Happily Divorced And After

Miss Brandy Bulter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Brandy Butler of San Bernardino was recently selected to participate in the 2014 Miss Teen San Bernardino/Pasadena pageant competition that will take place on Sunday March 30, 2014.  Brandy learned of her acceptance into this year’s competition when the pageant announced their selections following interviewing in the local San Bernardino/Pasadena area.  Brandy submitted an application and took part in an interview session that was conducted by this year’s San Bernardino/Pasadena Pageant Coordinator.

Ms. Butler will be competing for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants. She will also be competing in the Miss Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies ages 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines, which include casual wear and formal wear.  Most important, she will display her personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year’s San Bernardino/Pasadena judging panel.  Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Ms. Butler were to win the title of Miss Teen San Bernardino/Pasadena, she would represent San Bernardino/Pasadena and the surrounding communities at the National Competition that will take place in Orlando, Florida.  Over $30,000.00 in prizes and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys this expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando, Florida.

Community businesses, organizations, and private individuals will assist her in participating in this year’s competition by becoming an official sponsor to her.  Through sponsorship, each contestant receives all the necessary training, rehearsals, and financial support which will allow Brandy to become a very confident and well-prepared contestant in this year’s San Bernardino/Pasadena Pageant.

Any business, organization, or private individual who may be interested in becoming a sponsor to Brandy Butler may contact the Miss Teen San Bernardino/Pasadena Pageant Coordinator at (877) 403-6678.

FONTANA, CA- The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda chapter, President Mr. Kevin Hall and women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega chapter, Ms. Annette Weathington held the 25th annual Oratorical Contest on Saturday, March 22 at Mango Elementary School, 7450 Mango Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336. This event was coordinated by Mr. Kevin Eastman of Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen of Eta Nu Omega Chapter. Dr. Tonia Causey- Bush, Principal of Mango Elementary School; Ms. Patricia Yeary, Mango Elementary Third Grade Teacher; and Dr. Ayanna Balogun, Board Member of Fontana Unified School District was present along with Ms. Lisa Blacksher, Field Representative for Assembly Member Cheryl Brown, 47^th District. Mr. Aaron Lash, Jr., student at California State University, San Bernardino and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity provided a special performance of spoken word.

This annual speech contest provides the opportunity for students grades first through twelfth to have a platform to enhance their public speaking skills, promote self-confidence, educational enrichment, and to further facilitate character building in a safe environment. This contest was developed under “The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, and uses the International Toastmasters Guidelines.”

Competitors came from local schools in the Inland Empire, such as Mango Elementary School, Palm Avenue Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School, Clement Middle School, Summit Intermediate School, Lakeside Middle School, Heritage Intermediate School, Beverly Vista Middle School, Martin Luther King High School, Summit High School, Eisenhower High School, Grand Terrace High School, Diamond Ranch High School and Cajon High School.

All participants were recognized as winners and received a certificate of recognition for participation from Assembly Member Cheryl Brown, along with a gift bag filled with treats and gifts from various partners.  Winners were selected in three groups based on grade level. First place winners received a crystal trophy and a check in the amount of $200.00.  Second place winners received a crystal trophy and a check in the amount of $100.00.  Third place winners received a crystal trophy and a check in the amount of $50.00.

Winners for the following categories were: Group 1 (1^st through 5^th) 1^st Place – Akira Jones; 2^nd Place – Charly Baldeon and 3^rd Place – Samuel Huerta. Group 2 (6^th through 8^th) 1^st Place – Thandiwe Bush, 2^nd Place – Zaylin Jackson, 3^rd Place – Romell McKenzie.  Group 3 (9^th through 12^th) 1^st Place – Raihanna Melock, 2^nd Place – Brandon Watts, 3^rd Place – Cierra Joseph.

Since its formation in 1988, Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has established itself as a cornerstone to the community and continues to do so with its four community service programs: A Voiceless People is a Hopeless People, Go to High School/Go to College, Project Alpha and its annual March of Dimes’ March for Babies. Through such programs and partnerships, Mu Xi Lambda has remained active in community by providing leadership development and mentoring assistance via the fraternity’s national and local initiatives. For more information regarding upcoming Chapter community service or scholarship opportunities, contact the chapter at muxilambda@info.com

In a similar fashion, Eta Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has been serving the San Bernardino and Riverside area for over fifty two years.  Eta Nu Omega has conducted a number of scholarship programs and service events to encourage young women to pursue degrees in higher education as well as providing leadership development, enhanced academic preparation and character building through its well renowned Emerging Young Leaders program. For more information regarding Eta Nu Omega chapter events, visit www.etanuomega.org

John Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Branch of the NAACP will be honoring community photographer and journalist, John Coleman, at its ‘Freedom Fund’ celebration which will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at the Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth Street in Riverside. The Theme for this year’s event is “Forward: The Movement That Changed the World”. Mr. Coleman (MSSW, LCSW) is a retired military veteran who served in Korea. He was also employed with the California Department of Mental Hygiene from 1958 to 1968 where he provided ‘in-patient’ services at Patton State Hospital.

From 1968 to 1992, Coleman was recruited to the University of California Riverside where he served as Campus Ombudsman, University Admissions Officer, Placement Officer, Medical Social Worker and Counseling Psychologist. Also during this period of time, the military veteran taught part-time at San Bernardino Valley College in the Community Services Certificate Program, and he briefly served as a Medical Social Worker at the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital.

Mr. Coleman’s has a resume of tremendous community service where he sits on several Boards of Directors, which includes Redlands Humans Relations Council (President); Inland Area Urban League; Arrowhead United Way; National Association of Social Workers; American Cancer Society; and a countless of others. He was appointed and reappointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to represent the public on the Development Disabilities Area Board, XII (Area 12).

Currently, Coleman continues years of community service as the ‘community member’ on the Institutional Review Board, (IRB) , California State University, San Bernardino,  the organization responsible for protecting the rights & interests of human subjects of University research. Prior to his retirement, he was recognized as the ‘historic’ value of photography in his current role as a ‘community photographer’. He attempts to identify and photograph certain individuals, organizations and events upon submitting them for dissemination to local Black Press and Media outlets. (Rewritten and edited by Naomi K. Bonman)

Interview by Naomi K. Bonman

TEMECULA, CA- As women we are bombarded by how we “think” we should conduct ourselves by what’s portrayed in the media. The media has portrayed, Black women in particular, to as promiscuous and loud individuals with little to no class. This misjudgment often clouds ones thinking and alters decisions that lead to life mistakes.

I recently interviewed the author of ‘A Little Bit of Tail’. Miss Cherry wanted to make a difference in the lives of woman, so she decided to put together a format where young ladies can not only relate to what is going on through the pages of the book, but also learn as well. She wants other women to know that it is okay to make mistakes because we all do, but we have to learn from them and be able to move forward. Our mistakes should not hinder us, but they should give us that extra boost and strength to move on.

‘A Little Bit of Tale’ is a fast paced, page turning novel about what happens when love clouds judgments, alters decisions and leaves you hanging out to dry on a limb by your lonesome. Throughout the book the reader will witness powerful storylines that combines real life stories of the most humiliating and embarrassing mistakes women have made in love. It is full of secrets they would rather take to the grave out of shame and fear of being judged. The book is a tool to expose actual heartaches by giving women the chance to learn from other women’s mistakes in love so they do not make all the mistakes by themselves. The moral of the story is to never lose your head over ‘A Little Bit of Tail’.

One-on-One with Ms. Cherry:

What moved you to write the A Little Bit of Tale?

I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of women. So I decided to put everything that I knew in a format that they could relate to and learn from.

What did you learn about yourself while writing the book?

I have seen and done a lot. While writing this book it opened up a new world to me and I have learned that I have a voice to make a positive impact in the lives of women.

What is or are some of the things that you want other young women to take from the book?

To know that it’s okay to make mistakes, but that they have to learn from them and make wiser choices. Don’t let yourself stay down; continue to move forward. Also there is much more to life than your body. Stay strong and be courageous!

What’s next? Is there another book on the way or are you planning any book signings?

I am in the process of writing part II of the book which should be released sometime in October (2014). Other than that I just want to continue to be a role model for other women and to do whatever God has in store for me.

Could you see turning your book into a movie? If so, who would you want to star in it?

That’s a good question! Let’s see, there’s for main characters in the book. For Mina it would be Jennifer Lopez, for Jasmine it would be Taraji B. Henson, for Chaundra it would be Tia Mowry-Hardrict and to play Rich it would be Mos Def. 6. What’s your advice for other authors as far as marketing their book?  Start early, be creative and think outside of the box. Target your audience by where they hang out, what they do and what their interests are. Believe in God and allow him to lead you to the sky because the sky is the limit.

What else should we know about you or your book? 

When it comes to the book I need readers to know that it is composed of real life situations from real people who experienced some hard lessons when it came to love. I want women to be able to read the devastating mistakes that could have avoided a lot of heartache and pain so that they don’t have to take the same road of destruction when it comes to loving someone. For example, if you’re dating a man who sits in the house more than the furniture, it’s time for an upgrade. You need a man who values you and knows that you’re worth working hard for, but first you have to value yourself and know that you deserve to be provided for. If you’re a single woman who’s just meeting and beginning to date a man, if you know nothing else about him know his license plate number and give it to someone you love and trust who you know has your best interest at hand. If you’ve been dating someone who’s house you’ve never been to, and who’s friends you’ve never met…he should not know your address and please don’t give him a key. This book is designed to make sure women know better so that they can do better.

For more information on Cherry and her novel, please visit www.tocherry.com.

Follow her on:

Instagram:@_tocherry_

Twitter: @_ToCherry_

Facebook

Assistant Sheriff Cochran

Assistant Sheriff Cochran began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1984. He rose through the ranks over three decades, landing him in his current position. As an Assistant Sheriff, he is responsible for all support operations. He is the first African-American to hold the position of Assistant Sheriff in the history of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He will be awarded the Public Safety Award at Time for Change Foundation‘s Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Orange Show Events Center, located at 690 S. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The theme of this year’s luncheon is “Celebrating Life’s Precious Jewels”.  The event will celebrate the life successes of Time for Change Foundation while awarding the members of the community who contribute to the success of those in need.

“Sherriff Cochran is one of those rare law enforcement officers who understand the issues in our community and believes in working together to ensure safety for all,” Kim Carter, Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation, said.

Cochran started his law enforcement career as a deputy at the West End Station and was transferred to Backgrounds and Recruitment. He was promoted to detective and served as a Community Liaison in Media Relations. As a sergeant, Cochran was assigned to Internal Affairs and the Highland Station; as lieutenant he worked at Employee Resources and the Rancho Station. Cochran held the position of Captain at the Highland Station and the Scientific Investigations Division. Prior to his appointment to Assistant Sheriff, Cochran was a Deputy Chief, responsible for directing, planning, coordinating, and managing all functions within the Field Support Services Bureau for the Sheriff’s Department.

Cochran is most recognized in the area of Ethics Training, Community Development Strategies and Community Oriented Policing. He combines his vast knowledge of law enforcement with his desire to help the community to foster an attitude of effective and accountable service to the residents of San Bernardino County.

His desire to better the community is evident in his personal life also, as he is involved with various service organizations. Cochran is active in Life Changing Mentoring and is a member of the Kiwanis Club in Highland and the NAACP of San Bernardino.

Other awardees at this year’s event include:  Dan and Melissa Carlone for the Community Champion Award; Safety Employees’ Benefit Association for the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award; Michael Gallo for the Humanitarian Award; Brenda Dowdy and Vicki Lee-Nichols for the Community Service Award; and Ron Cochran for the Public Safety Award.

City of Fontana Mayor, Acquanetta Warren, will be emceeing the event;  while County of San Bernardino Supervisors Josie Gonzales and James Ramos are also listed as speaker on the programs.

The mission of Time for Change Foundation is to empower disenfranchised low income individuals and families by building leadership through evidenced-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.  Event sponsorship opportunities and seats are available.  Please call (909) 886-2994 or visit www.timeforchangefoundation.org for more information or to make a donation.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

What do you do when you face one problem after another? What do you do when the dust starts flying? When the smoke gets thick and the fire is too hot? What do you do? Do you reason with yourself and say well I’m trying to believe? Or do you say, “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another? “ Now the Bible doesn’t indicate this, but I believe it may have crossed Job’s mind that, “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another.”

One thing about trouble is that, it’s one of the few things we don’t have to worry about running out of. If you want trouble you don’t have to go out and look for it, trouble will find you. Trouble is smart, trouble will dial your number, trouble knows your address, and trouble knows your name and the names of your children. Trouble likes to lie down between a husband and wife. Many times trouble likes to clock in with you on your job.  And can I just tell you something, trouble doesn’t even mind getting dressed in its Sunday best. It doesn’t mind walking into the church house. Trouble is a gossiper and sometimes trouble can fool you and make you think it’s your friend and as soon as trouble decides that it’s the right time, trouble will show its true color. Trouble! “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another.”

Job was a man who actually lived on this earth (he was not a mythical character), he was a man of great devotion to God; He was also a very rich man. He was a man who tried his best to avoid evil. Job was a family man, who had seven sons and three daughters. He had land, cattle, and servants. Job had everything a man could ever want. He was successful, but he didn’t let his success go to his head. He knew that whatever he had and whatever he achieved was only because of God’s grace and mercy.

One day (my Bible tells me) in heaven, the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.  Satan also came along. Imagine that! Where we go, Satan goes. And don’t think that when we go to church the devil is no where around.  He doesn’t mind coming to church. He doesn’t even mind if you yourself show up. Matter of fact, He doesn’t mind you singing in the choir, as long as you don’t believe what you’re singing about. He doesn’t mind you shouting in the church, as long as that shout is just like a sounding brass and a twinkling cymbal signifying nothing. The thing that really bothers him though, is when you get down on your knees and start talking to God about your troubles.

God asked Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” And the devil responded, “Ain’t no use of me fooling around with him, seeing that you’ve built a fence around him.” But if you would just remove that fence and let me have at him, I think we’ll see a horse of a different color. So God gave His permission (with some limitations included) and the devil got started in doing what he does best, tormenting a child of God.

Job received bad news one after another. One man came with a sad report, and while he was yet speaking, another came and another after that. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Job wife said to him, “Why want you cuss God and die!”  But can I tell you, through it all Job praised God.

Sometimes our faith can and will be challenged, one trial after another.  Sometimes, trouble comes in doubles, and sometimes even in triples. But Job, He decided to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. What an example of faith! No matter what happens to us, no matter what the devil has in store, we need to have faith and know WHOM it is that we have placed our confidence in. For He is the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. He rules! Hallelujah!  So be encouraged, and know that the God we serve is much too merciful to leave us with nothing.  Know WHOM you have placed your confidence in.

We want to encourage all to voice their opinions and statements. Please comment directly to this article below, on our Facebook page or by sending a letter to the editor at mail@westsidestorynewspaper.com. 

It was recently announced by Bluewater Productions of plans to release a new comic book biography on the life of Tyler Perry, who will be part of the popular Fame series.  Fame: Tyler Perry is scheduled to be released on April 2nd and will be 32 pages available in both print and digital.

Mr. Perry is known for wearing many different hats and wigs, such as actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, producer, author, and now comic book character.  His inspiring life story has had dramatic highs and lows that have launched him to super stardom.  Perry ’s signature Madea character continues to entertain and break box office records.

Written by CR Ward with art by Steven Wilcox.  The comic book features two unique covers illustrated by famed comic book artist Mario Gully and Jaume Font.

“There are some celebrities we have done that are just media sensations, then you have someone like Tyler Perry who is a major inspiration to so many people.  I have such respect for him and his story after working on this comic book”, said Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis.

Print copies of FAME Tyler Perry can be ordered for $3.99 at Comic Flea Market here: http://bit.ly/XKXzyo

You can download this title on Wowio, ComiXology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, My Digital Comics, Overdrive, Iverse, iTunes, Kindle, Biblioboard, ComicBin, Nook, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold.

Bluewater has focused on other celebrities in the past such as Jennifer Lawrence, Beyonce, Oprah, 50 Cent and more.

Akilah C. Thompson

By Akilah C. Thompson

Social media is one of the most powerful forms of communication teens and adults use today.  Here are some tips to help you use social media safely and effectively.

1.     Respect yourself.  ­  Show off how great you are with class. You are a brand and should represent yourself accordingly on social media.  Make sure your photos are appropriate.  Do not post or text photos of yourself naked, dressed provocatively, or making obscene gestures. Avoid uploading anything you would not want your grandmother to see on the front cover of the New York Times! Social media plays a major role in building and ruining personal images. Be wise! 

2.     Post with positivity – Keep it cool! If you don¹t have anything good to say, don¹t post. Avoid ranting or arguing with people on social media and posting when you¹re upset. You may be upset with your mom but it would be very disrespectful to share your anger with the world. What do you think college recruiters or future employers might think about you disrespecting your mother on social media?  No Bueno!  Share positivity and good vibes on the web.

3.     No ³twerking² videos please! ­ Just because you see a trend starting on social media, doesn¹t mean it is something you should do. Do not post videos that portray negative images of you, your friends or family involving profanity, sex, nudity, crime, drugs, discrimination, violence, lewd gestures, or anything that could be offensive to the public. Keep your video posts kid friendly. You don¹t want a video of you intoxicated and ³twerking² inappropriately with friends to surface while you are campaigning for President in 20 years.  Definitely not a good idea!

4.     Know your followers ­ Allowing strangers to follow you can be very dangerous. Even if their account looks harmless, be aware that there are many fake accounts where creeps follow their prey. If you don¹t know them, ignore them and don¹t let them follow you. Also, use privacy settings to protect your accounts from being viewed by strangers. Proceed with caution!

5.     Be careful what you post for likes ­ You don¹t want to end up ³instafamous² for something that could destroy your future.  Keep your posts positive, dignified and smart. Social media is a great way to build a web presence for future endeavors.  Don¹t compromise your future for ³likes² or ³followers.²  Make your mark on the web, the right way!

6.    Play nice ŠDon¹t cyber bully! – No one has the right to harass anyone based on their sex, race, age, orientation, personal beliefs, values, etc. The impact of harassment is heightened and can have deadly consequences when acted out over the Internet. Avoid engaging in cyber brawls on twitter and status face-offs on Facebook. If you have a personal issue with someone, keep it off the Internet. If anyone is saying things about you on social media, report their account and let a relative know.

7.     Think before you post.  – Nothing is ever truly deleted, so be very sure about what you post before you hit the ³post² or ³send² button.   Once you post a picture or a status it is stored on the site¹s server and can normally be retrieved even if you delete it from your profile. So, be smart and post with care for your future!

8.     If you see something, say something! – Report anything inappropriate. Block or un-follow people that post negative comments on your timeline, make you uncomfortable or harass you in any way.

9.     Manage your use wisely ­ Too much of anything can become a bad thing. Is social media keeping you from getting work done? Try putting time limits on your social media usage to make sure it is not impacting your productivity.

10. Don¹t post your every move  – Leave some information to share with your real friends and family over the phone. Your best friend would probably want to know you and your boyfriend broke up before the whole world knows via your relationship status change.  Also be careful sharing info when you are going out of town. You don¹t want to alert a potential burglar that you will be in the Bahamas for a week with your family.

As a teenager it is important that you are aware, informed, and understand the risks that come along with using social media.  Remember to protect yourself, censor what you post, and chose the crowd you associate with wisely.

About Akilah C. Thompson:

Akilah C. Thompson is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of North Carolina A & T State University where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Economics. She is an IRS Enrolled Agent, Certified Life Coach, Licensed Zumba Instructor, and Inspirational Speaker. She is the Founder & CEO of her trademark company ACT Inspires Inc and nonprofit, Generations Inspired Inc. Akilah is also a model, actor, and author. Her life goal is to inspire and empower others to be Ambitious, Courageous & Talented.   For more information, please visit Act Inspires.

Sustainable landscaping and edible gardening are the focus of a Garden Festival planned for the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley on Saturday, March 29, 2014. The festival, which will include presentations and resources from local organizations, is organized by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Festival activities are included with paid museum admission; lunch will be offered for an additional fee of $10.00.

Keynote speaker Dona Jenkins, the UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardener Program Coordinator, will kick off the program at 9:00 a.m. speaking on the topic of How to Become a Master Gardener. Presentations on “What’s Bugging Your Plants,” “Companion Gardening,” “Edible Landscaping/Drought Tolerant Gardening,” and “Container Gardening” will follow at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. respectively. The “Container Gardening” program will be offered in both English and Spanish.

Master Gardeners are community volunteers who join with the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) with a mission “to extend research based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California.” Master Gardeners have given over two million hours of volunteer time since the program’s inception in California in 1980.

University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has been helping people solve their agricultural and horticultural problems since 1913 when Extension Agents (now Farm Advisors) supervised “Victory” gardens during World War I and II. They have helped agriculturalists and home and community gardeners ever since. In addition to serving the needs of agricultural industry, UCCE also supports research and education in the areas of youth development and family and consumer sciences, using thousands of volunteers to extend the research based information and knowledge to its California clientele. This is accomplished through partnerships with growers and others in the agriculture industry, with nutrition education programs, with 4-H Youth Development programs, and with the various “Master” programs such as Master Composter, Master Naturalist, and Master Gardener programs.

The San Bernardino County Master Gardeners also plan to hold a Garden Festival at the San Bernardino County Museum’s main facility in Redlands on May 31.

The Victor Valley Museum is a branch of the San Bernardino County Museum located at 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (adult), $4 (senior or military), and $2.50 (student). Children under 5 and San Bernardino County Museum Association members are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669.

He’s been gone for a minute, but now he’s officially back in action. Acclaimed comedian, Katt Williams, made a comeback at the Los Angeles Forum this past New Years Eve. Now he is making his way to the Inland Empire and will be making people fall out of their seats in laughter on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Arena. Doors open at 7 p.m, and parking is included in ticket fees. Tickets range from $29 to $109. A group of four is $100 plus fees. This is a show you don’t want to miss! So get your tickets while you still can. Visit Citizens Bank Arena’s website to purchase your tickets today!