Ontario Now

Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:55:39 -0800

Omnitrans will help make the holidays merrier for some special local children, with their "Stuff an Omnitrans Bus." The public is asked to bring in new, unwrapped gifts in support of ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters' 17th Annual "Spark of Love" Toy Drive.

On Friday, Dec. 4, ABC7's Garth Kemp and KFRG 95.1 will be on hand at Ontario Mills (in the north parking lot near Krispy Kreme) from 4:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. to greet the public as they donate toys to children in need.

The "Spark of Love" Toy Drive collects toys and games for underserved children throughout the Southland, and last year distributed more than 600,000 toys.

Toys collected in San Bernardino County will stay local, and be distributed to kids in surrounding communities.

Those who can't attend "Stuff an Omnitrans Bus" events, can still participate in the toy drive, by donating a toy at local fire stations and CVS Pharmacy stores.

Coat drive at local store in the Mills

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:54:24 -0800

Burlington Coat Factory is working with One Warm Coat a national nonprofit organization that assists in the donation of coats for the Third Annual Warm Coat & Warm Hearts Drive.

Coats collected now and until January 15, 2010 and will be distributed to families nationwide.

Customers are asked to bring gently-worn coats to Burlington Coat Factory store at the Ontario Mills Mall.

The 2008 Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive resulted in the collection of more than 177,000 coats for people in need across the country.

Anyone wishing to donate coats for men, women, or children can do so in the drop-off box located in Burlington stores nationwide.

Coats should be in good condition, with working closures, and no rips or stains.

Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes and, as a thank you, a coupon for 10 percent off their next Burlington Coat Factory purchase through Dec. 24.

Coats donated to this location will be distributed to the needy by Los Angeles Mission.

Burlington Coat Factory store in Ontario located at 4777 One Mills Circle Drive.

Support Troops this holiday season

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:53:38 -0800

San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt wants the community not to forget the troops this holiday season.

That's why the County and Ovitt have once again launched "Support Our Troops and Their Families." Collection drive continues until Dec. 7.

This is the third year that the County has run a collection drive for the families of troops that have been deployed overseas.

Items that are suggested to be donated are gift cards, children's toys, books, small electronics, and pre-paid phone cards. It has been a tremendous success in the past.

The collection sites in the Fourth District are: Supervisor Gary Ovitt's Chino Hills office located at 14010 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library located at 14020 City Center Drive in Chino Hills, the Chino Branch Library located at 13180 Central Ave. in Chino, and the Montclair Branch Library located at 9955 Fremont Ave. in Montclair.

For donation information, call the County of San Bernardino Department of Veterans Affairs at (909) 387-5516.

Reign help with Toy Drive

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:52:39 -0800

The Ontario Reign has teamed up with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department and ABC7 for the 17th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive.

The toy drive kicks off at Victoria Gardens on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will be located in between the Yard House and California Pizza Kitchen.

There will be a drop off box at the Reign front office starting on Monday,and will be there through noon on December 21.

Punk the Halls Tour

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:51:26 -0800

Tickets for the Dec 6 show at Redeemer Lutheran Church and Schools are on sale now at the church as well as online through extremefaithproductions.com.

If you purchase tickets through the church the first 100 people to do so will receive a 20 songs iTunes card.

The tickets are $12 general admission, and a $20 VIP 5:15 p.m. meet and greet with the bands, VIP badge and first choice for seating.

The doors open for general admission at 6 p.m., the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until about 9 p.m.

For more information call Shelly at (909)986-2615 ext 105.

The Church is located at 920 W 6th Street in Ontario.

Upcoming Coin, Currency and Jewelry Show

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:24:38 -0800

Press release from the Ontario Convention Center

Gold, silver, jewelry and collectible coins will adorn the Ontario Convention Center as it hosts the Coin, Currency & Jewelry Show December 17-19. This is the second show in a three-show deal Convention Center officials inked with producers, CK Shows, earlier this year.

"The show is both an educational experience, and an expansive showcase for children and coin collectors alike," said Bob Brown, Ontario Convention Center General Manager and CEO. "We are honored to be linked with this wonderful show, and look forward to it returning to Ontario June 24-26 next year."

Produced by Las Vegas-based CK Shows (http://www.ckshows.com/), the event will feature 200 dealers that sell, buy and trade U.S. and World coins, currency, jewelry, tokens, medals, bullion, ancient coins and more. The American Numismatic Association will also conduct Boy Scout merit badge workshops led by Certified Merit Badge Instructors.

Admission to the three-day event is free and open to the public. Children admitted with adults will receive free coins, and collectors are encouraged to bring in their own items for complimentary appraisals.

For more information about the Ontario Convention Center, operated by Philadelphia-based SMG, visit www.ontariocc.com.

Ontario senior singing group to hold Christmas Concert

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:19:49 -0800

The Mellowdears, a senior singing group in the Inland Empire, is holding its Christmas Concert on Decc. 12. The concert is free and open to the public. The Mellowdears are expected to perform at 7pm at the Bethel United Church of Christ, 536 N. Euclid in Ontario.

The one hour show is directed by Ralph England.

Ontario native takes second place in hair show

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:53:51 -0800

Congratulations to Ontario native Tonia Rightley (above accepting a trophy), regional trainer for Los Angeles for Carlton Hair International.
The Ontario native recently led the Carlton salon at the Beverly Center to a second place finish at the 10th annual Comere Hair Show: Award for Excellence held at the Grove of Anaheim.
All 32 Carlton salons in southern California paricipated in the show.
And according to Rightley, the Beverly Center had never placed before.
This isn't just a typical hair show, organizers like Rightley were in charge of putting together a show and they were judged based on hair styling, performance and music.
The theme for Rightley's salon was Adam and Eve and my colleague, John Valenzuela, who was in attendance took these shots.
Rightley said they started styling all 10 models' hair at 10 a.m. and were working on them right up until the final minute of the show that evening.
This isn't the first time Rightley has placed in the show, she has three other trophies from when she worked at the Carlton salon in Montclair.
But there's another Inland Empire connection to this hair show, the salon that beat out Rightley's was the Montclair salon in the Montclair Plaza.

Below are more photos from the show that John shot.

Christmas on Euclid festivities

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:14:31 -0800

Councilmember Debra Dorst-Porada wants the community to know that Kiwanis has taken over the management of the annual event, Christmas on Euclid.

During Tuesday night's council meeting Dorst-Porada said the event which scheduled for Dec. 5, is being taken over by the group. In the past has been organized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the main focus of the event will be to return to the old fashioned community based format where folks can find unique handcrafted gifts made by craftsmen.

The 27th Annual Christmas on Euclid fair will include arts & crafts booths, a classic car show, business expo, health/education fair and lots of delicious food choices.

Besides the shopping experience, residents can come out and enjoy a performance by students in the Ontario-Montclair School District and the Chaffey Joint Unified School District at the R. Jack Mercer Bandstand at "C" Street and Euclid Ave.

There will be an opportunity to take photos with Santa and receive books from Ontario Parkway Kiwanis.

Attendees are encouraged to bring in an unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more as of the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Proceeds from the Inland Valley Street Rods' classic car show will benefit the Ontario City Library Children's Reading Room.

Donald Driftmier tells me that in the past 10 years the car show has presented Judy Evans, the city librarian, $22,400 for the children's reading room. We will once again have two trophies that will be the "Librarian's Choice"

Proceeds from the Christmas on Euclid event will benefit local community organizations such as The Salvation Army, the YMCA, Headstart, Kids Come First, local schools, student leadership skills programs and encourage academics.

The fair is scheduled for Dec. 5, from,9 a.m. to 4 p.m. spanning from Holt Blvd to "G" Street along Euclid Avenue.

Dorst-Porada said there is still space available for craft vendors. If you are interested contact, christmasoneuclid@yahoo.com or visit www.gokiwanis.org/ontario.aspx.

For more information on the car show, contact Donald Driftmier at ddriftmier@nhepictures.com

Easter Seals launches new site

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:05:56 -0800

As an effort to better serve Spanish-speaking families living with disabilities, Easter Seals has launched a new Spanish-language website.

The new site expands Easter Seals' online presence by providing information to assist Spanish-speaking individuals and families, as well as volunteers, donors and advocates, who are seeking help, hope and answers for a range of disabilities from autism to Alzheimer's.

Easter Seals has locations in Ontario and Upland.

The nonprofit organization serves 3,500 people at 50 offices and sites throughout Southern California. To learn more, visit www.SouthernCal.EasterSeals.com or visit their Spanish language website at www.espanol.easterseals.com.

Weekly Craft Club

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:58:36 -0800

Now this is the kind of club I'm talking about, a craft club that is.

As some might know, I enjoy my crafts so I couldn't be more pleased to hear that the staff at Westwind Community Center have put together a craft club for youth in the community.

Crafts will vary from week to week but November's projects will include harvest baskets, Native American and pilgrim hats, Native American paintings and hand print turkeys with feathers.

Attendees are encouraged to call and sign up in advance.

The class is open to children 3 years and older.

Admission for the class is $1.

The club meets every week at 4 p.m. at Westwind Community Center, 2425 Riverside Drive.

For more information call (909)930-3346 or (909)395-2020.

Toy Run in Ontario

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:12:46 -0800

The 21st Annual Toy Run will be held on Dec. 6 at the Ontario Elks Lodge.

The annual event benefits Santa Claus Inc. and is organized by Pomona Valley Abate Local #19 and Pomona Valley Hog Chapter.

There will be hourly prize and 50/50 drawings. There will be a cash prize for the largest organized group sign-in.

Also, there will be awards for sest decorated bike award as well as professionally judged ride-in bike show.

Food and beverages made available by the Ontario Elks Lodge for an additional charge.

There is a $5 entry fee per bike. All active military receive free admission with I.D.

Bike show registration closes 11 a.m.

The ride will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine.

Participants are asked to make an $8 donation; plus one new or unwrapped toy per person.

Ontario Elks Lodge is located 1150 W. 4th Street.

For additional information contact Greg Hall at (909) 915-5300 or by e-mail: hall21@verizon.net.

Meeting in Ontario to focus on Gangs

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:24:23 -0800

The community is invited to the attend an informational meeting on cyberthugs.

Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, Assemblymember Norma Torres and the Select Committee on the Safety and Protection of At-Risk Communities in California will be holding the informational hearing at the Ontario Police Department Thursday morning.

The focus of the hearing will be "Gangs 2.0:The emerging Threat of Cyberthugs." The meeting will touch on the use of technology in gang recruitment and related illicit acitivities.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 11 .m. at the Ontario Police Department Community Room, 2500 Archibald Avenue.

Punk the Halls tour

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:26:35 -0800

Join Redeemer Lutheran Church and Schools as they rock in the Christmas season with the guys of Steller Kart, Hyland and This Great Escape

For one night these Contemporary Christian rock bands will be performing at the Ontario Church.

The Dec. 6 performance will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.extremefaithproduction.com or call Ticket Force at 877-840-0457 for information.

General admission is $12 and $20 for VIP. All VIP ticket holders can arrive at 5:15 p.m. for a meet and great with the bands, receive VIP badges, and get a first choice of seating.

Redeemer Lutheran Church and Schools is located at 920 W 6th Street in Ontario. For more information call Shelly at (909) 986-2615 ext 105.

Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Ontario Church

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:13:12 -0800

The Ontario Church of the Nazarene will hold a Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale this weekend.

The sale actually begins Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The sale will feature homemade baked goods, handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, holiday decorations, afghans, blanket throws, toys, pillows, purses, hobo bags, cookbooks and more. Also "Grandma's Attic" (antiques and collectibles).

Proceeds will be used to purchase new playground equipment for the church.

The Church of the Nazarene is at 1311 W. Fifth St., Ontario.

For further information, call (909) 986-6776 or visit www.ontarionazarene.com.