So, things have been quiet around these parts as we wait for the next storm to move in.
Neighbor Kathy and I headed into town to run errands and ended up having a nice social interlude.
We experienced specialized service from the Maybelline representatives who were busy changing out the line in preparation for spring.
Hard to think about that when another snow storm is eminent and when we won’t see real spring weather until about April!
Since neither of us had been into the Copper Q, we decided to stop in.
Our eyes and other senses were met with a variety of delights.
The oven had a new batch of muffins baking and the kitchen aids, colorful aprons, napkins, and other accessories kept us engaged.
We decided to try the espresso bar and were delighted with the expresso cupcake we shared.
The Chai was good, but I am sad to report, that although I had hoped to finally find a place to have a good coffee drink, this was not it.
Sadly, I can’t say that there is any place in Big Bear where I can get a good coffee drink.
Starbucks is predictable but can’t hold a candle to a good independent coffee house and the nearest place to keep me happy is in Running Springs at the Bus Stop but I have not been there since I have returned to the mountain.
However everything else, including the service at the Copper Q, was exceptional.
It is always a joy to find attentive merchants who understand the value of good customer service.
In this day and age, I believe those businesses that focus on customer service are the ones that are doing well and that will be the difference between those that thrive and those that survive.
The other good news is that the cooking classes at the Copper Q and just around the corner. For those of you who signed up for their email list, you should be getting some news soon.
As for the storm, the latest is that it should hit by tomorrow and run through Tuesday with a possible break on Sunday–but as usual, the weather here changes by the minute!
Wouldn’t you know it, my main bird feeder broke and I just got a 50 pound bag of seed! Those birds are gonna be bugging me.
Speaking of birds, I did not participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (which took place last weekend) but you can see the results online.
MS Walk aka Walk MS
The Big Bear MS Walk effort began here in Fawnskin and when Big Bear participated, the whole MS Society took note as this event broke records for the amount raised and for the strong community support.
Today the annual MS Walk is an annual event and believe it or not, it is again time again for the MS Walk kick-off event which is set to take place from 5pm to 8 pm on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at the Big Bear Convention Center at 42900 W Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake.
The actual walk for multiple sclerosis is scheduled for April 17, 2010 and is just one of many similar events taking place to raise funds for the cause.
During the party, participants can talk with the team captains and pick up posters, brochures, and other literature while sharing stories and tips.
I was so glad to hear that the National MS Society will honor the our MS Walk committee which is, in part, led by Fawnskin residents and Moose Lodge 2085 members.
Fawnskin residents Dave and Loni Emig will receive an award for their outstanding commitment to raising MS awareness and funds in the Big Bear Valley and San Bernardino County.
Fawnskin Advocates for Kayaking & Free Enterprise
The North Shore Trading Company in Fawnskin has a thriving kayak business and conducts an annual kayaking event in Grout Bay.
The kayak rental business is up for discussion at the Big Bear Municipal Water District board (MWD) of directors meeting Thursday.
Last year, a debate began as to whether those who rent kayaks (outside of the marinas) need to a permit to do so.
At that time, it was determined that those businesses renting kayaks are not conducting commercial operations within MWD jurisdiction.
However, any kayak launching or kayak use instructional classes must done in cooperation with a marina otherwise a MWD permit must be awarded.
There is a recommendation to restrict non-marina operations when it comes to launching kayaks or training rental customers on the water that will be approved or denied this week.
The MWD board meeting will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 1 p.m. at 40524 Lakeview Drive in Big Bear Lake. For more information on this issue you can call (909) 866-5796.
Evening of Mark Twain
The Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library will present a free event this Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7 pm at 41930 Garstin Drive at the Big Bear Lake Library.
Steve Gaghagen will present excerpts from the works of Mark Twain who is most known for the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library will also conduct a Silent Auction featuring selected works by Mark Twain. Reservations are required so to reserve a seat call (909) 866-5571.
Bald Eagle Count
On February 13th another eagle count took place. Here in Fawnskin we have a couple of regulars–and one juvenile that we have been watching mature over the past few years.
If you would like to participate in the annual eagle count there is still time to participate in the next one that is scheduled for March 13, 2010.
If you are interested in participating call Marc Stamer at (909) 382-2828 and plan to meet the day of the bald eagle count at the Discovery Center here in Fawnskin at 8 am. (Anyone can volunteer just dress warmly and bring your own binoculars.)
The latest count came up with four adult eagles and five juveniles. Development and human invasion into their normal habitat has increased and locals believe this has contributed to the decrease.
Other eagles were spotted at some of the other locations and this count is part of the US Forest Service census of federally-protected species. 2010 marks the 31st year of the count.
Friends of Fawnskin Fundraiser
Fawnskin resident Nancy Walker will perform in Sentimental Journey: The Songs of World War II, A Tribute to America’s Troops at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center (39707 Big Bear Blvd in Big Bear Lake) on February 27, 2010 at 7:30 pm.
Performers at this Friends of Fawnskin fundraiser include Nancy Celeste Walker, Elena Peavy and Kim Boda.
Other performers include Dave Witham (piano), Paul Gormley (bass), Paul Kreibich (drums), and Michael Bolivar (saxophone, flute, piccolo).
Seats are $20 or $50 (which includes a champagne reception and preferred seating) and are available at the Performing Arts Center at (909) 866-4970 or directly from the Inn at Fawnskin at (909) 866-3200. Concert sponsorships are also available with additional benefits.
Friends of Fawnskin is a tax-deductible non-profit organization,dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Big Bear Valley. The group provides environmental education on our unique natural habitats and threatened species, and assures that a proper, legal process is done for all development in Big Bear Valley and that the public appropriately participates in that process. They support the purchase of natural habitats by individuals or groups whose intentions are to keep those areas pristine for future generations.
Sweet Valentines
I hope you all had a sweet Valentine’s Day. Adjusting to being single again has been an ongoing process so I wondered how the day would unfold.
Happily, it was a good one filled with the sweetest Valentines and filled with lovely warm interactions.
My hope is that yours was lovely as well.
From what I hear the Moose Lodge was hopping–and Kevin did an outstanding job with the steak and lobster.
Fawnskin WinterFest
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the Fawnskin WinterFest on Saturday.
Sorry, but I didn’t get any notification (as you know, GG does not rate) and my recent commitments contributed to the fact that I missed any previous announcements.
The event was lightly attended, a few vendors were present in the Triangle but the vast number of visitors to the valley managed to motivate a few of the vendors to stay longer than the 10am-2pm time frame.
Roof Snow Issues
I got a few views of some of the roof damage here in the valley when I spent some time with a friend who happens to also be a contractor.
It seems that a lot of the roofs and porch coverings in the valley were not correctly secured with bolts–but with nails.
The recent snowfall put enough weight and strained to damage a number.
Down the road, I caught up with Jerry whose renovation was nearly complete when a neighboring tree crashed down through two areas of the house. Fortunately it missed the contractors who were present working on the finishing touches.
Unfortunately, the tree broke through two different areas of the home damaging the roof, rafters, and the water seepage ended up warping the floors. I had toured the remodel prior to the storm and am so sad that this has been a set back but Jerry stressed that the good thing was that nobody was hurt.
What a great attitude, ‘Atta Boy!
Man about Town
One of the major fundraisers for the Soroptomist of Big Bear Valley is the Man about Town fund-raising campaign. This year’s candidates include:
Eric Schwartz (co-owner of Get the Burger),
Gabriel Rojas (co-owner of Sonora Cantina and Old County Inn),
and David Leach, president of the Arts Council and MARTA Board.
This year’s fundraiser’s goal is to support the ongoing effort of stopping teen violence in the valley.
Amgen Tour
Mountain Folks are into sports and the big buzz is over the weekend is that the 2010 Amgen Tour of California is officially coming to Big Bear.
The event will take place over eight days and our segment from Pasadena to Big Bear will take place on Friday, May 21st. Big Bear is part of the Stage Six route and has the distinction of being the event’s first mountain finish at 7,000 feet. (The May 21st will start at 9:45am and and will arrive in Big Bear Lake at approximately 3pm for the finish.)
Top professional cyclists who are participating include Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and George Hincapie.
The Amgen Tour of California is the largest cycling event in America and has been compared with the Tour de France.
Past host cities and surrounding regions report an economic benefit from the race and it is hoped that the Big Bear Valley and surrounding mountain communities benefit from the event and the media exposure.
Okay, that is the news for now. Have a great week!
So, things have been quiet around these parts as we wait for the next storm to move in.
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Amgen Tour 
