Does Slowjamastan ever encounter genuine controversy? In a nutshell, sometimes. The Republic of Slowjamastan, a self-described micronation and performance art project, generates “controversy” as a form of humorous, satirical content.
While it has faced criticism from other micronations and has had staged
“disputes,” these events are part of its satirical identity rather than genuine, serious international incidents. For example, the Sultan responded to criticism from the Emperor of Stomaria, who called Slowjamastan a “joke” nation, by creating a music video mocking the emperor.
The satirical nature of Slowjamastan’s “controversies” makes it difficult for a real-world, non-humorous scandal to arise. As a performance art piece, its absurd policies—such as a law requiring people to clear a microwave’s timer—are intended to mock the peculiarities of actual governments and human behavior.
The Sultan takes his leadership responsibilities seriously and attended the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., in July 2024. He was given a guided tour of D.C. landmarks, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, by WTOP reporter Matt Kaufax and a National Park Service ranger. The visit aimed to gain publicity for the micronation of Slowjamastan, promoting its unique culture and laws, and to assert the Sultan’s presence on the international stage.
Nevertheless, real controversies have occasionally arisen. Even genius’ sometimes get misunderstood. The Sultan educated local students during a civics lesson about micronations while in his official regalia, which was well-received by students and teachers. However, a parent reportedly took offense and alerted the media before the issue was amicably resolved.
During a different appearance at another high school, a Slowjamastan “Porder Batrol” car was spotted in the parking lot and caused a minor ruckus when Slowjamastan Chief Porder Agent Mark Corona, who was accompanying The Sultan, was briefly mistaken for a federal ICE agent.
Remember when the Sultan promised to bring a lazy river to Slowjamastan? On August 26, 2025, the project held its Grand Opening thanks to a flash flood flowing through the heart of Slowjamastan during a monsoon. A catchy bluegrass song and funny reel ensued on the auspicious day. Seriously though, attempting to cross a flash flood by foot or vehicle is highly discouraged.
Visiting Slowjamastan without official permission or a guide is forbidden, although taking selfies in front of the border signs is encouraged. The micronation’s signage reminds visitors it is protected by “landmines and wild raccoons.” The best time to visit is during one of the sporadic events Slowjamastan sponsors, like we did. Sign up for their free newsletter to keep up with the latest haps.
Maybe we should start our own micronation near Slowjamastan, called Crocastan, just to stir things up a tad. I can really rock a tiara. Just kidding (wink, wink), Sultan, we love ya! In the meantime, we’re proud Slowjamastanis and have passports to prove it.
And remember…“We can dance if we want to. We can leave your friends behind. Because your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance, well, they’re no friends of mine.” (Courtesy, Men Without Hats –The Safety Dance)
Directions: About 15 miles east of Ocotillo Wells on the north side of CA-78.
Visitors are given ample warnings about Slowjamastan customs and laws.
As the day come to an end, the Sultan and his subjects strike the colors and prepare to move onto a music venue in Borrego Springs.
When approching the border, it's best to hide the Crocs.
MAGIC
IWAS UNSURE W h AT TO E x PECT
Usually anything can happen in the annual Battle for Axe and often does. It’s the oldest rivalry game in California and one of the oldest in the country, between the High Desert’s two oldest high schools.
Victor Valley was so highly touted by the local newspaper. It was David, with a record of 2 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, versus an undefeated Jackrabbit giant on their home field. After a run of two straight victories, and both shutouts, I kinda thought our luck might have run out against a greater foe. How wrong I was and gratefully so.
Barstow be BAD!
The magic that was conjured up at Jack Moore Stadium last night was as unexpected as it was marvelous and supremely joyful. I cheered so excitedly in
the second half I felt like I was watching my Sooners beating Texas. The magic came in four forms: a fumbled punt, a defense that stifled the Jackrabbit attack, an offensive line that sliced and diced the men in black, and a young man named Nick Gaoa. He was the smallest player on the field but he had the biggest impact on the outcome of the game. He certainly ran for 100 yards, maybe 200, I didn’t keep count, I was so immersed in the action. The 54-yard touchdown run late in the game probably pushed him to the higher number and, at the same time, applied the finishing brush stroke to what was a work of art.
Coach Nathan Stone was the artist who’s brush strokes as the play caller in what turned out to be a thing of beauty was simply brilliant. The Barstow offensive line made it easy to call the same play over and over from what appeared to be a Full House formation, or maybe it was a Wildcat with Gaoa at Quarterback, receiving a direct snap.
They were a beast of mythical proportions, knocking back Victorville’s defensive line and creasing the defensive front. Barstow seemed unstoppable in the second half until they stopped themselves with a couple of penalties. But even that did not quell their passions or blunt the energy with which they mounted an assault on the team predicted by many to win.
Sportswriters? What do they know of
By J.P.Garner
football or hitting between the hashmark or of rivalry games that are, in themselves, a measure of a team’s season. Magic can happen in an instant that flips the momentum in a game and it did last night when the Aztecs scored just at the close of the first half. Not to be discounted, Barstow's defense smothered the Rabbits’ attack that in the game’s opening series which lead to their only score, seemed invincible.
Unknown to our opponent and to their utter dismay and eventual disappointment, Barstow’s defense, after not playing the previous week, was adjusting to the speed of the game which is different from that in practice. They were getting their game legs and getting pissed off so that our rival from a bigger town had no response to a late-game interception or a daring and successful onside kick after a touchdown.
At the 3:47 mark in the game, the Victor Valley Jackrabbits, the better team on paper, knew they were defeated. They had no heart for a comeback. They were shell-shocked and wanting the nightmare to end.
Such is a Friday night under the lights. Magic can happen and often does. It did on October 3rd in the 103rd edition of the Battle for the Axe when the smallest player on the field, along with his teammates from the smallest town in the High Desert, pulled off the biggest upset, 21-7.
Grave Issues at Barstow’s Cemetery – Part One
By J.P.Garner
TWO T h IN g S ARE KICKIN g A S h LE y TARPLE y’ S BUTT.
The homegrown General Manager of Barstow’s cemetery explained that, basically, the two issues confronting her operation out on Irwin Road are appearance and money. Appearance because it’s not green and many residents grumble about that. And then there’s the money thing because, like with everyone else, she doesn’t get enough of it.
But when you meet Ashley Tarpley, you’re immediately impressed because the Silver Valley graduate exudes the confidence of someone with a clear vision of what needs to be done and how to do it. She’s no rookie at managing businesses. But her acumen in that area is an underpinning for the warmth and concern she extends to all who have lost a loved one and come to Mountain View Memorial Park.
She sees people at what might be the worst time in their lives.
And then, when you listen to her plan and what she’s accomplished in under two short years, you quickly realize that she’s not only up to the challenges at a cemetery dating back to the 1930’s (and earlier actually), but she’s the one kicking butt.
“I have experience in management,” she explained. “I've done it for other businesses. So, they brought me in [with the] hopes that I could help [because] this place was being mismanaged. [I came] in the middle of the landscaping project. The place was a mess.”
The “mess” she referred to is, in part, the massive and total change over from a green and pastoral setting to a droughtresistant—and money saving—landscape. When asked if the makeover is at the top of the list of challenges she’s dealing with, Ashley grinned and replied, “Yes. Many people are upset about the loss of the grass and the trees.”
I could understand that as I thought back to when I entered the cemetery and was greeted by a bland and blond landscape dotted with grave stones. It’s not what you’d expect from a cemetery. Ashley then explained what initiated the need for the drastic makeover.
“The trees, [for one thing,”] she said, “had to be removed because of the drought. They were not native to the area, so they were already dying. And the roots were lifting the ground because they spread underground. You can't have that in a
cemetery. It was destroying sites, which people don’t realize.”
But the real reason for the “mess” was the water bill.
“During the drought, even though the trees were already drying out, [and] the grass was dying, the bills were at twenty thousand dollars per month,” Ashey recalled. “The [management back then] were told they were still using too much water. They were actually shown a report that showed the water usage and [they were] asked to cut back even farther.
“Well, the vegetation was already dying at that point. So, they were brought the proposal from the Mojave Desert Water Agency, to do a cash for grass grant, and convert the landscape into desert landscaping. The water bill is now nineteen hundred dollars per month.” she added with a sigh of relief.
“There were two grants for the project,” she further explained “One for the grass and the other for the conversion. That was five hundred thousand dollars. Somewhere in that range [of] five-hundred and thirty thousand or something close. And that's been spent. The majority of it [went] to this section, the oldest part of the cemetery, which is complete. That was done before I ever came on.”
A few calculations reveal that the money saved is the difference between $140,000 per year and $19,280. That’s a huge chunk of money for an operation that draws no funding from the city it serves or the county within which it operates. Ashley says that other cemeteries have done what Barstow has and for the same reason. The national Veteran’s cemetery in Bakersfield for one, and there’s another down the hill. “And other cemeteries up here will [eventually] go to desert landscapes [as well.]”
And, if you give it some thought from their perspective, it’s really no different than what many Barstow residents have done with their yards since the drought, once they started getting their water bills. It simply makes good business sense and it is why the cemetery is still in business.
Having explained the gut-punch that forced the cemetery to roll up its sleeves and change with the times, Ashley perks up as she prepares to describe her plan for the future. We go for a tour of the place and the first section we come upon is where babies are exclusively buried. It is
neat, clean, and orderly. Like a veteran’s cemetery except it had no crosses to mark the burial sites. Some grave stones only had a single date because the baby didn’t
live beyond that day. I was moved by that, having just met my great grandson and marveling at my good fortune.
We then strolled to where veteran’s are buried. The area is segregated from the other sections by a fence with large metal discs that bear the insignias of the different service branches. The fencing was donated. As were the drought-resistant vines that will be installed throughout the cemetery and, Ashlley adds, “. . . the trees we put in now will [also] be drought tolerant and native to the area, so we won't have the root issue.”
When Ashley looks out over the cemetery now, she takes in the changes being made and sees where the cemetery will be in a couple of years. Residents accustomed to what it was, don’t see that. When she explains what changes are coming, she’s how the cemetery will be transformed into something better . . . something aesthetically beautiful and, most importantly sustainable.
“Succulent plants are in the front already, and you can see the yuccas, the birds of paradise. So we're trying to use stuff that
has a lot of color to help bring some life back to the area. The other problem that people don't understand is [that,] when you first plant [something] like the trees, you're not getting full grown trees. They have to start as babies and they're not mature yet.
“People have said, well, there's no trees. There are trees. They will fully mature over the [next] couple of years. They'll be around the outer perimeters, but we'll try to bring as much life back into our cemetery as possible.”
The irony of her statement is not lost on me. Bringing life back to a cemetery? It can be done with the right type of green and with some patience. Time can fix a lot of things. Because the sense you get from Ashley’s vision is that once in place, the changes—the new green—will properly honor those interred at Barstow’s cemetery in a way the old green couldn’t . . . and didn’t.
(Editor’s Note: Part Two dealing with the money “mess” will be published Monday. Have a “good” weekend.)
Artisans at their best
By John Beyer
“PEOPLE ARE OFTEN
CURIOUS about what it’s like to be different in the trade, but honestly, once you’re on site, it all comes down to what gets the job done,” Brianna said. “The stone doesn’t care who you are, as long as you show up, care about what you’re doing, and put in the effort.”
To be honest, I had no idea there were still stone masons in existence. I was under the mistaken belief that they had been phased out during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. But here I was being schooled by a modern-day stone mason.
Actually, Brianna Castelli is known as a Restoration and Conservation Mason or Heritage Stonemason, and she is very good at her trade.
These are the craftsmen who focus their attention on repairing, preserving, and restoring historic or damaged stone structures. Their knowledge and expertise
are not just in handling the various tools needed in stone masonry, but they have to understand the original construction techniques and methods used during the time of the structure they are repairing. It is as though they have to utilize their equipment as if that building were being built in the present day to exact specifications.
My lovely wife, Laureen, and I had been walking through the Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the week-long 4th of July celebration when we entered an area featuring the Building Trades. There were large exhibits discussing the history and current state of various hands-on trades, and it was fascinating.
Brianna was busy discussing her trade with a group of visitors. With a gentle nudge of a wooden mallet, she easily and cleanly chipped off a rough edge from a large piece of granite with a medium-sized chisel. The cut was perfect, and she talked the entire time.
I can’t talk while I shave, or Laureen may have to phone for the paramedics.
Not only did we find Brianna a very talented artist, but also an inspiration for anyone looking to go into the building trades.
It turns out that Brianna had never
thought of going into a construction trade. No, her focus was on going to college.
“I was always told to go to college,” Brianna said. “I had no idea what I wanted as a career, but I knew college was the way to go.”
That did not turn out the way this young lady had planned. She moved to Philadelphia, where her brother was living, and took a job as a barista at a coffee shop. Then she learned that because she was from out of state, the college tuition was going to be based on that fact.
“When I found out that my tuition was going to be more expensive because I was not a resident of Pennsylvania, college was not a possibility,” she said. “Though I still had no idea what I wanted to do for a career.”
Working as a barista, Brianna came into a myriad of customers, and one day a fellow told her she should contact the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers union. She did and learned they had openings for an earn as you learn apprenticeship.
“Stone masonry,” Brianna said, “I never even heard of such a thing, but once I got into the union, which they paid for all my training, minus dues, I knew I was hooked. Forty-five hundred hours of internship taught me everything I needed to know about this wonderful craft of maintaining
Brianna Castelli taking questions from the audience
Brianna Castelli showing her masonry skills to the public
and repairing historical structures here and around the country.”
Turns out that the union that took Brianna on as an apprentice may not have known at the time that their pupil would soon be working on restoring the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., after the devastating earthquake that shook the nation’s capital to its knees in 2011.
“I have a five-year job here,” Brianna said. “What an honor to assist in repairing such an iconic structure. It is a privilege
just to be climbing the scaffolds on a daily basis and using the skills I learned from my instructors to ensure this building will be here for many generations in the future.”
Scaffolds? I asked her about that.
“I have no fear of heights, and when I’m on top overlooking the gorgeous scenery surrounding our capital, I feel as though I have the best job in the world.”
Brianna, along with all the rest of the craftsmen working on the National Cathedral, deserves our respect and admiration.
It is these artists who will allow the rest of us to enjoy for decades what was built in the far past to remind us of our present.
There are lots of hands on activity for visitors to the Folklife Festival
Visitors can read about the history of many various types of trades National Cathedral in Washington D.C. under reconstruction
It’s NOT McDonald’s...
By J.P.Garner
hISTORICALLy, h OSPITAL
FOOD h AS BEEN BEEN BAD . The common complaint was that it was tasteless. Well, that might be true elsewhere but not at Barstow Community Hospital. Not since Matthew Brown was made the Chef and is now the Director of Food Services.
“Today, [we] had French toast, bread pudding, bacon, and all the stuff that will go with that. For lunch, we're doing a hibachi chicken kind of thing. And then tonight it's barbecue salmon and cheesy polenta.” He’s smiling as he describes Friday’s menu.
Hibachi chicken? Barbecue salmon and cheesy polenta? Not the “stuff” you’d expect to be served at a hospital, but more like the Emeril Lagasse restaurant that Matthew received his OJT after leaving the nuclear Navy and working in a diner.
“I [also cheffed at] the restaurant at the Universal Studios in Orlando and, after that, I did cruise ships and a couple of dude ranches too.”
Emeril Lagasse? Universal Studios and cruise ships? With a resume like that, how does Matthew Brown find himself heading up the food services operation at a small community hospital. “I got married and [I just applied for the job.] My company is Morrison. They're a contractor. When we got this account, I was the first chef assigned to it, and now I'm the director.
Matthew has been with the hospital since it opened. Sure, there was a four month period when he was at the old hospital before they came over here to the new facility, but the greatest challenge he explained, “is more of a logistical thing: getting staffing. It's a small area. But it's not really that difficult of a job compared to what I'm used to in the restaurant business.”
How can that be, I asked. The hospital functions 7-days a week. Patients need to eat. Matthew nods. “We know how many people we have every day, pretty much. That's steady. We have the same staff coming in every day, so we've got repetition . . . a routine. We know [the patients] really well. Just keeping them interested would be the hard challenge, because they're here every day, eating.
“I can't do like a McDonald's where it's the same every day. It'd be nice to get some people to think about coming here [to our café.] The prices are fantastic and we're open to the public.”
As for how the menu is created, Matthew said that “. . . Morrison, the contractor, does a lot of the legwork for us. Right now, we've got a new CEO and we've got like 5,000 accounts in the country. He wanted us all to be on the same menu. So, this is actually our first week of transitioning to the new menu.”
As for patients requiring a specific diet, Matthew said that, “We've got like seven or eight main diets that we do. A regular carb control, and renal, and when we have a spreadsheet back there that we can look at while we're plating the meals. It tells us what they can have, what they can't have.
“But there is some substitutions. Like, for instance, yesterday, we did a mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. The people that couldn't have that got broccolirice casserole. So it just depends. But we try to make it as close to the regular diet for everybody as we can. There's just always
going to be some kind of things that they can't use.
“We want them to eat, that's for sure. But we don't want them to think the guy next to them is getting a steak and they're getting whatever. So we try to make it as good as possible.” I laughed and quipped, “So when do you serve steak? Because I'm coming on that night,” And to my surprise, Matthew replied, “We do it for the mothers once in a while if they request it. A lot of them are young people, so they usually want more like a burger.”
A burger. Matthew smiles. He started in Barstow at the Veteran’s Home. Morrison had that account as well but it’s now run by the state. When that position closed out, the one at BCH opened up and he transitioned to it. He’s been serving food for 25 years, but .
“I’d have to add it up.” Originally from Colorado, Matthew grew up in Seattle, Washington, so he was accustomed to lush, green landscapes. But he’s been [in the desert] since 2005 and currently lives in Hesperia. “It's taken me a little while to get used to it, but I think I'm finally acclimated,” he says.
The Food Services department has 10 employees who carry out the many duties needed to serve great food 7-days a week.
Dieticians, he says are hard to find, but he has one who is here 3-days a week. To be the Chef, however, Matthew also needed to be a certified dietary manager, for which, “I attended a six-month course.” But he has no formal culinary school training.
What he knows about cooking he has learned on the job.
Two things make a hospital stay bearable: the nurses and the food. And sometimes, a room with a window with a view—any view—helps. But it’s for sure that cheerful nurses and good food make a big difference in what might be a situation fraught with needles and procedures, and often some level of pain.
Good food is what Matthew's staff serves 7-days a week.
Don’t miss out... events are fillin’up!
WOW November schedule
WOW meets in Fellowship Hall(unless otherwise noted), at Trinity Lutheran Church 16138 Molino Dr Victorville For additional information call (442)319-5093
• Nov 01: 9AM Danny Gutierrez, speaker re Health Insurance
• Nov 08: 9AMCelebrate Veteran's Day, bring pictures of Vets and brag!
• Nov 15: 10AM Breakfast at Denney's Restaurant in Hesperia near HWY 15
• Nov 22: 9AM Thanksgiving Potluck, come eat and enjoy!
• Nov 29: Breakfast at Denney's Restaurant in Hesperia Near Hwy 15
Victorville Senior Citizens Club
14874 S. Mojave St. Victorville CA 92395 760-245-5018
BINGO: Saturday November 8 th & 22 nd, BUY IN $25 Pay Out $75-$200
Doors open 10:15am / game start 11:00am The Way World Outreach Ministry
Thanksgiving Banquet: Saturday November 15, 9am-12pm , (Free)
ALL EVENTS OPEN TO PUBLIC
For additional information regarding Membership & Hall Rental Availability call 760-245-5018
S.W.I.M
• Nov 6 Medicare 2026 Liz McGiffin
• Nov 13 Animal Rights/Horse-Donkey Rescue Randal Massaro
• Nov 20 Lions Club
Kisha Collier
• Nov 27 Happy Thanksgiving No meeting
Seniors With Inquiring Minds (SWIM) meets every Thursday from 1:00-2:00 pm in the Percy Bakker Center located at 9333 E Avenue in hesperia, CA 92345
UpcomingCommunity Events
• Nov. 1- 9-4:00 Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival
• Nov. 2- Turn your clocks back day.
• Nov. 8- 11-3:00 Veterans Reception -Singh Center for the Arts, Apple Valley
• Nov. 10- 6:00 NAACP General Membership meeting, Victorville
• Nov. 11- 9:00 Veteran's Parade- 7th Street, Victorville 10:00 Ceremony- 7th and Forrest, Victorville 1:00 Capt. Joseph McConnell, Jr. Park ribbon cutting, Apple Valley
• Nov. 15- 10-3:00 Friends of the Apple Valley Library Book Sale
• Nov. 20- 6:30 Mohahve Historical Society meeting- Lone Wolf Colony - Local Museums panel- public welcome
• Nov. 22- 10:00 Fieldtrip to Old Town Victorville Sites and Rt. 66 Museum
Call (760) 85-1918 for further information or to sign up for the fieldtrip.
Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce
Join
Sign up for upcoming Art Shows
OORAH for the latest Main Street Mural
IWAS RECENTLy h ONORED to have been invited to the dedication ceremony for the latest mural created by Main Street Murals. This mural represents the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Established in 1942, it has been an important part of our local history. The base is a major employment source as most workers are civilians. Aside from the huge economic impact, we can take pride in knowing the only Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard is based there.
The mural is amazingly detailed and in six panels. The first panel gives the history from the World War II supply depot days. A proud Marine bugler is depicted on the next half panel over the lower panel showing the tracked vehicle test track. The logistics base is where military equipment is maintained, repaired or kept in storage. The largest panel is the Mounted Color Guard. The final panels show the headquarters building and the Marine Corps emblem on Route 66 which goes through the Marine base. Route 66 played an important part in the effort to move men and materiel during the war.
The master artists for the mural were Kathy Fierro, Juliette Tison, Leanne Joyce, and Kim Harris. Painting large-scale art in such intricate detail seems impossible to me. It is only part of the long process. The mural had to be planned. As it was the Marine Corps, I’m sure the design process
was a collaboration with MCLB command and staff down to the smallest detail. Once planned, the search for a wall would begin.
According to Jane Laraman-Brockhurst, Director of Main Street Murals, they search for a suitable sized wall. Then the property owner must be found to get their permission. Because the mural is “signage,” the city must then approve the project. In this case, the wall is on the Last Call Insurance building at 621 E. Main Street. The owner, Julie Fuentes, was quite willing to provide a wall. She even painted the entire building to provide a clean “blank canvas.” I suspect the city approves these projects readily as the murals are a big part of the effort to revitalize downtown Barstow and a way to draw tourists travelling on the Historic Route 66.
The importance of the Marine Corps Logistics Base to the area was evidenced by the dignitaries who attended the dedication ceremony. The proceedings began with the entrance of the U.S.M.C. Mounted Color Guard followed by the national anthem. Hearing the anthem in the presence of proud Marines was quite moving. Col. Russell Savatt, Commander, MCLB Barstow, spoke of the mural and the base in what can only be described as a commanding voice. He was accompanied by Sgt. Major Mario Virto and Corporal Jayden Williams. If Corporal Williams looks familiar, he is the bugler pictured on the mural.
By John Wease
Politicians in attendance were. Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Congressman Obernolte, and Steve Reyes representing County Supervisor Dawn Rowe. From Barstow, Mayor Tim Silva, Councilmen Tex Williams and Carmen Hernandez, City Manager Rochelle Clayton and Assistant City Manager Ken Chapa. Eugene Buticci represented the Barstow Chamber of Commerce.
A reception followed the dedication ceremony. Refreshments were advertised. I was surprised to find a complete catered breakfast with croissants, and beverages. The meal was generously provided by Julie Fuentes and served by her friendly staff at Last Call Insurance. The food was delicious and much appreciated.
The mural is located on the east wall of the Last Call Insurance building at 621 E. Main Street, Barstow, on the corner of Main St. and 7th Ave. N. Stop by and check it out. While you are there, look for Dusty Rusty, the jackrabbit. The first mural painted depicted a Tin Lizzie rattling down a hill on the National Old Trails Highway with a jackrabbit jumping out of the way. He has been included somewhere on every mural since and was named in a school contest. Say hello to Dusty Rusty for me and tell him I sent you. I think you’ll enjoy it.
