Almost 200 riders set off in the pre-dawn darkness for the latest JT 55 bike ride Saturday, Feb. 1. They left from Knott Sky Park on their way to Key’s View in Joshua Tree National Park and back. Rotary 29 volunteers were waiting at Key's View with snacks, pickle juice and encouragement.

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms continued their longtime tradition of encouraging kids to read by accompanying Santa and Mrs. Claus (and an Elf) as they delivered new, wrapped books to kids at three local Elementary schools December 16-19. 

Some 550 specially selected books were wrapped by the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club, then delivered to Oasis, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Vista Elementary schools (A similar program conducted by the Marines serves Condor Elementary). Local Rotarians go into classrooms with Santa, read a book to the kids, then distribute the books to each student. The program is overseen by Rotary volunteer Randy Councell who coordinates with the club and the schools. 

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 24 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.

At Palm Vista Elementary, Rotarians and friends brought books and smiles to students. From left, Germaine Rodney, Santa’s Elf (Liz Meyer), Randy Councell, Dean of Students Elizabeth St. Martin, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Joel Klink, Glenda Councell. (Rotary Photo)

Santa Claus greets Kindergartners and brings them their own books at Palm Vista Elementary school. (Rotary Photo)   

Santa Claus visits with kids while the local Rotary Club distributes books at Twentynine Palms Elementary (Rotary Photo

Rotarian Gary Daigneault reads a fun story about a snowflake to kids at Palms Vista Elementary School (Rotary Photo)

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)

The Rotary club of Twentynine Palms hosted members of the Twentynine Palms High School Interact club at their meeting of November 6, 2024. The Interact Club, the largest student club on the high school campus, is sponsored by the Rotary Club and is dedicated to community Service and the motto “Service Above Self”.

The Interactors told the adult club members about their many service projects which greatly benefit the school and the community. They are currently collecting food to make up 300 Thanksgiving baskets which consist of all the ingredients needed to make a traditional holiday meal. The meals will be distributed to deserving families on November 22, Rotarian Pat Welch has already donated 150 turkeys to the cause. 

In addition to the Thanksgiving baskets, the Interact Club participates in community cleanups, collects jackets and blankets for the unhoused and assists with many community events. 

Chartered in 1948, the Twentynine Palms Rotary club is the longest established service club in the Morongo Basin. Their 22 members meet on Wednesdays at noon at the little church of the desert meeting hall.

 
Photo: 
From left, Sofia Contreras, Briceas Murguia, Amiel Escobel, Rotary Club President PJ Welch, Frank Diorio, and Interact President Kieu Huynh. (Rotary Club Photo)

Club members Pat, Jamie, Don and Danny sit at the Rotary Beverage Booth at the Pioneer Days Block Party, enjoying the last days of summer.

In a brief ceremony held during their meeting of July 24th, The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms formally inducted the new City Manager, Stone James, as a member of the local club. James had previously been a member of the Cathedral City Rotary Club.
 
James, 49, had been the economic development director in Cathedral City since 2017. He brings extensive experience in real estate and development liaison capacities. James holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Gonzaga University, a master’s degree in real estate development from the University of Southern California and a doctorate in policy, planning and economic development from USC.
 
After the induction, conducted by 42-year Rotarian and 5-time past President Gary Daigneault, James gave a brief presentation of his background and how he came to be in Twentynine Palms. He was welcomed into the club with a standing ovation.
 
The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms, founded in 1948, meets Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the Desert meeting room. Dedicated to “Service above Self” The prestigious community service club is part of Rotary International. More information is available at www.rotary29.org.
 

 
Photo Caption:
Twentynine Palms City Manager Stone James, right, is welcomed into the Rotary Club by his sponsor, Dan Mintz, left, and induction official Gary Daigneault, center.

Elizabeth Bevan with our newest member, Joyce Coffey. Welcome, Joyce!