November 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Water Committee Report 2 The Unwanted Guest 3 5 th Annual Costume Party 4 Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe 5 Thanksgiving Recipes 5 Raw Pet Food 7 Common Committee 8 Mountain Lion Alert 9 El Nino Likely 10 Trail Committee Report 10 First Aid Flyer 11 Craft Fair Flyer 11 We Get Mail 12 Mark Your Calendars! 12 Pathfinder Ranch A Unique Part of Garner Valley Pathfinder Ranch, a mystery to many of us, was purchased by Ralph and Walker Smith in 1964 to provide an escape from the desert summer heat for the boys of Palm Springs. Both men were on the Board of Directors of the Boys Club of Palm Springs. They purchased 28 acres and two buildings for only $50,000! A women's group that supported the club, the Palm Springs Pathfinders, is where the ranch got its name. Today the camp serves many purposes but continues to serve as a boys' and girls' camp in the summer, according to Chris Fife, Executive Director of Pathfinder Ranch. Summer camp is open to both individuals and groups. It is fee based and although it offers a world of amenities, it is really reasonably priced compared to other camps. Scholarships are given by donors to underprivileged youth. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Pathfinder is a nonprofit organization, which in addition to the fee paid by campers, is largely funded by donations from the general public. A second use for the ranch is the educational program. The curriculum is geared for fifth and sixth grade and covers animals, environment, and archaeology. It follows state standards and offers hands-on learning. Schools come from all over Southern California, and have even traveled from as far away as Texas. The Outdoor Science School is offered from fall to late spring, and it is booked through Spring 2016 already. Students get a mix of education and activities. Often schools will hold fundraisers to help offset the cost of the camp. Shari Walls, Wrangler and Adventure Program Coordinator, shared some of the equine centered education activities that campers/students learn, such as animal behaviors and reaching goals through games with the horses. The ratio for these activities is one instructor and one or two teachers to fifteen students and two horses. Campers/students ride the horses as well. CILT or Camper in Leadership Training is offered to students ages 15-17. These teens are Junior Counselors and often they are past campers. Prospective participants must undergo an interview process. A current employee of the camp came to Pathfinder as a boy and went through the leadership training. After earning his bachelor's degree, he returned to Pathfinder to offer other youth what he had been given. He says he owes a lot of who he is to his experience there and could not picture being any place else. Besides the wealth of knowledge students receive in the classroom, there are a variety of activities that are fun and, as Chris explained, "In every activity there is something to be learned." Students/campers climb a three-sided rock wall, test their confidence on the rope course, learn the sport of archery, canoe on the beautiful lake (bet you didn't know there was one!), care for and learn about some of the animals housed at the camp including a pig, goats, chickens, and a lone surviving duck named Marcus. Students also assist in
The Valley Voice Page 2 Pathfinder Ranch A Unique Part of Garner Valley the garden, planting and caring for a variety of vegetables that are planted in box containers. Students enjoy meals in the airy dining room. A large liberty- shaped bell is rung three times, which signifies that it is time to eat. There is a similar bell that rings continually to signify fire. Fire drills are a regular part of the camp. The third use of Pathfinder Ranch is as a retreat and conference program for support groups and nonprofit groups such as 4H. These groups have the option of having the camp provide meals in the spacious dining hall. The living quarters provided for all three uses are comfortable and very accommodating. The Pathfinder staff varies in number from 30-50 people, depending on the time of year and the number of campers. The staff lives in houses on the premises. Most of the staff holds a minimum of a bachelor s degree. Pathfinder recently celebrated their 50th anniversary as a member of the nationally accredited American Water Committee Report The Water Committee recently reviewed some concerns that remain unanswered and will be sending a letter to Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD). For example: Does LHMWD have portable generators to operate wells in case of blackouts? If not, would they consider purchasing one or more? Is there a recent Safe Water Study? Is there a plan for the replacement of the infrastructure? Camping Association. In order to be a member of this organization, the camp undergoes inspections and must meet a set of standards set by the association. Pathfinder accepts volunteers to work on a regular basis or for a particular event. Some of the ways the public can volunteer are by assisting in the office or in the classroom, teaching classes, pulling weeds or gardening. Look for upcoming events and information on volunteering on Facebook. Many fundraisers are held throughout the year. An upcoming friend raising event will be held on Sunday, November 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Living Desert in Palm Desert. The cost is $30.00 and includes food and drink as well as admission to the Living Desert. We encourage you to get involved in this well run, amazing part of our community either through a community event, volunteering, or donating to this worthwhile organization. Has LHMWD reviewed San Juan Capistrano case on tiered rates structure? In addition, the Committee will be drafting a letter to our California State Senators and our local Congressman concerning the bark beetle situation in the valley. So far we have lost 204 trees and 50 more are going. The Forest Service is doing little about infected trees along Highway 74. Cal Trans has been taking care of the trees in their right of way.
The Valley Voice Page 3 The Unwanted Guest According to Deborah Geisinger, Certified Arborist, the Pine Bark beetle is not actually foreign to our area, but a native to it. The worst species is the Western Pine Bark Beetle. This beetle attacks Sugar Pines, Ponderosa Pines, and Coulters. We have very few of these varieties left because most have been attacked by this beetle. The Jeffrey Pine, which is the type of pine we have most of, is attacked by a different beetle. Actually, there are three types of Pine Bark beetles that are destroying our trees. The Flatheaded Beetle attacks the middle of the tree. Their borers are clear. The bottom six feet down to the roots of the tree is attacked by the Turpentine beetle, with its gooey copper colored to white pitch. The tops of the trees are affected by the Engraver or ITS beetle. A big reason that we even have an issue with the Pine Bark Beetle is an ecological factor. There has been no tree cutting allowed for about the last 100 years. There are too many little trees and not enough large trees. The forest is unbalanced. Little trees growing at the base of the large trees and within the drip line of the large trees takes away the water and nutrients that the large trees need. Therefore, stressing the large trees, especially in our drought conditions and making them susceptible to the Pine Bark Beetle's attack. Ideally, there should be 12-20 feet between trees. Ms. Geisinger suggests picking your favorite trees and thinning out the ones that are too close to it. A little unknown fact is that people who water their pine trees should do so in the winter and late spring, not the summer. The trees store up the water to get through the summer and it actually stresses them to be watered in summer. If we had been getting more rain and snow over the past few years, the trees would be able to store up the water naturally, but since they have not gotten the natural water they need, watering them during these months is helpful. "The best way to save our trees," said Ms. Geisinger, "is through preventative measures, especially if the tree is losing a lot of needles. Whenever you have a tree sick from anything, it is secondary to another health issue. It is much less expensive to have an arborist examine an unhealthy tree, ($150.00, which goes towards the treatment if needed), versus having to remove a dead tree for $1,000.00." And a tree may be saved. Once the beetle has started attacking a tree, it is really too late to save it. Various insecticides are applied through the soil to the roots. One such insecticide is Imidacloprid. When used before a tree gets the Pine Bark beetle is very effective. A website that Ms. Geisinger suggested using to get more information about treatment of trees is the ISA.com or she is available to answer questions at deborahgeisinger@outook.com.
The Valley Voice Page 4 5 th Annual Halloween Costume Party Rock stars, pirates, ghouls, hippies, and a large cast of crazy characters filled the Common at the 5 th Annual Costume Party and Chili Cook-off hosted by the Garner Valley Women s Group. Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Tiger Lily, Cher, Indiana Jones, Wonder Woman, and Captain and Tennille were joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who brought early Christmas gifts for everyone who had not been naughty (in recent memory anyway)! The chili cook-off event featured eleven of Garner Valley s best. After the judges had sampled each and every batch, guests were treated to chili, a baked potato bar, a salad bar, and amazing desserts. The competition was very close, but the trophies and prizes were awarded: 1 st Place to Chris Peters, 2 nd Place to Marianne Shumway, and 3 rd Place to Leslie Ingham. What a tasty tradition! The costume contest was also a difficult decision for the judges; every costume was fun and imaginative. The winners were: Best Costume: Timmie and Jim Martens Sexiest Costumes: Bob Durst and Alice Wall Best Theme: Peter Pan Group: Catherine and Tom Powers, Patricia and Skip Petersen, and Leslie and Tony Ingham Most Imaginative: Willett Clan Scariest Costumes: Marianne Shumway, Christy and Kayla Pardue, Skip Peterson The dinner show had everyone laughing and singing along as the TCB Flash Band took the crowd back to the feel-good music of the 1940 s, 50 s, and 60 s. The Tribute Show started with Dion s The Wanderer and Runaround Sue, followed by Elvis doing the old favorites Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog and Teddy Bear (including gift stuffed teddy bears for the audience). Other memorable songs included Nancy Sinatra s These Boots Are Made for Walking and Hank Williams doing Your Cheating Heart. Tom Jones entertained and engaged the ladies with renditions of It s Not Unusual and Delilah. After the show, guests enjoyed more music, fun and dancing which is now customary at Garner Valley events! This year s Halloween Party was truly memorable and great fun for all who attended. How can we top this next year? We re already thinking about it!
The Valley Voice Page 5 Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro This cozy Idyllwild bistro is the unanimous Editors Choice for a night of music, song, wine and beer tasting. They also have root beer floats if wine and beer are not your thing! The new owners have added salads and sandwiches to the menu. The Wedge Salad with bacon, diced tomatoes, and blue cheese crumble dressing is now part of our standard order, along with the Cheese and Fruit Board and the Candy Cupboard Chocolate Board. Earlier this year, we discovered our favorite band That s All Folk playing here. We immediately invited them to play at the Garner Valley concert in June, where they entertained us on a rainy Sunday afternoon and gained many new fans. Their new name is Change Required but their music is still the best! Seating is limited so plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the music starts to get a good table! Check the entertainment schedule on their web site, www.idyll-awhile.com. Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro 54245 North Circle Drive Unit C-8 Idyllwild, CA 92549 (951) 659-WINE Thanksgiving Day Recipes APPLESAUCE STUFFING (from Carole Winch) *Note: Rather than a big bowl of stuffing, this makes several balls baked on a cookie sheet like cookies. Ingredients 6 cups dry herb stuffing cubes 1 onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 cups applesauce 1 (14oz) can chicken broth, heated or see below ¼ cup butter, melted Non-stick cooking spray Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch sheet pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the stuffing, onion, celery, applesauce, broth and butter. Roll into golf-sized balls. Place on the baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. *Take giblets, neck and organs from turkey, boil in water with a little salt. This can be used instead of chicken broth. Thanksgiving Quotes: Having a place to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Not what we say about our blessings but how we use them is the true measure of our Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was never meant to be limited to just one day.
The Valley Voice Page 6 Thanksgiving Day Recipes UPSIDE DOWN TURKEY (from Carole Winch) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. *Note Butterball suggests roasting the turkey upside down only for the first hour, then turning over for nice browning of the breast skin. Food for Thought: Life isn t about waiting for the storm to pass; it s about learning to dance in the rain. Wash out the turkey with water. Pull out remaining feather stubs in the turkey skin. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Lather the inside of the cavity with the juice of half a lemon. Take a small handful of salt and rub all over the inside of the turkey. Rub either melted butter or olive oil all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle salt generously all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle pepper over the turkey. Place turkey BREAST DOWN on the bottom of a rack over a sturdy roasting pan big enough to catch all the drippings. This is the main difference from the way most people make turkey. Cooking the turkey breast down means the skin over the breast will not get so brown. However, all of the juices from the cooking turkey will fall down in the breast while cooking. And the resulting bird will have the most succulent turkey breast imaginable. Chop up the turkey giblets (gizzard, heart). Put into a small saucepan, cover with water, add salt. Simmer for an hour or so to help make stock for the stuffing, if desired. Put the turkey in the oven. Check the cooking directions on the turkey packaging. Recommended cooking time is about 15 minutes for every pound. For the 15lb turkey, start the cooking at 400 F for the first ½ hour. Then reduce heat to 350 F for the next 2 hours. Then, reduce heat further to 225 F for the next hour to hour and a half. Start taking temperature readings with a meat thermometer inserted deep into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh a half hour before the turkey should be done. The dark meat in the thigh should be about 175 F. The white meat in the breast should be 160 to 165 F. If you don t have a meat thermometer, spear the breast with a knife. The turkey juices should be clear, not pink. *For nice browned skin on the breast, turn the turkey over and broil until browned for the last few minutes. Once you remove the turkey from the oven, let is rest for 15-20 minutes. Turn the turkey breast side up to carve it. Making Turkey Gravy Scrape all the drippings of the bottom of the roasting pan. Pour drippings into a smaller skillet. Ladle off excess fat with a gravy spoon and save for possible use later. In a separate bowl, take a quarter cup of corn starch and add 1-2 cups broth or water to dissolve the corn starch. Beat corn starch with a spoon to remove lumps. Do not add corn starch directly without dissolving in water or you will have lumps. Slowly add the corn starch mixture to the drippings, stirring constantly. You may not end up using all of the corn starch mixture. Only add as much as you need to get the desired thickness. Allow time for the cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Add salt, pepper, sage, thyme, or other seasonings to taste.
The Valley Voice Page 7 Raw Pet Food If your dog or cat is having health problems one of the first things your vet will ask you is What are you feeding him? Commercial pet food wasn't even invented until the 20 th century but we had pets long before then. Prior to the invention of commercial pet food, pets were fed what we ate. In fact, the beginning of our love of pets began with wolves being thrown a scrap from around the campfires of our ancestral people. The wolves who were more trusting and friendly got more scraps and therefore were healthier and proliferated, they in turn protected the people from predators - hence the beginnings of man's best friend. If you visit a zoo, you don't see the lions munching lion kibble they are fed what they eat in nature raw meat. So, why do we feed our pets dry dehydrated kibble? To put it simply, convenience. The ranchers in Wyoming and Montana aren't shooting wolves because they are invading their corn fields it's because wolves are killing their livestock. Yet, if you look at the first 3 ingredients of most commercial dog food, corn or another grain is usually there. Corn is also one of the most highly allergenic food for dogs. Feeding raw food eliminates many health problems, including food borne allergies. A dog is omnivorous, which means he can eat food other than meat but this is natures survival tactic so that a dog (wolf, coyote, fox, etc.) doesn't die from starvation if there is not enough prey. If desperate, a canine will eat berries in nature, but raw carcasses are preferred, including guts and bones. Of course, the commercial pet food companies take advantage of dogs being omnivorous and stuff their food with cheap fillers, most commonly, corn. Now that people are getting more knowledgeable about dog food, the rage now is grain-free food, but unfortunately this usually means the dog food companies have replaced the grain with potatoes or beet pulp, still not something a dog would eat naturally. So, what should you feed your dog? Raw meat! Whole chopped up chickens, turkey, beef, pork, also game meat rabbit, venison, even buffalo, organ meat, liver, kidneys, and tripe. You can add canned sardines, tuna, and mackerel as well as raw fish including heads, bones and skin. There are several companies making raw food now, nearby is Monarch Raw Pet Food, which you can purchase in Idyllwild at Mountain High Pet, 25880 Highway 243, for more info visit: naturalmonarch.com. A common misconception is that a dog can get salmonella or e-coli from raw meat not so. Their digestive system only takes about 8 hours to process proper food, therefore, even eating rotten food, does not affect them the way it affects a human. When a dog is fed kibble (improper food), it can take as long as 24 hours for their system to process this foreign food. Canned food is not much better, it's simply the same junk with broth or water added. Cats being fed kibble are at high risk for many health problems because it's not in their nature to drink water. In the wild cats get almost 100% of their moisture from their prey. It's difficult to switch a cat to raw, but
The Valley Voice Page 8 Raw Pet Food - Continued worth it if you can. Ideally, you should never feed kibble to a cat other than a few pieces as a treat. Canned food, with broth or water added for extra moisture is the next best thing if you simply cannot get your cat to eat raw. Also try sardines, tuna and mackerel for your cat. Since the invention of commercial pet foods the incidence of cancer has been rising rapidly and it's no Common Committee Victorious! Members of all GVPOA Committees and their families were invited to participate in the Committee Challenge in Shuffleboard and Horseshoes at the Common on October 11. Representatives from the Trail, Common, Architectural and Water Committees engaged in a friendly but fierce shuffleboard competition. Timmie Martens and Dean Holdridge of the Common Committee were crowned Garner Valley Champions after an impressive display of newly found shuffleboard talent! The next Committee Challenge will feature a horseshoe tournament and other lawn games. wonder when you look at the ingredients put into these foods. Cancer is now one of the leading killers of our pets in this country. That is why it makes sense to feed your dog a base diet of natural raw food, plus vitamins, fish oil, enzymes and probiotics. *When handling raw meat, always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and sanitize utensils and countertops. Committee members work hard all year on behalf of all GVPOA Members, and it was a pleasure for everyone to relax and enjoy our beautiful facility together. The newly refurbished shuffleboard court is great fun for all ages, and the new picnic tables are a very nice gathering place in the shade of the large trees. We encourage all GVPOA Members to come and enjoy the Common! Cues and discs are stored in the shed for everyone to enjoy. Please contact Dean Holdridge at 626-695-8205 to obtain the combination for the sheds at the Common and the arena.
The Valley Voice Page 9 Mountain Lion Alert There have been several sightings or signs of mountain lions (aka cougars) in our area. Most of us have read some of these safety suggestions, but it is always good to review. The Mountain Lion Foundation offers a wealth of information on its web site, www.mountainlion.org. For example: Cougars are usually most active at night. Bring your pets indoors between dusk and dawn, and accompany them on late night bathroom outings. If taking pets inside is not possible, secure them in a fully enclosed structure (shed, barn, or a lion-proof small livestock enclosure). Do not attract their natural prey (deer) to your home or garden. Brush is a fire hazard and can provide a hiding place for wild animals, so clear bushes from around your home. Raccoons and feral cats are common lion food, so store pet food in a secure enclosure and feed your pets indoors whenever possible. If you encounter a mountain lion out on the trail: Make yourself appear as large as possible. Pick up your children, leash your pets in, stand close to other adults. Open your jacket and raise your arms. Make noise! Yell, shout, bang your walking stick on a tree. Speak slowly and firmly to discourage their predatory behavior. Act like a predator yourself. Maintain eye contact. NEVER run past or from a mountain lion. Never bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your arms, throw stones or branches, all without turning away. Slowly create distance. Consider whether you may be between the lion and its kittens or its prey. Back slowly to a spot that gives the lion a path to get away. Never turn away from the lion. Give the lion the time and ability to move away. If attacked, fight back! Protect your neck and throat. People have utilized rocks, jackets, tree branches, and fanny packs to turn away cougars. We encourage you to learn more at the Mountain Lion Foundation web site, the National Park Service web site, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife web site, or by Googling mountain lion safety ). Trivia: An Englishman named Eugene Kenworthy poured a fortune into a gold mine operation near the southern end of Garner Valley in the 1880 s. No great amounts of gold were ever uncovered.
The Valley Voice Page 10 A Bit of History: In the year 1905, Robert F. Garner, Sr. acquired the Charles Thomas Ranch. Local folklore states Garner obtained the ranch on a toss of the dice, but Garner s grandson said that his grandfather never gambled. Whatever the story you choose to believe, the end result was the same. R.F. Garner was the proud owner of 7,000 acres of land and took possession of the ranch in December of that year. El Niño Likely Ed Sherman, Emergency Preparedness Committee Chairman, attended the Mountain Disaster Preparedness meeting in Idyllwild on Sept. 1 and passed some valuable information on to us. Alex Tardy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Meteorologist, along with local Geologist, Julian Geisinger and Certified Arborist, Deborah Geisinger presented information on the likelihood of the 2015-16 El Niño weather pattern and ways to prepare. Tardy explained, "Present indicators show that this El Niño could be very strong, perhaps historic, and it will come directly at us." He explained that it looked as if the moisture bearing jet stream would directly cross over Southern California and the Riverside Mountains, specifically. He went on to explain that we will experience more storms, but not Trail Committee Report The Trail Committee is back to work after hosting the fun-filled Western Day event in September! We worked diligently with our insurance agent and obtained special event equestrian liability coverage for the coming year. We have planned a calendar of playdays, clinics and other special events at the arena, as well as some community trail rides. necessarily more severe storms. Tardy said, "We will have very little time to recover. This creates dangers from over-saturation of the soil, greater runoff and erosion, and weakening of tree root structure." Mr. Tardy went on to explain that these storms are hard to predict, but indicators such as the increase in the deep ocean temperatures is a factor. The storms are expected to hit from late fall to late spring. Indications are that this season could rival the three greatest seasons of 1972-73, 1982-83, and 1997-98. "The bottom line," said Tardy,"is getting educated and making wise choices." If you are interested in receiving more information on El Niño or if you would be interested in taking a first aid and CPR class, please contact the newsletter staff or Ed Sherman at edsherman@garnervalley.net The arena is being harrowed on a regular basis. Now that we have had some rain, mowing and trimming is again being done on our community trails. Trimming of trees and shrubs around the arena and the Common has been scheduled. We look forward to seeing all of you at equestrian events, and we encourage you to submit ideas for improvements or activities!
The Valley Voice Page 11 Joke of the Month: A new survey found that 80 percent of men claim they help cook Thanksgiving dinner. Which makes sense when you hear they consider saying that smells good to be helping. -Jimmy Fallon Q: If April Showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? A: Pilgrims Q: What do you get when you cross a turkey with a banjo? A: A turkey that can pluck itself! Q: What did baby corn say to mama corn? A: Where s popcorn?
The Valley Voice Page 12 We Get Mail YOUR EDITORS Lynnette Holdridge (626) 233-1224 Leslie Ingham (909) 631-3685 Kim Miller (951) 659-9991 Thanks for the tips on how to be prepared for the next fire threat. I m printing and laminating it, and posting it in a handy place. Great idea! Look for tips about El Nino, first aid and other important issues coming up! -- Editors You ladies are doing a fabulous job. I'm not among the "chicken hearted" but the article on chicken raising was very interesting indeed. Keep up the good work! Thanks! We really enjoyed it too! -- Editors Excellent! Enjoyed reading cover to cover with morning tea & crumpets. Sounds like a great way to start your day! -- Editors Email: GVEditors@gmail.com Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events! How Do I Sign Up for the Newsletter Email List? Email us at the above address. Subject line: Newsletter Email Distribution List. Please feel free to contact the Editors with any other questions. If we do not have the answers, we will get them! November 7 First Aid on the Trail: Presented by Dr. Lindsay Crowley, DVM. Q&A Session and Hands-On Practice 10:00 a.m. at the GV Arena Contact: Leslie Ingham, 909-631- 3685 November 9 New Year s Eve Planning Meeting 6:30 p.m. at the Common All Committee and Club Members Invited! Contact: Dean Holdridge, 951-659- 9870 November 21 Art & Craft Faire by Local Artisans Vendor space still available. Come and find that special holiday gift! Contact: Jo O Brien, 951-303-4867 December 12 Celebration of the Season: Dinner Party and Singing by the Idyllwild Master Chorale. Sponsored by the Garner Valley Gals. Please donate an unwrapped toy or canned food for local charities! Contact: Pam Potter, 951-659-6440 December 31 New Year s Eve Celebration Music by Mark Huston and the Working Men. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. New Year s Celebration at 9:00 p.m. Contact: Dean Holdridge, 951-659- 9870 January 9 Equestrian Playday at the GV Arena 9:30-12:30 followed by lunch Flyer and details to follow Contact: Leslie Ingham, 909-631- 3685 January 16 Chi Walking and Chi Running Introductory Class 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact: Lisa Holloway, 951-330- 1801