Pulse of the High Desert #13 - March 2023

HIGH DESERT

NORTH FIRST AVENUE BRIDGE PROJECT BEGINS

With the January 26, 2023 groundbreaking ceremony held in the east ballroom of the Harvey House and a photo op near the existing bridge, the eighty-five million dollar North First Avenue bridge project in Barstow has officially, and finally, begun. It is funded by a combination of federal highway bridge funds, state Measure I funds (the half-cent added to our sales taxes for highway projects), and five million dollars the city received in a grant from Caltrans Section 190 Grade Separation Program. The Section 190 funds will be used for aesthetics, design elements and street lighting to match those of the nearby Harvey House. Continue on page 10

GOLDSTONE VISITOR CENTER

Visiting the famous Harvey House Depot in Barstow, you can’t help but feel you are stepping back in time. Back to the “Golden Age” of railroad travel. For an out of this world experience, enter the lobby and go upstairs. Two large rooms on the second floor now house the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center. The Goldstone complex is located within the boundaries of Fort Irwin so visiting it is not easy. The visitor center makes it possible to learn about their mission, space travel, our solar system, and how we communicate with spacecraft. Continue on page 19

Daylight Saving Time and Its Effect on Mental Health - Page 4

Railroad Date Nails - Page 6

Sterling Inn’s Don Barber Embraces 30 Years of Hope, Growth and Opportunity - Page 7

News 4 Veterans- Page 14

Barstow’s Shot - Page 20

Marcy’s Musings - Page 24

The Barn Newberry SpringsPage 28

WELL HERE WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR ONEYEAR ANNIVERSARY. And what a year it has been. Made many new friends and found a really great niche for our PULSE. We might not have jumped tall buildings, but we did leap over a few small ones. I was asked by a lady at the Barstow Optimist luncheon the question “Why did you start the PULSE and why do you keep doing it?” That question has many answers, but the more important ones are that there was a need, and the acceptance has been overwhelming. We have partnered up with awesome advertisers, writers, groups (chambers-nonprofits-service clubs-communities & cities) and built a large audience of readers.

Our first 11 issues were 24 pages, and our 12th issue was 28 pages. This current issue is 32 pages. Page counts are determined by content, articles-advertisements-press releases. We will continue to grow and expand.

As always, we want to hear from you, our readers. We encourage you to support our advertisers, for without them there would be no newspaper.

Daylight Saving Time and its Effect on Mental Health

THIS MONTH, ON MARCH 12TH AT 2AM, CALIFORNIA ENDS DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME (DST). This practice is something that most of us have been accustomed to for a long time, but we are not as well accustomed to adapting to the change.

DST is a practice where the clock is set forward by one hour during the summer months to extend the amount of daylight in the evenings. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, studies have shown that DST can have a significant impact on our mental health.

The first and most obvious effect of DST is the disruption of our sleep patterns. Our bodies are finely tuned to the natural cycles of light and dark, and any sudden changes to this can lead to sleep disturbances, which in turn can cause feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even depression. According to research, the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents increases in the days immediately following the springtime shift to DST, likely due to the disruption of our circadian rhythms.

Another issue with DST is the loss of

an hour of daylight in the morning, which can lead to feelings of disorientation and a sense of disconnection from the natural world. This can be particularly difficult for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by changes in the seasons. SAD is more common in northern latitudes, where there is less daylight in the winter months, and the shift to DST can exacerbate symptoms by reducing the amount of daylight in the morning.

Furthermore, research has shown that DST can have a negative impact on workplace productivity and safety. The loss of an hour of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, impaired decision-making, and a higher likelihood of workplace accidents. In addition, the sudden shift in schedule can disrupt our work routines and lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

One way to mitigate the negative effects of DST is to gradually adjust our sleep schedules in the days leading up to the time change. This can involve going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day, so that by the time DST rolls around, our

By Melissa Mischka, PsyD

bodies have had a chance to adjust. Other strategies include exposing ourselves to bright light in the morning and avoiding exposure to bright light in the evening, as well as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends. This will also help to decrease the impact on our melatonin production which is crucial to a healthy sleep schedule.

In conclusion, while the shift to DST may seem like a small inconvenience, it can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being. By taking steps to mitigate the negative effects of DST, we can help ourselves adjust to the time change and maintain our productivity and mental health in the face of this seasonal disruption. By the way, Friday March 17th is World Sleep Day, so I hope that these tips come in handy and that you are able to have the best sleep ever!

SWIM

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March 23

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March 14

Karla Franko - Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert

High Desert, CA - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

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Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

RAILROAD DATE NAILS

AFTER THE CIVIL WAR, there was a phenomenal expansion of railroads in this country. When the war ended in 1865, there were 35,000 miles of track in use. By 1871, 45,000 miles. In 1900, there were 215,000 miles of track in service. These roadbeds required a lot of wooden cross ties to support the steel rails. Some 3,000 cross ties were needed per mile of track. Up until 1900 the cross ties were untreated wood that lasted around five years. The need for treated wood ties that could last much longer was apparent.

The railroad companies began testing treatment methods using a variety of chemicals and steam on different types of wood. Generally, they used test sections of track for these trials. In the age before computers, they needed a way to keep track of when the cross ties were installed, and in some cases, the treatment methods used. The method used was date nails. The date nails varied by railroad but generally were around 2 1/2” long with a wide, flat head. The head had either raised or stamped number or letter markings.

The first recorded use of date nails was in 1897 by the Mississippi River and Bonne Terre Railroad. A few others had followed by 1899. Widespread use started after the date nail concept was introduced at a 1900 Maintenance of Way Convention by Octave Chanute. Octave Chanute was involved in treatment method testing and is credited with starting the use of date nails in this country.

At first, the dates were stamped as single digits. A nail stamped “3” would represent 1903. After 1910, two digits were used to prevent confusion, much like the “millennium bug” confusion in 2000. Therefore, 1910 would have been stamped as “10.” Sometimes letters were used as well. The type of wood tested, such as “F” for fir, or “C” for cedar. So, a nail stamped “F3” would denote a fir tie treated or installed in 1903. They also could have tracked the chemical used, so “Z3” could be read as treated with zinc and installed in 1903.

After 1910, many railroads started using date nails on all cross ties. The Great Northern Railroad started the practice of installing the nails in the ends of the ties. Prior to this, the treatment companies nailed them to the top side, near the end. If the roadbed crews installed the ties

nail down, they were unreadable. Nailed into the ends made them readable in any position. It seems obvious in hindsight.

At times, different nail head shapes were used to represent different information. The Santa Fe used square or diamond shaped heads to denote an untreated tie. Pentagon shaped heads indicated a used tie that had been removed from another location and reinstalled. Other railroads had their own coded meanings. Some used a variety of nail heads solely because that was what their supplier had in stock. There were more than twenty U.S. date nail manufacturers. Most date nails were made of steel. Copper, aluminum, and forged iron were used to a lesser extent.

Date nail use peaked in the 1930’s. The Great Depression, followed by the metal shortages during the Second World War reduced their use. 1969 was the last year date nails were used by railroads in the U.S. Computers are used today to track of any information needed. Composite or concrete ties have replaced wooden ties in some locations. As with many things no longer in use, railroad date nails have become collectable. Prices vary based on age, condition, and rarity.

If you want inspiration in starting your own date nail collection, you need look no farther than the Western America Railroad Museum. Located on the east end of the Barstow Harvey House Depot, it houses the extensive Albert Gustafson date nail collection. Mr. Gustafson has passed on to the great train depot above, but generously donated his collection to the museum. The collection fills an entire room of the museum. There are nails from every state and many different countries. The number of nails is unknown. There are a lot. They are grouped by categories

By John Wease

in 302 separate displays. Mr. Gustafson self-collected a large number of them. He also attended date nail shows and traded with fellow collectors.

Among the displays is a very complete Santa Fe Railway collection. It includes every year date nail from 1901 through 1969. Also, a number of the square, diamond, and pentagon nail heads used by the Santa Fe. He found room to include blue ribbons this display won in competitions. As a retired Santa Fe Railway employee, I’m sure this was his favorite as well as mine.

A rotating display cabinet has, on each row, date nails from cross tie treatment facilities. Another case has fragments of old ties with the date nails left in place, as found. The other nails were all acid cleaned, buffed and polished. These “in situ” date nails were all self-collected, walking along old roadbeds, searching for discarded, broken ties.

Along with the railroad date nails, there are displays of the much larger electric company date nails and a collection of brass, numbered discs. A docent explained these were steam valve handle tags. Back in the day, the trains had steam generators. The fireman had to use a manual to operate the confusing number of steam valves. Something like: “To provide steam to…open steam valve seven and close three, four, and five.”

Other displays are grouped by railroad, city, state, or country. Dates include all years back to the eighteen hundreds. It is an amazing and unbelievably large collection. The museum gift shop sells date nails from various years for only $3,99 each. Like the longest journey that begins with a single step, visit the museum and start your own collection by buying your first date nail. Or, visit the museum and just enjoy the date nail collection, and the other railroad memorabilia. Admission is free. They are open Fridays and Sundays 11:00 to 3:00, Saturdays 11:00-4:00.

Sterling Inn’s Don Barber

Embraces 30 Years of Hope, Growth & Opportunity

Starting as a part-time dishwasher in 1993, he is now the community’s senior executive director

VICTORVILLE, CALIF. (FEBRUARY 13, 2023) – Thirty years ago, a then 16-year-old Don Barber thought he was simply taking on a part-time job washing dishes after school at Sterling Inn, a Koelsch assisted living community in Victorville. Little did Barber know that bigger plans were on the horizon – he was embarking on what has been a three-decade long career (and counting) in senior living.

By Koelsech Communities

After rising through the ranks in roles such as dining room server, dietary aide, kitchen and dining room manager, lead cook, and eventually Koelsch’s corporate food and beverage manager, Barber now serves as Sterling Inn’s Senior Executive Director.

“The story of my career at Koelsch is one of hope, growth, and opportunity,” Barber said. “My efforts were encouraged and recognized from the very beginning, and Koelsch continued to present me with new career opportunities to develop as a professional.”

To celebrate Barber’s 30 years with Koelsch, a surprise celebration was had in his honor. Many of Koelsch’s top executives, including President & CEO Aaron Koelsch, traveled from home office in Olympia, Washington.

“I thrive on the relationships that surround me, both with the residents and the staff. This is not only a career, but also a calling, and I know I’m making a difference,” Barber said.

About Koelsch Communities

Koelsch Communities is a third-generation, family-owned and operated senior living provider. For over 60 years, Koelsch Communities has led the industry in Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Known for its first-class service, holistic care model, and an employee-centric company culture, Koelsch provides the finest living and working experiences anywhere as ladies and gentlemen, serving ladies and gentlemen. Koelsch believes in the innovative programs that make aging well possible and building a strong foundation of safety with the latest in security and technology. Learn more at koelschcommunities.com

Sterling Inn, a Koelsch Senior Living Community

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

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Finding Peace After Loss

By Cindy Bostick and Margaret Smith

HEALING FROM THE AGONIZING PAIN OF LOSING

A LOVED ONE is a gradual upward climb with peaks and valleys that include the initial shock, followed by suffering, where the survivor’s energy is absorbed by intense emotions. The griever knows he or she has survived and is becoming more balanced when the loss or tragedy no longer absorbs every thought and there is an upward shift in energy. Stability will occur when the griever is reinvesting time and experiencing life, oftentimes growing in new ways. The loved one may always be viewed with sadness, but it doesn’t hold the survivor in its gripping power as it did at the onset. Death ends a life but not a relationship, and an ongoing relationship with the deceased individual is normal. The goal of grief is not to “get over it,” or “recover from” or “resolve” the loss. The goal of grief is to “hold on in order to move on” which is opposite of what was originally thought. As a Certified Grief Counselor, Cindy Bostick embraces the Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe and Schut). Cindy invited Margaret Smith to demonstrate the efficacy of the Model and share how she found stability and peace after losing her precious son:

“On August 24, 2007, Smitty and I lost our 19-year-old son Brandon in a motorcycle accident. He had so much going on in his young life. He loved racing. It was during the Vegas to Reno race that the accident happened. Now, sixteen years later, I still feel like the accident happened just yesterday. I’ve not handled the heartbreak very well over the years. I do not believe any parent does. Most that have not walked in our shoes cannot fathom the pain and I pray they never do. I finally stumbled upon something that has truly brought me peace and joy. I took up quilting as a hobby after I retired. I go into my sewing room, turn up the music and get lost in my projects.

My passion is creating memory/memorial quilts for those who have lost a loved one. I use pictures, clothing, t-shirts, or whatever the family member requests. I embroider a label on the back side of the quilt with whatever is requested, i.e., a poem, a dedication, etc. Each time I complete one of these quilts, I pray that it will bring a smile full of memories of their loved one, which is how I continue to deal with the pain of losing my son Brandon.”

Both Cindy and Margaret serve on the board of the Today’s Woman Foundation. Please direct questions or comments to Todayswomanfoundation@gmail.com.

NORTH FIRST AVENUE BRIDGE PROJECT BEGINS

THERE HAS BEEN A PUSH BACK FROM SOME THAT WANT TO PRESERVE THE OLD BRIDGE. Either as a pedestrian only bridge, alongside the new bridge, or simply because of its historical ninety-plus years in existence. That is seventeen years longer than Barstow has been an incorporated city. In a Caltrans bridge inspection report in April 2012, the old bridge was declared “structurally deficient in its superstructure, substructure, and overall structural evaluation.” It was also deemed to be “functionally obsolete.” They gave it a sufficiency rating of “3” out of 100.

The new bridge will be 1179 feet long and fifty feet wide. It will still have only two lanes, one in each direction. The lanes will be twelve feet wide with an eight-foot wide shoulder on each side. The curve on the north side will be made more gradual. There will also be an eight-foot wide, barrier-protected pedestrian walkway with a vista point. The bridge will be constructed of concrete. The old bridge will remain in use until construction is completed. The old, mostly steel and wood bridge will be demolished after the new bridge is completed. Construction is expected to last eighteen months.

The old bridge was dedicated April 26, 1930 and cost somewhat less than the new bridge. Its price was $150,000, but that was serious money in 1930. The bridge was built to cross over the Santa Fe railyards. The bridge eliminated the “worse grade crossing on any state highway” in the country. Before the bridge was built, cars followed a narrow, winding roadway through the freight yards. Cars had to dodge trains and were frequently caught in traffic snarls of waiting vehicles.

By John Wease

The almost ninety-three years old bridge is very narrow by today’s standards. There are no shoulders for disabled vehicles, or a safe space for bicyclists. The old bridge is no stranger to vehicular accidents either. It had to be closed two times last year due to accidents. The second accident required emergency

repairs be made prior to reopening. As it crosses over the very busy, now Burlington Northern Santa Fe, freight yard, there is always the fear of a problem on the bridge closing the tracks below. That issue could be compounded when the BNSF builds its planned multi-billion dollars intermodal facility. That facility is expected to double the population of Barstow. That would undoubtedly add more traffic to the already heavily used bridge. The North First Avenue bridge connects the largely residential north side of Barstow with Main St. It is also, of course, the main access to the popular Harvey House Depot and its museums.

I am no expert on bridges, or bridge construction. In fact, I have erroneously called it the “First Street bridge” for over forty years. Driving over it, you really only see the steel superstructure and badly cracked asphalt. It reminds me more than a little bit of the erector set my older brother played with in the 1950’s. Driving across from the north, the tight curve and narrow lanes are a little daunting. Viewed from the ground level, it is fairly easy to see why Caltrans gave it such low marks. The massive concrete supports where the bridge crosses the tracks look secure. Just north of the tracks the bridge is supported by a wood trestle type structure. It looks somewhat frightening but it has stood the test of time. And, I do know bridges must remain standing and allow safe travel. Old steel and wood bridges must be routinely inspected and maintained. Bridge collapses are infrequent but always tragic. And, all too often, they involve bridges that were found to be in need of replacement. Let’s hope the new bridge has an equally impressive long life, and makes our travels safer.

We’re proud to offer “Student Stringers” articles from our Lucerne Valley Middle/High School students who are earning community points in their Helping Hands graduation program. These students are mentored by staff teacher David Prouty, who has an English/Journalism background. Each story is vetted and then passed along for publication within the Lucerne Valley section of PULSE of the High Desert, publisher James Conkle.

This partnership is approved by LVUSD, Andrea Moretz Office Manager Helping Hands program, Rusty LaGrange, founder of the project, and owner/publisher of The PULSE of the High Desert, James Conkle. For further Information on this project or for similar ones call 760-617-3991 or email sales@pulseofthehighdesert.info

Lucerne Valley High School Soccer and Basketball Teams Travel to Catalina Island

By Yuccel Rochin Limones and Patricia Vick

ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023, the Lucerne Valley High School girls and boys soccer and basketball teams had a busy and adventurous day. Specifically, all of the athletes headed to Catalina Island to play Avalon in their respective sports. For many student athletes, this was their first time visiting Catalina Island. After arriving, everybody enjoyed the amazing view and began their walk to the school. While walking to the school, the athletes were glad they had the opportunity to enjoy nature and they were looking forward to playing the sports they love. Even though it was hot, the air felt fresh and all the greenery was beautiful.

Although the girls soccer team was the only Mustangs team with a victory that day, winning Avalon 1-0, all of the teams played well. Furthermore, everybody had a lot of fun. As the day came to an end and the athletes prepared to leave the island, they enjoyed some pizza and reflected on what a great memory the day will make.

Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Welcomes New Co-Principal

LUCENE VALLEY MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL was happy to recently welcome a new Co-Principal, Mr. Jason Story. Jason Story is the latest addition to the Lucerne Valley Middle/High School team and he is coming in with years of experience to help keep LVMHS a great place for everyone. Jason Story was previously an Assistant Principal at Mojave High School for two years as well as a Vice Principal at Oak Hills High School for five years. He was also a special education teacher for nine years at Oak Hills High School and Hesperia High School and a head baseball coach at Oak

Hills High School for seven years. Mr. Story indicated that his time at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School has been great so far and that everyone has been very welcoming. “It is a great environment,” he stated.

When asked about the new addition to the Lucerne Valley Middle/High School team, Co-Principal Mr. Nate Lambdin stated that he is really looking forward to working with Jason Story going forward and that he is excited about this new change. The students at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School are also very excited about and looking forward to the new

By Yessenia Cazales and Nathan Bhojwani

change. One student stated, “I am very glad we have a new Co-Principal; I think it’s important for us to have two principals since we are a middle and high school.” Another student added, “Mr. Story seems like a great addition to our school!”

Lucerne Valley High School Girls Basketball Team Makes it to the Playoffs

By Christian Barajas, Alexis Hale, Eileensurii Davalos, and Dusty Ward

THE LUCERNE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL girls basketball team had an amazing season, which culminated in making it to the playoffs. The team, led by head coach Brandon Barkley and assistant coaches Ashley Davalos and Charles Ledbetter, were undefeated in their league this season and 21-8 overall. At one point, the girls had a streak of twelve straight wins. Senior Jewel Moy scored 253 points during the season and led the team in rebounds and steals. Another senior, Kailey Quintero, was the team’s second highest scorer, followed by ninth grader Amaya Kelly.

On 2/9/2023, Lucerne Valley Middle/High School hosted the playoff game against San Gabriel Academy. Although the Mustangs would not take the win on this night, they played hard just as they had all season. Everybody is very proud of the girls basketball team for their hard work and dedication. It was truly an amazing season.

NEWS 4 VETERANS

The Ultimate Guide to Senior Veterans Benefits

Continued from page 1

VETERANS BENEFITS CAN BE A SOURCE OF CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION for military families.

This typically occurs because senior veterans don’t know their rights or don’t understand the bureaucratic barriers to apply for veterans benefits.

In particular, senior veterans may be surprised to learn that they may qualify for a range of healthcare services and financial assistance. In particular, senior veterans may be surprised to learn that they may qualify for a range of healthcare services and financial assistance.

Each program has its own benefit coverage and eligibility requirements, which may seem unclear at first glance.

Sorting through this information can be a headache, so we’ve put together this guide to help you get started.

Here we’ll give an overview of senior veterans benefits, as well as other key benefits and instructions for applying.

Note: To the best of our ability, we’ve aimed to provide the most useful, accurate information for senior veterans to receive their benefits. However, you should contact a veterans benefits specialist to verify your eligibility and any changes in program requirements.

Senior veterans benefits

Veterans benefits for seniors are notoriously underused. Let’s go over the

five most important health-related benefit programs for senior veterans, so you have a better idea of your rights.

Most of these services are need-based, which means eligibility may be linked to your financial situation.

1. Veterans Pension

The Veterans Pension is the single most important benefit for senior veterans. This pension becomes available to veterans once they reach the age of 65. It’s intended for low-income veterans and/ or those who meet certain conditions.

To qualify, you must fulfill both the military duty requirement and the need requirement.

Military duty requirement

According to the VA, you must have undergone 90 days of active duty, including 1 day during a wartime period (see here for official wartime dates). The duty period may vary depending on when you served as well.

For example, if your active duty occurred after 9/7/1980, the duty period must be at least 24 months. (If you were an officer after 10/16/1981, you don’t need to meet this 24 months requirement.)

In addition, if you received a dishonorable discharge, you may not be eligible regardless of your duty period.

Need requirement

You must be at least 65 years old and meet one (or more) of the following conditions:

• Low-income. You must fall within the net worth limit of $129,094 (as of 12/1/2019). This includes your annual income and your personal property (except your house and car), including your spouse’s assets. The amount will also depend on whether you have dependents, or your spouse is a veteran too. You can get more info about how net worth is calculated here.

• OR Permanent disability

• OR Receiving skilled nursing care

• OR Getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for these criteria, you can take the next step and apply for this pension. What’s the 3-year look-back period?

Veterans who transferred their assets recently may be subject to a 3-year lookback period.

When you file a pension application, the VA will look to see if asset transfer has made you eligible by placing you within the net worth limit. This applies for the last three years before filing your application.

If this is the case, the veteran will need to undergo a penalty period up to 5 years. (This policy started on 10/18/2018, so if you filed an application before then, the look-back period doesn’t apply.)

How much will my VA pension be?

Pension rates are set by Congress on a yearly basis, which is called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). This calculation is based on certain life factors, such as income, dependents, etc. You can see the current table of rates here.

2. Aid and Attendance (A&A)

Next up is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) program. This benefit is a monthly payment on top of the VA pension mentioned above.

You must currently receive the VA pension to apply for A&A veterans benefits.

The A&A program is designed for senior veterans who need assistance with daily activities or are otherwise housebound. The veteran’s home care needs may range, depending on the medical situation. However, to be eligible, the veteran must meet one of the following medical needs;

• Needs help performing daily activities (i.e. custodial care)

• OR Stays in bed all or most of the day because of illness

• OR Lives in a nursing home due to disability-related loss of ability

• OR Has limited eyesight (5/200 or less in both eyes or contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less, even with glasses/contacts)

If you fulfill one of these medical needs, you should apply to receive the A&A benefit.

For senior veterans, this supplement can be a huge relief for medical costs. Often it can be applied to a range of care options, including nursing homes, senior rehabilitation centers, assisted living programs and in-home care.

3. Housebound program

The Housebound program is similar to A&A but has a slightly different focus. Once again, Housebound veterans benefits are only available to veterans who are receiving a VA pension.

This program is for veterans with permanent disabilities. If you’re a veteran who spends most of the time at home due to a disability, the Housebound program will supplement your pension to help pay for medical and custodial costs.

Can I get both A&A and Housebound veterans benefits?

No, you can’t. A&A and Housebound have different eligibility requirements and you can’t receive both.

If you have a permanent disability that makes you housebound, you should apply for the Housebound program. Otherwise, you should consider the A&A program.

4. VA medical centers

Another useful benefit for senior veterans is VA healthcare, provided at VA medical centers.

VA healthcare is considered a high-

quality service provider that serves 9 million veterans a year. Unfortunately, the VA system isn’t available to all veterans. Veterans are granted access to VA healthcare after fulfilling the military requirement and based on their priority group (see below for details).

Military duty requirement

You must have served active duty in the military, navy or air force.

If you served before 9/7/1980, there is no required duty period. If after 9/7/1980, you must have served for 24 months (or the full term of service).

Certain exemptions apply to the duty period, such as being discharged for a service-related disability or “early out” hardship.

National Guard members must have become active duty under a federal order and completed their full term of service. Finally, if you received a dishonorable discharge, you may not be eligible regardless of your duty period.

Priority group assignment

After meeting the military duty requirement, you can apply for VA healthcare.

When you do, you’ll be placed in a priority group, ranging between one and eight.

Depending on your military service, disability rating, income level and other veterans benefit criteria, you’ll be assigned a priority group.

Veterans in the priority 1 group will receive care access first. For example, veterans with a service-related disability fall within the priority 1 group.

At the same time, veterans without a service-related disability and with a high income will be placed in the priority 8

group.

Each priority group has different criteria (you can see the full list of priority groups here).

For senior veterans, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

If you receive A&A or Housebound veterans benefits, you’re within the priority 4 group (or higher).

If you receive a VA pension, you’re within the priority 5 group (or higher).

If your income level changes or your disability gets worse, you may receive a higher priority rating. What criteria will earn me a higher priority group?

If you’re interested in how each priority group is determined, you can see the full list here.

Each level factors in disability, military honors, veterans benefits, specific military duty criteria and income level. Will I have to pay co-pays with VA healthcare?

It depends. If you fall into the higher income level – typically priority 7 and 8 groups – you may have to pay co-pays. You can view current co-pay rates here.

5. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

Finally, senior veterans and their families may be eligible to receive caregiver support.

This benefit is intended for designated family caregivers of a veteran who live fulltime with him/her.

To qualify, the veteran must have a disability rating of 70% (or higher) to qualify, which is related to active-duty service after 9/11/2001 or after 5/7/1975. He/she must also need at least 6 months of personal care services, including custodial care such as feeding and toileting.

This benefit gives primary caregivers a monthly stipend, access to health care benefits and 30 days of respite care.

Primary and secondary caregivers will also receive training, counseling, stipends for care-related travel.

Even if your senior veteran doesn’t fit these requirements, you may be able to access General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS), which offers resources, education and support for caregivers.

There’s no formal application process. You can check out these resources here.

Other key veterans benefits for seniors

In addition to the five main categories listed above, senior veterans may be eligible for a range of other service-related benefits.

Not all of them are healthcare-based. Instead, these veterans benefits cover expenses related to death, burial and family support.

Let’s take a closer look at these key veterans benefits for seniors.

1. Survivor’s pension

If you’re the surviving spouse (or dependent child) of a veteran, you may be eligible for a survivor’s pension.

The requirements for receiving this pension are similar to the Veterans Pension.

Military duty requirement

The deceased veteran must meet the military duty requirement equal to the Veterans Pension criteria.

In other words, the veteran must have undergone 90 days of active duty, including 1 day during a wartime period. The duty period may depend on when he/ she served.

If the active duty occurred after 9/7/1980, the duty period must be at least 24 months. (If the veteran was an officer after 10/16/1981, he/she doesn’t need to meet the 24 months requirement.)

In addition, the veteran won’t be eligible if he/she received a dishonorable discharge.

Need requirement

As the surviving spouse (or dependent child), you must also meet a financial need requirement.

Your family’s income and net worth can’t exceed limits set by Congress. Generally speaking, this limit is the same as the Veterans Pension (i.e. a net worth limit of $129,094). For your reference, you can see current rates here.

Are there any other eligibility requirements?

Yes. The spouse can’t have remarried after the veteran’s death. Also, if the veteran was dishonorably discharged, eligibility is forfeited as well.

Can I receive the survivor’s pension as a child of the deceased veteran?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. You must be unmarried and under the age of 18. Or, you must meet special exceptions.

If you’re attending a VA-approved school and you’re under the age of 23, you may qualify. In addition, if you’re disabled (and the disability occurred before the age of 18), you’re also eligible.

2. Life insurance

Moreover, senior veterans may not know that they’re eligible for life insurance through their past service. There are a variety of options available depending on your situation.

Overall, veterans quality for three different life insurance programs:

VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance): This program is for former service members who had SGLI insurance and were disabled on duty, or those who had SGLI and are within 1 year and 120 days of being released from active duty, being assigned inactive duty, being given temporary disability, or retiring. You can get between $10,000-$400,000 in life insurance benefits based on your SGLI insurance. To get it, you must apply within 1 year and 120 days of leaving the military.

S-DVI (Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance): Veterans who were disabled on duty may be eligible for S-DVI life insurance. You must be a veteran who was released from active duty after 4/25/1951, had a service-related disability and are in good health otherwise. You can receive up to $30,000 in coverage.

VMLI (Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance): Lastly, veterans may qualify for mortgage protection insurance. In this case, they must have a service-connected disability and received a grant to adapt their home to their needs (i.e. Specially Adapted Housing grant). They must also own the title and mortgage and be under 70 years old. This mortgage life insurance can run up to $200,000.

3. Veterans benefits for special groups

In addition, there are some special programs and benefits available to veterans who fall into special groups. Besides elderly veterans, these include:

• Gulf War Veterans

• Homeless Veterans

• Incarcerated Veterans

• Korean War Veterans

• LGBT Veterans

• Minority Veterans

• Native American Veterans

• Former PoWs

• Veterans Living Overseas

• Vietnam War Veterans

• Women Veterans

• World War II Veterans

If you’re a part of any of these special groups, be sure to check for programs, grants and/or benefits here that may fit your situation.

You should also consider talking with a veterans benefits specialist for more details.

4. Military burial

Another veterans benefit to keep in mind is military burial.

Currently, the benefit allowance is $2,000 for a service-related death (or $1,500 before 9/11/2001), as well as $796 if hospitalized by the VA at the time of death or $300 otherwise.

In addition, the families of deceased veterans may be eligible for a $796 plot allowance if not buried in a national cemetery.

To get this benefit, you must have paid for the funeral and not have been reimbursed by any other agency or organization. The family is eligible if the deceased veteran was receiving or was eligible for a VA pension, or under care at a VA facility. (Exceptions for this benefit include the following: the veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge, be a member of Congress at the time of death or have been a federal prisoner.)

5. Other programs

In addition to those listed above, senior veterans may be eligible for a range of other VA programs and benefits.

These may include:

• Disability compensation

• Education and training

• VA home loans

• Financial counseling

• Independent living services

Be sure to look at the complete VA website to get a sense of the variety of veterans benefits available.

Instructions to apply for veterans benefits

All the senior veterans benefits listed here require an application. If you think you’re eligible for a benefit, you must submit an application, which is then reviewed by the VA office.

How to apply

You have several options to apply for veterans benefits. Overall, there are four main ways to apply.

1. Apply online

Scroll down to the “Apply for Veterans Pension benefits” button and click to get started.

2. Accredited representative or agent

If you prefer, you can also use an accredited representative or agent to help

you apply for veterans benefits.

There are many veteran service organizations (VSOs) who assist veterans who don’t have the resources or knowhow to apply on their own. VSOs provide services for free, unless under special circumstances.

On the other hand, veterans agents (VAs) may charge fees for their services.

If you decide to use a VSO or VA, make sure they are accredited. You can search for verified veterans agents here.

3. VA regional office

In addition, you can go to a VA regional office where an employee will help you. This is a good option if you have a facility near you.

4. By mail

Finally, you can apply for many veterans benefits through postal mail. Print out and complete the Application for Pension form and mail it to the pension management center (PMC). You can get the form and mailing address here.

Resources for veterans applications

Each benefit program has separate eligibility and application requirements. If you want an overview of what’s expected for each program, the VA website has an

excellent chart you can use to find the right information.

Here you’ll find applications for different programs, as well as some basic instructions.

To help you out, here are some common questions about veterans applications:

How long does it take to process applications?

There’s no set length for processing applications. Each application is processed in the order received. How can I get help with applying for veterans benefits?

If you need help applying for veterans benefits, or receive an undesirable outcome, we highly recommend you talk to a veteran service organization, veteran agent or a VA office employee.

The process of applying can be complicated and it’s useful to have a helping hand.

Can I combine veterans benefits with other insurance?

If you have private insurance, for example through a spouse, you can usually combine it with your veterans benefits. Having private insurance won’t impact your benefits, but it could be helpful to bill non-service related medical expenses. Check out this resource to get a better sense of how insurance is combined with benefits.

Final takeaway

Understanding senior veterans benefits can be overwhelming. We hope this guide gives you a better sense of the main benefit areas, as well as how to apply for them.

As you research senior care for veterans, you can also take a look at MyCaringPlan’s website for veterans service providers that may be right for you and your family.

Lastly, if you run into any trouble with your veterans benefits, be sure to contact the VA or a veterans benefits specialist near you.

GOLDSTONE Visitor Center

By John Wease

WHEN I MOVED TO THE DESERT, MANY YEARS AGO, I HEARD ABOUT GOLDSTONE. I was told it was a radio communication station that sent and received radio signals. I pictured men with crew cuts and pocket pen protectors, wearing headphones, and beaming radio signals out to space. Hoping for a reply from some distant planet. Of course, I was wrong. That happens sometimes. At the same time, the Harvey House was a derelict, abandoned building. There was talk of demolishing it, and talk of restoring it to its former glory. I thought it was a grand and impressive building, and a shame it was in such sad condition. Only to find out fairly recently that the side I had admired back then was the plain backside. The truly impressive façade faces the railroad tracks.

probes, just in case they are someday found.

Goldstone has five parabolic antennas that are capable of communicating with up to thirty spacecraft at a time. Similar in appearance to a home satellite receiver, but much larger. The largest is 230 feet wide and is capable of deep space communication such as with the Voyager spacecraft, now at 13,359,480,633 miles away, the most distant manmade object. The remote desert location helps to reduce interference from natural and manmade radio noise.

Goldstone was created in 1958 by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to support the Pioneer programs of lunar and planetary space probes. The first program lasted from 1958 until 1960. That program included an unsuccessful lunar orbit mission, a successful lunar flyby, and an investigative mission between the Earth and Venus.

The second program from 1965 to 1992 included four interplanetary space weather missions, and missions to explore Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. Pioneer 10 and 11 were the first spacecraft to achieve the “escape velocity” necessary to fly beyond our solar system. They were also the first to be equipped with golden plaques with images of a man and a woman, and information about the creators of the

The Goldstone complex is a part of the NASA/JPL Deep Space Network. Its mission is to provide a communication link to control interplanetary spacecraft from NASA and several other space agencies from around the world. They also receive information and images sent from these missions. Goldstone is one of three NASA/JPL Deep Space Network complexes. The other two are in Canberra, Australia and outside Madrid, Spain. Approximately one hundred twenty degrees apart, at least one is in sight of spacecraft as the earth rotates.

When not actively communicating with spacecraft, the antennas are used as radio telescopes for astronomical research. The natural radio waves emitted from celestial bodies can be used to map planets, asteroids, etc. So, technically they are receiving radio messages. Just not from their pocket pen protector equipped counterparts from some distant solar system.

The NASA Goldstone visitor center is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 -3:00 and Saturdays from 10:00-4:00. Admission is free. There are many informative and interesting displays about our planets and interplanetary space travel. The focus is on unmanned, robotic missions of our solar system and beyond by Nasa/JPL, European Space Agency, Japanese Space Agency, and the Indian Space Organization. For school or group fieldtrips, they ask you to book in advance by calling (760) 255-8688 or email: goldstonevc@jpl.nasa.gov.

Also, located at the Harvey House is the Western America Railroad Museum and the Mother Road Museum of Route 66 memorabilia. The Harvey House itself is well worth a visit. So, there is plenty to do there and best of all, entry to all is free.

Continued from page 1

Barstow’s Shot

THE CELEBRATION

OF 75 YEARS OF BEING A CITYHOOD, the announcement of Barstow International Gateway (BIG), and national press has positioned Barstow on a global stage and position to ascend. This is Barstow’s shot! As our World, Country, and State begins to adapt within the residual of the Pandemic Covid-19. Many question the two previous Presidential elections. The shock of the January 6th attack on our Nation’s Capital, and political division continues to widen in this great nation. Some imply we are witnessing a weakening democracy or a democracy in peril. I choose to accept former President George W. Bush observation, “Our Country is in an unsettled period and it’s not the first time.” I am very proud to be an American, and a Veteran that continues to serve for the greater good of this nation and citizen of Barstow. Barstow is on the precipice of economic greatness and we must collectively and strategically plan for the new Barstow.

I was first introduced to Barstow via my late mother’s love of Nat King Cole music and his “(Get Your Kicks on Route 66).” Nat King Cole, with the King Cole Trio, first recorded the song in 1946.

Although, it was a year before Barstow would officially become a city. Barstow had enough of an impact on Bobby Troup, the song writer that mentions Barstow. Fast Forward on my life’s journey and a chartered bus ride from Nellis Air Force Base to Fort Irwin for the first time in 1980’s. As many soldier were joking that the Army was sending all someplace to dispose of us. I was excited seeing a sign saying Barstow over a hundred miles ahead. I immediately thought of Nat Cole’s song and Route 66 and the famous city of Barstow. As that deployment was my first, it was one of many that would bring me back to Fort Irwin and this city and the surrounding area. Serving as a platoon leader, unit commander, opposition force (Op-4), Contracting Officer Representative and as an observer controller (OC). I am honored to serve as City Manager of the City Barstow.

I believe the next twenty four (24) months will be the most crucial of our city’s 75 year history. We have a few major hurdles at our state level to conquer. The next 24 months will galvanize our city as the Hub of the West. However, not only a hub, but as an evolution of the intermodal supply chain, per the CEO of BNSF. Barstow will receive visibility and recognition globally. Locally, this is Barstow’s Shot to return to the Jewel of the High Desert, the go to place for employment, shopping and to eat,

work, play and live as it was once upon a time.

Why do I continue to say this is Barstow’s Shot? If you don’t know by now I like music and musical. In the Broadway Musical Hamilton, The young Alexander Hamilton proudly proclaim he would not miss his shot at greatness, and he did not. He exploited the opportunity available and became a military officer, founding father, and first Secretary of the Treasury. Considered a great American, Hamilton created the financial system our government continues to use today.

It’s time for Barstow to take a shot! It’s time for Barstow to Rise up!

The time is now restart our city’s economic engine to provide a future for the children of this city. A future that yields a progressive life for many generations ahead. A future that provides livable wage employment, work force housing, recreation and cultural activities, and basic quality of life amenities without a commute up or down the hill.

We must come together as community demanding that Barstow gets its shot.

We cannot be guided by groups or individuals that want this city to not flourish or stay stagnant. I encourage every citizen to ask questions, air your concerns, and be a contributing part of the new Barstow.

This is BARSTOW’S SHOT! It’s Time to a take a Shot!

We are not going to miss our shot.

*I’m young, scrappy hungry

And I’m not throwing away my shot I am not throwing away my shot

I am not throwing away my shot Hey yo, I’m just like my country I’m young, scrappy and hungry

And I’m not throwing away my shot It’s time to take a shot!

*excerpt from My Shot, a song from the musical Hamilton

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MCC welcomes Assistant Plant Manager Tony Turner

Upon taking on the role of Assistant Plant Manager at Mitsubishi Cement Corporation last July, Tony Turner already had more than 34 years of experience working in the cement industry, where he began as a laborer.

“It was just a job at first,” Turner explained. “I went to work and I went to school at night.”

First earning his Bachelor of Science in IT at the University of Phoenix, Turner continued his education at one of his home state’s institutions, University of Northern Iowa, where he achieved his Master of Business Administration degree in corporate finance.

After just over 20 years with Lafarge Corporation, he went on to work for several other cement companies, including CalPortland in Oro Grande and Cemex in Apple Valley. His roles over the years have included Process Engineer, Production Manager, and Plant Manager.

“There are a lot of opportunities (in this industry) to learn, to take responsibility, to grow,” Turner said. “I started as a laborer. If you’re willing to put yourself out there, you can find those opportunities.”

His advice for anyone interested in pursuing a similar career path is to “keep learning.”

“Continue your education and volunteer for opportunities at the plant,” Turner said. “Always prepare for the job you want.”

As Turner continues to settle into his role at MCC, he is enjoying getting to know the culture and the community, taking time to attend local events and fundraisers.

“It’s a privilege to work in a cement plant in the community, and it’s important not to take that for granted,” he said. “This is a great organization with great people, and everyone has been over-thetop helpful.”

He is looking forward to getting more involved with the business side of operations and understanding how he can better support the team he works with.

“Even all these years later, I’m still learning every day,” Turner said.

Marcy’s Musings

An Amazing Lady One for the History Books

SOME FOLKS ARE BLESSED WITH LONGEVITY . That’s great if a person is in good health. Occasionally the paper reports on someone celebrating a 100th birthday. That person is known as a Centenarian. Sometimes you even read about a person

turning 115 or 116 years old. That’s usually on the other side of the world where people eat fish and vegetables and exercise daily! But do you know we have a Supercentenarian right here in the Victor Valley? That’s 100 plus 10 or 110!

You hear people refer to their “old friends.” That usually means people they have known a long time or grew up with. But I have a truly “old friend,” Beatrice Pruitt, who is really one for the history books. Now this Supercentenarian I’m referring to is no “normal” Supercentenarian, if there is such a thing. Being 110 years old is in itself not exactly “normal.” I’ve been privileged to know her and celebrate her birthdays since she attended Herb Jeffries’ 100th birthday party at age 101. Of course, she had to celebrate 108 at home due to Covid, when she sat in a chair in the driveway accepting the gifts and flowers being delivered. Then she was right back at the restaurant greeting her guests for 109 and 110.

Despite some health problems and a recent hospitalization, Beatrice seems to have a lot of life left in her. She navigates on her own, with just the use of a cane for balance, and even works out on an exercise bike. Yes, you heard that right. Please check out this photo of Beatrice

peddling away at age 110! She certainly should motivate any of us who are feeling old and lazy to stop complaining and get moving.

Thanks, Beatrice, for allowing me to have the pleasure of knowing you. And hats off to son-in-law Jimmie Smith and family for allowing Beatrice to lead a full and active life as a Supercentenarian.

Recent Presentations by MHS Members

ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MHS STATES MEMBERS will present to our membership as well as to other organizations on subjects of local historical interest. Lately we have been doing just that. In addition to the “Green Book / Murray’s Ranch” talk given by President Marcy Taylor at the Needles Route 66 Info Fair, she and MHS member Bruce Hollenbeck

teamed up for a Valentine’s Day presentation on “The History of the Apple Valley Library” at the Friends of the Library (FAVL) monthly meeting.

Bruce’s mom, Edna Hollenbeck, opened

the library back in 1949 in a small room in the Post Office building on Highway 18 and Navajo with 200 books. The slide show took attendees on a 74 year journey of the library’s development and growth through 3 additional locations: the second on Highway 18 in the Village area: the third in the old Terri Lee Doll Factory building near the Civic Center Park swimming pool, which is now being demolished; and the fourth at its current location today. A highlight was a video of the Children’s Summer Reading Program, attended by hundreds of local kids and teenagers, which made clear to the members in attendance that their hard work is always worth it! Bruce loaded tables with scrapbooks dating back many decades, and also displayed the typewriter his mom used to type out the first bookmarks for opening day. He also told some

funny tidbits about his family coming to California from Detroit, and fielded many questions.

My sincere thanks to the many MHS members in attendance, some of whom are also FAVL members: Patty, Carol J., Sofia, Jan Myers, Tricia Douglas, Dennis and Stephanie Hom, and FAVL’s newest member Barbara Betterley. Thanks also to Tech Man Dennis Hom for his assistance. Let’s keep up the good work and continue to preserve and share local history. Stay tuned for a presentation by the Homs at the June 13 FAVL meeting. Meetings are free, open to the public, and have great snacks!

Upcoming Community Events

March 23

Mohahve historical Society presentation at Lone Wolf Colony 7:00 PM - Dan Mitrovich “Preservation Ranch: Protecting the Desert Tortoise” Free and open to the public.

March 24

Fieldtrip to Rancho Verde Estates (Where the 4 Trails Cross) - “History of the Verde / Kemper Campbell Ranch” Brent Gaddis10:00 AM Riverside Drive - Call (760) 985-1918 to sign up.

March 31, April 1 and 2

Apple Valley Legacy Museum’s 8th Anniversary- Museum visits, porch sale, silent auction, raffle. 10-4:00 daily. (Results of raffle / auction 3:00 Sunday) Apple valley Inn Cottage #153.

April 1

Ho-Down 4:00 -7:00 PM - 2 bands, square dancers, skit, chicken dinner - $15 tickets for sale at Apple Valley Legacy Museum, Apple valley Inn Cottage #153, or by calling (760) 985-1918.

Barstow Police Department Chief ESPINOZA and Captain KIRBY receive the medal of valor

THE BARSTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT hosted its First Awards Ceremony, called “Preparing for the Future,” at the Harvey House in Barstow, where Chief Andrew Espinoza Jr. and Capt. Christopher Kirby received the Medal of Valor.

On March 31, 2021, Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby became aware of a call from the Holiday Homes trailer park regarding a male subject threatening to shoot two female employees.

As Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby checked the trailer park, they located the suspected driving toward the manager’s office. The suspect saw the officers and immediately fled. The officers attempted to contact the suspect as he exited his vehicle and they observed he was armed with a handgun.

Both officers attempted to deescalate the situation by telling the suspect to drop the gun and they only wanted to talk with him. The suspect refused to comply, stepped up the porch to an elevated position, drew his handgun, and began firing at Capt. Kirby. Capt. Kirby was able to run for cover as the rounds struck the trailer behind him. The suspect then turned his gun towards Chief Espinoza and fired rounds at him, striking the police unit as he took cover behind it. Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby broke cover and returned fire driving the suspect back into the trailer. Within seconds the suspect emerged again firing rounds directly at Chief Espinoza.

Both Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby were able to stop the suspects assault before he seriously injured or killed one of them or any other civilians in the trailer park.

“The fact that these officers intervened when they did, this most likely prevented the suspect from carrying out his threat to shoot the park manager and her assistant,” said Barstow City Manager Willie Hopkins as he presented the awards.

The Medal of Valor is Barstow’s Police Departments highest honor and is awarded to officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of police service. To be awarded the Medal of Valor, an officer would have performed an act displaying extreme courage while consciously facing imminent peril.

Capt. Kirby began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the Barstow Police Department. He currently serves as the Administrative Division Commander and Special Response Team Commander.

Chief Espinoza Jr. began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Barstow Police Department and has been a recipient of the Life Saving Medal, granted for extraordinary action to save the life of another.

“For their high degree of bravery and extraordinary courage while confronting a life threatening situation and preventing harm unto others, we are very proud that Chief Espinoza and Captain Kirby were recognized with the Medal of Valor,” said Barstow Mayor Paul Anthony Courtney whom also attended the ceremony alongside with Mayor pro Tem James Noble, City Councilmember Carmen Hernandez and City Councilmember Marilyn Dyer-Kruse.

The Barn Newberry Springs

WRITING A TRAVELING FEATURE IS TOUGH WORK.

Driving all over heck and creation looking for places interesting to write about is full time work. Okay, perhaps not full time and not really tough – you get to meet great people and visit wonderful locations.

But, and I do mean but, sometimes you need to slow down and relax with a cool drink and some food. The human body is a machine, and like all machines, it does need to be refueled every once in a while. My body doesn’t respond well to oil and gasoline, so food and drink are my answers to getting rejuvenated.

As frequent readers of this column may realize, I travel parts of Route 66 quite often from the coast to the High Desert to Arizona. Of course, we’ve trod a few other routes, but somehow Route 66 has a certain appeal with its long stretches of roadway with little traffic and the solitude of the desert rushing past. Or perhaps just the fact that it is part of American history. I like that. Actually, I like all those reasons. But the best reason to visit and revisit Route 66 is the people you meet in out of the way areas.

One such place is the Barn, in Newberry Springs. But, before we discuss the Barn, let’s take a moment and look at the history of Newberry Springs itself.

By the way, there is a historical marker explaining the importance of Newberry Springs, located out front of the Barn. Pretty interesting history.

Newberry Springs was originally known as Water, which makes sense since the natural springs were able to supply the precious life sustaining liquid to the wagon trains coming through the area

in the 1850s along the old Mormon trail. In the 1880s, the water was used by the Atlantic and Pacific Railroads for stations and towns in the region – like Siberia, Bagdad and Ludlow.

With the water supplied by the springs, life soon became abundant in the desert and the town of Newberry Springs blossomed. So much so, that the area became well known for its pistachio farms. So well-known, in fact, that the annual pistachio festival in Newberry Springs attracts thousands of visitors each and every year. And yes, the pistachios are top notch – I’m not a pistachio expert, but they are very tasty and the festival is a lot of fun. The town just celebrated their 22nd annual festival in November of 2019 which was a huge success. Rumor has it that the 2020 event will even be bigger and more

By John Beyer

exciting – we like those kinds of rumors. Yes, we do.

Now, back to the Barn. No, wait – a trip to Newberry Springs would not be complete without mentioning its connection to the film industry. The 1987, English-German film, Bagdad Café, was shot in Newberry Springs (as reported in a November of 2019 article), as well as the 2015 film, Sky, an English- French-German production.

What is it with these European film makers? The Mojave Desert belongs to us – Americans. But, in retrospect, I suppose there is enough Mojave Desert to share with our European friends.

Okay, film away, but next time contact me for at least a cameo appearance.

All is forgiven – I like international peace, even with the film industry. Now, back to the Barn.

The Barn

The Barn ready for guests

Music is alive at the Barn

Taking Interstate 40 east and exiting off National Trails Highway (exit 18, for those of you who love numbers), the Barn is right on the left. Or is that left on the right. Nope, had it correct the first time. Once off the highway, it’s located on the left side of Route 66.

The Barn is a large building and according to the new owner, Renee Kaminski, she has plans to make the Barn, the go-to place for events. Renee and her husband, Giuseppe Lorenzo, purchased the Barn in May of 2020.

According to Renee, “My hubby, thought I was nuts, as no one would come, as only sixteen people per square miles in Newberry Springs.”

That did not seem like a great business venture to me.

“If we opened the doors and breathe, people will come,” Renee stated.

Sounded familiar with a film starring Kevin Costner. Something to do with creating a baseball park in the middle of a corn field in Iowa.

Well, this was not Iowa.

But both Renee and Giuseppe had big dreams, and those included remodeling the iconic establishment along Route 66.

“We envision making this the spot for wonderful bands to play, social gatherings and other special events on a regular basis. We’re going to expand the food menu,” Renee stated. “My husband, and I really want this to be a stopping point for those traveling Route 66. It has such a rich history, and we’re very excited what the future holds for the place. Also, we want it to be a special location for the locals to come and just relax and enjoy.”

According to some research I did, Renee was right on cue with the history of the place. “The original Platters played here on our stage. Look at all the dollar bills stapled to the walls,” she said.

I did. There was a lot of them, I lost count after twenty-three.

“Each dollar bill on the wall tells a story of travelers from all over the world. Exploring,

going somewhere. Everywhere you look, there is a moment in time of someone’s life. Whether they are a PhD or on EBT, the Barn is filled with their positive energy. Corny, but true.”

It was not corny. I could feel the ‘jive’, that’s hipster slang for feeling positive energy.

According to one of the employees of the Barn, “We’re very excited for the new ideas both Renee and Giuseppe have brought to the Barn. We know everyone will like what they have planned.”

Renee is a happy, smiling individual. Her demeanor is contagious – I smiled and felt happy just talking with her.

“I love all history, and the Barn matters. I respect the hard work and handiness of the indigenous people here, the pioneers that lived and made their way through this valley for their families. I respect this, honor this, Newberry Springs embodies this.”

Here, Renee and I were simpatico when it came to the old timers who settled outof-way places like Newberry Springs. I was always impressed and humbled by what those Native Americans or pioneers were able to withstand as they tried to make a better life for themselves and their families.

“I have thought to myself several times, how the hell people survived out here, dang! What fortitude.”

The couple own five acres where the Barn is located. Future plans is to build a

Good

place traveling folks can stay for the night, while enjoying the atmosphere of the Barn and Newberry Springs.

“We plan on a vintage trailer campground. Have the 1966 Winnie, 1963 Shasta and 1969 Rolls Royal Phantom ready to go. We will end up with pads and electricity for guests, as well as a large outdoor patio near our exterior stage.”

Though, Renee and Giuseppe want to make the place a financial bonanza seeing about a billion paying visitors per year, there is more to this couple than just business.

“From my previous life (medical field

mucky muck), I am in talks now with a community climic group to bring mobile health, mental health, and a mobile dental clinic out here for the community. We have the land, so they can set up for free a couple times a month. We also have a free food give away.”

With a sense of wanting to give back to the community, it is easy to see that the Barn will be a successful place for people to gather, chit-chat, enjoy themselves, and have a sense of belonging. Isn’t that what most of us want in the long run? I think so.

When visiting, take a walk around the

property and look at the beautiful Newberry Mountains directly to the south. Soak up the history and try to imagine what it must have been like for the pioneers to come across the desert in covered wagons or on foot – tough men and women alike. They tamed this often hostile and inhospitable desert, so we could end up driving in comfort while exploring the trails they blazed.

Wow, that was deep.

When traveling, one of the best moments is meeting people like Renee, who truly are the backbone of America. Their ideas and hard work, make it a bit easier for us who want to stop for a human fuel break.

And, we all need one sometimes.

Plenty to do inside

Historical plaque about the Barn