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Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) registered nurse Cheryl Meis, holds her Woman of Distinction award, which was presented to Meis at the 2014 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony held recently at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. The annual event recognizes women from throughout the region who demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities.

COLTON, CA – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) registered nurse Cheryl Meis, of Highland, was honored at the 2014 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony held recently at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Meis was one of 75 women recognized for making a positive difference in the community.

“Cheryl always goes above and beyond her regular duties,” said ARMC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Sayre. “Her dedication to patients and their families is an inspiration to all of us.”

Meis, an employee at the hospital since 1980, said she wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl. She took a step toward that goal in high school by taking a hospital services class. Meis began her medical career as a nursing attendant in the Medical Center’s emergency department. After earning her nursing degree, Meis worked in the hospital’s burn center for about 12 years and in other areas including the intensive care unit, emergency department and ARMC’s Family Health Centers.

“I feel very humbled to receive this award,” said Meis, who is a critical care nurse. “I never expected to be honored for doing what I love to do, but it is a wonderful surprise.”

The Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony, held each year by state Sen. Mike Morrell, honors women from throughout the region who demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the awards.

ARMC is a state-of-the-art acute care facility with a full range of inpatient and outpatient services including a Level II trauma center, 24/7 emergency department, mobile medical clinic, primary stroke center, and a regional burn center. For more information, visit: www.arrowheadmedcenter.org.

Ms. Carolyn in front of her new home

After raising her four children and putting them through college, Ms. Carolyn, at her 64 young years of age and disabled can finally call herself a homeowner. After living in an affordable senior housing complex, she recently moved into her newly renovated home in the City of San Bernardino. Aside from assistance from Housing Authority staff, partners such as the City Lift Program through Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire, Community Housing Trust Program through Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, and the City of San Bernardino HOME Program helped make her long awaited dream a reality.

“A home provides a stable environment and I’m so honored and pleased to finally be a homeowner,” expresses Ms. Carolyn. “I’m excited every day to be here. I can finally spend more time with my grandchildren who can visit freely unlike when I lived in the senior community. This means a lot to me” continued Ms. Carolyn.

At a young age she aspired to attend college and eventually buy a home. However, she put her dreams aside to raise her children alone after her divorce. She spent her time nurturing, educating, and pushing her children towards a path of success. Now that they are all grown up and independent, she is focusing on her personal goals. “Everything is perfect,” emphasized Ms. Carolyn as she gleams with joy!  Good luck Ms. Carolyn in achieving your next endeavors and congratulations again!

The 20^th annual National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27, 2014.  With an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV and one in six are unaware of their infection in the United States, this testing initiative’s message “Take the Test, Take Control” is a giant step in the right direction toward an AIDS free generation. The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health Clinic Operations is hosting its annual free HIV testing event on Friday, June 27^th 2014. The event will be at the corner of Baseline Avenue and “F” Street, in the City of San Bernardino from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

One of the goals of President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy is to reduce new HIV infection rates by 25% by the year 2015. This will take a combination of strategies: increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention efforts in our communities, and increasing the number of people living with HIV who know their status. Although great strides have been made in the prevention of the spread of HIV, according to the 2010 AIDS Surveillance Report by the California Office of AIDS, there are up to 7,000 new cases of HIV in the state each year.

“Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people who are infected can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments,” said Maxwell Ohikhuare, M.D., County of San Bernardino Health Officer. “Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to improving your health, and the health of your community.”

On June 27, 2014 HIV Testing counselors will be available to provide free testing and prizes, as well as answer any questions regarding HIV to community members who would like to know their HIV status. The Department’s Clinic Operations section provides conventional HIV antibody testing at all public health clinic locations.  Additionally, rapid HIV testing which provides results in 20 minutes is offered via a mobile testing unit at various alternative testing sites throughout the County of San Bernardino.

For more information on National HIV Testing Day events or about HIV/AIDS and testing, call the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health, AIDS program at (800) 255-6560, or Clinic Operations at (800) 722-4777.

Dr. Terri Easley

RIVERSIDE, CA — If you are in the bloom of a new marriage or relationship and want strategies to develop a deeper level of intimacy, or if your marriage has some miles or issues and could use a tune-up, and if you are closer to Divorce Court than the altar and you need a word from the Lord then this roundtable is for you. There is also something for single sisters, whether never married, divorced, widowed or just feeling lonely, invisible, discounted and disrespected with the deepest yearnings to belong; there is something for the “whole” woman.

‘Empowerment for the “Whole” Woman: It’s Our Time’ Roundtable will take place on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Praise Tabernacle Bible Church located at 4550 Eucalyptus Avenue in Chino (91710).  Come hear anointed testimonies and invaluable insight from panelists. The keynote speaker and host is Dr. Terri Easley, author of Seasons of Destiny who will be ministering on “Marriage: A Walk of a Lifetime” (based on Chapter 2 from her book). There will also be leader breakout session led by Dr. Diana White Johnson on “Submission: A Key to a Powerful Godly Marriage”; Linda D. Wright on “Rules of Engagement for Co-parenting (the impact on children)”; and Victoria Menzies on “Singles: The Fear of Losing Control”. There will also be a general session followed by Q&A. Light refreshments will be served. The cost of the conference is $10.00 in advance or $12 at the door. For vendor registration email, lizalight@aol.com. Register today by visiting www.intimeministries.com or calling (951) 710-9608.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical shows of all time in “Miss Saigon,” on stage for two performances only Saturday, June 28 at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts. Set during the turmoil of the Vietnam War, the story centers on an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl who fall in love, only to be separated by the fall of Saigon and tragic losses and the sacrifices made in a world gone mad.

Worldwide Theatricals is presenting the musical at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $38.50 and $75, and are available at www.ticketmaster.com, www.californiatheatre.net, or through the box office at (909) 885-5152.

“Miss Saigon” premiered in London in September 1989 and ran for more than 4,000 performances over a 10 year period. It opened on Broadway in 1991 and has been staged throughout the world. The London revival of the show opened this year.

The California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 W. Fourth Street in San Bernardino.

Guests at LLUSM’s 100th anniversary bash were treated to live entertainment throughout the evening including stilt walkers

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM) recently concluded its five-year Centennial Celebration (2009-2014), marking 100 years since the founding of the school to the 100^th anniversary of the first graduating class. A community celebration was held on June 1 outside LLU Centennial Complex.

The early 1900’s themed anniversary bash was a free event open to the entire community and featured thematic music and entertainment as well as food trucks and a fireworks show to end the night. An estimated 700 people attended throughout the evening.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine opened its doors in 1909 as the College of Medical Evangelists and graduated its first class of six students on June 11, 1914. It was the smallest class to ever graduate from the school with just two women and four men. This year, on May 25, LLUSM graduated its largest class ever with 171 medical students. Over 10,500 students have graduated over the last 100 years.

LLUSM continues to have a growing impact in the Inland Empire and beyond. This year, 51 percent of LLUSM students matched to primary care positions, and half of the practicing medical doctors in San Bernardino County either trained at or currently teach at Loma Linda University or both.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The Assistance League of San Bernardino thanked their out-going executive board and welcomed the incoming 2014-2015 executive board Monday night at the Assistance League chapter house in San Bernardino.

Yearly the chapter installs their new board at their annual meeting. This year their incoming President Deborah Karalun wanted to bring a bit of the islands to their final meeting of the year.

“Being the last meeting of the 2013-2014 year and my first as the 2014-2015 President I wanted to celebrate the hard work of all the members that make this organization great. We all are working for the same cause of making our community better place,” shared Karalun.

The Assistance League is a non-profit organization that serves children in need in our community. Since 1948 they have been helping students with dental needs in the Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Center that began a dental hygiene program in 1970 and has been providing clothing since 1983 with Operation School Bell.

Members of Assistance League are required to volunteer a minimum of fifty hours a year, including time at meetings, dental screenings, shopping with students for Operation School Bell and the annual fundraiser Headdress Ball.

Member’s that were installed for the new year’s executive board are: Deborah Karalun, President; Teresa Craig, President Nominee, Marsha Scott Vice President Membership; Carol Dixon-Cahill, Vice President Fundraising; Mindy Erickson, Recording Secretary; Jennifer Hobbs, Corresponding Secretary; Amy Johnson, Treasurer; Sherry Lopez, Assistant Treasurer; Elsa Carlton, Education Chair; Ruth Sandlin, Liaison to Les Confreres; Mary Masasso and Cathy Bechtel, Dental Center co-chairs; Margaret Ortiz and Linda Gordon, Operation School Bell; Bobbi Simenton, Orientation Chair.

“Assistance League has become a passion of mine since I became a member and I am honored to be leading our chapter and working with these phenomenal women to support our philanthropies. I hope my passion is contagious. We welcome anyone interested in joining this incredible sisterhood,” said Karalun.

Assistance League of San Bernardino meets on the second Monday of the month at the League House located at 580 West 6th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410 at 6:00 p.m. Their next meeting will be held September 8, 2014 guests are welcome.

For more information about Assistance League and their philanthropies visit their website at http://sanbernardino.assistanceleague.org or email them at sanbernardinoassistanceleague@gmail.com

The SBCCD Board members welcome the new student trustees at their installation on June 12. Shown left to right, front row, are Crafton Hills College student trustee Alexis Panaguiton; Trustee Nickolas W. Zoumbos; Board Vice President Kathleen (Katy) Henry; Board President Donna Ferracone; San Bernardino Valley College Student Trustee Tiffany Joy Guzman; Trustee Gloria Macias Harrison; Back row: Trustee Dr. Donald Singer; Trustee John Longville and SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – – The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Board of Trustees installed newly elected Student Trustees Alexis Panaguiton from Crafton Hills College and Tiffany Joy Guzman from San Bernardino Valley College. Board President Donna Ferracone swore in the two students at their regularly scheduled meeting on June 12.

SBCCD Board of Trustees President Donna Ferracone said, “Serving on the Board of Trustees provides both students with the opportunity to learn first-hand about balancing the needs of their various constituency groups against the constraints of the state budget. They also will have a wonderful opportunity for training in teamwork, leadership, planning and communication.”

SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “Previous student trustees have identified specific issues that their electorates were interested in, have researched those issues, and proffered policies and procedures that the Board has taken very seriously. We look forward to working with both Student Trustees and to providing them with a rewarding learning experience.”

Crafton Hills College Student Trustee Alexis Panaguiton first started her academic career at Crafton Hills College, there pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy. Not only is Alexis the first in her family to attend college, but she had the desire to seek more by joining the Student Senate as the Social Events Officer. As the Social Events Officer, Alexis was the lead on combating the implementation of AB955 at Crafton Hills College which was successful. As Student Trustee, she plans to be the voice of her fellow students by working with administrators, classified staff, and the student senate to help establish a positive learning environment.

After completing her degree and the respiratory program at Crafton Hills College, she plans on obtaining a position at Loma Linda University Health Care for her ultimate dream.

San Bernardino Valley College Student Trustee Tiffany Joy Guzman grew up in Redlands, Calif., where she played Varsity Girls Golf and took health and nutrition classes at Redlands High School. A Liberal Arts student at San Bernardino Valley College, Tiffany is involved with the Associated Student Government and was elected Campus Events Director for the 2013-14 academic year.  In addition, she was an assistant moderator for the 31st District congressional forum on campus, which provided more than one hundred students the opportunity of meeting the candidates. The time spent being Campus Events Director led her to pursue a political journey within San Bernardino Community College District, where she campaigned for her new role as a Student Trustee. Tiffany said, “I would love to plant the seed of motivation in student’s lives and help them reach their goals.” Ms. Guzman is actively involved as the secretary of the newly established chapter of the SCTA (Student California Teachers Association) club on the SBVC campus.

In addition to installing the new student trustees, the Board recognized the outgoing student trustees, Yazmeen Flores from Crafton Hills College and Rosalinda Sosa Sanchez from San Bernardino Valley College for their year of service which completed this month.

About the San Bernardino Community College District

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is one of 72 community college districts within the California Community College system, the largest educational system in the world, which encompasses 112 community colleges. The SBCCD has an 87 year history of providing its community and students with quality and affordable vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and preparation for transfer to a four year college or university through San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC). In addition, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division (PDC) and KVCR TV-FM provide professional development and cultural and educational information to the community at large.

For additional information on the SBCCD, please contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Esq., San Bernardino Community College District Communications and Public Relations at 909.382.4012, 805.717.0347 cell, or by email at asmoore@sbccd.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – For the 14^th consecutive year, Cal State San Bernardino will again operate on a four-day, 40-hour workweek throughout the summer, beginning Monday, June 16.

As has become tradition at CSUSB following June commencement ceremonies, the campus will operate on the 4/40 schedule through Sept. 5. Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Some offices will remain open on Fridays during the summer, and University Police remain on duty every day.

The university will return to its traditional five-day work schedule on Monday, Sept. 8.

The condensed workweek has helped the university reduce its energy consumption, while allowing the public more time to access university services during the expanded hours.

The university also has encouraged energy conservation measures such as turning off lights in unused rooms, reducing lighting in hallways and turning off computers and other electronic equipment that are not in use.

During the week of June 30, the campus will revert to an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule and will be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The campus also will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.

The university’s summer session classes begin Wednesday, June 18. The regular 10-week summer session runs from June 18 through Aug 28, while accelerated six-week sessions are scheduled for June 18-July 24 and July 28-Sept. 3.

The fall quarter will begin on Thursday, Sept. 25.

For more information, contact Cal State San Bernardino’s Office of Public Affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.

“Mental Health Friendly Communities” event kicks off a new statewide initiative in San Bernardino County, harnessing the power of the faith community to address stigma and discrimination.

WHAT: The stigma and discrimination faced by African Americans with mental health concerns will be addressed at the San Bernardino kickoff of Mental Health Friendly Communities (MHFC). The event brings together mental health consumers, providers, and faith leaders to foster the faith community’s important role as a center of support for African Americans. MHFC is being introduced in four regions across California including San Bernardino/Riverside, Sacramento, Solano and Kern counties. It provides culturally focused trainings and resources that dispel misconceptions about mental illness, provides skills for faith leaders as first responders, and speaks directly to the mental health needs of African Americans. The MHFC initiative is administered by CalMHSA, which is funded by the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).

WHY: A statewide survey of more than 2,600 respondents reports that “72% of African-American mental health consumers and family members across California believe it is appropriate for the public mental health system to address spirituality as a part of mental health care.” Studies show that many African Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental illness but don’t seek help because of fear of judgment, isolation and discrimination. Additionally, mental illness has long been a taboo subject among African Americans and the result is that serious needs for support and treatment often fail to be recognized and addressed.

WHERE:  INGHRAM COMMUNITY CENTER, St. Paul AME Church, 2050 North Mt. Vernon St., San Bernardino, 92411

WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Program begins at 9:00 a.m.)

WHO: The MHFC Training Team, faith leaders, mental health consumers and community leaders are available for interviews throughout the program.

About CalMHSA

The Mental Health Friendly Communities program, administered by CalMHSA, is funded by the voter approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63). The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. CalMHSA operates services and education programs on a statewide, regional and local basis. For more information, visit www.calmhsa.org.