Memorial Day was originally named “Decoration Day”. It started informally, in the South after the Civil War, by women who committed to “decorating” soldier’s graves of both the North & the South. This caught on and by 1868, 3 years after the Civil War ended, Decoration Day was solemnly celebrated around the country. It was set aside as a day to honor and remember the military personnel who died while serving in one of the U.S. Armed forces. By 1967, the term Memorial Day was used more often than Decoration Day, and was celebrated on the 30th of May. In 1971, Congress declared that “Memorial Day” be the last Monday of May. If you know someone in their 90’s, they will most likely remember “Decoration Day”.

I wondered how many soldiers died in each of the wars in the U.S. and I found a plethora of information on Wikipedia. Here is a chart of the 12 wars that the United States has lost the most number of solders, but the amazing part was just how many wars or armed conflicts the U.S. has been involved in over our 249 year history. You can click here to see a list of military casualties from the American Revolution – 2017. So it’s not a complete list, but it’s awe inspiring how many citizens have been giving their lives in the service of our country for the past 249 years. They deserve to be remembered.

Something else that has been on my mind while contemplating the number of people we’ve lost, is the number of men and women who served in the armed forces and didn’t die, but they returned home with immense handicaps, both physical and mental, and carry with them to this day depilating memories, wounds, and mental struggles. From my experience, most do NOT want to talk about their experiences, but most would appreciate your gratefulness that they answered the call to serve and gave more than we will ever know. If you run into a Veteran this weekend, thank him for his service.

Thursday May 22nd
Student Film Showcase
Idyllwild Arts Students
Rustic Theater
5:00 pm

Our student filmmakers have been hard at work all year long, writing, directing, producing, and shooting dozens of student films destined for film festivals worldwide. They fearlessly tackle pressing issues facing today’s youth, channeling their artistic passions into collaborative filmmaking. They have now put on all the finishing touches and made the final edits, and the films are “in the can”! Join us at Idyllwild’s charming Rustic Theatre for an exclusive community screening of all the short films our students have created this year, guided by dedicated faculty and supported by their community.

Friday May 23rd
Garden Club Yard Sale
Community Garden
8 am – 4 pm

At the Idyllwild Community Garden at the corner of North Circle Drive and Alderwood. YOU CAN’T MISS IT!

We have a GIGANTIC assortment of garden tools, garden art, garden supplies, housewares, electronics, games, puzzles, holiday items, camping gear and SO MUCH MORE. Literally tables and tables of amazing items from new to slightly used. Don’t miss it! See you there!

Friday May 23rd
Opening Party for Lily & Stitch
4:30 pm
Rustic Theater
Free Popcorn for kids under 13

Saturday May 24th
Garden Club Yard Sale
Community Garden
8 am – 4 pm

At the Idyllwild Community Garden at the corner of North Circle Drive and Alderwood. YOU CAN’T MISS IT!

We have a GIGANTIC assortment of garden tools, garden art, garden supplies, housewares, electronics, games, puzzles, holiday items, camping gear and SO MUCH MORE. Literally tables and tables of amazing items from new to slightly used. Don’t miss it! See you there!

Saturday May 24th
Music & BBQ
American Legion
54360 Marian View Dr.
Memorial Ceremony 1:00
3:00 – 7:00 BBQ
6:00 – 10:00 Music

Saturday May 24th
Comedy Night
Rustic Theater
7:30 pm

Sunday May 25th
FREE Concert
“Satellite Voodoo”
Butterfield Amphitheater
5:00 pm

Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
10:30 am – 11:30 am

Wednesday May 28th
Kids Story Time
“Beautiful Butterflies“
Idyllwild Library
11 am

Come flutter with joy at our “Beautiful Butterflies” storytime! 

Wednesday May 28th
Faces & Places Reading Group
“Filippo Brunelleschi”
Idyllwild Library
2:00 pm

For this month we’ll discuss a “face” in history, Filippo Brunelleschi. Join us for a discussion of 14th century Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi. As a pioneer in new engineering, he is considered the founding father of Renaissance architecture. You are welcome to read any book on the subject or research any viable source, including watching a DVD or documentary. All are welcome to our adult book club. 

Wednesday May 28th
Kids Best Book Club
Ages 9-14
“The Red Pony”
Idyllwild Library
4:30 pm

Best Book Club (ages 9-14) will read “The Red Pony” by John Steinbeck.  Raised on a ranch in northern California, Jody is well-schooled in the hard work and demands of a rancher’s life. He is used to the way of horses, too; but nothing has prepared him for the special connection he will forge with Gabilan, the hot-tempered pony his father gives him. With Billy Buck, the hired hand, Jody tends and trains his horse, restlessly anticipating the moment he will sit high upon Gabilan’s saddle. But when Gabilan falls ill, Jody discovers there are still lessons he must learn about the ways of nature and, particularly, the ways of man.

Come to library to pick up your free copy of the book.

Register by June 1st
Kimchi Class
By Nam at Mile High Cafe
Wednesday June 11th
3:30 pm

Must sign up by June 1st
Call 951-468-4663

Adult Summer Softball Sign-up
Now until Friday June 6th
Town Hall

Season starts June 10th!

Saturday May 31st
Paint ‘N Sip
See Flyer for Location and Info

Body & Soul

Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.

Emergency Radio Station

In Idyllwild, have a portable radio with batteries available and tune into WNKI AM 1610 Radio station for Emergency announcements in Idyllwild.

Delivery in Idyllwild

Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 8 pm
Thursday – Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.

The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm

Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.

Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com

All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center

Fridays
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
25925 Cedar St.
10:45 am – 11:45 am

Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall

Mondays
12-pm – 1pm

Tue/Wed/Thur
10am – 11am

Fridays
12-pm – 1pm

Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
10:30 am – 11:30 am

Gymnastic Classes
Thursdays
Town Hall
4pm – 6pm

FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.

The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 4pm.

If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.