DECEMBER 2017

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018 How did another year pass by so quickly? As always, we were busy reporting on many fun times and new challenges in our valley; new residents were welcomed and we sadly said goodbye to dear friends. Garner Valley returned to the movies in Tucker’s War. Emergency preparedness continued to be an important topic. Paint Night and a CPR Class were held at the Common. The Garner Valley Equestrian Alliance and a Neighborhood Watch Program were formed. A black bear visited us on Gold Shot Creek. A proposed water rate increase continues to be addressed by our Ad Hoc Water Committee. Garner Valley now has a Facebook page and is set up on NextDoor.com. Anza Electric is diligently working on providing fiber optic internet service. Western Day was a big hit and enjoyed a record attendance, and there are two more parties yet to come this year! Yes, it has been a busy year!

As your editors, we enjoyed bringing you news about our valley every month. We also welcomed great contributions and articles from our members. We would like to give a special thanks to Steve Lauzier, Judy Sherman, Jim Merson, Diana Fedder, Kathy Bowman, Sandy Brunet, Kerry Manos, Melanie Bellamore, Bonnie Eggert, and Helen Steenman for taking the time to provide articles and pictures throughout the year which made our newsletter even better. We sure do appreciate it, and we look forward to hearing from you next year!

We would like to thank all of you for your support and for letting us know how much you enjoy the newsletter. We are thinking of you this special holiday, sending our wishes for joy and good health, and hoping all good things will come your way; satisfaction, comfort, peace, and success!

Lynnette Holdridge Leslie Ingham

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Update from Anza Electric 2

New Idyology 2

Mountain Art & Craft Faire 3

GV’s Fruit and Veggie Stand 3

GV Gals Holiday Party 4

Holiday Shoppers Be Aware 5

Hilltop Horsemen 6

Holiday Cheer Flyer 7

NATRC 7

Mark Your Calendars 8

The Valley Voice Page 2

New Idyology Owners' Motto: "The Possibilities Are Endless"

Kelli Cooper and Agatha Frank, friends for over 20 years, are the new owners of Idyology. They took ownership just three weeks ago and are in the process of adding menu items. The food is American with high end bison or beef burgers, fried chicken, salmon, and steak. They are adding more steaks, more appetizers, weekly specials and more. Each week they will be doing something different. Kelli said, "Our wine and beer prices are the lowest on the hill."

Other plans for the future include breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. They will provide catering and increasing their vegan and vegetarian options. In the spring the duo hopes to add country dancing on the patio. Kelli said, "We are country girls and would love to have dancing with a Country band." Currently, there is musical entertainment five nights a week. The bands that play are from on and off the hill.

The restaurant has a comfortable country atmosphere. Country tunes are playing on the sound system. Idyology is now a full service restaurant. The servers, dressed in jeans and plaid flannel shirts, are very helpful and friendly. There is a comfy couch, with lots of pillows and blankets placed in front of a crackling fire.

The kitchen will stay open until midnight on Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Idyology is located in Fern Valley Corners, on North Circle Drive.

We wish the new owners the best of luck and look forward to seeing their vision playing out in the near future.

Update from Anza Electric/ConnectAnza Submitted by Steve Lauzier

Anza Electric Cooperative and ConnectAnza continues to communicate with the California Public Utilities Commission regarding our application for Phase 2 grant funds to assist with the work needed to be done to bring the fiber optic (high speed) internet system to Garner Valley and Pinion Hills. Frontier Communications continues to lobby the Utilities Commission against granting these funds. Frontier states that it ALREADY IS PROVIDING GARNER VALLEY WITH HIGH SPEED INTERNET despite its obsolete copper wire DSL technologies that limit it from reaching even a tenth of the capabilities or speeds of fiber optic system proposed -- a system ALREADY IN SERVICE for Anza.

I was contacted directly by one of the Public Utilities commissioners two weeks ago in response to my emails and letters and gave him speed test results that show my Frontier DSL system service produces download speeds of only .33-.35 MBPS and uploads even slower despite their advertisements and marketing of speeds up to 1 MBPS. Anza Electric’s ConnectAnza fiber optic can routinely provide speeds of 60 MBPS and is capable of many times that though the higher speeds are still in limited testing presently, and not ready for promotion.

In other news -- Anza Electric Cooperative is contracting for installation of new sub-station equipment which will improve the reliability of the system in addition to power upgrades expected from Edison which will come through the Mountain Center connections.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 607-227-4248.

Equine Emergency Evacuation

The GV Equestrian Alliance is planning a seminar for the

community on Saturday, January 27 on this important topic. A guest

speaker will provide valuable information on how to plan ahead,

recommended supplies and paperwork, medical equipment,

checklists and more! Don’t miss it! Watch for details in the January

newsletter.

The Valley Voice Page 3

Shopping at the Mountain Art and Craft Faire

There was much to see and admire at the annual Mountain Art and Craft Faire on November 18 at the Common: gourds, knives, holiday decorations, pillow covers, diamonds and gold, artwork, soaps, purses, jams, jellies, jewelry galore, embroidery, yummy treats, home decor … just to name a few!

We started our Christmas shopping early, and we found a few things for ourselves too! We missed seeing the alpacas this year but we are hoping to see a special surprise “greeter” next year.

A big thanks goes to Jo O’Brien for organizing this fun annual event!

Garner Valley’s Own Fruit and Veggie Stand

Stop by and check out the certified Sage Mountain organic vegetables, farm fresh eggs, fruits, jams, jellies, honey, and more for sale, right on Hwy. 74.

The farm is on the honor system; just make your selections and leave the money in the box. The cooler is stocked daily. There are no set hours; come by any time!

The Valley Voice Page 4

The Garner Valley Gals hold several fund raisers throughout the year, including our home tour and the craft faire. With the funds we raise, we have donated to local non-profit organizations such as ARF, Living Free, Heavenly Horse Haven, and Manzanita Ranch. In addition, we are able to provide free to the community an ice cream social in July and the holiday dinner in December. This year, as always, we will be serving ham, turkey, and all the fixings, including plenty of desserts. Come at 6:00 p.m. for appetizers, wine, and soda and enjoy the music of the jazz trio from Idyllwild Arts.

Although not required, we ask for donations of food or unwrapped toys, to be donated to Sacred Heart church in Anza. RSVPs are not necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact Judy Sherman at 659-4075.

Katie's Christmas Crunch

1/2 pkg. of Rice Chex (normal sized box) 1/2 pkg. of Corn Chex (normal sized box) 1/2 pkg. of Golden Grahams (normal sized box) 1/2 pkg. of coconut (toasted) 1/2 pkg. of almonds (toasted) Set aside in a very large bowl. In cooking pot put in 1 stick of butter (not margarine) 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of white Karo Syrup Heat to rolling boil. Cook exactly 5 minutes. Pour this syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl, coating it thoroughly. ENJOY!!!

GV Gals Holiday Party

Submitted by Judy Sherman

The Valley Voice Page 5

Holiday Shoppers Be Aware!

Who doesn't want a good deal? There is no shortage of sale ads from merchants who want your business: they are using preferred customer specials, early bird sales, midnight madness events, coupon savings days, and pre-AND post-holiday sales. How do you decide if their deals are real?

* Shop Around. A "sale" price isn't always the best price. Some merchants may offer a sale price on an item for a limited time; others may discount the price on the same item every day. Some retailers even raise the price and then put the item "on sale." Having an item's manufacturer, model number, and other identifying information can help you get the best price for the item you want.

* Read sale ads carefully. Some may say "quantities limited," "no rain checks," or "not available in all stores." Before you step out the door, call ahead to make sure the merchant has the item in stock. If you're shopping for a popular or hard to find item, ask the merchant if he'd be willing to hold the item until you can get to the store.

*Take time and travel costs into consideration. If an item is on sale, but it is way across town, how much are you really saving once you factor in your time, your transportation, and parking?

*Look for price-matching policies. Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor's prices - at least for a limited time. Read the merchant's pricing policy. It may not apply to all items.

*Go online. Check out websites that compare prices for items offered online. Some sites also may compare prices offered at stores in your area. If you decide to buy online, keep shipping costs and delivery time in mind.

*Calculate bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise. For example, "buy one, get one free," free gift with purchase," or "free shipping with minimum purchase" may sound enticing. If you don't really want or need the item, it's not a deal.

*Ask about sale adjustments. If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount? What documentation will you need?

*Ask about refund and return policies for sale items. Merchants often have different refund and return policies for sale items, especially clearance merchandise.

Suggestions provided by The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information

Holiday Jokes

Question: What breakfast cereal do snowmen like?

Answer: Snowflakes.

Question: Where do snowmen keep their money?

Answer: In a snow bank.

Question: What kind of motorcycle does Santa drive?

Answer: A Holly Davidson

Question: What do mummies like best about the holidays?

Answer: All of the wrapping.

Question: Which reindeer likes to clean?

Answer: Comet

The Valley Voice Page 6

Hilltop Horsemen: Another Opportunity for Horse Enthusiasts to Share their Passion Submitted by Kerry Manos As most readers of the Valley Voice know, Garner Valley horse people came together earlier this year to form the Garner Valley Equestrian Alliance (GVEA) under the able leadership of Melanie Bellamore. This group is comprised of active riders who meet on a regular basis to improve their horsemanship skills through clinics and group lessons.

There is another opportunity for horse enthusiasts to have fellowship with like-minded people and learn more about horses: the Hilltop Horsemen.

Hilltop Horsemen has been around since 2003, but the membership has evolved over time as the original folks have passed on or left the area, and new people have moved in and joined the group. Although the organization traditionally welcomes anyone from our surrounding mountain communities, the majority of the present participants hail from Garner Valley.

The biggest difference between Hilltop Horsemen and GVEA is that you don’t have to be a currently active rider to enjoy being a “Hilltopper”. Most of our members do own horses, but some don’t ride regularly, and some folks new to the area don’t have horses yet, but are planning to become horse owners in the near future. Hilltop Horsemen provides this diverse group an opportunity to meet, socialize and network, and to learn something of interest to horse people at the same time.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from 6-8 PM at a member’s home. Members take turns hosting a meeting, but hosting is NOT a requirement if it is inconvenient for some people to do so. The meetings begin with a potluck supper and social hour, with the host providing the entree and the attendees providing their choice of an appetizer, side dish or dessert. Attendees are also asked to contribute $1 toward the host’s expenses.

The second hour of the meeting is devoted to a speaker or activity. Recent programs have included a demonstration of Paso Fino horses by a local trainer, plus an opportunity to try riding them; a demonstration of how horses are trained to pull buggies and wagons, with a chance to try driving a buggy; and a discussion with a local vet about colic and other horse health concerns.

To become a member, you just need to show up at the meetings when you can or desire. No commitments, no dues, no qualifications. For more information, or to get on our email list, contact Kerry Manos at kmanos0503@hotmail.com. Also, look for flyers at the mail boxes and postings on NextDoor.com for meeting announcements.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas gathering at Susan Gonzalez’ home on December 5 at 6:00 p.m. Bring a horsey gift worth about $20 for a gift exchange. We’d love you to join us! Please RSVP to Susan at 951-659-3181 as they are planning an extra special Christmas entrée.

The Valley Voice Page 7

NATRC Submitted by Helen Steenman

This past October I returned to a sport I quit 12 years ago but never stopped loving – Competitive trail riding (CTR) as conducted by the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC). I had a blast! When I went down to this ride near San Diego, I didn’t know anyone there because I used to ride up in northern California. However, I had every confidence that by the time the ride was over, I’d have new friends. That is exactly what happened – NATRC folks everywhere are ALWAYS friendly, supportive, helpful to each other, and over time they become like family. I ended up riding with, and to some extent mentoring, a gal that I know I will stay in touch with and hopefully see at future rides.

So why do I love CTR? Besides the great people, the sport combines many things I love including trail riding, camping, and finding your way down a new trail following maps and markings. It gives me goals – getting my horse fit, teaching him manners. I always learn things about being a better horseman and safe habits. Best of all, it helps you build a bond of trust with your horse.

Ok so what is CTR? It is NOT a race! You can be the last rider in from the trail, and still get first place. Oh yes there are awards – NATRC is very generous with ribbons and prizes.

(Continued on next page)

The Valley Voice Page 8

YOUR EDITORS

Lynnette Holdridge (626) 233-1224

Leslie Ingham

(909) 631-3685

Email: GVEditors@gmail.com

How Do I Sign Up for the

Newsletter Email List?

Email us at the above address.

Submissions and photos

are always welcome!

Submission deadline: 25th of the month

No political statements.

No paid advertising.

Please feel free to contact the Editors with any other

questions. If we do not have the answers, we will

get them!

NATRC, Continued

You and your horse each get a score card with a lot of comments for you to read and keep. There are 2 judges. The vet will thoroughly assess your horse before, during, and after the ride – that alone is worth the price of the ride! Horses are checked for soundness and condition, and also scored on manners – will he stand still while the vet pokes and prods! Will he trot in hand, and can you lunge him? The horsemanship judge looks at how you ride and handle your horse on the trail, in camp, during vet checks, and through natural obstacles such as water crossings.

Everyone new to CTR should start at the Novice level, and with a new horse I am still riding Novice. The Novice trail is approximately 20 miles (our trail last weekend was 18). Sounds like a lot, but you don’t need to ride that far all the time for your horse to be able to do it. I usually ride 7-8 miles, 2-3 times a week, and my horse did great. If you were training for a marathon, you would not run marathons every day! Anyway, we rode about 3 hours, had a one hour lunch break in camp (hay and water for horse), and rode another 2 and a half hours to finish. It goes quickly – must be adrenaline. There is a 30 minute time window for you to ride within; if you finish too early you can lose points as much as if you finish too late. Many rides offer the option of a 2-day ride, and the second day is a shorter trail. For advanced riders, you can ride Open (30 mile trail), or Competitive Pleasure (CP) which is the same as the Novice trail.

If you are curious about CTR but not sure your horse is ready, come as a volunteer! It takes about as many volunteers as riders to put on a ride. Better yet, just enter a ride and see how you do. The vet will NOT let you hurt your horse – if he isn’t making it, he will be pulled during one of the vet checks.

NATRC is a national organization, and in So. Cal we are part of Region 2. To learn more about CTR, go to NATRC.org. The 2018 ride schedule should be posted soon. There is a possibility that the GVEA will host a clinic here in February to introduce folks to the sport. With all the trail riders we have in this community, I’m sure some of you will want to get involved. Watch for details to come!

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events! December 5, 2017

Hilltop Horsemen meeting and special potluck. See article on page 6.

December 9, 2017

Annual Garner Valley Gals holiday dinner at the Common. See flyer and article on page 4.

December 16, 2017

Holiday Cheer at the Common, sponsored by the GV Equestrian Alliance. See flyer on page 6. Please RSVP by December 9.

January 27, 2018

Equine Emergency Evacuation seminar presented by the GV Equestrian Alliance. Details to follow!