(LAKE ELSINORE, Calif.) Roxanne Petteway, president and founder of The Coalition to Improve Education (www.literacyandvirtues.org), recently received a $49,000 grant from The Verizon Foundation at a meeting of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District governing board.
“The Verizon Foundation puts a very high priority on education and is proud to be able to support quality programs such as this,” commented Doug McAllister, Verizon’s Director of Government and External Affairs.
“We have been providing reading instruction intervention and remediation programs to the students in Lake Elsinore since 2003,” Petteway said. “Our Leadership & Literacy Program has helped hundreds of students in the Lake Elsinore area and we look forward to expanding our reach with the Verizon Foundation Grant. We are honored to have the support of the Verizon Foundation and will use these funds to provide free services to those families who are underserved in the Lake Elsinore area.”
For more information or to sign up your children call (951)696-0853, or email: literacyandvirtues@verizon.net.
About the Coalition to Improve Education:
Since 2003 the Coalition to Improve Education has helped students in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties raise their school grades and test scores simply by teaching them how to read. The organization believes all children can learn if provided with encouragement and taught with effective teaching materials and methods. If a child is struggling academically, the root cause is often the inability to decode words and comprehend. The Coalition to Improve Education delivers a variety of curriculums based on the needs of the individual student. All curriculum and methods used by the Coalition to Improve Education are scientifically researched based with measurable outcomes.
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Friday, November 21, 2008
Literacy Advocate Receives $49,000 Grant
Free Art Classes, Drawing Dreams
Learn how to draw a live human model at the next Life Drawing class held at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire on Jan. 17.
(SAN BERNADINO, Calif.) Being able to draw a live human model is an important skill for any artist, however, not all artists have the chance to practice this type of drawing.
In the spirit of leading by example, the Art Institute of California –Inland Empire is hosting an artists’ workshop on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 1-5 p.m.
This workshop gives local artists a chance to try their hand at life drawing and will be held at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire free charge to the public.
“Many artists are greatly creative but lack focus,” Santosh Oommen, Academic Director of Media Arts & Animation. “Our goal is to help make better artists. Offering workshops give these artists a chance to focus their raw creative talent.”
Life Drawing workshops are usually offered on the third Saturday of every month. There are 21 seats available for each class. The workshop is open to the public; the only requirement is that you are 15 years old or above and that you bring your own pencils and drawing paper.
“Our commitment is to helping artist in the Inland Empire improve their talents. This workshop, for artists as young as 15 years old, will help them to further their development of with the skills they need.” Said Oommen, academic director of media artist animation of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.
The workshop involves drawing from a live figure and covers topics such as anatomy and gestures. To sign up for the Life Drawing workshop, or for more information, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.
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The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
Sharing Trees Sprouting at Inland Malls
Sharing Trees such as this one from a past holiday season at Inland Center Mall will soon sprout at Inland Center, Montclair Plaza, Ontario Mills Mall and the Redlands Wal-Mart. They’re staffed by workers and volunteers from The Salvation Army and provide an opportunity for visitors to help those less fortunate by shopping for toys on a needy child’s wish list. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calf.) Local Salvation Army Corps and several businesses have joined forces to make this holiday season one the needy children of the Inland Empire will never forget, thanks to a program called Sharing Trees.
“This decades-long program is among the Army’s most popular efforts during the Christmas season,” said Captain Stephen Ball, head of the San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army. The children in need are helped, and the public is rewarded knowing they brought joy to a child who may have otherwise had an empty and sad holiday.”
The Salvation Army takes over portions of the Inland Center Mall (500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino), Ontario Mills Mall (1 Mills Circle, Ontario), Montclair Plaza (5060 E. Montclair Plaza Lane, Montclair) and the Redlands Wal-Mart (2050 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands). In each, it sets up a Christmas tree and table starting the day after Thanksgiving.
Attached to branches of the tree are cards with names of children whose families simply cannot afford to buy gifts, as much as they would love to. Shoppers who want to take part by helping disadvantage children simply pluck a tag off the Sharing Tree, read the child’s name and wish list, then head for the appropriate store for a little sharing of their own.
“Why not start a tradition with your family and select a gift for a needy child together?” Capt. Ball suggested.
The Salvation Army also is looking for other businesses in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties, who would like to have a Sharing Tree at their place for employees and/or customers.
“This is a great way for business owners and managers to help the community this Christmas,” Capt. Ball said.
Families with children in need should have their parents submit their request to their nearest Salvation Army Corps in person.
“Bikes, electronic handheld games and clothes are just a few items on each child’s wish list,” Capt. Ball said. “Shoppers who participate in the program are encouraged to shop for more than just what is needed on the list.”
Salvation Army volunteers make sure the presents are wrapped and earmarked for the specific child. A Sharing Tree participant from last year describes her feelings perfectly: “Last year was my first time to participate in this annual Christmas tradition. Making children’s wishes come true brings me happiness. No matter how big or small the gift, the feeling of making a kid’s Christmas enjoyable is all that matters.”
To help, make a donation or for more information please call The Salvation Army at (888) 725-2769.
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About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army’s emergency services include food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1 (800) SAL ARMY.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
TV's Food Network to Offer $20,000 Scholarship
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes announced that, as a part of its relationship with television’s Food Network, it will sponsor The Chef Jeff Project Scholarship Contest in which one lucky person has the chance to receive a $20,000 tuition scholarship to one of The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes. The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes will work with Chef Jeff Henderson to select the winner.
The Chef Jeff Project currently airs on Food Network on Sundays at 10 p.m. Pacific time.
The Chef Jeff Project Scholarship Contest was created to help individuals committed to building a better future for themselves. The competition is open to residents of the United States who are 17 and older.
Contest entrants will be asked to submit an essay of no more than 2,500 characters on "How would a culinary degree from The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes help you build a better future?" and complete an online entry form.
The deadline for entries is November 25, 2008 at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
“We are pleased to provide the opportunity for one student who is passionate about culinary arts to study at one of The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes through The Chef Jeff Project Scholarship Contest,” says Chef Michael Nenes, assistant vice president of Culinary Arts at The Art Institutes.
To find full contest details and learn how to enter, visit www.exploreculinary.com.
To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=cjp002 or www.exploreculinary.com.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California–Inland Empire. Courses begin Nov. 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California–Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes are North America’s largest system of culinary programs with more than 30 locations. Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools’ curricula are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills, and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures, Web-based seminars and study-abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.
Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Culinary Students Bring Smiles To Hospital's Kids
Jayden Gonzales two years old from Indio decorated his gingerbread house at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital last year, where he was recovering from leukemia. Jayden was helped by his mom Jennifer and Culinary student Nina Mendoza. Jayden was one of more than 60 sick children who decorated gingerbread houses donated by International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Culinary students and volunteers from Big Hearts for Little Hearts will return to the hospital Monday, Dec. 1 to help the children staying there during this holiday season decorate their own gingerbread houses. The 2008 houses will be on display at the hospital through mid-January 2009. Photo by Carl Dameron
Two-and-a-half-year-old Jose from Fontana decorated his gingerbread house and ate candy and icing last year, where he was recovering from a life-threatening dog bite to his head. Jose was helped by his mom Alica Tapea and Culinary student Nina Mendoza. Jose was one of more than 60 sick children who decorated gingerbread houses donated by International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Culinary students and volunteers from Big Hearts for Little Hearts will return to the hospital Monday, Dec. 1 to help the children staying there during this holiday season decorate their own gingerbread houses. The 2008 houses will be on display at the hospital through mid-January 2009. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seriously ill boys and girls at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital will have something to smile about this Christmas season as students from the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire once again create a hundred gingerbread houses for the kids to decorate.
“Last year was our first time working with the culinary students,” notes Dottie Rice, a nine-year volunteer with the hospital’s guild, Big Hearts for Little Hearts. “Our children were just thrilled, and really look forward to such a fun project once again.”
On Monday, December 1, the students, headed by The Art Institute’s Culinary Director and Executive Chef Eyad Joseph, will meet at the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, 11234 Anderson Street, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. There they will gather with the young patients to help the children decorate the 100 gingerbread houses for Christmas utilizing candy and frosting galore. The public is invited to stop by for a few minutes or even longer, to help the sick and terminally ill boys and girls.
The finished houses, as always, are then put on public display in the hospital lobby where they’ll be shown through the middle of January. Guild President Eloise Habeadst says that people come from all over the Inland Empire just to see what the culinary students and the young patients have come up with.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Nov. 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Kaleidoscope of Skills Helps Art Institute Students Start Careers
Cindy Jones“Our students aren’t typical,” she says. “They’re highly talented in creative fields. On top of that, the companies in these creative areas are out of the ordinary, too. Helping upcoming graduates prepare to find entry jobs in, say, animation, video game design or aiding a chef is a totally different challenge than coaching them to interview for a teaching position or something in retail sales.”
At the end of the next year, Jones estimates, “We’ll have probably a hundred grads to assist with employment. To help them land their entry level positions, we show them how to prepare resumes, describe job search strategies and even conduct mock interviews. We take them on fieldtrips to various employers, too, and hold workshops on such topics as Professionalism On the Job.”
Jones’ background will do her well, having owned an art gallery in Big Bear Lake where she had to interface with more than 200 artists, market her monthly exhibits and annual juried art shows and cultivate relationships with community businesses. She coached the artists, as well, in how to make their personal presentations to other galleries.
Previously, she was a producer for a top food photography studio in Pasadena with clients that included Frito-Lay, Pepsi, Burger King and Lucky Markets. Her intern programs lured students from across the nation, helping them understand the intricacies of everything from budgeting to working with the public. Additionally, Jones developed and supervised photography and culinary intern programs for students.
Aided by Career Services Advisor Brenda Medina, Cindy Jones says one of their greatest tasks is in creating, then further developing, partnerships within the community. “For instance, we have to get out among the businesses to learn how their field is changing and how their needs for personnel are evolving. This helps us in guiding our graduates, but also in modifying our school curriculum to keep it relevant.”
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 40 educational institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Donor Campaign Raises More Than $40,000 For The Salvation Army, More Is Needed
Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps Commander Capt. Stephen Ball; Arlene Lewis, wife of U. S. Congressman Jerry Lewis; Salvation Army Advisory Board Member Annorr Gowdy and Advisory Board Chairman Tom Brickley review plans for adding transitional living apartments to the soon-to-be-remodeled shelter at 925 10th Street, where The Salvation Army recently hosted a fund-raising luncheon. In early 2009 it will become the Hospitality House shelter for 125 women and children. Photo by Carl Dameron 
Stater Brothers executives Steve Landry, district manager; Judy Lewis, chief financial officer and Sarah Cain, executive director of Stater Brothers Charities, present a $6,918.31 check to Nancy Tortorelli, financial officer for The Salvation Army and Capt. Stephen Ball, commander of the San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army. Photo by Carl Dameron 
San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Penman and San Bernardino City Attorney James Penman listen to a speaker at a lunch held to honor large donors to The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino raised about $40,000 on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when it hosted a fund-raising luncheon at its future homeless shelter.
Most of this came in the form of donations of $1,000 or more from wealthy San Bernardino-area residents who share the Salvation Army’s vision for helping the community. Among these donors were Congressman Jerry and Arlene Lewis of Redlands.
For 30 years, Jerry Lewis has served as a representative in the United States Congress, and prior to then as a California Assembly member. But even before he entered politics, Congressman Lewis developed an appreciation for the services The Salvation Army provides.
“As a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, he had the opportunity to travel to India,” Arlene Lewis said. “He remembers seeing an ophthalmologist with The Salvation Army there and a long line of people standing in front of him waiting to have their cataracts removed so they could see. “
The building at 925 10th Street where the San Bernardino Corps plans to move its Hospitality House shelter in 2009 now houses the Adult Rehabilitation Center, a Salvation Army program serving 77 men who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. Arlene Lewis publicly acknowledges that branch of The Salvation Army became personally significant to her family a few years ago, when her son lived there for a short time while battling addiction.
“I love The Salvation Army and what they do here,” she said. “Especially because of our personal experience, Jerry and I want to help them in any way we can. We are excited about the plans for growth the Salvation Army has.”
Soon, Adult Rehabilitation Center will move to a new facility on Doolittle Street, with room to treat 125 men. The San Bernardino Corps will then remodel the building on 10th Street to better serve 100 homeless women and children, and it will build eight to 12 apartments so that some of these guests can have a better opportunity to rebuild their lives after becoming homeless, through transitional housing.
A donation of $6,918.31 came from Stater Brothers’ Charities, a 501c3 non-profit foundation the grocery store chain formed in March of this year to better serve the communities where it does business.
“The Salvation Army serves on the front lines of those communities, so we decided to make a major donation,” said Foundation Executive Director Sarah Cain. “We want to help in their relief efforts.”
The Salvation Army has a rich history in San Bernardino. It began serving here in 1887, just 12 years after William and Catherine Booth founded the international organization in London.
For the last four to five decades, some of that service has taken place at the 925 10th Street Building. The San Bernardino Corps also had a shelter on Kingman Street for many years, but the shelter is now temporarily operating in the Headquarters Building on Fifth Street.
The Headquarters building has also served the community for decades as a church, a place for the needy to receive donations of food, toys and clothing and a staging point for emergency relief operations.
“As a shelter, the Headquarters building is a temporary solution,” said Capt. Stephen Ball. “When we remodel this shelter, we will be able to serve more women and children.”
To put a human face on the good The Salvation Army has done in recent years, four recipients of its hospitality told the lunch guests about their experiences with the Adult Rehabilitation Center and the Hospitality House.
Trent, a former guest of the Adult Rehabilitation Center, was able to break his addiction to methamphetamine and other drugs through the treatment program offered there. Through a Salvation Army Corps program called Pathway to Prosperity, he was then able to earn a certificate at San Bernardino Valley College to become a drug and alcohol counselor.
“I’ve been through a lot but I would do it all over again if I knew I’d end up where I am today,” Trent said. “I have nothing but pats on the back for The Salvation Army.”
Robin stayed at the Hospitality House with her husband and four children after both adults in the family lost their jobs and subsequently, their car and their home. The Salvation Army was able to immediately offer not just shelter, but a job for Robin’s husband as a company truck driver. That allowed the family to save up for an apartment and a new car.
Since then, her husband has obtained a better-paying job as a driver for the City of San Bernardino and she has found work with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She still spends a lot of time at Hospitality House, because her job entails tutoring the children who live there now.
“I just want to thank The Salvation Army for helping us to get back on our feet,” she said.
Jose, who is not yet 18 years old, has endured homelessness several times, along with his mother and his two younger brothers. Each time, he said, the staff of the Hospitality House has welcomed them and treated them with respect. As he nears adulthood, he helps with The Salvation Army’s youth ministry and is learning valuable leadership skills for a brighter future.
“If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, I don’t know what would happen to me, my mom and my brothers,” he said.
Amanda, age 17, stayed briefly at The Hospitality House this year after her family threw her out on the streets. She continues to take part in its youth ministry. She said she first came with a negative attitude, but now sees that people there truly want to help.
“Because of The Salvation Army, I had a place to stay,” she said through her tears. “They care about me and want the best for me.”
While the $40,000 raised through the luncheon held Wednesday is greatly appreciated, more is needed to help people like Trent, Robin, Jose and Amanda. The Salvation Army is therefore encouraging others to give what they can.
Online giving, which can be directed specifically to the San Bernardino Corps, is possible at any time by going to www.salvationarmy.usa.org.
From mid-November through Dec. 24, donors can also give through the Red Kettle Drive, a holiday tradition the Army has relied on for more than 100 years. Look for red kettles accompanied by bellringers at locations throughout the Inland Empire and everywhere else. Everything a Salvation Army bellringer collects stays within the community.
Donations of time are also highly needed. For one, The Salvation Army wants to beef up the volunteer bellringer force. It also needs volunteers for its upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.
And, with holiday shopping on most people’s minds already, The Salvation Army hopes people will shop for their poorest neighbors too. Gifts of food and toys are needed for about 750 families relying on the San Bernardino Corps to have any kind of Christmas celebration at all this year.
Those interested in donating time or presents should call the San Bernardino Corps at (909) 888-1336. After Thanksgiving, toys can also be donated through the Sharing Tree programs at the Inland Center Mall, the Ontario Mills Mall, the Montclair Plaza and the Redlands Wal-Mart.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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Ad Club To Host Media Auction
(ONTARIO, Calif.) The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) will host its annual Media Auction Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30-8:30PM at Dave and Busters in Ontario.
The auction is an opportunity for media buyers to purchase advertising at dramatically reduced rates, according to John McCarthy, program chair at the AAF. “These are incredible deals and the selling price for advertising is often 15-25% of actual value.”
For example, McCarthy said that radio spots on K-FROG valued at $3,420 sold for $600 and KCAL FM radio worth $4,050 sold for $500. A local cable TV package valued at $2,000 sold for $400.
In addition to the media auction, the ad club will also offer deep discounts on hotel packages, amusement park tickets, public relations services, photography and more.
Proceeds from the Media Auction helps support student scholarships and last year, over $2,500 was awarded to local college bound students.
Admission to the Media Auction is open to the public and there is no charge to attend.
For more information: http://aaf-inlandempire.com/events.html
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