Petula Clark at the Annenberg Theater November 12, 2010 No 44
Health Care Desert
Health care in Desert Hot Springs took a giant leap forward as the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Agency presented a groundbreaking for the Desert Hot Springs Family Care Center. Photo by Bruce Montgomery DHS City Manager Rick Daniels and Riverside Supervisor Marion Ashley ~ Photo by Bruce Montgomery
THE DESERT’S PEOPLE MAGAZINE • NEWS • POLITICS • ENTERTAINMENT • US $3.95
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Value
TIPS AND RECIPES TO HELP
YOU
ENJOY
FOR
LESS
ECES
Americans are watching their budgets, but no one wants to compromise on one of the most treasured meals of the year. Trust the experts at the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line® to help bring value to your table with tried-and-true turkey advice as well as cost-saving tools and recipes. “The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has been helping families celebrate memorable Thanksgivings for nearly 30 years. This year, we’ve come up with great ways to help Americans enjoy a delicious meal, even when money is tight,” said Mary Clingman, director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. Not only are families stretched for cash, but time is also a valuable commodity, which is why Butterball is making expert information more accessible than ever before. New this year, follow Butterball on Twitter or Facebook for top turkey tips and real-time advice. Thanksgiving cooks can also text the word “TURKEY” to 36888 from their mobile phones to receive “turkey texts” at their fingertips. In addition, professional Thanksgiving advice is available at 1-800-BUTTERBALL and www.Butterball.com. No matter how you get your information, Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts share money-saving ideas along with time-honored turkey advice when and where cooks need it most.
Top Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Thanksgiving Meal Try small ways to cut back without sacrificing the quality of your meal. Some cost-conscious Thanksgiving ideas include: • Cook from the Pantry: Select recipes based on the ingredients already in your pantry, spice rack or refrigerator and stay away from recipes that call for fancy spices or specialty items to curb costs. • Pick Vegetables Wisely: Frozen and canned vegetables can often be more affordable than fresh varieties and still offer the same nutritional value. If you do need to purchase fresh produce, select vegetables that are in season, such as squash and sweet potatoes, which are often less expensive. • Go Potluck This Year: Celebrate with a big group and encourage guests to bring their favorite side dishes, drinks or desserts to cut down on costs.
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Recipes/photos courtesy of Butterball
Save time and money this Thanksgiving with these simple and delicious recipes, including a great way to stretch your turkey leftovers. Apple Cranberry Streusel Pie
Maple Mustard Glazed Turkey Try this simple, four-ingredient glaze as an inexpensive way to add savory flavor to roast turkey.
Your family will love this allAmerican dessert with cranberry and a crumbly streusel topping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes Makes: 3/4 cup and 12 servings of turkey
Prep Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 1 hours 25 minutes Makes: 6-8 servings
STREUSEL 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar 6 tablespoons oldfashioned oats, uncooked 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons butter, melted FILLING 1 refrigerated rolled pie crust (for a 9-inch pie) 2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced (about 5 cups) 1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 11⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Gradually stir in butter until mixture is crumbly; set aside. 3. Roll pie crust in a circle with an 11-inch diameter on lightly floured surface. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and fold excess crust under at the edge of the pie plate. Press pie crust together along the rim to form a thick crust. Create a decorative edge by pressing down on the crust with fingers or tines of a fork, if desired. 4. Combine apples, cranberry sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch until well blended. Spoon apple mixture into pie crust. Sprinkle with Streusel mixture. 5. Bake about 1 hour, or until apples are tender. Serve warm.
1/3 1/2 1/4 1/4 1
Four Cheese Turkey Mac & Cheese This classic comfort food puts turkey leftovers to good use with a delicious blend of four cheeses and a garlic breadcrumb topping. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Makes: 8 servings
21⁄2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 10 ounces) cups chopped cooked leftover Butterball® Turkey 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 3 eggs, slightly beaten 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (2 ounces) EACH shredded Swiss, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup soft white or whole wheat bread crumbs 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse and drain. 3. Combine cooked pasta and turkey in large bowl. In separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Gradually stir cheese into milk mixture. Stir milk mixture into pasta. 4. Spoon pasta mixture into well-sprayed 3-quart casserole dish. Combine melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir breadcrumbs into butter and garlic powder mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over top of pasta. 5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until pasta mixture is heated through and cheese is melted. 2
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
cup Dijon mustard cup maple-flavor syrup teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon ground black pepper Butterball® Turkey (12 to 14 pounds), thawed if frozen 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Combine first four ingredients together. Set aside. 3. Remove neck and giblets from body and neck cavities of turkey; refrigerate for another use or discard. Drain juices from turkey; pat dry with paper towels. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place Return legs to the tucked position, if untucked. Place turkey, breast side up, on flat rack in shallow roasting pan. 4. Roast turkey 2 hours*. Brush with 1/4 cup of the glaze. Loosely cover breast and tops of drumsticks with aluminum foil to prevent breast from overcooking and glaze from darkening too much. Brush with additional 1/4 cup of the glaze after 30 minutes. 5. Continue roasting turkey about 1 hour, or until meat thermometer reaches 180°F when inserted in thickest part of thigh. Remove turkey from oven. Brush with remaining glaze. 6. Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving. *Follow cooking times according to package directions; times vary by size of turkey.
Put a New Twist on Your Turkey! Looking for a new way to impress your Thanksgiving guests? Try the new Butterball® Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer from Masterbuilt for delicious, tender and juicy deep fried turkey. The fryer can cook up to 14 pounds of turkey in 1/3 the time of a conventional oven and frees up oven space for other Thanksgiving dishes such as casseroles and pies. For deep frying recipe ideas and special promotions, visit www.Butterball.com.
Veteran’s Day 2010
©
Energy, LTD.
Congratulations
Photo Bruce Montgomery
Veteran’s Day 2010
DHS Veterans Day Celebration at Carl May Center DHS resident and Korean War 8th Army Intelligence veterans with Colonel William Mullen.
The DHSHS ROTC presented colors; national anthem and I’m Proud to be an American was sung by Sean Keffer.
Wind Is Our Friend
Report and Photos by Bruce Montgomery The residents of Desert Hot Springs gathered for their annual Veteran’s Day Celebration on November 11, 2010. Due to strong winds, the event was moved from Veteran’s Park to the Carl May Center. Dot Reed welcomed the crowd, Mayor Parks said a few words, invocation was by Pastor Bruce Montgomery, the DHSHS ROTC presented colors; national anthem and I’m Proud to be an American was sung by Sean Keffer. We were privileged to have Colonel William Mullen 111, USMC base commander at 29 Palms, as our guest speaker. Friends of House of Hope served lunch to the attendees. More photos on Page 4 and 5. Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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Veteran’s Day 2010 in Desert Hot Springs, California ~Photos by Bruce Montgomery
Color Guard DHSHS ROTC
Mayor Parks, Mary Stephens, Mayor pro tem Scott Matas and others give standing ovation to Sean
George Fisher salutes
DHS Veterans Day Celebration photo by Josh Army Air Force Veteran of WWII 4
Colonel Mullen with Friends of House of Hope
Photo by Josh Bruce Montgomery gives invocation
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Chief Patrick Williams and Commander Dan Bressler Congratulations on his promotion from Sergeant
Veterans stand as their branch of the service is recognized
Mayor Yvonne Parks and Colonel William Mullen
Dot Reed once again did a great job of organizing and promoting the event
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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AND RIGHTLY SO By Matt Weyuker
A
pparently President Obama and outgoing House Speaker Pelosi are committed members of “Politician’s Anonymous” – because they are in DENIAL about the implications of what happened to their Democrat Party compadres on November 2nd. At least sixty five additional new Republicans were elected to the House, (giving them control), six more Republicans to the Senate, at least ten new Republican Governors, and nineteen new Republican controlled State Legislatures, (over 650 new GOP Legislators elected). The Republicans will control the next reapportionment of both State Legislative and House of Representatives seats of some important areas of the nation formerly controlled by the Democrats, (“Blue States”). That may spell some serious trouble for President Obama and his bid to be reelected in 2012 – as well as a Democrat return to power in the House of Representatives any time soon, like in the next decade.. In two of the President’s postelection TV appearances, his comments and answers to questions were pathetically lame, and politically damaging. Obama exhibited the same egotistical and arrogant demeanor that he had displayed during his first 20+ months in office. Outgoing Speaker Pelosi’s “I have no regrets” statement during ABC’s Diane Sawyer’s interview was just plain incomprehensible. If Pelosi is successful
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Three time Mayor of DHS Matt Weyuker in her bid to be the Democrat House Minority Leader that will mean that the Democrat Party STILL DOESN’T GET IT, and they are still turning a deaf ear to the American people. In order to get the attention of President Obama and the rest of the Democrat Party’s leadership, there has been a massive outpouring of protest that led to millions of people who joined the fast-growing TEA PARTY movement. Americans were, and are more than concerned about the RISING DEFICIT (over $5-trillion in the last 46-months of Democrat control of the House and Senate); the UNEMPLOYMENT rate hovering around the 10% level, (almost 13% in California, and 20% in Desert Hot Springs), in spite of the almost $1-trillion in “stimulus” money, that was supposed to prevent the unemployment rate from surpassing 8%. “OBAMACARE’S” mandatory requirement that everyone must sign up, or face prison sentences and heavy fines, (almost 40 states have sued the Obama administration on the grounds that “OBAMACARE is unconstitutional), has added 30 million “uninsured” people by cutting $500 Billion from Medicare, (leading to healthcare rationing for all Medicare recipient), wreaking havoc with Medicare. OBAMACARE’S costs are a staggering $2.5-trillion! The Obama administration has taken control of the AUTO INDUSTRY; has foisted off enormous BANK BAILOUTS; were caught trying to con the American public with what proved to be the “GLOBAL WARMING” fiasco; and Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Obama-Pelosi-Reid troika attempted to pass the monstrously expensive “CAP AND TAX, oops, TRADE” plan. President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senate Leader Reid’s BIGGER AND MORE INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT socialist fiscal policies have led our once great country to the brink of bankruptcy. Obama’s “la-la-land” statement during his “60-Minutes” TV interview, in which he said he was ”too busy passing ‘emergency legislation’ and other stuff, and didn’t take the time to ‘communicate’ with the American people,” was a lot of hooey! Now it’s up to the Republican controlled House to try to repeal “Obamacare,” and reestablish the “Bush tax cuts.” The Democrat controlled Senate probably won’t go along, and President Obama will no doubt veto any negating of his “signature legislation.” And “We The People” are the lunch meat in the middle of the sandwich. While the Republican Party isn’t popular, the frustrated and angry American voters took the opportunity on November 2nd to throw out of office over sixty Democrat House members, and six Democrat Senators – and to thoroughly repudiate President Obama and his ultra-left agenda. “We The People” expect some results – otherwise the American voters will rise up again in November 2012 – And Rightly So.
Lindsay Wagner Lea Goodsell, Jacqueline Bachar, Pattie Daly Caruso
Story and Photos by Pat Krause
T
he Palm Springs Women in Film and Television held a luncheon at La Quinta Resort in Morgans Restaurant on Saturday Nov. 6th This was their first Guest Speaker Luncheon of the upcoming season. Lindsay Wagner, an award winning actress, Author and Human Rights advocate was the exciting speaker at this event. Lindsay was presented the Gena Award at the 2010 Broken Glass Gala Lindsay is a busy woman being an actress, mother and author while still working with her humanitarian efforts. Lindsay is probably best known as Jaime Sommers, The Bionic Woman. Since then she has been dubbed the “Queen of TV Movies. One of my favorite Movies in her career was, The Incredible Journey of Dr. Meg Laurel where she plays a doctor that goes into the back country and bucks heads with an old Mid-wife and they learn from each other. Other favorites were Child’s Cry about Sexual abuse in children and Shattered Dreams about family violence. She has chosen movies that were more or less taboo in the industry and brought them to light in a more serious
manner. She has single handedly brought these controversial subjets to the movie screen. She spoke about the Human Potential in all of us. We can use our own minds to heal ourselves. Raise ourselves to another level. We know truths from our inner selves regardless of what we see and hear. We learn from Events in our lives for spiritual growth and can act on them. Her movies have been a stepping stone to bring to light these revelations. She has studied Meditation and Self exploration to learn self discipline. She has seen first hand the results of violence and abuse. She is dedicated to finding a way to help people find the peace and serenity in life by spiritual growth and inner strength that we all possess. PSWIFT members include talented women and men in the field of entertainment. Actors, authors, writers, producers, directors and others in the Media end of the industry. They can net-work with each other in their respective fields. Members each spoke of the work they are doing now or will do in the near future.
Steve Petersen
Denise Dubarry Hay, Sherry Halperin And Patti Gribow
Books written by Lindsay Wagner
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Mayor Yvonne Parks and Mayor Pro Tem Scott Matas
Council man Russell Betts and Gumar Ariles
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Jan Pye, John Furbee, John Soulliere
Dr. Erik Frykman Community Health Agency Director
Lisa Brandl Managing Director of Economic Development Agency
Desert Hot Springs Health Care Report and Photos by Bruce Montgomery Health care in Desert Hot Springs took a giant leap forward on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 as the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Agency presented a groundbreaking for the Desert Hot Springs Family Care Center. Located on 3.7 acres’ Palm Drive just south of the Von’s shopping center, the facilities will eventually be 159,000 square feet.
Amy Struxness sings Star Spangeled Banner
The eight and a half million dollars necessary to build the facility come primarily from county redevelopment funds and the healthcare district. On completion the project will result in fifty-five new well paying jobs. It is estimated that it will also bring in 140 construction jobs. Welcome and Introductions of dignitaries was performed by LIsa Brandl, the Managing Director of Riverside County Economic Development Agency. The Cathedral City High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors and led in the pledge of allegiance. Amy Stuxness, a music student in the LA area, sang the natinal anthem. Remarks were made by Marion Ashley, 5th District Supervisor, and chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors; Erik Frykman, M.D., Agency Director of the Community Health Agency; and Desert Hot Springs mayor Yvonne Parks.
Susan Loew DPSS Director and John Brown
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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Greater Pal
10
Desert Loca Desert Local News November 12, 2010
PALM SPRINGS Story and Photos by Pat Krause The 2010 Theme for the Greater Palm Springs Pride weekend was Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud. The 24th annual Palm Springs Pride celebration was held on Nov. 6th and 7th. This huge event incorporates entertainment with Martha Davis and the Motels,
lm Springs Pride weekend
Dance Divas Crystal Waters and Robin plus many others. This 2 day weekends added feature is the Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday. Thousands of people lined Palm Canyon Drive For one of the largest parades in its history. Huge floats, cars, horses, walkers in colorful costumes, animals, and whatever else you can imagine came down Palm Canyon Drive. People parked blocks away and walked to their special place for viewing. Stores participated with specials for the event and brightly colored story fronts. I love the creativity of the bright rainbow colored costumes. Hundreds of people take part in this parade from gays and lesbians to businesses and family members. The Palm Springs band is always a highlight to this parade. Young and old participate and young and old come to watch. They bring chairs and their own costumes just to be part of the parade while watching. Participants hand out candy, necklaces and brochures. Some dance down the street while others are in costumes befitting the float they are with. Many gay and lesbian groups get their message across about their activity. Floats come from all parts of California to be in this parade. LA is a big supporter with several floats. This event starts the season and our seasonal neighbors are back in the Valley just in time for this fun weekend.
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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Petula Clark
12
at the Annenberg Theater
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Harold and Dorothy Merriman, Petula Clark, Annette Block, Gary Hall and Jordan Bloom ~Photos by Pat Krause
Story and Photos by Pat Krause The Palm Springs Art Museum held its annual Annenbert TheaterOpening Night on Sat. November 6th. The Special Evening with Petula Clark is the largest fundraiser for the Annenberg Council and raised over 225,000 dollars for this sold out performance.
Jamie Kabler, Helene Galen and Michael Childers
Monies raised will go to the Cabaret 88 series, The speakers series and other theatrical programs throughout the year. Petula Clark is not only a fabulous singer but also an actress. She has been in the music business for over seven decades. Ms. Clark has sold Millions of records in is know worldwide. She was once touted as the British Shirley Temple. She has found fame as a singer, actress, songwriter, broadway star and television idol. She has played the role of Norma Desmond on Broadway more than any other actress. Her credits are just too numerous to list them all. Some of her most famous songs are know by almost everyone. The song “Downtown” started her on her American career. On
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Saturday night she sang such favorites as Moon River, With One Look, Rainbow, You and I and Couldn’t live without your love. Thanks to the many presenting sponsors a night like this is one to remember. After her performance a meet and greet with refreshments was upstairs in the Art Museum. She greeted fans with the warmth and sincere appreciation befitting a great artist. Upcoming events at the Annenberg Theater include a performance by Sam Harris on Nov. 17th, Davis Gaines on November 27th, Nita Whitaker on Dec. 12 and Loretta Divine on Jan. 19th. Speakers series include David Zippel and Friends on Nov. 14th, Kate Burton on Dec. 12th, Michael York on Jan 9th and Rex Reed on Jan 30th. Other performances to look for will be Callaway Sisters on Jam 29th and Cheyenne Jackson on April 23rd. Put these events on your calender and more will be coming. 13
Petula Clark
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Desert Local News November 12, 2010
at the Ann
nenberg Theater
Palm Springs City council man Rick Hutchesons, Petula Clark, Palm Springs Council man Lee Weigel, Council woman Ginny Foat, and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet.~Photo by Pat Krause 15
Petula Clark
at the Annenberg Theater
“It is never going to be the way you think it is going to sound.” Lisa Rochelle (my friend and singing teacher)
Movies and More! by David Mikelberg
S
omething profound happened to me as Petula Clark, the iconic 1960s pop superstar, captivated a sold-out audience at the annual Annenberg Theater Opening Night Gala. It was so sudden that for a moment, I was devastated. In the next moment, however, I was uplifted, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Somehow, I knew exactly what was happening. My past had collided with my present, and I was about to put the former where it belongs. It helps that my memory is razor sharp and I remember the past as if it were still happening. In some ways, it was.
was probably the first time any of them had seen someone dancing “The Frug. “ They finally applauded and it carried me back to my seat, but it didn’t. No one in the world could have been happier than I was that day.
In 1965, I was a first-grader at P.S. 198 in Brooklyn. I asked my teacher, Mrs. Trepani if I could sing a couple of songs for the class. There was nothing special about the day, no presentations or Show and Tell. I had learned the music and lyrics to two “teen” songs (as I called them). I couldn’t wait to sing them in front of an audience. To my delight, Mrs. Trepani said I could sing them in the afternoon, just before class ended. At 2:45PM I was called to the front of the classroom for my first ever-public performance, singing “Downtown” and “I Know A Place.” Those two songs inspired me, as had the woman who sang them.
Let’s get back into our “Stagecoach/ Time Machine” (furnished by Wells Fargo, of course) and get back to the Annenberg. During Ms. Clark’s second number, I heard what sounded like a wrong note on a keyboard. It set my mind to thinking that this wasn’t what I remembered about the song. The words of my singing teacher immediately came to mind. I thought to myself, “What was it that I loved about these songs? Why did I listen to them almost every day of my life? Why did I stay in the place where they took me?’ The common answer to those questions was my devastation.
As I remember, neither my teacher nor classmates applauded immediately after I finished singing. In fact, I think they all looked at me as if I were crazy. It
Over the years that followed, I would never miss a television show on which Ms. Clark was appearing. I bought all of her records. I don’t think a day has gone by when the melody of “Downtown” hasn’t entered my head. It is highly possible that I have heard Ms. Clark’s voice more times than I heard my mother’s. Strangely enough, I had never seen Ms. Clark perform live.
Those songs always took me to a time when and a place where I was happier. They represented a time when I was strong, confident and apparently, fearless, almost all the time. My mistake
Photo ‘live’ at the Annenberg Theater by Pat Krause 16
Continues on Page 17 Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Continued from Page 16
Petula Clark at the Annenberg Theater by David Mikelberg was that when I revisited those times, I would try to stay there. I was unaware that I couldn’t do that and quite frankly, after a while it became easier to fool myself. Over the years, too many things had happened to make me doubt my abilities. While there were times of strength and confidence, there was equal, if not more time when fear and depression would take hold. They say time heals everything. That is true, along with the eventual assistance of a great Therapist and Psychiatrist. Sitting here at the Annenberg, I saw my past and noticed it was there to be acknowledged. I had no desire to remain in to or let it inform my present. This made for a pretty good night in the theater. Now, here was Ms. Clark herself, a de-facto icon of both past and present. It was a great show, filled with many of her hits. In between, she told anecdotes from a career that has spanned over six decades. A ribald story about Sophia Loren’s ample bosom led into the beautiful “This Is My Song”, written by Charlie Chaplin. Ms. Clark shared stories about being entertained by Chaplin and dancing around his home in Switzerland. She also tells a story about Fred Astaire, with whom she co-starred in the 1968 movie, “Finian’s Rainbow.” She was thrilled at
the opportunity to dance with the inimitable Astaire, while he bragged to others, “I danced with her.” I always thought that Ms. Clark was an amazing actress. When she performed “With One Look” from “Sunset Boulevard”, she could break your heart. “Refugee Song”, from the musical “Blood Brothers” followed. Her ability to act in this song was absolutely riveting. I could not take my eyes off of her. All through the show, there were the songs I love so much. I revisited “a place where the lights are always low”, was reminded “Don’t Sleep In The Subway” and saw “A Sign Of The Times”. Towards the end of the show, it was time for “Downtown.” It was the song that introduced her to US audiences. For me, it was one song, perhaps the song that inspired me to sing. There I was, in the back row of the Annenberg, quietly singing along with her. My past was where it belongs, my feet firmly planted in the present. I went to the Annenberg to review a concert. I wound up having an epiphany instead. Go figure.
Debbie McGowan
760-774-3557
DebbMcGowan@aol.com
For the second time in two weeks, I am writing a review (if you can call this one, bless you) about someone who inspired me. I can think of only two things to state here. I love you, Petula Clark. Thank you.
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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Leslie Jordan Leslie Jordan ~photo by Pat Krause 18
Palm Sp volunteers a
Guests from Desert Oasis HealthCare
prings Councilwoman Ginny Foat with at the registration table~photo Pat Krause
Palm Springs Councilwoman Ginny Foat with volunteers at the registration table
Story and Photos by Pat Krause
A
ctor, Comedian and Author tripped the light fantastic at the Riviera Resort and Spa at the Grand Ballroom on Nov. 4th. This show was held prior to the Gay Pride weekend and will benefit the Golden Rainbow Center, SAGE in Palm Springs.
Carpet which is also the name of his latest book.
Leslie Jordan has been seen in many TV shows and is best know on Will and Grace as Beverly Leslie. He has also acted on such TV shows as Reba, Boston Legal and Ugly Betty to name just a few.
He has many friends in the valley and has made many appearances here on behalf of the Sordid Lives Movie.
Palm Springs has seen him in the movie Sordid Lives which has become a cult film in our valley. He performed his new show, From ‘Whence I Came for the guests’. He just finished a stint on Broadway in his production of “My Trip Down the Pink
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
This talented man is little in stature but big on Talent. He had the audience is laughter the minute he stepped onto the stage.
A silent auction was held prior to his performance. Awards were give to several deserving members of Sage. The Golden Rainbow community Service award when to David Hood and the Board of Directors award went to Press, Harvey Stern Many have spent years in the service of elderly gay men whose lives have become in jeopardy because of loneliness and poverty.
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By Lisa Robyn Lawrence Photos by Catherine Jardine
M
usic icon, Gladys Knight (who needs Pips?), performed at Morongo and she took us on a nostalgic musical sojourn of delight. We were treated to her most famous hit songs like ‘Midnight Train” and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” which she reminded us was recorded by her first. There was no evidence that Gladys has slowed down or her voice might have gotten a bit weaker. While singing Ms. Knight strutted and danced all over the stage, even doing a strobe light groove that had the audience on their feet applauding and cheering. Gladys still has the “stuff the voice and the pipes” and knows how to use them. Oh yes we heard it… yes we heard it!
Gladys Night ‘Live’ at Morongo Casino Resort ~Photos by Catherine Jardine
The audience was standing up and giving her many standing-“o’s” with each song she performed. Her back-up singers, Neil, Rashida, Toni and Kenny and musicians, Walter on bass, Arthur on percussion, Daniel on Drums , James on lead guitar, Yuko on keyboard (Gladys said that sweetness comes from her) and Musical director Matthew Pender on keys, were each a special talent in their own right and really did each song justice. Fred Three Feathers was there with his friends Yvonne and Frank, Fred’s sister Maxine, niece Karen. Fred also met up with his cousin Mary who said it was a great performance and can’t wait for Gladys Knight to come back again. I know that more than half of the audience would agree.
Fred Three Feathers his friends Yvonne and Frank, Fred’s sister Maxine, niece Karen. 20
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Gladys Night at Morongo Casino Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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p l e h d l i Ch
John O’Hurley, Gloria Greer and Cheryl Ladd
Todi Burton, Scott Strader, Summer Jensen and Judy Jensen , Guests dressed in Hawaiin attire
A styleshow of Tommy Bahama Clothes a
Actors Rocky Carroll and William DeVane with Joel Douglas, Son of actor Kirk Douglas 22
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Co-founders Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fe with Celebrity comedian and actor Ro
at Luau
edderson pose on Masak
At the Desert Willow Golf Resort
l a u n n A t s The Fir
t fi e n e b l l i w t a h t a l a G f l o G
The Temptations Review vocal group lead by lead singer HOF Dennis Edwards
IW Chapter President Cheryl Kauffman, Celebrity Kato Kaelin and Cheryl Griffin.
Hawaiian Dancers ~ all photos by Pat Krause Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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t fi e n e b l l i w t a h t a l a G f l o G l a u n n A t s The Fir
At the Desert Willow Golf Resort
Story and Photos by Pat Krause The First Annual Golf Gala that will benefit Childhelp Organization was held on Sunday night at the Indian Well Country Club. A silent Auction was held during the reception. This was a time all guests participating in the 2 day event got to meet the Co-hosts for the event. Actress Cheryl Ladd and Actor John O’Hurley gave their time for this charity as it is one they are dedicated to. Other celebrities playing in the golf ournament mingled with the guests. A live auction was held with John O’Hurley as Auctioneer. He did better than most professionals and raised a great deal of money with joking and urging for high bids both atthe gala and the Luau. After the dinner a 6 minute video was shown about what Childhelp does and showed some of the instructors and what they are trying to accomplish. CoFounders. Actresses Sara Fedderson and Yvonne O’Meara thanked all the guests for their support. The Temptations Review vocal group lead by lead singer HOF Dennis Edwards finalized the evening entertainment. Cheryl Ladd was introduced to Childhelp 32 years ago and has been an ardent supporter every since. Lending her time and talent to this very worthwhile cause. John O’Hurley has not been involved as long but has a firm belief in what Childhelp does. 24
Childhelp
Local Diva Gloria Greer was honored as a founder and first president of a chapter in the Desert in 1974. She was given a beautiful statue. Another honoree was Bill Laughlin for his support. A golf tournament was held the following day on Monday with a shotgun start at Desert Willow Golf Course. Golfers got new putters and other clubs. Great prizes were given away to winners at a Luau that was held at Indian Wells Country Club. The Luau was decorated in a Hawaiian theme. A Hula Dancer and other Island Dancers entertained the guests. One of the highlights of the evening was when 19 children from Childhelp performed two original songs|The village stated a choir with 5 children and it now has over 45 excited kids. Childhelp organization has helped over 5 million children in the last 50 plus years. It all started in Tokyo when actresses Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson found 11 homeless kids wandering the streets. Many with American GI fathers that were turned away from orphanages because of their race. Shortly there was over 100 children to help and a life long change for them came about. Desert Local News November 12, 2010
Orphanages were established in Japan and Viet Nam. Internation Orphans Inc. became Operation Baby Life. Then it became Childrens Village USA and is now know as Childhelp. They were instrumental in the Good Touch/Bad Touch program in schools today. They established the National Day of Hope during Natl Child Abuse Prevention Month. Sara and Yvonne have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 4 times and were nominated again this year. Their accomplishments of 50 years of dedication is just way to numerous to mention. I went to Childhelp on the internet and was totally amazed at what they have done and how this charity has grown. The doorway to Merv Griffin Village reads ALL WHO ENTER HERE WILL FIND LOVE etched in stone. They started the National Child Abuse Registry that provides information when a child preditor comes into a neighborhood. This is just one of the many programs they have gotten into the American scene. A new Childhelp Chapter in Indian Wells is headed by President Cheryl Kauffman. 5 Children die everyday from abuse or neglect. Childhelp is one of the leading non-profit organizations for prevention and treatment of child abuse.
Celebrity Co-Hosts John O’Hurley and Cheryl Ladd ~Photo by Pat Krause
Desert Local News November 12, 2010
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