No Such Thing As A Healthy Tan

People of all ages and ethnicities should take precautions when enjoying fun in the sun,  especially swimming.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Climbing High, an online newsletter from Guides Network, puts it rather succinctly: “…there is no such thing as a healthy tan.”

Most of us know skin cancer is growing at an alarming rate. “There is an epidemic of non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States,” reported Dr. Howard Rogers of Advanced Dermatology in Norwich, Connecticut.

Years ago we “knew” that a tan was a sign of “good health.” After all, sun exposure is our primary source of vitamin D which, says kidshealth.org, “helps us absorb calcium for stronger and healthier bones.”

But the organization also alerts us to the fact that, “Kids rack up between 50 percent and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.”

The Inland Empire’s LaSalle Medical Associates, with four Inland Empire clinics, sees more than its share of sun damage victims.

“It’s especially a concern in the High Desert,” points out LaSalle’s Audit and Education Coordinator Barbara Graber. “Kids play outside more hours and more days, which means more sun exposure, a potential for skin damage, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and heat illness. Young people involved in sports,” she continues, “are at real risk because they tend to lose track of outdoor time, and seldom have enough fluid intake.”

But, it’s not just children we should be concerned about, Graber notes. “Older adults love to garden. They go outside early in the day when the temperature is cool. Then, as the desert summer temps slowly pick up, they may not even be aware how their body temperature has risen.”

The sun may be hammering the back of the neck and hands, the ears and nose, especially if they began the day in a t-shirt and without a hat, and stayed that way through the mid afternoon; the strongest sun rays usually occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunlight contains three types of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and can contribute to skin cancers. UVB rays can cause sunburn, lead toward cloudy cataracts of the eyes, may damage the immune system and also contribute to skin cancer. And then there are the most highly dangerous UVC rays, fortunately blocked from reaching the earth by the ozone layer.

How can you avoid the UVA and UVB rays? The obvious answers are to stay indoors or to cover up as completely as possible. Not always very practical. So, accept them we must, though not without a fight say numerous sources:

• Avoid sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours, usually 10-2
• Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher a half hour before sun exposure and then reapply regularly, remembering the nose, ears, neck and hair partings
• Wear sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection
• Use a SPF-rated lip balm
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water
• Stay covered as best you can
• If possible, stay under an umbrella

All of these suggestions apply to the elderly as well. As we age our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, requiring even more attention and care than we might be used to.

And older people may have difficulty with upper body movements, so sunscreens that are easy to apply, such as those in towlette form or as powders or gels, are  valuable. Additionally, since skin of the elderly is often dry, doctors suggest chemical-free or water-based sunscreens.

“The sun can be our friend,” says LaSalle’s founder Dr. Albert Arteaga, “but a friend we greet with care. Sunburns, especially in youth, can harm us all many years later.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle’s philosophy is that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.

LaSalle has four Inland Empire clinics. Two are in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17^th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Fontana facility at 17577 Arrow Boulevard and Hesperia’s at 16455 Main Street.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407.

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Basketball Tournament Shows 5 Teens Fun & Camraderie

 The 2010 Salvation Army Basketball Team includes (front row) Sarai Napp and Devion Cleveland, (back row) Capt. Stephen Ball (coach), Roosevelt Carroll Jr., Suemae Rodriguez, Adell Sims and Richard Tafolla (coach).

(San BERNARDINO, Calif.) A Salvation Army basketball tournament gave five San Bernardino-area teens a taste of the great Northwest, and provided a challenge to their athletic skills.

The team traveled to Portland, Ore. recently for this annual tournament and youth conference. The tournament, held for the 13^th time in 2010, was hosted by the Portland Moore Street Corps of The Salvation Army.

“They played hard but did not win any of their games,” said Capt. Stephen Ball, co-director of the San Bernardino Corps. “They were good sports, and for the second time, earned the Sportsmanship Trophy.”

The old adage “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game,” is appropriate at this tournament.

And, in this case, “the game” extends beyond the three sessions on the court.

 “Basketball is the third most important thing at this tournament,” said Capt. Nancy Ball, co-director of the San Bernardino Corps. “It focuses on worship, fellowship and a little basketball.”

All of the 18 participating teams also were able to hear a motivational speech by Seth Franco, a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters and Michael Harper, a former NBA player.

The San Bernardino Corps has sent a team to this basketball tournament for three years now.

This year, for the first time, the team included two young women, Sarai Napp and Suemae Rodriquez. They’re joined with team veterans Devion Cleveland, Roosevelt Carroll Jr., and Adell Sims.

Traveling with them were Capt. Stephen Ball and Coach Richard Tafolla.

The players, ages 17-19, have not seen many places outside their own community. So, the trip to Oregon was also for sight seeing.

“We visited the Kroc Corps Community Center in Salem, Ore. where we swam in their beautiful pools,” Capt. Stephen Ball said. “One of them was a family-oriented swimming pool with a slide enclosed in a lighthouse, and an all-access area that looks like a beach but is actually a spongy surface.”

“Next to it is an Olympic sized pool for competitive events,” he said. “We were able to swim in both.”

The Salvation Army is building Kroc Community Centers in selected locations throughout the United States with a $1.5 billion donation from Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s Corporation founder Ray Kroc, upon her death in 2003. These centers offer athletic facilities and other community recreational services. A Kroc Community Center is not planned for San Bernardino.

The San Bernardino Corps contingent also visited the Evergreen Air and Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore., where they were able to climb aboard the Spruce Goose.

The Spruce Goose is a football field-sized seaplane, developed by the Hughes Corporation during World War II to transport troops over air and water, but not completed in time to serve in that war and never put into military or commercial use. After its test flight in 1947, it spent the next 32 years in storage in Long Beach, Calif., then about 10 years on public display at the Spruce Goose Dome there.

It was dismantled and moved to its new home in McMinnville, Ore. in 1993. Evergreen Aviation spent seven years putting the Spruce Goose back together in Oregon before opening the museum in 2000.

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.

For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.

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Shannan Gonzales Joins Dameron Communications as Public Relations Coordinator

Shannan Gonzales, at work as a public relations coordinator for Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan

 

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Shannan Gonzales started at Dameron Communications in January 2009 as an extern while attending United Education Institute (UEI). After the completion of her extern, she was hired as public relations coordinator at Dameron Communications.

“Shannan is the hub of our office,” said Carl Dameron, owner and creative director of Dameron Communications. “She works with clients and the team to make sure projects get done on time.”

Her duties include maintaining client and company press books, updating the Master Contacts database with more than 92,000 contacts, clerical work, paying company bills and analyzing the value of press received.

“I enjoy the positive and friendly office environment and the opportunity to assist others,” said Gonzales.

After hours she returns to her most important life calling, being a mother to her 2-year-old son Marcos. Everyday she enjoys the blessings her son brings, from a simple smile to a goodbye hug when dropping him off at preschool.

“Marcos is my top priority,” said Gonzales. “His birth motivated me to focus on my professional career and set a good example for my son.”

Gonzales is a graduate of UEI with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating from Redlands East Valley High School in 2002, she began working for Office Depot as a copy center representative for three years. She also worked for Stater Bros Market as a courtesy clerk, replenished inventory and as a deli representative.

“My prior experience working at Stater Bros and Office Depot helped guide me to the career choice of business administration, for I quickly learned that I have a deep passion for assisting others,” said Gonzales “And I am now able to do this with our clients on a daily basis.”

About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.  
Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.
For more information go to: http://www.DameronCommunications.com/ or call (909) 888-0017.

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Volunteers Needed For New Computer Lab

Community support was overwhelming when the new Hospitality House held a grand opening in January. Volunteers are now needed to help children in the shelter’s computer lab and media center. Photo by Chris Sloan

 

Salvation Army Cadets Ryan and Marjorie Miller explain the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ plans for the new computer lab at its Hospitality House shelter. Among those hearing the plans, in background, are Assistant County Superintendent of Schools Margaret Hill and Brenda Doughty, who directs the tutoring program at Hospitality House for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Photo by Chris Sloan 

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army Hospitality House seeks volunteers to work with children in its shelter’s media center and computer lab.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who likes working with children, and who could give one or two hours of their time, one, two or three times a week,” said San Bernardino Corps Co-Director Capt. Nancy Ball.

“They would not need to teach or even tutor the children, as we have had a tutoring program with San Bernardino City Unified School District for many years,” she said. “The volunteers would simply help the children with their school work.”

“We also could use donations of wholesome literature books that elementary school students would enjoy reading,” Capt. Ball said. “We have many books already to read to younger children, but we want to encourage those who can already read by providing them with books geared to their age group.”

Hospitality House, the Salvation Army’s emergency family shelter, moved to its new location on Tenth Street on Feb. 1, after operating for more than two years in the San Bernardino Corps’ headquarters building, and for about 50 years prior to that at a now-demolished location on Kingman Street.

The media center and computer lab provides the children staying at Hospitality House a place to study. It is also the new home of the on-site tutoring program the San Bernardino City Unified School District has offered to children in the Hospitality House for many years, dating back to when the shelter was on Kingman Street.

These two rooms of the new Hospitality House received special attention during the remodeling of the building on Tenth Street, as Target had donated a $25,000 grant to help The Salvation Army promote children’s literacy. With the grant, it purchased the computers, a television for viewing educational videos and programs, study tables for young and older children, lighting and colorful touches, including a large mural.

To volunteer, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1336 or email nancy.ball@usw.salvationarmy.org

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 <http://www.salvationarmyusa.org>  or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

 

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Mayor's Run Celebrates Bicentennial

Peggi Hazlett, far right, calls “Go” as children begin running a past Mayor’s Mile at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (May 5, 2010) –This year’s annual Mayor’s Run celebrates San Bernardino’s 200th birthday.

The Mayor’s Run is in its eighth year, and has traditionally been held on the third Sunday in May.   Check in begins at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 16 at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, 280 S. E Street.

That happens to be just four days before San Bernardino’s 200th birthday. The Bicentennial Celebration commemorates the naming of San Bernardino on May 20, 1810 by Father Francisco Dumetz.

“This year, runners can celebrate the Bicentennial with the Mayor’s Run,” said Peggi Hazlett, assistant to Mayor Patrick Morris, and the organizer of this year’s run. “It’s a fun race that takes place annually in the beautiful Arrowhead Credit Union Park, and this year, it will be even better!”

The Mayor’s Run includes 5K and 10K races, and a “Mayor’s Mile” fun run for children 14 and younger.  All start at the stadium, and finish at home plate.  The 5K and 10K races are sanctioned by the USTAF (USA Track & Field).

Arrowhead Credit Union Park is home to the Inland Empire 66ers, San Bernardino’s minor league professional baseball team.

The 5K race, which begins at 8:00 a.m. takes runners up E Street to Fifth Street, where they will then loop around several blocks of the downtown area, including San Bernardino City Hall, before returning to Arrowhead Credit Union stadium for a final lap to home plate. The 10k race, which begins at 8:30 a.m., makes the same loop twice before entering the stadium.
First, second and third place winners in each age group will receive awards. Age groups range from 14 and under to 70 and over, with all others divided by 5-year increments.


At 8:45 a.m., children begin running the “Mayor’s Mile” in several age divisions (5 and under, 6-7, 8-10, 11-14). Depending on the age division, this run consists of one, two or three laps inside the stadium.

All children participating in the “Mayor’s Mile” receive a commemorative finisher’s award, regardless of place.

Everyone participating receives a t-shirt at check-in, which begins at 7 a.m. This year’s t-shirt features the Bicentennial Celebration logo.

“It’s fun for the whole family,” Hazlett said. “Plus it benefits local youth activities, and helps you stay fit and healthy.”

Entry fees are $5 for the Mayor’s Mile and $20 for either the 5K or 10K. Teams of five can enter the 5K race for $90. After May 10, the entry fees for the 5K and 10K races are $25, or $100 for a five-member team.

The Mayor’s Run also includes a youth health and safety expo.

Participants may enter by going to http://sanbernardino200.org <http://sanbernardino200.org> to download race applications. One race application per participant, plus a check, should be mailed to City of San Bernardino Mayor’s Youth Council, 1350 S. E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92408.

For more information about the runs, participants should contact Mitch Assumma at (909) 384-5233.
Other upcoming Bicentennial Celebration Events:
Music will highlight May 7 and 8 with an adaptation of Mozart’s opera “Cosi Fan Tutte” at the University’s P.A. Recital Hall.
May 8 and 9, the celebration debuts Railroad Days at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum at the historic Depot.  The historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive will be brought to San Bernardino for this event which takes place 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.
May 15 current and former residents join together at an elegant gala at the National Orange Show Events Center.  Social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with food and entertainment continuing throughout the evening.
The Mayor’s Run is one of two Bicentennial Celebration events taking place on May 16. From 3 p.m to 5:45 p.m., the Festival of Faiths will be celebrated at the Little League Western Regional Stadium with various faith groups expressing their traditions and history in San Bernardino, and food booths to sample traditional foods of their community

There will be a Centennial Monument rededication as well as a Bicentennial Monument dedication on May 20 at Inland Center Drive and “I” Street beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following at the California Welcome Center, 1955 Hunts Lane, San Bernardino.

The fun continues at the Bicentennial Parade and Festival Celebration on May 22 beginning in Meadowbrook Park at noon. Throughout the day there will be food, merchandise vendors and a mini-carnival.  After the parade, floats will be on display.  The Parade begins at 4:00 p.m. at 7th and “E” Street and festivities will continue in Meadowbrook Park until 9:00 p.m.

Join the contestants at the San Bernardino’s Got Talent Show on June 19 at the Sturges Center of Performing Arts at 6 p.m. when the finalists will perform their acts.  Winners will be announced at this event.
The Bicentennial festivities on July 4th at the 66ers Stadium in the Arrowhead Credit Union Park will have live entertainment, food and a fireworks display unlike any the city has previously seen.

The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and other events taking place in the latter part of 2010 will also feature a tie-in to San Bernardino’s Bicentennial, keeping the celebration alive throughout the year.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee), Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee) and John Valdivia.  The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.

Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: The Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and Dameron Communications (Public Relations.)

For more information, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org <http://sanbernardino200.org>

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Slide show of phots from the Mayor's Bicentennial Run

Media:  If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours.  If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.

Party Like It's 200!

 Local dignitaries, including San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris and San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, were on hand to celebrate San Bernardino's 199th birthday last year. All current and former residents, their friends and families, are invited to celebrate the 200th birthday of San Bernardino at a gala on Saturday, May 15.

Mayor Patrick Morris leads "Happy Birthday" at a celebration of San Bernardino's 199th birthday last year. Celebrate the 200th birthday at a gala on Saturday, May 16.


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (May 7, 2010) – Current and former residents of San Bernardino, and all of their friends and family, are invited to a gala celebration of the city’s Bicentennial on Saturday, May 15 at the National Orange Show Events Center.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. There will be live music including strings and Mariachis, dancing with music by the Cal State (San Bernardino) Jazz band, and entertainment.

“Let’s make this a great reunion of people who love San Bernardino,” said Martha Pinckney, chair of the Bicentennial Celebration Gala. “Its purpose is to celebrate the bicentennial of our city. It’s a party that has been in the making for 200 years.”

Tickets for the Bicentennial Celebration Gala are $100 per person. To order tickets, go to http://sanbernardino200.org or call 909.886.2528.

Although the Bicentennial Celebration is taking place throughout 2010, the Bicentennial Celebration Gala kicks off eight days of concentrated events.

Other events taking place in the week to follow are:
• The Mayor’s Run May 16 at Arrowhead Credit Union Park. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., the first race at 8:00 a.m. Call Mitch Assumma at (909) 384-5233 for an application or visit http://sanbernardino200.org.
• The Festival of Faiths 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. May 16 at Little League Western Regional Stadium. Call the Rev. Petra Malleis-Steinberg at (909) 886-4911 if your church wishes to take part.
• A Bicentennial Celebration monument dedication and Centennial Celebration monument rededication at Inland Center Drive and I Street, 10:00 a.m. May 20 with a reception immediately following at the California Welcome Center, 1955 Hunts Lane, San Bernardino.
• A parade through downtown and a festival celebration before and after at Meadowbrook Park on May 22. The parade begins at 4:00 p.m., the festival celebration at 12 noon.

Other upcoming Bicentennial Celebration Events:

Music will highlight May 7 and 8 with an adaptation of Mozart’s opera “Cosi Fan Tutte” at the University’s P.A. Recital Hall.

May 8 and 9, the celebration debuts Railroad Days at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum at the historic Depot. The historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive will be brought to San Bernardino for this event which takes place 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.

Join the contestants at the San Bernardino’s Got Talent Show on June 19 at the Sturges Center of Performing Arts at 7:00 p.m. when the finalists will perform their acts. Winners will be announced at this event.

The Bicentennial festivities on July 4th at the 66ers Stadium in the Arrowhead Credit Union Park will have live entertainment, food and a fireworks display unlike any the city has previously seen.

The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and other events taking place in the latter part of 2010 will also feature a tie-in to San Bernardino’s Bicentennial, keeping the celebration alive throughout the year.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee), Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee) and John Valdivia. The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.

Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: The Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and Dameron Communications (Public Relations.)

For more information, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org