“Our entire approach can be summed up as ‘Friendship Is Good for One’s (Mental) Health,'” says Ceseña. “Friends need to learn how to help their friends—and family—when life starts getting them down. The skills learned are immediately useful and give men (and women) real solutions when life for their friends and loved ones becomes overwhelming.”
“Our classes teach people how to recognize and support those who are carrying heavy mental health or addiction burdens,” said Ceseña.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— “Men in general and Black and Latino men, in particular, don’t like to talk about their emotions,” says Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program director Gerzon Ceseña. “They don’t want to appear weak or vulnerable because they have been taught their whole lives that men don’t cry and must always be strong.”
The Making Hope Happen Foundation obtained grant funding to open a training program that teaches people how to accurately recognize when someone may be in need and then, using proven techniques, helps them to take the first step—to open up and talk.
“We don’t offer clinical training,” said Ceseña, “but we do offer an introductory QPR Gatekeeper (Question, Persuade, Refer) course and two Mental Health First Aid courses, one that focuses on adults and one on youth. They both include lessons about anxiety, depression, symptoms of psychosis, and how to recognize the cues that can help participants refer them to the appropriate professionals,” said Ceseña.
Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program director Gerzon Ceseña
In addition, suicidal thoughts or feelings of desperation can also be contributing factors. The IE Men’s Mental Health initiative introductory course lasts only 90 minutes and trains participants on how to recognize suicidal ideation and gives students practical advice on how to get those suffering from this condition to open up about it.
“Our entire approach can be summed up as ‘Friendship Is Good for One’s (Mental) Health,'” says Ceseña. “Friends need to learn how to help their friends—and family—when life starts getting them down. The skills learned are immediately useful and give men (and women) real solutions when life for their friends and loved ones becomes overwhelming.”
The Making Hope Happen Foundation supports the educational mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District which has embraced the power of hope as a primary driver of personal motivation and community change. Making Hope Happen Foundation engages people, builds partnerships, provides leadership, and delivers resources where they are needed to achieve a thriving and innovative community in which every student is a life-long learner and can be successful in meeting their hopes and aspirations. For more information, please visit www.MakingHope.org.
The Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health initiative offers free mental health training for non-professionals, equipping them to recognize, approach and support friends, family, and colleagues. With support from Dignity Health and the Unihealth Foundation, Making Hope Happen Foundation has trained thousands of local men and women in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid and/or QPR Gatekeeper.
For more information on The IE Men’s Mental Health Initiative please visit www.IEMensMentalHealth.org or call (909) 347-7234.
San Bernardino City Unified School District board candidate Mikki Cichocki
“Every student deserves a chance to succeed,” says San Bernardino City Unified School District board candidate Mikki Cichocki.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. When Mikki Cichocki was leaving Starbucks recently, one of her former sixth-grade students called out to say, “Hello.” Cichocki was happy to learn that her former youth court student is now studying to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Crafton Hills College.
“I have always been drawn to help students in need,” said Cichocki. “There is not much that can compare to seeing ayoungster turn their life around and get on the road to graduation and a rewarding career. “
And that sums up why she is now running for the open Board position with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. “We really need to invest in every child because all children have potential, for some that potential is untapped. I want to make sure all children can grow and succeed.
“It is essential that we increase the resources devoted to providing student support. We need additional counseling services to meet the increased post-pandemic demand. We need to invest in expanding curriculum offerings like vocational, visual, and performing arts. You never know which student might turn out to be the next Steve Jobs, Awkwafina or Banksy, the next Denzel Washington or Jennifer Lopez. We just cannot predict that, so we must nurture each child to unlock their possible futures.”
Cichocki started Cal Poly Pomona as a business major and never expected to teach. But she soon changed her major to liberal arts, although still envisioning a business-related career. After graduation, she went to work for Xerox but then took a position as an instructional aide and substitute teacher. She loved it.
“When the district opened up a full-time teaching position, I applied and was selected to teach first-graders at Arrowhead Elementary,” said Cichocki. “I was hooked, I knew I had found my calling.”
The long list of those who have endorsed Mikki Cichocki for school board includes such notables as former San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Herb Fischer, current Superintendent Theodore “Ted” Alejandre and former SBCUSD Board Member Lynda Savage, as well as the San Bernardino Teachers Association and the Inland Empire Labor Council.
Mikki Cichocki believes that all stakeholders need to have their voices heard. As a former active PTA member, she believes that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus.
Mikki Cichocki’s campaign manager is Patty Taylor, her treasurer is Don Taylor, and Dameron Communications provides advertising and public relations services. For more information on Mikki Cichocki’s campaign, visit her campaign’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mikki4SBCUSD
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About Mikki Cichocki
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1988. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she led the effort to work with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
PHOTO CAPTION: Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, will deliver the keynote address at the kick-off event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle campaign.
“We are delightedto have Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, serve as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Ked Kettle Kick-Off,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.
REDLANDS, CALIF.—Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, will deliver the keynote address at the kick-off event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle campaign.
The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated through the joy of caring, sharing and donations to The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles. The ringing of the Silver Bells begins with The Red Kettle Kick-Off. This year’s event is Thursday November 17th at 5:30 PM.
For nearly 50 years, Chairwoman Valbuena has held numerous elected and appointed positions within San Manuel tribal government.
Valbuena has held several officer positions on the Business Committee, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice Chairwoman and now her fifth terms as Chairwoman. Valbuena also has a long history of service and leadership with regional, state and national organizations, including the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), where she is currently serving her 27th year as Chairwoman.
PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga.
“We are delighted to have Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, serve as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Ked Kettle Kick-Off,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “The tribe has supported the mission of The Salvation Amy for decades. We are honored to serve the same community,” he added.
PHOTO CAPTION: Red Kettle Kick Off
Lynn remains focused on serving the San Manuel tribal community and continuing efforts to preserve and strengthen the Tribe’s Serrano culture, governmental sovereignty and the Tribe’s long tradition of service to all who dwell or visit Serrano ancestral lands that includes the San Bernardino valley.
In 2019–20 The Salvation Army served 22,268 households that included 105,602 meals and 10,072 households receiving groceries. The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 1,612 at-risk children participated in educational and recreational programs.
For Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for about 500 local families. On Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that before covid, historically provided a delicious meal to approximately 200 people. Donations from people who donate to the Red Kettles help make this possible.
The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy and the mountain communities.
Suggested donation for the Red Kettle Kick Off is $250 per person, Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For local information call (909) 792-6868. Donors may drop off turkeys, hams, other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands California, 92373.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. 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. To donate go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
DSC06662 Photo Caption: A parents signs her daughter up for Girl Scouting in San Bernadino. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.) Families—complete with fathers, mothers, grandparents, and lots of daughters—attended the first American Girl Doll Tea Party in three years at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernadino. The Girl Scouts were there, and they signed up enough girls to start a new troop.
“Another great success of the American Girl Tea Party included Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio obtaining enough interest to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio.
DSC06659 Photo Caption: Girl Scout leaders were attended the American Girl Doll Tea Party scouting for new members. Left to right: Linda Scroggins, Knea Hawley, Concetta Miller and Debra Donnell. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
“Girl Scouts is a great way to help girls learn new skills and make friends, but the pandemic has made it difficult for some troops to meet,” says Hawley. “I am thrilled to see the outpouring of support for girls and scouting. We’re grateful to have Girl Scout alumna Ivana Wright, who led a troop before the pandemic, and will lead this new one.
“I am really excited to work with a new group of girls and help them gain life skills, develop their interest in community and champion girls who will make the world a better place,” said Ivana Wright, Girl Scout of the Year 2017.
Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr. says, “The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact. The joining of local girls with The Girl Scouts at a Foundation-sponsored event, is a fine example of how the Library Foundation helps our community do just that.”
Photo Caption: Girls and Boys of all ethnicities attended the recent American Girl Tea Party. The Girl Scouts enough interest to start a new Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The doll collection and the multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
“The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit. It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal,” said Angela Encinas, Children’s Librarian.
For more information on how to join the new San Bernardino Troop or to start a new Girl Scout troop contact Concetta Miller cmiller@gssgc.org.
For more information on the San Bernardino City Library Foundation go to SBCLF.com
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure 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. To join the Foundation or donate go to SBCLF.com.
Board members include Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr., President; Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President, Community Relations; Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations; Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Dr. Chris Tickell, Evy Morales and Timothy Prince, Directors.
About The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio
Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio serves more than 10,000 girls in Riverside and San Bernardino counties with the dedicated support of 3,000 adult volunteers. GSSGC believes that in order to be a leader within your community, you have to truly become a part of that community. Girl Scouts offers girls the unique opportunity to identify and support issues that are important to them, form partnerships with other people, businesses, and organizations and create sustainable projects that change the world around them. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit gssgc.org.
Photo Caption:Girls and Boys of all ethnicities attended the recent American Girl Tea Party. The Girl Scouts enough interest to start a new Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
DSC06659 Photo Caption: Girl Scout leaders were attended the American Girl Doll Tea Party scouting for new members. Left to right: Linda Scroggins, Knea Hawley, Concetta Miller and Debra Donnell. The American Girl Doll Tea Party is made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
DSC06662 Photo Caption: A parents signs her daughter up for Girl Scouting in San Bernadino
“I’ve quit drinking and for the first time in years, I was able to buy school clothes for my children and a sturdy pair of shoes for myself for work. Mike Delgado at The Salvation Army is helping me now to qualify for section 8 housing. I’m excited about work and feel so much better now that a big weight has been taken off of me. All I can say is that you should never give up.” (From left) Angel, Hope, Zoe, Andrew, Nicholas and Noah (twins), and Amanda Arista.
“We’re gonna be okay, thanks to the Salvation Army!” says Amanda Arista
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—A few years ago, a young mother saw her children’s dad getting into trouble with drugs and going downhill. She got him involved with the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House program and today he’s clean and sober, has a good job and his life is in good order.
Unfortunately, things later took a turn for the worse for that single mother of six, Amanda Arista. In 2019 she lost her job and was evicted from the residence she had been renting, along with her children ages 10 to 16. She didn’t know what to do and it broke her heart to place three of her children with their father and three with her mother. Then Covid hit.
Her mom got ill and Amanda started caring for her. For a while, her mother got better but then took a turn for the worse and passed away in August 2021. Amanda went on a mental and emotional roller coaster, sometimes up, sometimes down. Her mom had always been the one to help her with paperwork for things like applying for government help. She found herself unable to fill out Social Security assistance forms.
Amanda Arista said “I prayed for help from God and who should come to my rescue but my children’s father, Miguel, who got in touch and told me he hadn’t realized how bad things were.”
Amanda started drinking heavily and got into such a dark mood that she was sometimes afraid to leave her room. She was losing the will to live. She prayed for help from God and who should come to her rescue but her children’s father, Miguel, who got in touch and told her he hadn’t realized how bad things were.
And that’s when everything started to change for the better. The man she had helped to recover from his own downward spiral now turned out to be the one to help her. On a Saturday, Miguel told her about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House program and that as it helped him, it could now help her.
The following Monday, Naomi Goforth, the Hospitality House Program Director, and Mike Delgado, the Social Services Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, contacted her and processed her into the same program that had been so helpful for Miguel.
Delgado says, “Usually, our referrals come from churches, county agencies or veterans’ programs. Amanda’s case was different, as her children’s father, who she had referred to us a few years ago, was the one who got her into our program. It’s a great example of ‘paying it forward’ paying off for her and her children.”
“I was really in a dark place,” says Amanda, “depressed and anxious, talking to myself. Miguel saw that I needed help, and he got me connected with the Salvation Army. Today, I’m mentally stable, I have a place to live, I have my kids back with me and in school, and I have a job working for Super 8. The Salvation Army is paying the rent on two motel rooms for us, as the Hospitality House residence is at capacity right now.
Mike Delgado says, “Usually, our referrals come from churches, county agencies or veterans’ programs. Amanda’s case was different, as her children’s father, who she had referred to us a few years ago, was the one who got her into our program. It’s a great example of ‘paying it forward’ paying off for her and her children.”
“I’ve quit drinking and for the first time in years, I was able to buy school clothes for my children and a sturdy pair of shoes for myself for work. Mike Delgado is helping me now to qualify for section 8 housing. I’m excited about work and feel so much better now that a big weight has been taken off of me. All I can say is that you should never give up.”
The Salvation Army is able to help people like Miguel, Amanda and their children thanks to the generosity of the people and organizations who contribute money and other resources like food and clothing. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House Program and other Salvation Army services, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is able to help people like Miguel, Amanda and their children thanks to the generosity of the people and organizations who contribute money and other resources like food and clothing. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House Program and other Salvation Army services, go to https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/ or call (909) 888-4880.
Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications
“I am honored to receive this recognition for our work in Adverting and Public Relations,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – Corp Today Magazine, named Dameron Communications as the 2022 Global Business Awards Best Full-Service Advertising & PR Agency—California 2022
Corp Today is a business magazine covering the world for companies. Corp Today is a platform that focuses on emerging and leading fastest-growing companies and their style of doing business and ways of delivering effective and collaborative solutions to strengthen market share.
“Our dedicated team of in-house researchers has handpicked each of our 2022 award winners. This proven approach ensures that we award on merit, and not popularity, and recognize the very best in the business,” said Corp Today’s Patricia Waldron.
“I am honored to receive this recognition for our work in Advertising and Public Relations,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications. “Since 1988 we have worked hard to deliver effective adverting and public relations delivering significant public relations successes.”
Dameron Communications’ is Advertising and public relations agency based in a Southern California receiving award winning client accolades, and delivering effective Advertising and public relations for more than 30 years.
“We infuse research and creativity into our advertising and public relations methods to deliver winning and measurable results,” said Dameron.
He added, “We serve clients who make the world a better place: businesses small or large; candidates; governments or nonprofits; and products, services, or causes. We reach our clients’ communications goals.”
“Demand has really picked up the past couple of months. We are serving more meals and distributing more food than ever,” says Mike Delgado, Social Service Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— The San Bernardino area Salvation Army Summer Meals Program is in full swing and ready to help area residents enjoy good-tasting and healthy hot meals.
“The Summer Meals Program at our San Bernardino Hospitality House served 5–7,000 meals per month last year, and we expect that because of inflation and a slowing economy, we will be serving more this year,” says San Bernardino Corps Major Isaias Braga.
Because of the current Covid situation, sit-down meals are served only to Hospitality House residents, located at 925 West Tenth Street, San Bernardino. Nonetheless, to-go hot meals in boxes are being distributed to community members in need at that location. Community meals are served from 4:30 to 5:30 pm six days per week, Sunday through Friday, and closed Saturday.
In addition to the to-go hot meals offered at the Hospitality House, the Salvation Army also distributes non-perishable food items and fresh meat through a community food distribution program on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month from 9:00 to 11:30 am.
On the first Thursday, this takes place at the Redlands Corps facility, 838 Alta St., Redlands, 92374; on the second and third Thursdays, at the San Bernardino Corps warehouse facility at the San Bernardino Airport, 295 North Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, 92408.
“Demand has really picked up the past couple of months. We are serving more meals and distributing more food than ever,” says Mike Delgado, Social Service Director for the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps. “In San Bernardino, we went from 120 to 168 food boxes and in Redlands from 120 to 144.”
As one recent meal recipient put it, “We’re eating good meals, thanks to the Salvation Army!”
Because the Salvation Army’s operations are so efficient, a gift of just $1.28 is enough to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child, homeless adult, or struggling senior.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, the mountain communities, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Summer Meals Program and other Salvation Army programs, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org/
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. 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. To donate go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
April Reya a medical assistant, gives the COVID-19 vaccination shot to Vicki Creighton, of Riverside, Recently, at the LaSalle Medical Associates medical office located in Rialto, Calif. .
“If it weren’t for the vaccine, I’m sure I would have ended up in the hospital,” said LaSalle Medical’s Compliance Officer, Barbara Graber.
(REDLANDS, Calif.) “We started the second week of July, now every Wednesday is “Covid Vaccine Day for Kids,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, pediatrician, and the CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.
“Now that Moderna has released its three variations on a Covid vaccine for younger people we are full speed ahead,” says Dr. Arteaga, “… we have been tracking the Covid 19 pandemic very closely and believe that the Moderna vaccine is the most effective option currently available.”
LaSalle Medical’s Compliance Officer, Barbara Graber, notes that five of LaSalle’s six clinics are providing Wednesday shots for youngsters. “We started slowly,” says Graber, “… now we are increasing the number of Covid-19 vaccines given weekly. We’ve given 170 shots in the first two weeks of August and parents are responding to our targeted internal outreach program that urges them to bring in their children for their vaccine.”
Graber says being proactive with outreach to clinic patients leads to more people getting the vaccine. “Our team is calling to ask parents to bring in their youngsters to get vaccinated. This makes prevention likely to be a lot more effective.”
The three vaccines are for children aged 6 months to 5 years, 6 to 11 years, and 12 years and older. There is a four-week wait between first and second shots.
Graber contracted Covid-19 herself and says, “If it weren’t for the vaccine, I’m sure I would have ended up in thehospital.” She had the two-shot regimen as well as two booster shots. “This vaccine has proven itself and is now an important addition to our tool kit to help people stay healthy, safe and out of the hospital.”
Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., clinics accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan coverage, as well as Medicare Medi-Cal and cash.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call the office closest to you: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino 17th Street (909) 887-6494; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; Hesperia (760) 947-2161; and Victorville (855) 349-6019.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare counties.
American Girl Doll Tea Party this Saturday August 6th at noon
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, youngsters will again indulge in Afternoon Tea and snacks with the American Girl Doll collection thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
The tea starts at 12:00 noon on the sixth of August at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, 1250 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino. Refreshments and an educational program will be delivered by the University of California’s local Master Gardner/Master Preserver program.
This Saturday, youngsters will indulge in tea and snacks being served by dutiful adults who stand ready to ensure that the children have a delightful time. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.
Cheryl R. Brown, Board Member, American Girl Doll Tea Chairperson
“American Girl dolls represent the cultures of San Bernardino. Each one is unique, and the variety always finds favor with attendees—both kids and adults,” said Cheryl Brown, San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member.
Brown adds, “The library’s American Girl Doll collection reflects the ethnic diversity of our community and youngsters can check out dolls that look like them. They can even customize them using the accessories that come with each doll.”
All year round, children can check out an American Girl Doll kit, at San Bernardino City Library’s that includes one of several ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll, and a journal.
The program provides an engaging learning experience that provides a glimpse into different time periods in American history through each doll’s story and a chance for children to write about their own adventures.
The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.
San Bernardino City Library Foundation partners include Edison International, the Irvine Foundation, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
San Bernardino City Foundation Board President Arlington Rodgers
“We had to suspend our in-person tea event during the Covid pandemic, but now that things have calmed down, we are eager to again welcome the public to our version of ‘afternoon tea’,” says Foundation President Arlington Rodgers.
A reservation is required to attend. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 3rd, BUT people who want to register up to the 5th are encouraged to try and sign up anyway, as if there are spaces still available, they will be accommodated.
To make your reservation call (909) 381-8211, by August 1, 2022, leave contact information and how many reservations. Participants are requested to call early.
The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure 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 audio books, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.
Board members include Arlington C. Rodgers, Jr. President, Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President— Community Relations, Mary Kay De Crescenzo, Vice President-Operations, Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Timothy Prince, Director.
