Happily Divorced And After

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors personally invites you to celebrate the launch of Give BIG San Bernardino County. The event to launch the Give BIG campaign begins at 3 p.m. on April 30  at the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Give BIG San Bernardino County is a 24-hour online giving campaign which allows you to give to your favorite causes in the community. The goal is to get everyone who cares about the residents of San Bernardino County to assist in raising a minimum of $300,000 in just 24 hours on May 8, 2014. For information, visit www.giveBIGsbcounty.org and Give BIG!

HIGHLAND, CA- The community is invited to come join Immanuel Baptist Church for their prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 1 at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. The event will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall, “C” Building. The main purpose of the event is for the community, pastors and church staff to come together in prayer. They will be praying for our communities, our state, nation, and asking God to send revival and spiritual awakening. The breakfast will start at 8 a.m., and prayer time will proceed after. There will be no charge to attend, but guests must RSVP as soon as possible, no later than 12 p.m. on Monday, April 28. For more information and to RSVP, please call or email your response to Kim Skalky at (909) 425-1777or kskalky@ibchighland.org. The church is located at 28355 Baseline Street in Highland (92346).

Photo Caption (left to right): Cassie Bracket, J’vion Johnson and Krystal Cretzal.

Johnson is on the 4 by 1 relay team, runs the 4 by 4 and on occasion’s 100 meter dash. Her focus is the 4 by 1. Johnson and Cretzal are freshman at Redlands High School in Redlands, CA.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In efforts to dedicate themselves to Christ in the pursuit to maintain the highest standard of care, Sealstone Health works to achieve goals and to meet the specific needs of each resident that they serve. Sealstone is an organization that works with in Senior Care and Hospitality Services where they specialize in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Bathing/Showering, Market/Shopping Days, Hygiene Assistance, Spiritual Support, Visual Arts, Physical Activities, Enhancing dining services, Nutritional Counseling, Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Salon Service and Massage, and more. For more information, please call (909) 435-5114.

WHAT IT DO I.E.! It’s ya’ girl back at it again with an introduction of another hot and upcoming artist; family you have to check out R&B Assassin, better known as C-Nova. When I say this young dude got vocals that are out of this world, I truly mean it. A few years back when I started working in the community putting on shows for local artists, I was introduced to C-Nova by a friend. Back then he couldn’t have been any more than 19. When he came to audition for our show and began to sing with no music, I almost fell out of my seat. The entire room was floored! I been a fan ever since.

Singing since the tender age of six and now 24, this R&B Assassin is buzzing all over Southern California.  C-Nova, whose real name is Gregory Casanova Clark, is gaining fans and breaking hearts.  He was born in Los Angeles, but raised in the Inland Empire. Using his talent for the Lord in the church choir got him recognized fast by many, but it wasn’t until the death of his sister, Lydia Funez James in December 2006 that gave him the ambition to pursue his dream and stay away from gang violence.

Talented in so many ways, not only is he a singer but he’s’ a heck of a producer and song writer. C-Nova has performed at multiple concerts with well-known artists such as, Joe Moses, AV, Sean Kingston, Teeflii, and many more. Not being selfish with his gifts, this artist has also worked with several talented independent artists which include, CD, Nova of Heartbreak, Rialto Staxx of Jac Pac Entertainment, Larry Spades, Jayo, Westside Bugg, and several others.

Right now the streets are bumpin’ his new CD entitled “Lights On, Light Off”.  If you haven’t heard the CD please get your copy. C-Nova is the TRUTH! Follow him on all the social network sites.  He is also LUE Productions/Family First Entertainment 2014 Urban Fashion Show Featured R&B artist. Please check him out Sunday, May 18 at 114 S. Arrowhead Avenue San Bernardino (92408) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be a multicultural event highlighting urban fashions, hip-hop, and r&b. For more information on the fashion show contact LUE Productions at 909.567.1000 or look us up on Facebook. Stay Blessed!

PASADENA, CA- The Pasadena Playhouse announced that they will present the hit production of Gabrielle Pina’s LETTERS FROM ZORA, in association with One Pearl and a Sphinx. The production, which returns by popular demand, will play a limited engagement of eight performances and stars Vanessa Bell Calloway. LETTERS FROM ZORA is directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks with original music composed by Ron McCurdy. Performances run May 10 to the May 18 with a press opening on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Single ticket prices range from $40.00 to $100.00. Limited VIP Packages including premium seating, post-show meet and greet with Gabrielle Pina, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Anita Dashiell-Sparks and light reception is available for $150.00 per ticket. VIP Packages are available only on the following performances: Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena (91101). The performance schedule is Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. during non-performance dates. For more information, visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – April 25, 2014 – High school students nationwide can now apply at www.disneydreamersacademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entering the search for its eighth class, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in a magical setting: the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

Applicants must answer three essay questions about their personal stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Nearly 10,000 students submitted an application in 2014.

Participants and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where they will engage in life-changing sessions and enjoy Disney’s magical theme parks. The 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 5 to 8.

“Disney Dreamers Academy gives us the honor each year to motivate, educate and uplift 100 exceptional students ready to unlock their potential,” said Disney Vice President of Global Initiatives and Integrations/Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, Tracey D. Powell. “Disney is proud to once again partner with Steve Harvey and Essence Communications to deliver a program that impacts lives every year.”

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE Magazine and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the eighth Disney Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey represents our commitment to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 31, 2014. A distinguished panel of leaders representing the best in their fields will judge the applications in November and winners will be announced in December 2014.

For more information visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com, www.facebook.com/disneydreamersacademy or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy.

McDonalds Mural

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public is invited to see the progress on the two murals being painted on the outside of the museum which sits on the historic spot of the original McDonald’s Restaurant. This first “Meet-Up at the Museums” was inspired by veteran motorcyclist Paul Busser from San Diego County. His friends have invited bikers from all over the area to come out and enjoy the Inland Empire Military Museum next door to The McDonald’s Museum. Music, models and the muralists will be on hand for this event at 1398 N. “E” Street in San Bernardino.

“We hope to get a few classic cars out for this event and make this a regular activity throughout the year,” principle artist Phil Yeh said. “This is the first meet-up, but I can see this growing over the years as we continue to add more details to these murals. Our plan is to paint even more murals on this spot and also to open a bookstore and art gallery in the future”.

Beth Winokur, a writer as well as one of the muralists, is writing a brand new book about the murals. The book will explain the details and background of the subjects on the murals in addition to showing the images. The south side of the mural was finished early last year and depicts San Bernardino?s rich history. Many noted people were born in the city and many graduated from high school there including Edith Head, who won eight Academy Awards; Gene Hackman, who won two; Hoyt Curtain, the composer of classic animated theme songs including The Flintstones, The Jetsons and Top Cat; and Chester Carlson, who invented dry copying in 1937. His invention helped create the Xerox Corporation. San Bernardino was also the site of the last appearance of Will Rogers in 1935 and the very first U.S. appearance of The Rolling Stones in 1965.

The north side mural depicts all of Route 66 in California from the end of the highway in Santa Monica all the way through San Bernardino County. This second mural was started in March 2013. This side of the building is being painted in exacting detail and will take another year to finish. Rory Murray, who painted on both sides, has been adding classic cars from all makes on the north side. Yeh, himself a motorcyclist in his youth, has made this north side a tribute to his late friend Hal Robinson, the original cartoonist of Easyriders magazine.

“We are painting bikes riding west to Santa Monica on the mural. Rory and I have also painted some bigger motorcycles in the foreground. I was inspired to draw by looking at Hal?s cartoons while in high school in the early „70s. We became friends shortly before he passed away of cancer in the 80s. Hal really had a great style, but when we met he told me he never rode a motorcycle,” added Yeh.

Many artists have contributed to this mural including guest artist Mark Nelson who came out from Houston, Texas in January. Nelson is best known for his work on the Aliens comic book series. Jan Windhausen has added colorful details to the plants, rocks and sky; and Anna Lambert, who recently turned 14, has added some great fantasy elements as well. Yeh?s eldest son, Rob Valentine, came down from San Francisco to paint some amazing detail as well.

“Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was the very first cartoonist to endorse our tour in 1985. He believed that the power of humor could really increase our literacy rate. His widow, Jeannie, gave us permission to paint Spike, Snoopy’s brother, in the Needles section on the right side of the north wall. Schulz lived in this Route 66 town briefly as a child and paid tribute to it in his comic strip. I have painted Spike in front of the mountains in a Chinese brush style. Rory Murray added the Needles covered wagon sign,” said Yeh from his Running Springs studio.

“The whole San Bernardino mural project started when I painted a MIA-POW logo on the Inland Empire Military Museum a couple of years ago sponsored by my friend Jim Valdez, a veteran himself. Since both this museum and the McDonalds Museum are owned by Albert Okura, we got to talking about painting a more detailed work of art on the side of his building; something that truly celebrates the many accomplishments that took place in this city,” said Yeh.

“The portraits on the south wall were done by Sandy Fischer Cvar, who went to Los Alamitos High School with me more than 40 years ago. We also have an original Dan Romero metal sculpture of palm tree leaves on the roof,” continued Yeh.

Sponsors for the San Bernardino County side include Loma Linda University & Hospital; Arrowhead Medical Center; Redlands Paint Company; San Bernardino Paint Company; Sherwin Williams Paint Company; Millcreek Cattle Company; Dale Brothers Brewery; Tofurkey; Beanfield Chips; Two Guys Pizza & Pasta; Mattel Toys; The Ontario Airport; Speedball Art Supplies; The Los Angeles Athletic Club; and Country Inn & Suites in Redlands.

Yeh, who founded Cartoonists Across America & The World in 1985, is on the 29th year of his world tour. Yeh also speaks to students of all ages about the importance of reading and the power of art to fuel your creativity in all fields. First Lady Barbara Bush wrote three introductions to his books and painted a mural with his group in the Library of Congress.

Yeh’s full color hardcover book, Dinosaurs Across America published by New York publisher NBM. School Library Journal recommends Dinosaurs Across America as one of the most outstanding 25 graphic novels for kids. Dinosaurs Across America also won a 2008 Children’s Choice Award from the Children’s Book Council and the International Reading Association. This book is the fun way to learn a little about U.S. history and geography and is one of several books using Yeh’s dinosaurs and a little rabbit called Patrick to teach kids of all ages about various places around the world.

Yeh, often called the Godfather of the Modern American Graphic Novel, will be issuing an updated version of his comic book Dinosaurs Across Route 66 later this year. Since 1985, Yeh and Cartoonists Across America & The World have painted more than 1800 colorful cartoon murals promoting literacy, creativity and the arts in 49 U.S. states and 15 foreign countries. These murals have covered school, library, and community walls as well as being painted on portable lightweight form core board, city buses, bookmobiles, and billboards all around the world.

Yeh continues to speak in schools, libraries and communities about creativity and the arts. His talks are for all ages. To see a bit more of his tour and books go to www.wingedtiger.com.

Dallas McKinnon

By Dallas McKinnon, In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors/Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

You have an estate plan; you probably even remember creating it—making the decisions and pulling together the documents was probably a time-consuming and tedious effort. The initial process of creating an estate plan can be so painful and involved that people may avoid reviewing it again for years.

But your estate plan does not exist in a vacuum. Life events such as marriage, separation, divorce, births, deaths, relocations and tax law changes all impact your estate planning needs. By revisiting key elements of your estate plan annually, you can correct errors, make adjustments for life changes and guarantee that your current wishes are known. Here are some items to review:

Friends & Family

• Beneficiary designations. Be sure that life changes make your beneficiary designation selections relevant and that they still reflect your current desires.
• Legal roles. Are your powers of attorney and estate executor(s) still competent and can they represent you? Have either of you relocated, causing you to consider if someone living locally could carry out the responsibilities more efficiently? Some states have updated their forms and require a redrafting of your power of attorney; talk to your financial planner about your situation.
• Long-term care insurance. Every person moving toward retirement or working in their sunset years should consider long-term care insurance. All you have to do is the math on the economic impact to a family of a nursing home stay. Long term care insurance can be an inexpensive alternative if the right policy is purchased at the right time.

Review of Assets

• Property titles. Have you established ownership and survivorship in the way you intended? Is it supported by current state titling laws?
• Business succession plans. A significant number of buy-sell agreements call for annual revaluation of the business that most people forget about. Not having an updated appraisal presents two concerns: You don’t have a current figure for the value of your business for your own planning, and in the event an owner or partner dies, an arbitrator without a true sense of the business will negotiate the reappraisal.
• Life insurance. Do you still need your current policy; do you need a different policy? Is the policy performing as originally illustrated? Policies are affected by interest rates and the investment options. If you expect the policy to provide for a particular need, it is important to review its performance annually.

Legacy Instructions

• Will. Your will is less likely to be contested as outdated if you have updated it every few years with your attorney.
• Ethical will/letter of instruction. Does the letter you have drafted still reflect the message that you want to leave your heirs? Have there been changes to your will or estate planning that you want to explain or emphasize.

Staying Current

• Tax law changes. Talk to your financial planner and accountant at least three months before the end of the year to see if tax law changes will negatively impact your current plan, you will have time to make any necessary adjustments.

Organization Eases the Task

Though it can be time consuming, it’s worth organizing your legal documents in a way that makes them easy to review and update. Be sure to keep these documents in a safe or fire-proof cabinet:

• Document finder. Lists your legal documents and where they are stored. If access requires a key or password, include instructions on how to find them.
• Estate planning summary. Includes a list of professional advisors and passwords for each account (including Web access). Adding the dates the documents were created can help prompt you to keep wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies up-to-date.
• Net worth statement. Describes every asset, including account numbers, titling, beneficiaries and current value. This statement identifies areas for in-depth review and serves as an overview for your estate executor.

These documents ease the access of information for those who—in the event of an emergency, or if you become incapacitated—will need to know where to find your estate plan and the legal documents that will guide them in support of your wishes. Creating an estate plan is just the first part of managing your future; keeping it up to date is essential for the long-run.

Do It Right, Do It Now

Dallas McKinnon is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and President of McKinnon & Associates Private Wealth Services in Redlands.  He has lived in Redlands and helped his clients in the Inland Empire for over 20 years.  You can reach him at 909 363-4026 or at www.McKinnonandAssociates.com