2018 has come fast, hasn’t it? It doesn’t seem like two years since our last get-together.
This year the Picnic will be held on October 13th. That’s the second weekend in October.
The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Show will also be at that same time, so be sure to walk
through and see some of our local artists and their presentations.
We would appreciate hearing from you whether or not you plan to attend. Let us know
how you and your family are doing and be sure to verify your address, phone number and
email address (if you have one). Thank you to all who made donations to cover our
expenses last time!
TIME AND PLACE
Our Picnic will be held on Saturday, October 13th beginning at 10:00 AM at our usual
meeting place, the Trona Elementary School (the Round School) on Athol Street.
FOOD
Sack lunches (sandwich, chips, fruit cup, dessert) are available for $10 each. Please include
payment with your response as these lunches must be pre-ordered. Beverages will be
provided by the club.
As some of you may have heard, the Trona Community Church had to close its doors but a
pancake breakfast will still be offered by the same folks who always come through. Cost is
$6 and $4 for kids under 12. A group is trying to raise funds to rehab it into a community
center, so be sure to go by if you can.
We are not sure about the Elks BBQ yet. See the Gem Show flyer for more information. Food is
also available at the Trails Drive-in and at Esparza’s Family Restaurant (old Theater) on
Main Street, in addition to the food at the Gem Show.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society will be celebrating their 77th annual Gem-O-
Rama on October 13th and 14th. Free Plant Tours by bus at 10:40, 11:45, 12:55, and 1:40 on
Saturday only. For additional information, please refer to the flier included in this letter.
The museums of the Searles Valley Historical Society – Old Guest House, History House, and
the Trona Railway, will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday from
10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Fire Museum will only be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LODGING
| Clarion Inn | Comfort Inn | |
| 901 N. China Lake Blvd. | 507 S. China Lake Blvd | |
| Ridgecrest, CA 93555 | Ridgecrest, CA 93555 | |
| (760) 446-7910 | (760) 375-9731 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | Spring Hill Suites (Marriott) | Heritage Inn & Suites |
| 104 E. Sydnor Ave. | 113 E. Sydnor Ave | 1050 N. Norma |
| Ridgecrest CA 93555 | Ridgecrest CA 93555 | Ridgecrest CA 93555 |
| (760) 446-1968 | (800) 741-5072 | (800) 843-0693 |
| Best Western China Lake Inn |
| 400 S. China Lake Blvd |
| Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| 760 371-2300 |
Camping is available at Valley Wells for a nominal fee (only for the weekend).
We’re looking forward to seeing all our friends. Please let us know by returning the enclosed attendance form.
See you at the Picnic!
Nicki (Weidenbenner) Johnson
Enclosures
The Former Tronans Picnic? takes place October 8th, 10AM – 2PM in the Trona Elementary (round) School. All Former Tronans are invited to come and it’s FREE! PDF forms (Info on the Picnic, a RSVP form, and the Gem and Mineral Show, also on the same weekend) can be downloaded here:
I would love to receive the Old Trojans news letter as well as ongoing info regarding Trona. My husband Mike Hale is a 1976 grad and his Dad Elliott Hale was the plant manager in the late 70’s, early 80’s? My Dad Bob klopfenstein worked in the plant in the Chem Dept. from 1963-1970. I was in the Trona schools from 1963 thru 1970 and still have many friends there. My Mom Julie gets the mail out and we’d love to have for my mother-in-law Betty.
Thanks,
Kathy Klopfenstein