The graduating cohort of the 23rd annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA)
“This banquet is not just a celebration of the students’ hard work over the summer; it’s a celebration of our community’s future in healthcare,” said Dr. A.J. Rogers, Chairman of the J.W. Vines Foundation.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — The J.W. Vines Foundation will host a celebratory banquet on Thursday, August 14, 2025, to honor the graduating cohort of the 23rd annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA).
The event will recognize college students who completed the intensive five-week program designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of medical professionals from the Inland Empire.
The banquet will take place at 6:00 p.m. and will feature presentations from the students, who will share their experiences and key findings from the program.
This year’s academy provided students with paid opportunities to shadow surgeons, pediatricians, general practitioners, and other medical specialists in the region, offering a unique, hands-on look into the medical field.
EVSHA is a flagship program of the J.W. Vines Medical Society and its philanthropic arm, the J.W. Vines Foundation.
For more than two decades, the academy has been instrumental in creating a pathway for local college students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in health sciences.
“This banquet is not just a celebration of the students’ hard work over the summer; it’s a celebration of our community’s future in healthcare,” said Dr. A.J. Rogers, Chairman of the J.W. Vines Foundation.
“We invite the community to join us, hear directly from these bright and motivated individuals, and support our ongoing mission to cultivate a diverse and dedicated physician workforce for the Inland Empire,” Rogers added.
The event serves as an opportunity for community members, local leaders, and healthcare professionals to engage with the students and learn more about the impact of the J.W. Vines programs, providing service to Black and other underserved communities.
Event Details:
What:2025 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA) Banquet
When: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Canyon Crest Country Club, 975 Country Club Dr. Riverside, CA 92506
Proceeds from the banquet will support the J.W. Vines Foundation and its continued efforts to fund mentorship and educational programs.
The J.W. Vines Foundation board members and leadership team include: Left to Right: Dr. Anthony Fenison, Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Ernest Levister, Dr. A.J. Rogers, Kamie Taylor, and Dr. Michael Nduat. i
About the Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA): For 23 years, EVSHA has provided a five-week, paid summer immersion program for college students interested in health careers. Operated by the J.W. Vines Foundation, the academy offers invaluable physician-shadowing opportunities, professional development, and mentorship to cultivate future healthcare leaders from and for the Inland Empire.
Intern bios below
Alana Gibbs
Alana Gibbs is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a recent graduate of Miles College located in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Biology Pre-Med. Growing up, Alana was taught that as people, we are obligated to use our skills and strengths to make a difference and help others. This lesson has drawn her to pursue a career in medicine and has inspired her involvement in her community as well as at her institution.
As a student, Alana served as the Senior Class President for her graduating class. She worked closely with the administration to plan activities for students and advocated for the needs and wants of her peers to ensure students had enjoyable experiences as prospective graduates. Also, as a volunteer at her local food bank, the Good Samaritan Center, she works closely with owners to organize customer documents, maintain accurate records, and assist customers with their overall experience.
Alana’s unique blend of compassion, integrity, and adaptability will enable her to excel as an intern. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and baking.
Ayanna McAlister
Ayanna McAlister is a fifth-year Biology student at California State University, San Bernardino. She aspires to become an OB-GYN, where she can serve and advocate for underserved communities, particularly Black women and children in the Inland Empire, to advance Black maternal health. Her interest in this work stems from hearing her own mother’s traumatic childbirth experiences, which sparked her commitment to providing equal opportunity care for Black women.
Ayanna currently serves as the ASI Vice President of Finance and previously held the role of Vice President of the Medical and Pre-Health Student Society (MAPSS) in 2024. She has been a student leader since 2022, using her voice to advocate for student needs and equity in higher education. Her background as a Pre-health Student Advisor and volunteer in educational settings shows her dedication to helping others feel that their healthcare career goals are achievable.
Outside of academics, Ayanna enjoys creating digital content and using social media to inspire and connect with others. As a Black woman, she challenges the idea that Black women must fit into the boxes society creates and aims to show that Black women can thrive beyond those boxes, pursuing success on their terms.
Hana Roble
From Chino Hills, CA, Hana is a 2023 Biology graduate from the University of California, Riverside. Hana developed an interest in medicine through her family’s limited access to medical care in Somalia and her lived experiences navigating the healthcare system as a pediatric patient at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Hana hopes to become a physician to study the development of chronic diseases and how medicine can improve the health and quality of life of marginalized communities.
This past year, Hana served as a volunteer “Health Coach” at a Riverside Community Health Center, where she aided 12 patients looking for additional help in managing a chronic disease. By utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, Hana was able to
listen to systemic barriers that directly impact a patient’s health and assist the patient in setting and completing health goals. Hana is currently a Master of Public Health (MPH) student studying Urban Health Disparities at Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine, where she will soon begin public health field work. Additionally, Hana will serve as the Secretary for the 20252026 Public Health Student Association.
Hana’s interest in community building traces back to her undergraduate experiences, where she was able to serve as a Resident Advisor to 68 first-year students, a College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) Science Ambassador who led multiple tours during Highlander Days and Transfer-fests, and as a decathlon coach for middle school students at Riverside STEM Academy for the “Disease Detectives” group. Hana was able to lead her students to secure 1st and 2nd place in their division at the annual Science Olympiad competition. She returned to coach “Disease Detectives” and “Ecology” the following year. Hana hopes to become a family medicine provider to address the health concerns of underrepresented communities.
In her free time, Hana enjoys trying new restaurants–more importantly, matcha spots–hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, and going on hikes to beat her daily step records.
Keith Colde
Keith (KJ) Adeyemi Colder is a third-year Biology major at the illustrious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; originally from Pomona, California, now residing in Upland, California. Keith is a member of Morehouse’s Ultimate Frisbee team, where he serves as the Social Media Chair. Notably, this team became the first in HBCU history to win a sanctioned game of Ultimate Frisbee. He’s also involved in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a California Club, representing students from the West Coast.
Outside of campus, Keith works as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), assisting individuals with mental and physical disabilities to improve their quality of life. He has also volunteered at Western University as a simulation patient for medical students. Keith is exploring his interests in orthopedic surgery and radiology, inspired by his grandfather, a former football player who suffered a paralyzing arm injury. His goal is to become a healer for those facing similar challenges. Keith is driven by a desire to break barriers and be a role model for Black men and boys. He is passionate about showing that they, too, can thrive in positions of power and excel in roles they are often excluded from or discouraged from pursuing.
Sarah Peter
Sarah Peters is a 2024 graduate from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology, who furthered her academic preparation with a 4.0 GPA during a post-baccalaureate year at Norco Community College (2024-2025), where she was also an embedded tutor for Microbiology. Her foundational experience includes her role as a Certified Nurse Assistant since 2020, where she primarily supports elderly patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and those in hospice care. This commitment to healthcare stems from her personal experience caring for her father, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Beyond her direct patient care, Sarah has actively engaged in both academic and community leadership roles. At UCR, she served as Dance Captain and Event Coordinator for the Nigerian Student Association, helping to foster a safe and inclusive environment for her peers. Her dedication to learning and research is further evidenced by her six-month volunteer position in the Cavallero Lab at Charles Drew University, where she learned introductory lab techniques, such as imaging immunofluorescence through complex microscopes. That being said, she is an aspiring Internal Medicine Physician, and her journey is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and compassionate service, driven by a desire to serve her community both locally and in Nigeria. Outside of her professional pursuits, Sarah enjoys activities like going to the movies, learning her native tongue, shopping, bible study with friends, and dancing, of course!
Kulman says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work on their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Hospitality House is ready to provide temporary, stable shelter to homeless families and single women. Their target population also includes multi-generational families and single men with children as well.
“The Salvation Army Hospitality House serves as a safe refuge that provides residents with a supportive, caring environment and all the resources they need to deal with a wide variety of personal and/or family problems. It all starts with an emergency shelter that can keep participants safely housed for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on their circumstances,” says Program Manager Naomi Kulman.
At intake, each new arrival is assessed by trained staff from The Salvation Army. Once the scope of a client’s needs has been determined, each family is provided with a detailed, individualized case plan and assigned to a case manager who will maintain close contact throughout their entire stay.
Each family’s case plan includes comprehensive goals and objectives that cover their intake, transition to permanent housing, help in finding a steady job, legal advocacy, child welfare aid, and education. Every resident is treated as an individual with unique needs, and every case is different, receiving a customized case plan.
Homeless Family with six children reunited at The Salvation Army Hospitality House (Carl M. Dameron)
“People who come to Hospitality House may have been sleeping in their cars or have been recently released from a hospital. At the intake interview, each new resident gets clothing, bed linens, hygiene products, and a chance to take a breath after whatever ordeal they have just gone through,” says Kulman.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says one recent Hospitality House graduate.
“I’m a single mom, and I lost my job. Thank goodness, at least my 15-year-old car was paid off, and when we were no longer able to pay rent, that’s where we slept. I heard about Hospitality House from a friend, and the people there have helped me find a new job, secure a place to live, and even got me enrolled in a course that’s going to add to my skill set so I can advance in my newfound career.”
Kulman says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work on their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”
“Sometimes, that may include a referral to one of our partner agencies for things like mental health services, substance use, and legal aid. Whatever they need, we can either provide help in-house or get them connected to the right providers,” says Kulman.
As current resident K.L. notes, “I had a pretty bad rent history and I knew not many landlords would want to take a chance on me, even though I now have a decent job. But the Salvation Army has helped me reestablish a better tenant history, and now I have a place lined up to move to when my stay here ends next week.”
To speak with a Hospitality House representative, call (909) 888-4880 or visit the website at SBCSVA.com.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, serving San Bernardino since 1888, and supports those in need.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities.
Photo Caption: Majors Isias and Almeda Braga retire and are presented certificates of service by The Salvation Army Divisional Commanders, Colonels Mike and Cindy Dickinson.
According to Amrine, The Braga’s achievements include, in 2024, The Salvation Army serving 28,201 People in 25,022 households, providing 113,400 meals, and distributing groceries to 10,801 households. The Hospitality House provided 35,871 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. A total of 3,513 children participated in educational and recreational programs. 171 households were rapidly rehoused through deposit and rental assistance programs.
Highland, CA – Majors Isias and Almeda Braga recently celebrated their retirement at a heartfelt ceremony held at the Bear Springs Event Center. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Honorable Helen Tran, Mayor of San Bernardino, and the Honorable Mario Saucedo, Mayor of Redlands, as well as Salvation Army Divisional Commanders, Colonels Mike and Cindy Dickinson, and General Secretary, Major Barnes.
Other attendees included the Major’s family, retired Majors Doug and Sheryl Tollerud from Alaska, San Bernardino City Council members Fred Shorett and Ted Sanches, and local community leader and Attorney Bill Lemann.
Left to Right: San Bernardino City Council members Ted Sanches, Majors Isias and Almeda Braga, San Bernardiubno Mayor Helen Tran, and San Bernardino City Council members Fred Shorett.
“The ceremony highlighted the Bragas’ significant contributions to The Salvation Army and the communities they served over the years. Their leadership and commitment have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless individuals and families,” said Salvation Army Advisory Board President Cindy Amrine.
The occasion also featured members of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Cindy Amrine, of Ground Hog, Inc., Carl M. Dameron of Dameron Communications, and Brian Cronin, retired, Fred Shorett, Dr. Rachel Weiss, Dean of Grants Development and Administration, Riverside Community College, who gathered to honor the Bragas and reflect on their legacy. The event was filled with heartfelt tributes, showcasing the impact of their service and dedication.
According to Amrine, The Braga’s achievements include, in 2024, The Salvation Army serving 28,201 People in 25,022 households, providing 113,400 meals, and distributing groceries to 10,801 households. The Hospitality House provided 35,871nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. A total of 3,513 children participated in educational and recreational programs. 171householdswere rapidly rehoused through various deposit and rental assistance programs.
The Salvation Army welcomes donations of food, clothing, toys, and money, which can be dropped off at the Hospitality House at 925 W. 10th Street, San Bernardino, or at the Citadel office at 838 Alta Street, in Redlands. Donations can also be made online at SBCSVA.org.
For more information or help, call The Salvation Army at (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, having served San Bernardinosince 1888 and supported those in need.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities.
Photo caption: Dameron Communications announced its commitment to supporting KVCR Public Radio—Carl M. Dameron at KVCR Studios with Rick Dulock and Manuel Saucdo.
“KVCR’s in-depth reporting and commitment to education are essential for a thriving Inland Empire, and we are proud to support their vital work,” said Carl M. Dameron, owner of Dameron Communications.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Dameron Communications announced its commitment to supporting KVCR Public Radio, the Inland Empire’s local NPR station broadcasting on 91.9 FM. This commitment underscores Dameron Communications’ dedication to fostering a well-informed and engaged community in the Inland Empire.
KVCR, a public service of the San Bernardino Community College District, is a vital resource for news, information, education, culture, and community engagement in the Inland Empire. Its mission is to build a better region through diverse local media that inspires and entertains in the community and the classroom.
“KVCR’s in-depth reporting and commitment to education are essential for a thriving Inland Empire, and we are proud to support their vital work,” said Carl M. Dameron, owner of Dameron Communications.
KVCR is the primary affiliate for National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and American Public Media in the Riverside/San Bernardino market. Supporting KVCR helps ensure continued access to high-quality news and diverse programming, from in-depth local reporting to cultural and educational content.
This partnership aligns with KVCR’s vision to create a trusted destination that facilitates conversations for an engaged citizenry and builds a better future through community participation.
About KVCR
KVCR 91.9 FM is an NPR member radio station serving Inland Southern California. The station is owned and operated by the San Bernardino Community College District and is dedicated to serving as the cultural, educational, informational, and communication hub of the Inland Empire. KVCR’s programming emphasizes educational programs, thought-provoking content, objective journalism, and engagement in the arts, media, and sciences.
About Dameron Communications
Dameron Communications is a full-service communications agency that combines unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods. The agency’s experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering winning and measurable results for its clients.
Photo Caption: Naomi Kuhlman talks with a homeless woman about her options for assistance. She and her spouse were camped out in Redlands Sylvan Park.
“Our trained outreach teams go to where the homeless people are and engage them in personal conversations to discover and deal with the reasons they are unhoused,” said Naomi Kuhlman, Program Manager.
REDLANDS, Calif.—The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps deploys two specialized vans, each with a two- to three-person team, that are deployed throughout the greater San Bernardino/Redlands service area to engage with and locate unhoused individuals where they can be found. These teams also receive referrals from local areas and are sent out to provide assistance. Two teams in Redlands and three in San Bernardino are changing lives for the better.
The attractively painted Salvation Army vans are welcomed wherever they go, as the word is spreading that the people inside can provide genuine assistance. “Our trained outreach teams go to where the homeless people are and engage them by providing basic necessities such as water or food and have conversations to discover and deal with the reasons they are unhoused,” said Naomi Kuhlman, Salvation Army of San Bernardino’s Director of Programs.
Since 2020, thanks to a $1,059,712 grant to get the program started and additional funding and support from several city and county agencies, as well as private and public organizations and nonprofits, The Salvation Army has been able to help many people reunite with their families, resolve their homelessness, get stable housing and start on the path to independent living.
Photo Caption: “Our trained ‘Street Teams’ outreach teams go to where the homeless people are and engage them in person by providing basic necessities such as water or food and have conversations to discover and deal with the reasons they are unhoused,” said Naomi Kuhlman, Salvation Army Street Team and Homeless Shelter Program of San Bernardino’s Director of Programs.
“This is a broad-based effort that combines Salvation Army program services from across the local 13-city service area,” said Kuhlman. “We reach out and contact unhoused people wherever they may be, and we spend time to get to know them and their individual concerns and needs. We take an individualized case-management approach. Sometimes, it’s a Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Voucher, a phone call, or a text; other times, it might involve advocating for behavioral health services or assisting with placement in permanent housing. We get done what needs to be done and help connect the dots so that those we serve don’t fall through the cracks.”
The Salvation Army’s partners and collaborators in the program include the City’s of San Bernardino and Redlands, the County of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino and Redlands Police Departments, the County of San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department and Probation Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, local water districts, and various nonprofits such as Healthcare in Action and Goodwill.
“There are many reasons why people may be homeless and a variety of circumstances that may get in the way of providing shelter for someone,” says Kuhlman.
PHOTO CAPTION: A Salvation Army “Hope on Wheels” helps a couple who are living in their Van parked in Redlands Sylvan Park.
“Whether it’s a phone call that results in reuniting someone with family they have been estranged from or getting someone’s service dog veterinary care and current shots so they can bring their support animal with them to a shelter, we do what it takes to make help happen. You can understand why we call this work that we get to do providing ‘Hope on Wheels,’” says Kuhlman.
Help can range from something as simple as providing a bottle of water or a snack, to enrolling in a vocational training program, receiving behavioral health services, assistance with preparing a résumé, or any other items deemed necessary to aid in focusing on Individual Service Plans.
According to Kuhlman, the concept that drives the Outreach Teams’ effort is providing individualized options for care and support.
In 2024, The Salvation Army served 28,201 People in 25,022 households, provided 113,400 meals, and distributed groceries to 10,801 households. The Hospitality House provided 35,871nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. A total of 3,513 children participated in educational and recreational programs. 171householdswere rapidly rehoused through various deposit and rental assistance programs.
he Salvation Army welcomes donations of food, clothing, toys, and money, which can be dropped off at 925 W. 10th Street, San Bernardino, or at the Citadel office at 838 Alta Street, in Redlands. Donations can also be made online at SBCSVA.org.
For more information or help, call The Salvation Army at (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, having served San Bernardinosince 1888 and supported those in need.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities.
Carl M. Dameron with friends at last year’s Golf Tournament
Celebrity Golf Classic Raises Funds for Youth Education and Business Development
SAN DIMAS, CA — The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Youth Power Community Solutions, is hosting the 29th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, June 16, 2025. The event will take place at the Via Verde Country Club, located at 1400 Avenida Entrada in San Dimas.
“This fundraiser event brings together business leaders, celebrities, and community champions for a day of golf, networking, and purpose—all to support programs that empower youth and promote small business development across Southern California,” said Rich Wallace, President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce.
Tee Off for a Cause Details:
· Check-In: 7:00 AM
· Tee Time: 8:00 AM Shotgun Start
· Location: Via Verde Country Club, San Dimas, CA
· Dinner & Awards: Following tournament play
Participants can look forward to celebrity guests, contests, and entertainment throughout the day, along with an awards dinner and networking opportunities with professionals and entrepreneurs. Sponsorships and foursomes are currently available for those interested in supporting the cause.
Rialto Residents enjoy custom artwork and the publication “The ABC’s of A Black Man’s Principles” by Juneteenth Jam Art Exhibit Curator, Mark Anothony Howard, “The Gritz” 2024
Rialto, CA – Rialto’s Juneteenth Jam is back for 2025. The event celebrates the national holiday of Juneteenth. Last year, more than 5,000 community members attended, and 100+ local organizations participated. The free public celebration honoring freedom, unity, and Black culture will occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4 PM to 9 PM at Ferguson Park in Rialto, California.
According to the United States Capitol Historical Society, recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday also allows Americans to contemplate the complicated processes of emancipation after President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862.
Specifically, Juneteenth marks the day (June 19, 1865) when a Union Army general, Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and demanded that the state’s more than 250,000 enslaved people be set free.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed, with Members of Congress, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act at the White House.
“The Juneteenth Jamis supported by local community organizations including Tomorrow’s World, the National Council of Negro Women, the Mayor Deborah Robertson Foundation, KICKit World, Inland Empire Pastors, local Divine nine chapters, Say Go EJ, Dameron Communications, and others,” said Juneteenth Jam Founder Vickie Davis. “Together, these organizations are bringing the community together for a day of joy, empowerment, and connection.”
Live Entertainment & Activities: Basketball, skating, flag football, wellness circles, pickleball, and more.
Vendor Marketplace: Local food, clothing, jewelry, and artisan vendors.
Classic Car Display: Showcasing vintage and custom vehicles.
Family-Friendly Fun: Games, music, and community bonding.
Rialto’s former Mayor Deborah Robertson honored by the Rialto Fire Department Juneteenth Jam 2023
Juneteenth Jam strengthens the village mentality within our community by creating a space where residents, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and leaders from all sectors, at every level, come together. We unite to foster a deeper understanding of humanity and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our community,” said Davis.
Davis invites businesses and organizations to sponsor the event. “Contributions will help ensure the Juneteenth Jam remains free and accessible. Join us for a day of celebration, unity, and community pride!”
Boys and girls learned how to make their own preserves to top the scones that were served with tea. Left to right: Ariana Alvarada, Naiomy Zepeda and Emilin Zepeda. Photo by Chris Sloan
“This year’s American Girl Tea Party will delight everyone from toddlers to grandparents,” says San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board president Cheryl Brown.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA. — Toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents are all invited to attendthis year’sAmerican Girl Tea Partyon Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm atthe Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, which is hosting an American Girl Tea Party sponsored by the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
Board president and former California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown began organizing the event on behalf of the Foundation five years ago. Cheryl, Board member Debra Fields, and a team of supporters brought together families for the event. “This year’s American Girl tea party will delight toddlers to grandparents,” said Brown.
American Girl dolls are teen favorites, but very expensive to buy. So, Brown brought the idea to the library foundation board that these dolls, along with the life story books accompanying them, be made available for checkout at the downtown library. The board approved her initiative, and the library now has many dolls that youngsters can borrow.
Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Maurice Arellano, school Principal Dr. Chris Tickell, library foundation President Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, library Executive Director Ed Erjavec, Denneigh Denton and Lynn Summers from the University of California Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers, and student volunteers from Arroyo Valley High School combined forces to support the event.
R.. Tickell has made this his signature event and hosts it annually. This is the third year that the teahas beens held at the school.
American Girl dolls and books were raffled off to children who attended the tea party. Photo by Chris Sloan
The Master Gardeners and Preservers will provide educational content as the attendees learn about growing microgreens and taking home a container of seeds to grow.
Participants included girls and boys, old and young, as the event showcaseds educational content meant for everyone, not just young ladies. Entertainment included an engaging storyteller, tabletop craft games, and more.
There will be several door prizes. “Last year, many of the children went home with a gift,” said Brown. “We gave away nine large dolls, six mini dolls, and several sticker books.”
For more information, call (909) 381-8201 or go toEventbriteand look for American Girl Tea Party, or click herehttps://bit.ly/4iEGKDu
Tea party table-top crafts were a family affair. Left to right: Everhrda Gomez, Valentin Gomez and Maria Gomez. Photo by Chris Sloan
About the San Bernardino City Library Foundation
The San Bernardino City Library Foundation’s mission is to ensure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.
Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audiobooks, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.
Photo caption: The Salvation Army team sets up a new 10,000-square-foot retail space in Chino, offering an accessible shopping and donation experience in one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors. The address is 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
“Each donation and each purchase help The Salvation Army do more than fund ARC recovery programs—they inspire possibility,” said Major Donald Sheppard, Administrator for Development at The Salvation Army San Bernardino ARC
Chino, CA – The Salvation Army announces the grand opening of a new Chino Thrift Store at 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. “The expansive 10,000-square-foot retail space will offer an accessibleshopping and donation experience in one of Chino’s busiest commercial corridors,” said Major Donald Sheppard, Administrator for Development at The Salvation Army San Bernardino ARC.
According to Sheppard, the Chino location will employ 16 team members. This is one of six retail locations, including five thrift stores and one thrift outlet, supporting the life-changing work of The Salvation Army San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).
The ARC’s 122-bed residential program provides housing, counseling, and work therapy to men seeking recovery and a fresh start. Established in 1991, the San Bernardino ARC has served the Inland Empire community for 34 years.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Chino community into this new space where every item purchased or donated contributes to restoring lives,” said Sheppard. “This store is more than just a place to shop—it’s a hub for hope and transformation.”
Photo Caption: “Treasure hunters, budget-conscious families, and sustainability-minded shoppers alike will find something special on every visit,” said Sheppard
The new thrift store will offer a variety of gently used clothing, accessories, furniture, home goods, and more—all at affordable prices. “Treasure hunters, budget-conscious families, and sustainability-minded shoppers alike will find something special on every visit,” said Sheppard.
To celebrate opening day, customers can enter to win a $100 gift certificate and enjoy surprise prize giveaways throughout the day.
In addition to providing great deals, the Chino Thrift Store aims to strengthen its ties with the community by working with local creatives, sustainability advocates, and social influencers to highlight eco-conscious shopping and innovative upcycling ideas.
“Each donation and each purchase helps The Salvation Army do more than fund ARC programs—they inspire possibility. Together, we’re turning secondhand into second chances.
Come celebrate the grand opening with us—discover unique finds, support your community, and be part of the mission to transform lives through the restoration of mind, body, and soul,” said Sheppard.
San Bernardino County Salvation Army Thrift stores are in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Hesperia, and now Chino.
Photo caption: The new signs are not up yet, and work inside is getting done. The address is 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The Salvation Army operates the largest and most successful network of Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in the nation. For over 100 years, The Salvation Army has provided spiritual, emotional, and social assistance to individuals who have struggled to cope with life’s challenges. The Salvation Army’s 80+ ARCs are primarily funded by the sale of donated goods in thrift stores. Each year, thousands of ARC graduates transform their lives, reunite with families, and bring hope to communities across the country. Services are offered on a charitable basis, generally at no cost, and without the need for insurance. For more information, visit WesternARC.SalvationArmy.org.
Alana Gibbs is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a recent graduate of Miles College located in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Biology Pre-Med. Growing up, Alana was taught that as people, we are obligated to use our skills and strengths to make a difference and help others. This lesson has drawn her to pursue a career in medicine and has inspired her involvement in her community as well as at her institution.
From Chino Hills, CA, Hana is a 2023 Biology graduate from the University of California, Riverside. Hana developed an interest in medicine through her family’s limited access to medical care in Somalia and her lived experiences navigating the healthcare system as a pediatric patient at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Hana hopes to become a physician to study the development of chronic diseases and how medicine can improve the health and quality of life of marginalized communities.
Keith (KJ) Adeyemi Colder is a third-year Biology major at the illustrious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; originally from Pomona, California, now residing in Upland, California. Keith is a member of Morehouse’s Ultimate Frisbee team, where he serves as the Social Media Chair. Notably, this team became the first in HBCU history to win a sanctioned game of Ultimate Frisbee. He’s also involved in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a California Club, representing students from the West Coast.
Sarah Peters is a 2024 graduate from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology, who furthered her academic preparation with a 4.0 GPA during a post-baccalaureate year at Norco Community College (2024-2025), where she was also an embedded tutor for Microbiology. Her foundational experience includes her role as a Certified Nurse Assistant since 2020, where she primarily supports elderly patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and those in hospice care. This commitment to healthcare stems from her personal experience caring for her father, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
