Holiday Spirit

02/14/2026

Today I just want to share a memory about our dear Mara and our friend Julie Morris.

As many of you know, Mara and I were very close. Even though we didn’t see each other often because of our busy schedules, we always stayed connected. Mara knew that if I called her and didn’t hear back within 24 to 48 hours, I would start to worry. She always made sure to return my call so I wouldn’t panic.

One day, I called her… and I waited. More than 48 hours passed, and she never called me back. I was at work, but my heart was not at peace. Something didn’t feel right.

I reached out to our friend Julie, who lived near Mara’s church home at the time. Julie has always been a dedicated volunteer and a loyal friend. I asked her if she could please go check on Mara.

Julie went over and knocked… and knocked… and knocked. No answer. Then she looked through one of the windows — and she was the one who discovered Mara peacefully sitting on the couch. She immediately called 911 and called me.

That moment broke my heart. I was devastated. I couldn’t even go to work the next day. From there, we contacted Mara’s sister, Lisa, and began the difficult process of arranging everything that needed to be done.

I am sharing this not to reopen pain, but to say thank you to Julie Morris.

Julie, your heart, your courage, and your continued dedication to volunteering — even outside the holiday season — truly amaze me. You showed up in one of the hardest moments of our lives. That is something I will never forget.

I wish you strength, peace, sobriety, happiness, and a safe place to live. We are praying for you and for anything you may be facing in life. Stay strong. God is on your side. Never quit.

You have a good heart. Always remember that.

Your children are watching you. You are their role model. You are their strength. Continue being the loving mother that you are.

If anyone feels led to support Julie in any way — through kindness, encouragement, or practical help — please do so. We simply pray that she continues to use every blessing wisely, for food, safety, and stability. That is all we hope for.

We miss you, Mara.
And Julie — it’s always good to see you, my friend.

With love 🤍
Gigi

12/12/2025

Hello everyone 🤍
I truly respect that naming suggestions are meaningful to many of you, and I appreciate all perspectives shared here.

I just ask us to pause for a moment and imagine if this were your friend, your parent, your grandparent, or a beloved neighbor—someone who gave everything they had to serve others. Someone who spent their life helping seniors, single parents, the homeless, and those who had nowhere to go and no warm meal to eat. Someone who gave selflessly and quietly, without asking for anything in return.

Plants and flowers are beautiful, and they absolutely have their place. But naming a community center after a person who dedicated their life to serving the community carries a deeper meaning. It creates a living legacy—one that inspires not just a few people today, but generations to come. A name that tells a story of love, service, compassion, and humanity.

Mara served with a full heart. She gave love, care, and presence. She didn’t serve for recognition—she served because she genuinely cared. What she valued most was community, companionship, and people coming together to help one another.

Some of you may not have known her personally, and that’s okay. For those who did, I gently encourage you to share your stories—how she impacted you, what you learned from her, or how she inspired you to see people differently.

One of the most important lessons she taught me was not to judge people by appearances. A person driving a nice car may be struggling behind the scenes. A well-dressed person may be borrowing clothes. We never truly know what someone is going through. What matters is the heart, the intention, and what we do for others.

That lesson continues to guide how I serve today—doing things from the heart, without judgment, and with compassion.

I hope this conversation inspires all of us to reflect on what truly brings a community together: humility, giving, kindness, love, and service. These are the values worth remembering, teaching, and passing on to future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to read and for being part of this meaningful discussion ❤️🥰🙏🎄
Merry Christmas to all!
Love,
Gigi

Come and explore our antiques in Old Town, our art galleries, our Hi-Desert Nature Museum, and our one-of-a-kind night skies and clear air. When it comes to recreation, we offer something for everyone!

12/11/2025

Hello neighbors and friends,

My name is Gigi. Many of you know me from Tender Loving Christmas and Mara’s Christmas Wish. I’m reaching out to honor a very special woman who gave so much to Yucca Valley — Mara Cantelo.

Mara dedicated many years to serving our community: helping during earthquakes and fires, organizing volunteers, raising toys for local kids, gathering hygiene items for seniors, and making sure seniors were never lonely or hungry on Christmas Day. She prepared warm buffet meals, brought music so they could dance, and always ensured there were extra desserts, blankets, and toiletries for anyone in need. Her kindness and generosity touched thousands of lives.

The Town is now collecting name ideas for the new Senior Center, and I believe it should be named “Mara Senior Center” to honor her lifetime of service and the love she poured into this community.

If you knew Mara or were inspired by her, please consider nominating her name.
And if you have memories or stories, please share them — I’d love to read them.

Thank you for helping honor her beautiful legacy. 💛

Come and explore our antiques in Old Town, our art galleries, our Hi-Desert Nature Museum, and our one-of-a-kind night skies and clear air. When it comes to recreation, we offer something for everyone!

12/08/2025

🎅Join us for our Santa Meet & Greet and Toy Giveaway! 🎁
Come take photos and have story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 10th at 4 PM.
Don’t miss the holiday fun! ✨

12/08/2025

✨🎄 Happy Holidays, Yucca Valley! 🎄✨
We’d love to spotlight the magic of our community this season! If you captured any moments at the Tree Lighting Ceremony or Holiday Celebration & Craft Faire, share them using . 📸✨

You can also send your photos directly to us—your snapshots help spread holiday cheer all across Yucca Valley! 💛🎁

12/07/2025

Here’ Community Input Needed!

The Town is collecting name ideas for the revitalized Senior Center, and I’d love your thoughts. I’m suggesting “Mara’s Senior Center” to honor her 42+ years of serving our community and making sure no senior was ever alone & hungry on Christmas Day. Her birthday is coming up on Nov. 28, and I visited her grave to greet her early advance Happy Birthday yesterday.
What do you think of the name?
Do you have other suggestions?
Are you submitting a name too?
Here's the link:
https://dqeiokcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mqNoUTYXnBqPaCE88kZP6VZWrBnUzIiuW4ZPiPXxj7GFnKZvRaNlOa2wyQC36BP2sA7lVr-tdLZxPUOK8kGIPR5smIfqD0wiMJHxjAeAP84UiWhaP2ac32tj_vAzrORfSFjUt2oUyQrmTNG599dXSB_88d_-gi6qKJucKofO7zQ=&c=u3C1gxG1xM2MFdE2qZ0tKeazZ5Dt1mXsd3h5ipnMStdVpESk6aIDag==&ch=769zde07vaCOub_GmaXzCk2VrGk6uhmNXXFWnXCfhNJ8mnLaCUg7xg==

Please share your ideas below — thank you! 💛