A popular local pre-school daycare program got some help recently when the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club provided them with a new sign. The sign for the Little School of the Desert was recently installed with club members, church officials, the sign’s builder, and even a student on hand. 

Each year, in addition to major community service projects and events, the President of the club chooses a President’s project. In 2024, then President Dan Mintz asked Liz Meyer, a Rotarian and the President of the Little Church of the desert if they had any immediate needs. Meyer told Mintz that the Pre-school’s sign had seen much better days and needed to be replaced. 

For the next few months funds raised by “fining” their members, (a good-natured tradition) went to the sign fund. Little Church Pastor Don Thursby located volunteer Larry Libby and the project began.

The sign was finally completed in late August and, with the Rotary District Governor on hand, was put in place with a little ceremony and a lot of smiles. 

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms, dedicated to community service, meets Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the desert meeting room. New members are actively sought and visitors are welcome to attend. 

Photos:
The new sign for the Little School of the Desert Pre-School and Daycare sits proudly in the parking lot at 6085 Ocotillo in the City of Twentynine Palms.

A large group of Rotarians, Church officials, the Rotary District Governor, and the sign’s builder were all on hand when the new sign for Little School of the Desert was dedicated

Members of the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club are continuing a long tradition of giving books to students at local elementary schools for Christmas.

At a recent meeting Rotarians stamped 525 specially selected books with a message that they were gifts from the Rotary Club. Holiday book giveaway Chairman Randy Councell said the club has been giving the books to local elementary students for at least the past 15 years.

The stamped books will be given away to Oasis, Palm Vista, and 29 Palms Elementary school students in the second week of December. Condor Elementary already has a similar program supported by the Marine Base. The club members go into classrooms, read a book to the kids, and then distribute them. Santa Claus and an elf or two often join in the lighthearted fun. 

Councell said the project is to enhance a love of reading at an early age as well as giving the youngsters the pride of ownership of a book. It is hoped it will spur more reading at home. 

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms. Chartered in 1948, has 22 members and is currently looking for area citizens interested in community service to join them. They meet on Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert meeting hall. More information is available at Rotary29.org.

Photo:
From left, Rotarians Jayme Waite, Don Thursby, and Liz Meyer prepare books to give to local elementary school students. (Rotary Club photo)