Desert Trail Column, October 29, 2015

The community meeting on October 12 was very interesting and informative, even though the proposed fire tax increase is an upsetting subject. San Bernardino County Fire Division Chief John Chamberlin gave an excellent presentation, explaining what has led up to the need for an increase, and offering to work with us on alternatives. Hopefully, we will be able to arrive at an acceptable solution.

Download the PowerPoint: http://bit.ly/firetaxppt

The Dale Basin Well Owners Association meeting will take place on Sunday, November 1 at our community center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, at 4 pm. President Clarence Chambers will address the state and water levels of our wells, plus drought and emergency preparedness. Everyone is welcome to attend.

We send out Rainbows-of-Opals-and-Calendulas to Carson Bevins who is celebrating his fourth birthday this week. Happy birthday, Carson!

Karen’s Commentary: First, thanks to our cousin Annie in Phoenix for two big envelopes stuffed with cut-out coupons. Second, my husband Ted and I went to see the Traveling Vietnam Wall, and what an experience it was! I never dreamed it would have such an impact on me as I knew no one who was killed in the Vietnam War. When I got right up next to it, the overwhelming sadness hit me like a ton of bricks, and Ted was just as affected as I was. Cars with the names of all the 9-11 victims on them were there, too. What a fantastic tribute to those who gave everything.

Darlene’s Commentary: The Highway 62 Open Studio Art Tours is growing every year, and allows the artists and community to come together in mutual appreciation. What a great idea! I’d love to tell you about the artists and their work, but unfortunately I became ill on Friday, and fearing to spread whatever virus or bug that I’d managed to catch, I decided to stay home. Bummer! When I was home frumping because I had to miss everything, an idea popped into my swollen mind: Wouldn’t our community center be a wonderful place to have a show for local artists to display their work and meet their neighbors? I think so.

If you have a computer and are interested in all things Wonder Valley, go to http://wondervalleycsa.blogspot.com. Teresa and Ken Sitz do a great job of keeping us informed, plus you’ll even get to see an “enhanced” version of our column every week!

Handy Hint: Sprinkle sugar on a soapy sponge to gently wipe away stuck-on food. No scratches!

Thought for Today: You might be surprised to learn that the game of Chinese Checkers isn’t actually Chinese in origin; it was invented in Germany.

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

A reverse sunrise, Wonder Valley. Photo: T Sitz