H.D. Living
toys for tots | wine trends | hands of health | a cowboy christmas Winter 2012
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this bbq really is
Out of this World V I C T O R V I L L E | S P R I N G VA L L E Y L A K E | A P P L E VA L L E Y | H E S P E R I A | O A K H I L L S
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H.D. Living Magazine Volume 4, Issue 6, Winter 2012 PUBLISHER / CEO Frank A. Castillo MARKETING/CIRCULATION DIRECTOR James Piar CFO Tiffany Santee copy editor Susan Landers DESIGN and LAYOUT Everard Strong | www.Big-E-Productions.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tere Darnell, Katie Chavez, Krystal Carrillo, Stephanie Morris, Dr. Brad Hannon PHOTOGRAPHERS George Sillas | GeorgeSillas.com Susan Whitney | SusanWhitney.com ADVERTISING DESIGN Kari Martinez, Chris Ackerman ADVERTISING sales Frank Castillo frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com Kari Martinez karim@hdlivingmagazine.com
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» table of contents
Winter 2012
features
departments
28 winter fun, whereabouts, and holiday happenings
10 PUBLISHERS LETTER 13 up front Santa’s in town; stocking stuffers, Toys for Tots
Don’t let the winter blues get to you! By Stephanie Morris
32 a cowboy christmas Christmas down on the Bascom Ranch.
By Tere Kidd
34 by leaps and bounds Performing Arts in the HD
By Katie Chavez
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By Katie Chavez, Krystal Carrillo, Tere Kidd
18 local businesses Hands of Health, Cathy Abbott 22 Health matters XXXXXXX By Dr. Brad Hannon 38 wine trends Local wine events By Stephanie Morris 40 restaurant spotlight Out of this World BBQ By Susan Landers 42 dining guide Restaurants in the HD 44 HD Happenings 46 susan’s corner Past Words of Wisdom Still Ring True
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» publisher’s letter
cool it now
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he most anticipated time of the year is here! The winter not only brings the holidays but brings time with family, friends and a cup of hot cocoa on cold High Desert nights. With a hot summer behind us, I’m kind of looking forward to those few days a year we get snow here in the HD! That’s why in this issue we bring you some “Winter Fun Whereabouts;” Stephanie Morris gives us some terrific ideas about what to do and where to go this winter. We also have a great story on an HD family that looks to the days of old and are inspired by the Old West as Tere Kidd tells us in “Cowboy Christmas”. And, for those of you into the arts, Katie Chavez tells us of the ever growing culture the High Desert is experiencing in “Leaps and Bounds.” Barbecue in the winter you say? I can tell you from experience that Out of this World BBQ is exactly that! Susan Landers brings us our cover spotlight as pulled pork, beef brisket and barbecued steaks with all the fixings are the subject. We also have some great local spotlights, winter wine trends, and Susan’s Corner. Frank Castillo Publisher/CEO FrankC@hdlivingmagazine.com
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Happy Holidays From
2012 Cadillac SRX
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» upfront
UpFront The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
R
ising spirits and twinkling tinsel and lights can only mean one thing at the Mall of Victor Valley: Santa’s back in town! The jolly old elf invites children of all ages to send a merry holiday wish his way; don’t miss your chance to visit with St. Nick and receive a special free gift. Visits and pictures with the red-robed gift-giver are available in the Center Court of the Mall, Mondays through Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm, with reindeer feeding breaks from 1 pm to 2 pm and 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm, Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm, with a cookie-munching break from 2 pm to 3 pm. Santa’s final day in the H.D. will be Christmas Eve from 11 am to 6 pm with a final sleigh repair break from 1 pm to 2 pm. By Krystal Carrillo
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» upfront
Unwrap the True Meaning of the Holidays
T
oo often the season is shrouded in so much that is false; the true spirit of the holidays is a stark contrast to the commercial materialism that is sold to us more and more forcefully each year. The holiday season should be a time of love and reflection, a time to pause in the rush that too often becomes our everyday routine, to be still and silent and appreciate what is most basic and fundamental about this incredible and ephemeral thing we call living. Take some time out of the hustle-and-bustle to return to the simple heart of the holidays. A true celebration of the season does not require spending next year’s money to buy this year’s best and shiniest; the most authentic gift is honoring the compassion and humanity that is at the core of Christmastime. One of the simplest ways to do this is to give to those who are in need. The Toys-for-Tots program makes this easy for us to do here in the H.D. with over 20 drop off locations throughout the Victor Valley this year in addition to the national drop off location of Toys-R-Us. Bring a new, unwrapped gift to bring a smile to a local child in need. For a complete list of locations, please visit: http:// apple-valley-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/ about-local-toys-for-tots.asp.
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» home tour
Holiday Home Tour
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n November 19, the second annual Holiday Home Tour, presented by the Ryan McEachron Charitable Foundation, took place in three homes across the Victor Valley. The three homes included on the tour are owned by the Calderons, located in the Stonebrook Estates Apple Valley; the Bradys, located in Spring Valley Lake; and the McEachrons, located in Apple Valley. All proceeds from the event were donated to the local Toys for Tots. The one day event raised over $10,000. The presenting sponsor was Desert Valley Medical Group, and other sponsors include Armac ISU Insurance, Mitsubishi Cement Corp, the Daily Press, Haven Home Décor, and Fats Tattoo. The mission of the foundation is, “The Ryan McEachron Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization created to promote public safety in the community and provide positive activities for youth. Our purpose is to keep community members safe and provide programs to keep children active.”
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» HD PERsonality
Hands of Health: Dr. Anna Yatsenko W
e all want to be healthy, and with a new year in our sights, why not start now? A great way to obtain a healthier you is to seek the guidance of chiropractor Dr. Anna Yatsenko of Hands of Health. Dr. Yatsenko works to improve the overall wellbeing of her patients through chiropractic care, but Hands of Health goes far beyond the typical chiropractic visit. There is also a nutrition and weight loss program, a corrective exercises program to improve posture, a detoxification program to eliminate toxins absorbed by the body in daily life, and a lifestyle coaching program that helps people understand how to choose activities that will help uphold a healthful life. “Her method involves determining the underlying causes of any disturbances or disruption in the body that alter the proper function of the nervous system.” With all of this, patents have the opportunity to truly improve their health with a natural approach to wellness. This approach to health is good for the entire family. Children can benefit greatly from chiropractic care, and starting them early may greatly improve their overall wellness into adulthood. She even works with expectant mothers and newborns. Dr. Yatsenko is passionate about her practice: “I have spent my life looking for ways to help people feel better, get healthy, and take control of their wellness through safe and natural chiropractic care, nutrition, and wellness coaching.” Her passion has taken her throughout California as a volunteer and chiropractic doctor. She has been involved in organizations like Women’s U.S.A. Water Polo, the AIDS Lifecycle Ride, and the Long Beach Substance Abuse Foundation. Every visit to Hands of Health reaps the rewards of her knowledge and dedication. The Hands of Health website is a great place to start your chiropractic journey. Both new and returning patients have access to articles and videos on chiropractic benefits, information about Dr. Yatsenko and her staff, an online appointment system, and much more. Whether you want to rid yourself of back pain or improve your general health, Dr. Yatsenko can help. Hands of Health is located at 14960 Bear Valley Rd. in Victorville. For more information about Hands of Health, Dr. Yatsenko, and how chiropractic might be right for you, please call 760-524-6566, visit www.handsofhealth.org or find her on Facebook. By Katie Chavez
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» local non-profit
Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation W
hile the yuletide summons our better angels and compels us to set aside time in our busy lives to focus on family, giving, and kindness, H.D. Living would like to recognize one member of our community who devotes her time to these ideals all year long. As the award-winning executive director of the Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation, CathyAbbott dedicates her livelihood to reaching out to those who are most in need. The mission of this non-profit organization is to nurture support for young people experiencing the ultimate loss of a loved one. Cathy has successfully led the organization from its inception nearly five years ago. Although she had no previous experience in non-profit work, Cathy found her niche in the development of the charitable foundation by calling on her public relations background, as she worked in television broadcasting in Boise, Idaho before settling back in Southern California and reporting for the Daily Press. The union of her background and what it takes to run a nonprofit foundation blossomed into what is now one of the most successful organizations in the High Desert, which serves the children in our community during such tragic times. With the generous help of the community and annual fundraising events like Dancing with the Sunset Hills Stars in June, Rockin’ the Desert Mud Run in August and the Ryan Cambridge Memorial Golf Classic in October, the Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation currently provides three major services for grieving adolescents. Every year, the foundation is able to donate an impressive $20,000 academic scholarship to a winning applicant. As Cathy notes, “It’s extremely rewarding to work to recognize those students who have to work that much harder with the tremendous emotional burden of losing a loved one. Every milestone is a constant reminder of this loss, but these are students who go on to accomplish so much. We are so proud to be supporting the community in this way.” The foundation also runs its Memory Bear Program, which began as a children’s service but now has become a treasured keepsake for people of all ages. The stuffed bear “lovingly holds inside its heart a personal item belonging to the individual who just passed.” And, finally, the peer-to-peer grief counseling program is one Cathy is especially proud of: “This provides a safe and anonymous venue for students to express themselves in such a way that they don’t have to worry about anyone judging them. Children don’t usually realize that they are going through the grieving process until after the depression sinks in and their grades begin to slip. Principals, counselors, and other students will seek these kids out and though not everyone is willing to participate at first, after the nine week session, there is a marked change that proves that it’s worth it. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to and to say whatever they feel.” The type of work done by Cathy Abbott and the Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation is a testament to the true spirit of Christmastime and can only thrive through the continued support and generosity of our community. Cathy’s gratitude is apparent as she expresses her pride in the work the foundation is able provide to those who are most in need, especially during the holiday season. To learn more about the Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation, visit sunsetchildren.org or call (760) 247-0155. By Krystal Carrillo
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Changing the look of healthcare in the High Desert. One specialist at a time. Introducing the St. Mary Specialty Clinic. We are an expanding group of diverse physicians with one focus—providing the best specialty care for you and your family. Dr. Moses Mukai brings with him 30 years of expertise in women’s healthcare. Dr. Sunny Cheung is an orthopedic specialist focused on sports injuries as well as knee and shoulder replacement surgery. General Surgeon, Dr. Bryan Rivera specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and colorectal surgeries. Each is committed to providing a level of care that goes beyond the everyday and is customized to your specific circumstances. The St. Mary Specialty Clinic is an exceptional team of specialty physicians dedicated to providing the highest standards of care and compassion. Our exclusive affiliation with St. Mary Medical Center, part of the prestigious St. Joseph Health System, assures you have access to an even wider range of comprehensive resources, including the latest medical technologies and treatments. To schedule an appointment with a
St. Mary Specialty Clinic physician, call us today at 760.240.5505
StMarySpecialtyClinic.com www.hdlivingmagazine.com
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» health matters
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ow! It is winter already, and the holiday season is underway. Sandal season is certainly over, and now is as good a time as any to think about your feet. Why? You might ask. Oftentimes, our feet are one of the most neglected regions of our body. A few excuses for this neglect are that people are not flexible enough to reach their feet, their feet are covered by socks and shoes all day, and some people have a difficult time seeing their feet for visual inspection. While others live up to the old saying “if it is not broken, don’t fix it,” in other words, “I will wait until my feet give me pain, cause knee/hip/back issues, or I have difficulty walking.” Well, I am here to tell you not to wait until your feet are broken. For the most part, we are born with the best, healthiest, body we will ever have, and despite surgeons’ ability to replace some joints, there is nothing we can do to fix or replace body parts back to as good as our original parts. Therefore our best option is to take good care of our body in order to get the best longevity, highest quality of life, and least amount of disability. When you stop and think about it our feet are really amazing for their flexibility, their strength, and their ability to bear a heavy load multiple times your body weight. The American Podiatric Medical Association’s web site describes the feet as follows: “the human foot is complex, containing within its relatively small size 26 bones (the two feet contain a quarter of all the bones in the body), 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, to say nothing of blood vessels and nerves.” Foot ailments are quite common. Some foot ailments are genetic, while most stem from a lifetime of neglect and abuse. An interesting fact about the feet is that a number of diseases are sometimes first detected in the feet,
such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, anemia, kidney problems, arthritis, gout, immune system dysfunction, psoriasis, and iron deficiency. This is why it is recommended that certain people have yearly foot check ups, particularly diabetics; it is estimated that 65,000 lower leg amputations occur per year due to complications with diabetes. Some of the most common foot ailments are: athlete’s foot or other foot fungus/bacteria, blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, foot odor often from excessive perspiration, hammertoes, heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, neuromas, and warts often caused by a virus. However, here is the good news: a lot of foot ailments can be prevented with some simple steps. Don’t ignore your feet Good hygiene Daily foot inspection – checking temperature, skin/nail color, skin/nail thickness, nail pitting/concavity, skin cracks/pealing/cuts/ ulcers, swelling, redness, numbness Proper nail cutting – trimming should be straight across and not too short, tools should be disinfected Proper washing and drying – making sure to wash between your toes and dry fully Avoid walking bare foot- walking barefooted makes you more prone to cuts/infections Understand the most common places for fungus and bacterial infection is in locker rooms, public showers (wear shoes while in public showers), dressing rooms, and pools Some socks help wick moisture away.
Your Feet: an owner’s manual
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Proper foot wear is so important I wanted to dedicate a whole section to this topic; even though foot wear has been discussed multiple times in past articles. Shoes should be replaced more frequently than you think When purchasing shoes buy appropriate fitting shoes for the appropriate activity Buy shoes near the end of the day Air out your shoes and let them dry Do not wear the same shoes everyday Do not wear other peoples’ shoes Inspect your shoes occasionally for wear Find a trained salesperson who knows about the shoes he or she is selling beyond just the sizes Look for shoes with arch support and cushion in the heel/sole Shoes should be flexible The toe box should have at least a ½ inch of room from your toes to the end of the toe box, and you should be able to wiggle your toes Women’s’ shoes are some of the worst offenders. For example, high heels, which have large negative effects on the toes/foot/ankle, adds instability, and also has a negative effect on the posture of the rest of your body. One option is to limit the time using them by switching to walking shoes while driving/walking and then switch to the heels for work/interview/etc. Take your custom orthotics with you to help find a shoe that accommodates their appropriate use Wear the same socks you plan on wearing when purchasing a pair of shoes Let’s focus on one common condition “hallux valgus” You might have just rubbed your eyes saying “what is hallux valgus”? Well, the common term is bunion. A bunion is when your big toe bends towards your second toe and the joint at the base of the big toe gets irritated causing a thickening of the bone and arthritis of the joint. The most common cause of bunions is improper foot wear; for example too small of a shoe, too narrow of a shoe, high heels, and
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no arch support. Another theory about a possible cause of bunions is that people whose feet pronate, where the arches flatten out and the ankle rolls too far inward, this puts a stress on the big toe which causes it to bend toward the second toe biomechanically. A third cause is genetic, which kind of plays into the pronation theory. There are some good conservative treatments for bunions if the condition is discovered early enough. Often custom shoe orthotics are necessary to correct foot function and over-pronation. Other conservative treatments are toe spacers, cushions/pads, splints, which are generally in two categories, one is soft splints which can be worn in shoes and rigid night time splints, ice, shoes with large and deep toe boxes, ultrasound therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and injections. The non conservative treatment usually is surgery where the bunion/bone growth is removed and the toe is typically pined in place for a period of time until the healing process allows for removal of the fixating device. Hopefully this article has sparked some interest for you to get proactive in your foot health. Clearly this article can only briefly hit some topics, and if you desire more information seek it from your health care provider. Remember that taking care of your feet ensures your ability to be mobile and have a good quality of life. Get your hands on a copy of the next H. D. Living magazine, and we will continue our life long quest for health.
Dr. Hannon graduated from the Southern California University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Chiropractic program. Now, in private practice Dr. Hannon dedicates his time to his passion of health, exercise, and nutrition.
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Bored? No need to be! Sure, the temperature has dropped a little, but there’s no need to turn into sedentary monitor zombies. There are plenty of entertaining things to do and places to go, in and around the H.D., whether the weather is good, bad or ugly. “Like what?” you ask? Well, if you’re looking for snow, we’ll tell you just where to go, if you’re seeking entertainment, we’ll show you where to be, and if nasty weather has you and the kids trapped at home, we’ll give you some tips and ideas to help make this winter a great winter! By Stephanie Morris
Winter Fun, = Whereabouts, and Holiday Happenings
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Serious Snow Where-To-Go
Let’s face it, we do get a little snow in the H.D. and it is very pretty and all, but skiing the mounds in Oak Hills just doesn’t cut it. If you’re serious about snow play, the closest hot spots to go are Big Bear Lake’s Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and The Magic Mountain Recreation Area or Wrightwood’s Mountain High. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, bobsledding, or simple snow play—you name it! Our local mountains have got it all! So, go get it! Big Bear Lake is just a short cruise down Highway 18, through the Lucerne Valley and up the big hill. You’ll find Bear Mountain at 43101 Goldmine Drive and Snow Summit can be found at 880 Summit Boulevard. For directions or more information, visit bearmountain.com or snowsummit.com. To get in touch with either of them, you can shoot an email to: info@bigbearmountainresorts.com, or just give them a call at 909-866-5766. The Magic Mountain Recreation Area’s Alpine Slide can be found at 800 Wildrose Lane, also in Big Bear Lake. To check out their website, visit alpineslidebigbear.com. Their email address is alpineslide@charter. net and their phone number is 909-866-4626. Mountain High Resort is located at 24510 State Highway 2 in Wrightwood. An easy 15 minutes or so off of Hwy 15, it’s practically in our backyard. For more information, you can find them at mthigh.com or give them a buzz at 1-888-754-7878. Remember that mountain weather can change dramatically, and on very short notice, so to find out current road conditions, call 800-427ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
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Winter Out-and-Abouts and Where-To-Bes
Got the urge to get out and about? Okay, here are just a few of the events happening in and around the H.D. this season. Have fun, be merry and drive safely!
December 2011 Through Jan. 8, 2012 The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Nineteenth Annual Festival of Lights “Allow yourself to be swept away by more than 3.6 million+ brilliant lights transforming Riverside’s historic hotel into pure magic.” 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. 888.447.9943
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Victorville Christmas Parade 10:00am until 12:00pm | Down 7th Street from Plaza Dr. to Mojave
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The Fifth Annual Klub Kandie Pop Music Festival
7:00pm until 3:00am | The Fox Theatre, 399 North D St. San Bernardino
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Cocoa & Carols with Santa 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Town Hall Rec. Center, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley Children get to experience a night with Santa and enjoy singing carols, reading stories and sharing in some hot cocoa and cookies with friends and family. Please bring a wrapped gift for Santa to present to your child. For more information, call 760-240-7880.
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Winter Wonderland & Christmas Tree Lighting 2:00pm until 5:00pm | Apple Valley Town Hall and | Recreation Civic Center Park and Town Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Pkwy, Apple Valley
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2011-2012 Newton T. Bass Family Concert
Series: Evan Marshall
7:30pm until 10:00pm | Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center 18422 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville
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Goldsmith Race #1 Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake
www.snowsummit.com/ski/mountain-info/events/
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New Year’s Eve Torch Light Parade 7:00pm | 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake. www.snowsummit.com
Twelfth Annual Festival of Winter 10:00am | Miller Fitness Center and Park, Fontana
Enjoy food, shopping, a trackless train, snow, a photo booth, entertainment, a food / toy drive, and more.
january 2012
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South Series Race Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake. www.snowsummit.com/ski/mountain-info/events/
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Goldsmith Race #2 Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake. www.snowsummit.com/ski/mountain-info/events/
winter 2012
Stormy Weather What-To-Dos
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“Oh, the weather outside is frightful…” That song provokes visions of fireplaces and romance…that is, if you’re able to cuddle up with a loved one, a good book, a glass of wine or warm cup of coffee. But, if you have kids trapped at home, nasty weather is not so romantic. It’s a well-known fact that a nasty winter storm plus bored kids confined at home often equals crazed parents with bulging eyes. “There’s nothing to dooooooo!” they whine…over and over. Ugh! If you’re aware that a nasty storm is looming, don’t panic. We’ve got a couple of great ideas that can keep your kids busy and you sane, and all you need is a few household ingredients, some strategic planning and a little controlled organization. If it’s just snowing outside, it’s a no-brainer. Kids love to play in the snow, but to make it a little more interesting for them, try supplying them with a few spray bottles filled with a little food coloring and water and maybe a few accessories that you were going to toss anyway, and watch as their snowmen and angels become beautiful works of snow art. However… if the weather’s too wet and cold for outdoor play, that’s when things can get ugly. Sitting in front of a T.V. for 12 hours just isn’t going to cut it, so what’s plan B? Homemade playdough is easy enough to make and keeps kids busy for hours. All you need is some basic ingredients, and maybe a few tools for them to work with, such as plastic knives, cookie cutters, a garlic press, an old comb, a potato masher, a few beads and buttons (whatever you can drum up), and they’ll be happily occupied! If you feel like fancying your playdough up a bit, you can add glitter to it, or enhance it with a little peppermint extract to give it a holiday scent. And, if you’re feeling festive, you can teach them how to make candy canes, ornaments, or gifts for loved ones.
Basic Playdough (Nonedible) • 1 cup flour • 2 Tbsp cream of tartar • ½ cup salt
• 1 to 2 Tbsp cooking oil • 1 cup water • food coloring
Mix flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a pan. Mix desired coloring (if making one color only) with water and add to dry mixture, along with the oil. Cook over medium heat until thick. If you’re making a large batch of several different colors, you can divide the dough up and mix in desired coloring afterward. If you want to save your creations, bake your playdough art at 300 degrees until hardened. This playdough recipe and others, including edible playdough recipes and those for children with food allergies, can be found at http://www.create-kids-crafts. com. If you’re not a playdough fan, this site also offers other great winter craft ideas for kids, such as directions for how to create snow-globes, snowman pins, and pinecone bird feeders. The crafts are easy to do and a lot of fun to create, and you’ll find you have most of the required items right in your own home…or backyard. If you keep your artists organized and in a somewhat controlled environment, it can be a lot of fun for both parents and wild things alike. And hey, a plastic table cloth or two from the $1 Store can go a long way to protect your flooring from the mess. Busy kids equals happy parents!
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hristmas dinner at the Bascom Ranch is a rich mix of cowboy heaven and Christmas whimsy. Lisa Bascom enjoys setting the dinner table with plates of differing Christmas designs so that each place setting is unique and special. If that doesn’t sound so out of the ordinary, that is where ordinary stops and cowboy heaven begins. Unlike most of us, the Bascom household enjoys their Christmas dinner in the historic barn, adjacent to the home. Actually, the barn has been through some unusual changes. First owned by Fred Bosch, the building served as a slaughter house and meat market at Mormon Crossing. The area is now known as the Stoddard Wells area. It was moved, along with the house, to its present location in 1917 on what is now known as the Bascom Ranch. Then, in 1949, the ranch was bought by Ace Perry, who used the structure as a bunk house for his ranch hands. When Earl Bascom bought the ranch in 1975, a third reincarnation took place, and Earl Bascom - a rodeo pioneer and inventor - brought his mark to bear on it. Earl was a cousin to Frederic Remington, the world renowned sculptor and painter, whose art centered on the theme of the old west. Earl Bascom shared that love of the old west, and he lived it, too. He put himself through college at Brigham Young University by riding rodeos in the summer months between his academic years. After a long and fruitful career as a rodeo cowboy and inventor of the first hornless bronc saddle and the one-handed bareback saddle, Bascom turned to his second great love, sculpting. Like his cousin, he was a gifted artist, but his first hand knowledge of living the cowboy life - punching cows, riding rodeo, and inventing saddle rigging used around the world gave him a far more accurate perspective. He and son John set up a foundry to produce the bronze sculptures for which he is famous.
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Nowadays, the slaughter house turned bunk house, turned art studio is used as a music studio where gifted daughter, eleven-year-old Juliette, jams with her mother who is a musician in her own right, and other members of the River Bottom Band. It didn’t take much thought for the family - John, wife Lisa, mother Nadine, and daughter Juliette - to come to the decision to celebrate their Christmases in their music studio. After all, in 1931 Albert Einstein came to visit his friend Bosch and stayed in the building spending several days, there. John Bascom is a walking encyclopedia of the history of the Victor Valley, and he aims to keep that history alive. His love for the old west is something he lives every day. Art, music, and the history of Victor Valley all come together here to create a kind of vortex focused on this 17 acre ranch. It is a concentrated force of creativity and the understanding, that synergy, is this rich mix of talents. One family custom that has evolved over time is collecting cowboy boots. If your eyes follow the huge Christmas tree to the ceiling, the boots are hanging overhead. John estimates there are about two hundred pairs. Some are his dad’s and many are from other family members, but John says he can’t bear to throw any away. He can track the family’s development, just by following the boots. Bascom, a proud father, tracks daughter, Juliette, by the boots she outgrows, and like most eleven-year-olds she is growing fast. It’s easy to imagine the family, friends and relations sitting at Christmas dinner, all singing carols while enjoying the strumming of guitars and sounds of the violin. A kind of magical Christmas no one would want to miss.
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By Leaps and Bounds The H.D.’s Growing Artistic Community By Katie Chavez
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he arts: most of us agree they are vital to our community and to our own personal enjoyment. Sometimes, though, we forget how much we love them. I’d like to introduce (or reintroduce) you
to three H.D. artistic groups that you should know in the coming year. One is a long-standing concert association, another is an established musical theatre training company, and the last one is an up and coming special effects makeup company. »
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The Victor Valley Community Concert Association www.vvcommunityconcerts.org (760) 961-0486.
For nearly five decades, the Victor Valley Community Concert Association has provided the High Desert with an extraordinary concert season year after year. The concerts include renowned musicians and performers from all over the world. As their 2011-2012 season continues, a variety of acts will make their way to the H.D. On December 17, Evan Marshall, a mandolin virtuoso will be in town. He is regarded as one of the best solo mandolin performers in the world. Chet Atkins, Country guitar legend, said that Marshall is “One of the few great musicians of our time.” On January 8, Billy Dean, a talented singersongwriter, who has captured the attention of many with his 1990 top five hit, “Only Here for a Little While.” Since then, he has won several awards including The Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year, “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” and a Grammy for his version of “Amazing Grace.” His appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show helped make him a popular figure in country music. On February 19, pianist and violinist Anita Chen will perform at the PAC. The twenty year old “double-threat” has been praised by critics “... as one of the rarest occurrences in orchestral music.” She began her professional career at the age of eleven, and since then she has performed all over the world. Chen has also recorded with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Dmitry Yablonsky. If you have not heard of Anita Chen yet, it’s only a matter of time. On March 18, Indigo Ensemble, a German chamber music quartet (violin, guitar, bass & piano) will be in the High Desert. Violinist Johannes Neupert, guitarist Seth Josel, Double bassist Peter Nelson, and Pianist Rafael de Torres have come together to create music inspired by the music of the world. All of these concerts are a testament to the dedication of quality art and culture that pass through the H.D. All concerts are held at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center.
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Billy Dean Performing January 8
winter 2012
Standing Room Only www.srohighdesert.com
Standing Room Only Productions (SRO) is a non-profit organization that “exists to encourage young people to discover and ignite their creative gifts in the performing arts.” Karla J. Franko founded SRO in 2003 as a summer performing arts camp. Since then, it has flourished into a respected artistic component in the High Desert. Past performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (2005), 42nd Street (2006), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2008), and Annie (2010)—to name a few—have entertained audiences and given young people the opportunity to develop a love for the arts. This past summer, Hairspray became the talk of the town. And, in January, SRO’s next endeavor will be Meredith Willson’s The Music Man.
Whether it be established professionals or emerging artists, the H.D. is becoming a center for high quality and thoroughly enjoyable arts.
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Danger Effects Special Effects Makeup Company www.facebook.com/DANGEReffects dangereffects@yahoo.com.
An important part of creating a top-notch theatrical performance is stage makeup, and in the H.D. a few talented makeup artists have come together to build a special effects makeup company that can create anything, from zombies to princesses. Danger Effects, a special effects makeup company, is comprised of three local makeup specialists: Angela Sawyer, Danielle Diendorf, and Eryen Ortiz. After spending time in and around the theater, and taking theater classes, they decided to put their talents together to begin their careers in stage makeup. They take their art seriously and enjoy a variety of projects. Between the three of them, they have worked on numerous plays in the High Desert, including several VVC performances— Brigadoon, Romeo and Juliet, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf— as well as productions with the High Desert Center for the Arts. One of the greatest complements they have received as theatrical makeup artists was after a photo shoot. One of their models (who was given a fake and rather gruesome leg injury) was riding his bike home still in makeup; he was stopped several times by worried drivers and a police officer.
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» wine cellar wine trends by Stephanie Morris
“Here’s to holly and ivy hanging up, and to something wet in every cup.” — Ogden Nash
Tasting Notes Reader Recommendation villa alena moscato When I asked Elisa Urmston, much loved English Professor and the lead singer of the popular band, Caliente, what her wine of choice would be, she replied, “Villa Alena Moscato!!! Most people would probably consider it more of a dessert wine. It’s very sweet and bubbly like Asti—a festive sort of beverage. As far as aesthetics, it’s a pretty wine—light golden in color. The bubbles are bigger than in other Moscatos. The bottle is gorgeous, too; it puts me in mind of a perfume bottle. I almost hate to throw it into the recycling bin!” Elisa also enjoys its reasonable price. “In these tough times, it’s nice to find a pretty, inexpensive little treat.” As far as what pairs well with it, Elisa likes to enjoy a glass or two with creamy seafood pasta dishes and homemade pizza.
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T
is the season for mingling and merriment, tributes and toasts! And, what better way to celebrate than with wine? Most party goers show up with a bottle in hand anyway, so if you’re planning an event this festive season, why not run with it and make it a wine tasting party? Ask each guest to bring their favorite wine, provide a variety of gourmet cheese and appetizer platters and let the tasting begin. Even better, ask your friends to bring along a clear wine glass or two and make it a wine glass painting while wine tasting party. I dare you to say that three times fast. Sit back and watch the creativity flow as that oh-so-inspirational wine flows. Wine glass painting is a lot of fun, and it’s really a lot easier than it looks. Just provide a rainbow of glass paints (they can be found at most craft stores), paint brushes, some fun clipart, and let your guests dive into it. For those of us who aren’t gifted at free-handing our art, the clipart, when taped to the inside of a glass, works as a wonderful guide. So, those fine works of art aren’t reduced to stick figures and smiley faces. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…if that’s your forte. A grand time can be had by all and your guests will go home with a great memory, a treasured keepsake…or a very unusual gift for their mother-in-law. To find out a little more about wine glass painting or to get some great ideas, check out http://www.wikihow.com/PaintWine-Glasses or http://www.instructables.com/id/Hand-PaintingWine-Glasses. Cheers!
winter 2012
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» restaurant spotlight
As Real As it Gets Out Of This World BBQ
A
Out of this world bbq and Saloon 21041 Bear Valley Rd., Apple Valley (760) 961-0300 | (909) 994-5826 outofthisworldbbqandsaloon.com Catering: www.outofthisworldbbq.com
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uthenticity: these days it is in short supply. It is hard to find anything authentic or hand-crafted anymore, especially when it comes to good food. It’s hard to find someplace where both the people and the food are genuine. Such a place exists though, and now you’re in on the secret! Out of this World BBQ and Saloon is the real deal: the best cuts of beef, chicken, and pork prepared to perfection over a genuine wood smoke BBQ, A1 fresh produce, sauces and seasonings made inhouse—in fact, everything is hand selected from the kitchen to your plate, so you can expect the best dining experience in a fun, comfortable, and family friendly environment. Champion Competition BBQ Master Todd Eves opened Out of this World BBQ and Saloon because of popular demand! As his catering business and his reputation for winning BBQ championships grew, so did the number of people who wanted a place to enjoy Todd’s unique mix of Kansas and Texas style BBQ more often than on competition days. The name Out of this World comes from the very folks who have enjoyed the delicious BBQ Todd has served up for many years. Known as the Western Rebel for “always going against the book in competitions,” Todd says that at every event, “people would always say ‘this tastes out of this world!” Guido, the grill master, is in the kitchen following Todd’s example of serving the best cuts of meat, prepared the authentic wood smoke way. Out of this World BBQ is the last real wood-smoked BBQ you will find in California. This allows Todd to also boast of the best steaks in the H.D. Smoked beans and other side dishes complete the meal and make for a mouthwatering experience. Out of this World BBQ and Saloon boasts a fun, Wild West atmosphere for dining with the family, but after about 9 P.M. on Friday and Saturday nights, the stage and dance floor come alive. With a full bar and live entertainment, Out of this World BBQ and Saloon is the perfect place to kick up your heels on a weekend night. If you have a wedding or other special event, Out of this World BBQ and Saloon caters and offers banquet facilities. Something else to look forward to is the freshest seafood and the best prime rib on weekends after the New Year. For a delicious lunch, dinner, catering information, or a fun night out, stop by Out of this World BBQ and Saloon on Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley, and don’t be surprised if Todd himself stops by your table to say hello! By Susan Landers
winter 2012
At every event, people would always say ‘this tastes out of this world!’
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Food Eating Out Mama Carpino’s
Dining Guide The following is a listing of select High Desert Restaurants. These listings are a free service provided by H.D. Living Magazine and are subject to change. This guide also includes wine tasting venues. If you would like your dining establishment considered, send information to frankc@hdlivingmagazine.com, include your name, the name of the establishment, address, and contact information.
» Victorville Thai Dawn Bistro 14317 Bear Valley Rd Ste 2 Victorville, (760) 244-7600 Paulina’s Mexican Grill 14845 Monarch Blvd, (760) 955-2661 Yoshi Sushi 14177 Kentwood Blvd, (760) 241-1960 Chateau Chang Restaurant 15425 Anacapa Rd, (760) 241-3040 Divine Wine Bar 14845 Monarch Blvd. suite C, (760) 843-3888 La Casita Mexican Restaurant 14977 Palmdale Rd, (760) 241-0119 La Casita at the Lake 12170 Spring Valley Pkwy, (760) 843-0440 Rinconsito Del Mar 14678 7th St, (760) 951-0344 Tokyo Sushi & BBQ 14741 7th St, (760) 955-7123 Golden Gate Restaurant 15208 Bear Valley Rd # B, (760) 245-6189 Steer ‘n Stein Restaurant 12224 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-0775 Marie Callenders 12180 Mariposa Rd, (760) 241-6973 42 High Desert Living magazine
Outback Steakhouse 12400 Amargosa Rd # B, (760) 962-1003
The Wine Seller Apple Bear Center, (760) 961-2500
Mimi’s Cafe 12032 Amargosa Rd, (760) 244-6888
Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant 17790 Us Highway 18 (760) 946-5344
Original Roadhouse Grill 11940 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2308 Carino’s 11970 Amargosa Rd, (760) 949-2248 Social House/Kinari 12152 Cottonwood Rd, (760) 955-1500 Daikoku Japanese Steak House 12174 Hesperia Rd, (760) 952-1300 Grumpy Golfer 14144 Green Tree Blvd, (760) 955-6017
» Apple Valley Angel’s Roadhouse 2 13685 John Glenn Rd, (760) 240-6923 Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant 21919 US Highway 18, (760) 240-1051 Di Napoli’s Fire House 17856 US Highway 18, (760) 242-5802 Amy’s Mexican Restaurant 18768 US Highway 18 Ste 170, (760) 242-1474
Oggis Pizza & Brewing Co 19201 Bear Valley Rd, (760) 240-8977 Mama Carpino’s 22010 Highway 18 (760) 240-9664 Viva Maria 20162 Highway 18 #D (760) 946-2087 Marcelinos Mexican Restaurant 21510 Bear Valley Rd. (760) 240-4344
» Hesperia Miyako Sushi 14073 Main St., Ste 109 (760) 956-7817 Juliano’s Italian Restaurant 12052 Hesperia Rd. (760) 949-0595 Go Bangkok Thai Cuisine 15800 Main St Ste 200 (760) 947-9029 Cancun Mexican & Seafood 15550 Main St. (760) 956-7720 Italian Kitchen 16409 Yucca St. (760) 244-7757 Thai-Lotus Restaurant 12027 Hesperia Rd. (760) 949-9362
Linko Sushi 12115 Apple Valley Rd. (760) 240-1125
Wood Grill Buffet 14135 Main St. (760) 981-4418
Out of This World BBQ & Saloon 21041 Bear Valley Rd. (760) 961-0300
Los Domingos Restaurant 15885 Main St. (760) 948-6161
Carmen’s Ponderosa Restaurant 9544 Kiowa Rd. (760) 247-7727
Oasis Sushi Restaurant 12719 Main St. (760) 244-9608
Siam Thai Cuisine 18564 Outer Hwy 18 Ste. 203 (760) 242-5093 Apple Valley Golf Course Grill 15200 Rancherias Rd, 760-242-3653
winter 2012
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
www.magicsteele.com
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888-50-MAGIC (888-506-2442)
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 HD HAppenings Dancing with the Sunset Hills Stars On June 11, the Sunset Hills Children’s foundation presented the 4th annual Dancing with the Sunset Hills Stars mega event in Apple Valley. The event pairs local leaders with dance professionals to represent and raise money for their favorite charity as judges rate the dancers based on creativity, appearance and difficulty. Guests of the event were treated to a Hollywood style entrance, along with catered foods and beverages. This event has grown to be one of the premiere events in the High Desert along with the most anticipated. For more information on the foundation and future events go to sunsetchildren.org.
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» Susan’s corner
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Past Words of Wisdom Still Ring True by Susan Landers
n tough times, bad economies, war, natural disasters, etc., it is easy to allow fear of the unknown and stress to overwhelm us and make our lives even more difficult. It is easy to forget that past generations’ struggles were just as daunting and fear-inducing to the people of those times as are our own. We may forget that at the time, people were just as afraid and uncertain as we are now. They could not see the future any more than we can, so those who felt as if the world were coming to an end during the Civil War, the Great Depression, or during the civil unrest of the 1960s were just as fearful, just as uncertain, just as insecure as we sometimes feel now. We may think that those past struggles are different from our own or that the people back then were made of tougher stuff, but they were people with the same strengths and weaknesses as our own. No doubt, the world is a more complex place than in years past; however, it is also filled with new and better solutions than ever before. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt said that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” he could have been speaking to us today. It is when we allow fear to rule our lives that we do not open ourselves to different possibilities. The adage of “if we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always gotten,” is quite appropriate. If we continue to apply 20th century thinking to 21st century problems and allow fear to block our creativity, we will not solve the problems that plague us. Don’t forget that problems will always be with us, but luckily, human beings are built to be problem solvers, so even though collectively we may be facing big issues as a region, state, or country, the way we face our own personal issues, job loss, relationship and family struggles, health challenges, will ultimately determine how we face the future as a people. Individually, we cannot solve the problems of the world, but in our own lives, we can do many things to keep the world’s problems from creating havoc for us. Personal challenges create opportunities, and when we see problems as the chance to make positive changes, great things can happen. Opportunity is all around us every day, and if we open our eyes to it, we can seize it for ourselves. It is when we surrender to an attitude of victimhood that we can no longer find ways out of our problems. When we take responsibility for our lives, both the good and the bad, we become empowered to overcome whatever obstacle comes our way. Here’s to a New Year of possibility and personal responsibility. May you find your way out of fear and into a future of opportunity.
If you would like to see something special featured in Susan’s Corner, or if you have a special recipe, drop me a line and let me know about it at: Susan Landers at H.D. Living Magazine 6630 SLV Box Victorville, Ca. 92395, or e-mail me at susanl@ hdlivingmagazine.com.
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THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE IN THE HIGH DESERT IS IN
GOOD HANDS
• Recognized Nationally for Superior Quality of Care • Award Winning, 24/7 Emergency Department with Fast Track • Facility Expansion with Comprehensive Heart Care Center • Birthplace with LDRP Suites Our commitment to the health and wellness of our friends and neighbors is stronger than ever.
16850 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92395 • 760-241-8000 www.dvmc.com