Desert Trail Column, December 17, 2015

There were about 45 people in attendance at the Fire Tax meeting on Saturday, December 12, including at least two board members of the Morongo Valley CSD. Morongo Valley is facing the same problems we are, and are also looking for answers. After all the presentations, comments and questions, we are basically left with four options:  Keep our current staffing by paying $311 more per parcel per year, attempt to use Paid Call Firefighters who must live within 20 minutes of our fire station, rely on the 29 Palms fire station and reimburse them on a per-call basis or rely on “as available” responses which may result in a delay in services. With any of the above options, Morongo Basin Ambulance will continue to respond to all medical aids, including traffic collisions. And, contrary to comments you may have heard, very rarely would MBA need to respond from farther away than Twentynine Palms.

The free USDA Food Distribution will take place on Monday, December 21 at our community center from 11 to noon. The wonderful He Provides Ministry will also be there with free clothing and household items for anyone needing them.

We send out Rainbows-of-Turquoise-and-Narcissus to Teresa Sitz who celebrates her special day this week. Happy birthday, Teresa!

Karen’s Commentary: The circus is back! The circus is back! They’re returning to their winter quarters on Godwin Road. It’s neat to see the big cheery red and white trucks arriving again. Also, here’s a little tidbit for you:  If you try to remove a shopping cart from Family Dollar’s premises, the wheels lock up. Seriously! So why aren’t ALL shopping carts fitted with these devices?

Darlene’s Commentary: Wow! Half of December has vanished right before my very eyes! I’m knee-deep in wrapping paper, lists, three calendars, a pocket planner, holiday postage stamps and Christmas cards that really might even make it to the mailbox this year. Whew! Most of you know that I wasn’t born organized (no laughing please!) – 2016 just might be “THE YEAR of ORGANIZATIO!” You never know!

Reach Out Morongo Basin will pick up anyone interested in going to lunch at the 29 Palms Nutrition Site on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just be at The Palms at 10 am, and they will drop you back off at The Palms at 2 pm. If you have a problem getting to The Palms, they will even pick you up and drop you off at your residence. Call 760-361-1410.

Handy Hint: To get the best price when bargaining with a salesperson, first be willing to walk away.

Thought for Today: Michelangelo was a chiseler.

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