Thursday, December 29, 2016

New Year's Eve at The Palms


Charlie Limousine and The Sibleys at 9 p.m. - FREE

Desert Trail Column for December 29, 2016

Karen’s Commentary: Have you taken a really good look at your phone bills lately? We have a landline and cellphones, so we have two bills to scrutinize. For our landline, we are paying $9.99 for inside Wire Maintenance, $1.99 for a Carrier Cost Recovery Surcharge, $8.93 for Federal Taxes and Charges and $2.51 for State Taxes and Other Charges. For our cellphones, we are paying $1.45 for Federal Universal Service Charges, $.42 for Regulatory Charges, $2.46 for Administrative Charges, $.05 for California State PUC Fees, $.26 for California State 911 Fees, $.26 for California Teleconnect Fund Surcharges, $.07 for the California State High Cost Fund (A), $1.09 for Lifeline Surcharges – California, $.10 for the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and $.10 for the California Relay Service/Communication Device Fund. Whew! That is almost $30 in addition to the actual phone bills!

Darlene’s Commentary: I hope everyone out there had a warm and cozy Christmas. I think this December might have been one of the coldest; wind, rain and snow on the mountains . . . brrr! I remember quite a few Christmas days that were shirt-sleeve weather. I’m just going to stay bundled up and wait for the wildflowers to bloom. I always can tell that we have had a real soaker when my house phone stops ringing its regular ring, and the only sound it makes is one soft little “ding!” As the ground dries out, I get more and more of a ring until it’s back to normal. My phone is old, with a rotary dial, and has been here since the early 70’s. I really like the sound of that ring; I guess I’m just sentimental.

If you have issues, questions, comments, complaints, compliments or anything else concerning road maintenance, please call 760-367-9880 to leave a message for our grader operator Tim. He really had his work cut out for him after the rainstorm, and did an excellent job on our road. Thanks, Tim!


Handy Hint: Better brushes are the key to good application of paint or polyurethane. For water-based products, a synthetic brush (such as nylon or polyester) is best. For oil-based products, use a natural-bristle brush. A good quality brush will hold more product, lay it on smoothly and is less likely to leave bristles in your finish. If you clean your brush immediately after use, it will last a long time.
Thought for Today: Items sold on eBay include a chunk of Mars for $450,000; one of Albert Einstein’s handwritten letters for $3,000,100; the original “Hollywood” sign for $450,400; and the town of Bridgeville, California for $1.25 million.


Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Pop-Up Poetry

Pop-up Poets
"Your Most Humorous Poem"
Sunday, January 22, 2017

Brunch at 11:30 a.m. for $5
RSVP - souixzaane@yahoo.com
The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley CA 92277

Poetry at 12:30 p.m.
All poets welcome to sign up
for a 3 minute spot.

Wonder Valley Sand Paper

Just this once, posted online, because I couldn't get my printer to work.

Enjoy the BONUS 2nd page of really bad jokes pertaining to the desert.

http://bit.ly/xmasinwv


Friday, December 23, 2016

Cinnamon Pete An Accomplished Burro.

Cinnamon Pete An Accomplished Burro.
A Pet of the Miners in the Virginia Dale District - He is a Cunning Thief and a Foe of Dogs.

“Cinnamon Pete” is a brown-black shaggy-haired burro, possessing all the natural traits common to burros in general, as also some traits which he has picked up on his own account, and which clearly distinguish him from the burros in common. He was born and brought up out on the desert in Virginia Dale mining district, San Bernardino county. He is fat and round and brown like a cinnamon bear, hence his name. Pete is a cunning thief. He is too lazy to forage in the brush and makes a show of getting his living from the refuse of kitchens. But in reality he filches many a rich meal, much to the annoyance of people. He goes through their tents, crawls in and out of corrals after dark, breaks open boxes and eats sugar, bacon, dried fruits and coffee. He watches out for teams coming in and steals hay and grain, always looking out to do it when the teamster is out of sight.

One day he rushed up to a wagon and grabbed a half a sack of barley in his teeth and started off. Someone saw Pete take the barley and yelled: “Hi, there! Pete has got your barley!”

The teamster started after Pete. The burro ran, with the sack in his mouth, but saw that the teamster was gaining on him, so he put the sack on the ground, got on it with his feet and tore the sack open with his teeth, then gave it a shake a scattered barley all over the ground. The teamster could not gather it up, so went off cursing Pete. When the teamster went off, Pete gather up enough barley to make a good meal and went back to the sunny side of a powder-house, looking as if nothing had happened.

Another day Pete heard the distressful mewing of a kitten and went to investigate. He found that the kitten had in some way got into a tub of water at Baird’s well, and that a dog was preventing pussy from getting out. Pete tenderly lifted the kitten out with his teeth and placed it in a sunny place to dry. He then took the dog roughly by the nape of the neck, soused him in the tub and held his head under water until he was drowned.

Pete can whip the ugliest dog that ever strikes the camp. If a new dog comes into camp, Pete goes for him, grabs him with his teeth, and almost shakes the life out of him. All dogs coming into camp learn to respect Pete. Old miners love to sit around and relate the smart tricks of this uncommon burro. They really have a great deal of affection for him, and will not let any one abuse him. Yet they say that Pete is the plague of their lives.
-- Los Angeles Mining Review
From The San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Aug 1899

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Desert Trail Column, December 22, 2016

The Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, December 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road. They are only able to transport 50 boxes, so be sure to get there before they are all gone.

"Who?"
We send out Rainbows-of-Narcissus-and-Turquoise to Teresa Sitz, Laurel Seidl, and Glenda Berndt who celebrate their special days this week. Happy, happy birthday to all of you!

We also send out best wishes to Mary and Les Lindsley who celebrate 35 years together this week. Happy anniversary to you!

Darlene’s Commentary: How about that wind last Friday?? I think that had to be one of the strongest windstorms in the last 30 years. I had an appointment in Yucca Valley, and had expected wind and dust, but boy, howdy! When I was halfway home, the sandstorm had lowered the visibility to less than a mile. Then it started to clear a little here and there, and I thought it was almost over. But Instead of seeing the familiar mountains where we live, we could only see a huge dust cloud so dense and brown that it looked like a giant mud pie hovering over our valley. Finally reaching Amboy Road, we slowed to a crawl due to not being able to see five feet in front of us. Whew! Dorothy and Toto were right – there is no place like home!


Karen’s Commentary: If you have old hearing aids, eyeglasses or mobility equipment that you’d like to donate, here is some information for you. For hearing aids, contact the Starkey Hearing Foundation at starkeyhearingfoundation.org or (800) 328-8602, the Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling Program at lionsclubs.org, or Hearing Charities of America at hearingaiddonations.org
or (816) 333-8300. For eyeglasses, look for Lions Club donation boxes at City Hall, the post office and other places of business, or contact New Eyes at www.new-eyes.org/recycle. For wheelchairs, walkers, canes and shower chairs, contact the ALS Association at alsa.org, the Muscular Dystrophy Association at mda.org, or Wheelchairs of the World at joniandfriends.org/wheels-for-the-world. Usually these donations are tax deductible.


Reach Out Morongo Basin will give you a ride to and from the 29 Palms Nutrition Site on Tuesdays. Pick up is at The Palms at 10 a.m., drop off is at 2 p.m. If you have a transportation problem and cannot get to The Palms, ROMB will pick you up and drop you off at your home. Please call (760) 361-1410 for further information.

Handy Hint: WD-40 cleans piano keys.

Thought for Today: Love is blind, but marriage opens your eyes.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.



Saturday, December 17, 2016

Another magazine spread on the area

See that little innocuous headline, "Move to the Desert"? Well, it's a 5-page spread spearheaded by some of the desert's most avid self-promoters, life-stylers, and be-the-brand enthusiasts. I'm going to go pick up a copy later and will regale you with the hyperbole.

If you're reading this from your desert home, you're part of the "first wave" of pioneers (don't tell the Native Americans, or the WWI or WWII vets), and not part of the "second wave" of hipster pioneers lining up to rehab cabins.

Sand Storm

Yesterday's sand storm was captured by Jeff Perry as he drove out to his cabin.


Visibility was worst north of Amboy, and at times in Twentynine Palms, but not too bad along the east portion of Highway 62.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Holiday Potluck 2016

About 60 people attended the Holiday Potluck at the Wonder Valley Community Center last Saturday, which ran from noon to 3 p.m.


Bob Rowell and
Kevin Bone
Volunteers Kevin Bone, Monica Shaw, Lisa Manifold, Steve Reyes and his wife, and Bill and Bob, helped Community MAC Delegate Teresa Sitz host the event. Ricardo Figueroa, the WVCC coordinator helped, too, setting up tables and cleaning up. DaShon made sure everyone had a name tag.

The staff from Pacific Clinics came and joined in the festivities.

Many thanks to everyone who came, and made such lovely dishes to share.

Jan and Columnist Karen
Diane, Mary and Diane help Kevin set up the dessert table which Jerry samples.

Al, Jill, and Santa (Ken) at the big kids table

Little Jackson grooves as Bill and Bob play for the crowd. Bill and Bob often play at the 29 Palms Inn. It was much easier hearing them at the WVCC and their music was the perfect backdrop for a community gathering.

There had not been a community potluck in the two years I've served as the MAC Delegate. I was unsure how many people would come and was very pleased to see so many people attending. Others, who couldn't make it, dropped off contributions, which were gratefully received.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Desert Trails Column, December 1, 2016

The time of Lorelei Greene’s yoga classes has been changed to 8 to 9:15 a.m. on Thursdays.

Since the birthstone for December is the turquoise and the flower is the narcissus, we send out Rainbows-of-Narcissus-and-Turquoise to Cambria Fairweather who celebrates her special day this week. Happy birthday, Cambria!

Karen’s Commentary: Awhile back we gave you a handy hint regarding using vinegar with lavender oil in your washer to soften clothes and give them a nice scent. Since then, our cousin Annie, who submitted the hint, has quit using this for two reasons. First, we put in a subsequent column that cats can get very sick from coming in contact with lavender oil, and she has a cat in the house. Then she read that vinegar can deteriorate the hoses to your washer. The article said that repairmen can tell immediately if someone is using vinegar in their washer.

Darlene’s Commentary: Want to hear about a dumb thing I did? Well, a week ago I awoke to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, opened the door and noticed two bags of chicken feed sitting on the sidewalk getting rained on. Knowing that I couldn’t lift either sack, I came up with a brilliant idea:  tug one sack at a time while walking backwards (barefooted), dragging them into the house. I remember thinking, “Gee, that was easy, and it didn’t hurt my back!” Well, about an hour or so later, I noticed a tingling and weird sensation on the top of my right foot, and it looked kind of swollen and red. I spent the next day trying to avoid going to the ER, but finally gave in when my foot swelled up to a huge size and I couldn’t walk on it. After x-rays, I was happy to know that it wasn’t broken, but did find out it was badly sprained. So my brilliant idea resulted in a full week of not being able to put any weight on that foot!

The Food for Life Ministry provides delicious free hot meals every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at will deliver the meals to your home at no charge. Call (760) 361-1410.

Handy Hint: For almost effortless oven cleaning, fill a bowl with ammonia and leave it in an UNHEATED oven overnight. By the next day, the ammonia’s fumes will have loosened the gunk so you can wipe it off with a wet sponge or paper towel.

Thought for Today: “Welcome to the Palm Springs retirement home for genteel musicians.” – Mick Jagger, on stage at the Desert Trip music festival, fondly nicknamed “Oldchella.”


Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.


Winter HEAP Workshop

Propane and Firewood only! First come, first served.
Monday, December 12, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wonder Valley Community Center
80526½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley

Do you need financial assistance to pay for your heating fuel?
Come to the FREE
Home Energy Assistance Program Energy (HEAP)
Education Outreach/Workshop

You may receive this allowance ONCE a year, so if you received it in the summer you may not also receive it in the winter.

Please bring the following required documentation.
  1. An ID and Social Security card for the applicant.
  2. A social security number for all household members.
  3. Current income for the last 30 days from the day of the application for all adult residents (since October 13, 2015).
  4. Current award letter for the following benefits if you receive any of them.
    a. Social Security award letter for 2015 benefits or a bank statement showing the benefit deposit.
    b. A current Notice of Action if you receive cash aid or food stamps.
    (If you don’t have a current Notice of Action you must go down to the county office and ask for a form called Passport to Services showing the benefit amounts.)
  5. Rental agreement or mortgage statement, or property tax
  6. Copy of Propane Invoice for the last time it was filled, or if you have an open account with a specific vendor you can request a quote letter.
NOTE: You are not required to provide proof that you can use firewood, or have purchased firewood in the past, to qualify for assistance with FIREWOOD.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Wonder Valley Artist David Greene | Gallery 62


New work by David Greene will be featured at Gallery 62 starting Saturday, December 10th, at Gallery 62, 61607 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree.

The opening reception is from 6 - 9 p.m. on December 10.

Come support our local artists and purchase one of his beautiful desert noir oil paintings.

Wonder Valley Holiday Potluck


Wonder Valley Residents and their Guests
are invited to attend our
Wonder Valley Community Holiday Potluck
form Noon - 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016
at the Wonder Valley Community Center
80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277

Wonder Valley's own Bob and Bill will provide live music.

Santa will make an appearance so get your Xmas wishes in order.

Please bring a dish to share with the Community.
This is an alcohol- and drug-free event.

PS - We need volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, and decorations - so you artsy types, please volunteer!

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Yoga classes with Lorelei Greene take place at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, on Thursdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Cost is $12 cash. You must be 18 or older and bring your own mat. Beginners are welcome. Call (760) 367-9880 for information.

We send out Rainbows-of-Topaz-and-Chrysanthemums to Carson Bevins who turns five this week. Happy birthday, Carson!

Darlene’s Commentary: I have only three things to say today because Karen hogged the words this time!
  1. Our community center has telephone service again!
  2. Thank you, Pat Rimmington, for donating a beautiful lighted Christmas tree and two gorgeous wreaths to the community center!
  3. Come one, come all to a Community Potluck on Saturday, December 10 from noon to 3 at our community center!  There will be live entertainment and an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

Karen’s Commentary: This week I’m wearing my Proud Grandma Hat. Colton Udall and Mark Samuels, owners of Ox Motorsports, invited my grandson Austin to join one of their two Pro Moto Unlimited class racing teams competing in the 49th Annual Baja 1000 Off-road Race in Baja California, Mexico. Needless to say, Austin accepted! This year would draw a total of 277 entries from 33 U.S. states and 18 countries. The race began with the motorcycles just after sunrise on my birthday, November 18, and the two Ox racing teams crossed the finish line in the wee hours of November 19 – finishing in FIRST and SECOND place! The first place team, headed up by Team Leader Colton Udall, ran the brutal 867-mile course in 18 hours and 12 minutes. The second place team, headed up by Team Leader Ray Dal Soglio and including grandson Austin, finished in 18 hours and 38 minutes. Since Ox Motorsports is located in Yucca Valley, and my grandson lives in Twentynine Palms and works for the Twentynine Palms Water District, this is a really big deal for our whole area, and an even bigger deal for our whole family. Austin, we’re SO proud of you!

The Wonder Valley Community Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coordinator Ric Figueroa is there to help with problems, answer questions or just chat. Stop in or call (760) 367-9880.

Handy Hint: Use WD-40 to clean the tracks in sliding windows or drawers to make them glide again. Spray on, then wipe off.

Thought for Today: The average amount spent by a guest for a one-day visit to Disneyland in 1955 was $2.37 – admission was $1, parking was 25 cents. Today the average is $196, 83 times the original price.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Bullion Mountains under a cloudy sky

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Un-Painted Rock

The Mojave Desert Land Trust set up out past Deadman's Curve last Saturday to clean off Painted Rock and picked up all the trash. They also installed a new sign, which kind of makes Wonder Valley the gateway to the Mojave Trails National Monument.


Thanks, OBAMA!

The MDLT and their coterie of volunteers did an excellent job. We drove out today to take a closer look. They didn't get all the paint off the rocks - but what they did was incredibly impressive.


We wanted to get out before it was painted again. It looks great. I wished that I'd brought a bag so I could pick up broken glass. Next time.

Here's the sign with the valley behind it.


Many thanks to Mojave Desert Land Trust and all the volunteers!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Desert Trail Column, November 17, 2016

The Wonder Valley Community Meeting held last Saturday was informative and interesting. Pacific Clinics gave a presentation on “What is Mental Health?” Many people in the audience were surprised to learn of this Family Resource Center located in Twentynine Palms, and that they have weekly meetings for anger management, parenting, military support, vets assisting vets and teen mentoring. They are hoping to start group meetings here in Wonder Valley for post traumatic stress disorder. Call 760-367-3939 or 760-228-9657 for further information.

 On Monday, November 21, the He Provides Ministry will be at our community center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, at 9:30 a.m. to give out free clothing and household items to those who need them. This will be followed at 10:30 by the USDA Food Distribution.


Two days later, on Wednesday, November 23, the Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place at our community center at 11 a.m.

Since the birthstone for November is the topaz, and the flower is the chrysanthemum, we send out Rainbows-of-Topaz-and-Chrysanthemums to Karen Meyers and Sharon Fangmeyer who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday to you both!


Also , we send out best wishes to Bill and Sherry Hague who celebrate their wedding anniversary this week.

Karen’s Commentary:
A big thank you to cousin Annie French for sending lots of coupons, stamps and cards.

Darlene’s Commentary:
These are the ten great truths spoken by little children.
  1. No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats.
  2. When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair.
  3. If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back right away; they always catch the second person.
  4. Never ask your three-year-old brother to hold a tomato.
  5. You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.



  6. Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
  7. Never hold a Dustbuster and a cat at the same time.
  8. You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
  9. Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
  10. The best place to be when you’re sad is on Grandpa’s lap.
Mohammed Ali
and Malcolm X
The Wonder Valley Thrift Store, located on Godwin Road between Highway 62 and Amboy Road, is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 to noon. Stop in and look around. All proceeds from the thrift store go to the building fund of the Godwin Christian Fellowship Church.

Handy Hint: Lightly dampen a sponge and rub it across upholstery to easily lift pet hair from the surface.

Thought for Today: “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
– Muhammad Ali

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.


Pinto Mountains at dawn

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Free for Thanksgiving



For Wonder Valley residents:

U.S.D.A. Food Distribution
November 21 starting at 10:30 a.m. The "He Provides Ministry" will give out free clothing and household items to those who need them starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-1/2 Amboy Road in Wonder Valley. Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site.

Salvation Army Food Distribution
November 23 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-1/2 Amboy Road in Wonder Valley. Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site.

The following organizations and businesses are providing free food and meals for those in need throughout the Morongo Basin.

The Way Station in Joshua Tree provides free raw turkeys and Thanksgiving dinner fixings for anyone in need on Nov. 22. The gates open at 8 a.m. You must be signed up between 10-10:30 a.m. The Way Station is located at 61722 Commercial Street in Joshua Tree. There will be an obligatory encouraging message.

John’s Place in Yucca Valley offers free Thanksgiving breakfast from 7 - 11 a.m. and free Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  on Nov. 24. John’s Place is located at 56249 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley.

Andreas Char-Broiled Burgers in Twentynine Palms offers a free ham and egg breakfast from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Nov. 24. They are located at 73780 Twentynine Palms Highway in Twentynine Palms.

Food for Life offers a full Thanksgiving meal from 1 - 4 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the First Baptist Church, 6414 Split Rock Avenue in Twentynine Palms.

Many thanks to the businesses and organizations who reach out to those in need through the holidays.

Free tire collection in Joshua Tree on November 19



Don't litter our desert! Get rid of old tires at the Joshua Tree Tire Collection Amnesty Event on Saturday, November 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. Tires must be removed from the rims. The maximum size accepted is 12" width x 44.5" height.

Deliver tires to:

Morongo Basin Ambulance
6335 Park Boulevard
Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Monday, November 14, 2016

Mojave Desert Land Trust event


What:
  1. Replace the "Heart of the Mojave" sign with new Mojave Trails National Monument Sign
  2. Clean graffiti from the painted rock, while also checking operating temperature of elephant snot graffiti remover.
  3. Pick up trash in the vicinity.

When: 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., or 2 p.m., November 19, 2016

Where: Sheephole Pass at the Painted Rock. Take Amboy Road out past the curve. Painted Rock is on the right.

Who: Mojave Desert Land Trust

Volunteers are welcome, or just stop by and say "hey!"

Wonder Valley Fire Department, circa 1970s

At the dedication of Fire Station 42 in Wonder Valley, circa 1970s
On July 25, 1987, Wonder Valley Fire Chief Jack McConaha tendered his resignation to San Bernardino Fire Chief Glenn Newman.

McConaha wrote,

It is with the deepest regret that I wish to resign my position as fire captain of the Wonder Valley Fire Stations 41 and 42. The following are the reasons for my resignation:

A. Lack of support and participation of the residents of Wonder Valley to their fire department.
Before I became fire chief in 1978, the residents and weekenders were all very involved and supportive of their fire department. Most of the original founders and supporters have now passed away, leaving the new residents who do not get involved in supporting or contributing to any of the activities needed to make Wonder Valley and vicinity a successful growing community.
To those few residents, in a population of around 2,500, who worked very hard to support the fire department, I express my deepest thanks.
Because of these ‘old timers’ (that I love so dearly!) I have hesitated to resign at an earlier date.

B. The fire department provides fire and rescue and public service to the community of Wonder Valley with just 12 firefighters. They respond seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to assist the residents, weekenders and travelers in Wonder Valley, Highway 62, Highway 66, Amboy Road and Interstate 40.

I have advertised and even begged for volunteer pay-call firefighters from the residents of Wonder Valley and Highway 62, but got none. These residents sit at home, watch TV and drink at the local bars, rather than assist their fire department.
It’s not right that my firefighters work five to six days a week at their regular jobs and also seven days a week, 24 hours a day, on call to respond with help for the residents, who in turn, do not want to support or participate as members of their fire department.

McConaha continued and then thanked everyone who made his years at the WVFD the “best and most rewarding years of his life.”

The more things change, the more they stay the same. As in 1987, so in 2016, almost 30 years later.

SOURCE: The Desert Trail, July 30, 1987

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Desert Trail Column, November 10, 2016

The Wonder Valley Community Meeting will take place on Saturday morning, November 12 at our community center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, at 10am. Community Healthcare Worker Ramona Arechiga and Pacific Clinics Program Coordinator Manuel Rincon will give a presentation titled “Let’s Talk About Mental Health.” French roast coffee and Cuban pastries from Porto’s will be served. For further information, call Teresa Sitz at 760-865-9550.


The Basinwide Municipal Advisory Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 14 at the Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Wonder Valley issues and information will be presented by our MAC representative Teresa Sitz.

Darlene’s Commentary: My seven-year-old grandson Hunter asked if I had any picture books from when I was little that could be used in his Weed Show project. A couple days later, I was looking through my bookshelf, pulled out a book, and caused an “avalanche” of several books onto the floor. When the dust settled, I immediately spotted a very old book (1902) that was in the pile upside down and open, and I feared it had suffered some damage. When I picked it up and turned it over, it was open to a poem entitled “Picture Books in Winter” which was pretty much what Hunter had asked for! The book, “A Child’s Garden of Verses,” belonged to my mom and had been in our house forever. Now some might think this was just a coincidence, but I know just how much my mom loved books and just how much she loved the Weed Show, and I’m sure she would help in any way she could. Thanks, Mom. By the way, Hunter took home a 1st place ribbon, and his little brother Eli, who’s not quite three, took home a 2nd place ribbon! How’s that for Weed Show stars?

Karen’s Commentary: First, those little Christmas elves have brought their whispers up a few octaves now that it’s November, and they are getting more annoying every day! And second, I now have to live the next full year with a puffed-up quadruple-ribbon-toting Weed Show winner! Ted got first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons, PLUS a Judge’s Favorite Award! Oh, my. He is one happy camper.

 The Wonder Valley Book Program is like a little library, right inside our community center. Books, DVDs, audio books and videocassettes are all available to be checked out for a month at a time. And

Handy Hint: Round cookie tins make great storage containers for circular saw blades.

Thought for Today: Kites were used during the Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

The Sheep Hole Mountain, the white Calumets behind them,
and Old Woman Mountain behind them.