Pulse of the High Desert - December 2022

How an HOA Saved a Community

Late last year, the Spring Valley Lake Homeowners Association, comprising of 3800+ homes in Victorville, was facing and grim predicament. Club Corp, the owners of the Spring Valley Lake Country Club and over 300 clubs nationwide, put the property up for sale. The club, which was in the center of the community, had suffered from decades of deferred maintenance. This created a downward spiral in its ability to provide an acceptable experience to its membership. The club’s roster had fallen to under 400 memberships, down from a high of over 800 in 2010. The maintenance crew, normally 18 in number, was now to 5, making it impossible to maintain the golf course. In the minds of many members, Club Corp had given up on Spring Valley Lake and the High Desert, leaving its residents in the lurch.

Read more on page 6

Mojave River Valley Museum

The Mojave River Valley Museum is the oldest of Barstow’s many museums. The museum association was founded in the early 1960’s by the Barstow Women’s Club. In 1966, a 600 square foot building was built and became the Mojave River Valley Museum Chapter of the San Bernardino County Museum Association. Read more on page 10

o matter your beliefs, religion or ethnicity this is the season of Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays. It is the ending of one year and the start of a new one. Our TEAM wishes each and every one of you, blessings, good will, good health and peace.

We end the year on a high note with the addition of a new member to our TEAM, Tiffanie Williams.

Santa also added Elf’s to his appearances too.

We want to thank all of you that have supported us this year. We have the BEST advertisers and readers. Along with the many folks that contribute, their time, expertise and talents. We THANK YOU.

Not many businesses make it thru their first year, but we have. In fact, we have expanded and are reaching out to add markets and products.

We have been given a lot of advice on what to print and/or change with our publication. Most say we are filling a void and our articles/ads are in line with their needs. We are always interested in what you have to say.

Looking for a great Christmas gift why not a subscription to the PULSE? Give us a call at 1 760 512 9300

JAMES

LEN NORDMANN Artist 1 951 678 5555 Lennord@motherroadenterprises.com

LORI WESTON

1 760 680 9472 Lori@motherroadenterprises.com

NEWBERRY SPRINGS PISTACHIO FESTIVAL

By John Wease

THE 24TH ANNUAL PISTACHIO FESTIVAL was held on November 5, 2022 at the Newberry Springs Community Park. Those of us who choose to live in small, rural communities do so for a number of reasons. Possibly, for the lower priced land, clean air, or less traffic. One trade off we tend to accept for the country lifestyle is there are not a lot of community events. There are, of course, events throughout the year. Usually, smaller events that we tend to appreciate more, perhaps, because of the scarcity. The first Pistachio Festival was one such small event.

In 1997, the Newberry Springs pistachio growers got together to celebrate their harvest. The event was held in the big metal barn at Big Al’s pistachio farm. It was a small event, but well attended. The show grew and relocated to the community park. And, it has really grown. The Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival has grown into a very popular, regional event. An event that draws a large crowd from all around.

The festival is put on by the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organization of volunteers. With very generous donations from sixteen local businesses, vendor fees for an amazing eighty-one vendor booths, and a lot of hard work by the volunteers, an amazing festival was ours to enjoy. There were several food vendors offering a nice variety of food choices. New this year was a beer garden, hosted by the chamber vice president, Renee Kaminiski, owner of The Barn. And, those many vendor booths had something for everyone.

There were, of course, plenty of vendors selling pistachios, in a variety of flavors. Breads, pastries, fudge, and other tempting sweets were also present. Jerky, pickles, salsa, as well. Also, a

variety of other items, just in time for holiday shopping. Candles, clothing, baskets, and much more. Some of the booths were organizations handing out information. NSEDA, Desert Discovery Center, Clearview, and the Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. The Chamber also hosted a raffle for prizes and a silent auction.

Another first this year was the kickball tournament. Organized by Mike Matson, it is a game very much like baseball. It is played using big soft kickballs. There are no bats or hard balls so nobody needs protective gear. The Victory Fitness team was victorious over the Chamber team, “The Guardians”, Newberry Springs Community Church, and C&M Fence. Mike hopes to organize fall and spring leagues for this increasingly popular sport.

The weather was cooperative and the large crowds were peacefully enjoying the day when shots rang out. They rang out periodically, and all in fun, thanks to the first-time appearance by the Calico Mountain Volunteers. Their gun-fighters group, and other members in period correct attire, entertain regularly at Calico Ghost Town. They were a welcome addition to the festival.

Inside the community building an art show was held. It was amazing to see so many fine examples of wonderful art, produced by the many talented local artists. Live music was provided throughout the day by Ranger Wayne “Damage” Hartel and his band, the “Barstones.” There were activities for the kids, including a petting zoo. The festival was opened with the national anthem and the Silver Valley Cadet Color Guard.

All in all, it was a great way to spend the day. A nice, family friendly way to enjoy some good food, nice music, games, and a visit with old and new friends.

Swinging for Smashing Success M

EMBERS OF THE GREATER HIGH DESERT CHAMBER rallied behind ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Break Room HD, owned and operated by Chelsea LaGrange and Michael Rasberry, during its grand opening. Inside the smash studio, a large number of dignitaries from area chambers and representatives from county and regional government offices, enjoyed destressing by bashing wine glasses with a bat.

HIGH DESERT, CA – According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable preinspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home.

To order a FREE Special Report

“I never knew how much fun it was to get rid of stress,” said chamber members, as they took turn slamming and splintering objects in full protective gear and googles. “And to think we don’t even have to clean up.”

The Break Room HD, the best place to destroy some stress, is trending with the surge in national interest to release pent up stress by purchasing time and objects in a safe environment. It’s not a new concept but this High Desert rage room is now open to the public 4 pm to 10 pm Thursday through Sunday. The new business sits between Gator’s and a smoke shop at 21011 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Visit www.YourHomeInspectionPitfalls.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 833-298-4054 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get your FREE special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of www.HighDesertHomeSales.net and GDR Inc. BRE #01524222. c 2022

How an HOA Saved a Community

WHEN THE HOA LEARNED ABOUT THE SALE, the Board of Directors immediately became concerned about the future of the club. There were numerous case studies close in proximity to Spring Valley Lake that proved when golf courses were sold to developers, home values were decimated. Facing a very scary reality, the Spring Valley Lake Association Board of Directors sprang into action. The Board, comprised of Brian Bickhart, Brian Hurst, Cheri Boyd, Jo Anne Romero, Lewis Ponce, Bill Scott, and Brad Letner, convinced Club Corp to sell the club to them at a price of $2,000,000, pending residential approval. For a HOA to purchase the club is extremely unusual. The HOA By-Laws stated that the residents would have to approve the purchase with 67% approval- a very daunting, if not impossible task. Regardless of the odds, the Board had to try. As the ballots were turned in, it became increasingly apparent in

December 2021 that the threshold was not going to be reached by the expiration of the purchase agreement. In a fortuitous chain of events, Joseph W. Brady, a longtime member, and community leader, happened to be playing golf at Bermuda Dunes Country Club before Christmas, and loved what he saw. He asked his playing partner, a member of the club, about membership. The member explained that the club had been on the verge of bankruptcy two years prior and was acquired by a company operating as Pacific Golf Management. In the short time, Bermuda Dunes had become a thriving club, growing from 420 memberships to close to 700, with more joining each day. The owner had invested substantial dollars in both the clubhouse and the course. The company also owned four other prominent country clubs in Southern California- Steele Canyon, Bear Creek, Dove Canyon, and Pauma Valley Country Clubs.

Mr. Brady immediately contacted the CEO of the company, Larry

Bear Valley Country Club Entrance

Taylor, and opened discussions on the feasibility of Pacific Golf acquiring the purchase rights of the HOA. Mr. Taylor met with the Board and initiated due diligence. In an amazing 45 days, the Pacific Golf agreed to purchase the course. On March 15, 2022, the ownership of the club was transferred to Pacific Golf Management. One of the most important components of the sale was that the club would have to stay as a private club in perpetuity and could not be developed without the HOA’s approval. The HOA included in the agreement that the club would allow a Veterans Memorial Garden on the property to remain in perpetuity as well, something very important to the community.

place to go in the community. Brian Hurst, a local real estate agent and extremely committed board member, commented “The new ownership has made a huge difference in our community. Not only has our home values been saved, but they have also increased significantly. If the club had been sold to a developer, the uncertainty and potential negative development would have had a catastrophic impact on our home values.”

A major reason for Pacific Golf to purchase the club was the impressive pedigree of both the clubhouse and golf course. The clubhouse is composed of two rambling ranch style buildings that were designed by Clifford May, a famous architect, known as “The Father of California Ranch Style” buildings. May designed over 1,000 homes in California, and the Spring Valley Clubhouse was one of his best designs. The other factor was the golf course being designed by Robert Trent Jones, arguably the most famous architect at that time. Jones and his son, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., have designed over 500 golf courses worldwide. Their designs are featured sites of the most prestigious golf tournaments, including the U.S Open and PGA Championships. Larry Taylor commented that, “this was like buying both a Van Gogh and Picasso painting at once that had been smudged and thrown in a corner.”

Immediately, the new company started upgrading the facility, and re-named the club Bear Valley Country Club to underscore its new beginning. The changes included a new parking lot, renovated aquatic and fitness areas, interior and exterior painting, new furniture and multiple other upgrades. The renovations made an immediate and amazing impact on the membership and the residents. In a short two months, the club’s membership exploded to over 800, comprising of over 2,000 members. The club had become the

Fast forward to today, the club continues to grow as word gets out by excited members. The pro-active intervention of the HOA’s Board of Directors changed the club’s direction from a plummeting one to one where the future has no limits. “Not only am I extremely thankful that Larry and his team saved our community from a very dire situation… the country club is the best I have ever seen in in my 30 years, “stated long time member David Greiner.

Spring Valley Lake HOA and Bear Valley Country Club have become true partners in ensuring the stability of the community. In summary, the experiences at Spring Valley Lake prove that residents can make a difference in the quality of their lives- something that both Robert Trent Jones and Cliff May would be very proud of.

Veteran’s Memorial

Cliff May

Robert Trent Jones Junior and Senior

Aquatic Center

Renovated Golf Course

Today’s Woman Foundation Honors Local Eagle Scout

DANIEL WHITE WAS THE RECIPIENT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENT’S AWARD from the Foundation recently. “The award was established several years ago to honor a local community member who has contri buted mightily to the work of our organiza tion” shares President Shannon L. Shannon. Daniel has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 5679 in the High Desert since the age of 11. He is 14 years old, in the 9th grade, and taking honor classes. When deciding on what project he wanted to work on for his Eagle Project, Daniel instantly knew that he wanted to do something to help cancer patients who were newly diagnosed and/ or in treatment. He contacted the Today’s Woman Foundation and after talking with Executive Director Cindy Bostick, a plan was formed and Daniel was on his way to getting his project started. Eventually, the

plan became a two-part effort working in conjunction with the Foundation.

The first part involved fund raising for 105 “Bundles of Hope” boxes for cancer patients. Daniel and his troop created encouraging hand-made cards and worked as a team to fill the boxes with other items, many hand-made by local community volunteers. The second part of his project was to fund 20 containers and materials for the Foundation’s Empowering Women for Self Sufficiency program for domestic violence survivors and others in shelter and transitional housing.

Daniel White successfully completed his Eagle Project on August 21, 2022 and the Foundation formally honored him on October 1, 2022 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Hesperia.

~ The Today’s Woman Foundation

HILLTOP Tavern and Inn

A Piece of Local

History

THE HIGH ADOBE GUEST RANCH, circa 1947 has been known by the locals as Carmen’s Ponderosa Guest Ranch since 1978. The Hilltop Tavern is now owned and operated by its heirs, Ken and Lana Rayburn. Embracing the Guest Ranch’s long time reputation as a Wedding and Entertainment venue, Ken and Lana have created the go to place to enjoy high quality Vegas style entertainment. They feature all genres with tribute shows from legends like Queen, The Eagles, Journey, Selena, Garth Brooks, and more. Last July, the Hilltop hosted a local star Chayce Beckham, who started his career at The Hilltop Tavern.

This New Years Eve The Hilltop Tavern will present, Turn The Page tribute to Bob Seger. Follow the concert list at hilltoptavernandinn.com and for information regarding the Party Bus, stopping at Spring Valley Lake and Jess Ranch Communities. In the coming new year of 2023 they will be hosting more National Acts from Nashville, Las Vegas, and more!

Post WWII was a Guest Ranch Boom in the Southwestern United States and in Apple Valley. The High Adobe and Roy Rogers Apple Valley Inn were established during the same time in 1947. The Hilltop Tavern and Inn is beyond doubt the best place to stay in Apple Valley and Ken says many families choose the Hilltop facility for their Holiday visiting relatives. All the rooms have a pristine view of the entire valley and mountains and is the only public venue to witness the grandeur of the valley and the stars above.

Multiple generations of families have been married at The Hilltop Tavern and Inn and it holds a special place in the community as the go to for private parties, weddings, and celebration of life. Ken says, “At the Hilltop Tavern and Inn we have been making memories for families over the last 45 years and it is very rewarding. We see the same couples that were married here coming back for their children’s weddings or a celebration of life for a loved one. In fact, we believe making memories is our product in trade and what makes it worth all the hard work.”

Come make your own memories at The Hilltop Tavern and Inn! Stay tuned for another piece of Apple Valley History in our next edition!

Mojave River Valley Museum

By John Wease

SINCE THEN, THE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION has become independent and self-supporting. It is staffed entirely by volunteers. The association members I met while there were very welcoming and helpful. The museum building is now over 4,000 square feet and includes a gift shop area and book store, with nearly five hundred titles. They could really use twice the space as the museum is bulging at the seams with artifacts. Artifacts were largely donated by generous local residents. The walls are lined with display cases, and more artifacts are displayed on top.

The display cases are well organized by types of artifacts, and everything is labelled well. The displays include a wide range of artifacts depicting the history of our area back to prehistoric times. There are many mastodon and other fossils as well as cast replicas of the stone tools found at the Early Man Site. Several cases display

artifacts of the different indigenous tribes of the Mojave Desert. Artfully woven baskets, pottery, stone tools and arrow points as well as old photos are plentiful.

Of course, agriculture, mining, and pioneer life are all well represented. Outside, the displays continue. The old iron bar jail from Daggett, a Mexican arrastre (a mule-powered manner of crushing ore without a stamp mill), an old passenger rail car, log cabin, mining and farming equipment, an old freight wagon, and other items are present. The old stone walls and historic sign were all the work of the Women’s Club way back in the beginning.

The museum is located at 270 E. Virginia Way and is open daily from 11:00 until 4:00. Admission is free. If you are a parent, and hear from your children that there is nothing to do here, pry their little fingers from their cell phones, and take them to the museum. It is a fascinating, and very educational place to spend some time.

The museum association is a 501c3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible, and always welcome.

You could also support the museum by joining the museum association. Annual membership is only $20 ($25 for family).

Association members receive the monthly newsletter “The Desert Tailings,” participate in field trips, and receive a 10% discount in the bookstore. A monthly meeting on the last Wednesday of the month

(except November, December, July and August) at the museum feature guest speakers that cover a broad range of subjects. For those with 4X4, there is the Desert Explorers Club within the museum association. They have their own fieldtrips and activities as well. In a separate back room, there is stored a vast quantity of archives, newspapers, maps, and other information, pertaining to the history of our area.

The sign on the front door says it is free admission. Be warned, it is a very interesting museum. I couldn’t leave without joining the association. And, so, as the newest member of the Mojave River Valley Museum Association, come and visit us soon!

How to Report Medicare Fraud and 3 Ways to Get Trusted Info

Scams and misleading Medicare policies are increasing

Federal officials say complaints from seniors who were tricked into buying misleading Medicare policies are increasing.

They might have been enrolled without their consent or lured by questionable or fake information into plans that might not cover their drugs or include their doctors.

To combat this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has threatened to penalize private insurance companies selling Medicare Advantage and drug plans if they or their agents mislead consumers.

And starting in 2023, insurers won’t be able to air any television ads for Medicare Advantage plans before getting approval from federal regulators.

CMS has also revised rules that make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to escape plans they didn’t sign up for or enrolled in only to discover that promised benefits didn’t exist or they couldn’t see their healthcare providers.

We explain how to report a Medicare fraud or scam. And to help you avoid these scams,

we also share 3 ways to get trustworthy information about Medicare.

How to report Medicare fraud and scams

If you or your older adult have been approached by a salesperson who acted inappropriately or aggressively or been enrolled in an insurance plan without consent, call 1-800-MEDICARE and file a complaint.

You can also find your state department of insurance in the Insurance Information Institute directory and file a complaint.

To report a scammer who pretended to be from Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE and visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov

If you think someone may have stolen or misused your personal or financial information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and get started on a recovery plan.

1. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Going through CMS directly is the safest way to explore your options and make changes to your coverage.

Visit the CMS Medicare website at https:// www.medicare.gov/ or start a Live Chat at https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone

Or, call CMS Medicare at 1-800-633-4227

2. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

To get help comparing plans and finding the best one for your healthcare needs, contact your county’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA).

Find your local AAA using the Eldercare Locator.

3.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

You can also get free help from trained counselors from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

By DailyCaring Editorial Team

3 ways to get legitimate, trustworthy Medicare information and help

THE VIEW-MASTER GOT ITS START WHEN HAROLD GRAVES , the president of Sawyer’s Photographic Services, met fellow camera buff William Gruber at the Oregon Caves National Monument in 1938. Gruber was using two cameras strapped together and explained that his plan was to update the stereoscopes that had been common in 19th-century drawing rooms by producing 3D color slides and a new hand-held viewer. Following their conversation, the two men made a deal to produce the View-Master.

offer slide reels of nearly every major kids’ show and movie.

Multiple manufacturers have produced the View-Master, including Tyco Toys and Fisher-Price. Today, View-Masters can be hard to find, but they were staple toys for children in the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early ‘00s.

Inducted Year: 1999

When Harold Graves, president of Sawyer’s Photographic Services, went to the Oregon Caves National Monument in 1938, he saw fellow camera buff William Gruber using two cameras strapped together.

Gruber explained that he planned to update the stereoscopes common in 19thcentury drawing rooms by producing threedimensional color slides and a new handheld viewer. By the next morning, the two had made a deal to produce View-Master. They introduced their creation at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and then began

selling it through specialty photography stores. Following the lead of its predecessor, the first reels presented views of scenic attractions around the country.

In 1951, however, View-Master acquired its main competitor, film-strip production company Tru-Vue, and with it the stereo licensing rights to all Disney characters. Graves and Gruber hit the jackpot. ViewMaster began offering three-dimensional images of the brand new Disneyland amusement park and stills from Disney movies and television programs. Once sales exploded, View-Master offered slide reels of virtually every major kids’ show and motion picture. A number of different manufacturers have produced View-Master, including Tyco Toys and Fisher-Price.

The first View-Master was introduced the following year, at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The two men then began selling their product through specialty photography stores; the earliest reels showed views of scenic attractions around the country.

In 1951, View-Master acquired its main competitor, Tru-Vue, and gained the rights to all Disney characters along with it. They soon began offering 3D views of the brandnew Disneyland amusement park along with stills from Disney movies and TV shows. Sales exploded and View-Master began to

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm

HOLIDAY NO CLASSES

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Crafts 2pm*

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 10:00am

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Crafts 2pm*

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

NUTRITIONAL LUNCH

MONDAY - FRIDAY 11:30AM - 12:30PM

Senior Lounge 18564 Hwy 18, Suite 107 Apple Valley $3.suggested donation 18

Barstow Exercise Classes

Barstow Senior Center

Apple Valley Yoga 10:00am Apple Valley Yoga 10:00am

Barstow Tai-Chi 8:00am Yoga 9:00am

Apple Valley Yoga 8:30am Yoga 10:00am

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

555 Melissa Ave., Barstow Apple Valley Exercise Classes 19111 Town Center Dr., AV Apple Valley Craft Classes RSVP REQUIRED 760 338 0914 18564 Hwy 18 , Suite 107, AV

Make sure you have access to the High Desert’s award-winning hospital.

Selecting a health care plan and physician are important decisions.

When you choose a plan that includes Providence, you’ll gain access to the High Desert’s award-winning hospital along with some of the best physicians from the largest, most comprehensive health care network in Southern California.

By choosing one of our Providence St. Mary’s physicians, you’ll have convenient access to:

• An extensive network of specialists to meet all your health care needs

• Multiple urgent care locations

Our medical groups:

• St. Mary High Desert Medical Group

• Providence Affiliated Physicians, St. Mary

• In-network hospital access to Providence St. Mary Medical Center

• In-person, virtual visits and after-hours care

To learn more, visit Providence.org/highdesert.

The ad published in last month’s issue was printed on one of her birthday cakes!

It’s the Pulse of the High Desert newspaper making a difference in people’s lives, and participating in great moments. We wish Mrs. Geiger good health and many years of life!

Happy Holidays

This holiday season, we want to share a sincere “thank you” to every member of our team at Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Thank you for your hard work day in and day out to serve our clients and for making this a model workplace that is always moving forward Your willingness to go above and beyond makes all the difference

To our wonderful community: On behalf of everyone at MCC, thank you for your continued support and for allowing us the honor of serving you another year We wish you and your loved ones a happy and festive holiday season!

MDAQMD funds ‘Car Buy Back and Scrap’ program

THE MOJAVE DESERT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (MDAQMD) wants to buy your old car.

The District’s Car Buy Back and Scrap program offers $1,000 to residents in exchange for their operable, registered vehicle at least 20 years old or more.

MDAQMD funds the program and contracts Environmental Engineering Studies, Inc. to operate it. Funds are available for the program until they’re exhausted each year.

Aside from the 20-years-or-older requirement, a qualifying vehicle is in working condition; has been registered as operable in MDAQMD’s jurisdiction (which includes the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County and Palo Verde Valley in Riverside County) for the preceding 24 months; and passes a smog check if the vehicle is due for one within 60 days of the surrender date. Other restrictions apply.

Once the local scrapper receives the vehicle and verifies compliance with the requirements, the registered vehicle owner will receive a check for $1,000.

This program is not operated by the State of California. For more information on how to participate and additional requirements to qualify a vehicle, call 800-717-7624.

For more information about MDAQMD and its mission to attain and maintain healthful air quality, visit mdaqmd.ca.gov or find them on social media.

Providence AdvantAge Health Center

We are proud to announce the opening of our new Providence AdvantAge Health Center with Dr. Michael Whitmore. This new health clinic offers many services such as extended visits and a direct phone concierge to help ease the way for our senior community.

Together, we can develop a personalized plan to help you get the most out of life. Whether through treatment counseling, insurance education or healthcare guidance, we offer a variety of health and wellness resources dedicated to helping you stay healthy and independent.

Local non-emergency appointment transportation is also available for medical appointments including labs, imaging services, specialists, and primary care visits within Apple Valley, Victorville and Hesperia for all Providence Medicare Advantage Patients.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Personal primary care physician

• Annual wellness visit

• Preventive care

• Care coordination

• Complex case management

• Social work services

• Nurse Advice Line

• Telehealth visits

• Local appointment transportation

Michael Whitmore, DO Internal Medicine

Dr. Michael Whitmore is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. Although clinically well-versed in all aspects of primary care, Dr. Whitmore’s heightened areas of strength include management of multiple chronic conditions, preventive medicine, and proactive diabetes management. As an internist, Dr. Whitmore strives to not only address immediate patient health needs but to simultaneously identify ways to strengthen the patient-physician relationship to achieve sustainable health goals.

Dr. Whitmore’s favorite aspect on the patient-physician relationship is building lifelong relationship and working with his patients on all aspects of their health.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INSURANCES ACCEPTED

• United Health

• Blue Shield

• Health Net

• Medicare

To learn more about Providence AdvantAge Health Center, please call 760-261-5020.

19333 Bear Valley Rd., Suite 101 Apple Valley, CA 92308

Marcy Taylor’s Desert Mohahve Muse

2022 IS THE CENTENNIAL YEAR OF CAPT. JOSEPH MCCONNELL, JR. His life and accomplishments were celebrated at the Oct.27 MHS presentation at the Lone Wolf Colony. A slide show produced by member Stormie Reid and presented by Marcy Taylor gave an overview of McConnell’s military career, as well as his family’s life during their Apple Valley years. An interesting highlight was the town’s record breaking feat of constructing a home for the family in a mere 45 hours. Attendees of the fieldtrip the previous Saturday were treated to a tour of this home, known as the Appreciation House, which is still standing on Highway 18.

Part two was a showing of the movie “The McConnell Story,” starring Alan Ladd as Capt. McConnell and June Allyson as his wife Pearl, better known as Butch. Despite the liberties taken by Warner Brothers Studios, the scenes shot at George Air Force Base and the Apple Valley Weekender house were certainly recognizable and brought the story close to home. Thanks to Bryan Taylor and Rick Schmidt for handling the technology, and all the other members who assisted with various jobs.

Another real highlight of the meeting was the assortment of characters that appeared all ready for Halloween, including several witches, a pirate, a Bavarian Octoberfester, a tall creature with a huge nose, and even the Prime Minister of England. You never know who you’ll meet at a MHS meeting.

More community events

Dec. 3 - 10:00 AM - Annual Victorville Christmas Parade down 7th Street from La Paz to Forrest. Stop by the Victor Valley Legacy Museum afterwards open until 4:00. Tree lighting and entertainment at Victorville City Hall 4-7:00.

Dec. 1 - Hesperia Tree Lighting at Civic Plaza Park - Entertainment starts at 5:30.

Dec. 2 - Barstow - Harvey House Christmas - 5-8:00

Dec. 6 - Apple Valley Tree Lighting at Civic Center Park - Entertainment starts at 5:00

Santa & Elf’s schedule

• Dec 2. Phelan Tree Lighting 5:30pm to 7:00pm Phelan, Community Park - PUBLIC INVITED

• Dec 2 Face2Face CHIP’S toy event 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Apple Valley, Gators - PUBLIC INVITED

• Dec 8 VVCSC Seniors Christmas Party event 12:00pm to 3:00pm,Hesperia, Marriott,

• Dec 10 Priavte event 7:00pm to 8:00pm Pinon Hills

• Dec 11 Fireman’s Boot 11:00am to 2:00pm, Phelan, Corner of Sheep Creek and Phelan Rd, PUBLIC NEEDED

• Dec 11 Capos GMC 2:30pm to 5:00pm - PUBLIC INVITED

• Dec 15 Private event Choice Med. 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Apple Valley Jess Ranch

• Dec 17 Angel Tree event 10:00am to 12:00pm Phelan,Community Center

• Dec 17 Barstow Senior Center 7:00pm to 9:00 pm

• Dec 20 Apple Valley Senior Lounge 11:30am to 1:00pm

• Dec 21 Pinon Hills Chamber Santa Pictures 2:30pm to 5:30pm, Chamber Building, Pinon Hills - PUBLIC INVITED

• Doc 22 Staples event 11:00am to 1:00pm, Victorville - PUBLIC INVITED

I hope all of you can join me at these events.

Santa