SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches Health Committee ( IECAA) will host an annual “Physical and Mental Health Wellness Promotion and Disaster Preparedness” Festival on Saturday, November 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at New Hope Family Life Center, 1505 W. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

The committee has partnered with Time for Change Foundation, an organization that works to empower disenfranchised women who are transitioning from homelessness and re-entry recidivism.  Organizers confirmed they are participating in the National Food Day Campaign whose goal is to help people eat more healthy. There will be healthy cooking demonstrations, screenings, educational information and more.

The festival’s intent is empowerment through disaster preparedness information; the role of emotions and mental health on the overall health and well-being of an individual. There will be forums detailing the issues or conditions that may cause an unhealthy mental state, and the need of reducing the stigma of mental health within the community. Breakout sessions include information on Disaster Preparedness, Cover California and Medicare enrollment, and healthy nutrition. There will also be physical health demonstrations which include karate, Zumba, hula hoops and jumping rope, as well as a  Kids Zone with face painting, carnival games, a train ride and other age-appropriate activities. This a free community event. For more information call Veatrice Jews at 909-518-5170.

PERRIS, CA- Thomas the Tank Engine is chugging into the Orange Empire Railway Museum for the 2013 “Go Go Day Out With Thomas” tour on November 9, 10, 11 and 16 and 17. “Day Out With Thomas” offers aspiring engineers and their families the opportunity to take a 25-minute ride with the classic story book engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the Railroad on the Island of Sodor. According to board chairman Tom Jacobson, this is a great family event that introduces a new generation to timeless excitement of railroading. He has been lead organizer of “Day Out With Thomas” since it began 12 years ago.  In addition to the train ride, children may also engage in a petting zoo, hay bale maze, entertainment by Jules Music 4 Kids and caboose train and trolley rides. It is encouraged by museum staff that tickets be purchased early and that that families should arrive no later than one hour prior to scheduled departure. Tickets start at $19 for ages two and older. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Orange Empire Railway Museum office at 951-943-3020 or visit www.oerm.org.

Thomas the Tank Engine Returns to the Inland Empire

www.josephfilippiwinery.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- With the holiday season in full effect, it’s that perfect time to acknowledge some of the local wineries that are in and around Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The first winery that I would like to highlight is Joseph Filippi Vintner’s Wine Club, 12467 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Since 1995, the winery has expanded to several new acres of vineyard plantings and revitalization projects in the Etiwanda area of Rancho Cucamonga. These vineyards include premium red grape vines such as Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, Tannat, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Tempranillo and Syrah.

Adult guests who visit the winery may partake in the winery’s tasting areas where they can sample reserve barrel-aged releases and award winners that are available for purchase exclusively at the winery.

On Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. winery staff will be hosting a wine pairing event with their very own award winning wine maker, Kristina Filippi. She will be sampling several special wines paired with light appetizers to compliment each wine. The event is limited to an eight person capacity. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The cost is $55 for wine club members and $70 for the general public.

The winery is closed on Mondays, open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, please visit www.josephfilippiwinery.com. (Written by Naomi Bonman, editor).

(Back row, left to right: Superintendent Dale Marsden, Jones Elementary School students, WWAM Board member Juanita Webster, WWAM Board member Josh Scott and Dr. Margret Hill. Front row, left to right: Jones Elementary School student, WWAM supporter Lenda K. Winn, WWAM Sectary Aubrey Winn, WWAM President Dr. Deborah Winn, Jones Elementary Principal Ramone Valslo and CAPS Youth Leader Chevangh Green.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Willing Winn Association and Mission, Inc., (WWAM) adopted Juanita Blackly Jones Elementary School on Tuesday, November 5. The adoption ceremony was part of the Adopt-A-School program, a joint effort by the San Bernardino City Unified School District and San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce to forge partnerships between schools and the community. WWAM members are committed to implementing the It Starts At Home (ISAH) program into the school. The CAAP program at the school has already been providing tutoring and meals to students after school. ISAH will assist in being a benefit to the school by bringing in more activities such as sports and music programs. ISAH will also have a parenting education center will they will assist parents in becoming more self-efficient and getting back on their feet through basic living and life skills programs. According to WWAM, Juanita Blackly Jones Elementary School is the first school to be adopted in San Bernardino. To learn more about Jones Elementary School, visit www.sbcusd.com/jones . For more information regarding the Adopt-A-School program, visit www.sbcusd.com/adoptaschool.

Publisher’s commentary, by Wallace J. Allen

Citizens of the city of San Bernardino will elect a new city government on Tuesday, November 5th. The city has not handled its financial stewardship responsibly and is in bankruptcy.

San Bernardino is a gateway city to Southern California. It is beautifully located as the world class panoramic view from all points in the city will attest to. There is a world class airport waiting to be properly utilized, world class schools and hospitals are close enough to be claimed and used by Berdoo-ans.

There is a downtown hotel and convention center attached to a mall that is waiting to be reclaimed to the benefit of the city. There are businesses that are anxious to move into a low cost atmosphere where city policies and procedures make it simple to set up and operate. With a beautiful freeway system, hot water springs and a railroad inter-modal system, San Bernardino is a jewel in need of polishing.

Which candidates should/will be elected? There are some who are equipped to do a better job than others; however, I do not think that the election winners will make that much difference if we the public don’t change our ways. We need to become informed and more active as to how our local governments are run.

I invite you to join in a pledge to embrace whomever the people are that become the newly elected Council members, City Attorney and Mayor of San Bernardino. Pledge to embrace them and support the quest for excellent government by providing solid civic oversight.

We need to encourage our newly elected to seek expert advice and guidance. We need to know what we want them to do. We need to push them in the right direction, regardless of who is seated. Regardless of who is seated, we will need to stand up!!

IE Invaders

INLAND EMPIRE, CA- Many have thought the American Basketball Association (ABA) was long gone after the merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) back in 1976 and that was true up until 1999 when they re-emerged and took the basketball world by storm once again. With nearly 90 teams to date the ABA has rebuilt a strong brand and they have continued to grow at a rapid pace. Outgoing President of The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce and now owner, Ms. Christy Lancaster didn’t know much about the ABA but thought it would be a great business venture and create many opportunities for the Inland Empire so she said “Why Not?”

Ms. Lancaster was quoted saying “This has been the best experience for me. Being able to see the eyes of so many children light up when they see a Professional Ball Player show up at their school is priceless.” The team has been extremely active in the community with outreach to local schools and grand openings since the establishment of the team including National Walk to School day which they participated in with Castle View Elementary along with Mayor Rusty Bailey and a grand re-opening of Canyon Crest Athletic Club which happens to be a Championship sponsor to the team this 2013-2014 season. Their first game is scheduled for November 9 at 7 p.m. Games will be played at Riverside City College (Wheelock Gym). They have dedicated the first game to stopping violence in our community and the Invader Girlz have been working on a special dedication in memory of Treyvon Martin and many other lost to this senseless cause . If you have lost a loved one due to violence under 18 please email clancaster@abaieinvaders.com so they can add their name to their program so they can recognize them as well.  Names and Ages must be received by November 5 by 5 p.m. Please visit our www.abaieinvaders.com for more information.

For Colored Girls Premieres Live

LONG BEACH, CA- For Colored Girls is a series of 20 poems, collectively called a “choreopoem”. Its poetry expresses many struggles and obstacles that African American women face throughout their lives. It is performed by a cast of seven women characters, each of whom is known only by a color. On Sunday, November 10, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., will be presenting the theatrical performance of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough”. Throughout the evening there will be a series of activities starting with a Jazz Reception and Silent Auction at 5 p.m., the play at 6:30 p.m. and a Dessert Chat with the cast at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 with proceeds supporting the host chapter of Steering Committee for the Farwest Regional Conference. The play will be held at the Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90804.  For more information please call 877-625-3452 ext. 2205 or email farwestRC2014@lbadst.org.

The Bra Lady

UPLAND, CA-  The Bra Lady, a custom fitted bra boutique in Upland, is in the business of “supporting” women.  They take that support to a whole different level when it comes to women battling breast cancer. Their customers come into The Bra Lady at different stages of their battle.  Some women visit before their surgery to purchase post-surgery products such as zip-up camisoles with drain pockets, front hook bras or scar reduction sheets. Others come afterwards looking for forms and pocketed mastectomy bras. All women seem to share the common appreciation of having somewhere to shop in a warm and inviting environment where the staff is friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable.
When The Bra Lady owner, Lisa Goodman, became aware of women who could not afford quality mastectomy products she found a unique way to support them.  She developed the “Support”,  a Survivor campaign which provides gift cards to the boutique to women in need.  Donations for the campaign are collected through fundraising events and from their own boutique customers.  “Support” a Survivor gift cards can also be purchased for friends and family. A recent customer said, “I’m always asking my friend what I can do to help.  This gift card is the answer.”  She went on to say, “I know my friend will be treated with the same friendly customer service I get when purchasing my undergarments here.”
The Bra Lady also supports breast cancer causes by participating in community events throughout the year. They form teams for cancer walks, host fundraising events in their boutique, speak at breast cancer support groups and health fair events, donate mastectomy products to local organizations, and so much more.
The Bra Lady is located at 958 N. Central Avenue, Upland, CA 91786. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Susie Rowan at 909-981-1741.

KING OF THE CAGE

HIGHLAND, CA- Here’s a ghoulish treat for your Halloween enjoyment, an evening of colorfully, tatted, caged warriors engaged in hand-to-hand, foot-to-body, and all manor of something-to-something combat. Those who love a good fight, will have to be at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino on Thursday, October 31 to see what gets bumped in the night as the men of King of the Cage make a special Halloween visit that promises to be filled with all sorts of tricks and treats. Tickets range from $40 to $75, and are on sale now through www.sanmanuel.com.

AAAM

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) is in final negotiations with the Riverside Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the 38th AAAM conference in downtown Riverside in August 2016. The conference will be held for three days, attracting more than 1,000 curators, historians, librarians, museum professionals and cultural leaders from 200 museums, libraries and institutes from around the globe. The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) is a non-profit organization established to support African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally, as well as the professionals who protect, preserve and interpret African American art, history and culture. Riverside is the host city and the Dora Nelson African American Art and History Museum in Perris, is the host museum in collaboration with Riverside African American Historical Society, The Black Voice Foundation and the Riverside Convention and Visitors Bureau.  To take advantage of hosting world’s foremost authorities in the preservation and promotion of African-American Culture to downtown Riverside, the Riverside African-American Festival Committee is planning to host a week long African-American Cultural Celebration to coincide with the conference.  Previous AAAM conferences were held in major eastern cities including Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Tallahassee, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama; St. Louis, Missouri and the farthest west, Denver, Colorado. The Riverside AAAM Conference 2016 is charged with raising the funds to host the conference.  The initial fundraising goal is $15,000, with a third of the funds already committed.  The committee is looking for business and community organizations, along with local leaders for sponsorships and advertising at the conference. For more information on sponsorships, advertising and promotions contact Carl M. Dameron at 909-534-9500.