December 21, 2025

Charlie Brown Christmas Piano Concert

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A Community Piano Tradition at St. Barnabas


On Sunday, December 21, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church hosted its 4th annual A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert, welcoming more than 90 people from the Borrego Springs community.

The program was inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas, now marking its 60th year since its original 1965 broadcast. The special is known for its quiet message and its distinctive jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, which has become closely associated with the holiday season.


Pianist Steve T. Hunter performed piano selections drawn from the music of the program, using the familiar melodies to reflect on the central question raised in the story — what is Christmas all about? Hunter’s musical background includes classical training, jazz and blues performance, studio work, and decades of musical theatre playing and conducting.


During the concert, Fr. Michael Plekon took the part of Linus, referencing the well-known moment from the story when Linus explains the meaning of Christmas. Fr. Plekon spoke about the Christmas message traditionally drawn from the Gospel of Luke, reflecting on the Nativity and its significance in a way that echoed the spirit of that scene.


The concert concluded with the audience singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”


Donations were collected during the event to support community members in need, continuing St. Barnabas’ tradition of pairing seasonal programs with local outreach and care.


About Steve T. Hunter


Steve T. Hunter, born in Pasadena in 1956, began piano at age six. By 1964 he was studying under Robert E. Turner, a noted American pianist with lineage to Juilliard teachers Josef and Rosina Lhevinne. His early training blended classical technique with a strong ear, developing his ability to play both written music and by-ear arrangements of popular songs.


After relocating to Ontario as a teenager, Hunter enrolled in the jazz program at Humber College in Toronto, where he adapted his classical foundation to professional performance. By the late 1970s he was working full time in show bands and lounge settings, performing six nights a week and developing versatility across classical, jazz, rock, and rhythm-and-blues repertoires.


Hunter established himself in Toronto’s studio scene in the 1980s, playing on commercial recordings and developing his arranging and production skills. His career expanded into musical theatre with long-term roles in productions such as CATS and TOMMY, where he performed, arranged, and eventually conducted.

Over several decades he worked with notable mentors and collaborators across jazz, theatre, and commercial music, shaping a broad professional background.


Professional Highlights

  • Released ten solo recordings
  • Toured throughout the U.S. and Canada
  • Performed for a Canadian Prime Minister
  • Performed for a sitting U.S. President at the Kennedy Center
  • Built a four-decade career in Toronto spanning performance, arranging, conducting, studio work, and composition




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Shadow on the Moon

February 25, 2026
By Dennis Mammana Week of March 1-7, 2026 Attention, night owls and insomniacs! The sky show this week is just for you! Much of North America is about to see the moon experience one of nature's most beautiful sky shows: a total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the Earth's shadow far out in space, either partially or completely, and that's just what will happen during the wee hours of March 3. Skywatchers throughout North America will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting, of course), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the sky show. In general, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets behind the western horizon. The eclipse begins at 12:44 a.m. PST (3:44 a.m. EST), when the moon enters the Earth's light outer shadow (known as the penumbra), but this shadow is so thin that no one will notice a darkening of the moon's appearance. Within an hour or so, that will change significantly. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth (known as the umbra), skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly. The real show begins at 1:50 a.m. PST (4:50 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing skyward will have any doubt that a "bite" has been taken out of the moon — a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute. For the next hour or so, the moon will dim as it slips more deeply into our planet's umbra, until 3:04 a.m. PST (6:04 a.m. EST) when it's completely engulfed and the total eclipse begins. Unfortunately, those in the far eastern part of North America may miss this since the moon will lie quite close to (or even below) the western horizon. During the total phase, the moon will take on a dim coppery hue. This occurs because sunlight passing through our atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon, now suspended eerily against the stars of Leo, the lion. Only those viewing from the Midwest to the West Coast will see mid-eclipse, which occurs at 3:33 a.m. PST (5:33 a.m. CST). Those in the Midwest may miss the end of totality at 4:02 a.m. PST (6:02 a.m. CST), however, as the moon will be setting in the west. The entire event will end at 5:17 a.m. PST (4:17 a.m. MST) with the moon approaching the western horizon for viewers in western North America. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need to enjoy the show, but you'll have even more fun viewing through binoculars or a small telescope. If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live where the eclipse won't be visible, you can watch a livestream of the sky show online. Visit timeanddate.com and click on "Sun, Moon & Space" at the top to find details for your location, as well as links to view the eclipse live online. Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.  Learn More About Borrego Springs

New Acupuncturist in Borrego Springs

February 24, 2026
Borrego Springs continues to expand its wellness community with the arrival of Mountain Healing Acupuncture, led by Lara Koljonen, a dedicated practitioner of holistic medicine since 2008. Lara brings more than 15 years of experience in acupuncture and integrative care, focusing on empowering patients to better understand their bodies and take an active role in their health. Her philosophy centers on the idea that life is like a garden. The more we care for it, the more vibrant and resilient it becomes. Through education, treatment, and ongoing support, she helps patients cultivate long-term wellness. Her approach blends eastern and western methods, bridging traditional acupuncture with modern health understanding. Treatments are designed to support pain relief, stress reduction, balance, and overall vitality in a safe and nurturing environment. Mountain Healing Acupuncture emphasizes continued learning and integrating new therapies to best serve patients. Lara works to both heal and educate, encouraging clients to build sustainable habits that strengthen their physical and emotional well-being. Contact: Mountain Healing Acupuncture 619.980.0745 Borrego Springs continues to grow as a destination for wellness, and the addition of a long-practicing acupuncturist adds another valuable resource for those seeking holistic support close to home. 

Borrego and Beyond: A Backcountry Day Trip

February 23, 2026
East County Magazine Highlights Borrego and Backcountry Loop East County Magazine recently published a feature on a full day scenic drive through San Diego County’s backcountry, with Borrego Springs at the center of the experience The article outlines a 12 hour loop connecting desert, mountain, and lake destinations, positioning Borrego as a key stop within a broader regional itinerary. Destinations Featured in the Article Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive Christmas Circle visitor information location, 587 Palm Canyon Drive Wildflower viewing along Henderson Canyon Road Hiking areas including: Borrego Palm Canyon Coyote Canyon Hellhole Canyon The Slot Font’s Point Wind Caves Elephant Tree Trail Yaqui Well Trail Cactus Loop Nature Trail ‘Ehmuu-Morteros Trail Public Art and Local Highlights Ricardo Breceda metal sculptures in Borrego Springs The Pilot House near Borrego Valley Airport Christmas Circle K-RAM 90.5 FM Resorts and Dining La Casa del Zorro Backcountry Route Stops Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel Ranchita and the Rancheti Yeti statue Montezuma Grade, S22 scenic descent Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area Julian and Banner Grade Julian Pie Company Mom’s Pie House Eagle Mining Company Menghini Winery Historic Julian downtown Banner Ranch Lake Cuyamaca The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca Wildlife viewing including pelicans, heron, vultures, and deer Why This Coverage Matters The feature presents Borrego Springs as a central anchor within a larger backcountry journey. It connects wildflowers, desert art, scenic mountain drives, Julian’s historic district, and Lake Cuyamaca into one enjoyable day trip. For full route details, travel logistics, safety tips, and seasonal notes, read the complete article published by East County Magazine. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs ArtWalk | March 7

By Elizabeth Rodriguez • February 23, 2026
The Borrego Springs ArtWalk is held the first Saturday of each month, November through May, from 5–7 PM.

Borrego Springs Dog Show at Springs RV Park

February 21, 2026
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1:00 p.m. Location: Springs Amphitheater Dog Participation: Open to Roadrunner Club / Springs RV Park dogs only Public Attendance: Free and open to the public to watch and cheer

Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest | March 7, 2026 at Dusk

February 21, 2026
PEG LEG SMITH LIAR’S CONTEST Since 1916 To Date The next saga of the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest is a month away, Saturday March 7th . Location American Legion Post #853 4515 Borrego Springs Road Borrego Springs, Ca. Date March 7th, 2026 Time Dusk Who Thomas Long Smith , miner, horse thief, Indian fighter, and notorious liar. Google him for details or YouTube for videos. What A 100 plus year old event , a perpetuation of prevarication, where participants at the event manufacture the truth or a lie about a real person, Thomas Long Smith , aka Peg Leg Smith , who allegedly found, then lost, a gold mine in the Borrego Valley back in the mid-1800’s. He existed. The mine is what is in question. Why Must be fun. It’s been held here in the Valley nearly every year, give or take a few world wars and related interferences…… since 1916 . Rules None. Just make up a lie about him, or not even him—most anything—that is interesting, logical, entertaining, relatively short ( 10 minutes or less ). If it is good and you just show up and lie, you will receive a trophy (recycled) and a nice certificate good enough to frame . Judging There are three judges , all veterans of the event, all with 20 or more years doing so. The Chief Judge , me, has been judging since 1982 (no remuneration, free, poor judgement on my part). Winners are not chosen on bribery or status, but on three major categories : Quality of the lie ( 10 points max ) Performance in presenting it ( 10 points max ) Garb, stunts, random foolishness, helpers, music, or whatever ( 5 points max ) The last five points only separate the scores, as even last-minute sign-ups during the event are competitive. If we have children under 10 years of age , we will have a child judging category as well. Audience & Participation It is a liar’s contest. We can have 50, 100, 150 or more in the audience, but without liars…there is no contest . Sign up at the event Viewers bring a folding chair Bring non-alcoholic beverages (the Legion has a full bar) Sit outside near the campfire (held outside always—dress accordingly) Services Bathrooms, bar, and kitchen courtesy of the Legion and volunteers. Dinner is available—might be pulled pork again by popular demand , or not. It is a liar’s contest. Actually, I might be lying to you now. The Only Truth It will occur rain or shine , at the date and time , at the Legion . Bring a Lie It can be a short one, bad one, dumb one about anything you want to lie about—or even the truth is welcome. Just say his name, then run off in any direction you lie about best. You probably won’t know anyone there except a few friends that might have come along, so you can’t be embarrassed in front of strangers. Prepare to lie. We ALWAYS need liars . Even bad ones. Again, Google the contest to learn more. It is always fun and out of doors. What could be better than that? Oh, free as well. Jim McKenna Learn More About Borrego Springs

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