Desert Trail Column - August 1, 2019

Mark your calendars for two upcoming events in Wonder Valley. A Meet & Greet/Ice Cream Social will take place at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, on August 10. And a spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held at Wonder Valley Community Church, 82575 Amboy Road, on October 12.

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 Mandy Root (35) and Cris Buskirk, who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday, Cris and Mandy!

Karen’s Commentary: Here are numbers you might need now or in the future.

Mental Health: 

• Family Resource Center 760-228-9657, 
• Hi-Desert Medical Center Behavioral Health Centre 760-366-1541 and 
• San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, 909-381-2420 or 888-743-1478

Legal Services:

• Attorney General 800-952-5225, 
• Household Goods Movers Complaints 800-366-4782 and 
• Victims of Crime Resource Center 800-842-8467. 

Military Veterans’ Services: 

• US Department of Veteran Affairs 800-827-1000, 
• Veterans Administration Insurance Center 800-669-8477 and 
• Veterans Center 800-225-8387. 

Substance Abuse:

• San Bernardino County Substance Abuse Services 800-968-2636, 
• ASAP Family Treatment - Cocaine 800-367-2727, 
• Chemical Dependant Hearing Impaired 800-282-3323, 
• National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Line 800-252-6465 and 
• Substance Abuse Information and Referral Line 800-662-4357. 

Could be helpful.

Darlene’s Commentary: Bank of America in Yucca Valley is closing on September 10, 2019. After the Starbucks/ATMs incidents, there were assurances by Bank of America personnel that new ATMs would be placed in Twentynine Palms, so many of us held on, expecting a completely satisfactory outcome. As a long-time customer, I didn’t want to just give up on them, but I now must face the facts Since a satisfactory outcome with Bank of America is definitely no longer in the future, I must say that we are fortunate to have other good banks in Twentynine Palms. And it will be good to have my bank back in town again.

Animal Action League will spay or neuter your pets, implant microchips and provide vaccinations, all at reduced rates. AAL is a wonderful organization that is located at 62762 29 Palms Highway, just west of the dinosaurs, in Joshua Tree. For further information, call 760-366-1100.

Handy Hint: When you get a splinter, reach for the Scotch Tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the tape over the splinter, then pull it off. This method will remove most splinters painlessly and easily.

Today’s Thought: “Such a simple thing as the giving of yourself – giving thoughtfulness, time, help, or understanding – will trigger the cycle of abundance.” – Norman Vincent Peale

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