News & Columns > Doe Huff > Our Town, March 30, 2009

Our Town, March 30, 2009

By Doe Huff
Monday, March 30, 2009

Someone asked me recently why I haven't written a column in a while. The truth is I was attacked three weeks ago by this terrorist bug going around and I haven't felt much like doing anything. For those who know I decorate for every holiday, you know things have been bad, when not one single Easter bunny has made it out of my storage. Boy this is a really nasty cold, or whatever it is. The only good thing is that I have been so miserable that I also decided to quit smoking so I could really feel sorry for myself!

Actually, I had my last smoke the night before seven of us ladies from the Lake Gregory Yacht Club headed off to Las Vegas for our yearly girls get-away. I promised my grandson I would try very hard to quit and I figured if I could not have a cigarette in sin city, I could really do it this time.

Boy am I glad what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas. I don't know what it is about this old, blonde person, but somehow I always seem to make it on stage when there are guys half naked. A few years back, I found myself surrounded by hunks at "Thunder Down Under" (Australia's version of Chippendales) and this time there I was again on stage, this time surrounded by the Chippendales' guys. Jim was so proud to hear all about it. Well, maybe not all about it. I did get the chance to see Cher and she was awesome. I will never forget her singing I Got You Babe to Sonny as his image was displayed on a huge screen.

So much has gone on this month. I know Mike Neufeld has kept you all well informed. I apologize to those that asked me to write about their events.

The calendar says it's spring so I have faith that warm weather is not far behind. Of course, you couldn't prove it to me by the ice on my driveway this morning. I sure hope the temperature will cooperate because there are many fun things coming up. I'm sure all of you with school-age kids are fully aware of Spring break next week. I bet you just can't wait to find fun things to keep the little ones occupied. I am hoping to have my grandson for half of the week and take him to the desert. I heard on the news the other day that Palm Springs is making a concerted effort to bring Spring Break back to the area.

I hope as many of you as possible are planning to go to the Christmas in April or Rebuilding Together (whichever name you prefer) dinner and auction this Friday, April 3. Jim and I already have our tickets and can't wait for Lake Arrowhead Country Club prime rib. This fundraiser helps hundreds of volunteers to make a difference in so many of our neighbor's lives. The money raised fills in the gaps of donated materials to rehab homes on Rebuilding Day. I hope to see you there.

Over in Lake Arrowhead, this is a big weekend as it is the 10th Annual Lake Arrowhead Film Festival from April 2 – 5. You can get all of the details from their web site or just wait until Mike writes everything there is to know in an article this week. Over in Big Bear the CATS production of Junior Musical/Senior Class Reunion continues on weekends at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center. Be sure to check the calendar of events for more information.

Speaking of the calendar, I have to thank Vicki from RIMOFTHEWORLD.net for updating it while I wallowed in cough syrup, Tylenol and self-pity.

When we bought our home 12 years ago, we were part-timers and never made it to the duck derbies. I am so excited they are bringing it back this year on April 11. I have already purchased my family of ducks and can't wait to see how they do coming down the water slide at Lake Gregory! The Merchant Hop-Along on Lake Drive in Crestline should also be a hit as well as the Easter Egg hunt at Lake Gregory. I haven't heard, but I'm sure the kids will be running for those eggs at the Lake Arrowhead Village and most likely every other community on the mountain. I know it will be all great fun, but I never have understood the connection between rabbits and eggs.

I was remiss in not telling you all of the fun things they had going on over at the Running Springs Library this month. They had a Teen Tech Week and gave away free children's passes to the San Bernardino County Museum. Next month they will continue their LEGO Club every Tuesday and a Thursday afternoon, the Thursday Afternoon Club and a young adult free art program the second Thursday of the month. They also have a "Food for Thought" program that will continue through April 18. For every five books a child aged 4 through 12 reads, they will receive a coupon for a free In-N-Out cheeseburger or hamburger. Now that's something I could really sink my teeth into! I think the limit is three coupons though.

Speaking of libraries, Jim attended the groundbreaking for the Crestline Library and said it was very nice. I was way too toxic to breathe on anyone so I stayed home. The Friends of the Library needs to raise $50,000 to purchase books for children. My good friend Donna Pannebaker has made this a personal quest. She is so passionate about getting kids to read, I think she hypnotized me when I pledged a monthly donation until the new building is completed. Hey, donating $25 or $50 a month hurts a lot less than one big donation. What price can you put on literacy anyway? If you can help, please stop by the library and lend a hand.

If you remember February's blog, (I confess I had to reread it), you may remember my historical trivia question was about the Fredalba School outside Running Springs. The original one-room school building has survived several fires, and today is a private residence. Some of the lumber was used to construct a 6 foot by 12 foot cabin to sleep six Brookings sawmill workers. Today it is a tool shed near the original school.

The one-room schoolhouse in Fredalba has survived many fires and remains a private cabin. (Photo by Courtesy of Stan Bellamy.)

According to Stan Bellamy, G. Athel Seymour was the teacher and she became an expert in teaching grades kindergarten through who ever showed up. These early mountain youngsters had a great education even beyond the classroom. They grew up in a mill town and enjoyed nature in its purest form. Stan says even wearing shoes was optional!

• Sticking with original old-time buildings that still exist in one form or another on the mountain, Fawnskin still has one. What do you suppose it was?

I recently received an email from Cheryl Chapman with the Crestline Communities Development Alliance. The CCDA has started their yearly quest to find generous folks to share their gardens during the 2009 Garden Eclectic. My garden is currently a mess, but then it never is good enough to brag about anyway. I have this problem of not wanting dirt under my manicured fingernails and then forgetting to water the poor plants. Each year they seem to be getting more and more replaced by artificial ones. However, I know so many of you really work hard and take pride in your landscaping. You can learn more about the CCDA garden and home tours at their website, http://www.crestlineccda.org.

I went to a Jam Days planning meeting last week and let me tell you they are already working hard to make this event special. My good friend, Gigi Fastelk Bannister is heading up the team this year and has many good ideas, but she can use lots of help to get all of the committees going. Jim and I suggested we bring back some of the glory days like bathtubs and toilet races, but insurance issues killed that one. One thing I find very exciting is that they are planning to have more activities in Top Town as an alcohol-free zone - lots of stuff for kids and families. Of course, the problem is always parking, but Gigi is tackling that issue with a vengeance.

Gigi's hubby, Reggie once again will be organizing all of the musical entertainment, not only for Jam Days, but also for our 6th Annual Old Fashioned 4th (this year to be on the 3rd) of July Community Picnic (yes, another shameless plug), and the July 5 chili cook-off. Reggie calls in many favors to get great entertainment and usually they end up playing for next to nothing. The committee is hoping to actually pay these guys this year. I suggested they put collection cans around town, sort of a pre-concert "Feed the Kitty". I think they are considering my suggestion, so make a note to help pay the piper, or guitarist, drummer, etc. If you can lend a hand with anything having to do with Jam Days, please call (909) 338-2706, or visit the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. In addition, it is not too soon to volunteer for the picnic by emailing me at Doe@rimoftheworld.net.

Isn't it just great living in Our Town?

This article was first published on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 11:46 am. This article has been viewed 628 times.

Doe and her husband Jim bought their home in Crestline 12 years ago and moved to the mountain full time eight years ago. Doe retired from the Federal government four years ago after working for NASA, The Army Material Command, the Technical Air Force/Navy Training Team, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Air Force Academy. Doe worked in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Washington D.C., Jeddah Saudi Arabia, Isfahan Iran, Pasadena, and active duty Air Force at Glasgow AFB, Montana and Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Doe was born in Chicago, but was raised in Montclair, CA. Jim and Doe share their home with their dog Cassidy.

Doe earned an Associates Degree in Journalism and a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado and was awarded a Presidential Management Internship. Writing has always been a hobby for Doe and since living in Crestline she has written human interest articles for "On the Mountain Magazine" and was a news reporter for the Crestline Courier as well as writing a very popular weekly column.

Together Doe and Jim have three children and five grandchildren. They are both very active in the community. Doe has served as President for the Crestline Communities Development Alliance, was on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Mountain Communities when it was formed, is a member of the Lake Gregory/Crestline Rotary and was a Board member for several years with the Rim of the World Historical Society. Doe and Jim organized the first annual 4th of July Old Fashioned Community Picnic and just finished the fifth successful year for this event. Doe has been working for over two years to bring a dog park to Lake Gregory. They received a Certificate of Appreciation from County Supervisor Paul Biane for their commitment to the improvement and general well being of the Crestline Lake Gregory community. Doe is very proud to be a citizen of Our Town.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Doe Huff.