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* Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Whitakers Art Supplies*
The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this Saturday, February 4, 2012 for Whitakers Art Supplies. The ceremony will take place at 10:00am at 5684 Historic Plaza in Twentynine Palms. The store offers items for scrapbooking, sewing, beading, painting, drawings, teachers' supplies, and much more. If you can't find what you're looking for, just write it down on the wish list near the door and Dawn, the owner, will try to get it for you. There is even a section for those who collect sports cards and other collectables! Whitakers Art Supply is open six days a week, so come on out this Saturday and support one of Twentynine Palms newest local businesses!
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*Joshua Tree Retreat Center's community Drum Circle Celebrates the Full Moon on February 7*
The Joshua Tree Retreat Center at the Institute of Mentalphysics will host a community drum circle celebrating the Full Moon from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7. Well-known Joshua Tree percussionist Sam Sloneker will facilitate the gathering, which will be held in the center's Sanctuary.
"Following January's delicious and well-attended Chinese dinner and rousing drum circle in celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon and the New Moon, a time for beginnings, our February circle will honor the power of the Full Moon," says Sloneker. "The polarity effect created by the Sun and Moon pulling in opposing directions with Earth in the middle can bring on a period of intense energy and precarious balance, and playing together in our circle can help to ground and center us during this time of heightened energies.
"As we're also rounding the halfway point of winter, our February circle offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and with each other, as we begin our journey toward the beginning of springtime in March. Our drum circles are always energizing and lots of fun, so come play with us in celebration of this special time of aliveness and vibrancy, and bring your family and friends to join in our celebration." Studies have shown participation in group drumming to offer a number of worthwhile benefits, including artistic self-expression, community connection and interaction, an expanded sense of self and heightened sense of belonging, increased rapport with others, relief of stress, emotional balancing, and strengthening of the immune system.
An article and video from our August 2010 circle can be found at:
http://www.jtrcc.org/blog/2010/8/25/the-desert-night-is-filled-with-drumming.html.
And a short video of our Chinese New Year/New Moon drumming can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zMxovCESWc&feature=youtu.be (Thanks, Renee).
Participants are encouraged to bring drums, shakers, tambourines, etc.; a number of instruments will also be available at the event. There is no charge to attend, though a suggested donation of $5 per participant or $10 per family will be welcomed and appreciated. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is located at 59700 Twentynine Palms Hwy. in Joshua Tree, on the north side of the Highway, just east of the intersection of La Contenta Rd./Yucca Mesa Rd. Turn left after entering the Center; the Sanctuary is the building with the tall spire (follow the signs). For additional information, please call the Center at 760-365-8371.
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*SAND TO STARS: Discovery Day at Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center*
Families and life-long learners of all ages are welcome at "Sand to Stars" Discovery Day on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10 am to Noon. This free event will be held at Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, just north of the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park on Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms.
Activities will include stepping inside the Solar System via the Orrery, walking the Nature Trail to learn about desert plants, viewing the sun through a Solar Telescope, simulating the movements of the Earth and Moon with an experimental model, and experiencing the desert through the eyes of literature.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to bring water bottles, sunscreen, and a snack, and to dress for unpredictable desert weather. Participants may also bring a brown bag lunch, and stay around for the optional chat with instructors from Noon to 1 pm.
"Sand to Stars" is limited to 50 participants, and children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Register at the Twentynine Palms Park and Recreation Office at 74362 Joe Davis Road, next to the Skateboard Park at Luckie Park. Call 760-367-7562 for more information.
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8th Annual Parade of Homes
February 19th, noon to 5pm
With six homes signed on for the upcoming Parade of Homes officials at Reach Out Morongo Basin are looking forward to the best event ever! As the largest fundraiser of the year for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program all proceeds go to help senior and disabled persons throughout the Morongo Basin. Tickets are $25 and include tours of each home and a lunch stop at the Park Rock Café with live music by Ramblin' George on February 19 from noon to 5pm.
Homes to be featured include the estate of Liz Hatch Meyer on Sunrise Road south of Two Mile Road. The daughter of Twentynine Palms pioneers Bill and Ada Hatch, Liz served on the Twentynine Palms City Council, including time as mayor. She currently serves the Morongo Basin on the Copper Mountain College Board of Trustees. Her Rancho Pueblo Vista has been a family home for the past 33 years. The guest house features many family antiques and Ada Hatch's collection of purple glass.
Twentynine Palms will also be represented by the Singing Sands Adobe owned by Bud and Nicki Camp of 29 Palms. Originally built by the Trigg family this is one of the few adobes in Twentynine Palms in its original form with many of its original fixtures. It features an enclosed court yard with beautiful eastern desert views.
Yucca Valley will be represented by Casa de Cielo owned by Shelley Currie and Forest C. Dobson. An adobe home with an unusual setting in the rocks of the western hills, the interior is an eclectic mix of rustic and Asia. The home was designed by Tamura@Home in Yucca Valley and built my Greg Hammond.
Also representing Yucca Valley is Rancho del Vida Dulce designed and owned by George and Nancy Huntington. A contemporary Santa Fe style home featuring high ceilings, kiva style fireplaces the home showcases the owners love for southwest art.
Rockin' Rennie Ranch the home of Brian Rennie is one of the homes representing Joshua Tree on the tour. Located next to the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. the home is pueblo style and was designed by the owner based on trips to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. Most finish work and tile done by the owner and features roof decks that overlook the adjacent Joshua Tree National Park.
Also representing Joshua Tree is Desert Solitaire, the home of artist/photogragher Vera Topinka. This renovated homestead cabin showcases the use of recycled materials culminating in a "simple but cozy work in progress". The home features an attached artist's studio and gorgeous views of the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park.
Official sponsors of the event are Z107.7 FM radio, High Desert Publishing, Burrtec, Park Rock Café, VIP Printing and the Holiday Inn Express-29 Palms. Tickets will be available for sale at Reach Out Morongo Basin offices in the Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley senior centers, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce offices, Windemere Realty in Yucca Valley, Z107.7 offices in Joshua Tree and at the Desert Trail offices in 29 Palms. For more information, go online to www.reachoutmb.org or call the Reach Out Morongo Basin offices at (760) 361-1410 or (760)369-8671.##
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*The Groves Cabin Theatre Presents "Three Tall Women"*
The Groves Cabin Theatre production of Edward Albee's 1994 Pulitzer Prize winning drama "Three Tall Women" will open at the popular Morongo Valley theater on Saturday, February 11. It will play Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. for four weekends through Sunday, March 4.
The protagonist of "Three Tall Women," a compelling woman more than ninety years old, reflects on her life with a mixture of shame, pleasure, regret, and satisfaction. She recalls the fun of her childhood and her marriage, when she had an overwhelming optimism for her future. Yet she bitterly recalls the negative events that resulted in regret: her husband's extramarital affairs, the death of her husband, and the estrangement of her gay son. Many theater critics consider this to be three-time Pulitzer winner Edward Albee's best and most forceful play.
The play, directed by Deborah Hagedorn, stars Joy Groves as the imperious, acerbic old woman who is tended to by two other women, her caretaker played by Vicki Montgomery, and her lawyer, portrayed by Elodie Rain. These "tall women" deal with everything from incontinence to infidelity, depicting aging without sentimentality and telling us about forgiveness, reconciliation, and fate. Dennis Priest makes a cameo appearance as the woman's son.
Groves Cabin Theatre has won numerous Desert Theatre League awards for its high quality productions. The tiny 22-seat theater offers one of the most intimate theatrical experiences in the world-that experience having been described as being, "like being a fly on the wall, witnessing real live happening before my eyes." The limited seating means early reservations are a must.
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Art in Public Places Challenge: A Portable 29!
A unique challenge has been issued to local artists by the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) of the City of Twentynine Palms: Envision the surface decoration for a portable replica of the iconic "29!" sculpture.
The newly constructed portable "29!" sculpture, which is 96 inches wide and 72 inches high, will be mounted on a trailer and displayed at various community functions and public locations throughout the year, echoing the exuberance of the large steel sculpture at the base of Donnell Hill on the highway downtown.
Artists are invited to submit conceptual sketches to the PAAC by February 15, 2012, showing their proposed vision for the surface decoration in paint, mosaic, ceramic, or other mixed media application. The challenge is open to individual artists or an art group, club, or organization in the Morongo Basin. The PAAC will select three finalists to elaborate on their concepts with detailed color drawings or scale mock-ups, and each artist or group selected as a finalist will be awarded $200 to compensate for time and materials for this phase of the competition.
A commission of $1,000 will be awarded to the winning artist or group to execute the final decoration, along with a materials budget of up to $500. The final product must be durable, weatherproof, and easily maintained.
The actual portable "29!" sculpture may be viewed at the city's Public Works yard (6994 Bullion Avenue, off Sullivan Road, next to Palms N Paws Animal Shelter). Artist application forms and guidelines, as well as a scaled sketch of the sculpture, may be downloaded from the City website at www.29palms.org or obtained at the Twentynine Palms Visitor Center & Gallery and Chamber of Commerce at 73484 29 Palms Highway in downtown Twentynine Palms.
For more information, contact PAAC coordinator Jon Beard at (760)367-7562.
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Black Rock Lecture Series
The Desert Institute announces the 2012 Black Rock Lecture Series. Featured are experts on natural science and cultural history topics pertaining to Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding desert lands. Lectures will be held at the Black Rock Canyon Campground Visitor Center, 9800 Black Rock Canyon, Yucca Valley, and begin at 7 p.m. Lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Desert Institute at 760-367-5535 or desertinstitute@zippnet.net.
February 16 Native American Coyote Stories, Catherine Svehla, Ph.D., Mythology, Facilitator of the High Desert Mythological, Roundtable in conjunction with the Joseph Campbell Foundation
March 16 The Mojave Desert: Miles of Wonder, David Jesse McChesney, Photographer, Author of The Mojave Desert: Miles of Wonder
April 20 Stone Tools: Origins of Technology, Dave LeCocq, Primitive Skills Teacher
For further press information, please call Charlotte Boney, Program Coordinator, Desert Institute (760) 367-5535.
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*Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park February Field Classes*
The Desert Institute presents its outdoor adult weekend field classes for February 2012. Come to Joshua Tree National Park and learn about this exciting desert wonderland with expert instructors. Classes are open to all skill levels. Contact our office for catalog, information and registration: 760-367-5535 or www.joshuatree.org
Introduction to Book Art
Spend a day learning to make books you can use to record your time in Joshua Tree National Park! Join Artist-in-Residence MaryEllen Hackett as she teaches participants how to bind blank pages into folded, sewn, and glued books. Materials necessary to make the demonstration books will be provided. However, participants are encouraged to bring any special paper they want for their books.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 18, 10 am - 4 pm
Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center, 6554 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Material Fee: $10
Biological Soil Crusts
The desert floor may look like dirt and sand but it is full of living organisms vital to Joshua Tree National Park's ecosystem. Matthew Bowker, Ph.D. Biological Sciences, will introduce biological soil crusts in this one-day field class. The class will walk approximately five miles to identify and assess the condition of some of the soil crust groups found in the park.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 18, 9 am - 5 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Fee: $35 ($25 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Basic Desert Survival
Learn the essential "big five" skills needed to safely explore the sometimes harsh and often challenging desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Chris Rogers will teach the physical skills and mental processes that will prepare participants to discover some of the most beautiful and most dangerous habitats of the world.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 19, 9 am - 4 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Discover Ruby Lee Well
Discover a part of Joshua Tree National Park's rich mining history in this all-day field class. Desert naturalist Mark Wheeler will guide the class down a historic mining road to Ruby Lee Mill. People attending must be in good physical condition, and comfortable spending the day walking up to ten miles in the park.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 19, 8 am - Afternoon
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Basic Map & Compass
Do you want the confidence to explore the desert and not get lost? Navigation specialist, Chris Rogers will teach participants how to navigate using a map and compass in this two-day hands-on field class.
Date/Time: Friday, February 24, 6 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, February 25, 8 am - 5 pm
Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Fee: $85 ($75 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Rock Art of Southern California
Discover the mystery of the enigmatic symbols left behind by the Indigenous Peoples with Archaeologist Daniel McCarthy. Participants will drive about 150 miles during the class ending in Idyllwild, CA. Carpooling is recommended.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 25, 8 am - 6 pm
Meet at: Pilot Travel Center, 6605 N. Indian Canyon Dr., N. Palm Springs, CA 92258
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Advanced Map & Compass
Hone your route-finding ability with this advanced map and compass field class under the expert guidance of navigation specialist Chris Rogers. During this all-day desert adventure you will travel approximately eight miles with some boulder scrambling, charting a course through Joshua Tree National Park to locate specific rock formations and historical landmarks.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 26, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Meet at: Quail Springs Picnic Area, Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
Explore the Cottonwood Mountains
Put on sturdy walking shoes and prepare to explore one of the most stunning mountain ranges in Joshua Tree National Park, the Cottonwood Mountains. Desert naturalist Mark Wheeler will lead participants on a ten-mile cross-country loop, ascending through canyons and washes to a desert wonderland hidden behind the mountains' rocky slopes.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 26, 8 am - Afternoon
Meet at: Cottonwood Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National Park
Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE members)
For further press information, please contact Kevin Wong, Desert Institute Program Coordinator (760) 367-5535.
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Call for Art: "Desert Wildflowers" Show in Twentynine Palms
"Desert Wildflowers: Kaleidoscope of Color" is the spring exhibition at the Twentynine Palms Visitor Center & Gallery and Chamber of Commerce from March 1 to May 31, 2012. Expectations of glorious blooms should bring visitors to the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park this year, and artists are encouraged to express their interpretation of this season of desert beauty.
Artists are encouraged to stretch the boundaries of expression and submit three-dimensional work as well as more conventional mediums. Up to three pieces per artist may be submitted, and the take-in date for the show will be Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Artists wishing to participate in this exhibition are encouraged to submit representative images of their work by Saturday, Jan. 21, for possible inclusion in promotional materials, such as the show's announcement postcard and posters. Images in 300-dpi jpeg or tiff can be submitted by email to publicarts@29palms.org or delivered on CD to the Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce, located at 73484 29 Palms Hwy., downtown Twentynine Palms, (760)367-6719. The visitor center is open 9-5 Monday through Friday and 10-4 Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, contact Jon Beard at (760)367-7562.
Art in Public Places exhibitions at the Visitor Center & Gallery are presented by the Public Arts Advisory Committee of the City of Twentynine Palms.
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*Cultural Center & Morongo Basin Rotary Clubs Announce 2012 Music Scholarship & Regional Winners*
The Hi-Desert Cultural Center's Desert Music Foundation celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its Scholarship Concerts and Recitals by awarding $800.00 in music scholarships on Saturday, January 21st at the Center's Blak Box Theater. The first place scholarship award went to vocalist Sasha Reavis from Palm Springs; second place went to violinist Hannah Yaghoubian from Rancho Mirage; and third place went to pianist Alyssa Peacock from 29 Palms.
In addition to the three scholarships awarded, twenty-one participants performed in front of a live audience, of which three musicians were selected to represent the Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley Sunset and Twentynine Palms Rotary Clubs at the Rotary International District 5330 Music Competition. This year's Rotary finalists are violinist Hannah Yaghoubian, pianist Jubilee Bosch from 29 Palms, and vocalist Ciera Zartler from Yucca Valley.
The Desert Music Foundation's annual program focuses on training all student musicians-child through adult-on performance skills so that they are better prepared for college auditions, public performances and commercial (income) opportunities. All participants received a written critique from each member of the panel of adjudicators.
This year's finalists were subject to reviews from 12 adjudicators comprising of three separate levels of evaluation. The panel for the Preliminary Round, where scholarship candidates are judged from their music portfolios, was comprised of musicians Bea Chambers, Kay Taylor, and Jason Underwood. The Semi-Final Round panel of adjudicators was staffed with musicians Deb Bernardini-Smith, Kristina Brook, Jesse Henry, Darrell Shade and Sam Sloneker. Adjudicators for the Final Round were musicians Ed Boulware, Jon McKinney, Josh Hemingway, and Bonnie Schwartz.
In the past ten years, the Desert Music Foundation has been responsible for awarding merit and financial need scholarships and training of over $25,000 to countless aspiring musicians and students as they participate in the many musical and educational programs offered by the Hi-Desert Cultural Center.
Interested individuals may participate or contribute to the music scholarship programs by sending an email to info@hidesertculturalcenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 760.366.3777.
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*Hi-Desert Medical Center Receives Re-Accreditation From the Joint Commission*
Hi-Desert Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes HDMC's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards.
The healthcare District underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey last September. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated the District for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.
"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Hi-Desert Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," says Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S., executive director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission. "Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Hi-Desert Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."
"With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence," says Lionel "Chad" Chadwick, CEO. "Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide."
The Joint Commission's hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
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*Assemblyman Cook Introduces Legislation to Restore $16 Million in Jail Funding to San Bernardino County *
Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) introduced AB 1556 today to restore millions of dollars in jail funding to San Bernardino County. Last year, legislation was passed granting millions of dollars in additional funding to Los Angeles County, but denying San Bernardino County $16 million in funds. Cook's legislation will restore this funding.
Cook stated, "With the Governor's decision to transfer state prisoners to already overcrowded county jails, San Bernardino County needs these funds to house these dangerous criminals. This new jail will reduce the number of criminals released into our neighborhoods. Public safety is a top priority, and we can't let the state jeopardize the safety of this county's residents."
In 2010, San Bernardino County broke ground on its Adelanto Detention Center expansion project. In 2011, legislation was passed granting additional jail funding to Los Angeles and other urban counties. However, that legislation included a provision excluding counties where projects had already begun. San Bernardino County was the only county in the state with a jail project in the works. Effectively, the county was penalized for its proactive approach to jail construction, which ultimately cost San Bernardino County residents $16 million in funding for the new jail.
Cook continued, "San Bernardino County's swift action made it the first county to begin construction under a funding agreement reached in 2007. State officials even hailed it as a model county for its commitment to public safety. But instead of rewarding San Bernardino for its example, the state ended up punishing it for being so efficient. It's insulting and unacceptable."
Assemblyman Paul Cook represents the Inland Empire, including portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
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"Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies." ~ Ann Landers
If you have anything you would like to post in the eNews please email the Chamber at admin@29chamber.org. All articles in * * are new articles.
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Save-A-Lot will be hosting a neighborhood preview on Wednesday February 1 from 4:45-8pm. The United States Marine Corps color guard will be in attendance to lead the National Anthem at 4:45. At 4:50 the Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Save-A-Lot to Twentynine Palms. The store manager, Alisha Riddle, will then welcome attendees and say a few words about Save-A-Lot and how they are committed to contributing to the local community. Save-A-Lot will be presenting a $2500.00 donation to the 29 Palms Food Pantry to help ensure the community will have access to fresh produce. Attendees are invited to enjoy food samples, live music, and a chance to win gift certificates for Save-A-Lot! The store will be open for business Thursday February 2nd! Please join us in welcoming a new grocery store to Twentynine Palms.
The 29 Palms Creative Center & Gallery is seeking to fill an art studio to a professional artist who is eager to teach art and display their works for sale.
Jake s Women continues its very successful run at Theatre 29 through February 11. Director Butch Pelfrey and his talented cast are leaving audiences delighted and garnering rave reviews.
