Celebrating our Neighbors
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Quail Valley students gather STEAM
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| Baldy Mesa student Jacob Arzola sits in the pilot’s seat of the SB County Sheriff helicopter, which was on display at the Quail Valley Middle School STEAM Night. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| Bass-Sic entertained visitors. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| Heston Jackson peers at the moon. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| The slime-making table was popular with the children. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| Children toured the AMR Ambulance. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| Zach Michel demonstrates welding. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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| Morgan Johnston demonstrates the FFA Dummy Dog. Photo by Terri McCawley Hill |
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By Terri McCawley Hill
April 29, 2019: Hundreds of people flocked to the Quail Valley Middle School campus last Friday, to experience, STEAM, the school’s annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics Night.
Inside the multipurpose room, tables were set with a variety of crafts for children and adults alike. Making a sort of silly-putty gave students the opportunity to experience the chemical reactions when combining glue, sodium tetraborate (Borax) and water. Jarod Ratliff taught participants how to construct a Davinci Bridge, interlocking 12 pencils and using no connectors.
Transition Habitat Conservancy (THC) brought caterpillars that will become Painted Lady butterflies. Three were beginning to spin their chrysalides while attached to a netted enclosure. THC demonstrated their extensive butterfly waystation gardens, using photos and pamphlets. Forever Wild also brought in some wildlife for children to visit with, and perhaps hold or pet. The stage was lined with assorted colorful terrariums, from a 7th-grade project.
Outside, emergency vehicles, including a Sheriff’s helicopter that landed on the field, were popular attractions, as children climbed on, into, and around the apparatus and allowed great photo ops for their families. Baldy Mesa students Jacob and Maricela Arzola, eight and ten respectively, looked like they were ready to take flight as they took turns in the pilot seat.
Heston Jackson enjoyed looking through the telescope provided by Karen Young. “I saw the sun and the Moon! It was cool,” he said.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) was represented through mechanics, medicine, and animal husbandry. Zach Michel and Kyle Wellner, both 17 years old, demonstrated their welding skills. Zach said, “I plan to make a career out of it.”
Morgan Johnston, 14, is in her first year with FFA. She plans to go into law enforcement, specifically a K-9 unit, and use the life skills she’s learning in the club. Morgan oversaw the “dummy dog” exhibit; a large, lifelike stuffed dog used to practice CPR, taking blood, and other veterinary skills. Among the animals on display at the school was Lightening, a goat being raised by Mackayla Schexnyder, who will take her goat to auction at this year’s County Fair.
A popular room was Quail valley teacher, Deanna Neuman’s math classroom, where students flocked in, to play cards games. Neuman teaches the children to play cards games that improve their hand-eye coordination, speed, and teamwork and math skills. Neuman’s Master’s thesis postulated that playing cards immediately before taking a test, improved students’ scores on those tests. Other games included Connect Four, which Divani and Owen, siblings who go to Chrystal in Hesperia, played multiple times. Their grandmother said the kids enjoy STEAM, “their school doesn’t have an event like this.” Nathan is a seventh-grade student of Ms. Neuman, “I like her class, she makes math fun” he smiled.
In another classroom, students were busy creating their own designs in Mr. Philip’s Digital Arts room. Johnathon Estrada, an eight-grader, said, “I have fun with it (digital art). I plan to use it in my career in computer animation.” Students can take one semester of the class in each of their seventh and eighth grade years.
Children and adults crowded the rocket-building table, creating aerodynamically-sound paper rockets. Each student was given the chance to load their handmade rockets onto the Launchpad, then push the air blast button, sending their creations aloft. Science teacher Leslie O’Leary said that next for the eighth-graders will be constructing rockets from two-liter bottles.
Visitors were also treated to several performances by Serrano’s cast of, Once on This Island, and the all-bass band, “Bass-Sic.”
Watch for this family-friendly event next year, it’s a great evening of fun, learning, and creativity.
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Women’s History Month_ Integrity, vigorous work ethic– Kathy Zimbro
By Vicky Rinek
In the real estate business, dominated by men, women are a force and yet, nationwide women only account for 17.7% of the real estate workforce. In the Tri-Community women professionals have helped make our community thrive. In this issue we take a look at one empowering woman Kathy Zimbro.
Kathy has been in the real estate business for nearly 40 years. She first worked for a number of agencies, diving in and educating herself about the industry. Within no time she officially earned her license and began working as an agent.
In 2003 Kathy, was working with her husband Daryal. who already had his Real Estate license, while working another job full time. She obtained her Real Estate license in August of 1980. While raising her children, she helped her husband at home with his business. Together they built a solid foundation and a thriving business, and became financially independent.
After relocating to the High Desert in November of 1991, she worked for a broker in Pinon Hills, then the “Red Barn” on Phelan Road, returning to her home office in 1993. She joined Century 21 in Phelan in 1995, consistently a top producer, working there until 2003. Kathy and Daryal then opened Zimbro Realty. Their son Kyle joined them in 2001 while attending college.
After gaining considerable experience and building their own business they decided to make a bold decision to combine Zimbro Realty with a national real estate firm. “In a 24/7 business like real estate, it’s important to have a partner who can support you.” said Kathy. In 2016 they combined Zimbro Reaty with Coldwell Banker Home Source and opened the existing location in Stater Bros. Shoppin Center. Kathy stated, “The real estate market is very fast-paced and competitive. If you’re not on top of your game, there’s a long line of agents waiting to take that business from you. The stakes are high and there is little to no room for error. Thus, we hold ourselves and our team to a very high standard of performance and professionalism in order to succeed.”
Kathy was awarded by Coldwell Banker as “Agent of the Year” in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Kathy’s commitment to her Real Estate business is unsurpassed in the local area and her consistent production proves it.
Kathy relocated from Orange County 27 years ago and has lived in Pinon Hills ever since. Daryla and Kathy were married in 1978. Kathy’s children, Aimee and Kyle, are proof of her commitment to be “the best that you can be”. Aimee is a full time Registered Nurse at San Gorgonio Hospital in Beaumont and loves to travel. She recently returned from Costa Rica. Kyle is a very successful local Real Estate Broker managing the Phelan office as well as the upcoming Hesperia office. Kyle and his wife, Adrienne, are giving Kathy her first grandchild, a girl Zoey, within the next week or so. “
Kathy is a member of the Phelan and Pinon Hills Chambers of Commerce and supports many events in the Tri-Community. She enjoys living in Pinon Hills and being a part of the Phelan Business District where everyone is approachable. She finds time getaway each year to destinations such as Paso Robles, Scottsdale, Arizona and, this year, Seattle, Washington. She and Daryal enjoy their annual vacations in Hawaii, in particular, the Big Island.
Her perspective on building successful teams, the importance of referrals, reputation, and why women in business shouldn’t shy away from self-promotion or leadership is a key to her success. “Integrity, vigorous work ethic, and a strategic business approach is essential,” says Kathy.
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Women’s History Month “She Made It”
Jenna Mills
By Vicky Rinek
In honor of Women’s History Month, Mountaineer Progress Newspaper will recognize talented and hardworking women in the Tri-Community. These are the movers and shakers you need to know, and we are proud to honor their accomplishments. Business owners, entrepreneurs, top management officers, and political leaders who are role models; these are empowering women. Their lifestyles also reflect their stories - from what they do for themselves, to how they impact our community.
Jenna Mills, an entrepreneur active in her community, is recognized for her talent, hard work and dedication. She has four children and one grandson. She strives to respect and recognizing the beauty in other cultures, and has an instilled “can-do” spirit.
She is the mind, but more importantly, the heart behind Mills Hardware. This True Value Hardware has been in operation since 1988. The full-service hardware store is located in the Phelan Towne Square at 3936 Phelan Rd., Phelan. This family owned business with strong community ties is a big part of Phelan.
Jenna believes that we all have a story and that our stories are what shape who we are and connect us with those around us. Jenna grew up in Phelan, went to Phelan Elementary through Serrano High School. After graduation from Serrano, Jenna began her own journey. She put a couple of semesters of college under her belt before joining the Wrightwood Lumber Company. Trenna Anderson mentored Jeanna as a bookkeeper. This opportunity allowed her to begin her employment journey, gain some income for her hard work and boost her business knowledge. She realized that her best education would come from working for the Anderson family businesses. Ken Anderson furthered her knowledge with reading and understanding financial statements and everyday operation of the store.
She married Dane Mills, also a Serrano graduate, in 1988 and they raised four children. All children went through the Snowline schools and Jenna became involved in their schools, volunteering in the Heritage VIPA board, acting as secretary, treasurer, and president. Jenna served on the board for the Boys Scouts of American at the district level and volunteered her time with council activities.
Fast forward to today. Jenna is the owner of the Mills True Value Hardware in Phelan.
She purchased the hardware business from the Ken Anderson in 2014.
She runs this store with the support of 14 employees, with two of her children working beside her.
In her busy schedule Jenna still finds time to continue her volunteer work. She is currently the President of the Phelan Chamber of Commerce, member of the Tri Community Kiwanis, Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her favorite things to do are spend time with family, go to Lake Havasu, AZ and give back to the community for their genuine support.
Finally, Jenna wants other young ladies to know that with hard-work, commitment, setting goals and being financially responsible, they too can succeed in business.
If you would like to nominate a woman that you know, please submit a short essay describing some her background and career successes. You may email the newspaper at newsroom@mtprogress.net
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| Wendi Rodriquez |
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Wendi Rodriguez takes flight
By Terri Hill
After a long wait, and training, The Heritage School’s science teacher Wendi Rodriguez has finally taken to the sky with NASA as a member of the 2016 Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program.
The program is a professional development opportunity for educators, designed to improve teaching methods and to inspire students. As part of the preparation, the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors complete a graduate credit astronomy course and are partnered with professional astronomers to participate as the scientists conduct research on board NASA’s flying telescope, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). NASA website
In an email on Monday Rodriguez enthused, “I can't believe we are finally here. We fly tomorrow and Wednesday. We are taking tours today.”
The Mountaineer Progress will have Rodriguez’s story after she returns to Earth.
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Big changes at County Fire
By Terri Hill
May 19, 2016: SB County Fire Captain Steve Roeber from Station 14 reported to the Wrightwood MAC on Monday, the new Battalion Chief for Wrightwood, Phelan, and the city of Hesperia is Kelly Anderson. Anderson’s assignment fills a vacancy left by Chief Jeff Birchfield when he promoted to Division Chief and transferred to Division 1. Chief Anderson commented briefly in regard to her new assignment and the opportunity to become familiar with the Tri-Community area.
Roeber also explained that American Medical Response (AMR), an ambulance company, is contracted with San Bernardino County. Because AMR is unable to keep all of their ambulances staffed, the county units will be moved around to help accommodate shortfalls in coverage. For Wrightwood, it means that the reserve ambulance, only staffed in winter, from Station 14 has been moved down to the Oak Hills area for the time being. At the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council meeting Tuesday night, Captain Bolesworth stressed that even when our community needs a second ambulance, it has to come from an outlying area, as the reserve unit in town was not in service.
Additionally, Roeber updated the MAC on the state of San Bernardino City Fire, as that agency has been absorbed into County Fire because of the city’s financial problems.
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Mountain High ski instructor honored in Utah
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| Ron Parody at home in Wrightwood CA showing his award. Photo by Terri Hill |
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| Ron Parody accepts his award at the annual Reunion of Veteran Ski Instructors dinner in Park City. Courtesy Photo |
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| Ron was photographed performing his signature Royal (flying) Christie turn. Circa 1971. Courtesy photo |
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By Terri Hill
Ron Parody was recently recognized by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) in Park City Utah at the Veteran Ski Instructors’ Reunion. The honor is bestowed on professional skiers and instructors who have demonstrated exemplary talent and technique in the field.
Ron began skiing at the age of three. His first skis were wooden and cost the “considerable sum,” in the late 1930s, of 50 cents. Ron said there was no turning, so the thrill was in skiing straight down hill. He was hooked.
In 1959, after graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Ron began teaching skiing at a “one rope-tow” ski area, and later worked in New York as an instructor. In 1961, Ron was certified at Lake Placid as a Level 3 instructor and became a member of PSIA the same year. He became an Examiner and served as Vice President in the Central Division, working on the development of PSIA. As an Examiner Ron puts applicants through their paces and qualifies them as certified instructors.
In Chicago Ron and a fellow instructor had a weekly spot on television explaining and demonstrating the “Ski Tip of the Week.” Norwegian Olympic Alpine skier Stein Eriksen once made a guest appearance and helped demonstrate the day’s tip. Ron commented that he is humbled to be included among such skiing greats as Eriksen who have received the PSIA award. Ron reported that Eriksen passed away on Saturday, December 27, last week. He was 88 years old.
Ron moved to Irvine, California in 1972 and while working for John Hancock Insurance, also worked as a ski instructor in Wrightwood at Holiday Hill, now Mountain High Ski Resort. Ron became a supervisor and coached the junior race team. He and his wife Sue had a cabin in town for 25 years, before moving here full time in 2000. He still supervises and has had great success with the Senior Ski Program, which begins its season on Wednesday, January 6. With accredited, specialized instruction, seniors learn ski techniques in an atmosphere of fun, and are given sizable discounts for rentals, lessons, and lift tickets.
Ron attended and graduated from the PSIA National Academy in St. Christoph, Austria in 1990, and received his 50-Year Pin in 2011. His nearly 55-year relationship with the organization has led to lifelong relationships as well as a rewarding teaching career. He attends the Interski programs held every four years. It is an opportunity for elite skiers from around the world to come together and demonstrate the techniques used in skiing and instruction in their home countries. Aspen, Colorado hosted the event in 1968.
Ron is 80 years old and the thrill of downhill skiing has not diminished. He is currently supervising and training instructors at Mountain High. Ron’s goal is for him and his teachers to provide safety, fun, and skiing technique, in that order. He also mentioned that because the ski school is popular with the resort’s clientele, they are always looking for instructors. New teachers learn ski and snowboard instruction from Ron, the award-winning trainer, and his staff.
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