The 2012 Big Bear Summer Theater Festival will open with “Clarence Darrow,” an in-depth look at the life and time of America’s most famous lawyer, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. The show is both a dramatic and humorous whirlwind tour through Americana that cannot be missed no matter what age.

In the play Darrow reminisces of the early influences that helped shape the course of his life. Beginning with his father, a renowned abolitionist, and his mother, an avowed suffragist, who spoke out for women’s rights as early as 1840.

Darrow shares the inspirations that lead him to join the bar. He talks about his early loves and wives.

Then, the audience shares recreations of the massive legal campaigns Darrow orchestrated throughout his long and illustrious career.

First, Darrow talks of the Illinois state persecution of the Haymarket Anarchists. A group of eight innocent men mistakenly vilified for the bombing of a protest meeting that killed seven police and wounded 60 more. Four of the eight were hanged before the governor pardoned the final three.

Next, Darrow walks away from a lucrative career as general attorney for a railroad to defend Eugene V. Debs in the aftermath of the Pullman Strike, a strike that halted railway travel across the nation. With production dropping, George Pullman, the sleeping car man, cut costs and his workers are starving to death.

“If there are still any citizens interested in human rights, let them study the conspiracy laws of the United States, which have grown, until today, no one’s liberty is safe.” A chord that strikes true today with the ever-expanding governmental power under the Patriot Act.

From there he takes on the cause of getting the worker the eight-hour work day. He single-handedly goes up against the powerful coal mine owners in Pennsylvania to win the laborers the right to a decent life at a decent wage.

The first act ends with the McNamara Brothers defense in the Los Angeles Times bombing case. Twenty men are killed when union members blow up a non-union shop. They’re guilty and Darrow must save them from hanging.

The show really blasts off as the curtain opens for the second act.

Darrow, himself, is put on trial for jury bribing. He proves his innocence, but the trial almost costs him his career.

His shows his wit and humor when reliving his days on the Chautauqua circuit where he spent years lecturing and debating. This is audience participation, and he asks questions such as, “Should the United States have prohibition?” He chats directly with the audience on this and other provocative questions.

John Phane plays the title role. Phane has more than a 100 stage roles to his credit. He has worked in radio, television, the movies and as a journalist.

Friday, July 12 will see the opening of the original melodrama, “Belle, the first baby of Big Bear.” Come sigh with the heroine, cheer the hero, boo the villain and enjoy great family entertainment.

The show is based on the actual history of the Big Bear area.

A short drive north of Big Bear Lake is Holcomb Valley and what little remains of the historic ghost town of Belleville. During the 1860s, Holcomb Valley was a rich gold mining area supporting some 10,000 residents. Belleville, the largest town in Holcomb Valley, almost overtook San Bernardino to become the county seat.

On a fourth of July celebration, Mrs. Jed Van Dusen made a flag out of her petticoats. To honor her for her patriotism, the town was named after her daughter Belle, the first child to be born in the camp.

However, in this story, a fantasy, hard times come to Belle, Her father is a dipsomaniac and forgets where his gold mine is, and finally passes away. Belle is destitute.

She may be forced to marry into a loveless marriage in order to save her beloved home from falling into foreclosure if her true love, Hugh DeMann, can’t find out what’s going on.

Little does she know there may be a “golden” opportunity for beautiful Belle to marry the man she truly loves, save her home and keep a warming roof over her head and that of her dear, wise, Auntie.

The shows play Thursday and Friday nights, with three shows on Saturdays.

Spring is nearly here… Are you ready? Say it to yourself:

“I am ready for my next big occasion.”

Big Bear Lake, CA——Do something really positive. If that headline does not ring true then it’s time for a change. Something for only you.

Elevations Day Spa in Big Bear Lake has expanded their beauty, anti-aging and aesthetics treatments to include high level medically- trained beauty procedures. Clients may have lips redefined with more contour, and eyes lifted, all right in the spa near the beautiful lake.

The new medical aesthetic team consist of trusted eye and skin specialist, Ramin Tayani, M.D., F.A.A.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.S. and Lainey Kopinga, RN, BS both of Tayani Med-Aesthetics of San Clemente, CA. Dr. Tayani is also well-known for delicate eye surgery, performed elsewhere in Big Bear Lake.

Every month on the third Friday, Aesthetics specialists are onsite to provide cosmetic treatments, some of which include: Laser Facials; IPL Photo Rejuvenation; Active FX; Injectibles (Botox/Fillers), Facials/ Peels, Laser hair removal, and more.

Schedule Big Bear weekends with beauty and spa benefits on Fridays. Sign up here to make an appointment for your series of medi-skin services; also get our complete list of special services.

Make your series appointment for the following dates: March 16, April 20, and May 18.

The news for Big Bear Lake includes Snowshoe the Bear, plans for the new pool, Amgen Tour of California Route Announcement and advice on how to clean up your credit.

Benefit Special Olympics

Big Bear Lake, Calif. February 1, 2012 – Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s. So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity. Additional prizes are given to people who raise more than $50, and also for those with the most creative costumes. Sponsorship opportunities called EVENT FAN are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.

“All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “They will immediately feel their hearts warm-up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!”

Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge. Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are. Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video. Costumes have become a staple with Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest. Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee (TBA), DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with great prizes. There is a free BBQ lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase BBQ lunch tickets.

The inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is Saturday, March 10 at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Opening ceremonies, which includes a torchlight lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem begins at 12 noon. Plunges into frigid Big Bear Lake directly follow after opening ceremonies. Admission to watch the plunge is FREE, but donations are accepted. To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org. For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

About Special Olympics Southern California:

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.

Southern California Special Olympics;

• The Chimes | Special Olympics welcomes volunteers : Features … – Ryan interned in the Special Olympics public relations office with the president and CEO of Southern California Special Olympics, Bill Shumard. Ryan assisted with the organizing, planning and assisting of the execution and …
• Southern California Special Olympics 2011 in Long Beach spotlight … – Special Olympics Southern California and its athletes are coming to Long Beach Saturday and Sunday for one of the largest competitions of the year: Summer Games.
• Special Olympics Bring Self Esteem to the Challenged | National … – Most were institutionalized and people had preconceived notions of what they could or couldn’t accomplish,” he said in an interview posted through the Southern California Special Olympics. Johnson added that through the …

Romantic Valentines

Big Bear’s Sweet-Heart Deals add Extra Spark to Romantic Getaway

Big Bear Lake, Calif./January 25, 2012 – Big Bear Lake serves the ideal setting for a romantic winter getaway with two top-notch ski resorts, candlelight dining, comfy accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces, and a variety of “sweet-heart” specials to woo that special someone. Big Bear’s temperatures might be in the 20s or 30s on this special occasion, but the mountain resort sizzles with red-hot passion.

Action Tours (Action Zipline Tours and Action Segway Tours) have special discounts called “Get Some Action on Valentine’s.” Action Zipline Tours’ special whisks lovers off their feet (literally). Couples fly through the trees and over the snow on ziplines, and save $40 off regular rates per couple. Action Segway Tours offers a unique way to explore Big Bear on an electrical two-wheeled chariot. This invigorating outing for couples also discounts $40 per couple. Both offers are good for February 11 – 14, 2012. Rates are limited to the first five couples per day that the special is valid (Feb. 11-14), and must mention “Get Some Action on Valentines” at the time of booking to receive the discount. For zipline tour reservations call 909-866-0390. For Segway tour reservations call 909-366-0890.

Helicopter Big Bear offers a treat for love birds who want to fly together. Enjoy a 20-minute sightseeing flight from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit to witness beautiful scenic aerial views. Longer tours are also available. The intimate flight includes a linen-lined picnic basket complete with champagne or Perrier sparkling water, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. It’s a Valentine’s Day treat that will be remembered for a lifetime. Helicopter Big Bear’s Valentine’s Day special offer is good from February 11 – 18, 2012. Reservations are required. To book the Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for Love Birds call 909-585-1200.

Couples who opt to go skiing or snowboarding for the Valentine’s Day holiday might consider Goldsmith’s Boardshop for “Couples Rentals,” rent one rental set, and get the second rental set of equal or lesser value for free. “Couples Rentals” are valid February 10 – 15, 2012. For more details contact Goldsmith’s Boardshop at 909-866-2728.

After a day of playing in the snow together, finish your day of romance at your private accommodations. Choices range from full service hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, private homes and rustic cabins. Whether it is lakefront, in the village, or countryside, every lodge in Big Bear creates a romantic atmosphere. Some Valentine’s Day specials for lodging accommodations to consider are Windy Point Inn, Castlewood Cottages and Blue Horizon Lodge.

Windy Point Inn is the quintessential getaway for lovers. The beautiful contemporary Bed and Breakfast Inn is right on the lake. This Valentine’s Day Holiday the inn offers $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite, which includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and a full breakfast. Rates are good for February 10 – 15, 2012. To book a romantic getaway to Windy Point Inn, call 909-866-2746 or visit www.windypointinn.com.

Castlewood Cottages offers an “out-of-the-ordinary” romantic hideaway. Here, each of the 11 “couples only” cottages offers their individual themes in furnishings, artwork and ambiance. Even the visiting couples “live” the experience wearing the costumes they receive to match their chosen cottage. They relive historic and ancient worlds at “Robin & Marion’s,” “King Arthur’s,” “Enchanted Forest” or “Antony & Cleopatra.” They enjoy chance meetings at the “Captain’s Quarters” or portray demure princess and elegant prince in “Castle Garden.” For the more adventurous, exciting experiences in “Enchanted Forest,” “Crystal Cave” or “Woodland Treehouse” create unforgettable memories. Other romantics choose lovely “Kate’s Garden” or dramatic “Gone With the Wind!” These delightful cottages, just a short walk from Big Bear Village, are charming, private and romantic, just the right choice for a unique Valentine’s Day getaway. Book an overnight stay at Castlewood Cottages from February 11 – 14, 2012 and receive 20 percent off regular rates. For reservations call 909-866-2720 or visit www.castlewoodcottages.com.

Blue Horizon Lodge helps spark an evening of romance with a free bundle of firewood for couples who book a two-night stay during Valentine’s week February 10 – 15, 2012. In addition to the free bundle of firewood, couples will save 20 percent off regular rates on a two-night stay. Guests must mention the Valentine’s Day special at the time of booking to receive discount. For reservations call 909-366-0089 or visit www.newbluehorizonlodge.com.

Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers a wide range of romantic packages that combines a room with choice of a couples massages, day spa service or romantic room customizing with roses, candles, and rose pedals placed in the room. Book Romantic Getaway Packages at www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Photo Courtesy of Bear Mountain Resorts