Dora DePaoli
From the Desk of Dora DePaoli
Viewpoint: A lesson in what true love means
May 22, 2013
Last week my son Tony and I headed for the coast to attend the confirmation of my youngest grandson, John Swiger, of Fountain Valley. It was a leisurely trip.
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Viewpoint: Remembering and honoring William J. Thornburg
May 14, 2013
As usual in May there are many nice things going on this month.
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Viewpoint: Con games, or scams, target older folks
May 8, 2013
The word “scam” is not in my Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, Copyright 1981, or in the 1987 edition. Yet these days we hear the word all the time. Scams are now called the next Gold Rush. Last week I got to visit with five people, all retired and college-educated. Each of them had been scammed.
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Viewpoint: We've come a long way since electric typewriters
May 1, 2013
While attending Sawyer’s Business School in Westwood in 1952 and 1953, my class was invited to visit a business machines show at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. We were told to wear dresses, hats and gloves, and not to wear dangle earrings or anything that sparkled. There we were introduced to some of the first electric typewriters. We all thought they were wonderful.
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Viewpoint: Knobs, dogs and making Kimchi
April 24, 2013
A couple of days after I arrived in South Carolina, we headed for Charleston to attend grandson Bo’s recognition ceremony at The Citadel where he is a freshman/Knob.
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Viewpoint: Greenville, S.C., was place to be for columnist
April 16, 2013
I just returned from a delightful trip to Greenville, S.C., to help my daughter celebrate her last birthday in her 40s. I had an early start up the hill because I did not want to share the road with the hundreds of RVs returning home from Easter break. Traffic was light.
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From the desk of: Book offers something for everyone
April 9, 2013
During the many years the Rev. E.W. Heckenberg was pastor at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Holtville, it was his custom to give each bride and groom a black leather Lutheran hymnal with gold-tipped pages. During our various moves the hymnal was always with us. He and his wife, Nathalie, gave it to us on July 2, 1955, our wedding day. I cherish it especially since the Heckenbergs and their daughter, Linda, were loved by all.
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Viewpoint: Classmates find themselves in the same boat
March 27, 2013
Last week, I had lunch with some of my classmates. We try to make it a monthly affair.
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Viewpoint: So many things going on in Holtville
March 20, 2013
This is the time of year when many events are happening. To make everything a bit more stressful, most people are hurriedly trying to gather all the records they need for their taxes. I feel sorry for all those involved with tax preparation. Few of them have a normal life for four months of the year.
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Viewpoint: Hard work and play secrets to longevity?
March 13, 2013
Friends and family came from near and far to help Hilda Durrer celebrate her 100th birthday at the Imperial Valley Swiss Club.
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Viewpoint: Glad to live in the Imperial Valley
March 5, 2013
When hearing about Winter Storm Rocky and the like, it makes me so grateful to be living in Imperial Valley.
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Viewpoint: A day in the desert well worth it
February 26, 2013
On a whim my friend Ruth and I visited the Imperial Sand Dunes over Presidents’ weekend. We had tentatively planned to join a group hiking in the west end of Imperial County but didn’t want to get up that early.
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Viewpoint: God's miracles touch everyone in different ways
February 19, 2013
Recently, while visiting a Wednesday evening service at Calvary Chapel in El Centro, Pastor Pete Mallinger told this story about Lewis Lawes, a former warden at Sing Sing Prison in New York. Lawes became warden there in 1921. It was the toughest prison in the nation at that time. When he retired twenty years later, the prison had become a humanitarian institution because of reforms he instituted.
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Viewpoint: Festival was a fun 10 days
February 13, 2013
This will probably be a quiet week in Holtville after the 10 days of Carrot Festival activities. Holtville’s Chamber of Commerce Manager Dana Hawk-Gularte and Mary Helen Dollente, handled things beautifully.
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1948: A `very good year' to start Carrot Festival
January 29, 2013
Holtville just celebrated another awesome Rib Cook-Off. The rain and mud did little to deter the thousands who attended. The Carrot Festival kicks off Friday with the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet at the Barbara Worth Resort. It will be followed by 10 days of events.
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Viewpoint: Rib Cook-Off and other events
January 22, 2013
The latter part of January and the first 10 days of February are exciting times for Holtville. Saturday, the city of Holtville will welcome visitors from all over the county, and snowbirds from all around the country and Canada to celebrate the ever popular Rib Cook-Off. It is estimated there may be as many as 10,000 to 15,000 people present at the eagerly anticipated event now in its 22nd year.
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Viewpoint: The good, bad and ugly of getting older
January 15, 2013
With my birthday coming up in the very near future I was thinking about some of the things that annoy those of us getting up in years. I am grateful several female friends shared their pet peeves. These aren’t in any particular order.
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Viewpoint: Clearing out the clutter
January 8, 2013
For probably the past 20 years I have made little progress on New Year’s resolutions. I start out with good intentions to get rid of clutter, get organized, improve my memory, and worry less.
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Viewpoint: More memories of Christmas
January 1, 2013
Our Christmas Eve service was lovely, and the choir sang beautifully. I was so happy that we sang all the old Christmas carols: “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Angels From the Realms of Glory,” “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to The World,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “As with Gladness Men of Old,” “Silent Night” and “What Child is This.”
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Viewpoint: Celebrating a wonderful Christmas season
December 26, 2012
This was once again a wonderful Christmas season of church and Sunday school programs, school plays and concerts, and generous gift giving to the less fortunate.
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Viewpoint: Sounds of silence after relatives go home
December 19, 2012
When I woke up Saturday morning I felt strange. I quickly realized it was because my Swiss relatives had left the day before to head back to Switzerland, and I missed them, and missed the Schwyzer-Dutsch they spoke.
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Viewpoint: Swiss efficiency shows through recycling
December 11, 2012
We are thoroughly enjoying our visit with our cousins from Switzerland. Today I want to share a bit more about one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
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Viewpoint: Taking pleasure in an uncrowded coastline
December 5, 2012
Spending a couple of days in San Diego has been a treat, especially getting to see the 10-foot waves washing over the South Mission Beach jetty. About a half-mile away we spotted the waves lapping at the lower end of the Ocean Beach Pier.
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Viewpoint: Getting ready for holiday company
November 27, 2012
We thought it would be a good idea to have two turkeys for Thanksgiving. We would eat one for our Thanksgiving dinner, and have one to enjoy next month with soup and sandwiches. Turned out we had way too much turkey.
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Viewpoint: Time to recognize those who help others
November 20, 2012
Since November and December are months associated with giving, I would like to spotlight a few of the worthy volunteers who regularly give of their time to aid veterans. They give of their time on a weekly basis to chauffeur veterans to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Diego.
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Viewpoint: Holtville getting ready to honor Green and Gold inductees
November 14, 2012
The Holtville High School Green and Gold Hall of Fame Committee came up with the names of worthy inductees to be honored at the annual banquet. The event will be held Saturday at the Barbara Worth Country Club and Golf Resort.
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Viewpoint: Swiss visitors keep this writer entertained
November 6, 2012
While trying to think of something to write about for this week’s column, I stumbled on the first column I ever wrote for this newspaper. It was written the summer of 1991. My cousin Heinz Pfister and his wife, Trudi, were visiting Holtville at the time, and I wrote about their visit.
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My View: Fall brings cooler, bug-free weather
October 30, 2012
This is my favorite time of year. The weather is perfect and it is a joy to be outside without flies or other critters. The shadows are a bit different and the sunsets are gorgeous, and we still have a few weeks to make Thanksgiving plans. It is usually a relaxing time of year, except that we are expecting three cousins to visit from Switzerland the first two weeks of December. So I am not lolling around too much.
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Viewpoint: Coming home to some changes in scenery
October 23, 2012
After being gone for a few months it was a shock seeing the gigantic wind machines for the first time after driving down Mountain Springs Grade. Although I knew they were to be installed, I must have pushed the event to the back of my mind. The desert landscape is no longer the same. I know there are always changes after a person is away from home for awhile, but usually the changes are minor, such as a neighbor’s home freshly painted, or landscaping replaced, or a new car turning up in someone’s yard.
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Viewpoint: Young at heart find a little something for everyone
October 16, 2012
Last week my friend Jean and I attended the Del Mar Fall Home Decorating & Remodeling Show, and the Healthy Living Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Although we quickly made our way through the decorating and remodeling displays, we spent quite a bit of time at the Healthy Living Festival, which was filled with mostly senior citizens.
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Viewpoint: Train trek to chocolate, party and more
October 9, 2012
Last week I went to Orange County on Amtrak to visit my kids. Saturday night I had a delicious dessert called “Chocolate Thunder From Down Under” at Outback Steak House. The next afternoon we went to a 90th birthday party. After sampling a beautiful buffet, I had a slice of an amazingly decadent chocolate cake, plus two other desserts. That evening I was back home again and found a chocolate dessert from Extraordinary Desserts that was left by a friend.
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Viewpoint: Distance swimming is costly and 'funny' sport
October 3, 2012
Recently my son Steve told me about a man at General Atomics who swam the English Channel this summer. Since I am such a poor swimmer this fascinated me. David Smith, a mechanical engineer from Point Loma, accomplished this swim in 10 hours and 52 minutes.
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Women's talents used to help needy, troubled
September 25, 2012
In 2006, it was JoAnn Hill’s goal to knit 150 hats to take down to the children in Ensenada. With the help of others, she ended up distributing 1,200 hats. “It just caught on like fire,” she said
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Viewpoint: Positives of getting older outweigh the negatives
September 18, 2012
According to friends and acquaintances there are more positive things to growing older than negative things. One of the first to come to mind is that most seniors are quicker to forgive and forget.
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Viewpoint: Taking care of your pet and their needs
September 11, 2012
Furry companions are everywhere.
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Viewpoint: On the hiking trail with 'Whisper'
August 28, 2012
The San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club publishes the HISIERRAN six times a year. Karen Friedrichs, a retired elementary school teacher from San Diego, was featured in the May/June issue of the HISIERRAN. She was introduced to me by my friend Jean.
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From the desk of: Some of grandkids' toys just can't be given away
August 21, 2012
Since my grandchildren are all in their teens, it seemed like a good idea to go through the toys I kept on hand for their visits. I couldn’t get rid of any of their beloved LEGOS. LEGOS and rubber dart guns used to occupy much of their time. A Noah’s Ark with many pairs of animals was another favorite. The late John Hinshaw gave them away at his Texaco Service Station in Holtville when my children were young. My children were thrilled to add to their collection of animals each week when we gassed up the car.
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Viewpoint: Favorite quotes on the tips of their tongues
August 14, 2012
It has been fun gathering favorite sayings and quotes from people. Some had them on the tips of their tongues, others had to ponder a bit.
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Viewpoint: Words of wisdom go a long way
August 8, 2012
I¿would like to share a few meaningful, and some not so meaningful, things I heard this summer. One of my favorites was from my new friend, Dee. Although in her 90s, she rattled off the following without hesitation when we spoke of the habit of putting things off:
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Viewpoint: If they could see us now, 111 years later
July 31, 2012
Someone recently shared some very old postcards with photos of events in Imperial Valley, also three Imperial Press newspapers from 1901, and “The Searchlight,” a publication from Holtville Union High School dated Nov. 28, 1921.
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Viewpoint: Striving to live the Golden Rule
July 25, 2012
Many of us have been taught to treat others as we want to be treated. This is known as the Golden Rule, and many religions follow it. None of us is perfect in that area, yet we continue to try, and hope to get the message across to our progeny.
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Viewpoint: My family and I love surprises, other events
July 18, 2012
For the most part I love surprises. I especially enjoy running into people I haven’t seen in a long time.
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Viewpoint: Taking the plunge into cooler weather
July 10, 2012
While enjoying the cool weather in San Diego I have been fortunate to be able to do lots of different things. Frequent walks along the beach and the bay are always refreshing unless aggressive bike riders zip by within an inch or two. I appreciate it that many riders give a warning, “on your left,” or “on your right,” as they come up behind us.
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Viewpoint: The days of hats, gloves and background music
July 3, 2012
It is always a joy to visit with people older than me, and learn about their lives. I recently met Delores “Dee” Todd, a charming lady in her nineties who was born in Gwinner, N.D.
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Viewpoint: Fun time had at the Del Mar fair
June 26, 2012
The day after spending 10 hours at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, I ached a whole bunch. My hands, feet and shoulders were sore. I think it was a combination of the wrong shoes, standing on cement for so many hours, and the dampness.
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Viewpoint: Granddaughter's graduation out of the ordinary
June 20, 2012
Recently several family members had the pleasure of attending granddaughter Devon’s graduation. These included grandsons Bo, of South Carolina, and Eric, who lives in Holtville. The ceremony was held at the Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. The beautiful sanctuary was a perfect spot for a large graduation. There were 291 graduates.
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Viewpoint: Richly blessed by our dads
June 12, 2012
Because I am OBC (Overcome By Circumstances) this week, I am reprinting a column from seven years ago.
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Viewpoint: Months full of things to remember
June 6, 2012
April, May and June fly by. The first half of April, most of us suffer the angst that goes with income tax preparation. It is also the month I lost my husband, John A. “Buck” DePaoli.
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Viewpoint: Flags flew high for Memorial Day
May 29, 2012
I’m writing this just after having returned from a moving Memorial Day service at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday. There was a good turnout to honor those who fought in the wars from World War I to the Iraq War. It was an uncommonly beautiful day, and the people present were enjoying it.
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Viewpoint: Remember those who fought for freedom
May 22, 2012
On Aug. 21, 1943, John R. “Jack” Kelly, of Spokane, Wash., passed his physical and became a member of the Marine Corps. He had just turned 18 and graduated from high school.
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Viewpoint: 'Foot by Foot through the USA'
May 16, 2012
Those of you planning your vacations might like to read a wonderful book lent to me by Myrl Chambers, of Holtville. The book is titled “Foot by Foot through the USA.” It was written many years ago by two brothers, Winfield H. Line and Francis Raymond Line.
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Viewpoint: Garcia sisters and the Li'l Vikes soccer team
May 8, 2012
When Holtville’s Angie Garcia starts a project she sticks with it, even if it goes on for 30 years. Since she and her sisters couldn’t play sports in school, Angie, and her sister, Isabel Jessee, decided to start a soccer team for children under 8, and later took on youngsters 6 and under. And that’s how the Li’l Vikes soccer team came to be in September 1982.
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Viewpoint: Remembering a cowboy, cattleman
May 1, 2012
William Allen Hogue, 84, of Holtville, passed away April 8. Graveside services were held April 20, at Terrace Park Cemetery in Holtville. Western dress was encouraged.
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Viewpoint: Nature walks offer slice of variety
April 24, 2012
For more than 45 years our family has gotten at least part of our exercise walking around a nearby 160-acre field bordered by a drain ditch. We have spotted various critters over the years on these walks: snakes, owls, rabbits, turtles, gophers, skunks, and all kinds of birds and ducks, and my favorite, the muskrats. These small, rat-like creatures can best be seen shortly before sun down while they are foraging for grass and weeds in the ditch.
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Viewpoint: Seniors in Holtville remembering their good times
April 17, 2012
I recently asked a few people in their 80s and 90s about some of their memories of the old days, and comments on our life today. All are residents of Holtville.
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Viewpoint: Easter is joyous time for columnist
April 10, 2012
Easter is a wonderful time for Christians. For the early Christians it was a time of weeping by the tomb of Jesus until he rose from the dead, and he revealed himself to his followers.
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Viewpoint: Spring brings together music, flowers
April 3, 2012
We here in Imperial County are having an especially beautiful spring, and have an opportunity to enjoy wonderful music. Music and flowers just go together.
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Viewpoint: Flower show, plants, bake sale and aprons
March 27, 2012
Next week the women of the Holtville Woman’s Club will have their annual flower show, and plant and bake sale, on April 4. Visitors are invited to come early. The program starts at noon, with tea served at 1 pm. This is another opportunity for folks from around the county to visit Holtville and enjoy the club’s yearly flower display, and it is all free.
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Viewpoint: Easter season recalls colorful memories
March 21, 2012
At St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Holtville we have mid-week services twice a year, during the season of Advent leading up to Christmas, and Lenten services as we approach the celebration of Easter.
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New life for the 'lost' art of sewing
March 14, 2012
During Mama’s era, the early 1900s, every woman knew how to sew. Dime stores, and department stores, all sold fabric. Until a few years ago our county still had many places selling fabric. Now there are only a few. Part of the reason for this is that some stores sell dresses that cost less than the price of today’s dress patterns. Thankfully Wall-Mart stores in Calexico and El Centro have expanded their fabric selections.
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Viewpoint: Imperial parade was good lead-in to fair
March 7, 2012
My friend Ruth and I attended the Imperial parade that kicked off the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta. Although there weren’t the number of spectators we get in Holtville for Carrot Festival, when word gets out how enjoyable it was there will be loads of people next year.
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Viewpoint: Stories from Holtville's past revisited
February 28, 2012
While looking for something to write about I came across a copy of the Holtville Tribune dated Dec. 30, 1954. This yellowed paper had 28 stories and announcements on just the front page, and I am sharing a few of them.
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Viewpoint: Mother learns the hardest lesson of all
February 22, 2012
Last month our family attended the funeral of Victoria Lynn Summers in Orange County. She passed away after a bout of ovarian cancer.
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Viewpoint: It doesn't get much better for Holtville class of 1952
February 15, 2012
It doesn’t get much better than to experience Carrot Festival and a class reunion the same weekend. Our beloved Holtville High School class of 1952 celebrated our 60th reunion Saturday night.
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Viewpoint: Cleaning Holtville and making it beautiful
February 8, 2012
Holtville is a wonderful small town, filled with wonderful people. It would be even more wonderful if there were not so much trash strewn about. Trash is a big problem for most cities. With limited funding, and smaller numbers of city workers, removing trash is not always a priority.
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Viewpoint: Remembering the good old days
February 1, 2012
I recently re-connected with my friend Marianne Taylor from the years we lived in Los Angeles in the 1950s.
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Viewpoint: This time of year, Holtville is a happening place
January 25, 2012
The next few weeks Holtville will be the happening place with the Rib Cook-Off scheduled for Saturday at Samaha Park, the 65th annual Carrot Festival festivities starting Feb. 3, with cooking contests leading up to the parade Feb. 11. The Holtville High School class of 1952 will be celebrating its 60th reunion the evening of Feb. 11.
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Viewpoint: Conclusion on the Trapp Family Singers story
January 18, 2012
Here’s a bit more about “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.”
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Viewpoint: 'The Sound of Music' and the story behind it
January 11, 2012
During the holidays some families like to watch home movies, and others revisit some of Hollywood’s family films. We did a little of both.
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Viewpoint: Thanking educators, co-workers, pastors
January 4, 2012
“If you can read, remember to thank a teacher,” is a frequently heard saying.
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Viewpoint: Office parties and their aftermath
December 28, 2011
Thankfully our family had another lovely Christmas. Although we all ate a bit too much, we also went walking and biking to balance things out. After lunch on Christmas day we even played a spirited game of tag in the backyard, followed by a game of croquet, which I won. It isn’t that I am proficient at croquet; the others just made more bad shots than I did.
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Viewpoint: Meals, music and memories and all the trimmings
December 21, 2011
For many people this is the busiest time of the year. There is not much of a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations. December is special with the many gatherings with family and friends, special church services and musical performances with songs only sung once a year. Good food and beautiful decorations are another treat.
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Viewpoint: After 40 years, IVC keeps on graduating nurses
December 14, 2011
During the time my husband worked at Imperial Valley College we had the pleasure of attending many nurses’ capping and pinning ceremonies. At that time the ceremonies were held at various churches to accommodate friends and families of the nursing students. Last week’s ceremony for registered nursing students was held at the amphitheater on the beautiful IVC campus. It was held outdoors for the first time. The students looked happy, and relieved.
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Viewpoint: Waiting for Holtville High 60th class reunion
December 7, 2011
The Holtville High School Class of 1952 will have its 60th reunion Saturday, Feb. 11, during Carrot Festival. It is the same day as the parade. We are hoping former graduates will get to town in plenty of time to view the parade, and hang out around the flagpole in Holt Park to try to spot some of their classmates. Some haven’t been back in town since they left the hallowed halls of dear old HHS.
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Viewpoint: Looking forward to annual tour
November 30, 2011
There have been so many great things happening in the county lately, and many more coming up. A few of my favorites in the past few weeks have been the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo, and the Holtville High School Hall of Fame Ball.
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From the desk of: Thanksgiving beyond the Valley
November 23, 2011
I't is amazing how quickly Thanksgiving has gotten here this year. We barely got through Halloween, and tomorrow Thanksgiving is once again with us. Families will be gathering all over the U.S. to celebrate. It is a special time to remember, reflect and give thanks.
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Viewpoint: Church honors veterans on Veterans Appreciaiton Day
November 16, 2011
Holtville’s Cornerstone Community Church recently honored veterans at its Veterans Appreciation Day. A Navy color guard led those at the service in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. Military branch anthems and taps were also played.
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Viewpoint: The Swiss Club of Imperial Valley and its festivities
November 9, 2011
In October the Swiss Club of Imperial Valley had its annual Fall Schwingfest at the club house northwest of Holtville. The club has hosted these events since 1921.
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My View: Treasure trove inspires walk down memory lane
November 2, 2011
October and November are my favorite months. For the most part the weather is nearly perfect, and the clouds are beautiful. This is also the time of year I think about cleaning closets and cupboards.
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Viewpoint: Missing the sounds of children
October 26, 2011
I’ve been pretty much on the go since the latter part of June. My first visit was to South Carolina to visit my daughter Debbie, her husband, Phil, and their family. Debbie’s host family when she was an exchange student in South Africa was there at the same time. Don and Joan Valentine, now of Cape Town, South Africa, are the ultimate good sports and a joy to be around.
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Some stories are welcome change
October 19, 2011
There is way too much sadness in the world today. Stories of people turning their lives around are a welcome change.
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Viewpoint: Bibles are personal for many
October 12, 2011
Bibles are very personal for many people. Some, like my sister Louise, and my friend Ruth, favor the King James Version. Others like me, prefer the New King James. The late Mike Johnson, founder of Turning Point Ministries in Holtville, liked the New International Version. My friend Jean, likes using three versions: New Standard Revised, NIV and NKJ. There are so many versions that just about everyone can find one they are comfortable with.
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Around the world in 109 days
October 5, 2011
Recently I had the pleasure of watching an around-the-world PowerPoint presentation given by Charlie, a former submarine captain, and his wife, Ellen.
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Viewpoint: Taking in baseball, football and boats
September 28, 2011
I wouldn’t describe myself as a huge fan of dogs, or sports, but this summer I’ve gotten more acquainted with both.
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Viewpoint: Remembering Juanita Salazar Lowe
September 21, 2011
The Imperial Valley College art department is proud to present the Juanita Salazar Lowe & Friends Art Show from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be served. No parking tickets will be issued during the show opening.
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Riding out the blackout; remembering 9/11
September 14, 2011
Fortunately last Thursday I was sitting at my computer in San Diego when we lost power, and not stuck in an elevator. One woman in the city was caught between floors for three hours before being rescued by firefighters.
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Viewpoint: 'Priceless' is the 3-Day for Cure walk
September 7, 2011
Last year Stacy Britschgi, 38, of Holtville, took part in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk.
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Viewpoint: Remembering starting a new school year
September 1, 2011
With kids of all ages going back to school again I am reminded of what opening day of school was like many decades ago, when school started the day after Labor Day.
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Viewpoint: Imperial Valley's connection to a devastated Haiti
August 24, 2011
Haiti is still dealing with the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake. Many individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. have committed their time and resources to ease the hardships in this devastated land.
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Viewpoint: Rummaging through a closet full of memories
August 10, 2011
Most of the people my age learned thrift from our parents, who endured the Great Depression.
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From the desk of: Staying cool and renewing friendship
June 22, 2011
While in San Diego for a little R&R, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying myself staying cool and renewing friendships.
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From The Desk of: Reminiscing about fond memories
June 15, 2011
When a family has lived in the same house for many years there tends to be a bit of wear and tear. For instance, the scratches etched on the ceiling near the backdoor of our family room are from the time my son, Steve, brought home a huge Christmas tree from Julian. It was a couple of feet taller than the ceiling, and a few gouges were the result.
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From the desk of: Father and son go to 100th anniversary of the Indy 500
June 8, 2011
One of the happiest fellows these days is George Morris, of Holtville. He and his son, George E., recently went to the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500.
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From the desk of: Honoring veterans on Memorial Day
June 1, 2011
When I was a child I remember Daddy and Mama gathering all the greenery and flowers they could find to take to the cemetery on what was then called Decoration Day. Mama liked including small pine branches to anchor everything in place. She was very clever at making the small sprays.
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From the desk of: Groups try to fit events before the heat sets in
May 25, 2011
As is usual this time of year, groups and organizations all try to fit in activities before the heat sets in and people go on vacation. Lots of things are going on: school parties, baccalaureates, graduations, year-end band concerts and recitals.
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From The Desk of: Group gives service to veterans
May 18, 2011
In Acts 20:35, Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This is the case for many people in our county. Most of us know folks who are always doing nice things for others, and mostly they do it without any fanfare or thought of reward.
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From The Desk Of: Quan's nuptials is more fun than the royal wedding
May 11, 2011
It was most exciting to watch all the pomp of Will and Kate’s wedding.
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From the desk of: Longtime Holtville residents observed their 65th wedding anniversary
May 4, 2011
Longtime Holtville residents Jack and Dorothy Kelly observed their 65th wedding anniversary Sunday. They raised four children and have been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Their children are Kieran Kelly and Kathleen Wellcome, both of Brawley, Mary Lynn Massoud of Salinas, and Patrick Kelly of Modesto.
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From the Desk of: The differences between men and women
April 20, 2011
Since I will be visiting my daughter Debbie and her family on this date in South Carolina, I am recycling a column first published Sept. 20, 1992.
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From the desk of: A hobby for all ages
April 13, 2011
Recently I had a very nice visit with a young friend. Not too long ago we discovered we both liked rocks. She became interested in rocks when she and her husband lived in Arizona. They checked out rocks as they went on frequent walks in the desert washes. My interest started when we used to camp in the desert.
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From The Desk Of: Everyone's invited to annual flower show
April 6, 2011
Today the ladies of the Holtville Woman’s Club are having their annual flower show and bake sale. This free, annual event opens at noon. Tea will be served at 1 p.m., with the program starting at 1:30 p.m. All are invited to attend this gathering held at the clubhouse located at the corner of Sixth and Fern.
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From the desk of: Stories about junior and senior proms
March 30, 2011
With junior/senior proms just around the corner, I want to share some stories about these special affairs. They derive their name from “promenade” and have been around since the 1880s. They were first mentioned in yearbooks in the 1930s.
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Some military humor
March 23, 2011
This column was first published Oct. 15, 2006 - My son Steve recently shared some military humor and wisdom.
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From the desk of: Many special moments at HHS class reunion
March 16, 2011
Wherever I go around the Valley and run into Holtville people the subject of the wonderful Holtville High School multi-class reunion usually comes up.
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From the desk of: Some old-fashioned rural humor
March 2, 2011
Since our Holtville High School multi-generational reunion, and the Carrot Festival, and family visiting have taken up so many of my thoughts lately, I decided to take it easy and share some old-fashioned rural humor from Country magazine this week.
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From the desk of: HHS multi-generational reunion continues
February 23, 2011
The pleasures of the Holtville High School multi-generational reunion continue to swirl around in my head. Everywhere a person looked at the reunion there were smiling faces. People were relaxed. It was a beautiful evening.
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From the desk of: Carrot Festival, Holtville High mega-reunion too much fun
February 16, 2011
Last week was almost more fun than should be legal what with the Carrot Festival, and the huge Holtville High School multi-generational reunion activities. The joyous anticipation of the past few weeks was delightful. Although my class, the wonderful class of 1952, has had lots of outstanding reunions, I was also looking forward to seeing the classmates of my children. I haven’t seen most of them since they graduated from HHS.
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From the desk of: Redneck Valentine love poem
February 9, 2011
Since Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, I would like to share a redneck Valentine love poem sent from the South Carolina part of the family:
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FROM THE DESK OF: Visitors enjoy Imperial Valley's warm weather
February 2, 2011
This is such a wonderful time of year in the Imperial Valley.
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From the desk of: Juanita Lowe, a published artist, is remembered
January 26, 2011
Juanita Lowe, the founder and former head of the Imperial Valley College art department, was born Oct. 5, 1921, in Broken Arrow, Okla. She passed away Dec. 8, 2010. She is survived by her three children: Patty, Stephen and Gary. Her memorial service was recently held in Brawley, where Gary read his mom’s eulogy. I will share a portion of it in this column.
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From the desk of: 'Be a testimony, not a 'testiphony''
January 19, 2011
Just a month ago, on Dec. 18, Mike Johnson went to his heavenly reward. The founder and director of Turning Point Ministries was born Sept. 9, 1957, and died Dec. 18, 2010. For those of us who loved, admired and depended on him, his time here was much too short. After living life on his terms for the first 35 years, drug use got him into trouble with the law. He had the choice of prison, or spending a year in Teen Challenge.
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From the desk of: HHS alumni to have a mega-class reunion
January 12, 2011
In a month from now former grads of Holtville High School will have a mega-class reunion Feb. 11 to 13, during the Carrot Festival weekend. The reunion encompasses alumni from the classes of 1999 and earlier.
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From the desk of: Remember not 'to sweat the small stuff'
January 5, 2011
This has been such a nice Christmas, and I really didn’t want to take down the tree. It will also be tough to remove the Christmas photos from the front of the refrigerator. I will miss looking at the sweet faces of the children. I haven’t even minded when some cards go flying to the floor when the magnets are moved.
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From the desk of: Another wonderful Christmas with family
December 29, 2010
My family and I enjoyed another wonderful Christmas here in Holtville. The South Carolina part of the family enjoyed a bit of snow with their celebration. I was so thankful none of my loved ones were stuck in any of the airports around the world where they were having terrible weather. I can’t imagine being stranded like that for days on end.
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From the desk of: A trip down memory lane over Thanksgiving
December 8, 2010
This column was first published Dec. 13, 1992
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From the desk of: Popular event just around the corner
December 1, 2010
One of the most popular events of the year is just around the corner.
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From the desk of: Words of wisdom from missionaries and teachers
November 24, 2010
I have been thinking of some of the things I have heard in church services and Bible studies the past few months.
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From the desk of: Meeting brings back memories
November 2, 2010
When it was announced the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Desert Zone 25 was having another meeting, I was mildly excited. I was reminded of past meetings with numerous reports, lunch, some singing, a skit and a guest speaker.
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From The Desk Of: Missing a familiar voice
October 20, 2010
Oh, how I miss the voices we used to hear daily on the telephone.
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From The Desk OF: Story of a former resident
October 13, 2010
In a chance conversation with former Imperial Valley resident Rudy Soto, the following story unfolded.
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From the Desk of: Cheap clothes and some good finds at a thrift shop in San Diego
October 6, 2010
I recently discovered the best thrift shop in San Diego. It is The Rock Thrift Store, located at 3191-B Sports Arena Blvd. The shop is light and airy, and staffed by courteous volunteers who seem to be having a great time. Everything is clean. Nothing is stained or torn, and a lot of name brand merchandise is sold. The shop is an outreach of the Rock Church in Liberty Station off Rosecrans.
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From The Desk Of: Happy 100th birthday Jessie Dietrich
September 30, 2010
My friend Jean and her family are celebrating her mother’s 100th birthday on Saturday, in Moline, Ill.
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From the desk of: Enjoying the 'pleasant climate'
September 22, 2010
While enjoying my respite from the heat in San Diego I am outside whenever possible. When visitors are here we try to have our meals outdoors, too.
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From the desk of: The 'laws of ultimate reality'
September 15, 2010
Until now I didn’t know these strange happenings had a name. They are called The Laws of Ultimate Reality. My friend Birdie enlightened me recently.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Funny things shared by friends
September 1, 2010
A few things I’ve recently learned:
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Weekend full of dancing, food and good times with family
August 25, 2010
My son Tony, grandson Eric, and I visited family in Orange County last weekend. Their church ladies’ guild was having a summer event, “Around The World in 80 Dishes.” It featured foods from the Pacific Islands, Europe, South America and North America, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Hungarian car fanatic falls in love with an American car
August 18, 2010
Generations of Holtville people have seen the pale blue 1968 Pontiac four-door car driven by the late Juliann Portwood. For 42 years she cruised around town, and the rest of Imperial Valley in that automobile. Thanks to the wonder of eBay, it is now the prized possession of Ferenc Lovas who lives in Hungary.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Family summer vacation in Nassau continues
August 11, 2010
Some more about my family’s vacation in Nassau.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: A family summer get-together
August 4, 2010
This year my family decided we needed an exotic spot for our summer get-together. Nassau in the Bahamas was chosen. After a flurry of activity to make sure all 14 of us had current passports, we headed there in July.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Honoring the least-evolved among us
July 28, 2010
My son Steve once again shared this year’s Darwin Awards with me. These awards are bestowed honoring the least evolved among us.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: The ladies enjoy watching synchronized swimming
July 21, 2010
Things really don’t get much better for women than to go out for breakfast, and then find a shoe store nearby.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: 'Carrot Capital of the World' loses one of its best athletes
July 14, 2010
Richard “Dick” Plummer, one of Holtville’s best athletes and well-liked men, died June 28 in Yuma. He was born in rural Holtville to Robert and Jessie “TeTe” Plummer on Jan. 14, 1928.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Hospitality goes a long way
July 7, 2010
I recently received this from a friend. I hope some of you will appreciate it as much as I did.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: A surprise phone call from Sen. McCain
June 30, 2010
Ralph Allegranza of Holtville was recently surprised by a phone call from one of his heroes, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. McCain was speaking at a vegetable growers meeting in Yuma. Ralph’s son, Mark, met the senator there and told him that his father was a veteran, too.
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From the Desk of Dora DePaoli: Valley residents cross paths at San Diego County Fair
June 22, 2010
On summer visits to San Diego it is a game for many to see which Imperial Valley resident they will meet first. On this outing the first person we saw was Leslie Lehnhardt at the beach, quickly followed by the former Katie Strahm and her husband, Braden, who were out biking. Shortly after that, while looking for bargains at The Salvation Army Boutique, we met Billy and Gloria Hale of Imperial.