Issuu

Thursday March 19, 2020

FREE

Volume 65 | Number 30

www.DesertMobileHomeNews.com

Celebrating the Residential Park Communities for 65 years

Explore the Desert Wilderness Joshua Tree National Park Characterized by its huge rock formations and immense Joshua tree forest, the national park lies where the Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert. Hike through the trails that weave through the Hidden Valley, travel to Keys View and look out over the Coachella Valley or bring your rock climbing equipment and scale some of the most interesting geological formations in the California desert. nps.gov/jotr South Lykken Trail 4.4 miles with an elevation of just over 1,000 feet. The north end of the trail starts at the west end of Mesquite Road, just south of downtown Palm Springs off South Palm Canyon Drive. There is no parking at the trailhead, but street parking is available. The hike is pretty strenuous for the first mile or so and then it levels off and one gets a great view of the Indian Canyons golf courses and South Palm Canyon communities. It is a beautiful hike and ends along South Palm Canyon Drive towards Indian Canyon. You will need to have vehicles at both ends. Clara Burgess Trail 4.4 miles round trip with an elevation of 1,339 feet. The trail is the only route to the summit of Murray Hill, a prominent conical peak just south of Palm Springs. It is best seen when heading south on Gene Autry Trail and, although it

• “Cenosillicaphobia” is the fear of an empty beer glass. (Use this one to impress your friends during Happy Hour.) • Turning back the giant hands on Big Ben’s four clock faces takes an astonishing total of five hours.

In This Issue

Protect Yourself from COVID-19..........3 Comfort Food: S’More Gorp.................3 Service Directory...................................5 Classifieds............................................8

1. COMICS: In which comic-book series was the character of Wendy the Good Little Witch introduced? 2. GEOGRAPHY: Which is the flattest U.S. state? South Lykken Trail

is only a couple miles to the peak, it is strenuous with a steep incline. Amboy Crater A hiking trail winds to the rim with rest stations along the way. If you make it to the top, you’ll see the breach where lava poured out over 24 square miles, creating a landscape of dried lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes and sinks, spatter cones and massive flows of basalt. This can be a dangerous area. Don’t venture out in the heat, bring a gallon of water per person per day and hike with a partner. Crater Road eight miles off National Trails Highway. blm.gov/ visit/amboy-crater Bump and Grind Trail 3 mile loop with an elevation rise of 523 feet. This trail is probably the most popular trail in the desert and is frequented by exercisers

• Alexandre Dumas, best known for “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” felt very strongly that all his works must be presented on colored paper. He wanted all his fiction presented on blue paper, his articles on pink paper and his poetry on yellow paper. • Golf balls were originally made from dried cow eyeballs. • Ancient Romans created black hair dye by fermenting leeches in vinegar.

Photo courtesy of alltrails.com

who start behind Desert Crossings shopping center on Painters Path in Palm Desert. Randall Henderson Trail 2.4 mile loop with a gently rising elevation change of 423 feet. This easy trail offers a good introduction to desert hiking for the novice. It starts and ends at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert on Highway 74. Check the Visitor Center for guided hikes during the winter season. Lake Cahuilla Just six miles from Old Town La Quinta, the 710-acre park at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a great outdoor family day with hiking, coupled with a host of recreational selections ranging from shore fishing to horseback riding.

• The tea bag was an accidental invention. In 1908, tea merchant Thomas Sullivan distributed his samples in small silken sacks. His customers, not realizing they were samples, dunked them in hot water, and Sullivan soon found himself swamped with orders for his “tea bags”! • In his travels, Marco Polo believed at one point that he had stumbled across unicorns, writing that “They are very ugly brutes to

3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president installed the first telephone in the White House? 4. LITERATURE: Which attorney was introduced in the novel “The Case of the Velvet Claws”? 5. HISTORY: Who opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in 1916? 6. SCIENCE: Which element is graphite made entirely of? 7. MOVIES: Which movie featured the famous line, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”? 8. MUSIC: Which two country stars released a 1978 song called “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”? 9. TELEVISION: What was the name of the inn on the “Newhart” comedy series? 10. MEASUREMENTS: Ten inches of snow generally equal how many inches of rain? © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc. ANSWER TO TRIVIA ON PAGE 9

look at. They are not at all such as we describe unicorns.” Not surprising, considering that he was actually viewing rhinoceroses. • The game of marbles is estimated to be about 5,000 years old. Through most of their history, the toys were made of stone, bone, clay or whatever material was available, with truly round marbles being both rare and expensive. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020

WORD SEARCH IRS Tax Form Designed With Seniors in Mind

Answer to word search on page 9

ADHESIVE

DETAIL

MEDIA

ANTIQUING

EMBOSS

NEEDLES

APPLIQUE

FASHION

PAINT

ARTIST

GRID

PAPER

BEADS

INK

PATTERN

BRUSHES

INSPIRATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

CANVAS

JEWELRY

RULER

CLAY

MATERIALS

SEWING

ANSWER ON PAGE 9

Staff Cindy Melland Publisher Kimberly Brucks Advertising Manager KBrucks@desertentertainer.com

Jose De La Cruz Senior Graphic Designer news@desertmobilehomenews.com

Serving 110 Mobile Manufactured Home and RV Parks in the Coachella, Morongo and Yucca Valley for 65 years. The Mobile Home News is a household tradition for the 55+ manufactured home park and RV Park population. Available at clubhouses and racks in manufactured home parks. Also available in many area businesses and senior centers. Businesses or private parties interested in advertising to the 55+ community please call 760-365-3315. Published Thursdays by Hi-Desert Publishing Company. News, photos or editorial submissions or story ideas should be sent to news@desertmobilehomenews.com All delivery issues should be directed to Ahkto Distribution at distribution@ahkto.com or call 760-459-4204

www.desertmobilehomenews.com desertmobilehomenews.com 760-365-3315

www.desertentertainer.com www.canadasouthmagazine.com

Thanks to The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, the Internal Revenue Service has come up with a tax filing form just for us: Form 1040SR, the tax return for seniors. This is an alternative form for those of us who are age 65 or older and replaces the 1040-EZ form. If you have a straightforward, uncomplicated tax situation, this could be the form for you. Compared to the 1040EZ form, however, this one allows reporting of more types of income, and there is no limit to interest income. You can list your Social Security income as well as interest, dividends, pensions and more. You don’t need to be retired to use this form, but you need to have turned 65 by the end of 2019 (born before Jan. 2, 1955). If you’ve already retired and receive Social Security, but are under age 65, you cannot use this form. But you can use it if you file jointly with a spouse, even if only one of you is age 65 or older.

It looks generally like the standard Form 1040, but the print is bigger, the text boxes are bigger and there is more space between the lines of print. The instructions are the same as for Form 1040. You can take the standard deduction or itemize your deduction, and it uses the standard 1040 forms. If you have extra income, such as prize money, you need to add Schedule 1. If you’re going to owe other taxes, such as household employment or selfemployment tax, you’ll need Schedule 2. Schedule 3 is new, for additional credits and payments. Remember that our standard deduction is larger this year. If you usually take advantage of free tax preparation by AARP volunteers, they’re sure to have these new forms already. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Brushing Cat’s Teeth Is a Real Chore Dear Paw’s Corner: My mom says I need to brush my kitten’s teeth every day. “Terry,” who is about four months old, doesn’t like this very much. Do I have to brush his teeth so often? — Caitlin, via email Dear Caitlin: Brushing your pet’s teeth can be kind of tough at first, when they’re not used to it. The best way to do it is to make the experience a good one for Terry as much as possible. • Use toothpaste made specifically for pets, with a meat, poultry or dairy flavor. • If you don’t have one, get a finger brush designed for brushing small pets’ teeth. You also can use a soft cloth or cotton ball. • Hold Terry in your lap for a few minutes before starting the brushing routine, petting him until he is more relaxed.

• Gently use your index finger to lift Terry’s lip on one side -- not very far, just enough to expose his fang and a couple of teeth. • Quickly but gently swipe the finger brush downward over Terry’s exposed teeth, and let go of his lip. • Repeat on the other side. In between each swipe, Terry will lick away the flavored toothpaste. Give him lots of praise and pats, and maybe let him lick a little toothpaste off of the brush. At first, Terry may only let you swipe each side once. That’s OK, since he’s getting used to the brushing process. If you are consistent and do the above routine every night, and focus on keeping him relaxed, he will gradually let you brush more of his teeth. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020

How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 Protect yourself

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Protect others • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers. Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, visit cdc.gov

S’More Gorp Reach for this crunchy snack the next time you have an attack of the munchies. • 3 full cups honey graham cereal • 1 cup miniature marshmallows • 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts • 1 cup raisins • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips In a large zip-lock storage bag, combine cereal, marshmallows, peanuts, raisins and chocolate chips. Seal bag and shake well to combine. Store mixture in an airtight container. Mix well before serving. Makes 8 (3/4 cup) servings. Each serving equals: 201 calories, 5g fat, 3g protein, 36g carb., 150mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch/Carb., 1 Fruit, 1 Fat. (c) 2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

CROSSWORD

Across 1. As soon as possible 5. Gateway (Arabic) 8. Doctors’ group 11. Madder genus of plants 13. A team’s best pitcher 14. Ancient Greek sophist 15. Go up 16. Neither 17. Bolivian river 18. Manila hemp 20. Comedienne Gasteyer 21. British School 22. Human reproductive organs 25. Surrenders 30. Dog with long, silky coat and drooping ears

10. Amazon product identifying system (abbr.) 12. Basics 14. Cain and __ 19. Malaria 23. Indicates particular shape 24. Respiratory disease 25. Central Standard Time 26. Imitate 27. Golf score 28. A place to lay your head 29. Three cards of the same suit 34. Not in 35. Human gene 36. Ancient Chinese philosophic Answer to Puzzle on page 9 concept 37. French river 31. Sun up in 60. No (Scottish) 61. Jewish spiritual 39. Thinks up New York 40. Type of leader 32. Lead alloy geological 62. Fish 33. Eastern Asian deposit 63. Camera term plant 41. Helps little (abbr.) 38. Rapid firms 64. Impudencea deployment 42. Area units force (abbr.) 44. A device to 41. Japanese down remove warrior 45. Secret political 1. A continuous 43. Festivity clique portion of 45. Interruptions 46. Polite a circle interruption 47. Nonsense sound 2. Genus of (slang) 47. Foundation seabirds 49. Data mining 48. Clare Boothe 3. Infant’s dining methodology __, American accessory (abbr.) writer 4. Native 50. Calvary sword 51. Swiss river Americans 55. French river 52. Prejudice from Arizona 56. Global business 53. Actor Idris 5. Popular fruit conference 54. Resistance 6. Poisonous plant (abbr.) fighters 7. Scolded 57. Afflicted 58. Speak 8. Assists 59. Con man’s disrespectfully 9. Hand (Spanish) game of

SUDOKU

Answer to SUDOKU on page 9

Brain Teaser Look in my face, I am somebody; Look in my back, I am nobody. What am I? See Answer on page 9

March 19, 2020

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020

SERVICE DIRECTORY

MAR-LYNNĘźS UPHOLSTERY

Furniture, Autos, Boats and Golf Carts. Reasonable rates. Quality Workmanship! Free estimates.

(760) 360-7918

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TODAY!

Call Today Phone: 760-365-3315

General policy: Please check your ad the first day it runs to see that all the information is correct. This will ensure your ad is exactly what you want readers to see. Call us the very first day your ad appears to make any changes or corrections. This way, we can credit you for the first day if any error occurred. The publisher wants to do everything possible within the confines of good taste and legal constraints to help you advertise your products or services to your best advantage. The newspaper does reserve the right to edit or reject any copy or illustration.

Notice to readers: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or material) must be licensed by he contractors state license board. State law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. you can check the status of your licensed contractors at www.cslb.ca.gov or 1-800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that are not licensed by the contractors state licensed board.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 760-365-3315

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020

Crossword Answer

WordSearch Answer

Sudoku Answer

Inspirational Quote of the Week

Brain Teaser Answer

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean

I am a mirror.

Weeky Joke

Q: Why couldn’t the leopard play hide and seek? A: Because he was always spotted.

Hitori Answer

Trivia Answers 1. “Casper the Friendly Ghost”

5. Margaret Sanger

9. The Stratford Inn

2. Florida

6. Carbon

10. 1 inch

3. Rutherford B. Hayes

7. “The Godfather,” Vito Corleone

4. Perry Mason

8. Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

Department of Defense Is Shortchanging Vets The Inspector General for the Department of Defense has discovered that millions of dollars intended for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses didn’t go to eligible veterans. Instead the money went to businesses that didn’t qualify. The goal is for every department to set aside at least 3% of its contracts for service-disabled veterans who own businesses. Each of those small businesses must be

at least 51% owned by a servicedisabled veteran who is hands-on with the business, directing daily operations and in control of management. Each business is allowed to subcontract a certain percentage of its work. The DOD failed. Out of 27 contracts valued at $827.8 million, it gave the money to 16 businesses that didn’t meet the requirements. The DOD expected those contractors to “self-certify” and swear they qualified. Additionally, the DOD did not check compliance at the subcontracting level, handing out $164.7 million to three contractors who didn’t qualify. The DOD Inspector General report, of course, had recommendations ... coordinate this, implement that, etc. The acting director of the Office of Small Business Programs didn’t comment on the recommendations, said his office was not

responsible and pointed to a different department. The DOD fired back, quoting the actual instruction manual, chapter and verse, that stated that the OSBP should oversee all small-business activities. That left the whole mess as unresolved. No recommendations were resolved; no recommendations were closed. This is not a new problem. In 2012 the DOD Inspector General put out a report about the many millions of dollars handed out to veterans who did not qualify. The Department of Veterans Affairs keeps a registry for just this reason: so departments can verify a veteran’s status. It’s just a matter of looking them up. The OSBP handed out small-business contracts valued at $10.3 billion in 2018. How much of that went to people who didn’t qualify? (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Magic Maze Answer

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020

Classifieds

Buying • Selling • Trading Helping • Saving

DesertMobileHomeNews.com

March 19, 2020