What's Up in Bear Valley Springs?

On Memorial Day, May 29, the BVS veterans held their annual service at the Veterans’ Memorial at Cub Lake. A large crowd attended to pay homage to the military members who paid the sacrifice in battle. The welcome/introduction was given by Vice Commander Lee Tharp.

Three honorees have reported to their final duty station. Honored on the pillars were Vernon John Ahlmeyer of the U.S. who served in WWII. He left us on Nov. 22, 2009. Also honored was Melvin “Mike” Goodman who served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He left us on May 2, 2022. And finally, Dennis Regis Wayne of the U.S. Coast Guard who left us this year on Feb. 7. Family members of each veteran came forth for the presentation of a rose. Condolences to each family.

Then Jim Rice, one of our well-known veterans, spoke about the loss of John Pruden, one of the most active and dedicated veterans, who left us Monday, May 22, this year. It was thanks to John Pruden, and a young Eagle Scout, Kyle Olivier, that the Veteran’s Memorial came to be. It is now a site to make the community proud. Olivier came up with the idea as an Eagle Scout project, and he was in attendance May 29 at the service. Heartfelt condolences to John’s widow, Susan and their family.

Special mention was made of the Gold Star families of Cpl. Adam Zanutto, U.S.M.C., and Sgt. Earl Victor Sigmund, U.S. Army.

The service ended with a three-gun salute, Taps, then Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, rendered by Jim Carmichael and Travis Combs.

Many thanks to the golfers who offered a lift from the Cub Lake parking lot to the Memorial site in their golf carts.

Correction: In the May 27 issue, it was stated that Jeff Kermode was a possible candidate for interim general manager of the Bear Valley Springs Association. He is not, and will not be applying for that position.

Bear Valley Springs is a private gated community in which the residents pay an annual association amenities fee. To visit, a non-member or non-resident must arrange with a friend or family member in the community for a guest pass that would permit them to engage in the activities. Guest passes will be checked.