eNews September 16, 2008

11:30 a.m. Grand Marshal Luncheon at 29 Palms Inn
4pm -12 a.m. Carnival Opens
6p.m. Haunted House @ Theatre 29
7:p.m. Twentynine Palms Fire Dept Dinner & Dance Entertainment by Christina Quigley

Saturday, October 18, 2008

6:a.m.-10 a.m. Firefighters Pancake Breakfast
9a.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale at the S.B. County 29 Palms Branch Library
10a.m.72nd ANNUAL PIONEER DAYS PARADE
12p.m.-3p.m. TP Alumni Association BBQ Fund- raiser
12p.m.-3pm Bingo in Social Garden
12p.m.-12 a.m. Carnival
1p.m.-4p.m.Pumpkin Patch Carving Station
2p.m. Cow Chip Bingo-Game 1
2p.m. Decorated Bike Parade, children 12 & under
2p.m.-4 p.m. Skate Board Contest

Saturday, October 18 Continued

2pm-4pm Old Timers Gathering @ Old School House
3p.m. Hot Chicken Wing Contest
3pm 29 Palms H.S. Drama Club-Racquet ball stage
4p.m.Bucky Bucklin Memorial Arm Wrestling Tournament-on stage at Luckie Park
4p.m.Cow Chip Bingo-Game 2
5 pm-8 p.m. Chili Dinner at the 29 Palms Art Gallery
6p.m. Haunted House @ Theatre 29
7p.m. Prudie Underhill Foundation Social
7p.m. 29 Palms H.S. Drama Club -Racquet ball stage
8:30p.m. Deep Six Band

Sunday, October 19, 2008

10:30a.m. Pet Parade-Luckie Park
11a.m.-3pm Firemen's Muster/Outhouse Races
12p.m. - 6p.m. Carnival
12:30p.m. Stick Horse Rodeo, Haystack Arena, Luckie Park
1p.m. Sidewalk Art - Immediate North of pool
1p.m. 29 Palms Drama Club
2p.m. Cow Chip Bingo-Game 3
3p.m. Rubber Duck Regatta, Park Pool
3p.m. 29 Palms H.S. Drama Club-Racquet ball stage
4p.m. Cow Chip Bingo-Game 4

*Tortoise Habitat*

Copper Mountain College (CMC) will begin breaking ground for their tortoise habitat by fencing in the tortoise translocation (TA) area on the college campus later next week.

As many in the community are aware, CMC has started an expansion project that will greatly transform the college over the next few years. The first of three new projects begins at the end of this week with the placement of fencing for the tortoise translocation area and quickly followed by the groundbreaking of the Bell Center on October 1st. The remodel for efficiency of various phases of the campus will follow later this year.

CMC has recognized its responsibility as environmental stewards of our beautiful desert and completed a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) in 2006 to protect native desert species and habitat during the large expansion. The college's HCP has been cited as a model of responsible development for other organizations. The HCP designated an 85 acre Translocation Area (TA) to protect the tortoises removed from potential harm in the campus construction areas, and to serve as a permanent tortoise preserve.

Dr. Paul Delaney, a biology professor at CMC, wrote the Translocation Plan for desert tortoises displaced by construction activities at the college. He noted, "CMC's tortoise preserve will provide a great opportunity for students at CMC to think globally about environmental issues, act locally to help protect a threatened species and gain research experience in conservation biology."

To help implement the plan, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated Ed LaRue, a private biological consultant, as an Authorized Biologist to remove and monitor tortoises at CMC, along with Dr. Delaney. Dan Cain, Director of Facilities, is CMC's Field Contact Representative for ensuring implementation of protective measures for the desert tortoises on campus. The tortoise population in the TA will be monitored to determine effects of construction and other activities. The comprehensive monitoring efforts will entail ecological surveys of tortoise population growth, survival and reproduction, as well as the health status of individual tortoise.

In April of 2007 CMC established a Tortoise Awareness Program designed to educate and train visitors, students, contractors, employees, teachers, construction workers and anyone in the community on what to do if they encounter a tortoise. A portion of this program includes tortoise awareness classes that require anyone who will access the construction area to participate. CMC has begun utilizing hardhat decals and rear view mirror hangers to identify people that have been trained and are authorized to work in the area. CMC wants to ensure that new construction does not harm tortoises that are within the work area.

For more information regarding this project please contact Laura Hall at 760-366-3791 extension 5442 or for general information regarding Copper Mountain College visit us at www.cmccd.edu.

*THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2009 THEATRICAL SEASON*

At a special season announcement event celebrating their tenth season, supported by the three Morongo Basin Chambers of Commerce, the Board of Directors of Theatre 29 announced their 2009 season schedule. The special event, held September 11, at the newly-refurbished Joshua Tree Retreat Center.

A short presentation was made on community activities by the Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Joshua Tree Chambers. Attendees were also treated to a special presentation from the U.S. Department of Defense representing the "Wearable Power" competition coming to the Twentynine Palms Marine Base on October 4th.

After the presentations, Theatre 29 Board President Gary Daigneault introduced each of the directors for the seven theatrical productions planned for 2009. The highly anticipated unveiling of the season, which had been a closely kept secret, featured stunning live performances by Shelby Art, Kathryn Ferguson, Charles Harvey, Graham Cooley, and Susan Brundage. After the season line-up was unveiled season tickets were offered for sale.

The 2009 season and Directors were announced as:

"Into the Woods Jr."
Director: Shelby Art
January 16-February 14, 2009
Thursday Show, January 29
Saturday Matinee, February 7
Auditions: November 16, 2008

"I love you, You Are Perfect, Now Change"
Director: Charles Harvey
March 6-April 4, 2009
Thursday Show, March 19
Sunday Matinee, March 29
Auditions: January 19

"A Bad Year for Tomatoes"
Director: Butch Pelfrey
April 24-May 23, 2009
Thursday Show, May 7
Saturday Matinee, May 16
Auditions: March 9

"The Producers"
Directors: Gary Daigneault and Ed Will
July 17-August 15, 2009
Thursday Show, July 30
Sunday Matinee, August 9
Auditions: June 1

"Nun-Sations"
Director: Kathryn Ferguson
September 4-October 3
Thursday Show, September 17
Sunday Matinee, September 27
Auditions: July 20

Special Halloween show
"6th Year of Fear"
Producer: Eric Ross
October 16-17, 23-24, 29-30-31
Auditions: September 21

"The Dinosaur Musical"
Director: Les Taylor
November 20-December 19
Thursday Show, December 3
Sunday Matinee, December 13
Auditions: October 5

Theater 29 has also announced a change in pricing for 2009. The price of regular admission tickets are $12.00, Senior and Military $10.00 and Children under 12 and Students with ID are $8.00. Theatre 29 will pay the fees incurred by those buying tickets on line at www.theatre29.com .

Season Tickets for all six theatrical productions and the special Halloween event are now on sale at $68.00 for regular admission, $56.00 for Seniors, Military, and DAN Members, and $46.00 for Children under 12 and students with ID. To purchase season tickets call the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151 and leave a message with an address to send a 2009 brochure and order form or call Theatre 29 President Gary Daigneault at 760-366-8471.

*Council Connections*
September 17, 2008

Council Connections will be held September 17, 2008 at 7am at the Chamber of Commerce board room. (73660 Civic Center Dr) This is an informal opportunity to talk with your city council members.

*Pioneer Days Judge and Sheriff KICK OFF MIXER*
September 18, 2008

The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce is holding its September mixer September 18, 2008 from 5-7pm. The mixer is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms and the Twentynine Palms Fire Department. The year 2008 marks the Twentynine Palms Fire Department 50th anniversary and the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms 60th anniversary.

Both groups invite business owners, managers and friends to join them at the Twentynine Palms Fire Station on 6560 Adobe Road from 5pm to 7pm as they celebrate many years of community service during the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce Mixer.

Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms was chartered March 15, 1948 and was the first Rotary Club in the Morongo Basin. Rotary clubs are volunteer service organizations made up of business and professional leaders working to improve communities locally and around the world. Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms supports local literacy projects, Special Olympics and numerous youth sports programs. Additionally, they award scholarships to high school students, provide community grants to effective non-profit organizations and more! Lastly, Rotary encourages high ethical standards in business and professions. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary club members belonging to more than 32,000 Rotary clubs in nearly 170 countries.

The Twentynine Palms Fire Department was created by water district Ordinance #14 on August 7, 1958. With an all-volunteer force and one used 1943 Mack fire engine, the fire department began operating from the old CDF fire station on Adobe Road. The fire department has grown with the community and today protects 87 square miles operating a modern fleet of apparatus from two fire stations staffed around the clock by seven career officers and 36 volunteer firefighters. The men and women of the Twentynine Palms Fire Department are dedicated to their mission of "providing professional public safety and community services to our citizens, visitors, and neighbors resulting in an improved quality of life and peace of mind."

*World Class Pianist Gloria Cheng to perform at Hi-Desert Cultural Center*
September 18, 2008

Harrison House Artist in Residence Gloria Cheng, well-known contemporary classical pianist, will perform Friday, September 19th at 8:00 PM at the Hi- Desert Cultural Center. Pianist Gloria Cheng is widely recognized as one of today's foremost interpreters of contemporary music. The Los Angeles Times described her performance as "miraculous in the sheer speed and sureness of her fingers," Gramophone has described her as "technically fearless," and the New York Times has praised her "impressive fluency and power." This special performance is produced by Eva Soltes Performance & Media Arts and the Desert Music Foundation. Guests at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center will be able to experience her live performance on a new, state-of- the-art grand piano and, as an added bonus, will be able to view her hands "up-close" using a live camera on the keyboard displayed on an oversized film projection screen. In addition to her performance, guests will be treated to insights directly from the artist, as Gloria Cheng is as stimulating a conversationalist as she is a performer.

Ms. Cheng is favored by some of the world's most demanding composer/conductors and has been invited to participate on film scores by numerous composers, including John Williams, James Horner, Maurice Jarre, David Newman, and Danny Elfman. She is also a favorite guest artist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Other projects have brought Ms. Cheng to festivals at Tanglewood, Aspen, Other Minds, and Kuhmo (Finland), as well as to venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and the Théâtre du Châtelet. Ms Cheng is on the faculty at UCLA.

According to music reviewer Robert Schulslaper of Fanfare Magazine, "Gloria Cheng's piano-playing is of the highest attainment. She has exquisite control of dynamics, pacing, and color, an instinctive understanding of each composer's thought, and plays with the rapt concentration that can hypnotize" He went on to say, "I was privileged to be in attendance when she recorded some of her program and could only wish that listeners have a similar opportunity to hear her live, as the disc, sonically excellent though it is, cannot compete with the colorful sound waves conjured by such polished pianism."

Gloria Cheng performs live Friday, September 19th, 2008, at 8:00 pm in the state-of-the-art Blak Box Theatre located directly behind the historic Hi-Desert Playhouse. General admission tickets are $15. Group rates available. To order tickets, call the Box Office at 760.366.3777 to talk to a "real" person, or order tickets online at http://www.hidesertculturalcenter.com using the easy to use Vendini ticketing system. Wine and imported beers will be available from a no-host bar located in the lobby. This special performance is produced by Eva Soltes Performance & Media Arts and the Desert Music Foundation.

*Grand Opening of Studio Godot and The Sun Runner Magazine headquarters in Joshua Tree, and the CD Release Party for There Be Pirates!*
September 20, 2008

Join us for the grand opening party for Studio Godot and The Sun Runner Magazine's new home in downtown Joshua Tree at 7 p.m. The party will include the opening of Finding the Higher Ground: New Orleans Artists Remember, with works by New Orleans artists Sydney McCutcheon, Healer Brown, Levy Easterly, and others. Joshua Tree musician/artist Ted Quinn's work will be featured in The Shower Gallery at Studio Godot - the world's first art gallery within a shower.

There will be gumbo, Mardi Gras Indians, live music, and the CD release party for Drink & the Devil, the new album by There Be Pirates!. We will also pause to remember the devastation Katrina brought upon the people of New Orleans three years ago.

LOCAL LAWYERS TO APPEAR AS JURORS IN GROVES CABIN THEATRE PRODUCTION OF COMPELLING COURTROOM CLASSIC "12 ANGRY MEN"
September 20-October 19, 2008

Three local attorneys and a judge are lending an extra dose of authenticity to the upcoming Groves Cabin Theatre production of the stirring classic courtroom drama 12 Angry Men.

12 Angry Men opens Groves Cabin Theatre's 2008/2009 season on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Legal Document Services will sponsor the opening night Champagne Gala, which will commence with drinks and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 PM and provide a coffee and dessert table at intermission. Opening night tickets are $25.00. Because of the large cast and advance demand for tickets, seats may not be available for all shows. Additional performances may be scheduled to accommodate more theatergoers.

12 Angry Men will be performed each Saturday evening at 8:00 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM from Saturday, September 20, through Sunday, October 19. Groves Cabin Theatre is located at 8768 Desert Willow Trail in Morongo Valley north of Highway 62 (look for the large red, white, and blue stone on the north side of the highway). Tickets for all seats are $10. For additional information and reservations call! (760) 365-4523.

Auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at Theatre 29
September 22, 2008

Theatre 29 and Director Rob Wanless are proud to announce auditions for the final production of the 2008 theatrical season, the holiday story "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". The production will run November 21th - December 20th, 2008

Auditions will be Monday, September 22nd at 6:00pm at Theatre 29's John Calveri Theatre, 73637 Sullivan Rd in Twentynine Palms.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", by children's author Barbara Robinson, is charming, hilariously funny, engaging and sometimes even poignant. Based on her best selling children's book, this play captures both the love and the chaos. This Christmas story is seen through the eyes of the Herdman children, who are quite possibly the worst kids on the planet. Every year, Mrs. Armstrong directs the local church's Christmas pageant. Every year, it's the same pageant, done the same way with the same script. This year, though, Mrs. Armstrong has broken her leg and while she is in traction, Grace Bradley gets stuck directing the pageant. Usually, the children feel safe at the church because it is the only place that the Herdman children never show. But this year, the Herdmans come to church lured by the promise of free goodies after Sunday school. The Herdmans, led by the irrepressible Imogene Herdman, take over the play.

For this production, Director Wanless is looking for four Adult men, six adult women, eight boys and nine girls around junior high school age. We are also looking for a dozen children (or so) of all ages. To audition, prepare one verse of your favorite Christmas carol and check the Theatre 29 website, www.theatre29.com , under "auditions" for some readings to choose from.

For further information, contact director Rob Wanless at (760) 367-2876 or via email at wanlessrd@yahoo.com. Details also available at the Theatre 29 website: www.theatre29.com .

Hospice of Morongo Basin's spring Children's Grief Support Group
September 23-October 28, 2008

Hospice of Morongo Basin's fall Children's Grief Support Group, for children ages 5 through 12, is scheduled for September 23 through October 28. The six meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Hospice office at 61675 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree. The facilitators are Rosa Lee Fabricius, Certified Counselor, MUSD, Retired; Roberta Ficara, Credentialed School Counselor, and Dianne F. Swella, Bereavement Program Coordinator for Hospice of Morongo Basin. Parents and guardians are required to attend the first and last sessions with their children. Parents and guardians may also form their own discussion group to run concurrently with the children's group.

Children are often the "forgotten mourners." In our society, death is considered a topic for adults only. However, children grieve deeply when they lose someone close to them. Our community has experienced some tough losses in the recent past. Our children have had to deal with some difficult and challenging issues. Our groups give children the opportunity to work through their grief with support of their peers and with caring professionals.

The program utilizes materials written by Marge Heegard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Art Therapist and Certified Grief Counselor in Minneapolis, MN, entitled "When Someone Very Special Dies", published by Woodland Press, and recommended by Dr. Earl Grollman and others.

Pre-registration is required by September 19th for this program. To pre-register, or for more information, call Dianne F. Swella, Hospice Bereavement Program Coordinator, at 366-1308.

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