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Ontario Reign visits Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

ENN NETWORK)—LOMA LINDA, CA—- — Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital patients had a special visit from the Inland Empire ice hockey team Ontario Reign on Wednesday, December 19.

Approximately 10 team members and their mascot Kingston congregated in a hospital playroom where they signed and handed out jerseys, played games and took photos with patients. Several of the players and Kingston stopped by patient rooms to make sure everyone had the opportunity to meet the team and get an official jersey.  

Several of the players and Kingston stopped by patient rooms to make sure everyone had the opportunity to meet the team and get an official jersey.  

Exclusive Interview: Danielle Willis Finds Her Purpose in Health, Fitness and Bodybuilding

By Naomi K. Bonman

Danielle Willis

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- There is only one week left of 2018, which means every gym is about to be packed for the first quarter of 2019. After the first quarter of the year people fall off and disregard any fitness resolution that they had on New Year’s Eve. However, we need to keep that adrenaline pumping.        

Female bodybuilder and fitness guru, Danielle Willis, is the true epitome of whatever you put your mind to can be achieve through persistence and consistentency. I was inspired Ms. Willis’ latest achievements in the fitness arena this past year that I had to chat with her. Her story is purposeful and inspiring to all, young and “seasoned”.

Listen to the interview below:

Remembering an Iconic Voice in Music and the Community: Nancy Wilson

By Billy Gee

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Well, music fans, we’ve just lost another music icon.  On Thursday the 13th of December, the voice of Ms. Nancy Wilson – undisputedly, one of the most mellifluous voices most of us have ever heard – was silenced by her transition from this life, just as the Moon made its transit through Pisces, the sign under which she was born.

I must say, Nancy’s demise was personal for me.  Her sultry voice was so much an integral part of me – so much a part of the musical landscape of my life – that I honestly can’t recall the first time I heard her singing.  I think it might’ve happened around 1962 as a result of my listening to her debut album (‘Remember those?), Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley.  Hearing her sultry voice would cause my pubescent hormones to run wild!  I often would feel as though she was singing to me!  I must’ve dreamed about her dozens of times, growing up in Atlanta and just beginning to learn how to play the piano, myself.  Her recordings of masterpieces like “Guess Who I Saw Today,” “The Grass Is Greener,” “How Glad I Am,” and “When I Look In Your Eyes,” quickly became firmly embedded in my teenage heart, mind, and soul, where they remain until this very day.

Somewhere around my senior year in high school I was fortunate enough to hear Nancy in a live concert at the old Atlanta Municipal Auditorium (where thousands of Atlanta youngsters marched to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” at their high school commencement exercise).  Some things you experience in life you never forget, and that was one such occasion for this enthusiastic listener.  Providing instrumental accompaniment to Nancy’s impeccable vocal stylings was trombonist Si Zentner’s big band, so for all of an hour-and-a-half or so yours truly was as close to heaven as he’d ever been.  What stands out in my mind most about that evening is the fact that throughout the entire performance my heart was beating faster than the top speed of the ’67 Chevy Camaro I was pushing back then could run.  I couldn’t have been more excited if Nancy had been sitting in my lap, nibbling on my ear and unbuttoning my shirt!

With that somewhat graphic description of my reaction to an incredibly talented female song stylist, I give you “the Fancy Miss Nancy!” 

Nancy Wilson Biography – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Wilson_(jazz_singer)

“Guess Who I Saw Today” (LIVE!) – 

CAPSBC Board of Directors Honored at Recognition Event

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Expanded Learning program has been notified that it will continue to receive state and federal funding for the 2018-19 academic year.

The Expanded Learning program, which will receive a total of $304,500 between two grants, has been recognized as a statewide model for initiating training opportunities and increasing access to programs for schools and districts across the region. For the 2018-19 academic year, there were 266 after-school programs countywide, including five being implemented at the high school level in the Apple Valley and San Bernardino school districts.

“This funding makes a tremendous difference in assisting our schools and districts to provide high-quality, after-school, academic and educational opportunities for our students,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said.

Funding for the grant is split between support from the California Department of Education and the federal government.

School Board Honored November Outstanding Students

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 12 students with Outstanding Student Awards at the November 6, Board meeting. The San Bernardino Symphony also recognized students by providing them and their families with free symphony tickets.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, or for showing significant improvement in these areas. Students are awarded and inspired to have hope for their future by thinking about long-term educational and career goals.

Emmerton Elementary School Outstanding Students

Second-grader Diego Florido has already mastered all of the high frequency words, and he is eagerly expanding his vocabulary beyond that. He is always eager to take on new challenges. Right now, his goal is to play soccer and attend UCLA to study epidemiology.

Second-grader Emperor Martin has an amazing heart. He is kind and friendly with everyone. He is well-behaved, inquisitive, and enjoys a challenge, making him a model AVID scholar. Emperor’s long-term goal is to become a police officer.

Third-grader Matara Teava is a respectful and responsible student. She is doing well in reading, writing, and math, but math is her favorite subject. Matara wants to become a middle school teacher and a famous hula dancer.

Highland-Pacific Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Heaven Calaway is the type of student every teacher wishes for. She works hard, participates in classroom discussions by posing in-depth questions, and is an all-around great student. Heaven likes to help people, so she is thinking of becoming a doctor or owning her own bakery.

Third-grader Allysa Villarreal never hesitates to seek out information or help to overcome a challenge. She is a model for her classmates, not only academically, but because of her strong moral character and compassion. Allysa wants to attend college and write a mystery comic book.

Sixth-grader Achilles War Cry Hart Zavala is a true leader. He has a positive attitude, empathy for others, and good communication skills. He wants to study computer science and robotics at CSUSB and become a game designer.

Jones Elementary School Outstanding Students

Sixth-grader Kimberly Martinez is an English learner, but she hasn’t let that challenge stop her from serving three years on the student council and helping incoming students successfully transition into the Jones Elementary learning environment. Kimberly plans to study nursing at Valley College before transferring to UCLA.

Third-grader Khloe Mendez is an exemplary student who is dedicated to her studies. She is achieving at or above grade level in reading and math. Khloe wants to attend Harvard University and someday become a surgeon.

Third-grader Melanye Reyes is a great role model. She is respectful, responsible, and works hard. She is in the Dual Language program and is reading at a 4th-grade level. Melanye wants to become a biliterate teacher someday.

Muscoy Elementary School Outstanding Students

Sixth-grader Diana Moran is a pleasant and positive student. As a result of her hard work and growth mindset, she has made tremendous academic progress. She is advanced by two grade levels in reading. Diana wants to go to college and eventually work in a bank.

Fifth-grader Arianna Puga is always thinking of others. She helps out at school and she does it with a smile. She even helped launch a clothing drive for the needy. Arianna knows she wants to attend college, but she hasn’t decided which one yet.

First-grader Nigel Tamallo is a model citizen. He is an active listener and classroom participant. He struggled in kindergarten, but now he is working at grade level in all subjects. Nigel wants to become a firefighter.

Pacific High School Outstanding Students

Twelfth-grader Marissa Ocasio is a kind, giving person. She helps her classmates and volunteers regularly with the Tzu Chi food distribution program, all while taking A.P. courses. Marissa wants to major in psychology or sociology and become a high school counselor.

Ninth-grader Miranda Owen has a 4.0 GPA, ranks #3 on the school’s singles tennis team, and plans to try out for basketball and track and field. Miranda said she wants to attend college and search “the multiple opportunities available in the world.”

Eleventh-grader Joseph Pratt is known for his hard work, positive attitude, and kindness. He plays football on the varsity team and string bass in the City Honor Orchestra. Joseph plans to attend a university in California, but he hasn’t decided on a school or major yet.

County Board of Education Elects Hardy Brown II as President

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Board of Education unanimously elected Hardy Brown II as president of the five-member governing body for one year during its monthly meeting on Monday, December 3.

Brown, who was just elected to a new term in November, represents Trustee Area D, which includes the districts of Rialto, San Bernardino and Snowline.

In addition to the presidency, Laura Mancha was elected vice president of the Board. Mancha represents Trustee Area C, which includes the school districts of Chaffey Joint Union, Chino Valley, Cucamonga, Fontana, Mountain View and portions of Ontario-Montclair. Board members are elected to four-year terms.

Prior to the meeting, Brown, along with newly elected Board members Ken Larson of Trustee Area A and Rita Fernandez-Loof of Trustee Area B, were sworn into office.

The Board establishes policy, adopts an annual budget, approves building plans and hears 

student expulsion, inter-district transfer and charter school appeals. The Board meets monthly, regularly the first Monday of the month.

Know Your History Beautillion Knights!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Learning about African American History on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the Center for Youth & Community Development was engaging for all Beautillion Knights and their support group. Dr. N. Lawson Bush, V, Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration and Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles and the former director of the University California Irvine and Cal State Los Angeles Joint-Doctoral Program in Urban Educational Leadership spent time educating Social Lites, Inc.  Beautillion Knights on African American History.  

Alumni Beautillion Knights are encouraged to contact Mrs. Tina Darling or Mrs. Bettye Brewster before the end of December 2018.  All Alumni Knights are welcome to attend Sunday meetings with the 2018 Knights every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Youth & Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street in San Bernardino.

The Social Lites, Inc. 52nd Beautillion program will commence on March 30, 2019 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino. 

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at knight.beautillion@gmail.com or Ms. Joyce Smith, President at (909) 881-5841 or Ms. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, (951) 204-0022.

PAL Sees A Need, PAL Meets A Need

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINIO, CA— Provisional Accelerated Learning Center hosted their 4th Annual Pals of PAL Community Feast. The local community was invited to participate in an event that was established out of a desire to meet community needs.

The Pals of PAL Community Feast has attracted many families, friends, and individuals from all backgrounds throughout the community.  Each year this event aims to provide hope and joy for those who may have fallen on hard times.

PAL Center, an established non-profit organization for over thirty-two years was founded by Dr. Mildred Henry who saw a need to provide students and the community with a quality education. Birthed from her legacy, the PAL Charter Academy was established over 20 year ago and was designed to provide “Education with an Individualized Approach.” Her successor Dwaine Radden Sr., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PAL Center & Charter Academy saw a need to provide a “Feast” style luncheon for the Community and students for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  PAL as also has hosted community gatherings, and food drives to support the needs of the community.

Radden said, “This event and other PAL outreach program has filled a huge void in the community. We believe in taking a holistic approach when it comes to addressing community and PAL students’ needs. There’s nothing greater than breaking bread and fellowshipping with the community, staff and students. We have been blessed with an incredible Board, Staff and Student Body here at the PAL Center and PAL Academy. They love giving back to the community!

Mr. Brantley is one heck of a cook. He is the true catalyst behind our Community Feast and I salute him for his efforts and generosity.”

Students, teachers, and administrators shared good food, laughter, and music with their community and helped those in need. A display board at the entrance of the PAL Community Center was covered with statements from students that read what they themselves were thankful for, providing inspiration to those who attended the luncheon. A PAL Middle School student wrote,

“I’m thankful for my mom because she works hard to provide for me”. “I’m thankful for the food that is placed on the table”, another student writes.

About 80 people from the community were served a spread of delicious foods. Students who volunteered served their community members while doing so with thanksgiving in their hearts. Smiles filled the room as the families ate and laughed as they shared stories with one another.

Director of Special Projects, Nicole Mitchell, said “If we aren’t here to serve then why are we here? We are meant to serve and help meet the needs of others. I’m thankful to see the smiles on the faces of our community here on our campus. I hope our acts of kindness will create a ripple effect in our community. I believe our actions are seeds planted that can grow and change hearts around our community for the better!”

Every Tuesday at 2 PM the PAL Center offers a Community Food Bank Program, which serves approximately 100+ community members. All students, staff, and parents are invited to be of service.

PAL is currently operating at two High School and Middle School locations in San Bernardino, a local Resource Center, as well as an online PAL Adult High School (PALAHS) diploma program. PAL is now enrolling for the 2018 – 2019 school year. For more information about any of the PAL campuses or services, please visit the website at www.palcenter.org or contact the main office at 909-887-7002. www.palcenter.org

 

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS Announces Keisha N. Brown as the First President to Succeed the Founder of The Agency

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOS ANGELES, CA— LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has announced that Keisha N. Brown (KB) has been appointed to the position of president, a role held by the founder since its inception in 1990. In this new role, Keisha will utilize her more than two decades of experience to focus on client services and new business development. She will continue as the chair of the Health and Wellness Practice. Mr. Kim L. Hunter, former president and CEO, will remain the Chairman & CEO of the agency.

“LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS is my first enterprise and I feel now is the right time to pass the torch to a long-standing and dedicated employee that I trust will continue to move the agency forward”, stated Hunter. “KB brings a tremendous understanding of client service and new business development experience to this position and I look forward to working with her as we both focus on our new roles at the agency.”

KB will be responsible for identifying and securing new business and providing integrated and innovative client service to all of the agency’s clients.  In this role, she will lead teams in developing and executing creative oriented solutions communication programs for the firm’s advertising, marketing and public relations accounts; manage a team of client-focused and results oriented individuals; create a thriving environment of collaboration and creative problem-solving that is responsive to and inspired by new ideas; and oversee the firm’s creative and media planning and buying teams.

As the chair of the Health and Wellness Practice, KB will rely on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities to concentrate on new business development targeting entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.  Her healthcare experience includes working with clients such as the Ad Council, American Cancer Society, California Department of Public Health, Covered California, L.A. Care, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, Novartis, the Office of National Control Drug Policy, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, among others.

“I am excited to start this new chapter of my career as president of an agency that has fulfilled me in so many ways and allowed me to make contributions to clients that target consumers (African American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ) that are important to me”, stated KB.  “I look forward to partnering and  collaborating with Kim in this new role to build upon the agency’s accomplishments and to continue developing and executing creative solutions for clients that position us for success in the future.”

In addition to client service and new business development, KB will partner with the CEO to raise the firm’s profile and position the agency as a premier multicultural agency.

A 23-year veteran of the agency, KB is an integrated marketing communications (IMC) specialist with hands-on knowledge managing advertising, marketing and public relations accounts on a local and national basis for clients striving to effectively communicate to both African American and Hispanic consumers. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients throughout her time at the agency including Carnival Corporation, California Department of Insurance, City of Los Angeles, Community Health Councils, MetLife, Southern California Edison, U.S. Army, and Verizon.

“I have worked with Kim and the agency for more than 10 years, and they have always provided me with excellent client service dating back to when I was at American Airlines and now at Carnival,” said Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Carnival Corporation.  “KB currently leads the team that works on our Carnival business, and the leadership and strategic counsel she provides our team has been an essential component in generating results.”

KB began her career at the agency and has held various positions that have led her to this position of being president of an IMC agency, such as an account manager, Vice President/Media & Promotions Director, and Senior Vice President/Chief Creative & Innovative Officer.  All of these positions have allowed her to have a keen understanding of client service, account management, creative, media planning and media buying.

The Los Angeles native has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications through awards and invitations to speak on panels.  Most recently, KB led the project launch of the L.A. Care Covered Campaign, which received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award. Additionally, the agency was awarded with the Sabre Award for Multicultural Marketing for Verizon Wireless, a team in which Keisha also led.  Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, named Keisha “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.

KB holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Five New Rialto Natives Inducted into the Rialto of Fame

There was a special recognition to the late Niya Santos who gained her wings this summer from Breast Cancer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, November 17, five Rialto natives were inducted into the Rialto Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Rialto Sports Hall of Fame located at 214 N Palm Avenue in Rialto.

The individuals that were inducted into the Hall of Fame were: Delano O. Fleming, Coach-City of Rialto Youth Sports; Julie Garcia-Coach and Rialto Eastern Little League President; Johnny Dukes, Basketball-Eisenhower High School; Cory McJimson-Basketball; Eisenhower High School; and there was a special honorary to the late Niya Santos who ran track at Carter High School.