Desert Trail Column - January 31, 2019

On Saturday, February 2 William Hillyard will read from his book “Welcome to Wonder Valley” at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526½ Amboy Road near Blower Road, from 1 to 3 p.m. Mr. Hillyard will also answer questions and talk about the writing process. There is a $2 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For further information, call our WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880.

There will be an Artists’ Reception at the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, 77575 29 Palms Highway at Thunder Road, on Saturday, February 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. Featured artists are Marine Walton and Jessie Keylon, with music provided by Damian Tiner. Come to meet the artists while enjoying free refreshments. This show will run through February 24. Call Laurel Seidl at 760-367-3807.

Since the birthstone for February is the amethyst and the flower is the violet, we send out Rainbows-of-Amethysts-and-Violets to Beautiful Downtown George Burgess and Chetara Bevins who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday, Chetara and Beautiful Downtown George!

Karen’s Commentary: Here’s one more trick that I read or heard about somewhere that falls into the category of “things that really work!” To store an extension cord, loop it into a circle, squish the circle into a straight line so you can then push one end into the cardboard tube found inside paper towels. (Toilet paper tubes work for smaller cords.) No more tangled cords – makes life a whole lot easier!

Darlene’s Commentary: We humans must have clothing! They are a necessity in our culture. Some people buy clothes in fancy clothing stores, others only during sales, others only at thrift stores. Inside my closet and dresser, I have clothes that are too small, too big, not to my liking, the wrong fit, the wrong color or just never worn. What do you think about having a Wonder Valley Clothing Giveaway and Exchange?

Food for Life Ministry prepares and serves delicious hot meals every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 72603 Juanita Drive in Twentynine Palms. If you have a problem getting to the church, Reach Out Morongo Basin may deliver these meals right to your home. Call 760-361-1410.

Handy Hint: If you’re not the greatest at labeling things, use clear storage totes so you can easily see what’s inside. If there’s something you really don’t want the world to see, just put it inside a paper bag before placing it in the clear tote.

Today’s Thought: What does a clock do when it’s hungry? It goes back four seconds.

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

USDA Food Distribution

The FEBRUARY USDA Food Distribution will be TUESDAY, February 12.

There was a typo on the calendar that put the event on Feb. 1. There is NO distribution on Feb. 1

I apologize for the error and any inconvenience this causes. -- TSS

Incantations

An annual Sound Art Gathering in the High Desert

March 29-31, 2019

Hosted by Mojave Sound Art

Aging and Adult Services at WVCC

Bob Dougherty, our Social Service Aide, from the SBC Department Of Aging & Adult Services, will be giving out some bus passes for seniors and helping them with HEAP applications, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., on February 13, at the Twentynine Palms Senior Center, 6539 Adobe Road, just off the Twentynine Palms Highway.

Bob will be doing much the same at the Wonder Valley Community Center, from 11 a.m. until noon, on February 20th. If you are a senior and would like to schedule an appointment for to fill out a HEAP application, please call Bob at 760-228-5219.

Hi-Desert Hukilau Music Festival

8 hours of live music on 2 stages. Celebrating the diversity of music in the Joshua Tree area.
Saturday, April 20, 2019 starting at 4 p.m. Cost: $12

The Palms in Wonder Valley
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley CA 92277

Improv at The Palms

Improv comedy workshop at The Palms!
Hosted by Kevin Bone and Heather Clisby
Class size is limited! Please RSVP by e-mail to palmsliveevents@gmail.com.
Cost: donation. Suggested $5 - $15. Whatever you're comfortable with.

This is the second workshop of hopefully many, taught by Heather Clisby, who has worked with people of all ages and experience (or lack of it!). We guarantee that you're going to have fun at this. Please RSVP and join us!!

Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2019

Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley, California 92277

YOGA at The Palms

Hello Wonder Valley friends! I, Lorelei Vox Greene, will be giving Gentle-Flow, donation-based yoga classes every other Saturday at The Palms. Open to all, beginner to the advanced.

DATE CHANGE
8:30 - 9:45 a.m., Saturday, February 23

Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley, California 92277

Desert Trail Column - January 24, 2019

Mark your calendars for two upcoming events at our Wonder Valley Community Center. First will be a reading on Saturday, February 2 by author William Hillyard from his forthcoming book “Welcome to Wonder Valley.” Second will be a CPR class presented by Morongo Basin Ambulance on Saturday, February 16. Contact WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at teresa.sitz@gmail.com or 760-367-9880 for further information.

We send out Rainbows-of-Garnets-and-Carnations to Vida Hamilton who celebrates her special day this week. Happy birthday, Vida

Darlene’s Commentary: Here are a couple things you might want to try. Scanning your phone before bed can disturb your sleep because the bright blue light has a short-wavelength and can inhibit the production of melatonin which helps you fall asleep. To avoid that, turn your cellphone off at least 30 minutes before hitting the hay. Also, when you’re alone and bored, put your phone aside for awhile, like a half-hour or so, because when you’re bored, four different areas of your brain activate and work together to pull in random thoughts and combine them in unique ways, inspiring creative ideas. You might become a young Einstein – or an “oldster Einstein!” Give it a try.

Karen’s Commentary: There are notices on the Bank of America ATMs stating they will be removed on January 23. I called the bank and was told that they will indeed be permanently removed, but new ATMs will be placed in another location in Twentynine Palms, possibly Stater Brothers shopping center. There will be an approximate two-month time period though without any Bank of America ATMs at all because the company was apparently taken by surprise. They had been told the Starbucks deal fell through (which is what they told me months ago) so they replaced their old ATMs with brand new ones, but are now being told to remove their new machines so Starbucks can build!

Animal Action League provides low-cost spay and neuter services for pets living in unincorporated areas such as Wonder Valley. They also provide low-cost microchipping and vaccinations, and are located at 62762 Twentynine Palms Highway, just west of the dinosaurs in Joshua Tree. For further information call 760-366-1100.

Handy Hint: Here are two easy tips. Unless you know for sure that you’ll need your checkbook to pay for something, leave it at home. Checks usually list your name, address, bank account number and routing number – all useful to a hacker. Also, put a baby picture into your wallet. Research suggests that wallets with baby photos are more likely to be returned.

Today’s Thought: “Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson

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

Desert Trail Column - January 17, 2019

The Wonder Valley Community Meeting was very interesting and informative. The future of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council was discussed, plus the newly-formed non-profit organization Friends of Wonder Valley. Retired police officer Steve Reyes gave a great presentation on ways to secure your property. Many of the ideas presented are simple and inexpensive, but would undoubtedly be very effective security measures.

The Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, January 23, at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road near Blower Road, at 11 a.m.

Karen’s Commentary:  First off, I want to thank Bob for loads of coupons and Jan Peek for used postage stamps that she sent from her new home in Arizona. Last week I forgot to mention one of my all-time favorite “home remedies” – gargling with saltwater. At the very first sign of a sore throat, start gargling! A doctor told me many years ago to gargle with warm saltwater the very first thing in the morning and the very last thing at night. He said that the salt kills the bacteria in your mouth and throat, stopping the progression of irritation and inflammation, and yes, it absolutely works!

Darlene’s Commentary: Thank you, Mother Nature, for turning off the DEEP FREEZE! My beautiful encelia bush is now in full bloom in the most gorgeous shade of yellow. The recent off-and-on rain might trigger double-blooms this year. We might even see some flowers that we don’t see every year, like the five spot, trumpet flower, Indian paintbrush, desert lily and those white star-shaped belly flowers. Well, even if we don’t have a double-bloom year, I’ll be happy to greet and admire what we do have. Isn’t our desert a spectacular place? Don’t you think so, too, Mother Nature? Hello? Well, I guess she’s already left for work.

The Wonder Valley Community Church, 82575 Amboy Road at Kuhns Road, holds services every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. A potluck luncheon is held following the service on the second Sunday of each month. There are also Bible studies on Sundays at 9:15 a.m., and on Mondays at 8:30 a.m. Call Pastor Lonnie Casper at 760-401-6128 or 760-391-0480.

Handy Hint: What can you do with wood ashes? Fertilize your houseplants. Place ashes in a cloth bag, tie it off and steep it in a five-gallon bucket of water for a few days. Use this “ash tea” to water plants weekly.

Today’s Thought: The plastic coating on a shoelace is the “aglet,” the spot between your eyebrows is your “glabella” and the white crescent-shaped part of your fingernail is your “lunule.”

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

WV Community Meeting -- January 12, 2019

The full moon and Venus at dawn in December 2018 -- TSS

Everyone is invited and wecome to attend the 

Wonder Valley Community Meeting

from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019

at the

Wonder Valley Community Center

80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277

The meeting will be hosted by the

Friends of Wonder Valley, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization

The agenda will be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting at the Wonder Valley Community Center, and online.

AGENDA:
https://tinyurl.com/wv01122019 -- posted 5:30 a.m., January 7, 2019
NOTES:
https://tinyurl.com/wv01122019notes -- posted 8:15 a.m., January 30, 2019.
(Sorry for the lateness. I've been down with the flu. - TSS)

Wonder Valley resident and retired Los Angeles police officer Steve Reyes will present on ways to secure your property.

Wonder Valley no longer has a MAC Delegate, as the MAC was dissolved in November. Our former MAC Delegate, Teresa Sitz, will chair this meeting and clarify issues regarding our representation with the County.

Desert Trail Column - January 10, 2019

A Wonder Valley Community Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 12 at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road near Blower Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Former MAC representative Teresa Sitz will talk about the dissolution of the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council, and as the Wonder Valley Community Center Coordinator, she will report on the WVCC and the park. Ken Sitz will give a brief report on our local non-profit Friends of Wonder Valley, and retired police officer Steve Reyes will give a presentation on ways to keep your property secure. Contact Teresa at Teresa.Sitz@gmail.com or 760-367-9880 for information.

On TUESDAY, January 15, the USDA Food Distribution will be held at our community center at 9:30 a.m. Please note that this is a change in the day of distribution.

We send out Rainbows-of-Garnets-and-Carnations to Jennahrose Davies-Foster who turns 11 this week. Happy birthday, Jennahrose!

Darlene's Commentary: Here’s a little poem I recently created. Hope you enjoy it. “We are all mothers, fathers and brothers, and children and sisters and friends; like opening familiar storybooks with a beginning and an end. For we are young and we are old and learn to turn the pages. We’re sometimes timid, sometimes bold, regardless of the ages. So let’s climb aboard the mother ship for our very first exciting trip.” The End!

Karen’s Commentary: I’d like to talk about stickiness. Yes, stickiness. Why is it that postage stamps stick so well and never fall off – I want some of that glue. And how about Post-it Notes – REAL Post-it Notes – they never fall off either, but can be removed easily. Where do I buy this adhesive? And the labels on Sterlite products – the red-headed step-children of Rubbermaid – peel off easily and cleanly after YEARS of being firmly affixed!

The non-profit 29 Palms Soaring Club meets at the Twentynine Palms Airport, Highway 62 at Godwin Road, every Sunday from 11 a.m. to sunset, weather permitting. The club owns two gliders and a tow plane, and provides glider rides for $20 to $50, depending on the altitude desired. Cash only is accepted, and gift certificates are available and have no expiration dates. For information, call Mike at 760-464-2835.

Handy Hint: To make a neat jewelry holder, staple chicken wire inside a large wooden frame that has been painted and/or decorated. You can hang this frame on the wall or stand it up on a dresser or cabinet. Use small S-hooks to hang jewelry.

Today’s Thought: “I was going to sue for defamation of character, but then I realized I have no character.” – Charles Barkley

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

Bill Hillyard Reading.

William Hillyard reads from Welcome to Wonder Valley

1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019

(after the Farmers Market and just before The Palms opens!)

at the

Wonder Valley Community Center

80526 1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277

There is a $2 suggested donation to support future events. 

If you can't afford $2, please be our guest.

What is it about Wonder Valley that brings people across the Morongo Basin, across the state, even around the globe to spend a day or two in this little patch of sand?

Local author William Hillyard will read sections from his forth-coming book Welcome to Wonder Valley. Hillyard has known and spent time with more local characters than anyone else and has seen firsthand what makes these enduring and endearing characters tick. His book offers insight into both the fortitude and eccentricities that make life bearable in a no-horse town, with bad water, and temperatures topping 120 in the summer.

Hillyard will answer questions, and talk about the writing process.

A $2 donation helps support events like this, but if you don’t have the money, please be our guest.

Not Bad.

Full Moon in Wonder Valley, The Honoroable D.H.C.

WV USDA Food Distribution

The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:30 a.m. on TUESDAY, January 15, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station.

Low income Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site. No ID or other documentation is required. You may pick up a box for one neighbor, or they may pick up a box for you, IF you present a signed pick up form. One pick up per person. Pick up forms are available online at http://tinyurl.com/wv-pickup-form. They are also available at the WVCC on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at the information kiosk at the WVCC the week before the event.

For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9880.

The text below is required.

Nondiscrimination StatementIn 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
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax:
(202) 690-7442; or

(3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

December 2018 Crime Stats

Arrests included a 245 -- assault with a deadly weapon; and 11550 - use or under influence of a controlled substance. There were 5 calls for illegal ORV riding throughout the month, and 7 calls for illegal shooting.

There were eleven 459 calls -- 6 were alarms; 1 was listed as VR (vacation rental?); 3 were RR (residential?); and one was unmodified.

These statistics are gleaned from media reports, they are not supplied by the Sheriff's Department, so there may be a small margin of error.

First Saturday at The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery

Wonder Valley artist David Greene, along with artist Edie Fake, will be featured at an opening reception from 1 to 5 p.m., on Saturday, January 5.  Live music will be provided by The Luminators.

Don't miss David's amazing night paintings.

Improv Comedy Workshop at The PALMS

Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019
Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, California 92277

Ever experience Organic Comedy? Once you try improv, you'll never go back to regular, store-bought comedy ever again. Learn to leave yourself at the door, accept whatever comes your way and to build on it. At this workshop, we'll learn the basics of comedy improv - making up characters and scenes on-the-spot. We will play like children. You can expect spontaneous joy, unexpected insight and solid belly laughs. The only wrong answer in the class is "No." Come join!

Class size is limited! Please RSVP by e-mail to palmsliveevents@gmail.com.
Cost: donation. Suggested $5-$15. Whatever you're comfortable with.

This is the first workshop of hopefully many, taught by Heather Clisby, who has worked with people of all ages and experience (or lack of it!). We guarantee that you're going to have fun at this..please RSVP and join us!!

Desert Trail Column - January 3, 2019

Our local non-profit Friends of Wonder Valley needs donations. No amount is too small and donations are tax deductible. To donate, go to https://www.friendsofwondervalley.org or mail to Friends of Wonder Valley, PO Box 1704, Twentynine Palms CA 92277. Call Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880.

The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, 77575 29 Palms Highway at Thunder Road, will host an artists’ reception on Saturday, January 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. This show runs through January 27 with featured artists David Greene and Edie Fake. Come to meet the artists, enjoy free refreshments, and listen to The Luminators. Call Laurel Seidl at 760-367-3807.

Mark your calendar for the Wonder Valley Community Meeting on Saturday, January 12. Retired police officer Steve Reyes is scheduled to speak on ways to secure your property.

Since the birthstone for January is the garnet and the flower is the carnation, we send out Rainbows-of-Garnets-and-Carnations to Kip Fjeld who celebrates his special day this week. Happy birthday, Kip!

Karen’s Commentary:  Giving my space to Dar today.

Darlene’s Commentary: Bob Dylan was right – the times they ARE a-changing! We have a new year ahead with great possibilities for new ideas. A couple of centuries ago the only way to get around was by foot, horseback, wagon or boat. Think about another song – “In 1814 we took a little trip, along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip. We took a little bacon and we took a little beans and wevfought the bloody British in the town of New Orleans.” Just think about what we have discovered, learned, built, engineered, solved, tamed, saved, recovered and researched since then, especially in medicine. What amazing advancement! I try to keep on the sunny side, even if Karen does call me Pollyanna, and I wish for happiness, wellness, kindness, love and peace for everyone on our planet and beyond.

Each Sunday morning, Godwin Christian Fellowship, 6389 Godwin Road near Highway 62, has an adult Prayer/Bible Study at 9, Morning Worship Service at 10:30 and Children’s Church for 8 years and younger at 11:30. In addition, every third Sunday has a Birthdays and Anniversaries Celebration. Contact Pastor Max Rossi at Mrossi121@yahoo.com or 831-234-6848.

Handy Hint: Cut a stack of lettuce leaves with a pizza cutter to get shreds for salads, tacos and sandwiches.

Today’s Thought: Bonus Day – three thoughts for the price of one! 1. In a typical three-hour National Football League broadcast, the ball is actually in play for roughly 11 minutes. 2. Salsa has surpassed ketchup as the top-selling condiment in America. 3. $77,000 in assets puts you in the world’s wealthiest 10 percent.

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