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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | OCTOBER 2026 9 By Karen Range, Resident Today when a movie ticket costs $15 (and that's the senior price) and a performance at the Old Town Temecula Theater costs $40 or more, it's nice to have an interesting place close to our community where you can visit for free… the Motte Historical Museum in Menifee. The museum houses a collection of more than 25 vintage vehicles that date from the 1910s to the 1960s. One of the oldest cars in the collection is a 1910 Ford T Speedster. The newest car is a 1969 Lincoln Continental. The collection also includes a fire truck, a school bus, tractors, and even an electric vehicle (a 1924 Electric Ford Model T). There is also a vintage 1926 gas pump. All the vehicles were worth seeing, but my favorite was a red and tan 1928 Packard. The building that houses the vehicle collection looks like a big, weathered barn. The barn was built in 1985 using all salvaged materials. Originally, produce was sold in the barn. The building was transitioned into a museum sixteen years ago. The museum also has some antiques and a very small six-seater movie theater. And, of course, there is a gift shop. Visitors can take photos in the "nifty 50s diner" or the auto garage, can play songs on the authentic rock-ola jukebox, and can "throw away the key" in the historical Perris Valley original jail cell. According to Tommie Brown, the museum's Media Coordinator, the museum welcomes about 1000 visitors a month. People have visited from many US states, as well as Europe and even Egypt. When my husband and I were at the museum recently, a couple was there visiting from Tennessee. The barn is available to the public to rent for weddings, parties, and other special events. The museum also holds its own special events, notably at Easter and Christmas. In fact, Santa will be showing up this December. There are also events for children that are held during the year, such as book readings or scavenger hunts. More information on upcoming events can be found on the website: www.mottemuseum.com. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, unless a private event is scheduled. Again, there is no admission charge. The Motte Historical Museum is located at 28380 Highway 74 in Menifee. Ms. Brown let me in on some news. Another museum will be opening right across the parking lot, and it will be called Hot Rod Alley. She didn't have an opening date, but I will be looking forward to visiting that museum, as well. By Georgeann Wellfare, Vets and Friends Secretary October is here, which means cooler weather, Halloween candy, craft fair – and of course Veterans & Friends keeping busy! So, grab your calendar, your reading glasses, and maybe a piece of candy while you're at it, and mark these dates on your calendar. Trunk or Treat – Oct. 5 – 23: Our annual candy drive is back! Once again, we will be collecting candy for the Hemet Police Department, who will distribute it to local children. Donation boxes will be in the Lodge lobby from Oct. 5 – 23. So, while you're at the grocery store, remember to buy a bag – or two. And, if you accidentally eat some of the donation candy before it reaches the box, we won't ask questions (but just buy another bag!). Every donation helps make Halloween a little sweeter for local kids. Homes For Our Troops – Oct. 17 in Fallbrook – 8:30 am registration, 9 am ceremony: Join us in viewing the new home for Army SPC Seth Wakeling & Family. Our very own Quilters Club will present their beautiful quilt to Seth and his family. Let us know if you would like to join us. We can carpool. It is truly an awesome program! Save the date! Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Luncheon: This is the date you definitely don't want to forget. We'll gather to honor our veterans and recognize the organizations and groups that have benefited from the generosity of our community through our fundraising efforts. Good food and good company – a great reason to celebrate! We are hoping you will join us! More information will be coming soon, so mark Nov. 11 on you calendar now! Upcoming Projects - November Food Drive and December Toy Drive Our October Meeting – Thurs., Oct. 8 at the Lodge at 10 am Come join us, hear what's happening, meet some great people and find out how you can be part of the fun! No special uniform required. Veterans & Friends - October Fun Motte's Historical Museum

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