Pulse of the High Desert Lucerne Valley - December 2022

Late last year, the Spring Valley Lake Homeowners Association, comprising of 3800+ homes in Victorville, was facing and grim predicament. Club Corp, the owners of the Spring Valley Lake Country Club and over 300 clubs nationwide, put the property up for sale. The club, which was in the center of the community, had suffered from decades of deferred maintenance. This created a downward spiral in its ability to provide an acceptable experience to its membership. The club’s roster had fallen to under 400 memberships, down from a high of over 800 in 2010. The maintenance crew, normally 18 in number, was now to 5, making it impossible to maintain the golf course. In the minds of many members, Club Corp had given up on Spring Valley Lake and the High Desert, leaving its residents in the lurch. Read more on page 6

No matter your beliefs, religion or ethnicity this is the season of Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays. It is the ending of one year and the start of a new one. Our TEAM wishes each and every one of you, blessings, good will, good health and peace.

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

Santa also added Elf’s to his appearances too.

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

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

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

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

JAMES CONKLE

Publisher

1 760 617 3991 jim@motherroadenterprises.com

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PULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

TIFFANIE WILLIAMS

1 442 364 4884 Tiffanie@pulseofthehughdesert.com

TOM SCHIBUSCH

1 760 559 9403 tom@motherroadenterprises.com

BILL BAILEY

1 760 995 5024 bill@motherroadenterprises.com

PULSE OF THE LOW DESERT PULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

LUCERNE VALLEY EDITION

RUSTY LAGRANGE 1 760 646 2661 rusty@motherroadenterprises.com

NEWBERRY SPRINGS PISTACHIO FESTIVAL

By John Wease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swinging for Smashing Success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How an HOA Saved a Community

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

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

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

Bear Valley Country Club Entrance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veteran’s Memorial

Cliff May

Robert Trent Jones Junior and Senior

Aquatic Center

Renovated Golf Course

Today’s Woman Foundation Honors Local Eagle Scout

DANIEL WHITE WAS THE RECIPIENT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENT’S AWARD from the Foundation recently. “The award was established several years ago to honor a local community member who has contri buted mightily to the work of our organiza tion” shares President Shannon L. Shannon.

Daniel has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 5679 in the High Desert since the age of 11. He is 14 years old, in the 9th grade, and taking honor classes. When deciding on what project he wanted to work on for his Eagle Project, Daniel instantly knew that he wanted to do something to help cancer patients who were newly diagnosed and/ or in treatment. He contacted the Today’s Woman Foundation and after talking with Executive Director Cindy Bostick, a plan was formed and Daniel was on his way to getting his project started. Eventually, the

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

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

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

~ The Today’s Woman Foundation

HILLTOP Tavern and Inn

A Piece of Local History

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

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

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

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

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

Mojave River Valley Museum

By John Wease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 to LV PULSE edition Editor Rusty LaGrange before moving on to The PULSE of the High Desert publisher, James Conkle.

This partnership is approved by LVUSD, Co-Principal Kelly Boeing, Helping Hands program, Rusty LaGrange, founder of the project, and owner/publisher of The PULSE of the High Desert, James Conkle. For further information call 760.646.2661.

LV Middle/High School Gear Up for Boys and Girls Winter Sports

AFTER AN EXCITING FALL SEASON, it’s the time of year again for winter sports at Lucerne Valley Middle\High School. The sports for this season for high school include boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and boys and girls soccer. The coaches for boys basketball are head coach Jason Hart and assistant coaches John Navarro and Adrian Gonzalez. Coaching girls basketball is Brandon Barkley with assistant coaches Charles Ledbetter and Ashley Davalos. The wrestling team has coach Juan Angeles, while the boys soccer team is coached by Eduardo Espinosa and assistant coach Jacob Capps. The girls soccer team

By

is coached by Leah Paddack and assistant coach Jacob Capps. The high school students are not the only ones who will be playing sports this winter. With boys baseball and girls softball being offered, the middle school students will be participating in the competitive fun as well. The boys baseball team is coached by Nolan Almodovar while Kimberly Evans is the coach of the girls softball team.

Everybody is looking forward to an amazing season and is thankful for the support of the school and the community.

Middle/High School Musicians Prepare for Winter Concert Dec. 2nd

THE EVENT WILL BE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY for students to gain experience performing; family members and students are encouraged to attend to offer their support and enjoy the concert.

Each section of the band will perform two pieces. Some of the pieces that will be played include “Lake of Sorrows,” “Dark Ride,” and possibly “Creatures In the Attic.” In addition, some band members will be doing a conjoined piece called “Merry Christmas to All.”

When asked about the upcoming concert, one scheduled performer said, “I’m nervous and I really hope I do well. It doesn’t

seem too bad, though; I think being nervous is part of the fun.” Another student said, “I feel a little nervous like I will mess up, but if I do it, it will just be another learning experience for me.” Despite the nervousness mixed in with the excitement, everybody feels certain that the concert will be a memorable experience and an excellent way to start the new season.

Recognition for Respected LVUSD Employee

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCERNE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT staff member Adriana Barajas. With eight years in the district, Ms. Barajas previously ran the media center at Lucerne Valley Middle/ High School for two years. She was recently promoted to the position of Administrator Assistant for Student Services at Lucerne Valley Elementary School. Although the students and staff at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School were sad to see Ms. Barajas go, they were, and are, all very

happy for and proud of her. Furthermore, everybody was happy to welcome Laura Rowland, the individual now responsible for running the media center at Lucerne Valley Middle/High School. While being interviewed about her new position, Ms. Rowland said, “I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work at the school and assist the kids and staff in any way I can. The staff has been so welcoming and the kids are amazing to be around everyday. I can honestly say I love my job here.”

Ms. Rowland (Left) Ms. Adriana (Right)

by Christian Barajas, Dusty Ward, Alexis Hale

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

By Kimberly Mondragon, Mikayla McCuistion, and Ava Walkovitz

New Life Given to Old Nonprofits

AS OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS BEGIN to emerge from covid doldrums, a fresh rebuild of humanitarian services has developed within an umbrella project—strengthening our High Desert network of volunteers.

Enter H.E.L.P. Mojave, gathering many of our established volunteer services under a different protocol. Why should we care? Because there is no direct contract or response through any San Bernardino County agency involved, according to Humanitarian Emergency Lifeline Project (HELP) founder and networker, Jason P. Hansen.

HELPMojave.org can basically “gain quick access to humanitarian services without the delays we see with the county”, noted Hansen in a recent interview. “Days of delays after an earthquake, for example, are shortened to hours.” His network reaches across the High Desert from Yucca Valley and the greater Morongo Basin services through Landers, Flamingo Heights, and into Johnson Valley to the outskirts of Lucerne Valley and beyond.

If you manage a nonprofit humanitarian service and have a registered 501c3 or other appropriate EIN number, it may be in your best interest to consider joining now.

Hansen explained that during the last major quakes affecting Ridgecrest and Trona, a desperate call for food and diapers was made. Hansen’s fledgling group was eager to make a few calls and a major diaper company answered. “Within about 48 hours families were relieved with some basic needs while waiting for the county. It was about seven days later when the county called to ask what those desert communities needed.

County volunteer programs have been known to suffer with trained volunteers being ignored, training and credentials delayed, or a program closed. If the unincorporated communities don’t make adjustments to the lack of county support, who will step in?

As many of you may know, in 2001 I was the early supporter and founder of Lucerne Valley Disaster Readiness Council. With nine local amateur radio operators on its board, we took the reins of the CERT program that LA County had started and grew to become the most active disaster team utilized by many High Desert cities that were not yet organized to respond. As many as 30 highly trained service workers, trained by SB County and American Red Cross, managed shelter operations, manned registration tables, completed dozens of “windshield” remote surveys of damaged neighborhoods. This I know because I was the manager for ten years. Now Brian Meder has held that position for over 12 years. At that time, Red Cross training was instrumental for our CERT teams to cover so many services as the extra manpower in the county. With the shrinking support of a viable and once strong service, even our local CERT people are now waiting to hear if their program is closing or not.

Hansen sees the same problems emerging 22 years later: lack of manpower when a disaster happens, slow response, and major delays. If these same programs had been promoted and maintained through funding and fresh on-hands training, there would be less attrition, less apathy today.

HELP Mojave is coming to the rescue, talking to organizers of nonprofits, and bringing attention to lingering services. By gathering up all that eagerness to serve our communities, perhaps this is the resurgence we need to feel, well… needed. We’re capable of that.

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

Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm

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

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

Apple Valley Crafts 2pm*

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Apple Valley Yoga 10:00am

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

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

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

NUTRITIONAL LUNCH

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

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

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

Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm Apple Valley Yoga 3:30pm

HOLIDAY NO CLASSES

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

Apple Valley Crafts 2pm*

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Apple Valley Board Games After lunch Senior Lounge

Barstow Exercise Classes

Barstow Senior Center

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

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

Selecting a health care plan and physician are important decisions.

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

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

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

• Multiple urgent care locations

Our medical groups:

• St. Mary High Desert Medical Group

• Providence Affiliated Physicians, St. Mary

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

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

To learn more, visit Providence.org/highdesert.

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

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

Happy Holidays

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

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

MDAQMD funds ‘Car Buy Back and Scrap’ program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Providence AdvantAge Health Center

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

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

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

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Personal primary care physician

• Annual wellness visit

• Preventive care

• Care coordination

• Complex case management

• Social work services

• Nurse Advice Line

• Telehealth visits

• Local appointment transportation

Michael Whitmore, DO Internal Medicine

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

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

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INSURANCES ACCEPTED

• United Health

• Blue Shield

• Health Net

• Medicare

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

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

Marcy Taylor’s Desert Mohahve Muse

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

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

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

More community events

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

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

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

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

Santa & Elf’s schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa