Writing Solutions

 Cool Summer Nite lead to Wicked Day in L. A.

 Have you ever noticed that the very volunteers who make things happen are the ones who take all the abuse and wind up getting stabbed in the back? After the carnage has been assessed, have you further noticed that there are still few people who will step forward to keep the activity going? Trust me; it happens all the time.

 The good news is, I have seen a few signs of cooperation within the city and civic and service groups in the six plus years that I’ve lived in Banning. I’m even witnessing evidence that Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Cabazon and Calimesa are trying to work together.

 Whether it’s true community spirit or $5 plus dollar gas is yet to get determined, but it is working. A good case and point is Banning’s “Cool Summer Nites.” A collaboration of the Banning Chamber of Commerce, Banning Cultural Alliance and San Gorgonio Pass Rotary, the event being held in downtown Banning is growing. Please note I have not given one group more credit than the other; I am merely listing them alphabetically.

 I am disclaiming that I am a member of all three community groups listed above and I can tell you, working in cooperation is great! The Alliance has been in charge of booking the talent; the Chamber is in charge of the auto/motorcycle appearances and the Rotary is charged with booking and keeping the vendors in attendance for the run of the event. (That’s Friday nights from 6-9 pm through August 22^nd).

To my knowledge, all volunteers are paid the same…. nothing, save for the gratification of seeing this community event grow; and it has done just that each week since it began at the end of June. Like anything where variables occur, there have been glitches and disappointments.

 Since the first week when there were vendors selling vegetables and fruit (crisp to tender, depending upon the composition of the item). Then I showed up each week after that with my cloth/reusable shopping bag only to be disappointed when there were no fruit/vegetable vendors.

I was sympathetic when I was told by the event promoters that “their truck broke down,” “their truck broke down” - - - and would you believe it? “Their truck broke down.” Okay, I gave up and went back to the supermarket which is never my first choice.

Then I heard the dynamic duo of Jims (that’s Rotary present Jim Smith and Carol’s Kitchen CEO Jim McConnell) promise there would be a Banning Country Market beginning on July 18^th and running through the  August 22^nd finale.

 “Yeah, right,” I told my empty shopping bag. I agreed to participate with helping staff the farmer’s market with fellow Rotarians. I will admit I took advantage of my working status and began my shopping about 15 minutes before enthusiastic shoppers found the tent located on San Gorgonio and Hayes.

 Organic was the theme and I loaded my shopping bag with cantaloupes, tomatoes, cucumbers, incredible yellow peppers, peaches & nectarines. Did I mention purchasing the most succulent seedless watermelon I can remember tasting? Okay; consider it mentioned.

Smith, MoConnell and their merry band of helpers promise to be back each Friday until the event ends. Profits? Hopefully they continue to grow from the break-even status that was achieved this past Friday. All proceeds will go to Carol’s Kitchen.

 How can you lose…. supporting local vendors and contributing to the amazing community resource: Carol’s Kitchen. Save gas, meet friends in downtown Banning and treat yourself to fresh vegetables and produce every Friday night between tonight and August 22^nd.

 One of the delicious delights of growing up in New York was to be privy to world-class museums, libraries, ballet, opera and my favorite…. live musical theatre. From the age I could figure out how to earn money; be it from babysitting to cashing in soda bottles for a deposits, or giving tennis lessons; I saved every penny I could earn in order to attend live theatre in Manhattan.

There is something magical about attending a live theatre performance; be it on Broadway or in Banning, Beaumont, Yucaipa, Redlands, Riverside or the Coachella Valley. I still get chills when I hear the orchestra tune up in their below-the-stage pit. The audience would chit chat until they heard the first tap of the conductor’s baton signifying the overture was beginning.

 I go everywhere I possibly can to support live theatre. This year I am joining three sets of friends with season subscriptions to local theatre groups and that does not include the incredible talent that is booked into Sun Lakes through the various clubs.

 My friend Barbara had brought a theatre opportunity to my attention months ago. Run through the Joslyn Senior Center in Redlands, we would see the multi-Toni award winning show “Wicked”, leave the driving to the bus-person and get to spend a couple of hours at the world famous Los Angeles Farmer’s Market.

I will admit experiencing a twinge of sentimentality when we stopped at the Farmer’s Market where I haven’t been for close to 35 years. Many of the old standbys are still there and I got to see the logo of the famous CBS-eye on Beverly and Fairfax where I spent many years working when I was in television production.

 I thoroughly enjoyed seeing “Wicked” at the Pantages theatre.  The story goes to witches of Oz, the munchkins therein and whether evil gets trumped by good. Great actors, excellent musical talent punctuated with sentimental and humorous dialogue. In short, I liked it.

 Was it my very favorite? No, but I liked it. I have been so fortune to experience theatre in New York, London, Los Angeles, San Diego and yes, the San Gorgonio Pass Area. What enthusiasts, including the Banning Cultural Alliance and others have done to bring live theatre here is extraordinary.

 While I am more known for critiquing government and public policy, I am a supporter of “all things local” and that includes theatre, movies in the park and street fairs where friends can meet and make new friends as well as supporting local businesses. In this unstable economy, we could all go a long way to SHOP/BUY LOCAL.

 All of that said, I return to my favorite bandwagon…. consider getting your feet wet, your enthusiasm peeked and your ability to enter public service satisfied at the same time….

 

Run for local office.

 You can draw papers through your local city clerk. The filing period closes on August 8^th.

 Do you want your questions asked/answered by the candidates running? These are the folks who will be making decisions about the things that affect you locally; like land use and taxes.

 DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? Please send them to me and I will put them forth to the community in this column. Email: info@WritingSolutions.com.

 Meanwhile, between working and participating in the community, I will be looking forward to my next live theatre experience.

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