It’s Time For The Nutcracker: November 27 and 28 in the Mountains!

It’s that time of year again…..time when the Sugar Plum Fairy dusts off her wand and dances into theaters throughout the world. It’s that time when children look excitingly through windows for Santa. It’s that time of year when friends get together and enjoy the camraderie…yes, it’s getting to be that time again when little girls dream of being the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing through Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music.

Each year this ballet is danced by thousands of excited dancers who range from young children to seasoned performers and this delightful Christmas “bon-bon” has become an enormous part of the Christmas holiday season.

This year’s local Lake Arrowhead performances will be held Friday, November 27 at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2:30 and 8 p.m. with the final performance at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday November 29. The charge remains at $20 per seat.

For more information log onto the company’s website at: http://www.arrowheadballet.org or call the dance studio at (909) 336-1359.

Tickets are still available but they won’t be for long so purchase your tickets as quickly as possible or you are apt to be out of luck.

Rotary Polar Bear Plunge Planned for Feb. 6, 2016

The members of the rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead are already working on the 8th annual PolarRotary Bear Plunge which will be held on February 6, 2016 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa beach This incredibly fun fundraiser will be held at 10 a.m. so if you can’t participate make a note on your 2016 calendar to be sure to attend and enjoy all the fun!

Styled after fundraising “Walk-a-Thons” hearty volunteers dip into the freezing cold water of Lake Arrowhead to raise money for the Lake Arrowhead Rotary foundation and for their favorite charitable organization as well. Last year, a record $27,625 was raised by 65 intrepid plungers and hopefully the upcoming 2016 event will raise even more.

Event founder and chairman Dr. Patrick Rains hopes to smash all records this year and he encourages all who are involved with nonprofit organizations to consider the PolaRotary Bear Plunge as a fundraising opportunity.

Those who jump can split the pledges they collect from their individual sponsors between the Rotary Foundation and another charity of their choice. Recipients in the past have included Soroptimist, the Rim Education Foundation, Operation Provider, the Arrowhead Arts Association, CSUSB Mountain Scholarship Fund, Special Olympics, the Susan G. Koman Foundation as well as several mountain churches.

New this year will be the participation of several Rotary District governors from neighboring southern California areas. Under the PolaRotary Plunge rules, the first $1,00 that they can raise will be split evenly with the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead but every dollar thereafter will go entirely to their respective Rotary Districts. Last February 65 braves souls took the plunge, benefitting 27 different charities Jumpers have included state assemblymen, county supervisors, several mountain Citizens of the Year, college professors, clergymen, school board members and a wide range of businesses and community leaders. Dr. Hugh Bialecki and Dr. Patrick Rains share the distinction of jumping every year since the annual event began. Professor Barbara Miller, 83 years young, has been the oldest participant and she is planning to take the refreshing dip for the fifth time.

There are only three rules with which jumpers must comply: No wet suits,  are allowed, no nudity and all “jumpers” must complete a total submersion in the lake. The event will be filmed again by the Rim High Film Club with DVD’s given to all participants. Copies of this fabulous event can be purchased as a way to remember this great, clever and ever-so-cold (but exciting) event.

Rotary Plungers are encouraged to wear a costume as it adds a lot to this unique fundraiser. Trophies, donated by the Coffee and Tea Exchange, Sondra’s of Lake Arrowhead the local branch of Union Bank, will be awarded to individual jumpers and teams with the best costumes.  Throughout the years divine divas, kings and queens, Darth Vader and Marilyn Monroe have been spotted braving the cold waters. A hit last year was the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Synchronous Jumping Team). “Jumpers” can be part of a team or they can “take the plunge” individually.

The lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is not only providing the venue again this year, but they graciously are allowing jumpers to use their hot tubs, changing rooms and showers immediately after their refreshing dip in the lake. It’s always fun to see the “jumpers” slowly get out of the lake and onto the very wet sand (often at a crawl) and then immediately hit the Jacuzzi where they happily warm up in the hot bubbling water.

For more information about becoming a jumper, a sponsor or a donor  call (909) 744-8782.

This event is fabulous, fun and it is a wonderful way for the local Rotary to make some money. Even if you can’t participate or donate to those who do you might want to dress warmly and go watch the fun at the beach at the resort. You’ll enjoy every second…and who knows, you might decide to “take the jump” next year.

 

 

 

Caltrans: Highway 18 Closure Hours for Hwy. 18 Winter Preparations

October 2-If you’re heading to or from Big Bear via Hwy. 18 you need to know that the some changes have been made by Caltrans relating to their extensive work on Hwy. 18 in the “Arctic Circle.”

The work will now be done Monday through Friday, October 12 to October 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The closure will be between Snow Valley Mountain Resort and the Big Bear Dam. Due to the scope of the work and the safety considerations, as well as additional planned work, the closure will now take place during daytime hours. Clearing boulders off steep cliffs that abut the highway cannot safely be done during the night hours so it is important for the safety of all Caltrans workers in the area that some of these improvements be done in the daylight hours.

Caltrans will also complete annual routine maintenance in order to prepare for winter. This work  will include rock scaling, clearing turnouts and drains, guardrail maintenance and they will paint the recessed “fog lines” on the newly-paved section.

Motorists are advised to use State Route (Hwy.) 38 as an alternate route to Big Bear.

Fabulous Golden Oaks Thrift Store Fashion Show Oct. 17-BE THERE! You’ll love it!

From last year’s Golden Oaks fashion show….what fun!

Hot on the wheels of last year’s hugely successful Golden Oaks thrift Store Fashion Show and Tea, the date has been set for the new upcoming event. Save the date of October 17 at 2 p.m. to be at the Robert Hootman Senior/Community Center on Running Springs School Road in Running Springs.

This fun event features clothes from the thrift store and last year’s event was an enormous success. This (hopefully) annual fashion show gives people a great idea that the local thrift store, right on Hilltop Blvd. in Running Springs, is filled with great women’s, men’s and children’s clothes. The fashion show is a delightful, fun way to show off the garments that are available at the store and also to have a great time all at the same time.

Love this colorful umbrella and the clothes. Talk about “Singin’ in the Rain….Gene Kelley would have loved it!

This local event is a delight and it is such a great way to showcase the really great clothes at the thrift store. With Halloween right around the corner don’t go out and spend a lot of money on costumes….go see what’s happening at the thrift store. The store is located right on Hilltop Boulevard (almost next to Jensen’s Market). You can’t miss it and if you do perhaps you need to have your eyes checked. .

A beautiful bride….a wedding dress any bride would adore. It was at the thrift store. How beautiful and sentimental!

Come and spend an hour or so at the local fashion show and who knows, you might just want one of the outfits that’s being modeled. Don’t worry ladies, you can bring hubby along (you might have to drag him there but men are certainly welcome…..).

By the way, if you have children who are hunting for Halloween costumes you need to check out the thrift store before you spend a lot of money on costumes that your little one will outgrow by next year’s Halloween. If you haven’t visited this local business before you’ll be amazed at the clothes, household items and just about anything else you could need. It’s a great place for “second homeowners” who need glassware, sheets and many other items to stock their “second home” in the local mountain areas without spending a lot of money on necessities. You’ll never know what you find there…..jackets, children’s clothing as well as adults. It’s a great place..and it’s located right on Hilltop Blvd

The money raised by the Golden Oaks Thrift Store goes directly back to the community in many ways through the organization’s philanthropic efforts. They help out many local residents in need so help keep this great organization and thrift store going…..its been a blessing for our communities in many ways.

With Christmas right around the corner it’s a great place to check out holiday decorations as well. Do you children need Halloween costumes for upcoming trick or treating? Go by the thrift store and look around. The children will love it and you will too because you’re not spending a lot of money on expensive costumes that the children are likely to wear only once before they outgrow them.

 

Mountain Bear Democrats Hosting Awards Luncheon October 16

Friday, October 16 the members of the Mountain Bear Democrats will host their first annual awards luncheon at Lake Arrowhead Ranch. This facility is located at 480 Cottage Grove Road in Lake Arrowhead. The luncheon and presentations will begin at 11:30 a.m.  and end at 1:30 p.m.

The Honorable James Ramos, a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, will be on hand for this event. Supervisor Ramos was elected to the board of supervisors in 2012 and he is currently the chairman of the board of supervisors.

Throughout his career he has served on many boards and organizations and he is an active advocate for promoting business, economic and social opportunities in greater San Bernardino County.

Jane St. John will also be honored. She served on the Rim of the World School Board for over 13 years and three of those years she served as president of the board. She is currently serving as the west district vice-President of the Arrowhead Arts Association.

Tickets for this special event are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information log onto the website at: http://mountainbearsdemocrats.org. You can also find them on Facebook at: http://www.Facebook.com/pages/MountainBears.
Democratic club/1464298517/118574 this week for the E-Vite link to purchase online or contact club president Michelle “Mickey” Laws at (760) 567-6159.

 

 

Soroptimists Hosting Event for Local Mammogram Fundraiser!

Who doesn’t just love show tunes? Members of Soroptimist International of Rim of the World certainly do and their upcoming fundraiser bears the name: Show-Tunes and Tatas.

This annual fundraiset will be held at the beautiful and historic UCLA Conference Center.

Scheduled for Sunday, October 11 at 3 p.m. this always fun fundraiser will be held at the beautiful UCLA Conference Center in Lake Arrowhead. The charge is $40 a person and this annual event raises funds for, and celebrates, the organization’s longtime coalition with Mountains Community Hospital. The money raised at this event helps provide mammograms for local community women who need them but may not be able to afford one or for women who  may not have insurance that covers this vital women’s annual test.

Come and celebrate and help raise funds for this wonderful service that is provided by the dedicated Soroptimist members and the hospital.

This fun day will include Broadway, movie and classic hits featuring fabulous local musicians Chyrl Russell and Maxx Hill. Guess what, YOU get to be part of the fun, too!

A no host bar, entertainment and Chef Brian’s Edible Delights are also part of this fun and important fundraiser.

For information call Yolanda Douglas at (909) 337-6041 for send an email to: keithied@aol.com Reservations can be made at the Lake House in Cedar Glen, the Tea and Coffee Exchange in Lake Arrowhead Village or at Arrowhead Floor and Window Coverings in Blue Jay.

Every woman needs some “Uplifting” now and then and this annual fundraiser is always absolutely fabulous. Come and get a laugh at how creative all the bras are and enjoy every single moment of this fun event.

 

 

 

 

 

“Show Tunes and TaTas” Fundraiser for Soroptimist Mammogram Program!

Local musicians Chyrl Russell, Maxx Hill and YOU will have a great time when Soroptimist International of the Rim of the World holds their annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 11 at 3 p.m. at the beautiful, historic UCLA Conference Center in Lake Arrowhead.

This event will celebrate the organization’s 11th year of the Mammo-Versary program that provides mammograms for mountain women residents who otherwise would not be able to afford one of this potentially life-saving scans. Soroptimist members are so grateful to Mountains Community Hospital for their interest and dedication in helping mountain women in need to receive this potentially life-saving scan.

Come and enjoy music From Broadway, movies and sing along and throughly enjoy this annual fundraiser.

This donation at this event is $40 per person. As part of the fun there will be delicious goodies, entertainment and a no-host bar.This is the eleventh year of this fabulous program that is a great coordinated effort between the Soroptimists and the hospital.

For information call Yolanda Douglas at (909) 337-0041. This fundraiser promises to be great fun as well as a fabulous fall event.

Mountain Action for Peace and Justice Hosting Candlelight Vigil September 24

Congratulations on your latest book, Rhea.

Members of the Mountain Action for Peace and Justice will hold a candlelight vigil on Thursday,  September 24 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to participate by bringing a reading, a poem, a song or a heartfelt message about protecting the earth from climate change and improving the plight of the poor.

The vigil will demonstrate support for this new era of sustainable development and respect for the planet by joining in vigils and events internationally on the eve of opening of the new session of the United Nations. The people involved will also be honoring the speech by Pope Francis before the United Nations.

International plans start in Sydney and lighting up the world through Delhi, Johannesburg, London and Sao Paulo and then it will culminate in New York to coincide with the U.N. General Assembly.

Those participating in the vigil will be provided with a candle unless they take a lantern. The group will meet in Jensen’s Blue Jay parking lot at 7 p.m. The market is located in Blue Jay, ever so near to Lake Arrowhead.

For further information call (909) 337-1279 or contact: svwlker@gmail.com.

 

Green Valley Lake Hosting Harvest Festival With Native American Dancing, Singing and Food!

The wildly successful Green Valley Lake Community Garden just gets better and better. That being said, with fall right around the corner (or even here) the tall stalks of corn and other colorful flowers and produce will be slipping into fall.

With that in mind the people who are part of this delightful garden are hosting a Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 26 at 4:30 p.m.

This event will not only be great fun but it will also be spiritual as the festivities will include Native American storytelling and music. This will definitely be a time to praise Mother Nature for her bounty and to honor our Native Americans who, throughout the centuries have had, and continue to have, such a meaningful, spiritual relationship with the earth.

The day will include a banquet of harvest dishes that will be prepared by the GVL community gardeners. Come and enjoy the Native American storytelling and music. Bring your heart with you (but I am warning you) that you may leave it in this delightful community that is located at the top of Green Valley Lake Road off Hwy. 18.

Come! Celebrate Mother Earth’s bounty. Open your heart to new ideas! Come and learn from our Native American friends whose spiritual nature has always honored Mother Earth.

The Green Valley Lake Community garden project operates under the umbrella of the Mountain Community Alliance which is a 501 (C)(3) organization.

 

 

Snow Valley Lift Ticket Promotion at R.S. Farmer’s Market Concludes September 26

Thanks to Snow Valley’s general manager, Kevin Somes, purchasers at the Running Springs  Farmer’s Market can again get a free lift ticket at the popular, longtime ski area that is located about five miles from the “town” of Running Springs.

One free lift ticket for the 2015-16 ski  season will be given to purchasers who buy $25 or more from one or more vendors at the farmer’s market. Ordinarily Snow Valley’s holiday adult tickets are $69 per person which makes this great promotion really worthwhile.

The Running Springs Farmer’s Market takes place on Saturdays through September. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it’s located in the property located by First Mountain Bank on Whispering Pines. Snow Valley has been so generous for the past two years to be a huge part of this promotion and it has been, to put it mildly, a great idea and it has been very successful. Not only do purchasers receive a free ticket if they spend the minimum amount of $25 at one or more vendors, but they get to look forward to shooshing down the slopes when the snow flies (which, hopefully it will do this year.

Naturally, this free ski pass promotion is limited so tickets are limited to two per person.