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14 OUR YUCAIPA | MARCH 2014 OUR YUCAIPA | MARCH 2014 15 The Middle of the road: By randy peters, a middle-aged, middle-income, middle-school teacher 3rd Generation Painter Contracting For Over 30 Years Minor Repairs: Exterior Wood & Stucco, Interior Drywall, Wood Trim Thank you in advance for the opportunity to give you a free estimate! 909-208-6142 Lic. #423807 Bonded HIGH QUALITY HIGH STANDARDS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR yucaIPa WInter sPecIal 10% off InterIor PaIntIng ! Offer good with ad until April 1, 2014 I grew up in Huntington Beach. I always considered Huntington Beach my hometown. I went to elementary school and high school there. I rode my bike to the beach and later drove my car and sometimes even parked there. Thirty-one years ago I started my teaching career in Yucaipa. I suppose that when you look at the number of years I've spent in Yucaipa compared to Huntington Beach, I now have to say that Yucaipa is my hometown. I think that spring time is the best time to appreciate Yucaipa. You drive past the Community Center and see the plum trees in bloom. The golf course sparkles in the early morning from the sprinklers. More people are up and out earlier in the day. They're picking up lighter flavors of coffee at Starbucks and sitting longer at the Kopper Kettle. Car loads of people are driving through McDonald's ordering their much-anticipated Shamrock Shakes. Wildflowers start to display their colors in the fields. The hills start to show shades of green overtaking the drab browns and grays that have surrounded us this winter. I know it's still not time to get out the folding chairs every Sunday and listen to great music in the park, but there are still enough events that my wife and I are filling up our calendars this spring. I'm sure we are going to take advantage of the longer evenings and check out the antique shops on California Street. I have been through them several times and find something new and interesting every time I go. Years ago I would never think of browsing the shops in this area, but it sure has become a go-to spot now. One of the things I like best about these shops is the people who own them. There have been several times that I've gone into one shop looking an item only to be told by the shop owner that if he doesn't have it which other shop on the street does. How's that for character? The Yucaipa Valley Art Association will hold its spring show on April 26 and 27. The first time I saw this show, I was shocked at the talent on display. This is not the work of small-time amateurs. This stuff is amazing. Artwork from oils, acrylics, water color, and photography are on display and usually for sale. Judges are brought in to critique the work and present prizes. The community can also vote for favorites. The show is held at the Scherer Senior Center. I think I am most excited to participate in the annual Art and Music Festival during the weekend of May 2, 3, and 4. I enjoy the food and running into neighbors and families from all across town. Members of Vision Quest and the Yucaipa Valley Art Association usually have all kind of work on display. Vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts are working hard there as well. Personally I can't wait for the Three Dog Night concert. Yes, baby boomers – the Three Dog Night! I'm hoping to actually dance to Joy to the World. No, not the Christmas song that we all pretend to like because we're supposed to, but the "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" Joy to the World! I'm wondering if I can find my essay and presentation I did when I took "Rock Music as Poetry" as a sophomore in high school. My topic was Three Dog Night's "Never Been to Spain." It was such an important song for me at 15 as I made my plans and dreams for life. It still holds such truth today. It will be easy to spot me during that song. I'll be the one swaying back and forth, holding a lit Bic lighter, and wiping a tear from my cheek. The most important event in Yucaipa this spring is the Yucaipa Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. The Relay will be on April 5 this year. Teams are formed from companies, families, neighborhoods, and schools. Members of the teams take turns walking the designated track for 24 hours. The evening includes one of the most beautiful and memorable events as hundreds of luminaries are lit along the pathway. Each luminary is decorated and purchased in the memory of or the passion of people who have fought, are fighting, or have beat cancer. I defy you to not get emotional. This fund raiser brings in thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. If you are not able to participate, keep your eye and hears open for the many ways teams will get you to donate! Every time the Relay comes around, I'm reminded about how proud I am to live in a town that is full of people who care for other people. Enjoy Our Yucaipa in the Spring… and keep your eyes on the road. Ode to Spring… Ode to Yucaipa! Yucaipa Little Theatre invites you to join them as they present their production of "Dorothy in Wonderland." Dorothy and her Kansas friends get blown by a tornado to Wonderland where they meet up with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and more. It's a fun show and features new and veteran performers from the Yucaipa area. March dates include evenings, March 1, 7, 8 at 7:30 pm and Sunday Matinees, March 2 and 9 at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors, and children, $30 for families of two adults and up to five children under the age of 18, $8 each special group rate for groups of eight or more. You can purchase tickets an hour before the show at the box office or call the theatre to reserve your tickets at (909) 790-1884. The theatre is located at 12135 California St., Yucaipa. Hope to see you all there. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail dorothyinwonderlandylt@gmail.com. "Dorothy in Wonderland" on stage at YLT