Wonder Valley, California, in the heart of the Mojave Desert, is a rural community of artists, musicians, and other desert dwellers. Visit the Palms Restaurant, the Glass Outhouse Gallery, and the Wonder Valley Community Center. Visit the beautiful Pinto and Bullion mountains. Minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and the Gateway to the Mojave Preserve.
The Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277. The Community Center is located between the Fire Station and the palm tree cell tower.
The distribution is first-come-first-served, and ends when there is no more food. The distribution is open to Wonder Valley residents, who self-certify on site. No documentation is required, though you will need to fill out a form the first time you attend.
NOTE: Only one person per parcel may be served.
The distribution will be “shopping style.” You may take what you like from a selection of food from Trader Joe’s. Please be mindful that people behind you need food, as well, and only take what you need. There may also be a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
There will be no Mobile Medical in Wonder Valley in March.
As my readers know I like pure country honky tonk sounds and I am always on the lookout for good stuff.
I met Richie back when I was spending lots of time in the Honky Tonks in Texas. Richie is the real deal and he has lived it friends. Richie and I discussed his new record and how it came about.
Ronnie: Richie, what do you love most about music
Richie: That it moves us all in some way. Whether it's happy, sad, or sappy. I think good music is relatable. In a world where folks disagree on so much, music is the common ground that touches all of us because we've all lived through good times, hard times, heartaches and loss. It can bring us a smile, sadness and even peace and comfort. And if we're really lucky, it can bring about change and healing for us.
Ronnie: I know you have spent time in Texas and Nashville.. Tell me how that has influenced your music.
Richie: As far as style goes, I was much more influenced by the music I heard growing up in South Texas. The stuff by my heroes that made me want to play music to begin with. Of course, alot of it was made in Nashville, Bakersfield and L.A. By the time I got to Nashville in 1994, country music had changed so much that there wasn't room for guys like me anymore. The same can be said for the situation when I came back to Texas 15 years later. For a guy who's known for being obsessive about organization and punctuality, it seems that I'm always showing up 20-30 years late where music is concerned.
Ronnie: That's not a bad thing (laughing), is the new record more Nashville or more Texas?
Richie: Good question. Maybe a little of both. I took a couple of songs by one of my favorite Texas songwriters and friends Jarrod Birmingham with me to Nashville. Along with an old Haggard song written by the late Mark Yeary who played piano for Merle for 20 years, as well as one of my favorite Dolly songs that was written by Porter Wagoner. I only wrote one on this new "Back To Nashville" EP. And it's a song about traveling musicians and marijuana called "Reefer Road".
As far as production goes, I think people would call it more "polished" and less "raw" than some of my previous stuff. But I attribute that to great musicians, a great studio and great engineering and producing by Aaron Rodgers. If that makes it sound "polished" to some folks, then so be it. But it certainly isn't the kind of music that usually comes out of Nashville these days. Or Texas for that matter.
Ronnie: I agree, hey.. Loretta Lynn recently said Country Music is dead.. what do you think?
Richie: I don't think it's dead. But it's certainly on life support. It's just harder to find, and you have to know where to look. There are many of us still playing it out here. And we'll always be here. Will we ever be what's most popular and on top again? Probably not. But there's a huge independent scene where we can exist, have creative control and if we're lucky, make a living.
Ronnie: I was addressing that in last week's column so I wanted your input. Ya know I love the prominent honky tonk feel of the new one... What are some of your favorite honky tonks to play?
Richie: I started out playing little, smoke filled, rough joints in South Texas when I was 14. And I'm still most at home in those kind of places. I enjoy playing anywhere people want to hear real country music and the owner of the establishment supports it and treats me fairly. There are many here in Texas and other places. Some legendary ones here in Texas as you know.
Since we've moved to New Braunfels now, I hope to play places like Gruene Hall and Riley's Tavern more. I was just up at Coupland Dancehall with my friend Jarrod Birmingham a few weeks ago and will be playing Luckenbach for the first time later this month.
Ronnie: What's the best thing about your new record? What are you most proud of?
Richie: Other than the fact that I finally got around to recording some things that I've been wanting to cut for a long time, my favorite thing is how it all came about and was done with old friends of mine in Nashville. Some that I've known for 25 years and shared the stage with there back in the 90s. Guys who played with some of my heroes and legends. And others who I just met when I got to the studio that were also great to work with. But the best part is that Aaron Rodgers reached out to me and said "I want to produce your next record at my studio. We'll use some of our common friends that know and love you and will be glad to do it". There was no big financial backer needed. No rushing me through it to get on to the next sucker who would write a big check. No one thinking that they knew better than I do about what and who I am.
My Wife Kim was involved as always. My 24 year old guitar player Tyler Fink got to play on an album in a Nashville studio with some of the best. These are the things that matter to me in this business. I never know which one will be my last. Could be this one. Who knows? At the moment it looks like it could be. But it's looked that way before. If it is, I'm proud that it will be part of what I leave behind in this world.
Ronnie: Well let's hope there are plenty more, where can people download it?
Richie: All the usual places. Apple/iTunes, Amazon. Streaming on Spotify, YouTube etc. Hard copies are in the works.
Thanks buddy, folks download Richie's new record, I guarantee you will love it.
The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, March 17, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station. The event continues until noon, or until the food runs out, which has been happening lately, about 10:30 or 11:00 a.m.
Low income Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site. No ID or other documentation is required. You may pick up ONE (1) box for a neighbor, or they may pick up ONE (1) box for you, IF a signed pick up form is presented. One pick up per person. Pick up forms are available online at . They are also available at the WVCC on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at the kiosk outside the WVCC the week before the event.
For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9880.
The text below is required.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
A Simi Dabah sculpture was installed at our Wonder Valley
Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road, on January 27. This is a
real honor, and we thank the Simi Dabah Foundation and all who participated in
the actual installation. Stop by and take a look at our huge metal “WV”!
The Wonder Valley Community Meeting was very informative and
interesting. Our Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) representative
Steve Reyes not only chaired the meeting, but received the very first “Citizen
of the Year” award presented by Captain Trevis Newport of the San Bernardino
County Sheriff’s Department. Way to go, Steve!
The MAC meeting will be held on Monday, February 10 at the
Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst, at 5:30 p.m. For further
information, contact Steve Reyes at stevenr26251@outlook.com.
The USDA Food Distribution will take place at our community center
on Tuesday, February 11 from 9 to noon or when the food is gone.
The Coffee and Friends group invites all Wonder Valley
ladies to attend a gathering at 73883 Manana Drive in Twentynine Palms on
Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m. Call Sharon at 760-910-9039 for further
information.
Most events at our community center are sponsored by our
non-profit organization Friends of Wonder Valley. For additional information on
any local event, contact WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at teresa.sitz@sdd.sbcounty.gov or
760-367-9880.
Since the birthstone for February is the amethyst and the
flower is the violet, we send out Rainbows-of-Amethysts-and-Violets to Chetara
Bevins, Darlene Parris (68), and Mary Lindsley who celebrate their special days
this week. Happy birthday, Mary, Darlene and Chetara!
Darlene’s Commentary:Behind a stack of books on my bookshelf, I found “an old friend” that I
thought was gone for good. This book should be in everyone’s home. It’s “The
Home Care Companion’s Quick Tips for Caregivers” by Marion Kartinski, RN. It’s not
fancy, just a well-written, very informative, down-to-Earth book. Excellent!
Karen’s Commentary:Giving
space to Dar.
Food for Life Ministries prepare and serve delicious and
free hot meals at Church of the Nazarene, 72603 Juanita Drive in Twentynine
Palms every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. If you have problems getting to the
church, Reach Out Morongo Basin may deliver these meals to your residence at no
charge. Call 760-361-1410.
Handy Hint:When you
freeze anything in a zip-top bag, spread it out and lay it flat before forcing
all the air out and freezing. If you
flatten out the food before freezing it takes much less room and your freezer stays
neater.
Today’s Thought:“Laughter
is the shortest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge
Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the
WONDERs all around us.
Bob Dougherty, from San Bernardino County Adult and Aging Services, will be a the Wonder Valley Community Center from 11 am. to Noon, on Wednesday, February 19.
If you are a SENIOR and would like to submit a HEAP application, call Breanna Parker at (760) 228-5232.
Bob will also be helping with other senior issues.
For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9880.
