(San Bernardino, Calif) Helen Yuman spent most of her life as a professional singer. Now, after a few years off, it’s time to get back to work doing what she loves most singing in front of a live audience at churches, weddings, banquets and events.
“I started out with my two sisters in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the ‘60s,” she recalls. “We were the Georgettes, performing for our church and doing lots of backup singing. We made about 10 records. None became national hits, but were big in the New Jersey, New York area. We did a lot of that sort of work, just to keep singing.” And “keep singing” she did. “We were on radio a lot and did a ‘Bandstand’ TV show.” The Georgettes even performed at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem during a talent search series, winning the top spot on Week One.
Then, twenty years of experience later, she was asked to join the famed Clara Ward Singers. “Mrs. Ward had heard me singing at an event at Norton Air Force Base.” The facility, in San Bernardino, was a prominent military operation until it was closed in the ‘90s. “She came up to me afterward,” Yuman remembers, “and asked me to audition for her. As a result, I joined the group and performed with them for five years.”
Clara Ward’s Ward Singers reached fame for bringing gospel music out of the church and onto stages and into nightclubs, introducing audiences to often their first taste of gospel and spirituals, even playing Las Vegas and Disneyland in the process.
Before her hiatus from the stage, Helen Yuman sang for churches throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Nevada and on much of both coasts. Venues included NAACP events, appearances with the gospel great Prof. James Cleveland, yearly Martin Luther King celebrations and the annual conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal churches held in Los Angeles and Oakland. Critics have said, “She is brilliantly able to reach the masses with her spiritual uplifting voice.”
It’s time now for Yuman to get back to what she loves best – singing. “I want to perform for the ‘people’ again. I don’t any longer need big stages and large groups. I like the intimacy of singing for weddings, banquets, church functions and community organizations. My voice and enthusiasm are as strong as ever.”
To reach Helen Yuman for bookings, call her at 909/888-0017.
(San Bernardino, CA) Recognizing that the modeling industry is often based on trim bodies and good looks, Inland Empire-based modeling agency 909Models.com is offering its models a free exercise class. The classes will be from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. starting on Tuesday, July 10. Classes are conducted by certified personal trainer Malaika Jacocks Dameron. The classes are open to both men and women. Dameron got into personal training after she had a baby and was trying to lose the pregnancy weight. “I began a workout program in my home and lost four dress sizes,” she said. “I loved it, so I studied for three years, now I am a certified personal fitness trainer. I help other people stay motivated, lose inches and meet their own personal fitness goals.” “These classes are for members of 909Models.com,” said Carl Dameron, agency owner. “We help local people break into the world of modeling. The goal is to help local models find work with local firms who are looking for local models.” Applicants interested in participating in 909Models.com have to pay a one-time $100 membership fee. “There is no $1,500 fee for modeling classes or photos,” Dameron said. The agency currently has more than 100 models on its books of all shapes, races and sizes. Dameron said 909Models.com is offering the free training class as a benefit to its models. “We know sometimes it can be difficult to pay for gym memberships when you are getting started in this business,” he said. “This service helps our models stay fit and learn the correct exercise techniques. To keep a great looking body.” For more information call (909) 888-0017 or go www.909models.com
Tired of those 3-4 hours a day commutes to and from work down below? “Who isn’t?” asks Carl Dameron, head of the Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair. “We should be spending that valuable time with our families, our communities, not slugging through tens of thousands of other cars every morning and evening. Leaving at six or seven and getting home at seven or eight. What a waste of time and energy.” It’s that goal that drives San Bernardino’s Dameron Communications to do all possible to get the word out about terrific job opportunities in the Inland Empire, utilizing radio, on line media and print.. Five days a week, at 4:55 a.m., KOLA-FM, 99.9, announces three of the best local job opportunities with descriptions, salaries and application details selected from the best of more than 250,000 area listings. “The whole idea,” Dameron says, “is to help commuters find jobs closer to home.” On line, employers and potential employees can just go to www.iejob.com for listings and links to positions in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. And CalJobs shows statewide positions for people ready for a career relocation. Employees may post their resumes for companies and departments to review, or simply apply for an appropriate opening. And it’s all free to both employers and employees. In print, let’s say you’re an employer looking for local workers. Dameron Communications has arranged the simplest way to buy announcement ads in area minority publications. All you have to do is call them at 909/888-0017 and your ads will appear in Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, West Side Story, Inland Valley Daily News, La Prensa, El Chicano and Hispanic News. There’s more job opportunities, too. The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, the coordinator and sponsor of the Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair, with Dameron Communications, presents fall and spring job fairs where as many as a hundred employers send recruiters to welcome the thousands of attendees searching for area positions. They’ll sit with people and discuss their experiences and career desires, review resumes and see if there’s a possible “fit” within their operation. For instance, the area’s 62nd Assembly District member, Wilmer Carter, is sponsoring a U.S. Department of Forestry job fair July 28 at the Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club, 1180 West 9th Street. The Forestry department has 3,000 immediate openings in positions from offices to outdoors. Then on July 30 the Boys & Girls club will be the site for a Law Enforcement and Firefighters Job Fair. Again, it’s all free. As Dameron puts it, “The Inland Empire is loaded with job openings, while thousands and thousands of area residents either yearn to stop all that time-consuming and expensive driving or just want to stay closer to home to devote time to family and friends. Listen to our radio spots, check our on line listings or read the ads in the minority media. Thousands of jobs are awaiting the most interested and aggressive employees.”
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Ratibu Shadidi, entrepreneur, veteran of the Civil Rights movement and activist for African American cultural heritage, is the guest speaker at the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce (www.ieaacc.com)’s meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, July 24. The meeting is held in the conference room of Dameron Communications located at 255 N. D. Street in San Bernardino. Shadidi, also known as Bill Jacocks, talks about his two-year struggle to write and publish his new book “Ratibu Shadidi: Incidents, Struggles and Divine Interventions.” The book details Shadidi’s life from a small boy in Virginia to a successful business owner in California. Shadidi was active in the Civil Rights movement and has encouraged African Americans to get in touch with their African roots through cultural events such as Kwanzaa. A community leader for more than 20 years, Shadidi is owner of Elegant Floors, a carpet store, and a former field representative for California State Sen. Ruben Ayala. He is married to California State Assembly member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto). “Ratibu’s story serves as inspiration to our members,” said Delores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce (IEAACC.) “He has seen it all, from the Civil Rights struggle to the modern-day movement to teach African Americans their true heritage.” Founded in 1990, the IEAACC helps African American businesses, families and professionals succeed in the Inland Empire. For more information about the IEAACC call (909) 888-5223 or go online to www.ieaacc.com.
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Anaheim resident Dr. Kim Vander Dussen has been named president-elect of the Orange County Chapter of the Association Play Therapy. Currently, an officer in the organization, her term goes into effect in January 2008.
The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy is made up of psychologists, therapists, social workers and counselors who are interested in play therapy. There are 300 members of the California Chapter of the Association of Play Therapists.
“Play therapy is a developmental-based treatment approach to working with children 12 and under,” Vander Dussen said. “Because children process their emotional experiences differently than adults, they can’t verbalize their emotions, the same way. Clinicians are trained to use play activity to help children work through their psychological issues.”
Vander Dussen is a professor in the psychology department at Argosy University’s Orange County campus. An instructor for three years, Sshe teaches courses such as Child and Adult Development, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Therapy Practicum, and a first-year orientation class.
Vander Dussen has a bachelor’s degreesa bachelor ’s degree in psychology and human services from California State University, Fullerton, and master’s and doctorate degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has been a professor at Argosy University for three years and also has her own private practice. Vander Dussen also previously worked as a community mental health provider in Orange County.
“We are very proud of Dr. Vander Dussen’s accomplishments with the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University’s Orange County campus. ““It is a testimony to the quality of our campus and programs that we have a faculty member of Dr. Vander Dussen’s stature and expertise.”
As president of the organization Vander Dussen is responsible for overseeing regional and local training for play therapists. “It takes about two years for therapists to become registered play therapists,” Vander Dussen said. She said that certified play therapists have to take 150 educational hours. “There are additional requirements related to supervision and play therapy experience in addition to 150 hours of training, supervision and experience,” Vander Dussen said.
Vander Dussen teaches courses in the doctorate in Clinical Psychology program. “Students graduating from the program are going into careers as clinical psychologist,” , she said. “There is high demand in the career field. ” she said. “Our students haven’t had any issues finding employment.”
The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy’s next professional education workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Argosy University’s Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana.
For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty. For more information about the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy call Debra Solseng at (949) 701-5930.
Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, has been awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.) The award is going to be presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., in Riverside at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21. “The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.” Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as commissioner for First 5 and Children and Families Commission. Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent four and half years in northern Mexico. As the son of a minister, Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best health care possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with the dignity, compassion and respect. “It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said. This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as Riverside and San Bernardino’s best health care provider. The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle is also the state’s no. 1 enroller of Healthy Families, an insurance program for children and teens from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance. Arteaga opened his first clinic in Fontana and expanded into San Bernardino in 1988. Formed in 1996, LaSalle Medical Associates is currently one of the largest independent practice association’s in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The company has clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana, Hesperia and Lake Elsinore. For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407. or go to www.lasallemedical.com.
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Anaheim resident Dr. Kim Vander Dussen has been named president-elect of the Orange County Chapter of the Association Play Therapy. Currently, an officer in the organization, her term goes into effect in January 2008.
The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy is made up of psychologists, therapists, social workers and counselors who are interested in play therapy. There are 300 members of the California Chapter of the Association of Play Therapists.
“Play therapy is a developmental-based treatment approach to working with children 12 and under,” Vander Dussen said. “Because children process their emotional experiences differently than adults, they can’t verbalize their emotions, the same way. Clinicians are trained to use play activity to help children work through their psychological issues.”
Vander Dussen is a professor in the psychology department at Argosy University’s Orange County campus. An instructor for three years, she teaches courses such as Child and Adult Development, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Therapy Practicum, and a first-year orientation class.
Vander Dussen has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from California State University, Fullerton, and master’s and doctorate degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has been a professor at Argosy University for three years and also has her own private practice. Vander Dussen also previously worked as a community mental health provider in Orange County.
“We are very proud of Dr. Vander Dussen’s accomplishments with the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University’s Orange County campus. ““It is a testimony to the quality of our campus and programs that we have a faculty member of Dr. Vander Dussen’s stature and expertise.”
As president of the organization Vander Dussen is responsible for overseeing regional and local training for play therapists. “It takes about two years for therapists to become registered play therapists,” Vander Dussen said. She said that certified play therapists have to take 150 educational hours. “There are additional requirements related to supervision and play therapy experience in addition to 150 hours of training, supervision and experience,” Vander Dussen said.
Vander Dussen teaches courses in the doctorate in Clinical Psychology program. “Students graduating from the program are going into careers as clinical psychologist,” she said. “There is high demand in the career field. ” “Our students haven’t had any issues finding employment.”
The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy’s next professional education workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Argosy University’s Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana.
For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty. For more information about the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy call Debra Solseng at (949) 701-5930.
Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.) The award was presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, in Riverside during the San Bernardino County Medical Societies annual installation banquet and awards dinner. “I accept this award not just for me but for the 124 doctors, nurses, and staff at LaSalle’s five clinics. This is recognition of the entire companies dedication to our patients and our communities,” said Arteaga. “The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.” Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as commissioner for First 5 and Children and Families Commission. Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent four and half years in northern Mexico. As the son of a minister, Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best health care possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with the dignity, compassion and respect. “It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said. This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as Riverside and San Bernardino’s best health care provider. The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle is also the state’s number one enroller of Healthy Families, an insurance program for children and teens from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance. What’s next? Arteaga is currently completing the creation of a nonprofit foundation to further his vision to help underserved communities receive quality healthcare. “We envision that the LaSalle Foundation will help pay for healthcare serves for children and the elderly who cannot be covered by any other insurance program. Arteaga opened his first clinic in Fontana and expanded into San Bernardino in 1988. Formed in 1996, LaSalle Medical Associates is currently one of the largest independent practice association’s in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The company has clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana, Hesperia and Lake Elsinore. The father of three adopted children Arteaga lives in Grand Terrace with his with wife _______ son and youngest daughter. The Arteaga’s eldest daughter eldest attend the University of ________ in (city State.) She is studying to be a ___________. For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407. or go to www.lasallemedical.com.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Eldred Marshall, 26, began his classical piano studies at six. The following year saw his first public performance. Then at 16 he made his orchestral debut with the Victor Valley Symphony Orchestra, playing the first movement of Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto.
Marshall’s 2007-2008 will officially begin in September in Portland, Oregon, where he will launch his “Beethoven Project” series, playing the 32 piano sonatas of Beethoven in seven concerts at the Portland Community Music School. He is also scheduled to make appearances in New Haven, CT, Columbus, OH, Phoenix, AZ, San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. He will repeat his “Beethoven Project” series in eight concerts at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco in January and March of 2008.
He has performed all over the world, playing throughout the United States, Italy, the Republic of San Marino and Spain. His catholic solo repertoire spans almost 500 years, from Byrd to the music of the 21st Century. Additionally, he has a large repertoire when it comes to chamber music as well as piano concertos, as he is frequently sought after as an accompanist as well as a soloist.
Marshall is a member of a very small club: black concert pianists. “Classical music is fundamentally a European tradition,” he says. “However, blacks have long participated in the development of Western music, having becoming celebrated composers and performers. It’s a shame that they’re not better known.”
“Andre Watts is the first internationally recognized black concert pianist,” Marshall continues. “He is a pioneer.” Watts became well known thanks to conductor Leonard Bernstein, who introduced to a nationwide audience on CBS television in 1963. “When I attended his live concert in Pasadena when I was 10, it proved to me that it [becoming a black concert pianist] can be done.”
The situation for black performers in classical music continues to be rough, but Marshall feels fully charged to share his art with as many people as possible in spite of the odds. “Opportunities for us are still few and far between,” Marshall says. “However, I enjoy defying stereotypes.”
“Whenever I introduce myself as a pianist, it is always assumed that I play jazz or gospel. None of my white or Asian colleagues have to clarify or defend themselves in that manner. For some players, the most annoying question is, ‘Who is your favorite composer?’ My most annoying question is ‘How come you don’t play jazz or sing while you play?’ I’m not bitter about other peoples’ ignorance, but I see it as a chance to show that we are all fundamentally human – the difference is only skin deep.”
When he isn’t performing concerts, Marshall is in great demand as a teacher and as a lecturer. He teaches privately to beginners, although he immensely enjoys his advanced students and giving master classes.
“There is a real hunger for good music,” Marshall says. “One of the best treats anyone can give himself is to expose himself to great music. We all appreciate music. It’s what makes us human.”
Dedicating his life to classical music is second nature. After all, he responded to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music as a baby before he responded to words.
Eldred Marshall currently divides his time between Rancho Cucamonga and Sacramento, and can be reached via e-mail at emar4@aol.com.
(San Bernardino, CA) Regardless of age, sex or size, if you’ve wondered if you have what it takes to be a model for ads, commercials, or videos, here’s your chance to find out. 909models.com, the fastest growing modeling agencies in the Inland Empire, launches a one-day open casting call Saturday, May 20 in San Bernardino. “We’re looking for new faces and fresh talent,” organizer Carl Dameron says, “People who want to work in Riverside, San Bernardino and surrounding counties. We have the clients, now we’re looking to expand our bank of models.” Models, singers, dancers and actors are in demand, and your age, your sex, your race or your size doesn’t matter. “Advertisers and producers often want models that the average person can identify with tall short full figures beautiful or plain, we need people of all ages, sexes and sizes,” Dameron adds. Just show up Saturday, May 20 looking your best (men in business attire, women in skirts or dresses, children dressed up). A professional photographer will be on-site for individual photo shoots. Models are asked to come camera-ready with their hair, make-up and accessories done. “We want the models to show us their best look to include on the 909Models.com website,” said Dameron. All models that come, will be added to 909Models.com’s talent roster, placed on their Web site and marketed to ad agencies, photographers and casting agents throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California. Parents or guardian must accompany attendees under 18. “We want to make sure that parents approve of young peoples modeling career,” said Dameron whose two girls are also members of 909-Models.com. The 909models.com web site currently shows a photo and the vital statistics, height weight, eye color and measurements of over 75 models. Last names and contact information are not shown to protect models privacy. “When companies are looking for models they go to 909models.com and search for the model or talent they want, then e-mail the request and we go from there,” said Dameron. 909models.com’s schedules an appointment for the client to meet the model and if they have the right look they hire them and schedule the shoot. Dameron got the idea for the 909Models.com after spending two week looking for models for a photo shoot. “We went over budget because of the extra time, so I though there has to be a better way. I got the idea that if I could see models online I could find the right one faster and save time and money. The result is 909Models.com,” said Dameron. “This opportunity is for real. No gimmicks, no surprises, no inflated fees just a lifetime $50 processing fee,” said Dameron. The open call is Saturday, May 20th from 9-2 at the 909models.com office, 255 North “D” St., Suite 209, in San Bernardino. For details or with questions, call (909) 888-0017 or log on to the Web site at www.909models.com.
