A publication of Mountain C.A.R.E. ( ...mtncare.com/documents/bear-facts-volume-8-issue-4.pdf · Page 2 Volume 8 Issue 4 A Publication of Mountain C.A.R.E. Check out current community

as folks viewed the webcams and made their way through the storm events . That is what we are here for. Mountain C.A.R.E. provides our communities of Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Forest Falls with information, advice, and on the ground “boots action” on how to better live within our home environment.Again, I would like to thank all the folks who donated to Mountain C.A.R.E. by either mailing it in, or donating on-line. We had another very good three months, and Mountain C.A.R.E. continues to remain financially strong. Finally, I would like to welcome back Rod Goodyear to the Mountain C.A.R.E. Board and both he and his wife Karenm back to town after their year-long professorial gig in Texas.

A publication of Mountain C.A.R.E. (http://www.mtncare.com) Autumn 2014 Volume 8 Issue 4

Bear Facts Staff

Paul Tetreault Editor

Shirley Bauer Advertising Director

Carol Burgess Mailing Director

to submit Letters to the Editor

write to:[email protected]

Mountain C.A.R.E. President’s Message

Ready and Willing

by Matt Bottenberg

by Bear Facts Editor, Paul Tetreault

Wall to wall but at least it was dry

Mountain C.A.R.E. Board of Directors

Matt Bottenberg President

Shirley Bauer Vice President

Robin Dexter-Durham SecretaryJamie Orr Treasurer

Carol Burgess Subscription Director

Rod Goodyear Member of the Board

Yholddy Jones Member of the Board

Michelle Macri Member of the Board

Paul Tetreault Member of the Board

Please Support Us $15/yr

At the beginning of August of this year, Forest Falls experienced a deluge of rain in a very short period of time, like 4 inches in just over an hour. This created a mudflow, actually several mudflows that crossed Valley of the Falls Drive and cut our canyon into several uncrossable segments. There was damage to homes, cars, properties and one very unfortunate power pole. Forest Home suffered over half a million dollars in damage to their facility, many of their brand new endeavors wiped out. Fortunately there were only a few injuries and no deaths this time around. The fire department had their hands full with debris removal and road clearing and were quick to clear out 4 of the 5 debris flows. The last mudflow and the biggest was over 11 feet high and a 1/4 mile long and took the rest of the night to clear. While clearing the last big flow many visitors were stranded while picnicing, hiking and enjoying our beautiful canyon. Folks in our three collective towns truly rallied and came to the rescue of these visitors and displaced residents. CERT members, Search & Rescue folks and many spontaneous volunteers opened the Community Center as an emergency shelter housing close to 100 people who slept on blankets on the floor. Many neighbors brought groceries to the Lodge and some opened their homes to allow strangers to spend the night. Others came by the next morning and fired up the kitchen to serve breakfast to all those that were stranded. This

generous effort is not typical in all communities. I know tragedy and emergencies can bring out a lot of good in people, but there is something about our “Neck of the Woods” that make me proud to call this place home.I want to give a special shout out to Jenny’s Laundromat in Yucaipa. Jenny, her husband Rick and even their kids Josh, Megan, Parker and Paige allowed us, free of charge to wash all of the blankets that were used for the shelter. All the kids just mention actually helped me load and unload all the machines washing and drying over 30 blankets. They also helped restock our emergency clothes stash that got depleted by visitors in wet clothes. Please give her your coin-op laundry business.I chose to mention these efforts in this issue to again remind you that we all live in a very special place. Keep on volunteering and making sure our home stays beautiful.

Well, we did get some decent thunderstorms this summer to moisten things up, and a couple of indecent ones as Paul Tetreault will report below. These storms were not drought busters though. At my house we are at 6.92 for the new season, which is

well above average, but we really need a good year of precipitation to end the California drought. We got many “hits” at mtncare.com, during the storms

Page 2 Volume 8 Issue 4 A Publication of Mountain C.A.R.E.

Check out current community news at www.mtncare.com

Last season, we met our neighbors, The Zeeks. This season, we’ll get to know Mike Laur. My husband, Noah, and I met Mike at this year’s Chili Cook-off, where he made himself highly approachable by wearing a tall, brightly colored hat and a smile. We struck up an easy conversation in front of El Mexicano, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and salivatingly delicious smells of the fest. Stephanie Sager (SS): So, how long have you lived in Forest Falls? Mike: 7 years. SS: What brought you up here?Mike: Peace and quiet and a safe place to raise my daughter.SS: Tell me something about this mountain. Mike: I’m a single dad with a 16 year old daughter. At 15, she ran away for a bit. It was amazing. Everyone came together and looked for her. They were bringing me food. When you move here, pretty soon, you know everybody, and if you don’t know ‘em, you’ve seen ‘em. Like this doctor [Jim Evans]. He’s a clown and he makes balloons and he’s on the Search and Rescue team. In the winter, there’s firewood for warmth. If you run out of gasoline, 4 out of 5 people will stop and somebody will get you home. It’s a friendly place. Every year we do a town picture and it’s because people donate their time and money and supplies. If you need a ride down the mountain, people will pick you up. Please write down that my daughter’s name is “Misty”.

Meet Your NeighborsMountain Folk

by Stephanie Sager

Mike Laur

If you would like to see most of this issue’s photos in color, visit www.mtncare.com

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” ~ John Muir

SS: I will. What is a belief you have about the stars? Mike: I don’t really have any beliefs about the stars, but there’s a million out there. There might be some intelligent life, but until I’ve seen it, I’m open. SS: What is one element you would like to add to Forest Falls? Mike: A gas station.Thank you, Mike Laur. You are a valuable part of Forest Falls!! Your gratitude for your neighbors reminds us how thankful we are to be part of this amazing community.If you think you, or someone you know should be interviewed for this Mountain Folk column in an upcoming issue, please email Stephanie Sager at [email protected]


Check out old issues of the Bear Facts at www.mtncare.com

RIPPER by Isabel Allende, with brilliant prose, this is a modern day “Jack-the-Ripper” story with a twist. Indiana and her daughter Amanda are as different as night and day, but have an incredible bond. Indiana works at an alternative medicine clinic as a Reiki master and aroma-therapy specialist, very spiritual in a 60’s persona, and always sees the good in people. Amanda is an awkward teen who attends a private Catholic school and is addicted to Ripper, an internet crime game she plays with her beloved grandfather and friends from around the world; friends who are misfits in their

own circumstances. When a string of weird and grisly murders occurs across the city, Amanda becomes a sleuth plunging into her own investigation, querying the Ripper players for clues to solve each murder. The clues found by these illustrious Sherlock Holmes detectives baffle even Amanda’s father, San Francisco’s deputy chief of homicide, who discloses to his daughter the inside scoop of the gruesome murders. As Amanda unfolds each ugly murder, her mother suddenly vanishes. Now

Amanda, her grandfather, the Ripper sleuths and Ryan, (former Navy Seal with one leg, who’s in love with Indiana) must solve this complex mystery before it’s too late. This is a serial killer tale with an Agatha Christie approach. Murder, murder everywhere with romance entwined. WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman, RT Book Reviews states, “Captivating….Told in alternating perspectives, the story reaches a place of immense emotional depth and psychological turmoil, culminating in an unexpected, heartrending ending.” I could not say this better. My heart was wrenched while reading this book. Clara Cartwright, eighteen years old in1929, lives with overbearing parents who are wealthy and unloving. Though Clara is in love with an Italian immigrant, her father has arranged for her to marry someone else. When Clara rejects this, outraged her father sends her to a genteel home for nervous invalids. Clara, however, is pregnant and her lover doesn’t know where she is. Her letters from the hospital were never delivered. When her father’s fortune is lost in the stock market crash, he can no longer afford for Clara’s care and she is committed to the asylum. What happens in the asylum and to Clara’s baby is astonishing. The alternating story is told by Izzy, who is eighteen and lives with foster parents. Ten years earlier, Izzy’s mother fatally shot her father while he slept. Devastated by her mother’s insanity, Izzy refuses to visit her in prison. When Izzy decides to help her foster mom and dad (who are employees at the local museum) cataloging items at a long-shuttered state asylum, she discovers a stack of unopened letters, an old journal, and pictures of a young woman with a handsome, dark young man. Izzy begins to unravel the story of Clara. In writing this story, the author wondered what might have happened if someone was committed to an asylum when not mentally ill. And especially in 1929…..this is not good.

Considering Books Ford Firewood Donates Woodby Katherine Thomerson-Bird

Remember:

are On-Line with Live Links at:

http://www.mtncare.com/bear-facts

both the current issue & old issues

Great News! A long time friend to our mountain communities, Fred Ford, of Ford Firewood (909) 793-1952, contacted me [Paul Tetreault, editor of the Bear Facts] the other day and told me he would like to donate four cords of wood in November to our community to be passed out to those families that are having difficulties getting wood for their familes and homes.I gave Rob Rock a call since he has a firewood ministry that he and a few other canyon residents headed up last year and the year before. He said he could supervise the distribution of this donated firewood to families who need it. So if you find yourself budget crunched or stretched out a little and in serious need of some wood to keep your house and family warm this winter, give Rob Rock a call at 909-794-7956. He and the Firewood Ministry will be happy to help you out.If you have more firewood than you need or if you’re moving off the hill and no longer need your wood stash, give Rob a call and donate to the Firewood Ministry, every little bit helps.



Flashovers

HELP WANTED… ADOPT A FIRE HYDRANT!

by Tom McIntosh, Capt. Forest Falls, Station 99Winter, Right Around the Bend!As Fall fades into Winter, now is the time to prepare for ice and snow. Will we see 6’ of the white stuff on the ground this winter? We will all know that answer in

the Spring but regardless of winter’s intensity we can plan on making adjustments to our daily life as we enjoy the change in the season. A bit of preparation of our approaching winter season can save you time, frustration and possibly injury or loss. Your winter check list should include:Checking APPLIANCES and HEATERS to insure proper venting, trapped carbon monoxide can be a killer. Take the throw rug off the floor furnace and pull the couch away from the wall heaters. Clean your FIREPLACE AND WOOD STOVE CHIMNEYS and maintain proper clearance from the heat and flames to your furniture and wood storage. Secure free standing wood stoves to the hearth to prevent falling in a earthquake.Check your SPARK ARRESTORS... 1/4” mesh, fully intact and visible from the ground. Have a plan for proper DISPOSAL OF HOT ASHES, a 5 gallon metal trash can sitting on a non-combustible surface is a great place to store ashes until they are fully cool to the touch. Once old man winter is upon us, the hazards reappear in the form of ICE on our roads, drives and walkways causing slips, falls and out of control vehicles. The WEIGHT OF SNOW AND ICE on your roof, trees and utility lines can invite trouble while a PROPANE TANK REGULATOR buried in the snow can malfunction, causing releases of gas into your home.Driving in winter conditions are tough enough, LIMITED VISIBILITY due to low clouds, snow flurries, or heavy rain suggest we slow down and drive even more defensively than normal. Good visibility is a must so remember to clear snow and ice from all your windows, driving with just a “porthole” of visibility on the windshield invites an accident.Chains are a tool for winter driving, some conditions dictate that even 4-wheel drives with M&S rated tires chain up for safety. When installing your chains... think ahead, put them on before they are needed and pull completely off the roadway to install or remove chains. Avoid frost nip or frost bite by having proper clothes, including gloves, for winter travel and when working with chains.Fire Rescue Explorer Post: Thanks to all the great Fire Explorers we have serving our community. In addition to training in all levels of Fire and Rescue, they have also shown their commitment to the community as they participated in Fund Raisers, Earth Day, and the Firefighters Labor Day

Dinner, just to name a few. Several of the senior Explorers have completed their basic fire/rescue training and can respond under the supervision of Firefighters to assist in local responses to emergencies… the August flood event being a great example of how these young adults can fill a great need in our community.WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR? Some residents have questioned who and what those folks with the green helmets and vests were doing after the last flood event when they came knocking at residents doors. These involved community members are part of CERT, Community Emergency Response Team, a national program of people helping people in disasters. Under the authority of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, CERT teams such as ours respond when requested by the county to assist local Fire/Rescue resources which could range from providing initial First Aid, Light Rescue, Fire Suppression to something as simple as knocking on your door to determine all is okay and to assure you do not need help. Thank you to all of those who have taken the training and made CERT a priority in their life.

Did you know the typical fire in the home can go from ignition to full involvement in just 4-6 minutes. Losing precious minutes to access a fire hydrant could mean the difference between minor damage and a complete loss of your home and possessions. Your Forest Falls firefighters are looking for community members to adopt the fire hydrant that serves your home. Snow piled around the Fire Hydrant can freeze the caps on, making it almost impossible to remove them when needed. Forest Falls has two types of fire hydrants, the “dry barrel” (like the one shown here) has three outlets and is operated by a valve on the top of the unit. The dry barrel, our preferred hydrant, is not only freeze proof but it does not require us to access the valve in the ground during an emergency. However, this dry barrel hydrant still needs full clearance on both sides and the area that fronts the street to allow fire hoses to easily be attached. Our older hydrants, called “standpipes” are really just 4” pipe with a “T” on the top providing an outlet on each side. While also freeze proof, these standpipes rely on a valve in the ground. and if this box is buried in dirt or a snow berm, or filled with debris, it can also take a few minutes to clear before we can turn the hydrant on, wasting valuable time during a fire. Help yourself and the Fire Department, keep your hydrant accessible year ‘round. Contact a community firefighter for more information.

Household Hazardous Material Disposal every Saturday in Redlands 9:30am-12:30 pm

City of Redlands Corporate Yard at 1270 West Park Ave near Kansas Street



High Country Gardens magazine says, “Plant loss in the wintertime is more commonly caused by lack of water than by freezing temperatures.” And, I don’t know about you but I’ve invested too much heart and soul into my little yard to let Old Man Winter harm my lovely plants.There are two really important things to do to get our gardens through winter; mulching and watering. Most

important is getting water to plant roots (this is the watering part) and helping to keep it there (this is the mulching part). The root hairs that grow off of main root systems are responsible for getting water and nutrients to the plant. For root hairs to live they must be moist. If they dry out, they die and even if the main root system survives the winter, if the root hairs are gone the plant will suffer.Roots at the top foot of soil dry out rapidly in the winter wind and due to the cold air holding less moisture, it is vital that we supplement the water provided by winter snows. .If you have any questions about tips or anything else in your garden, check out our facebook page or feel free to stop by a Frozen Green Thumb Garden Club meeting. Visitors are always welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Frozengreenthumbgardenclub?ref=ts&fref=ts

On Sunday, August 3, all our training paid off. The Mill Creek CERT was officially deployed by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services (OES).

Debris flows covered Valley of the Falls in multiple spots preventing about 80 picnic’ers from returning to their homes. As we’ve always done, phone calls were made, Facebook messages were posted and members of CERT and Search & Rescue opened Big Falls Lodge as an emergency shelter, then rotated shifts to staff the Community Center from about Sunday 4pm to Monday 10am. Other CERT members drove earthmoving equipment, directed traffic, or went door-to-door checking on their neighbors. Search & Rescue personel met the Red Cross team near the Post Office and hiked up to Big Falls Lodge with food. As you’ve already read, many Forest Falls residents stopped by and shared food and conversation with our temporary guests.A huge thank you to those who gave of their time and expertise. It was an exciting event and it was made easier by all our skilled and dedicated residents. A summary of of our CERT Program’s activities so far this year:March - Basic CERT training, 3-Saturday 21 hr course 20+ grads.April - Graduation and recertification evening with County OES.May - Refresher Course, Chapter 1 - Disaster Preparedness.June - CERT field trip to investigate the 4 Disaster BinsJuly - info table at the SAR Pancake BreakfastAugust - Refresher Course, Chapter 2 - Fire supressionFor more ideas on being prepared, check out the C.E.R.T website:http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teamsWe have a Mill Creek Canyon C.E.R.T. page on Facebook, if you want access to the page’s conversation, alerts, upcoming activities, skills maintenance, advanced classes, contact Paul Tetreault 909-794-0077 or https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillCreekCanyonCERT/

Winter on it’s Way

On Being Preparedby Mill Creek Canyon C.E.R.T.

by Shirley Bauer

by Beth TetreaultFrozen Green Thumb Garden Club

Mountain Winter Gardening

It’s almost winter, that crisp, beautiful time of the year. Here are some helpful tips to make this winter better for all of us.- It is a good idea to put Vaseline or a heavy moisturizer on kids faces before they go out in the cold. If your lil’ man refuses your girly moisturizers, there are men’s versions available.- Keep your gas tank close to full, you never know when you’ll get stuck behind an accident or somethimg. Have some flares, flashlights with extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone and charger, a blanket, and extra socks in your vehicle all winter. - Another thing you MUST have, even though you may never need them, is a set of chains. There are times the CHP makes EVERYONE put them on or at least have them in your vehicle. (You may be the most experienced, safest driver, but someone else may not be and put you in a ditch, so best to be prepared).- It’s warm jacket and cap time. Also, little kids and elderly folk’s ears are delicate, so its wise to have caps that cover their ears.Zipping a jacket can be daunting for them also. Make that job easier by attaching a metal shower curtain ring to the zipper pull.- Now is the time to have your fireplace checked, cleaned out if it needs it. There is a qualified chimney sweep in an ad in the Bear Facts. Soot and creosote build up in our fireplaces. Soot is the dry stuff that forms on the inside of the stovepipie (the flue). It’s dirty but harmless. The creosote is wood tar that concentrates when wood is burned. It collects inside the chimney and appears shiny and hard. Cresote is DANGEROUS because it’s flammable. Burning wood very slowly and using premature green wood (not dry enough or seasoned) are the two major causes of creosote buildup. It is the MAJOR CAUSE OF CHIMNEY FIRESLet’s all stay warm, safe and have fun this winter!!!

This is a RECYCLING BIN, Not a DUMPSTER

This bin IS for • Cardboard• Plastic • Glass• Aluminum

It is NOT for • TVs• Electronics • Yard waste• Household Trash

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR TRASH AT THIS SITE! If the bin is not there, don’t leave your recyclables here,

keep them in your vehicle until the bin arrives.



If you know of anyone that is in a pinch or needs some help, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”, a new organization in Forest Falls managing a Food Pantry, will provide food. We keep a very confidential listing of those who could use a helping hand. YOU, our fantastic community, have been terrific in donating food at Souper

Thursdays, at the post office, and at special events. PLEASE continue to donate, we will put it to good use. Thanking you in advance…keep the food coming.Contact Dee Konczal at 909-794-0885 or [email protected]

Neighbors Helping NeighborsThe Haunt on the Hill turns 4by Dee Konczal

1st Annual - 2014Angelus Oaks Community Association

Arts and Crafts FairSunday, November 23rd 2014, 12pm to 5pm

Located at the Angelus Oaks Fire Station Number 98 in the community center: 5766 Frontage Road

Our new Fall tradtion, “The Haunt on the Hill” turns 4 this year on Oct 25th. As this article is being written the Haunt is in it’s last couple of weeks of planning and there are many volunteers on board. The last three years our little fright-fest has been well recieved and some funds were raised to continue the Commubity Center maintence efforts.In case you don’t know what this event is, The Haunt on the Hill takes place at Big Falls Lodge the Saturday prior to Halloween. Families and Community Organizations pitch in by either taking on decorating and staffing a scene in a Haunted Walk-thru or assiting in the operations of the event. For instance, the Garden Club is creating a Witch Hollow in the Gazebo this year and the Cub Scout will be creating a Pirate ship while the Reno family staffs the maze and Katherine Thomerson-Bird tells your fortune. Our local Search & Rescue team is handling traffic and safety making sure cars don’t drive too fast and little ones don’t go into the street. There is a nice meal being prepped and served by the Soup Night team, and the costume contest is being facilitated by Burgess Photography. There is a “BYO Carved Pumpkin” contest and a new little kids play area. All proceed go to keeping the community center going.



Oct 31st Trick Or Treat Trail Downtown Forest Falls, Halloween Night 5pm-9pm

Nov 6th Soup Night & Food Pantry Drive

Dinner is FREE, Donations encouraged, Please bring canned food items Big Falls Lodge 4-7pm, Dee Konczal 909-794-0885 or [email protected]

Nov 23rd1st Annual Angelus Oaks Community Association

Arts and Crafts Fair

Sunday 12pm to 5pm, Located at the Angelus Oaks Fire Station Number 98 in the community center: 5766 Frontage Road, Angelus Oaks, Rachel Post

Nov 27th Thanksgiving Dinner Potluck at Big Falls Lodge

Thanksgiving Day Thursday from 2-5pm at Big Falls Lodge please bring a side dish, contact Dee Konczal 909-794-0885 or [email protected]

Dec 4th Soup Night & Food Pantry Drive

Dinner is FREE, Donations encouraged, Please bring canned food items Big Falls Lodge 4-7pm, Dee Konczal 909-794-0885 or [email protected]

Dec 6th Breakfast with Santa & Kids Mini Concert

Big Falls Lodge 8-10:30am Santa arrives at 9am Photos with Santa included - $6 Adults, $4 kids (under 13)

Dec 20th Downtown Carollers Saturday, early evening. In front of Jessica’s Treasures, watch for postings

EVENT CALENDARAngelus Oaks - Forest Falls - Mountain Home Village

Autumn 2014

Forest Falls Fire Department

Meets every Tuesday at 6:30pm, Forest Falls Fire Station. Call 794-4413

Angelus Oaks Fire Department

Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6pm at the Angelus Oaks Fire Station.

Valley of the Falls Community Church Youth Group

Meets every Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Ages 12-18. Valley of the Falls Community Church

Angelus Oaks Fire Safe Council

Meets periodically. Dates are announced on the A.O. FSC Bulletin Board in the Angelus Oaks Post Office.

Frozen Green Thumb Garden Club

Meets 3rd Monday every month. Call Sandy Wood 951-440-1461 for monthly location. All are welcome.

Cub Scouts Pack #794

Monday 6:30pm Valley of the Falls Church FF Cubmaster Matt Gibson 909-208-4536 or Shawna Gibson 909-841-0145

Explorer Post 128Meets 1st & 3rd Monday at 6pm at Forest Falls Fire Station. New Explorers welcome. Call 794-4413 to leave info.

Mill Creek Canyon C.E.R.T.

Skills Maintenance Days are in the planning stage, to get on a waiting list for new courses call Paul Tetreault 794-0077.

Souper ThursdayFREE SOUP!

First Thursday of the month 4pm -7pm at Big Falls Lodge. Call Dee 794-0885 (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED)

Valley of the Falls Search And Rescue

Meets 2nd Monday each month, at 7pm Forest Falls Sheriff Sub-Station 909-389-2435.



Valley of the Falls Community Center News

All hyperlinks work and get you to more content and connections when you visit www.mtncare.com

Big Falls Lodge - Christmas Day AvailableHave you ever thought of renting Big Falls Lodge

for a family gathering on Christmas Day???? The lodge is decorated and available.

If interested contact [email protected]

Thanksgiving Thursday - November 27, 2014Everyone is invited to join in our Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at the Community Center from 2-5 pm.We cook the donated turkeys and hams, we’ll make the gravy & mashed potatoes and provide drinks. YOU contribute a side dish.If you could help us “Work the Dinner” please let Dee know. We get pretty tired so we could really use some clean-up help.Sign up at the November Souper Thursday (Soup Night to some) or email [email protected]

December 6th, 8am-11am, Big Falls Lodge, 41303 Valley of the Falls Dr.,

Breakfast served from 8-10:30am, $4 children (under 13), $6 adult...

breakfast includes photo with santa

Santa arrives @ 9am.

Toys for Tots Drive, Bring an unwrapped toy to give

Kids Mini-Concert by Fallsvale School

Crafts Table

A VFCCi sponsored event - all proceeds to Fallsvale Booster Club

Forest Falls Community Thanksgiving Potluck

Some Helpful Phone NumbersHighway Patrol 800-427-7623 for Road ConditionsCode Enforcement 909-387-4044 Illegal Dumping Building & Safety 909-387-4244 Building CodesFF Firehouse 909-794-4413 Non-EmergencyFish & Wildlife 909-484-0167 for Bear & Lion Issues

Souper Thursday Stats

Thanks for Your Support

Monday Night Music

by Dee Konczal

by Paul Tetreault, Bear Facts Editor & VFCCi member

by Conder Seasholtz

Souper Thursdays (or Soup Night to some of you) have been a great success…thanks to all of you! Starting in November we will do a baked potato bar w/ soups, beverages etc. Desserts will still be potluck and we do appreciate the community providing them.I thought you might like to know some stats from January thru October 2014:• 1374 people have attended• $2998.68 was donated• $2920.39 were expenses

Just a few reminders:Children under 14 years need to be accompanied by an adult. Parents need to supervise AT ALL TIMES!!No riding bikes or skateboards in the parking lot during Soup Night hours, Parents, PLEASE monitor your kids when outside.

Big Falls Lodge, aka our Community Center, has been a hub of activity this year and it is thanks to folks like you, our residents that keeps our doors open and heaters on so to speak. This year has seen the lodge made available for; Water Board meetings, CERT Training, Haunt on the Hill planning sessions, Community Swap Meets, an Artisan Craft Fair, Weddings, Memorial services, Birthday Parties and Music Jam sessions. It was the operational HQ for the Canyon Clean-up efforts, the site of a Teacher’s Board gathering, and for the first time, it was officially called into service as an emergency shelter by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services (OES) during the deluge mudslides of early August.The Chili Cook-Off is one of the big fundraisers that we use to help pay for Electrical bills, Insurance, Property Taxes, and maintenance both for the kitchen, the builing and the grounds. The Haunt on the Hill will be in the history books by the time most of you read this. This event is another opportunity for us, as a community, to rally together to keep this wonderful resource going for all of us to use.The up-keep does not happen on it’s own it takes donations of time and money, so thanks to those of you who donate either and many times both, time and money to keep our beloved lodge going. Thanks to the volunteers on the Board of Directors, Thanks to Patricia Drummond who just stepped down from the Board after 7 years of service. Thanks to Josh Wyatt, our Lodge Caretaker who has taken over after our previous custodian Bob Riddle passed away. Both men taking care of our humble community home.Thanks to Dee Konczal for stepping into the event coordinator role taking over for Marci Green-Whitney who did such a great job for so many years, thanks Marci. But mostly we want to thank those of you who continue to donate to the operational fund that this facility needs to continue, and thank you to those of you who choose to have your family and personal events here because those dollars also help to make all the other events we use this venue for possible.

This group, the Monday Night Music Club, has been meeting approximately every other Monday evening since the middle of August to jam and enjoy playing and listening to music. All agree that so far it has been a great success and a ton of fun. All musicians, all styles and those who simple enjoy listening are welcome to join us for an evening of playing, learning, and exploration. Singers and songwriters are welcome as well. We meet from 7-9 on alternating Monday nights at Big Falls Lodge.



BFL rental rates & policywww.VFCCi.org

Event CoordinatorDee Konzal

909.794.0885 or [email protected]

Event Staffer Bernadette Griffith

909.389.9973Caretaker/Custodian

Joshua Wyatt909.382.1319

Board of Directors

Tom McIntosh, President [email protected]

909.794.2518Thom Wellman, V-Pres [email protected]

909.794.2065Susan Iles, Treasurer [email protected]

909.794.5756

Erik [email protected]

909.389.0116

Bernadette [email protected]

909.389.9973

Paul [email protected] [email protected]

909.794.0077

Open Board PositionYour [email protected]

BOARD MEMBER POSITION OPEN!!VFCCi has an open seat on the Board of Directors.

Interested Forest Falls VFCCi members please submit a letter of interest to [email protected] no later than Nov 15th.

Directors serve without compensation and must have been a VFCCi member for at least 2 years.

Membership in VFCCi is free and easy to residents and property owners of Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village and Angelus Oaks. Download a membership application from our website, www.VFCCi.org

• Do you receive periodic emails of community events and items of interest? Not on our email list? Send your email address to [email protected] (put “Add to Email List” on subject line). We do not share our email list with others.

• Become a Summit Sponsor or Fallsvale Friend. VFCCi is a charitable, non-profit organization and your donations should be tax deductible. While we appreciate your donation in any amount, those who meet $2500 are designated a “Summit Sponsor” and those who wish to earmark their gift for the restoration of the old Fallsvale School to a Day Care/Latch Key site and reach $1000 in donations will be designated as a Fallsvale Friend. Summit Sponsorʼs and Fallsvale Friends are recognized with bronze plaques. Payment plans available, Visa-Mastercard accepted.

Check www.VFCCi.org calendar for events,classes, changes & updates

• Post Office Box 41, Forest Falls, CA. 92339 • A Charitable Not for Profit Organization • EIN 33-0876386

Think Big Falls Lodge for your event… Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Family and Class Reunions, Memorials, Graduations, Meetings, Classes….

Valley of the Falls Community Center

Inc.



36930 Old Mill Creek RoadMentone, CA 92359

Office: (909) 794-1096 [email protected]

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by Ann Klingbeil by POSITION AVAILABLEDog Tails Have You Seen It?

This past month, a sweet and much loved dog died needlessly, leaving her family bereft. She was poisoned by rat poison left outside [by someone else] to kill rodents.The Department of Agriculture told me

that bait stations used for particular rodents, such as rats or mice, should only be used inside. Supposedly, this will keep pets, such as dogs and cats from being poisoned.There are electronic traps that kill [pests] quickly, with no poison.Remember that the wildlife was here before us; this is their home also. If you can’t learn to live with them, maybe a home elsewhere would be more suited for you.

In memory of “Foxy” Mayfield.** Be sure to give your dog(s) monthly HeartGard medication **

Last year I wrote what I thought would be the final of my film reviews for this publication. I have a lot on my plate being the editor and with all the tsks that job entails. I turned over this column to Krys Castillo who did a great job for the last two issues. However, Krys and her family have left the canyon moving to northern Arizona. So the position is once again available.Anyone who like to write a column for this publication please contact me, Paul Tetreault, at [email protected] would love to see the subject matter still revolve around cool video, TV, YouTube clips amd movies. The focus of this coulmn in the past was not to review current or upcomiing movies that you would see in the theatres, there are plenty of sources of info for that on-line and down the hill. No, this column was meant to encourage folks to watch something intriguing in the comfort of their own home. Face it, we love it up here and who want’s to go down to Redlands to fight the crowds when DVDs and Blu-Ray discs can be sent to your PO Box or Streaming Video On-Demand (if it ever gets fast enough) and internet options are becoming so prevalent? So here is what I hope for in the succession of this column, I want to see suggestions and reviews of motion picture content that can be accesed from the home, think about cozy nights in the living room with a fireplace going and loved ones close by, a bucket of microwave, or even better stovetop, popped corn (or your favorite late night snack). Old movies, last season’s blockbusters, the hippest new TV show, the must see YouTube clip, especially ones posted by own canyon residents like the night vison camera clips posted lately by David Dickinson and Sandy Wood.This is a fun gig, you only have to write something 4 times a year. The column should be somewhere between 300 and 400 words. You might mention four or five selections with a bit of your own reasons for why it’s good watch. You might to dedicate a whole to one film or show you think is fantabulous. Let me know, send a message, write a sample so I can get a sense of your style and approach. In the meantime check out these YouTube URLs of some of our canyon acitivity:from David Dickinson:Coyote Moon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEikcJPirQHoney, I think there is a bear in the yard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO04xO5NI2kWilson’s Warblers autumn migration thru Forest Falls CA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEKUon0Wpewfrom Sandy Wood:Bear tries to get into dumpster http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BXv5R0SvsHere’s a clip I posted a couple of years ago: Forest Falls Drive in the Snow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdtRPF5t6Iand here is a classic to get you in the mood for the holidaze:The Digital Story of The Nativity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA

To all residents of:Angelus Oaks, Mountain Home Village & Forest Falls The Bear Facts is sent out Feb, May, Aug, & Nov. Do you have a mountain event coming up that would benefit by being included inan upcoming issue? Deadlines are Jan 5, Apr 5, Jul 5, and Oct 5.The Mountain C.A.R.E volunteer staff gets excited every timethe Bear Facts goes out to our 3 Mountain communities, and to ourcanyon property owners who live elsewhere. Perhaps you wouldlike to help with the newsletter’s production.Would you like to subscribe? Our valuable subscribers are folkswho support The Bear Facts with a $15.00 donation once a year.Our volunteer’s names are on the front of this Bear Facts issue. Weall are accessible. If you have an article or calendar entry for TheBear Facts, contact Paul Tetreault [email protected] ads concerns go to Shirley Bauer [email protected]



Mt. Russell Lake Perris Rec Areaby Larry Linn

Cross atop Mount Russell - photo by Doris BingoDoris and I were facing a dilemma! We didn’t know where to hike the last weekend in August, we were running out of time to find something interesting. Doris suggested the Lake Perris SRA and Mt. Russell in Moreno Valley, as a possibility that was fairly close. A quick Google search provided a couple of interesting trip reports about Mt. Russell, written by other hikers. Ultimately, we decided that Mt. Russell at an elevation of 2,704 ft. would be a pleasant hike that would yield some nice views of Moreno Valley, Lake Perris and the San Jacinto areas. We got into the SRA at the senior discount because of Larry’s lifetime membership in the old-guy club. With a smile, the park attendant declined to check my ID, (I was crushed) and instead handed me a very informative park brochure. She pointed out where the most convenient parking was for access to the Mt. Russell trail head, and we headed for the day-use horse trailer parking in the North area of the park off Via del Lago road. Once parked and loaded with our back packs, we hiked the equestrian trail for about a half mile until we found a trail into a canyon leading to the peak. We missed the trail at first, but then noticed a faint cross on a peak in the distance. From one of the trip reports, we knew that this was Mt. Russell, so we veered directly toward it.There was a series of old, downed telephone poles along the canyon that made the trail easy to follow. The terrain was perfect for rattlesnakes so we paid very close attention to where we walked. The snakes cooperated and didn’t bother us at all. In a relatively short time we reached the summit of Mt. Russell where we found the peak register where many hikers have signed in, a nice flat rock for sitting and a great view. What more could a happy hiker ask for, except perhaps for a nice waterfall or cool stream. The clouds kept the temperature cool for us, and there was a nice breeze at the summit. From the peak, we could see the rest of the Lake Perris campsites were full of tents and cars around the lake. After relaxing on the rocks at the summit for a while and enjoying a snack of hard boiled eggs and trail mix, we surveyed the trail we had just hiked up. We decided to take what appeared to be a direct return route that would take us down to the equestrian trail, back to the parking lot where the car was waiting for us. Back in Moreno Valley, we headed to the Olive Garden and had a great lunch. We finished the hike just in time, by the time we finished lunch, a light rain had started. Our round trip hike was an easy 4.9 miles with 1,180 ft. of gain. This hike is great for a family outing. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen... Happy Hiking!!

“Everything you want, is on the other side of fear” ~ Jack Canfield

The Bear FactsNEXT Submission DEADLINE: Oct 5th

The regular schedule for the Bear Facts submissions and issue dates are as follows:

Submission Deadline

MtnCARE.com post Date

In the Mail Issue Date

Issue 1 Winter Jan 5th Jan 20th Feb 1st

Issue 2 Spring Apr 5th Apr 20th May 1st

Issue 3 Summer July 5th July 20th Aug 1st

Issue 4 Autumn Oct 5th Oct 20th Nov 1st

Please make sure any ad artwork, articles, calendar updates, and photos are sent to [email protected] on or before the submission deadline (all submissions digital please). For questions call the editor, Paul Tetreault at 909-794-0077.

ECR WSS Postal PatronAngeles Oaks, CA 92305

Mountain C.A.R.E.P.O. Box 13Forest Falls, CA 92339

ECR WSSPostal PatronForest Falls, CA 92339

ECR WSS Postal PatronMountain Home Village, CA 92359

Autumn 2014 Volume 8 Number 4