• Elsinore High School Students Wow 'Em at Rotary Music Competition

Wildomar Rotary held their annual music competition at Elsinore High School on a chilly February 28th evening in the band room.

A shot of the winners after the competition was over. From my notes, left to right, Host/Emcee Judy Gugliemana, Joseph Armato, Taylor Jubala, Elijah Cineas, Taima Bati, Stephanie Aranas, Bryce Altevers and Ranen Unger Hicks.

There were fifteen students that entered. Of that number, four played instruments and eleven were vocalists.

Heather Wenger, Elijah Cineas and Stephanie Aranas in mid performance.

Such talent! 

Such a smashing job they all did. It wasn't easy for the judges to choose, but that's why they're paid the big bucks... or at least an extra pint of DeJong's chocolate milk, which was provided as refreshment to those in attendance. ☺

The four judges sat in the back of the room, jotting down notes, and scoring the contestants on different aspects of their performance. Their score sheets were then taken to another judge to be tallied up.

In the end, pianist Ranen Unger Hicks earned the top prize with his playing of a Rachmaninoff piece. 

That earned him $100 and a trip to the next round of the competition to be held March 17, at the Frederick Loewe Performance Hall at the University of Redlands.

An all around great performance by Ranen Unger Hicks.

In the vocal division top contestants were:
•  1st, Elijah Cineas 
•  2nd, Taylor Jubala
•  3rd, Joseph Armato

They split the $200 prize money and will be next competing at the University of Redlands on March 10th.

Due to the small number of entrants in the piano and instrumental categories, they were combined. The top honor for instrumental went to Bryce Altervers. 

All participants received medals for their effort.

If you're a student at EHS, and are serious about your music, it's never too early to start getting ready for next year.

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"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

– Alan Kay

Wildomar Rap isn't in the invention business. Therefore only predicts the obvious.

• Scary Dairy 2017

All I can say about the inaugural Scary Dairy event is WOW!

Once through this portal, you wandered through a dark maze filled with strobe lights, fog, unsettling music, and ghouls around nearly every corner.

Sometimes the doubting Thomas in me sees the glass as bone dry, and after opening night was cancelled, I really thought this wasn't going to happen.

However, many hundreds of people showed up en masse and proved me wrong.

Even though the event on Friday was canceled several hours before it was to kick off, it was estimated that nearly 300 people still showed up at the dairy for the opening night of the two evening event.

There were two mazes, one a tame one for the wee tykes, and the other geared to the older kids and adults that could handle a good fright.

If you guessed that this delightful creature was in the "scarier" maze... you'd have guessed wrong. He was around one of the first corners of the kiddie maze.

Originally both mazes were going to be outdoors, but winds made it impossible for the structures to stand up. In my view, that was a blessing in disguise because it had to be moved into the feed barn and that turned out to be the key to it all.

The crowd of people was very thick and to alleviate traffic the back gate of the dairy was opened and for a brief time Bundy Canyon and Mission Trail went from a three way intersection to a four way intersection.

Once inside, there were sturdy walls that maze could be attached to, so no worrying about the wind. 

This was one of the corridors that greeted the brave of heart that dared enter.

Not to mention that it allowed for great echos where howls, shrieks, and screams were continuously heard over the spine chilling organ music.

What a couple of the lines looked like at about 8:30pm. The line to the children's maze went quickly, but was always dozens deep until about 9:00pm.

This event was a fundraiser for the Wildomar Rotary club, and couldn't have happened without the hard work of Dana DeJong and Jon Favillo... and of course there were many others that pitched in long hours too, but no need to name them all like this is an Oscar's award speech. ☺

Members of the Rotary Club are shown serving the guests... where earlier in the day they'd spent all afternoon getting the mazes ready for the night's hootin' and hollerin'.

Let's not forget another key to the success of the event; hats off to Herman DeJong for being so generous with the community and having the event at his family dairy. He was on hand the entire evening.

To all of us it's the place to get milk, eat a fudgsicle while reading a book at the Little Free Library, or take the kids to look at the animals, but to the DeJong family, this is their livelihood. 

Thinking to next year, with more time for event leaders to plan out the event, I suggest that everyone mark their 2018 calendars now. It's going to be even better. ☺

Remember that Trunk or Treat is coming up next Saturday evening. This will be the 4th running of the event and each year it has gotten larger and more entertaining. Hope to see you there.

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Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it.
– Jack Skellington.

If, Wildomar Rap were a Halloween confection, it would have the texture of a tamale, taste like a brownie and have a kick like an IPA.

• Upcoming Events Final Quarter 2017

So many times I've heard people say, "Oh my, I only wish I'd have known about (insert name of event here), I'd have loved to have gone."

Well, here's your chance to put several events on your calendar, before they happen this go round. ☺

First up is the State of the City event. 

I've been to several of these, and though they are generally filled will fluffy happy talk, it's still good to get an assessment of where the city leaders think we stand. 

Tickets are free, but you need to get them ahead of time.

Here's the link to get tickets.

 City of Wildomar's 2017 State of the City 

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Next up on the calendar is the inaugural showing of the Scary Dairy. It's a fundraising event from the Wildomar Rotary Club. 

This will be happening on Friday and Saturday evening, October 21st and 22nd.

It'll be at Wildomar's famous DeJong's Dairy. See the flyer for more details. 

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Sunday October 22nd there will be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for shooting victim Chelsea Romo at the Elks Lodge in Wildomar. 

There is a big window from 3pm to 8pm to come out to be part of this fundraiser. Leave the cooking and cleaning to others as you help out a local family in need.

Spaghetti is the the international food of friendship. ☺

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On Saturday October 28th, at Marna O'Brien park will be the site of Wildomar's 4th annual Trunk or Treat event. This event has really grown into a terrific community event. 

Plan on coming before dark and visiting all the candy-passer-outers. Come dressed in an original or clever costume and enter one of the contests and you might go home with a prize.

If you'd like to be one of the official "vendors" see the flyer below for details. There is no cost to sign up. It's a great way for your business or organization to meet a large swath of the community. Bring a lot of candy with you, and think of a clever way to decorate your vehicle too.

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Community Clean Up Day

Not as much fun as the other things mentioned, but for some maybe just what they've been waiting for. If you've got junk, then bring it to one of the two designated areas. 

This will be happening on Saturday morning, November 4th.

Be sure to check the conditions in the flyer before heading out... you don't really want to dress your truck up like that of the Beverly Hillbillies just to learn you showed up at the wrong location... or to mistakenly bring things on the contraband list.

Also, you'll be needing to unload your own junk, so bring a crew with you.

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Other things to consider include:

• Twin events, potluck at the VFW and a crafts fair the Elks Lodge on November 11th. The craft fair is starts at 10am and goes to about 2pm, whereas the potluck kicks off at 1pm. 

• The annual Christmas Tree Lane held at the Elks Lodge, Saturday December 2nd. 

• The annual Breakfast with Santa event that is held at Fire Station 61, on Gruwell St. 

There is no flyer made yet, but it's not too early for you to block out part of that morning to be part of one of Wildomar's most endearing and anticipated happenings.

• CERT reunion dinner, Thursday December 28th (other details to follow as we get nearer). There are many CERT alumni, but probably have lost contact after our classes were completed. 

As we've seen repeatedly this year, emergencies happen all the time, and seldom with much notice. If you've taken the CERT classes, it would be a good chance to reconnect over dinner... no cribbing on the menu. ☺

Come on out to one —or all of— these events and get a sampling of the Wildomar community in action. See you there.

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We know what we are, but know not what we may be.
– William Shakespeare

To Wildomar Rap or not to Wildomar Rap, that is the question. Nobility of suffering in the mind notwithstanding.

• Little League Challenger Division

Play Ball!

I've been around Little League since I was nine years old back in the 1970s. Played Little League until the age of 12, then Pony League, and some high school ball. I coached my kids' teams from 1993 through 2003 and never heard of the Challenger Division until this year, when Wildomar Little League was chosen as the host league for this year's Division 28 all-star games.

The players were introduced before the game, and gave high fives to VIPS at the center of the field before the game started. From left to right, WLL President Chad Hilzer, VFW Post 1508 Mike Sheehan, Wildomar City Councilmember Bridgette Moore and umpire Kenny Ballard.

Apologies upfront. I don't have the names of any of the players, and though about half the players were girls, I didn't get many photos of them. I wish I could have gotten good pictures of all the players, maybe next year. ☺

Taking the pitch for ball one... even though balls and strikes weren't counted.☺

The games are not like typical Little League games in that they are only two innings, where everyone bats and runs (even if they get out), and end up scoring too. 

Getting a few reminders before batting.

The local Challenger Division was started in Menefee six years ago. Two years ago it was decided to make the division district wide. 

A little assistance from player buddies on the way to first base.

Originally they had twelve players in the first season. It's grown to the point that this season there were 62 players. 

Some of the players needed more assistance than others.

Players are from all seven of the local Little Leagues in the area: Lake Elsinore, Temescal Canyon, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula. 

Putting the ball in play with a runner on third.

There are some players that come from as far away as Moreno Valley, Hemet and from other areas too. The division is starting to grow with each successive season. 

Coming home to score.

They play an average of about twelve games a season. The games are two innings long and last about an hour. The foul lines aren't strictly enforced. A lot depends on the batter's ability. If they have a more difficult time hitting the ball, a lot more leeway is granted to them. Others, that are more confident with the bat, have more traditional foul lines.

Keeping his eye on the ball as he's about to take a swing.

They didn't keep track of balls and strikes, and the pitcher (one of the coaches) would adjust his style and distance depending on the batter. Sometimes he'd be just a few feet away while tossing the ball underhand. Other times he'd be back about twenty-five or thirty feet tossing the ball overhand.

Tossing the ball back in to the pitcher.

Some of the players hit the ball harder than others. For those that hit it back to the pitcher, he'd shovel it with his glove to get it to the fielders. 

The ball gets sent down the third base line.

There were "player buddies" on the field to help the kids keep focused, and to protect them from the occasional well struck ball.

This Angel hitter gets ready to swat this pitch.

A couple of balls got all the way to the outfield, and still the play was to first base. There were a few times that a solid fielding play was made on both ends of a grounder, but the runner remained on the base even if they would have been out in a game played by traditional rules. 

Bridgette Moore was one of the "player buddies" and was stationed out in right field.

During the season there were four teams, but for today's All-Star Game, they combined them into two teams so that the could play one game instead of two. It was the Angels vs. the Dodgers, perfect for SoCal teams.

Just before the moment of contact.

There is an older division and a younger division. 

The players are not separated by age only, but also by ability. Sometimes a younger player will be placed with the older kids if their skill level makes them a mismatch with the other players their age. It's as much about enjoying the experience as it is keeping the kids safe.

These two players were enjoying their time in the field. Their playful interaction reminded my of my son's little dances that he'd do during games when he was their age. ☺

While talking to Amy Frahn about the Challenger Division (she's Vice President of District 28 Challenger Division, and attached to Menifee Valley Little League) I asked her about the fees to play.

Gotta love wearing baseball pants old school. Reminds me of the time I'd forgotten my baseball pants at home, for a beer league game in 1999, and had to wear my 12 year old son's pants one game. 

She told me that there are no fees charged to play, and that they rely on their sponsors and donations to fund the division. All seven of the leagues in District 28 donate a portion of their registration fees to the Challenger Division.

The anticipation.

If you are so inspired as to want to sponsor the Challenger Division, or just donate some funds to it, be sure to contact them by email, or visit their FaceBook page LINK. Such donations are tax deductible. They are a non profit and have all the proper forms that you'll need.

BTW, you don't have to be a donor to visit their FaceBook page and give them a like. LINK ☺

I nominate this player for "best form". What pitcher wouldn't be intimidated by that serious look on his face? Watch out Corey Seager, this guy's gunning for your spot in the line up.

What an enjoyable game to be at. Sometimes baseball is just about fun, where pressure doesn't enter the picture. A misplayed grounder isn't a big deal, and the kids are all smiles after the game no matter how many runs actually were scored.

A group shot after the game.

CR&R, DeJongs Dairy and Caring Hearts helped sponsor today's game. 

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The smile on my face doesn't mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate what I have and what I've been blessed with. I choose to be happy.
– Unknown

Wildomar Rap has long understood that happiness is a choice. Circumstances can be dire or unpleasant at times, but they don't control a person's basic nature.

• Little Free Library At DeJong's Dairy

You may be asking yourselves, "What is a 'Little Free Library'?"

In short, it's a “take a book, leave a book” concept where the honor system is used and you're encourage to share the books. Take one, return one or bring a different one.

Some of the information found on the inside of the door.

A bit of history about this organization.

From the Little Free Library website

In 2009, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse. It was a tribute to his mother; she was a teacher who loved to read. He filled it with books and put it on a post in his front yard. His neighbors and friends loved it, so he built several more and gave them away.

Link to webpage to read more about it.

While the Turner family was on vacation they saw a Little Free Library in Big Sur, next to a full size library. Since it was a Sunday, the regular library was closed, but the little one was open. 

Kaylyn Turner, senior at Santa Rosa Academy, needed a community project to graduate and came upon the idea of installing a Little Free Library in Wildomar.

She worked on the project for the last three months. The designing process started by looking at pictures of other little libraries online. Most were shaped like little houses, but because this one was going to be at the DeJong's Dairy, she wanted to fashion it to look like a little barn.

Kaylyn Turner at DeJong's Dairy next to the Little Free Library she installed.

One of the rules for the senior project is that she (or her family) could not simply pay for it, so she got the various materials donated. 

Before being filled with books.

The watertight metal box came from Harbor Truck Bodies, Shiloh Springs Ranch donated the cost of the registration for the library ($45), DeJong's donated the location, the books came from members of the community, and she noted the help from her parents in accomplishing this project too.

There were about a dozen members of the community on hand to watch Kaylyn fill the little library up with books. 

On behalf of the Friends of the Library, member of the group Ken Mayes, pledged to help keep the new installation filled with children's books as needed. 

Link to facebook page for the Little Free Library at DeJongs

How many Little Free Libraries are there?
As of November 2016, there were over 50,000 registered Little Free Library book exchanges in all 50 U.S. states, and over 70 countries around the world.

Can you make out an image from the blotches on the left?

But according to the registration number that was issued to this LFL, it looks like there are already many thousands more than that today.

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Link to Little Free Library Website

On your next trip to the DeJong's, for some of their famous chocolate milk, remember to take a moment and peruse this fine community asset. 

Hey, why not take a selfie of yourself in front of it, and then post it to their facebook page? Be sure to tag DeJong's while you're at it. ☺

This was painted by Kaylyn's mother Sharon Turner.

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The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

— Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) 1904-1991

Wildomar Rap reminds you that reading is fundamental, especially if you want to make heads or tails of this blog.

• Community Profiles: DeJongs Dairy

One of the last family run dairies left in SoCal... and we get to have them right here in Wildomar.

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Today, DeJongs Dairy had a tour. I didn’t know what to expect for a Friday. I was thinking a dozen people, maybe two dozen. Ha, Ha! It had to be closer to 100, if not more.

UPDATE: I just learned that the number was 245 people!

(Sorry folks, I wasn't trained in the science of crowd sizing) 

We were split up into two groups. One group headed for the pastures, the other to the milking and bottling stations. I was with the group that went to the pastures first.

Holly is demonstrating the proper way to feed the cows. While the cow is demonstrating her reach.

Holly Crocker, one of the DeJong sisters, gave the pasture tour. Here we learned that they have about 120 cows on 40 acres. They are Holsteins, which give better milk production than other cows.

Here are three pens of young calves. They are separated by age. 

This baby calf was helping demonstrate how the young ones are bottle fed... though he was a bit shy here.

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Next on the tour was the milking station. 

They can milk 12 cows at a time. Currently, 60 cows get milked twice a day for about 500 gallons a day.  The pictures I took in this room didn't turn out too well...

[so you'll have to use your imagination here]

Herman DeJong shows the cereal grains that the cows are fed during milking.

To the left and the right of Herman DeJong were the feeding stations... kids were having a chance to see how the suction feels by putting their thumbs into them. 

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Onto the bottling room. 

Dana DeJong demonstrated how the bottling machine worked. Very interesting… kind of like LaVerne and Shirley…  ♪♫Doing it our way♫♪

The bottler they use has been in use since 1958. 

The milk goes straight from the cow’s udders to a holding tank in the bottling room. It arrives at 101º and then is cooled to 39º. Then it gets pasteurized at 185º for 15 seconds, followed by a trip to the homogenizer a few feet away [which insures that the  milk doesn't separate].

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To top the tour off we were treated to tastes of their famous chocolate milk and some cookies. They were more than happy to give people seconds. 

Here's a secret... if you'd like some easy to make, world class hot chocolate, just microwave a mug of this... it is head and shoulders better than the Swiss Miss powder junk.

Enjoying a cup of choco-milk.

Afterward, the young kids went over to the petting zoo to check out the animals. That gave me a few moments to chat with Herman DeJong.

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One of the many barn-like structures they have on the property.

He was telling me how they started out when he was just a lad, and that they had 1 cow and 7 kids. He told me of all the changes he's seen in Wildomar... all of SWRivCo for that matter. When he graduated from High School in the late '60s, there were only 100 kids in his graduating class... and that included all of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore and the other small communities in the area. 

I also asked Herman how to properly say his last name. My sweet wife goes with the French sounding pronunciation, which sounds exactly like the famous Grey Poupon product —dijon. I've also heard it said with a hard "D"  then a "J" sound like you'd hear in "John" —Dee-Jong. You'll be glad to know that both are incorrect. It's a Dutch name, and the "J" is like a "Y". It would actually be said closer to De Young... but like many of us with non English surnames... try having "Morabito" as a name the first day of school every year... even in our own family there are three distinct pronunciations. Like Herman said, "It doesn't matter what you call me... as long as you don't call me late for dinner."

I also learned that the average cow stays on the farm for about ten years. They had one that was with them for 15 years and had 13 calves in that time. DeJong's Dairy hasn't had to bring in an outside cow for nearly 35 years (or was it "more than 35 years"?) Either way, that's a long time. It's very apparent how well the DeJong's take care of their animals.

Their dairy is not a certified "organic" dairy (don't get me started on that one...) To be "organic" the cows need to be pasture fed for at least six months of the year. This is SoCal, land of no water, and green pastures large enough to take care of a herd this size would break the bank trying to maintain such a thing.

In the meantime, there are no additives in the milk. I'm not sure that a reasonable person can really ask for more than that... then again, we all know there are tons of unreasonable people lurking about. ☺

Do yourself a favor, and if you are a regular consumer of dairy products, consider supporting a locally run family business... 

Here's a link to their FaceBook page. 

Go over and be a fan. 

Click for DeJong's FaceBook page

This birdhouse is home to owls when they are in town. The dairy also has several cats that make their living by keeping the mouse population down.

In addition to the cows, and other farm animals they have, there are also some wild animals. I was told about a pair of coyotes that live on the edge of the property... 

and they don't disturb the penned animals. 

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