Palmdale to Big BearLake – Friday, May 18, 2012

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. May 7, 2012 – Amgen Tour ofCalifornia cycling race from Palmdale toBigBearLake will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012. This event will require intermittent closures on State Routes 2, 138, 18, 38, along with roads in Big Bear. The intermittent closures could last between 30 and 60 minutes as the race progresses toward Big Bear. Traffic will be permitted to follow behind the race. It should take the race no longer than 35 minutes to pass intersecting streets along the race course. At times, traffic will be permitted to cross the affected sections of these routes, at the discretion of California Highway Patrol.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures on SR-18 from Crestline to Big Bear Dam:

Rolling closures will begin twenty to thirty minutes before the lead rider arrives. Traffic will be restored IMMEDIATELY after the final rider passes through, which is expected to be approximately 35 minutes after the lead rider. SR-18 from Crestline to the Big Bear Dam will experience closures from approximately 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Spectators, who plan to observe the race along the race routes, such as Rim of theWorld Highwayor theArctic Circlelocated on SR-18, are encouraged to arrive before 11a.m.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam to Summit Blvd:

Rolling closures will continue on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam along the north shore of Big Bear Lake, through Fawnskin, and then to Stanfield Cutoff. The estimated time of rolling closures on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam to Stanfield Cutoff is from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course continues right onto Big Bear Blvd. to Sandalwood Drive, right onto Fox Farm Road, left onto Garstin Drive, and then to Summit Blvd. for the finish. Closures in theBigBearLakearea are expected to happen between 2:35 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures:

This is the range of times within which the road may be closed, depending on the speed of the race. Actual closing will only be about one hour with this time frame.

*BigBear Blvdwith have the two southbound lanes open all day for 2-way traffic.

Harry Shum at Navitat

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. - Actor Harry Shum Jr. celebrated his 30th birthday flying through the treetops at Navitat Canopy Adventures, a high-adventure zip line canopy tour in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Joined by more than a dozen friends, including several of his “Glee” cast mates, Shum spent Saturday morning, May 12, on the adrenaline-pumping course in Wrightwood, Calif. The tour features 10 zip lines ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet in length — including one that soars 300 feet above the canyon floor – sky bridges, sky stairs and a free-fall rappel.

“We are thrilled that Harry chose to celebrate his birthday with us,” said Caley Bowman, Marketing Manager at NAVITAT in Wrightwood. “We had such an awesome time hosting his group and showing them the rugged beauty of the San Gabriels from such a unique perspective. We hope it’s an experience they’ll never forget.”

Harry Shum Zipping

Open since July 2011, NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES is located just 90 minutes northeast of Los Angeles and near the popular Mountain High winter resort. Awarded “Best of L.A.” honors by L.A. Weekly and CBS Los Angeles, the tour has been featured on “Conan” and as the backdrop of Geico’s Maxwell the Ziplining Pig commercial.

NAVITAT tours run daily through the end of November. Regular tour price is $109 per adult and $99 per youth under 18. Weight and health restrictions apply. Tours last approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Visit www.navitat.com/wrightwood to book your tour. To apply discounts, call 1-855-NAVITAT (855-628-4828).

The 6 pm concert highlights “A Great American Party” designed to rediscover the Good ol’USA, and it takes place at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville. Each year, families pack the camper with kids, banjos, and fishing poles and in the spirit of Mark Twain, run away for some old fashioned fun in the country.

Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin started singing in their little hometown ofAbilene,Texas, and from there went on to make music history. Over the course of a four decade long career that has taken the Gatlin Brothers from dusty Texas stages to White House performances, Broadway and Grammy awards, there has been one unifying element, music.

Nearly 50 years of family harmonies, a Grammy for “Broken Lady” in 1976 and Academy of Country Music Award for “All the Gold in California” in 1979 sent the trio to the top of the country charts. There were more than a dozen top 40 hits including “Denver,” “Houston”(Mean That I’m One Day Closer To You),” and “Love Is Just A Game.”

Throughout the 70′s and 80′s, the Gatlin Brothers lit up major marques and packed concert halls across America. In concert, their performances became magical events, filled with incredible family harmonies and downright fun for both the trio and their audience. But, in 1992 they fell silent for nearly 20 years. “I always wanted to showcase the Gatlin Brothers, and when they stopped touring, I thought I’d missed my chance,” states Don Tucker, who in past years has shared great artists like Merle Haggard, Roger Miller and Earle Scruggs with Jubilee fans.

Today, however, Larry Gatlin notes, “You know what Bob Dylan said,…things they are a changin’.” To the delight of Tucker, the Gatlin Brothers chose to perform on Father’s Day during the Jubilee.

At this stage, the Gatlins have the best of both worlds, family and friends, plenty of work, as individuals and together.

Named Bluegrass Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2001, the Huck Finn Jubilee continues to showcase top names in Country and Bluegrass music. This year’s impressive lineup includes IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Seldom Scene, Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Grammy Nominee, Lisa Haley, and Dry Branch Fire Squad among others.

A high desert tradition since 1976, The Huck Finn Jubilee not only features top name entertainment on main stage, but, it also hosts guitar, banjo, band and songwriting workshops in a more intimate setting. Musical jam sessions or pickin’ parties also run nearly all night long in special campgrounds on the park.

The 800 acre Mojave Narrows Regional Parkin Victorville, where the Jubilee is held, sits on an oasis resembling parkland found along the Mississippi River. To reach it, take theBear Valley Roadexit off I-15, then go east to Ridgecrest Ave., and turn north to the park.

The Jubilee’s website, www.huckfinn.com carries complete schedule, camping, special discount offers and ticket information. Other information on this Great American Family Event is available by calling 1-951-780-8810.

Palmdale to Big BearLake – Friday, May 18, 2012 

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. May 7, 2012 – Amgen Tour ofCalifornia cycling race from Palmdale toBigBearLake will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012. This event will require intermittent closures on State Routes 2, 138, 18, 38, along with roads in Big Bear. The intermittent closures could last between 30 and 60 minutes as the race progresses toward Big Bear. Traffic will be permitted to follow behind the race. It should take the race no longer than 35 minutes to pass intersecting streets along the race course. At times, traffic will be permitted to cross the affected sections of these routes, at the discretion of California Highway Patrol.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures on SR-18 from Crestline to Big Bear Dam:

Rolling closures will begin twenty to thirty minutes before the lead rider arrives. Traffic will be restored IMMEDIATELY after the final rider passes through, which is expected to be approximately 35 minutes after the lead rider.  SR-18 from Crestline to the Big Bear Dam will experience closures from approximately 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Spectators, who plan to observe the race along the race routes, such as Rim of theWorld Highwayor theArctic Circlelocated on SR-18, are encouraged to arrive before 11a.m.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam to Summit Blvd:

Rolling closures will continue on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam along the north shore of Big Bear Lake, through Fawnskin, and then to Stanfield Cutoff. The estimated time of rolling closures on SR-38 from Big Bear Dam to Stanfield Cutoff is from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course continues right onto Big Bear Blvd. to Sandalwood Drive, right onto Fox Farm Road, left onto Garstin Drive, and then to Summit Blvd. for the finish. Closures in theBigBearLakearea are expected to happen between 2:35 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Intermittent/Rolling Closures:

This is the range of times within which the road may be closed, depending on the speed of the race.  Actual closing will only be about one hour with this time frame.

*BigBear Blvdwith have the two southbound lanes open all day for 2-way traffic.

 BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. May 14, 2012 – Ten-year-old Nigel Holland was diagnosed with cancer four years ago.  His courage and continued determination to beat cancer is recognized at this year’s Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 finish in Big Bear Lake on Friday, May 18. Nigel presents the official Amgen Breakaway from Cancer^® Most Courageous Rider jersey during the awards ceremony at Stage 6 of the seventh consecutive edition of the Amgen Tour ofCalifornia –America’s largest and most prestigious road cycling stage race, which travels nearly 750 miles throughoutCalifornia from May 13-20, 2012. 

Nigel was selected to participate by the Big Bear organizing committee and Amgen as part of Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® initiative, which aims to increase awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention through survivorship.

Nigel was also honored in 2010 during the Amgen Tour ofCalifornia.  Since that time, Nigel has made significant progress from a medical standpoint as well as his physical and social abilities. His mother Monica Holland says, “He has come a long, long way. He is a totally different kid than he was two years ago. He has a great attitude, and is an inspiration for other kids in the community.” 

Nigel is back to living a regular life. Last year his parents moved him to a different school to get a fresh start. He is now in the fourth grade, and attends school on a regular basis with the assistance of a full-time aid. Last semester Nigel won three student awards for attendance, sportsmanship and academics.

Nigel had to relearn some physical skills such as balance. He currently uses a walker to help with balance and regularly works with a physical therapist once a week. He is back in full swing with his favorite sports too, which include skiing, skateboarding, swimming and martial arts. 

Nigel has also made big improvements with his vocal chords. He regularly works with a speech therapist, and within the last year Nigel has become comfortable talking with others in normal conversations.   

“Nigel continues to improve daily,” added Monica Holland. “Medically it looks great for Nigel. He is finished with chemotherapy, and the disease portion looks positive with no signs or symptoms of reappearing.”    

The jersey that Nigel will present, the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider jersey, is awarded to the cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance.  In 2010, Nigel with assistance from his father, presented the jersey to BMC Cycling’s George Hincapie (USA) during the 2010 Amgen Tour ofCalifornia.

“Amgen is proud to honor individuals who inspire others in the fight against cancer, and Nigel certainly is an inspiration,” said Stuart Arbuckle, general manager, Amgen Oncology.  “Breakaway from Cancer was founded on the idea that it takes a team to overcome cancer and the Big Bear community exemplifies the commitment to helping others.”

Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish takes place at Snow Summit Mountain Resort, 880 Summit Blvdin BigBearLake. Opening ceremonies is at 1 p.m., and the awards ceremony is expected to happen immediately following the conclusion of the race.  To learn more log onto www.thebigbearclimb.com.

DATES: Tuesday, May 15 through Tuesday, June 12, 2012                                              

Tuesday, May 15…………………………………“The Smurfs”

Tuesday, May 22…………………………………..“Zookeeper”

Tuesday, May 29………………………………..“Puss in Boots”

Tuesday, June 5..……………………………“Kung Fu Panda 2”

Tuesday, June 12…………………………………………“Cars 2”

TIMES: Movies begin at dusk every Tuesday evening

LOCATION:  Chaffey Town Square in Victoria Gardens
12505 North Mainstreet, Suite 200
Rancho Cucamonga,CA 91739
 

INFORMATION:                (909) 463-2830

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif.May 10, 2012 – Arrowhead Medical Regional Center (AMRC) will have its Mobile Medical Clinic on site at The Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish inBigBearLake as part of the Lifestyle Festival and Cycling Expo. Medical professionals will provide free screening services aboard its state-of-the-art Mobile Medical Clinic (MMC), a custom-built, 40-foot vehicle that that features two exam rooms, patient intake area and patient education center.

Visitors to the mobile unit during the Lifestyle Festival and Cycling Expo in Big Bear will have the opportunity to receive height and weight checks and screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, information about theMedicalCenter’s Cancer Services will also be provided by a representative of that program.

MMC was implemented to provide new access points to basic health screenings/primary care and health education services throughout theCountyofSan Bernardino. The MMC enables hospital personnel to reach deeper into remote areas of the county with limited access to medical services. ARMC has been using the MMC to conduct basic health screenings and for flu shot clinics and recently began providing primary care services in select areas of the county. Primary care services will expand to additional areas in 2012. The MMC continues to be a popular and valuable resource for health screenings throughout the year at various events in the county.

The mobile unit is the first healthcare vehicle of its kind to be deployed in the Countyof San Bernardinoto provide screenings and primary care to select sites. For more information on ARMC’s mobile clinic, please call 909-580-1000.

Lifestyle Festival & Cycling Expo Filled with Fun, Liveliness and Excitement

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif.May 9, 2012 – One thing for certain is cycling fans will not get bored at “The Big Bear Climb!” (Amgen Tour ofCalifornia Stage 6 Finish in BigBearLake on May 18). An interactive lifestyle festival and cycling expo just steps from the finish line on the grounds of Snow Summit Mountain Resort takes place before, during and after the race! It’s full of fun, liveliness, and excitement!

The festival has a wide assortment of fun-filled activities for all ages. There’s continuous music, a beer garden, food concessions, open-deck full bar, health & fitness expo, cycling demonstrations, Jumbo Trons with live race coverage, bike safety clinics, San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino’s “Lucky 7 Bingo Game,” Arrowhead Regional Center’s Mobile Medical Clinic free health screenings, national sponsors and vendors, cycling gear, official race merchandise, kids bike rides, family activities and more. Down the road a bit excitement continues into the evening atNottingham’s Tavern with goldsprints contests.

Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish inBigBearLakeis Friday, May 18. The race starts in Palmdale at 10 a.m., and is expected to end inBigBearLakesometime between 2:35 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. The finish line is located at Snow Summit Mountain Resort. The Lifestyle Festival and Cycling Expo is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Snow Summit.

For more information about the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish in BigBearLake, or to learn about V.I.P. Finish Line Experience Packages including discounted lodging visit www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Ragin Cajun on Wheels

Saturday, the fest consisted of 15 food trucks, vendors, live music and a BBQ Competition. I enjoyed the smaller crowds, which meant no long lines. To start, we walked and observed all of the food trucks; I wanted to make sure I chose my lunch wisely. We were greeted by one food truck, Ragin Cajun Cafe on Wheels  with a sample of their Bayou Chicken and Sausage gumbo. As we ate our little sample, the owner kept repeating, “You’re going to see why we are voted number 1″. Let me tell you, I have never had gumbo that tasted as incredible as that! It had chunks of chicken and sausage in a creamy-flavorful gumbo sauce. I was sold. I ordered a Shrimp Po’ Boy with a side of that wonderful gumbo and as I ate and listened to Cianna tell of her times spent in New Orleans, I couldn’t help but feel for a second that I too now had experienced a little piece of the City that Care Forgot.

For dessert, we had cupcakes from Suite 106 Cupcakery. Feeling adventurous, we couldn’t help but to sample the cupcake that won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Pancakes N’ Bacon.

Cupcakes Yum!

It was just the right amount of sweet and salty. Full and satisfied, we headed to the main stage where the MC was giving away shirts, bags and CD’s. Cianna and I won bags after singing a rendition of “Single Ladies” on stage, front and center. Afterwards, Minor Chaos, a teen band, took the stage and performed various songs. I think Cianna still wanted to be up there because she couldn’t help but to sing when they sung the Beatles “Come Together”. With Saturday coming to an end, I again felt the anticipation of Sunday bringing even more food trucks.

This Lobster Roll was amazing!

Sunday, I attended the fest with a friend. I was experienced by now and immediately began my rounds to observe all of the 50 trucks. Halfway through, we stopped at Cousin’s Maine Lobster. I was apprehensive at first to try Lobster on a truck, but the long line told me that I had to see for myself what the hype was. We each ordered the Connecticut Lobster Roll and to our surprise we received a roll stuffed with an ample amount of Lobster. This dish was Ah – ma – zing. The roll was toasted and buttery; seriously, I could eat the roll by itself. The Lobster was also fresh and drizzled with butter. I could not believe something so gourmet and delectable was prepared on a truck.

The rest of the day was spent splitting foods from other trucks. We tried Canadian eggrolls and a Tornado Potato dusted with Garlic Parmesan. For dessert we split a Strawberry and Banana Crème Puff. By the end of the day, I was stuffed and again, satisfied.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the foods I tasted this weekend and I can’t wait to have more trucks come to the Inland Empire. Until then, I will just have to make trips to visit the trucks that have changed the way I feel about fast food.

Minor Chaos

Beauty Pagent Contestants

To kick off the jam packed music weekend, the Wernick Method Jam Class will be taught on Wednesday and Thursday covering beginning and intermediate levels for all Bluegrass instruments. You can pre-register for a discount, or on site prior to class.      

Deering’s Jamming School for banjo players is included in Jubilee admission and is offered Friday thru Sunday. Other workshops in guitar, mandolin, harmonica and line dancing are offered throughout the weekend. Check schedule for times.

Twelve banjo contestants can enter the Deering Banjo Championship at 12 noon, Saturday. $1,500 cash is offered 1st. thru 3rd. place. 

Evening pickin’ party locations are now available on the Jubilee’s Facebook, as evening jam sessions make for a great Father’s Day weekend get-a-way inSouthern California this summer. This is a Great American Family Event.

JOIN US for our 36th season, June 15, 16 & 17, 2012.