Friends of Wonder Valley -- what we've been up to.

Monsoon season

Friends of Wonder Valley just sent out a newsletter this week, but if you haven't signed up for it you can do so at the tab above, or the link below; and you can read the newletter linked below, as well. (We only send these out 2-3 times a year, so we're not going to inundate you.)

Newsletter link
https://mailchi.mp/ac9ba8a025a8/friends-of-wonder-valley-weve-been-busy
Sign up link
https://www.friendsofwondervalley.org/p/email-list.html

USDA Food Distribution

The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at noon on Tuesday, August 20, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station.

The staff arrives at 9 a.m., so please do not line up before then. The boxes are all ready to go and are, for the most part, the same.

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 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 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
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.

In the Desert: Stories of Willie Boy

Join us, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, August 31,
at the Wonder Valley Community Center, Wonder Valley, CA 92277

In the Desert: Stories of Willie Boy
The Willie Boy manhunt of 1909 is the stuff of legend. Occurring in the areas adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs, the real-life tale - termed a "watershed" event for our region's Chemehuevi Indian people by Native scholar Clifford Trafzer - has captivated, to this day, more than a century of scholars, writers, storytellers, artists, filmmakers and desert Indian residents who have endeavored to shed understanding, truth, and portray the real-life events, and the long-lasting impacts on this region, in an accurate way.

In this presentation, College of the Desert professor, scholar, author, and former wildland firefighter Ruth Nolan, M.F.A., M.A. explores the body of scholarly and artistic works dedicated to the event and discusses reasons why the event continues to spawn interest, inquiry, discussion and a considerable archive of scholarship and art.

Ruth Nolan is editor of the critically-acclaimed No Place for a Puritan: the Literature of California's Deserts (Heyday Books, 2009); author of Ruby Mountain (Finishing Line Press 2016) and coeditor of Fire and Rain: Ecopoetry of California (Scarlet Tanager Books 2018).

We request a $2 donation at the door, but if you cannot afford this, please be our guest. The modest donation helps us produce more events.

Please contact Teresa Sitz at (760)367-9880 for more information.

News Coverage:
Story of Willie Boy haunts the West more than a century after his death
By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail Sep 4, 2019

WV Ice Cream Social

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate in an ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 10, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-1/2 Amboy Road, in the shade of the cell phone palm tree, in Wonder Valley.

There will be a special guest speaker.

Our MAC (SBC Municipal Advisory Council) Delegate, Steve Reyes, will be passing out ice cream sandwiches and other delicious confections at this casual meet-and-greet. Bring your questions, suggestions, comments, and complaints. Meet your neighbors and make new friends.

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

Planned power outage -- CANCELLED!

UPDATE:
Our new MAC delegate, Steve Reyes, worked with SCE and the Supervisors office to get this planned outage rescheduled and has succeeded. If you would like to thank Steve, please come to the Meet-and-Greet / Ice cream social, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, August 10. Everyone is welcome.

-----

There MAY be a planned power outage on Monday between the hours  of 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is supposed to affect a very small slice of Wonder Valley -- from Meriwether, either west to Schooler and/or east to Shadow Mountain, and then all the way north to the mountains.

The Wonder Valley Community Center, at 80526½ Amboy Road, under the shadow of the cell tower palm tree, will be  open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and everyone is welcome to come enjoy the air-conditioned facility. There will be some snacks, books, games,  and a place to just rest and chill.

Those in the outage area without transportation may call for a ride to the WVCC and back. Call Teresa and Ken at (760) 367-9880. This is not an offer from the County, just an offer from your neighbors.

Desert Trail Column - July 25, 2019

Beginning on July 28 and continuing through the summer, Sunday church services at Wonder Valley Community Church, 82575 Amboy Road at Kuhns Road, will begin at 9 a.m. instead of 10:30. For further information, call Pastor Lonnie Casper at 760-401-6128 or 760-391-0480.

On July 31, the medical van will be at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Care will be provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Appointments are recommended, but not required. Call 760-365-9305 for further information.

Most events at our WVCC are sponsored by our local nonprofit 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.

We send out Rainbows-of-Rubies-and-Larkspurs to Mary Anderson and Lilah Margaret Fairweather (8) who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday, Lilah and Mary!

Karen’s Commentary: When I went to pick up a prescription, I was told my insurance wouldn’t cover it and it would cost over $800! While trying to straighten this mess out, it just got more and more complicated each day. I finally called the pharmacy to update them, and got an unbelievable but wonderful surprise. It seems that my insurance DOES cover the brand name, BUT NOT the generic! Is that totally backwards or what? I got the brand name for a $20 copay! So if you’re ever told your insurance won’t cover a prescription, be sure to check both brand name and generic.

Darlene’s Commentary: Whew! I’ve been back and forth most of June and July for xrays and CT scans, and I think my car used enough gas to drive around the globe. As for the tests, xrays and miracle machines that can look through your body without using a scalpel, we are fortunate to live in this era. I was so grateful to hear my doctor say, “You are well.” What a relief! I want to thank all the personnel at HDMC, Desert Advance Imaging, Dr Mahajan, P. A. Ellen, my daughter Julie, my sister Karen, dear friend Shereen and my forever love Richard.

The 29 Soaring Club meets every Sunday from 11 to sunset, weather permitting, at the Twentynine Palms Airport on 29 Palms Highway at Godwin Road. Gift certificates are available, or just come out to watch the gliders! For information, call Mike at 760-464-2835.

Handy Hint: Clean your mirrors with air freshener. This will give you two nice results!

Today’s Thought: Clutter is physical proof of abundance. Take a look around. If you have clutter, you’re richer than you think!

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

Fire on Godwin.

Wonder Valley Home Destroyed in Fired this Morning.

The fire happened about 2 a.m., starting on the patio and making its way to the house.

Desert Trail Column - July 18, 2019

Marlene Roberts’ Celebration of Life was both happy and sad. It was well attended, and many people told both funny and touching stories involving Marlene. There were three Wonder Valley Community Church pastors in attendance – current pastor Lonnie Casper and former pastors Garry Brooks and Grover Fletcher. It was a nice gathering to honor a long-time Wonder Valley resident. Rest in peace, Marlene.

The Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place on Wednesday, July 24 at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road, starting at 11 a.m. The doors will open at 9 a.m. for those who wish to get there early. Food will be distributed until gone.

Most events at our WVCC are sponsored by our local nonprofit 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 July is the ruby and the flower is the larkspur, we send out Rainbows-of-Rubies-and-Larkspurs to Ron Rush, Jayden Root (15), Star Javier and Isabel Austin who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday to Isabel, Star, Jayden and Ron!

Karen’s Commentary: Thanks to Jennie Matos for used stamps! Also, I was sure sorry to hear Sizzler closed. Dar and I and our sister Donna recently spent four hours there enjoying a “Sisters Lunch” with more talking and laughing than eating! We had no idea it would be our last time there.

Darlene’s Commentary: It’s sure hot! I remember my friends and I keeping cool by riding our Stingrays to the beach so we could watch beautiful clouds form pictures that floated along with a cool breeze – can you feel it? I’ve discovered that reminiscing helps turn the thermometer down a few notches!

Godwin Christian Fellowship, 6389 Godwin Road at Highway 62, holds church services each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Also every Sunday there is a Prayer/Bible Study from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and Children’s Church for eight years and younger from 11:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. For further information, contact Pastor Max Rossi at Mrossi121@yahoo.com or 831-234-6848, or Brother Wally Currie at 760-449-8683.

Handy Hint: Wipe your television screen with a used dryer sheet to keep dust from resettling.

Today’s Thought: In 1943, World War II dominated world events, construction of the Pentagon was completed, the Jefferson Memorial was dedicated in Washington DC, Lt. John F. Kennedy’s PT-109 was rammed by a destroyer, “Mrs Miniver” won the Academy Award for best picture, the New York Yankees beat the St Louis Cardinals in the World Series and Karen celebrated her first birthday!

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

Improv at The Palms.

Noon - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
The Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley CA 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, led by HEATHER CLISBY, 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!

Cost: donation (suggested $5-$10). Whatever you're comfortable with.

Heather Clisby has worked with people of all ages and experience (or lack of it!). We guarantee that you're going to have fun at this !!

Free movies in Luckie Park.

Steve Reyes, our Wonder Valley MAC Delegate, donated funds to the Friends of Wonder Valley to be used to support free summer movies in Luckie Park in Twentynine Palms.

We were a day or two late with our donation, so the FOWV logo didn't make it on the poster. Go to the City of Twentynine Palms movie page to download the poster and schedule.

SHOWINGS
• June 20 ~ Bumblebee (PG13)
• June 27 ~ Hotel Transylvania (PG)
• July 11 ~ Instant Family (PG13)
• July 18 ~ Small Foot (PG13)
• July 25  ~ How to Train Your Dragon (PG)
• August 1 ~ Zoo (PG)
• August 8 ~ Spiderman in to the Spider Verse (PG13)
• August 15 ~ Dumbo (PG)

Free! Every Thursday night, about 8:45 p.m., on the lawn facing the racquetball courts.

Thanks, Steve!

HEAD ON COLLISION.

A head on collision occurred on Amboy Road near Wilson last Wednesday near dusk. One man, Robert Payne, 70, died.  He may have had a medical condition, which may have caused
the collision.

Two Wonder Valley men, Cameron Turner, 19, and Jason Bussell, 22, were injured and transported to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. Bussell is the father of a 7-week old son and is the sole support for his small family and his mother.

For those who might like to help, there is a GoFundMe online at: https://tinyurl.com/jasonbussell

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Stay safe out there.

Read more:
CORONER ID’S VICTIM OF WEDNESDAY’S FATAL CRASH IN TWENTYNINE PALMS

Salvation Army Food Distribution

The Salvation Army Food Distribution takes place starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 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.

There will be no staff at the WVCC before 9 a.m., so if you line up early and you need to sit, bring a folding chair, water, and whatever else you need to make yourself comfortable. Doors do not open until 9 a.m. The distribution does not start until 11 a.m.

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.

The distribution will be “shopping style.” You will 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.

The MBHD Mobile Medical Unit will not be onsite on Wednesday, July 24, but WILL be onsite on Wednesday, July 31.

Desert Trail Column - July 11, 2019

Yoga at The Palms with Lorelei Vox Greene will take place on Saturday, July 13 at The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road at Thompson Road, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. All skill levels are welcome, and donations are accepted. Call 760-361-2810.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Marlene Roberts at the Wonder Valley Community Church, 82575 Amboy Road at Kuhns Road, on July 13 at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be provided by the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or to any organization that benefits wolves. Marlene loved wolves and wanted to help them in any way possible. Marlene was a long-time resident of Wonder Valley and will be missed by so many. Call Pastor Lonnie Casper at 760-401-6128 or 760-391-0480 for information.

Free food will be distributed at the USDA Food Distribution on Tuesday, July 16 from 9 to noon at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526½ Amboy Road at Blower Road. There is no need to arrive early.

Most events at our WVCC are sponsored by our local nonprofit 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.

Karen’s Commentary: Can you say “EARTHQUAKE?” Oh, I’ll bet you can! I didn’t feel the first one because I was brushing my dog’s teeth (yes, it’s true!), but the second one scared the living daylights out of me! I remained calm even when it started to get harder, but when the walls started making creaking and cracking noises, fear definitely took over!

Darlene’s Commentary: On Thursday morning, I had my left hand on the bed when I felt a vibration, then my hand started moving slowly back and forth for a distance of about three inches. It felt like my bed might dissolve into quicksand, but then things settled down and returned to normal. For Friday’s quake, I was in San Bernardino. Scary!

Friends of Wonder Valley is our favorite local nonprofit, formed to enhance the lives of people living in Wonder Valley. This is a wonderful organization that helps in so many ways. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. To learn more and/or to donate, visit our community center or go online to www.fowv.org.

Handy Hint: If items are cluttering up your house only because they have sweet memories attached, here is the solution. Take a picture of the item, then donate it. A photo album or scrapbook is a great alternative to a house full of clutter.

Today’s Thought: The indentation on the bottom of a wine bottle is the “punt.”

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

Glitter Vomit, July 13

Live: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13, at The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277

Low-fi singer songwriter desert-y experimental weirdness with video visuals, from New Mexico.

No cover.

USDA Food Distribution

The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at noon on Tuesday, July 16, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station.

The staff arrives at 9 a.m., so please do not line up before then. The boxes are all ready to go and are, for the most part, the same.

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 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 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
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.

Desert Trail Column - July 4, 2019

Earthjustice, who represents all clients free of charge and is the nation’s largest nonprofit environmental law organization, has successfully challenged Cadiz Inc.’s plan to sell groundwater, a project that many say threatens our fragile Southern California desert. Cadiz Inc. is a public company that owns private land just east of Joshua Tree National Park and adjacent to the Sheephole Valley Wilderness area. As early as 1984, the company was investigating the potential of the aquifer system beneath its property. The resulting current plan was to extract 16 billion gallons of water annually to sell to densely populated areas of Southern California at a steep profit. The court has now determined that the pipeline should not have been approved, and the Bureau of Land Management has been ordered to reconsider the project’s approval.

The Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council meeting will take place on Monday, July 10 at Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst, at 5:30 p.m. Our Wonder Valley representative Steve Reyes encourages everyone to attend and help him present Wonder Valley’s concerns to our San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe.

On a sad note, long-time Wonder Valley resident Marlene Roberts passed away on June 24 in Yucca Valley. Marlene was a member of the Wonder Valley Community Church, and her church family was with her at the time of her peaceful passing. She was born in Arizona in 1932, and her ashes will be interred in Kellogg, Idaho. Marlene was helpful, witty and a wonderful friend to the many people who loved her. She was a child of God and led many to the Lord over the years. There will be a Celebration of Life at the church, 83131 Amboy Road at Kuhns Road, on July 13 at 11 a.m. where refreshments will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the church or to any organization that benefits wolves. Marlene loved wolves.

Handy Hint: Have you ever forgotten a load of laundry in the washer? If so, that mildew odor can be pretty bad and hard to get rid of. The simple solution is to rewash the entire load with one cup of white vinegar.

Today’s Thought: In an article entitled “Be Kind Every Day” in the May 2018 issue of Woman’s Day Magazine, a couple says that they spent many days at their daughter’s bedside during her hospitalization. The best care package they received arrived on Cinco de Mayo, when a friend sent them margarita mix, fun cups, straws and maracas. That must have provided a wonderful little break from the constant concern and worry over a sick child.

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