Pulse of the High Desert #14 - April 2023

KANDYS PUPS ‘N’ STUFF

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kandy Yanes. She is the owner of Kandys Pups ‘N’ Stuff, and yes, the apostrophe in Kandy’s is omitted by design. It is a family-owned and operated, high-end pet spa, hotel, café, and boutique. According to Kandy, it is the first pet spa and hotel with a pet café in the high desert. The place is neatly organized and the bright colors add to the energy of the facility, along with Kandy’s infectious enthusiasm for all things canine.

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FREE Barstow Area Adult Education

The Barstow Area Consortium for Adult Education consists of the Barstow Unified School District, Silver Valley Unified School District, and the Baker Valley Unified School District in conjunction with the Barstow Community College District. Their goal is to support adult education learners in achieving academic success in pursuit of personal gratification, better employment opportunities, job promotion potential, and increased postsecondary educational opportunities or skilled vocational careers. The Adult Education courses are free.

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Psychotherapy... What exactly is it and do I need it? - Page 4

Financial Help for Seniors - Page 6

5 “Bad” habits taht are actually Good for you, according to Doctors - Page 7

News 4 Veterans- Page 14

Self Care for the Caregiver: 8 practical tips - Page 15

11+ Beautiful California Wildflowers and Flower Fields You Must Visit This Spring - Page 22

IF THIS IS SPRING WEATHER, I MUST BE MISSING SOMETHING. We just might go from winter to summer with a few days of spring. I think all of us are happy with the amount of rain/snow we have had this year.

The TEAM here at the PULSE has been busy with new products as well as marking some milestones. Last month the paper was 32 pages and 22,000 printed copies. We showcased the City of Barstow with great success.

We continue to look for articles that you our readers enjoy. Working with our advertisers and other contributors to be the source for information for seniors-veterans-families & communities.

Our new project, Pieces&Bits, is geared toward small businesses, cottage industries, events and services within local areas.

We are active members of local chambers of commerce working within those groups to make our economies and communities stronger. You do not have to have a business to be a member of your local chamber, check them out.

Thank you for being a reader and supporting our advertisers, who make it possible for us to bring you the PULSE.

Psychotherapy… What exactly is it and do I need it?

IN THIS ARTICLE, I HOPE TO SHED SOME LIGHT on what mental health treatment is, or psychotherapy as it is known, and to help you decide if it is right for you. Psychotherapy sounds like a complex and maybe even frightening word. It often conjures up the image of lying on a couch while someone akin to Freud sits behind you and analyzes your every word. While this is still a practice for some mental health professionals, this is not the norm. In psychotherapy offices there is usually a couch for you to sit on, but you don’t have to lie down unless you want to.

Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that involves talking with a trained mental health professional to address emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues. The goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals improve their mental health, emotional well-being, and quality of life by addressing the root causes of their problems.

During psychotherapy sessions, the therapist may use a variety of techniques to help you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This may involve exploring past experiences, identifying patterns of behavior, and developing coping strategies to manage symptoms

of mental health conditions. Psychotherapy may be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders, among others. Even if you are not experiencing any mental health conditions, psychotherapy can be helpful as it is a place to open up and talk with an unbiased person about whatever you want to discuss. A common misperception about mental health treatment is that you have to be experiencing distress on a diagnosable level in order to need it. This is not true at all. I have had many patients who come to therapy just to “talk” in a safe space with no judgment.

Deciding if psychotherapy is right for you is a personal decision, but there are some common signs that indicate it may be helpful:

1. You’re struggling with emotional or mental health issues: If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions, psychotherapy can be an effective treatment option.

2. You’re feeling stuck: If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and unable to make progress in your personal or

professional life, psychotherapy can help you gain clarity and move forward.

3. You’re having relationship issues: If you’re having trouble with relationships, whether it’s with a partner, family member, or friend, psychotherapy can help you improve your communication skills and better understand your emotions and those of others.

4. You’re experiencing a major life change: Major life changes, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or a career change, can be challenging to navigate. Psychotherapy can provide support and guidance during these transitions.

5. You’re looking for personal growth: Psychotherapy can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values, which can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, or if you’re simply curious about psychotherapy, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional to determine if it’s the right option for you. A mental health professional can help you determine if psychotherapy is appropriate for your needs and can help you find a therapist that meets your needs.

Seniors With Inquiring Minds

9333 “E” Avenue

Hesperia, California 92345

April 6

Norman Bossom The Mojave Road

April 13 Darryl Evey Tiny Homes in Victorville

April 20

April 27

Jeanette Sanders Aging and Adult Services

Thomas Lecoq “You’ll have to attend to know what it is”

Friends of the Apple Valley Library

14901 Dale Evans Parkway Apple Valley, California 92307

April 11

Roseanne Smith A historic woman ...TBD

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make This Spring When You Sell Your High Desert, CA Home?

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”.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.SellersTraps.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-833-298-4054 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

Financial Help for Seniors: Federal, State, & Private Benefits Programs

Thousands of programs provide financial benefits for seniors

Senior care is expensive. Fortunately, there are thousands of federal, state, and private benefits programs that provide financial help for seniors.

They cover over a dozen categories including medication, health care, income assistance, food, housing, and transportation.

To quickly find programs for your older adult, we recommend a free service from the National Council on Aging called BenefitsCheckUp.

This trustworthy, easy-to-use online tool simplifies the process and saves time.

We explain why BenefitsCheckUp is safe to use and how to use it to find benefits programs to help your older adult with essential expenses.

A trusted free service from the National Council on Aging

BenefitsCheckUp is trusted and safe to use because it’s a free service from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a leading nonprofit service and advocacy organization.

Since 1950, the NCOA has been working to improve the lives of Americans aged 60+, especially those who are struggling.

They provide community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.

NCOA also builds public awareness, influences federal legislation, and creates national programs to make life better for older adults.

Their BenefitsCheckUp tool is also the nation’s most comprehensive online tool that connects older adults to benefits.

How to use BenefitsCheckUp Step 1

Enter your older adult’s zip code and choose some or all of the benefits categories to see the programs that are available in the area.

Step 2

Expand the sections and click the provided links to find out more about available programs.

To find out if your older adult will be eligible for specific programs, click “Complete Eligibility Check” or “See If You May Be Eligible” to answer additional questions.

The result will be a personalized report and links to further info about how to apply for each program.

Get help with BenefitsCheckUp

For questions or help, you can speak to a BenefitsCheckUp support specialist through the website’s chat feature or by calling the hotline at 1-800-794-6559.

A list of available benefits programs

FREE Barstow Area Adult Education

CONSORTIUM

STUDIES

HAVE FOUND the Barstow area student population demographics consist of the following:

• 80.7% Socio-economically disadvantaged

• 58.1% Hispanic

• 19.1% African-American

• 20.8% English learners

• 13.6% Students with disabilities

• 14.2% Homeless

• 13% No high school diploma

• 5.4% Unemployment rate (pre-covid).

In simple terms, the Consortium is trying to serve the underserved. We have a large number of recent immigrants, ex-incarcerated, military veterans with PTSD and other issues, single mothers, unemployed, or people just lacking the basic skills to succeed. The adult Education courses could help many of these people break the cycle of poverty, and become valuable community members.

All programs provided by the Adult Education consortium school district members are free of charge to students 18+ years of age.

Barstow Unified School District Adult School is located at 720 E. Main Street, Barstow. Hours are Mon-Wed. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The phone number is (760) 255-6131. Courses offered include GED Preparation and High School Diploma. Barstow Adult School is also an official GED Testing Center.

Baker Valley Unified Adult School is located at 72100 School House Lane in Baker. The hours vary, depending on program. The phone number is (760) 733-4567. Courses offered include ESL (English as Second Language), US Citizenship test preparation, High School Diploma, and GED test preparation.

Silver Valley Unified Alternative Education Center is located at 33525 Ponnay St. in Daggett. Their hours are Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00-6:00. Their phone number is (760) 254-2715. Courses offered include High School Diploma, GED Preparation, ESL, and US Citizenship Test Preparation.

Barstow Community College (BCC)

Adult Education Dept. is located at 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow in the Learning Resource Center. The direct phone

number is (760) 252-6897. There is a satellite program at Fort Irwin. BCC offers GED test preparation in English & Spanish, completely online. Many services are offered free of charge to support student success: education plan counseling, tutoring, life-skills and workforce workshops, job seeking services, and parenting classes, as well as other resources. Courses offered include ESL, US Citizenship test preparation, and noncollege credit Career Technical Education (CTE). CTE certificate courses include: Digital Literacy - This non-credit course is an introductory course to personal computers, and is designed for those with little to no computer experience. In this course, students will learn about basic computer concepts, computer hardware, software, operating systems, the Internet, email, computer applications, online safety and security. This course also includes a brief introduction to industry standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation application programs, and computer terminology. This course will prepare students for everyday use of the computer and the convergence of technology as used in today’s global digital environment.

Customer Service - This noncredit course is designed to introduce students to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to work in a customer-centered position. Great service leads to a better quality of life, whether students intend to work in a private enterprise, for the government, in a non-profit organization, a self-owned or a family-owned business; the concepts, strategies and techniques of effective customer service are relevant. This course will help students develop and enhance skills such as effective communication,

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By John Wease

building relationships, critical thinking, understanding diversity, teamwork, and flexibility.

Essential Skills - This noncredit course is designed to develop or enhance skills essential for excellence in the workplace. Participants will engage in interactive, skillbuilding activities and discussions that include, but is not limited to, collaboration with others, effective oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and effective interaction in peer and supervisor interactions in the work environment. Additional emphasis will be on improving ethical behavior and cultivating a strong work ethic.

Forklift Operator - This non-credit course is designed to give students training in forklift and other industrial powered trucks typically used in the warehousing and distribution industries including operation, inspection, basic maintenance, and safety in accordance with Cal OSHA standards. Upon successful completion of course, the student will receive certification in accordance with CalOSHA to test for forklift license in California.

Trades Technician – This non-credit course is designed to give the Trades Technician student the fundamental skills and knowledge required for entry-level employment. Covered in this course are Safety, Hand and Power tools, Print Reading, Electrical Basics, HVAC/R, Welding, Pipe fitting & Plumbing systems, and Basic Construction Principles and practices. This course will be appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career in the skilled Residential, Commercial and Industry trades.

The hope is, as adult education students improve English skills, attain diplomas or GED, and successfully earn their CTE certificates, they will either go on to credited courses at Barstow Community College, or enter the workforce in new careers. With the coming BNSF expansion project, there is an increasing number of well-paying jobs. These jobs will create even more jobs in service industries due to the expected population increase. It seems like a great time to sharpen your skills, improve your marketability, and get on the pathway to a successful and happy life.

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.

“OK” enters national vernacular

By History.com Editors

ON MARCH 23, 1839, THE INITIALS “O.K.” are first published in The Boston Morning Post. Meant as an abbreviation for “oll korrect,” a popular slang misspelling of “all correct” at the time, OK steadily made its way into the everyday speech of Americans.

During the late 1830s, it was a favorite practice among younger, educated circles to misspell words intentionally, then abbreviate them and use them as slang when talking to one another. Just as teenagers today have their own slang based on distortions of common words, such as “kewl” for “cool” or “DZ” for “these,” the “in crowd” of the 1830s had a whole host of slang terms they abbreviated. Popular abbreviations included “KY” for “No use” (“know yuse”), “KG” for “No go” (“Know go”), and “OW” for all right (“oll wright”).

Of all the abbreviations used during that time, OK was propelled into the limelight when it was printed in the Boston Morning Post as part of a joke. Its popularity exploded when it was picked up by contemporary politicians. When the incumbent president Martin Van Buren was up for reelection, his Democratic supporters organized a band of thugs to influence voters. This group was formally called the “O.K. Club,” which referred both to Van Buren’s nickname “Old Kinderhook” (based on his hometown of Kinderhook, New York), and to the term recently made popular in the papers. At the same time, the opposing Whig Party made use of “OK” to denigrate Van Buren’s political mentor Andrew Jackson. According to the Whigs, Jackson invented the abbreviation “OK” to cover up his own misspelling of “all correct.”

The man responsible for unraveling the mystery behind “OK” was an American linguist named Allen Walker Read. An English professor at Columbia University, Read dispelled a host of erroneous theories on the origins of “OK,” ranging from the name of a popular Army biscuit (Orrin Kendall) to the name of a Haitian port famed for its rum (Aux Cayes) to the signature of a Choctaw chief named Old Keokuk. Whatever its origins, “OK” has become one of the most ubiquitous terms in the world, and certainly one of America’s greatest lingual exports.

5 “Bad” Habits That Are Actually Good for You, According to Doctors

ALL TOO OFTEN, THINGS WE ONCE BELIEVED WERE GOOD FOR US turn out to be health hazards. For example, coconut oil—once hailed as a healthier alternative to other types of fat—turns out to come with all the cardiovascular pitfalls of its peers. Similarly, agave sweeteners— once viewed as a healthier replacement for table sugar—are higher in calories and no less likely to cause insulin resistance. Thankfully, the pendulum can also swing in the other direction: Occasionally, we learn that health habits we once considered “bad” are actually beneficial.

1. Skipping meals

is key.

Middleton says that’s because even though red meat is often high in saturated fat and cholesterol, it also “contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. These include iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium— all of which are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. Eating grassfed beef can even reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer,” she adds.

3. Drinking coffee

Conventional wisdom tells us that we need three square meals a day (plus snacks!) to be healthy. However, according to K. Mitchell Naficy, MD, a family physician with over 29 years of clinical experience, eating less frequently can be beneficial.

“Intermittent fasting, which involves eating only during certain hours of the day, is becoming increasingly popular,” he tells Best Life. “While it may seem like a bad idea to skip meals, it has actually been linked with numerous health benefits, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and improved energy levels.”

2. Eating red meat

Coffee is frequently viewed as a vice— something we need to cut back on or cut out entirely. But Naficy says that there are some major benefits to your daily cup of joe, especially if you drink it in moderation.

“Coffee can be seen as a bad choice for health, as it is a caffeinated beverage that can disrupt sleep and raise blood pressure,” he explains. “However, coffee is also packed with antioxidants and can have numerous benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improved alertness, increased energy levels, and improved mood.”

4. Eating high-fat foods

Though many experts advise eating a largely plant-based diet, Kellie K. Middleton, MD, MPH, an Atlanta-based orthopedic surgeon, says that “eating red meat occasionally can also be beneficial for your health.” The catch? Moderation

By Best Life

fats), and lots of them!” Shana Johnson, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, tells Best Life. “It’s excess sugar and carbs that lead to excess weight, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Fat gets a bad rap,” she says.

5. Eating chocolate

For a long time now, health experts have touted the benefits of eating dark chocolate. “Dark chocolate (made with 70 percent or more cocoa) can be good for your health because it contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation,” says Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz, MD, PhD, FACS, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at VIDA Wellness and Beauty. “Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and potassium—all important for proper cell functioning and overall health. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which may help boost mood and mental performance,” she explains. Though a recent report called its health claims into question when it found certain brands were contaminated with lead and cadmium, experts say you can still enjoy dark chocolate and its health benefits without having to feel guilty about it—you just have to choose the right kind. “Just remember to check the nutrition label to ensure you’re getting a good quality product with minimal added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Enjoying a square or two of dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet can help you reach your health goals while still satisfying your sweet tooth!” says Rodríguez Ruiz.

High-fat foods were once seen as seriously unhealthy, and we religiously replaced them with low-fat options. Today, we know that monounsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados, and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and certain oils, are an important part of a balanced diet.

“You need healthy fats (unsaturated

Did You Know April 2023

Did you know: Lucerne Valley once had air service right to Lucerne Valley?

According to the July 1946 Desert Grapevine, an Air Service had been inaugurated between Lucerne Valley and the Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale. This was a call service with reservations made in advance. The pilot was landing on the dry lake near Barstow Road. And the fare was $7.00 one way - $13.00 round trip. Great rate with no airport boarding hassles.

And while speaking of transportation to Lucerne Valley, there were the times “passenger trains” came here. One came in May 16, 1957 A Union Pacific train brought guests to the Grand Opening Day Celebration of the Cushenbury Cement Plant (currently the Mitsubishi Cement Plant). Along with this train, guests arrived by bus, plane, and cars for the event’s opening day. A few days later on May 19, 1957, a Santa Fe passenger train left Los Angeles at 8 am making stops along the way for sightseeing … arriving for the continued celebration at 1:15 pm. Following the festivities, passengers boarded this train for the trip back to Los Angeles. In May 4, 1985, another passenger train came visiting again. This Sunset Limited Amtrak trip carried approximately 400 train enthusiasts. It ran from Fullerton to the Kaiser Permanente Plant.

So, our local history tells us of passenger trains and air service to and from Lucerne Valley. For more history bits, visit your local museum. It’s free and it’s your museum. And now you know …

Museum Digs for April 1, 2023 & Membership Booth at the LV Market

4/01 Museum Outdoor Yard Open from 10 am to 2 pm. Come out and visit. We are next to our library and it’s free ….

Announcements:

Our very own “Lucerne Valley – A Wild West Town of Character(s)” book is now on sale at the Market. The book has lots of local history you can read & go explore. And the sales of our book help your local museum put on various field trips to historical sites here in Lucerne Valley You can also purchase books at a discount to sell at your store. Just ask.

Lucerne Valley Museum Association

Open First Saturday Each Month Free Admission

“Setting the Stage for History”

Membership & Information www.LucerneValleyMuseum.org

P. O. Box 1762, Lucerne Valley 92356 760.248-6777 * 760.646-2660

With an average of 10 years’ experience, our tax pros are available virtually, via drop off, or in person to make sure your taxes are done right.

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 Middle/High School Photography Program Thrives as Student Work is Displayed in the Student Union

By Yesenia Cazales and Nathan Bhojwani

STARTING THIS SEMESTER, THE PHOTOGRAPHY

of Lucerne Valley Middle/High School students will be displayed on the walls of the site’s student union. The students are excited about the opportunity to start displaying their photography to a wider audience. The recently-introduced student union is a classroom that has been converted into a game/recreation room to reward students for doing well. The photographs that will be displayed in the student union were produced in the site’s photography class, which was reintroduced this school year. The class is taught by Mr. Wortham, who has been a part of the LVMHS team for 28 years. John Wortham is a history and photography teacher and has a passion for traveling the world and seeing it through a camera lens. In addition, he is the proud owner of a photo gallery in Big Bear called the Wild Coyote, which has been in operation for approximately three years. When asked about his students’ work being displayed

in the student union he replied, “I am glad that my students’ photography is being displayed in the student union and it’s an amazing opportunity for other students to be exposed to the work their peers made; maybe they’ll be inspired to take the class in the future.”

The photography class is designed to make students better photographers and to expand their knowledge about things such as camera handling, composition, using light effectively, file management, digital image manipulation, and developing a photographic vision. Mr. Wortham takes his students out on a “backyard field trip” once or twice a week to explore the natural desert scenery of Lucerne Valley. When asked about the class, eleventh

Let

grade student Thomas Grandjean said that he likes the desert scenery from the trips and likes taking pictures of all the cacti out in the wild. “All my classmates,” said Grandjean, “have enjoyed the class and we all want there to be a second photography class next year.”

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PULSE be the voice and the door knocker for your business!!

Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Implements “Student of the Month” Program

By Ava Walkovitz, Kimberly Mondragon, and Mikayla McCuistion

LUCERNE VALLEY MIDDLE/ HIGH SCHOOL has recently implemented a “Student of the Month” program, which is designed to recognize students’ accomplishments and achievements. When students receive the “Student of the Month” award, whether they are in high school or middle school, they get their names and pictures on the electronic billboard outside of the school. These students are also invited to a district board meeting to receive an award and have their pictures taken. According to the school’s administration, the program was implemented in order to highlight students who deserve recognition for achievements and academic success. When asked about the new program, CoPrincipal Nate Lambdin said,” We believe in our students and want to celebrate and share some of their successes with the community.”

The process for selecting students

to receive the “Student of the Month” award begins with surveys being sent to teachers. The surveys are designed for teachers to nominate students and explain why they believe they deserve the award. The surveys are then reviewed by school counselors and administrators before final decisions are made. Each month, one middle school student and one high school student is selected. The first individuals to receive the award since the program was implemented were middle school student

Valeria Ortega and high school student

Kimberly Mondragon. Both of these students excel academically and their hard work has not gone unrecognized, which is one of the primary goals of the “Student of the Month” program.

When asked about his idea to have the “Student of the Month” program at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School, CoPrincipal Jason Story said, “We want to highlight our great students, and reward their accomplishments.”

NEWS 4 VETERANS

Self Care for the Caregiver: 8 Practical Tips

CAREGIVING FOR

LOVED

ONES IS BOTH A challenging and rewarding experience.

As a caregiver, you play a critical role in the lives of those you care for, providing essential support and companionship. However, the responsibilities of caregiving can be overwhelming at times, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.

To maintain physical and mental health and support your own well-being, it’s important to take good care of yourself too.

Finding some time each day to do something positive for your body and mind gives you a break from your daily duties and can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life in the long run.

Here we explain the importance of practicing self-care for caregivers as well as share 8 practical strategies to help caregivers support their well-being.

Self care helps caregivers prevent burnout and maintain health

Simply put, caregiving can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

The constant demands of caregiving, coupled with emotional and psychological stress, can lead to burnout, depression, and a host of other health problems.

Studies have shown that caregivers are at higher risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. On top of this, they are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression than non-caregivers.

According to a 2022 survey from Cleveland Clinic, people who infrequently or never engage in activities that promote their mental well-being have identified two primary barriers: being too busy (34%) and being a caregiver for a loved one (36%).

Unsurprisingly, caregivers often find themselves falling into both of these categories.

For some, caregiving can be so physically and emotionally demanding that it leads to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and exertion.

Caregiver burnout can lead to a decline in the quality of care provided because of the decline in the caregiver’s physical and mental well-being.

However, caregivers who practice selfcare are more likely to provide better care to their loved ones and have a higher

quality of life themselves.

8 practical caregiver self-care tips

True self-care can take many forms. Having a variety of suggestions means that each person can choose the practices that work best for them.

1. Set aside time each day for self-care

Setting aside time each day for selfcare activities, even just a few minutes, can make a significant difference in a caregiver’s quality of life.

This could include exercise, meditation, reading, or anything that promotes true relaxation.

2. Get enough sleep

Sleep is a critical time in which the body and mind are able to recover from the daily strains of caregiving.

Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is ideal, but not always possible. If getting enough sleep at night is challenging, consider supplementing with brief naps during the day.

And if you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, try incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or a warm bath before bed.

3. Exercise regularly

Exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Try to get 10 –30 minutes of exercise each day.

This can include activities such as walking, jogging, or yoga.

4. Maintain a healthy diet

A healthy diet is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Aim for a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. When possible, avoid processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, since these can have

a negative impact on gut health, which is linked to mental health.

5. Stay connected with loved ones

Caregiving can often be isolating, but staying connected with friends and family can help alleviate some of this loneliness. Make time to talk with friends and family regularly, even if it is just a quick phone call. Human connection is shown to increase overall happiness and quality of life.

6. Seek external support often

Having a support system helps you manage the challenges of day-to-day life. Don’t be afraid to seek support, especially when caring for a loved one alone. This could include support from friends, family, caregiver support groups, or counseling.

7. Take regular breaks

In order to prevent burnout, breaks are essential.

Find ways to get time away from caregiving like adult day programs, hiring a part-time caregiver, respite care, or having a family member help out.

These breaks are the perfect opportunity to practice self-care as well.

8. Practice mindfulness

Finally, mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. This is beneficial for all people, but especially for caregivers.

Often, you might find yourself worrying about the future of your loved one. By remaining present, you can continue to take the best possible care of them and alleviate unnecessary anxiety as well. Practice mindfulness by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!!!

The Following Positions Are Available:

Dining Facility Attendant: General janitorial and other related job tasks are performed. A Food Handler card is required upon date of hire.

Cook I: Position requires knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques. Performs Cooking duties using recipe. SOP and other related job tasks are performed. Serve safe certificate is required upon date of hire.

Supervisor: Position requires 2yrs min. experience. Duties include adhering to facility policies and food. safety procedures, and delegation of employees in dining facility, A Manager Serve Safe certificate is. required upon date of hire.

We offer competitive employee wages and benefits.

P.O.C. Connie Vigil, Fort Irwin, Ca. 92310. (760) 380-4602 connie-vigil@verizon.net Cell: 760.963.5552

KANDYS PUPS ‘N’ STUFF

By John Wease

AS YOU ENTER, THE RECEPTION DESK is about what you would expect at a high-end spa. Except, of course, this spa is for pooches (they do take care of cats, too). To the right is a well-stocked boutique. Pet clothing, bling, strollers, and just about every kind of accessory imaginable. In the same room is the pet café. Made with peoplegrade ingredients, there are freshly baked treats, donuts, cupcakes, birthday cakes, and more. When I mentioned it was a shame she didn’t have coffee because the treats looked delicious, she told me that was coming soon. West of the building is a large concrete pad they currently use for dog training. They are planning on fencing it in and using it for dog events, something like the “Mommy and Me” events at parks, except this will be for dogs and their owners. While the dogs have fun, the owners can enjoy coffee and croissants. The sales of coffee and croissants will help fund the animal rescue. Kandy has been actively doing animal rescue for twenty years. She has a nonprofit in the works now that will include a pet food pantry program, free or low-cost vaccination services, as well as rescue and adoptions. She actively assists other animal rescue groups now at public events, or by providing grooming services to make adoptees look their very best. They have an over-sized stroller-type cart she calls her trolly and they give trolly

rides to handicapped dogs as well as other services to help disabled pets. And for the senior owners, or others unable to drive, they do free pick up and returns.

To the left of the reception area is the pet hotel. They provide both day care and overnight pet hotel services. They have luxury suites, mini suites, and econosuites, depending on just how spoiled your dog is. The luxury suite has a queensized bed, TV, room service, and includes a wash and blow-out (or massage). The mini suite has TV, room service, snacks, and playtime. Both the luxury and mini suites have small windows so the occupants can look out and see what the economy class kids are doing. The econo suites are more open, have no TV, but do include room service, snacks, and playtime.

Past the hotel is the spa and grooming area. The full groom service includes a blueberry facial, five-minute massage, bath and blowout, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trimming, gland care, sanitary trim, and pet mist. Upgrades include nail polish, hair dye, paw pad trim and moisturizing,

and thirty minute CBD oil massage. If any of this sounds excessive, Kandy believes that for the love and joy our dogs bring us, as well as for the emotional and physical

health benefits they provide, they deserve to be pampered. They also will groom any dog in any condition, and they get all kinds from the rescues.

If you want to purchase a dog, Kandy is an AKC breeder and breeds Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Yorkie-Poos, and Shih-Poos. She is also certified in canine CPR and first aid. She opened her first pet spa and hotel

December 4th, 2021 on East Main Street, but quickly outgrew that location. She is now at 204 N. 3rd Ave. Suite D and E. She is quite successful, and was recently nominated for the Barstow Business of the Year award. To call for appointments, or for more information, her number is 760-912-5260, or760-979-2002. Their hours are 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. every day. Stop in and check them out. I think you will be as amazed as I was.

MCC Welcomes Environmental Specialist Daniel Ouellet

IN JUST HIS FIRST FEW MONTHS at Mitsubishi Cement Corporation, Environmental Specialist Daniel Ouellet felt as though he’d learned more than he had in the last two years, which is exactly what he loves about the job.

“What I enjoy the most is basically the learning,” Ouellet, who started at MCC last September, said. “It’s 50-50; an office job and hands-on technical work … I enjoy having that spectrum of experience.”

The wide spectrum of experience Ouellet brought to MCC made him a great fit, as environmental specialists must monitor many things at once, from air pollution to ground pollution. He majored in instrumentation and controls at Northern Maine Technical College and went on to work in a variety of jobs, from engineering and construction contract work to monitoring GPS systems for the International Boundary Commission.

At MCC, he’s in charge of the Continuous

Emission Monitoring System (CEMS), along with handling coding enforcement and reporting data to local and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“If you notice something out of the ordinary, you want to find what changed,” Ouellet explained. “For example, if I see a lot of debris in the air — smoke, dust or emissions — that would motivate me to inspect the issue, assess it, address it, and minimize any excess.”

Ouellet said he’s excited to learn more about environmental testing and reporting in California, which is especially “particular” in its environmental regulations.

“There’s a lot more to learn as far as coding and what we’re required to submit,” he said.

He looks forward to more training sessions, such as air quality, soil testing and rain water courses, which can add to his growing body of knowledge.

“We have a great team here. It’s a very positive work environment,” Ouellet said. “I’m really grateful that Mitsubishi gave me this opportunity, and I’m proud to be here.”

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.

Beautiful California Wildflowers and

Flower Fields You Must Visit This Spring

Best Places to See California Flower Fields and When to Visit

1. Walker Canyon in Lake ELsinore

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.732593, -117.393808, map

Flower Type: California Poppy and Others

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

EVERY YEAR I SEE PEOPLE POSTING PHOTOS OF SPRING BLOOMS , I tell myself we’re going to go see them too. But every year, we plan too late, and they’ve already come and gone. I’m not much of a flower kind of girl (Jacob knows I will take nice food or booze over flowers any day), but there’s something I love about a whole field of flowers. If they were bugless, I could hang out in them all day.

This year has been the perfect storm for the super bloom in Southern California. Since I’m already obsessed with making daily lists for myself, I decided the best way to get myself to go is to come up with a list of places I want to go see them.

Timing is key with the super bloom, and the low desert is already seeing blooms right now (early March) and it’s predicted to last in the high desert until June. Don’t miss your chance to see them!

2. Carrizo Plain National Monument

17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, 93453, map

Flower Type: Goldfields, California Poppy, etc but differs yearto-year based on conditions

Season: February to May

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

3. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, 92008, map

What: Tecolote Giant Ranunculus (also is known as a Persian Buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic)

Season: Changes Yearly. Opens March 1st, 2023

Hours: 9AM to 6PM

We made an exception for the Flower Fields. These aren’t wildflowers, but it’s a sight you can’t miss.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

5. Anza Borrego Desert State Park

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, 92004, map

What: Parish’s Poppy, Hairy Desert-Sunflower, Desert Lily, Sand Verbena, Dune Evening Primrose, Indigo Bush, and other various wildflowers

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

When we visited, the caterpillars were eating through a whole field of them each day. They disappeared so fast that we had to look for small patches in Borrego Springs outside the park.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

4. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, 93536, map

What: Various Poppies (Primarily California Poppy)

Season: Late February to May, Check site for Bloom Status

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

6. Figueroa Mountain Poppy and Lupine Fields

Coordinates: 34.73486, -119.98585, map

What: California Poppy and Sky Lupine

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

7. Gorman Hills Flower Fields

Coordinates: 34.79264, -118.846951, map

What: California Poppy, California Tickseeds, Bentham Lupine, Bluehead Gilias, and Lacy Phacelias

Season: February to May

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

9. Laguno Coast Wilderness Park

18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651, map

What: Hyacinth, Morning Glories, Popcorn Flowers, and Southern Suncups

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

10. Shell Creek Road Meadows

Coordinates: 35.46434, -120.33701, map

What: Goldfields, Coastal Tidy Tip, Baby Blue Eyes, and California Poppy

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

8. Point Buchon

Coordinates: 35.250187, -120.895203, map

What: California Poppy

Season: February to April

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

11. Joshua Tree National Park

Coordinates: 33.938204, -115.965612, map

What: Mojave Poppy, Canterbury Bells, Desert Dandelion, and more

Season: March to April, Changes Yearly

Hours: 24/7 Year Round

We found the largest concentration of Mojave poppies in Wilson Canyon. The bluebells and lupines were found in the Cottonwood Visitor Center area. It looks like the blooms are slowly going north now.

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

12. Keys Creek LAVENDER Farm

12460 Keys Creek Rd, Valley Center 92082, map

What: Lavender

Season: May and Jun, Changes Yearly

Hours: Wed through Sun 10am-3pm, July through April by reservation only

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

BONUS: Death Valley National Park

271 Highway 190, Death Valley, 92328, map

This one isn’t in SOCAL, but did you hear about #SUPERBLOOM?!

What: Desert Star, Blazing Star, Desert Gold, Mimulus, Encelia, Poppies, Verbena, Evening Primrose, Phacelia, and more.

Season: Feb to April (Lower Elevations), April to May (30005000 ft elevations), May to July (5000 to 11000 ft elevation.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Where to Stay: Find hotel and rental deals nearby.

Marcy’s Musings

2023 High Desert Black History Celebration

IT WAS A FULL HOUSE AT THE 2023 HIGH DESERT BLACK CELEBRATION at Apple vVlley Town Hall Sunday Feb. 26. Organized by community leader Barbara James and presented by Jae Chanel and Off the Chain Alliance, and the High Desert Inland Valley News, the event featured live music, dancing, food trucks outside, a catered meal inside, local vendors, and tables representing local non-profit organizations. The Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority was out in full force in their eyecatching new red attire. NAACP Victor Valley Branch 1082 and NCNW (National Council of Negro Women) shared a table, displayed their banners, and spoke about the goals and accomplishments of each organization. Other participants included No Drugs America, Alpha Kappa Alpha

interest group, Victor Valley College, and Encore Charter School. Local churches, restaurants, and other businesses also lent their support.

Awards were presented to seven local citizens, all of whom work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. Their

Fieldtrip to Fort Irwin NTC

MARCH 11 MARKED THE DATE OF THE LONG AWAITED fieldtrip to the Fort Irwin Museum, now known as the “General Robert W. Cone National

Training Center and 11th ACR Heritage Center.” Organized by Pat Schoffstall from the Mojave River Valley Museum and led by Heritage Center Director Ken Drylie, the trip was attended by three MHS members (Dennis Hom, Carol Wiley and Marcy Taylor,) five Mojave River Valley Museum members, and one guest from Las Vegas. The entry into the base went like clockwork, as all attendees had completed and submitted background check paperwork in advance. Ken met us at 10:30 on the nose at the main gate, and we were off!

Like many of our recent fieldtrips to larger museums, we were overwhelmed with

goals involve positive change in the areas of business, education, counseling, and spiritual growth. Bishop Reginald Randle, Apostle Rebecca Berry, Letitia Alexander, Elizabeth Kelly, Sir Duplechan, Lashalle Wiley, and Clarice Hankerson were the deserving recipients. NAACP members in attendance included LaKeisha Campbell, LaVern Scriven, Evelyn Glasper, Gloria Roberts, Maude Mitchell, and Marcy Taylor.

Thanks goes out to all of the individuals and organizations who participated, as well as all who attended. It was great to be back in full swing after a 3-year Covid break.

more information than most of us could remember. The fast-talking docent with the photographic memory of names, places, and dates took us room to room, display to display, conflict to conflict, and around the world, loading us with information from

Story submitted by Marcy Taylor with input from LaKeisha Campbell and Llawanna Carroll

the World War II era through the following decades. Some of the most interesting displays included six blue chairs salvaged (stolen?) from Saddam Hussein’s palace, costumed characters including a Middle Eastern soldier dressed as a woman, two steel beams from the World Trade Center, Vietnamese War and Iraqi Freedom exhibits, replica bunkers and meal kits, a sign warning against entering East

German territory 1 kilometer ahead, and a priceless vintage photo of the 11th Calvary parading on horseback and riding in horse-drawn wagons in front of the Smithsonian Institute building.

Thank you, Pat, for inviting MHS board members to join you on such an educational outing. We certainly value our partnership with the Mojave River Valley Museum.

The Bell Mountain / Murray Ranch Fieldtrip

THE LORD IS TESTING MY STRENGT h and endurance.

After snow for my Feb. 23 presentation leading to very low attendance at the Lone Wolf Colony, then more snow leading to a cancelled Feb. 25 fieldtrip, He sent wind for the rescheduled March 4 trip. However, 11 hearty souls (9 members and 2 guests) had a fun informative experience, enjoyed beautiful scenery, and got a bit of exercise as well.

We met at Dale Evans and Waalew, the southeast corner of the Murray’s Overall Wearing Dude Ranch, for an on-location dose of early Bell Mountain history, with Bell Mountain, Catholic Hill, and Sycamore Rocks all within plain view. The remains of the Murray’s main ranch house, Pearl Bailey’s recently remodeled home across the road, the row of cypress trees she planted, and other landmarks were pointed out. The two 1939 Herb Jeffries films, “The Bronze Buckaroo” and “Harlem Rides the Range” were both filmed right here.

After circling the ranch and a stop at Popago Trail, which leads straight to Sycamore Rocks where both films ended, we were off to see the Sidewinder Well

(on the mule train route to Daggett) and a number of early homesteads, as well as current homes of the descendants of the 37 Black Bell Mountain homesteading families. Our next stop was the triplex, which housed the Bell Mountain Post Office, the store, and Golar Banks’ Real Estate Office, now the home of Major Broyles III. Then it was off to the many ruins of Lily Raglan’s guest ranch near by. From there we traveled back south past the Broyles family’s extensive homestead property, and to the current Apple Valley Airport, the original site of the McCarthy

and Corwin Ranches, both white owned. An interesting fact is that Elmore and Harriet Corwin built a school on their ranch property for the local Black children, as it was too difficult for them to travel all the way to Victorville to get an education.

Since it was on the way to our last stop at Sycamore Rocks, we took a drive past the old home of Eva Conrad, publisher of “The Apple Valley News,” who was the first local woman to get her pilot’s license, with dismantled airplanes

>> still in the yard. Lastly, Carol Voll, MHS member and owner of the property used for filming of old westerns, including the two with an “all Colored Cast” starring Herb Jeffries, greeted us for the most interesting part of the fieldtrip. The group standing in front of the unusual and recognizable split rock, prominently featured in both films, made for a great photo op. Another favorite photo was of board member Eric, playing the heroine’s daddy, emerging from the cave in which he had been held by the bad guys. It was easy to see why the beautiful gigantic boulders at this location were the perfect scenery for old westerns, before the encroachment of modern development.

Upcoming Community Events

April 15 - Oro Grande Round-up Days 10-5:00 18880-19242 National Trails Hwy (Rt. 66) Car show, Old West show, Costume contest, DJ, Bands, Cemetery tours, Food and craft vendors The Mohahve Historical Society and Apple Valley Legacy Museum will host a “history related” booth

April 27 - Mohahve Historical Society meeting- Lone Wolf Colony - Doors open 6:30 for 7:00 presentation Eric Mandeson “Historic Landmarks of Lucerne Valley” Public welcome (760) 985-1918

April 28 - Mohahve Historical Society fieldtrip to Lucerne Valley sites - Meet at Chimney Rock Monument 10 AM Hwy 18 and Rabbit Springs Road. To sign up call (760) 985-1918

April 30 - E Clampus Vitus Monument “Miners to Movies” dedication at Dead Man’s Point, Public welcome (760) 985-1918

STODDARD WELLS TAILGATE

By John Wease

BACK IN 2004, I RETIRED FROM MY LAST REAL JOB.

My wife, Susana, and I hit the road in our motor home as fulltime gem and mineral show vendors. We traveled the Western States, selling lapidary equipment and supplies and jewelry Susana made. With all our travels, we almost never missed the Stoddard Wells Tailgate Show, hosted by the Victor Valley Gem and Mineral Club. It was the first show we ever set up to sell at. We had two tables with a little petrified wood, and Susana’s handiwork, and we made a whopping $27. I spent about $300 on rocks so maybe business genius I am not. We made a lot of friends amongst the vendors in the many years we were in business. It was very nice to visit those that were at the 47th Annual Stoddard Wells show. Held every year on the second weekend in March, the show is located seven miles east of the Dale Evans Parkway on Stoddard Wells Road. The road at that point is a sometimes very rough dirt road and runs through the Stoddard Valley Off Highway Vehicle Area so it gets a lot of use by offroad enthusiasts. The trip is worth it though if you are a rockhound or lapidary artist. The show site is at the base of an old Verde Antique marble mine. Vendors set up along the narrow dirt roads that wind through the privately-owned property. There were several old mines in the area, and Stoddard Wells Road was originally a wagon route through the desert. A little over one hundred years before the first Stoddard Wells Tailgate, Lafayette Mechum was contracted to haul a large order of hay from present day Victorville to Camp Cady. The normal route along the Mojave River Trail between present day Daggett and Victorville was 44 miles and required two long days, made more difficult by the deep sand in that area. Mechum found a route through the hills, cutting one whole day. Although it was over solid ground, and more direct, there was no water. Sheldon Stoddard dug a well and the route became heavily used. The name became Stoddard’s Well Road, later Stoddard’s Wells, and finally Stoddard Wells Road.

Most, if not all, gem and mineral clubs, host annual shows as their major fund raiser for the year. Most are indoors, and most have become more about finished goods, jewelry, and beads. The lapidarist wants rough rock he can cut, polish, or transform into whatever facet of the hobby he prefers. Stoddard Wells Tailgate is one of the very few Southern California shows with mostly rough rock. It draws customers from all over Southern California. We commonly saw customers from San Diego, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, the Antelope and Victor Valleys, and the Inland Empire. Because of this, there are many professional vendors there each year. Because there are no vendor fees, there are also hobbyists selling or trading

their excess rock treasures. Generally, at very reasonable prices.

March is a confusing time in the desert, weatherwise. It can be warm. It can be quite cold. It could rain, or even snow. We

have experienced all of the above in one weekend. Recent stormy weather likely affected turnout this year. But, like my father used to say, when it is nice in the desert, it is really nice. To the hardcore rockhound, it is never too cold. Several diehard rockhounds we knew in the past are now vendors and were present at this year’s show.

At our first “successful” show, the bulk of our sales were to Scott and Didi Naples. They are now vendors, and have an immense inventory of rough and finished rock at their Apple Valley location. They also purchased the high-end collection of Art and Rosamond Riggle and are displaying and selling their highly prized creations. A fun couple and good friends,

they named their rock business “Let’s Get Stoned Lapidary”. More altruistic than I, all proceeds of their lapidary business are used to support their 501c3 nonprofit cat rescue, “You’re Not Forgotten Special Kitties Sanctuary, Inc.”

Another customer from our early days as vendors is Christopher Anthony of Bakersfield. He was a contractor who specialized in building commercial buildings. When the economy tanked, he had time to concentrate on his lapidary hobby. In 2008, he became a show vendor. His first show was also at Stoddard Wells. He became associated with a Mexican fire agate mine and began selling and cutting their fire agates. Since 2011, he has had his own fire agate mine,

the “Jeberedhiah Fire Agate Mine, along with his Christopher Anthony Jewelry Design business. A talented craftsman, he is supporting his family of four through a lot of hard work, but doing it with work that he loves.

Of course, most lapidary hobbyists do not start a business. Some may use it to supplement retirement income. The vast majority just enjoy the hobby. The best way to learn about lapidary is to join a gem and mineral club. The Victor Valley Gem and Mineral Club is located at 15056-B 7th Street in Victorville. Their phone number is 760-243-2330. They have a great workshop, and classes for members. They have field trips, a kids’ group, lending library, monthly meetings, etc. Give them a try. It is an interesting and educational hobby. Maybe we’ll see you next year at the Stoddard Wells Tailgate.

Producing Results: Perspectives from Gen Z and Baby Boomer

By Cindy Bostick and Nalah Anderson

LAST MONTH, TODAY’S WOMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CINDY BOSTICK, spoke with the Rotary Club of Victorville about the key ingredients for producing positive results in any endeavor, and of course it must start with having a goal. The keys for producing positive results that Cindy shared with the Rotarians included: Action & Attitude, Gold Time, Managing Your Thoughts and Feelings, Demonstrating Commitment, Focus, Motivating Yourself, Getting & Using Support, Taking Care of Yourself, and Helping Others Produce Results.

After her Rotary presentation, Cindy attended her granddaughters eighth grade play and she was shocked to learn that the entire class wrote and produced the play in a total of 48 hours and every student had an acting part in the play. Out of curiosity, Cindy shared the positive results producing keys with her granddaughter, Nalah, to learn which keys were important to her class in bringing about an amazing play. Nalah stressed that her class managed all aspects of production, including understudying their classmates’ roles to cover absences in rehearsals. They were the playwrights, directors, and behind the scenes managers. How did they do it? Nalah provided input on three of the keys in successfully executing the play:

1. Action and Attitude

“We were basically thrown right into this process and in the beginning all we knew was that ‘Letters’ was the theme. We were feeling confused and didn’t take a lot of action early on, but as we progressed with meetings, I could feel our attitude got better and better and we saw how good our scenes could be if we had the right attitude and took action to make our scenes good.”

2. Demonstrating Commitment

“We all thought that even if a couple of us didn’t commit to the show, it would all just go downhill from there because we needed everybody’s commitment to make it an excellent show. I feel like everyone brought their commitment and loyalty to the show. They put in the time and effort and focused during the process. I feel like commitment was one of the most important things in creating our show because you have to decide to ride with it to the very end. You don’t know how it’s going to turn out – it could be really great!”

3. Getting and Using Support

“Our teachers were our biggest support system ever. The whole show would not be possible without our teachers. We would just be dancing for an hour and thirty minutes doing who knows what without them. They really motivated us and hyped us up saying how good we were doing and how good the show was going to be and that everyone was going to love what our class produced for the entire school. Without our teachers support for us, the show would not be possible. With the support of our teachers, I learned that I’m into the backstage, working behind the scenes, and I figured that out in the process of producing our show. Because of this experience, I can expand my knowledge for working with lighting and sound and stage management, moving props and stuff like that. It’s going to help me a lot in high school. This experience has taught me so much.”

How are you progressing on the resolutions or goals you set for yourself for 2023? We hope this article will inform you of the power of at least three results producing keys an eighth-grade class attributed to their success! Please direct your questions or comments to todayswomanfoundation@gmail.com

Senior Resource Center

A location for Seniors!

A p l a c e t o r e c e i v e a n s w e r s t o y o u r q u e s t i o n s . W e w a n t t o m a k e s u r e t h a t y o u k n o w a l l t h e s u p p o r t & r e s o u r c e s a v a i l a b l e t o y o u i n o u r c o m m u n i t y

R e s o u r c e w a l l o f i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m l o c a l b u s i n e s s e s a n d n o n - p r o f i t s t h a t c a t e r t o o u r S e n i o r s .

Know your benefits!

W e h a v e M e d i c a r e 1 0 1 m e e t i n g s i n a g r o u p O R a P e r s o n a l m e e t i n g i n o u r R e s o u r c e C e n t e r O R S c h e d u l e f o r s o m e o n e t o c o m e t o y o u . . i n t h e c o m f o r t o f y o u r o w n h o m e . W e w o r k w i t h l o c a l i n s u r a n c e s p e c i a l i s t s t h a t w e t r u s t a n d w e w i l l f o l l o w u p t o m a k e s u r e a l l o f y o u r n e e d s , q u e s t i o n s , a n d c o n c e r n s a r e m e t .

High Desert Cancer Connection

Providing local support and resources to help cancer patients and their circle of supporters navigate through their cancer journey. Wigs, * Gifts * Pillows * Blankets Support Groups * Classes & Events.

Nutritional Lunch for 60+

11:30AM - 12:30PM Monday - Friday

AT THE SENIOR LOUNGE - Suite 107

$4 suggested donation 18564 Hwy 18, Apple Valley Suite 106 & 107