July 2009 Archives
Eleven
champion teams will converge in Ontario and Upland from August 4 through 11 to
determine the best team in the West at the Senior Little League Western
Regional Tournament.
The tournament, which will be held at Jay Littleton Field in Ontario and Memorial Park in Upland, is the final event before the Senior Little League World Series in Bangor, Maine, featuring teams with players ages 14-16.
State champion teams from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, Southern California and Washington, along with the host team from California District 23, will compete in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a trip to the Senior Little League World Series.
Opening Day activities will begin at Memorial Park with the kick off on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with a pancake breakfast for $3 hosted by the Upland Fire Department from 7 to 10 a.m. Outback Steakhouse will serve lunch for $5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda will speak at 10 a.m., along with Upland Mayor John "J.P" Pomierski.
A home run derby featuring two players from each participating team will follow the ceremonies.
Four games are scheduled for every day from Aug. 4 to 8, with games at each field at 4 and 7 p.m. Two games will be played on Aug. 9, leading up to the tournament semi-finals on Aug. 10 at Jay Littleton Field. The championship game will be played at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The 4 p.m. Opening Day contests feature Montana against Northern California at Jay Littleton Field and Arizona vs. Southern California at Memorial Park. At 7 p.m., Hawaii will play Oregon at Jay Littleton and Nevada will play the District 23 team at Memorial Park.
Many local organizations have contributed either with financial, service and other non-monitory support. The most notable supporters include Doubletree Hotel, Mark Christopher Chevrolet, Aires Hotel, Pro Nine, Colonies Partners, and the City of Upland.
Information: (951) 990-4595.
A complete schedule and more tournament information can be found at http://www.eteamz.com/CaliforniaDistrict23/handouts/index.cfm?cat=120723&id=779043 .
The tournament, which will be held at Jay Littleton Field in Ontario and Memorial Park in Upland, is the final event before the Senior Little League World Series in Bangor, Maine, featuring teams with players ages 14-16.
State champion teams from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, Southern California and Washington, along with the host team from California District 23, will compete in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a trip to the Senior Little League World Series.
Opening Day activities will begin at Memorial Park with the kick off on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with a pancake breakfast for $3 hosted by the Upland Fire Department from 7 to 10 a.m. Outback Steakhouse will serve lunch for $5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda will speak at 10 a.m., along with Upland Mayor John "J.P" Pomierski.
A home run derby featuring two players from each participating team will follow the ceremonies.
Four games are scheduled for every day from Aug. 4 to 8, with games at each field at 4 and 7 p.m. Two games will be played on Aug. 9, leading up to the tournament semi-finals on Aug. 10 at Jay Littleton Field. The championship game will be played at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The 4 p.m. Opening Day contests feature Montana against Northern California at Jay Littleton Field and Arizona vs. Southern California at Memorial Park. At 7 p.m., Hawaii will play Oregon at Jay Littleton and Nevada will play the District 23 team at Memorial Park.
Many local organizations have contributed either with financial, service and other non-monitory support. The most notable supporters include Doubletree Hotel, Mark Christopher Chevrolet, Aires Hotel, Pro Nine, Colonies Partners, and the City of Upland.
Information: (951) 990-4595.
A complete schedule and more tournament information can be found at http://www.eteamz.com/
The Upland Unified School District is seeking applicants to serve on the Community Advisory Committee.
This committee is comprised of parents of individuals with exceptional needs enrolled in public or private schools, parents of other pupils enrolled in schools, pupils and adults with disabilities, special education teachers and other school personnel, and other persons concerned with the needs of individuals with special needs.
Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee prior to being brought to the Board of Education for appointment.
Membership is for two years, with additional terms subject to reapplication.
Timeline:
Applications are available at the District Office Reception Desk, 390 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, or online at www.upland.k12.ca.us.
This committee is comprised of parents of individuals with exceptional needs enrolled in public or private schools, parents of other pupils enrolled in schools, pupils and adults with disabilities, special education teachers and other school personnel, and other persons concerned with the needs of individuals with special needs.
Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee prior to being brought to the Board of Education for appointment.
Membership is for two years, with additional terms subject to reapplication.
Timeline:
- August 3, 2009 Application Period Opens
- August 14, 2009 Application Period Closes
- August 17, 2009 Selection Committee reviews applications and recommends candidates to be brought to the Board of Education for consideration
- August 25, 2009 Board takes action to appoint district representatives to the Citizen's Advisory Committee
Applications are available at the District Office Reception Desk, 390 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, or online at www.upland.k12.ca.us.
A San Antonio Heights resident sent me this e-mail in reaction to the death of the black bear Wednesday in San Antonio Heights.
"I tell you, I am very angry over the shooting of this bear. I lived in Alaska for five years, worked for Fish and Game in Alaska, and have been around bears many times in the wilderness. We even had a large bear in our yard two weeks ago, maybe the same one. If you recall, the Sheriff's department was incompetent last August when I called to have them see about a party of 200 on this street. They showed up at 11 p.m. left the scene because they were afraid of the people in question, with guns, and after they left there was a homicide 45 minutes later! That was sheer incompetence, and now some stupid deputies shoot an unarmed animal, real brave. These deputies are cowards, and idiots. When they were faced with 200 guys at the party, they ran away and there was a homicide. This sheriff department here is a joke."
"I tell you, I am very angry over the shooting of this bear. I lived in Alaska for five years, worked for Fish and Game in Alaska, and have been around bears many times in the wilderness. We even had a large bear in our yard two weeks ago, maybe the same one. If you recall, the Sheriff's department was incompetent last August when I called to have them see about a party of 200 on this street. They showed up at 11 p.m. left the scene because they were afraid of the people in question, with guns, and after they left there was a homicide 45 minutes later! That was sheer incompetence, and now some stupid deputies shoot an unarmed animal, real brave. These deputies are cowards, and idiots. When they were faced with 200 guys at the party, they ran away and there was a homicide. This sheriff department here is a joke."
"It's very sad. But with kids running around and people out walking dogs the police had no choice."
- Linda Quirkhammer
"I think it was a little outrageous. Why couldn't they corner (the bear) and wait for someone to come with a tranquilizer? Why did they have to shoot it? They were safe in their police car, why didn't they stay in their car?"
- Juan Guevara
"I understand why. My disappointment is that Fish and Game couldn't have done something."
- Dianne Allen
- Linda Quirkhammer
"I think it was a little outrageous. Why couldn't they corner (the bear) and wait for someone to come with a tranquilizer? Why did they have to shoot it? They were safe in their police car, why didn't they stay in their car?"
- Juan Guevara
"I understand why. My disappointment is that Fish and Game couldn't have done something."
- Dianne Allen
The mother of one of the children seen running down the street prior to the black bear getting shot by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy Wednesday said her child was not running from the bear, but from the deputy.
"The reason they were running is that they saw that the Sheriff was going to shoot the bear, they saw his riffle come out of his window, and they too heard the bear suffering," the resident said. "The kids were very traumatized having witnessed the entire scene,"
The bear was shot and killed on the Upland side of 24th Street around 5:30 p.m.
The resident was able to capture this photo before sheriff's deputies covered the bear with a tarp.
"The reason they were running is that they saw that the Sheriff was going to shoot the bear, they saw his riffle come out of his window, and they too heard the bear suffering," the resident said. "The kids were very traumatized having witnessed the entire scene,"
The bear was shot and killed on the Upland side of 24th Street around 5:30 p.m.
The resident was able to capture this photo before sheriff's deputies covered the bear with a tarp.
Stephen Christensen believes the San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy was justified in shooting the Black bear seen often throughout the community pf San Antonio Heights.
The San Antonio Heights resident witnessed much of the incident, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday outside of his home.
He does not believe many of the residents upset at the deputy over the death are thinking logically.
"This is called logic versus emotion and logic always wins," Christensen said. "These other people are simply talking out of emotion and not really allowing for what could happen."
His wife, Ellen, saw children running down the street prior to the bear getting shot.Some residents dispute the idea that the bear was chasing the children.
"Maybe it would have convinced people more had the bear run one of the children down," he said.
Christensen said he doesn't agree with some of the residents' view of the bear as a friendly bear.
"I haven't seen anyone yet in San Antonio Heights who has the nerve to go over there and pet that bear or get in the swimming pool with him," he said.
The San Antonio Heights resident witnessed much of the incident, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday outside of his home.
He does not believe many of the residents upset at the deputy over the death are thinking logically.
"This is called logic versus emotion and logic always wins," Christensen said. "These other people are simply talking out of emotion and not really allowing for what could happen."
His wife, Ellen, saw children running down the street prior to the bear getting shot.Some residents dispute the idea that the bear was chasing the children.
"Maybe it would have convinced people more had the bear run one of the children down," he said.
Christensen said he doesn't agree with some of the residents' view of the bear as a friendly bear.
"I haven't seen anyone yet in San Antonio Heights who has the nerve to go over there and pet that bear or get in the swimming pool with him," he said.
Western Christian Schools has completed the purchase of the former Upland Christian Schools campus in Upland.
Karen Winter, superintendent of Western Christian Schools in Covina and Claremont, said escrow closed Thursday.
"So our parents and faculty are just really excited about that and we're just continuing on now to just work on the improvement on the facilities before school begins," Winter said.
The busing program has been expanded and facilities on the Upland campus will be updated.
The gym will be getting a new wood floor, landscaping will be done and work will be done to expand the football field.
School is set to begin September 8.
"We're excited and thank the community for the support and look forward to the many years of being involved with the community," Winter said.
The Upland campus is at 100 W. 9th Street. Information: (909) 920-5858.
Karen Winter, superintendent of Western Christian Schools in Covina and Claremont, said escrow closed Thursday.
"So our parents and faculty are just really excited about that and we're just continuing on now to just work on the improvement on the facilities before school begins," Winter said.
The busing program has been expanded and facilities on the Upland campus will be updated.
The gym will be getting a new wood floor, landscaping will be done and work will be done to expand the football field.
School is set to begin September 8.
"We're excited and thank the community for the support and look forward to the many years of being involved with the community," Winter said.
The Upland campus is at 100 W. 9th Street. Information: (909) 920-5858.
Upland Christian Academy is holding a fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Round Table Pizza, 7201 Archibald Ave. Suite 9 in Rancho Cucamonga.
Print a flyer from their Web site, http://www.uplandchristianacademy.org/, and present it at the time of purchase so the school can receive 30 percent of the total food sales.
Print a flyer from their Web site, http://www.uplandchristianacademy.org/, and present it at the time of purchase so the school can receive 30 percent of the total food sales.
A San Antonio Heights family is expressing their concern over the death of the San Antonio Heights bear.
Casey Cantero sent a copy of his letter to NBC4 to the Daily Bulletin newspaper.
He said he was devestated when he heard the news of the bear's death.
"The consensus appears to be that the neighbors are no happy with it," Cantero said. "There are a few neighbors that didn't like the bear, but most appear that they like the bear."
Cantero also sent photos of the bear when it was playing in the family's swimming pool. The photos are posted at the end of this blog entry.
The letter:
"We were recently informed that the bear spotted in San Antonio Heights for the past month or so was shot and killed last night by a police officer and that the story would be reported by NBC4 on tonight's 11:00 PM news. Many of the residents here are, to put it lightly, unhappy with this development and curious as to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The sheriff's department has refused to provide any information; we're told that details would be given on your network this evening. We will be watching attentively.
As
a final note, I'd like to say that no aggressive behavior had been
observed or reported by any residents to our knowledge. Even just a few
feet from the bear, I didn't feel threatened. When he saw me, he turned
and walked the other way. While we understand that bears are wild
animals and capable of becoming violent in an instant, we are deeply
saddened by the manner in which this situation was handled."
Casey Cantero sent a copy of his letter to NBC4 to the Daily Bulletin newspaper.
He said he was devestated when he heard the news of the bear's death.
"The consensus appears to be that the neighbors are no happy with it," Cantero said. "There are a few neighbors that didn't like the bear, but most appear that they like the bear."
Cantero also sent photos of the bear when it was playing in the family's swimming pool. The photos are posted at the end of this blog entry.
The letter:
"We were recently informed that the bear spotted in San Antonio Heights for the past month or so was shot and killed last night by a police officer and that the story would be reported by NBC4 on tonight's 11:00 PM news. Many of the residents here are, to put it lightly, unhappy with this development and curious as to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The sheriff's department has refused to provide any information; we're told that details would be given on your network this evening. We will be watching attentively.
Our
community sits right in the foothills leading up to Mt. Baldy. While we
are accustomed to seeing wildlife of some sort, it was quite rare to
see a bear, particularly with the frequency with which this one
appeared. I had personally come in close contact (within about six
feet) with it twice and seen it from varying distances about a half
dozen times over the course of three weeks. The neighborhood sightings
had started even earlier. Stories of trash rummaging, fruit picking,
and meandering were commonplace. Needless to say, the bear enjoyed a
sort of celebrity status here. By choosing to live in the foothills we
accept and embrace the wildlife that will undoubtedly make its presence
known. Some residents were upset with the bear's presence; we're unsure
why they chose to live where they do.
Hopefully
someone is still reading this. Just yesterday my family and I were
fortunate enough to be visited by the bear while a camera was
available. The bear was a bit hot, apparently, because it spent about
twenty minutes in our pool playing with beach balls and a raft. We had
a camera ready. I have included links to a few of those photos below in
hopes that they may be shown as a memorial in your segment tonight. We
think your viewers will enjoy them.
Sincerely,
Casey Cantero (on behalf of the Cantero family)
The bear seen throughout the neighborhoods of San Antonio Heights for the last couple of months had his final adventure into the community Wednesday.
The bear, known by some San Antonio Heights residents as "Boo Boo," was shot and killed by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy on the Upland side of 24th Street around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Conflicting reports from residents and the San Bernardino Country Sheriff's department tell different tales of the circumstances surrounding the bear's death.
The sheriff's department had receieved several calls throughout the day from residents claiming to have seen the bear in their backyards, said sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire.
Around 4:30 p.m. the bear was hoping fences from backyard to backyard, causing some damage along the way, and eventually went into the street, she said.
"When the department arrived on the scene the bear turned around and confronted our deputy which is then when he shot the bear," Wiltshire said.
Don Caldwell, who lives a couple doors down from where the bear laid to rest witnessed much of the incident from his driveway.
Caldwell was working on his boat with some friends in his garage and saw the bear running from the sheriff's department vehicle.
The deputy "took a shot at the cub and laid him down in his tracks," Caldwell said. "The bear was screaming and yelping and crying."
The bear was shot two more times, Caldwell said.
"I think (the deputy) had paused in between shootings and I could see he was thinking about what he was doing,"
Caldwell said. "I didn't talk to the officer after that because I was highly upset."
People driving by the scene shouted obscenities at the police, Caldwell said.
Around the time the sheriff's deputy was chasing down the bear, Ellen Christensen was driving to her home on 24th Street when she saw some kids running down the street.
"They were scared...they kept looking behind them," Christensen said. "They were running and not paying attention to traffic. My focus was on them. I didn't notice the sheriff car or bear."
The bear was then shot across the street from her home.
"It's pretty scary," Christensen said. "Under the circumstance I think (the deputy) had no choice."
The California Department of Fish and Game did not arrive to the scene until after the bear was killed.
When a bear makes it's way into a neighborhood, law enforcement has the authority to take actions they feel are necessary in protecting the public, said Harry Morse, spokesman for the department of fish and game.
"In this case they shot the bear," Morse said.
The bear was caught by the department of fish and game in June after it's journey into Upland.
The bear was tagged in the ear and relocated 15 miles into the mountains, Morse said.
"We've made several efforts and the bear has broken into homes, so this is unfortunately the result of bears becoming habituated to human food and it does not end well with wildlife," Morse said.
The bear broke into a San Antonio Heights home at the end of June where it devoured a two pound box of chocolates.
The bear has been seen on a regular basis cooling off in residents' swimming pools and rummaging around for a bite to eat in trash cans.
Many residents have been sending their bear photos into the Daily Bulletin.
Here are a few:
About 20 to 30 minutes before the bear's death, a residents captured this photo of the bear walking across their yard.
The bear caused some property damage prior to it's death. It also gave this resident's dog a fright.
The bear had been seen on more than one occasion cooling off in residents' swimming pools.
The bear, known by some San Antonio Heights residents as "Boo Boo," was shot and killed by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy on the Upland side of 24th Street around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Conflicting reports from residents and the San Bernardino Country Sheriff's department tell different tales of the circumstances surrounding the bear's death.
The sheriff's department had receieved several calls throughout the day from residents claiming to have seen the bear in their backyards, said sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire.
Around 4:30 p.m. the bear was hoping fences from backyard to backyard, causing some damage along the way, and eventually went into the street, she said.
"When the department arrived on the scene the bear turned around and confronted our deputy which is then when he shot the bear," Wiltshire said.
Don Caldwell, who lives a couple doors down from where the bear laid to rest witnessed much of the incident from his driveway.
Caldwell was working on his boat with some friends in his garage and saw the bear running from the sheriff's department vehicle.
The deputy "took a shot at the cub and laid him down in his tracks," Caldwell said. "The bear was screaming and yelping and crying."
The bear was shot two more times, Caldwell said.
"I think (the deputy) had paused in between shootings and I could see he was thinking about what he was doing,"
Caldwell said. "I didn't talk to the officer after that because I was highly upset."
People driving by the scene shouted obscenities at the police, Caldwell said.
Around the time the sheriff's deputy was chasing down the bear, Ellen Christensen was driving to her home on 24th Street when she saw some kids running down the street.
"They were scared...they kept looking behind them," Christensen said. "They were running and not paying attention to traffic. My focus was on them. I didn't notice the sheriff car or bear."
The bear was then shot across the street from her home.
"It's pretty scary," Christensen said. "Under the circumstance I think (the deputy) had no choice."
The California Department of Fish and Game did not arrive to the scene until after the bear was killed.
When a bear makes it's way into a neighborhood, law enforcement has the authority to take actions they feel are necessary in protecting the public, said Harry Morse, spokesman for the department of fish and game.
"In this case they shot the bear," Morse said.
The bear was caught by the department of fish and game in June after it's journey into Upland.
The bear was tagged in the ear and relocated 15 miles into the mountains, Morse said.
"We've made several efforts and the bear has broken into homes, so this is unfortunately the result of bears becoming habituated to human food and it does not end well with wildlife," Morse said.
The bear broke into a San Antonio Heights home at the end of June where it devoured a two pound box of chocolates.
The bear has been seen on a regular basis cooling off in residents' swimming pools and rummaging around for a bite to eat in trash cans.
Many residents have been sending their bear photos into the Daily Bulletin.
Here are a few:
About 20 to 30 minutes before the bear's death, a residents captured this photo of the bear walking across their yard.
The bear caused some property damage prior to it's death. It also gave this resident's dog a fright.
The bear had been seen on more than one occasion cooling off in residents' swimming pools.
KLOS DJ Uncle Joe Benson will broadcast live from San Antonio Community Hospital, 999 San Bernardino Rd. Thursday during a day-long, public blood drive.
The drive is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No need for blood donors to call ahead. Uncle Joe will be broadcasting live from 4 to 6 pm.
Blood is always needed and donations go down 20% in the summer due to
students being on summer vacation, according to a news release.
Each donor will receive a free t-shirt, food, discount coupons, and a chance
to win various prizes.
The drive is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No need for blood donors to call ahead. Uncle Joe will be broadcasting live from 4 to 6 pm.
Blood is always needed and donations go down 20% in the summer due to
students being on summer vacation, according to a news release.
Each donor will receive a free t-shirt, food, discount coupons, and a chance
to win various prizes.
A free workshop on homeschooling will be held for local residents looking for homeschooling resources.
The workshop is part of the Upland Public Library's Meet The Expert series and will be from 2 to 3 p.m. August 15 at the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet the founding members of The Learning Collective, a non-profit homeschool cooperative in Claremont for K-12.
The types of classes that parents have taught through The Learning Collective include: science, karate, needlework, American Girl, cooking, introduction to music, Harlem Renaissance, Horse Lover's Club, public speaking, Spanish, physical activities, recycled art, music and dance, geography, kids biz, Hula, emergent literacy, brain games, drama, adventure club and a teen program.
A free workshop on short sales will be offered to the community from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays beginning August 6.
The workshops will be at the Mountain Grove Office Park, 818 N. Mountain Ave. suite 212 in Upland.
The following questions will be addressed:
Seating is limited so potential participants are asked to call (909) 391-2338 or e-mail support@shortsalesellit.com.
The workshops will be at the Mountain Grove Office Park, 818 N. Mountain Ave. suite 212 in Upland.
The following questions will be addressed:
- Can a short sale prevent foreclosure?
- Do I have to be behind on my payments?
- What is a recourse loan?
- Dealing with a second Lien holder, does it affect the sale?
- How long does a short sale take to complete?
- Are there tax ramifications?
- How does a short sale affect credit scores?
- Can I live in the house while it is up for sale?
- Short sale vs. foreclosure
- Bank pays commissions
Seating is limited so potential participants are asked to call (909) 391-2338 or e-mail support@shortsalesellit.com.
This is a community outreach offered by local real estate agents that are members of the community.
Upland residents Lois Sicking and Ralph Dieter will be tying the knot at 4 p.m. Saturday August 22 at Grace Lutheran Church, 2108 Euclid Avenue in Upland. The wedding reception is at 6 p.m. at the Grace Fellowship Hall.
Dieter is the assistant minister at Grace Lutheran Church.
The bride's maids are Maid of Honor Lana Dieter daughter of Ralph, Laura Hamilton sister of Lois, and Marjorie Benesh, Lois's best friend. Groom's men are Best Man Olaf Dieter, Keith Uland, Ralph's brother, and Chuck Weck.
Vocalist Leslie Cook, and Taylor McKinnie, flutist and niece of Ralph, will be accompanied by Lois Allen organist.
Lois is employed at the California Air Resources Board as an Air Pollution Engineer in the Advanced Engineering Section/On Board Diagnostics writing air pollution regulations and conducting emissions testing and evaluation.
Ralph is employed as a Professor of Economics at Los Angeles City College. As a tenured Professor Ralph teaches micro and macro-economics at the freshman and sophomore levels.
Lois and Ralph will reside in Upland CA after a honeymoon in Napa Valley.
The Upland Noon Kiwanis will be at the Upland Housing Authority Tuesday August 4 to distribute backpacks and school supplies to residents of Los Olivos Housing Project, 1200 N. Campus Ave.
The residents are also members of the Housing Authority's homework reading club.
The giveaway, arranged by member Sheri Haendiges, will be from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
The residents are also members of the Housing Authority's homework reading club.
The giveaway, arranged by member Sheri Haendiges, will be from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Seven Inland Empire Lowe's home improvement stores are coming together to remodel and upgrade OPARC's Upland facility, 436 S. Sultana Blvd.
OPARC is a non-profit agency serving adults with developmental disabilities.
The project will take place Wednesday and Thursday.
Lowe's will provide countertops and upper cabinets for a remodeled kitchen as well as new lighting fixtures throughout the facility that will utilize energy-efficient light bulbs.
About 40 volunteers will help install the cabinets and fixtures as well as paint the exterior of the facility.
This is the second time Lowe's has collaborated with OPARC.
Tom Mitchell, human resources manager at the Mira Loma Lowe's is coordinating the program. Also helping out are human resource managers Janet Magallanez from Chino Hills, Miles Richardson from South Chino Hills, Jennifer Goatcher from Upland, Steven Ramirez from San Dimas, Alan Almanzar from Corona, and Christina Davis from Riverside.
OPARC is a non-profit agency serving adults with developmental disabilities.
The project will take place Wednesday and Thursday.
Lowe's will provide countertops and upper cabinets for a remodeled kitchen as well as new lighting fixtures throughout the facility that will utilize energy-efficient light bulbs.
About 40 volunteers will help install the cabinets and fixtures as well as paint the exterior of the facility.
This is the second time Lowe's has collaborated with OPARC.
Tom Mitchell, human resources manager at the Mira Loma Lowe's is coordinating the program. Also helping out are human resource managers Janet Magallanez from Chino Hills, Miles Richardson from South Chino Hills, Jennifer Goatcher from Upland, Steven Ramirez from San Dimas, Alan Almanzar from Corona, and Christina Davis from Riverside.
Papa John's pizza in Upland
will provide lunch for the volunteers on Wednesday, and Chick Fil-A
at Colonies Crossroads will donate lunch on Thursday.
"I can't begin to thank
Lowe's enough for their help with this project," said OPARC President/CEO
Ron Wolff in a news release. "This facility has needed this upgrade for several
years now, but our budget is limited and our maintenance department
is stretched thin already. Our staff members and clients will
appreciate this upgrade for many years."
Camille Silliman of Upland recently received her bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Mount Holyoke College, a leading liberal arts institution.
Silliman was one of 594 seniors who graduated in the college's 172nd commencement exercises where Irish President Mary McAleese was the featured speaker.
The Upland High School graduate studied critical social thought and French while at Mount Holyoke.
She is the daughter of Sidney and Rachel Silliman of Upland.
Silliman was one of 594 seniors who graduated in the college's 172nd commencement exercises where Irish President Mary McAleese was the featured speaker.
The Upland High School graduate studied critical social thought and French while at Mount Holyoke.
She is the daughter of Sidney and Rachel Silliman of Upland.
Togo's Sandwiches is back.
The sandwich shop has re-opened at 110 S. Mountain Ave. and will be hosting a grand opening event at 9 a.m. Saturday August 15.
The First 100 guests in line when the shop opens at 10am will win free Togo's sandwiches for a year.
There will also be an 8 foot long Togo's sandwich eating contest between the Upland Fire Department and the Upland Police Department at 9 a.m.
The sandwich shop has re-opened at 110 S. Mountain Ave. and will be hosting a grand opening event at 9 a.m. Saturday August 15.
The First 100 guests in line when the shop opens at 10am will win free Togo's sandwiches for a year.
There will also be an 8 foot long Togo's sandwich eating contest between the Upland Fire Department and the Upland Police Department at 9 a.m.
Western Christian Schools will be holding a Dennis uniform event on the Upland campus, 100 W. 9th Street, from 3 to 7 p.m. August 3.
Dennis, a school uniform company, will be on campus selling uniforms to students for the upcoming school year.
Dennis, a school uniform company, will be on campus selling uniforms to students for the upcoming school year.
A group of Upland Christian Academy students planning a trip to Europe next summer will be holding a car wash fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The car wash will take place in the east parking lot of the Abundant Living Family Church, 10900 Civic Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga.
Information: (909) 758-8747.
The car wash will take place in the east parking lot of the Abundant Living Family Church, 10900 Civic Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga.
Information: (909) 758-8747.
A free seminar on special education will be held for local families at 7 p.m. July 30 and August 27 in the chapel of Abundant Living Family Church, 10900 Civic Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga.
The seminar will be lead by Christy Bock, Upland Christian Academy school psychologist and licensed educational psychologist.
The seminar will address students who may be experiencing difficulty in focusing at school, trouble remembering information they've learned, difficulty reading at their grade level or trouble reading out loud as well as many other struggles some students may be facing.
Special education, individualized education plans and 504 plans will be discussed.
Attendees will receive a comprehensive handout detailing how they can help their children succeed in school.
Parents are asked to RSVP by calling (909) 758-8747.
The seminar will be lead by Christy Bock, Upland Christian Academy school psychologist and licensed educational psychologist.
The seminar will address students who may be experiencing difficulty in focusing at school, trouble remembering information they've learned, difficulty reading at their grade level or trouble reading out loud as well as many other struggles some students may be facing.
Special education, individualized education plans and 504 plans will be discussed.
Attendees will receive a comprehensive handout detailing how they can help their children succeed in school.
Parents are asked to RSVP by calling (909) 758-8747.
The Upland Public Library's summer reading programs will soon be ending.
The teens taking part in the programs promoting self expression will get to enjoy a talent show and wrap party at the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday August 1.
There will be judges for the talent show portion and prizes.
The teens taking part in the programs promoting self expression will get to enjoy a talent show and wrap party at the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave., from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday August 1.
There will be judges for the talent show portion and prizes.
Teens will be able to imitate Michelangelo's painting style at the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday July 30.
The kids will get to lie down, roll up their sleeves and paint their best to pay homage to Michelangelo's famous work, the Sistine Chapel.
The kids will get to lie down, roll up their sleeves and paint their best to pay homage to Michelangelo's famous work, the Sistine Chapel.
The Upland Public Library is giving teens an opportunity to revamp some of their old t-shirts. Teens can bring their shirts to the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m. July 28. The library will provide the rest of the materials needed for alterations.
The San Antonio Heights bear does not seem to be going anywhere soon.
The bear has been found relaxing in the shady backyards of residents and roaming around in search of a tasty snack, often out of the garbage.
It has also been seen taking a soak in residents' pools during the scorching hot summer days.
It appears the bear has found the foothill community to be a comfortable place to stay.
The bear has been found relaxing in the shady backyards of residents and roaming around in search of a tasty snack, often out of the garbage.
It has also been seen taking a soak in residents' pools during the scorching hot summer days.
It appears the bear has found the foothill community to be a comfortable place to stay.
The City Council approved Monday to grant Savers Market, 503 N. Mountain Ave., a type 21 off-sale general Alcoholic Beverage Control License.
The market currently has a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine license.
Savers Market is one of 14 businesses holding liquor licenses in the designated area. Nine are allowed, which means the area is over concentrated.
The market, which sells other products such as milk, cheese and soft drinks, along with the Upland Police Department created a lengthy list of conditions to ensure that problems will not be created due to over concentration, according to the staff report.
Some of the conditions include posting a sign that states "No loitering, no littering, no drinking of alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to arrest." Also included is the requirement that no sales, services or consumption of alcoholic beverages occur between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., the property should remain free of litter, and the possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers and consumption are prohibited on or around the property.
A review will be done by the police department in 12 months to ensure the business has not created any problems for the department.
The market currently has a Type 20 off-sale beer and wine license.
Savers Market is one of 14 businesses holding liquor licenses in the designated area. Nine are allowed, which means the area is over concentrated.
The market, which sells other products such as milk, cheese and soft drinks, along with the Upland Police Department created a lengthy list of conditions to ensure that problems will not be created due to over concentration, according to the staff report.
Some of the conditions include posting a sign that states "No loitering, no littering, no drinking of alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to arrest." Also included is the requirement that no sales, services or consumption of alcoholic beverages occur between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., the property should remain free of litter, and the possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers and consumption are prohibited on or around the property.
A review will be done by the police department in 12 months to ensure the business has not created any problems for the department.
Teens, show off your painting talents from 2 to 4 p.m. July 23 during the Upland Public Library's sidewalk paint show.
Teens can pick their spot, create the art and display it for everyone to see.
Cost is free.
Information: Dedria or Randee (909) 931-4213.
Teens can pick their spot, create the art and display it for everyone to see.
Cost is free.
Information: Dedria or Randee (909) 931-4213.
It's time for local teens to start practicing their talents. The Upland Public Library is holding auditions for its teen talent show scheduled for Saturday August 1.
The auditions begin at 3:30 p.m. July 22 at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D. Street in Upland.
Information: Dedria or Randee (909) 931-4213.
The auditions begin at 3:30 p.m. July 22 at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D. Street in Upland.
Information: Dedria or Randee (909) 931-4213.
Gamers who may have missed the Upland Public Library's teen game night will have a second chance.
The library is holding another teen game night from 4 to 6 p.m. July 21 in the Carnegie Cultural Center Great Room, 123 D. Street.
Teens will get to play board games and Nintendo Wii. There will also be a wireless hook up available for teens who want to challenge each other on Nintendo DS.
The game night is free to teens.
Information: Dedria or Randee, (909) 931-4213.
The library is holding another teen game night from 4 to 6 p.m. July 21 in the Carnegie Cultural Center Great Room, 123 D. Street.
Teens will get to play board games and Nintendo Wii. There will also be a wireless hook up available for teens who want to challenge each other on Nintendo DS.
The game night is free to teens.
Information: Dedria or Randee, (909) 931-4213.
Local children will have a chance to see and touch dinosaur fossils and make a dino-related craft from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D. Street.
Representatives from the Raymond Alf Museum will be teaching the children all about dinosaurs.
Cost is free.
Information: Children's Desk (909) 931-4213.
Representatives from the Raymond Alf Museum will be teaching the children all about dinosaurs.
Cost is free.
Information: Children's Desk (909) 931-4213.
Lynda Hernandez will teach adults how to make a scrapbook album out of paper bags from 2 to 3:30 p.m. July 25 in the Upland Public Library multi-purpose room, 450 N. Euclid. Ave.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required and limited to 25 participants.
Those who wish to participate can register at the Information Desk.
California State Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands, is inviting Upland residents to join him at a no-host breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Coco's Restaurant, 60 W. Foothill Blvd.
Residents can drop in to discuss state issues and share their concerns with the assemblyman. No appointment is required. The breakfast will conclude at 10 a.m.
Emmerson will hold similar meetings throughout his district over the next few months.
The 63rd Assembly District includes the cities of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Highland, Fontana, Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, Riverside and San Bernardino.
Information: (909) 466-9096.
Residents can drop in to discuss state issues and share their concerns with the assemblyman. No appointment is required. The breakfast will conclude at 10 a.m.
Emmerson will hold similar meetings throughout his district over the next few months.
The 63rd Assembly District includes the cities of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Highland, Fontana, Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, Riverside and San Bernardino.
Information: (909) 466-9096.
An incorrect contact number was published in the Tuesday July 14 newspaper. The correct number is (909) 946-8549.
The Upland Women's Club Evening Section is hosting their 10th Annual Bingo Party from Noon to 4 p.m. August 2 at the clubhouse, 590 N. Second Ave. in Upland.
Hot dogs, beans, chips, drinks and ice cream will be served between Noon and 12:45 p.m. Bingo begins at 1 p.m.
Cost is $10 per person.
Proceeds go to benefit philanthropic projects in the community.
There will be game and door prizes.
Participants are asked to register early by calling (909) 946-8549 by July 28.
The Upland Women's Club Evening Section is hosting their 10th Annual Bingo Party from Noon to 4 p.m. August 2 at the clubhouse, 590 N. Second Ave. in Upland.
Hot dogs, beans, chips, drinks and ice cream will be served between Noon and 12:45 p.m. Bingo begins at 1 p.m.
Cost is $10 per person.
Proceeds go to benefit philanthropic projects in the community.
There will be game and door prizes.
Participants are asked to register early by calling (909) 946-8549 by July 28.
Local teen photographers can participate in a photography workshop at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Upland Public Library, 450 N. Euclid Ave.
Kim Saxelby from True Emotions Photography will explain and demonstrate her expertise to some local teens.
Another teen workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the library.
Teens can learn how to make milk carton catchers out of milk cartons and a cardboard toilet paper tube.
Information: (909) 931-4200.
Kim Saxelby from True Emotions Photography will explain and demonstrate her expertise to some local teens.
Another teen workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the library.
Teens can learn how to make milk carton catchers out of milk cartons and a cardboard toilet paper tube.
Information: (909) 931-4200.
The Upland Chamber of Commerce will be presenting the second phase of the "See Something Different - Discover Upland" advertising program at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday at Upland City Hall, 460 N. Euclid Ave.
The chamber in conjunction with the City of Upland kicked off the campaign a year ago in order to increase the exposure of local businesses throughout the city while educating the public about the benefits of spending their money at Upland stores.
Local business owners are invited to hear the chamber and city's advertising features currently being offered through the program.
The first 15 businesses who attend the workshop will receive a complimentary city retail shopping guide.
The chamber in conjunction with the City of Upland kicked off the campaign a year ago in order to increase the exposure of local businesses throughout the city while educating the public about the benefits of spending their money at Upland stores.
Local business owners are invited to hear the chamber and city's advertising features currently being offered through the program.
The first 15 businesses who attend the workshop will receive a complimentary city retail shopping guide.
Mystery writer Hannah Dennison returns to Upland with a presentation about new book, "Scoop!" - the sequel to her first book, "A Vicky Hill Exclusive."
The presentation is from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D. Street in Upland.
Books will be available for purchase.
The summertime tradition, Movies and Concerts at Magnolia Park, has begun.
The family friendly events will be every Wednesday until August 12 at Magnolia Park, 651 W 15th St. in Upland.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m. followed by the movie at 8:45 p.m.
Residents can bring their blankets and low lawn chairs and sit under the stars for an evening of music and movies.
A snack bar will be available for participants to purchase candy, sodas, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs and nachos.
Participation is free except the kids swap meet.
The events are sponsored by Upland-Foothill Kiwanis, City of Upland Recycles and the Department of Conservation.
Hip pain and oesteoarthritis affect people as they age.
San Antonio Community Hospital will host the "Oh, My Aching Hips" lecture July 14Tuesday on ways to manage the pain.
The speaker, orthopedic surgeon Jay Shah, will discuss alternative treatments to hip-replacement surgery.
The event will be held in the Aita Auditorium of the hospital from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For reservations, call (909) 944-9355.
San Antonio Community Hospital will host the "Oh, My Aching Hips" lecture July 14Tuesday on ways to manage the pain.
The speaker, orthopedic surgeon Jay Shah, will discuss alternative treatments to hip-replacement surgery.
The event will be held in the Aita Auditorium of the hospital from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For reservations, call (909) 944-9355.
Helen Catherine Wood is only 13 years old, but has already devoted so much of her time to helping others.
The San Antonio Heights resident has traveled to Alaska to help a former Mt. Baldy resident in her first Iditarod race. She's also been active in the Girl Scouts and other community projects.
Q: Why do you like to do charity work?
A: I have grown up doing charity work my whole life. Our family spends a lot of time doing things together, just having fun, not really watching much TV or playing electronic games. Instead, I guess what our family really likes, is getting out and doing things. I spend a lot of time doing things with my twin brother, and although I have a lot of other friends, my brother is really my best friend. Our family has always participated in community events and charity work, and we all enjoy being able to serve in the community.
My family has taught me that it is not what you get out of life, but what you contribute to life, and to others along your way, that really matters. I think this is especially true because you never really know when your life, or someone in your family, or a friends life might be over. I have had two very good friends of mine die unexpectedly, and you just never know when this could happen, so it is important that people focus on what really matters in life. I think you need to appreciate your life and be the best person that you can be. I believe that the saying " the more you give, the more you receive," is really true. The best thing that you can do is to give of yourself, your time, and your talents. Volunteering in the community is really a great way to do that. My dad is from Nashville, Tennessee and Tennessee is officially known as the "Volunteer State". My parents have taught me that it is the volunteers that have made our country great and different from so many other countries in the world. They also taught me that the best jobs in the world are the jobs you do as a volunteer, and if you volunteer for something you need to take it seriously.
Q: What other charity work have you been involved with?
A: I have been involved in lots of other charity work with my family for years. For example, the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Upland. I have been very involved in this community effort to raise awareness, education and continue the fight against cancer since I was eight years old when my best friend Jessi died of a brain tumor. It was very hard to lose your best friend when you are only eight years old, but we decided to do something about it and get involved. Each year we get more and more involved in the fight against cancer.
My family has been volunteering for our local Fire Station #12 ever since Sept. 11th 2001. I have helped do different things at the station. I have helped the fireman raise money for our community by helping to wash cars, helping with "Boot Drives" and various other activities at the station . I even sang the National Anthem for them at a 9/11 Memorial Service. We have a terrific Fire Department and I really like helping the firemen. We have gotten Christmas trees donated in the past for the station and then got our scout friends to help us decorate it.
I like to volunteer at our church in many ways. We attend Life Bible Fellowship Church in San Antonio Heights, I have a great youth pastor who has a great message for people my age every week. It is something you can take home and really use. Our youth group meets every Tuesday at 7pm and is open for any Junior Higher to come. We also have lots of other things at church going on throughout the week that people would enjoy. I think it is very important to be involved at church. You can be young and be a good example to others your age. I like the scripture, 1st Timothy 4:12. It say's "Do not let others look down on you because you a young, but be an example to others in your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith, and your purity".
For the past five years, my family has a tradition on Labor Day. We get up at 5:00am head to the top of Mt Baldy. Mt Baldy hosts an annual "Run to the Top". We ride up the back fire roads in the back of a supply truck. We help prepare hundreds of water cups and cut up fruit for approximately 600 participants. We then serve runners as they arrive at our station on the top of the mountain. We do this until the last runner comes through and by 12 noon we pack it up and take all the trash and supplies back down the hill. Volunteering for this is really a lot of fun!
I like to help get good local people elected to office by doing different types of campaign work. I like to help stuff envelopes, set-up for receptions, put up signs or rally on corners holding signs . This last election my brother and I probably served more than 100 hours helping in our local campaign. It is lots of fun!
My family has hosted many exchange students in our home. They have been with American Field Service and have attended Upland High School. They are still like big brothers and sisters to us. We keep in touch with them and have even visited some of them in their countries.
There are many little ways you can help people in the community and everyone should try to do something. When I was in 5th grade at Upland Christian School, my teacher challenged our class to do something special for the community with 10.00. Because my brother and I were both in 5th grade, we worked together and had 20.00 for this project. Our school gave each 5th grader the 10.00 to work with and then we could raise more if we wanted to. My brother and I made a donation can and raised a little more. We took what we had into Chicks in Upland. They partnered with us on a project to donate a brand new ping pong table to the Gibson Senior Center in Upland. It was really neat to see so many happy seniors when the Chicks manager, our school principle, my teacher, my brother and I came into the Senior Center with a ping pong table wrapped in a large red ribbon. We even got to play the first round with our principle Mr. Barnes.
It's fun to spend time with senior citizens. First of all, they have done a lot with their life, you can learn from them and they can tell you great stories about history. Also, they are never really in a hurry and they love to listen. My Great Aunt Martha is going to be 91 on the Fourth of July. She still goes fishing and she will be spending a week with us at our house in August. I can't wait! Also, my grandpa is 88 years old and still lives in his house in Upland. He was in World War II and has some great stories. I know I can find him almost everyday around 5pm eating at either Brandon's Diner in Upland or Denny's in Upland. He is a really great person and I love him very much!
Q: How did you become so involved in the community?
A: My family is very outgoing, and we are all pretty talkative, which probably gets us involved in the community. It is kind of like a chain link effect , getting to know other people and then one person or another links you to another person or an activity or community event. Then it just kind of snowballs from there. Then once you volunteer for something, you usually find out about other things that other people are involved with, which gets you more and more involved in the community. My family really likes people.
Q: You were recently crowned Miss Teen Community of Upland. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
A: Being crowned Miss Teen Community of Upland is both an honor and a privilege. More importantly, it is an opportunity to serve and represent the community, which is a really big responsibility. It allows me the opportunity to work on myself, to be a better person and a good role model for others, while representing the teens in our community. However, I am still the same person, whether I am wearing the sash and crown, or I am not. I think it is really fun to dress up and I am learning to make sure that I am well put together. It allows me to continue to work on my outside appearance as well as my inner self. My parents have always taught me that it is what is on the inside, that matters most. Although, I think it is also important to make a good impression and to practice good grooming habits, wear clean and neat clothes, have good manners, speak well, and represent yourself in a responsible way. A present is appreciated more if it is wrapped nicely, but it is the gift inside the box that matters most. When I am wearing the sash and crown, I know that I am looked at as I am representing the community, and it helps remind me that I really do need to look and act my best. I am very happy to have this opportunity, since it is something that I am very proud of, and an opportunity that you may not have very often.
Q: What do you do as Miss Teen Community of Upland?
A: As Miss Teen Community of Upland, I serve as a role model for others my age. I participate at community events, help at different functions and learn more about the community. By doing this it helps me to grow and to be a more responsible person in the community. Many of the things that I will do as Miss Teen Community of Upland, I have already been doing with my family for a long time. My parents are very involved in the community, so I have had the opportunity to be involved in a lot of community events already. As Miss Teen Community of Upland, I will attend community events and functions, while representing the community.
I recently had the opportunity to be a greeter for a community concert and really enjoyed listening to the music from the composer Gershwin. I also had the opportunity to attend an Upland City Council meeting and listen to the 2009-2010 budget for the city. It was really interesting to learn where our tax dollars are being spent. The Mayor and City Council members presented me with a certificate of recognition for serving as Miss Teen Community of Upland. I was honored and very appreciative of this recognition.
On Memorial Day, I attended a service at Belleview Cemetery, remembering the soldiers that have died fighting for our freedom. I have been going to this Memorial Day Service for five or six years with my family. This year I got to go as Miss Teen Community of Upland. This was really special and a great way to remember and respect those who have lost their lives to give us our freedom. I think it is important to show our appreciation every year. I wish more teens would come to this service and then go have their Memorial Day fun.
I am looking forward to participating in many more upcoming community events, including the Fourth of July parade, the Christmas parade, attending a Kiwanis luncheon, participating in the Upland Neighborhood National Night out on August 4th, the annual 9/11 service at the fire station, wrapping and passing out Christmas presents for the seniors in our community, and many other special charity events throughout the year.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
A: Everything is important in life. It makes you who you are. But, probably my biggest accomplishment is the work that we do in Eastern Europe. After being arrested and detained in a military facility for two days and two nights by the Russian Military, we prayed hard and had to stay calm in a very uncomfortable situation. This was a huge accomplishment as your first instinct is to panic. Instead, we prayed and depended on God to take good care of us and our needs. He did, and we were then able to stay calm and get through it. We were deported to Latvia and then traveled back to Lithuania to see our friends from Upland. This experience turned out to be quite an education for us, and through this experience, we decided to get involved in their work and start helping others in Eastern Europe. We soon began working on a large project that keeps growing and helping many people in Lithuania. Going through and learning to travel in foreign countries is an accomplishment. Learning to truly appreciate the freedoms and everything we have here in America is a huge accomplishment. Learning to really understand how important our freedom is when you see what dictatorships have really done to the core spirit of people who have lived in those countries. I truly appreciate the basics of family, food, shelter and the opportunity of going to school. I think that if more teens my age could see what it really is like in some other countries, they would genuinely appreciate what we have here. They would not be disruptive and rude to their parents, teachers and others. They would be a true friend to others and really try to help people one at a time. They would be humble and say that the world does not revolve around them. If you knew that it was the last day that you would ever see someone, I think you would treat them better. You really need to treat people better at all times because you really don't know when it may be the last time you would see someone. My mom tells me that kindness and consideration of others is important at all times. Girl Scouts oath says that we are responsible for what we say and do. The Bible says that we should help those in need. Learning and truly understanding these things are my biggest accomplishments so far!
Q: How do you hope to inspire others through your accomplishments?
A: I hope to inspire others through doing my best, encouraging people to do their best and trying to be a good role model. My parents have always been encouraging and told me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it, practice a lot and don't give up. My mom say's it is a matter of what you think. You are right if you think you can't and you are right if you think you can. It's only a matter of what you think!
There are people I know whose accomplishments have really encouraged and inspired me. I hope to do this same thing for others. Kim Rhode is a family friend and a real role model and inspiration to me. She's a champion skeet and trap shooter and the best gun shooter in the world. She practices a lot and has won gold, silver and bronze medals in four different Olympics. Another good friend, role model and inspiration to me is Maegan Ridley from Alta Loma. She has been one of the people who helped me learn how to ride horses. She is the current Miss Rodeo America and is traveling the United States representing all Rodeo queens in the country. The Air Force just took her up for a ride in one of their F16 Thunderbirds.
I would like to encourage teenagers to find someone in need, look for the good in people and truly show compassion towards others. Then, turn off your games once in a while and use that time to do something to help someone else. You'll end up feeling better about yourself if you have spent a little time helping others. One of my goals in life is to encourage and help kids with cancer. My brother and I want to speak in schools and teach other kids how to fight against cancer. We also want kids to know that it is not contagious and if someone in your school gets cancer, then you should not stay away from them, you need to be there for them and help them through it. This is when they need you the most! I hope one day that cancer awareness will be taught in the schools. Inspiring and encouraging one another is extremely important. More so than people realize.
Q: Can you tell me about your trips to Lithuania and Russia? What do you do there?
A: Our first trip to Eastern Europe was during spring break in April 2007 to visit a family from Upland who was living and working in Lithuania for one year. We went to school with their kids and their dad was the youth pastor at Pomona First Baptist Church. They were there to encourage and help people who lived through the reign of the Soviet Union dictatorship.
According to Gallop Poles, Lithuanians have the highest suicide rate in the world. Many Lithuanians feel that they have no hope. Through the Soviet control, many Lithuanians were killed or mentally, physically and emotionally beat down for so many generations that they tend to isolate themselves and develop a severe case of hopelessness and despair. Suicide is their escape. They are very discouraging people towards each other and this has paved the way for an epidemic of suicides. We are working hard with others to show them that there is hope and to encourage them to break free from this cloud of darkness that covers their country.
My brother and I work to encourage the kids in Lithuania. We have helped in many ways. For example, we have thrown a birthday party for the orphans, taught American football and baseball to kids and tried to help them learn English as they help us learn Lithuanian. Our job is to smile, be their friend and to encourage them in what ever they are trying to do. We have bought a small house in Lithuania and have made many new Lithuanian friends.
My family is working very hard to develop a ministry of "Hope" for Lithuanians. In order to help people, you need to have a place or building to work from. My family helped establish "The Manna Center", a place where people can come to for help. This is an ongoing project and vision of a Lithuanian Christian Church located on the Baltic Sea in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Here is the link to the center if you would like to know more about this project. www.serving.lt
Q: You have also traveled to Alaska for the Iditarod. What was that experience like for you?
A: In March of this year, for ten days, we lived in a girl scout cabin in Wasilla, Alaska. Most of the time it was below zero degrees. We had no running water, a wood burning stove for heat and an outhouse about 200 feet away from the cabin. We took our one shower at a community center in Anchorage. We spent each day working at a dog kennel learning how to care for dog teams, learning the art of dog mushing, the history of the Iditarod and other things to earn our dog mushing and Iditarod badges. It was cold, exciting, fun, educational and adventurous. It was exciting because we got to hang out with the dogs, learn from the mushers how to take care of the dogs and be a part of a working dog kennel. We formed a small bond with some of the dogs. It was fun working and playing with these dogs and learning that each dog has their own talent and personality (just like people). We participated in "Vet Check" day at the Iditarod headquarters and learned about their extensive health checks from the Chief Veterinarian.
In addition to learning and experiencing the 2009 Iditarod, we were able to experience and understand the alaskan culture. Even though Alaska is part of the United States, they have a much different culture than the rest of the country. We learned about Eskimo's and their Native Alaskan lifestyle. We ate salmon, moose burgers, caribou stew, and reindeer dogs. Reindeer and caribou is the same animal except a reindeer is domesticated. We went to the reindeer races in downtown Anchorage and had lots of fun watching the reindeers run. The weather was very cold and we realized that Alaska has some very interesting and different wildlife than what we are use to in California. It was a great adventure and experience.
Q: What are some of your experiences being home schooled?
A: We chose to be home schooled this year for many reasons. Because we are an active family, we decided that we wanted more time as a family working on our education together. Home schooling has given us that opportunity. We can take our laptops with us and can do our schooling anywhere we have an internet connection. It is a really cool online program called K12 and we are done with our book academics within three hours each day. There are many field trips that are offered so that you can interact with others your age. We can go at whatever speed we like and don't feel the stress of certain homework or project deadlines. I attended Mt. Baldy School for elementary school between kindergarten and fourth grade and then attended Upland Christian School for fifth and sixth grade. Then, for seventh grade, I asked to be home schooled. Every school was a different kind of experience, but all of them were really good, in their own way. Home schooling is good because you get up in the morning and you can make your own schedule. I am home schooled with my twin brother, John Wesley, which makes it even better because there is someone else to be able to learn and study with. When you are home schooled, you can really focus on your subjects and get more done in just a few hours, instead of all day, like in a regular school environment. You also have a more flexible schedule, which allows you to be able to take trips, or travel to interesting places, so you can experience and learn, when you can actually go somewhere and see things, in person. When you are home schooled, you have a lot more time to do other things that you want to do.
Q: What other activities and hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I am involved in a lot of activities and have a lot of interesting hobbies. I have been doing Tae Kwon Do for four years at a studio in Upland. I currently am a junior black belt with plans of taking my black belt test in November. This will be a very strenuous test and I am now in serious conditioning to get ready for the test. I recently won a gold medal for my division at a state tournament.
I have been in Girl Scouts for the past seven years and am now a cadet. I will soon begin working on my silver award. This is highest award possible for a cadet's to achieve. It involves planning, coordinating and implementing a project that benefits our community.
I love horses, and have an Arabian named Alazaar. I really like riding on the local horse trails near my house with my family and friends. Quite often I enjoy riding between the trees on Euclid. We are members of the Alta Loma Riding Club and enjoy the "Play Days" at Heritage Park . I just finished the spring season of Upland City Pony League. I played on the Red Sox and our team won the Championship for the league. It was a great season, a lot of fun and I had great coaches that really helped me. I learned a lot from watching the other players, going to practices and trying hard. I was the only girl on the team and the only girl in the league, but the coaches and team members really encouraged and helped me. I really hope more girls start playing fast pitch baseball. It is a lot of fun. Because of the encouragement and support from my coaches and my team, I want to play again next season. I recently watched the movie "A League of their Own". It was about keeping professional baseball alive during World War 11. Women took over real baseball during the war because most of the men were in foreign countries were serving in the military. These women became famous and are now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I enjoy doing many other things in the community or with my friends. I really love athletics. I like tennis, racquetball, football, volleyball, bike riding, roller skating, and ice skating. I am an advanced swimmer and certified in lifesaving and CPR. I was on the swim team at The Claremont Club for a year. They are a really good swim school with great coaches. While on the swim team I competed in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. I really like all kinds of water sports like surfing and snorkeling. We are a sail boating family. My Dad was living on a sailboat for 3 months before he met my mom. He actually really wanted to raise us traveling on a sailboat. But my mom wanted a home with a yard and animals. She won, but he still takes us sailing on the ocean. This is why my mom insisted that we were advanced swimmers. We spent 6 weeks every summer for six years at the Claremont Club in their swim school. It was great and it is fun for us and assuring for my mom that we are good swimmers.We are involved heavily with Ovation School for the Performing Arts in Upland. My brother and I take classes there in theatre, acting , dance, music ,hip hop, tap, jazz, and voice. This is a great school in Upland. We have also been in many local community theatre plays at the Grove Theatre. I've been in Annie, Honk, Peter Pan, Esther, the Star of Persia, Broadway Revue and others. In my quiet time, I love to draw, paint and do ceramics. I've taken many classes from Kids Art in Claremont and it is very relaxing. We own a cabin in Mt Baldy where we do lots of hiking on the local mountains. We are involved in the Mt Baldy community and love the mountain life. In the winter time, we do lots of snowboarding near our cabin. We entertain a lot and we host many parties for our family, friends and neighbors in our home.
Q: What are some things that most people may not know about you?
A: There are lots of things that people don't know about me. I was named after my grandmother who was Helen Catherine Clair. She was a great lady! My nickname is "Sweet Pea". I love working with animals and I want to be a Veterinarian. I've swam with sharks at Scripps School of Oceanography, climbed a Volcano in Hawaii at 6am in the morning with my parents just to find the best spot to watch the sun come up and went river rafting on class 5 rapids on the St Laurence River in Montreal, Canada. Also, we adopted our white lab from a camel farm in Yuma, Arizona (he still sits like a camel) and I like to country line dance with my dad to the Boot Scoot Shuffle and the Electric Slide. I've been on the auto bon in Germany and have been lost in Warsaw Poland in the Middle of the Night. I shovel a barrel full of horse poop everyday, my brother and I cut the grass at our house, do a lot of yard work and do the dishes in the kitchen. We play hard as a family and we work hard as a family.
The San Antonio Heights resident has traveled to Alaska to help a former Mt. Baldy resident in her first Iditarod race. She's also been active in the Girl Scouts and other community projects.
Q: Why do you like to do charity work?
A: I have grown up doing charity work my whole life. Our family spends a lot of time doing things together, just having fun, not really watching much TV or playing electronic games. Instead, I guess what our family really likes, is getting out and doing things. I spend a lot of time doing things with my twin brother, and although I have a lot of other friends, my brother is really my best friend. Our family has always participated in community events and charity work, and we all enjoy being able to serve in the community.
My family has taught me that it is not what you get out of life, but what you contribute to life, and to others along your way, that really matters. I think this is especially true because you never really know when your life, or someone in your family, or a friends life might be over. I have had two very good friends of mine die unexpectedly, and you just never know when this could happen, so it is important that people focus on what really matters in life. I think you need to appreciate your life and be the best person that you can be. I believe that the saying " the more you give, the more you receive," is really true. The best thing that you can do is to give of yourself, your time, and your talents. Volunteering in the community is really a great way to do that. My dad is from Nashville, Tennessee and Tennessee is officially known as the "Volunteer State". My parents have taught me that it is the volunteers that have made our country great and different from so many other countries in the world. They also taught me that the best jobs in the world are the jobs you do as a volunteer, and if you volunteer for something you need to take it seriously.
Q: What other charity work have you been involved with?
A: I have been involved in lots of other charity work with my family for years. For example, the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Upland. I have been very involved in this community effort to raise awareness, education and continue the fight against cancer since I was eight years old when my best friend Jessi died of a brain tumor. It was very hard to lose your best friend when you are only eight years old, but we decided to do something about it and get involved. Each year we get more and more involved in the fight against cancer.
My family has been volunteering for our local Fire Station #12 ever since Sept. 11th 2001. I have helped do different things at the station. I have helped the fireman raise money for our community by helping to wash cars, helping with "Boot Drives" and various other activities at the station . I even sang the National Anthem for them at a 9/11 Memorial Service. We have a terrific Fire Department and I really like helping the firemen. We have gotten Christmas trees donated in the past for the station and then got our scout friends to help us decorate it.
I like to volunteer at our church in many ways. We attend Life Bible Fellowship Church in San Antonio Heights, I have a great youth pastor who has a great message for people my age every week. It is something you can take home and really use. Our youth group meets every Tuesday at 7pm and is open for any Junior Higher to come. We also have lots of other things at church going on throughout the week that people would enjoy. I think it is very important to be involved at church. You can be young and be a good example to others your age. I like the scripture, 1st Timothy 4:12. It say's "Do not let others look down on you because you a young, but be an example to others in your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith, and your purity".
For the past five years, my family has a tradition on Labor Day. We get up at 5:00am head to the top of Mt Baldy. Mt Baldy hosts an annual "Run to the Top". We ride up the back fire roads in the back of a supply truck. We help prepare hundreds of water cups and cut up fruit for approximately 600 participants. We then serve runners as they arrive at our station on the top of the mountain. We do this until the last runner comes through and by 12 noon we pack it up and take all the trash and supplies back down the hill. Volunteering for this is really a lot of fun!
I like to help get good local people elected to office by doing different types of campaign work. I like to help stuff envelopes, set-up for receptions, put up signs or rally on corners holding signs . This last election my brother and I probably served more than 100 hours helping in our local campaign. It is lots of fun!
My family has hosted many exchange students in our home. They have been with American Field Service and have attended Upland High School. They are still like big brothers and sisters to us. We keep in touch with them and have even visited some of them in their countries.
There are many little ways you can help people in the community and everyone should try to do something. When I was in 5th grade at Upland Christian School, my teacher challenged our class to do something special for the community with 10.00. Because my brother and I were both in 5th grade, we worked together and had 20.00 for this project. Our school gave each 5th grader the 10.00 to work with and then we could raise more if we wanted to. My brother and I made a donation can and raised a little more. We took what we had into Chicks in Upland. They partnered with us on a project to donate a brand new ping pong table to the Gibson Senior Center in Upland. It was really neat to see so many happy seniors when the Chicks manager, our school principle, my teacher, my brother and I came into the Senior Center with a ping pong table wrapped in a large red ribbon. We even got to play the first round with our principle Mr. Barnes.
It's fun to spend time with senior citizens. First of all, they have done a lot with their life, you can learn from them and they can tell you great stories about history. Also, they are never really in a hurry and they love to listen. My Great Aunt Martha is going to be 91 on the Fourth of July. She still goes fishing and she will be spending a week with us at our house in August. I can't wait! Also, my grandpa is 88 years old and still lives in his house in Upland. He was in World War II and has some great stories. I know I can find him almost everyday around 5pm eating at either Brandon's Diner in Upland or Denny's in Upland. He is a really great person and I love him very much!
Q: How did you become so involved in the community?
A: My family is very outgoing, and we are all pretty talkative, which probably gets us involved in the community. It is kind of like a chain link effect , getting to know other people and then one person or another links you to another person or an activity or community event. Then it just kind of snowballs from there. Then once you volunteer for something, you usually find out about other things that other people are involved with, which gets you more and more involved in the community. My family really likes people.
Q: You were recently crowned Miss Teen Community of Upland. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
A: Being crowned Miss Teen Community of Upland is both an honor and a privilege. More importantly, it is an opportunity to serve and represent the community, which is a really big responsibility. It allows me the opportunity to work on myself, to be a better person and a good role model for others, while representing the teens in our community. However, I am still the same person, whether I am wearing the sash and crown, or I am not. I think it is really fun to dress up and I am learning to make sure that I am well put together. It allows me to continue to work on my outside appearance as well as my inner self. My parents have always taught me that it is what is on the inside, that matters most. Although, I think it is also important to make a good impression and to practice good grooming habits, wear clean and neat clothes, have good manners, speak well, and represent yourself in a responsible way. A present is appreciated more if it is wrapped nicely, but it is the gift inside the box that matters most. When I am wearing the sash and crown, I know that I am looked at as I am representing the community, and it helps remind me that I really do need to look and act my best. I am very happy to have this opportunity, since it is something that I am very proud of, and an opportunity that you may not have very often.
Q: What do you do as Miss Teen Community of Upland?
A: As Miss Teen Community of Upland, I serve as a role model for others my age. I participate at community events, help at different functions and learn more about the community. By doing this it helps me to grow and to be a more responsible person in the community. Many of the things that I will do as Miss Teen Community of Upland, I have already been doing with my family for a long time. My parents are very involved in the community, so I have had the opportunity to be involved in a lot of community events already. As Miss Teen Community of Upland, I will attend community events and functions, while representing the community.
I recently had the opportunity to be a greeter for a community concert and really enjoyed listening to the music from the composer Gershwin. I also had the opportunity to attend an Upland City Council meeting and listen to the 2009-2010 budget for the city. It was really interesting to learn where our tax dollars are being spent. The Mayor and City Council members presented me with a certificate of recognition for serving as Miss Teen Community of Upland. I was honored and very appreciative of this recognition.
On Memorial Day, I attended a service at Belleview Cemetery, remembering the soldiers that have died fighting for our freedom. I have been going to this Memorial Day Service for five or six years with my family. This year I got to go as Miss Teen Community of Upland. This was really special and a great way to remember and respect those who have lost their lives to give us our freedom. I think it is important to show our appreciation every year. I wish more teens would come to this service and then go have their Memorial Day fun.
I am looking forward to participating in many more upcoming community events, including the Fourth of July parade, the Christmas parade, attending a Kiwanis luncheon, participating in the Upland Neighborhood National Night out on August 4th, the annual 9/11 service at the fire station, wrapping and passing out Christmas presents for the seniors in our community, and many other special charity events throughout the year.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
A: Everything is important in life. It makes you who you are. But, probably my biggest accomplishment is the work that we do in Eastern Europe. After being arrested and detained in a military facility for two days and two nights by the Russian Military, we prayed hard and had to stay calm in a very uncomfortable situation. This was a huge accomplishment as your first instinct is to panic. Instead, we prayed and depended on God to take good care of us and our needs. He did, and we were then able to stay calm and get through it. We were deported to Latvia and then traveled back to Lithuania to see our friends from Upland. This experience turned out to be quite an education for us, and through this experience, we decided to get involved in their work and start helping others in Eastern Europe. We soon began working on a large project that keeps growing and helping many people in Lithuania. Going through and learning to travel in foreign countries is an accomplishment. Learning to truly appreciate the freedoms and everything we have here in America is a huge accomplishment. Learning to really understand how important our freedom is when you see what dictatorships have really done to the core spirit of people who have lived in those countries. I truly appreciate the basics of family, food, shelter and the opportunity of going to school. I think that if more teens my age could see what it really is like in some other countries, they would genuinely appreciate what we have here. They would not be disruptive and rude to their parents, teachers and others. They would be a true friend to others and really try to help people one at a time. They would be humble and say that the world does not revolve around them. If you knew that it was the last day that you would ever see someone, I think you would treat them better. You really need to treat people better at all times because you really don't know when it may be the last time you would see someone. My mom tells me that kindness and consideration of others is important at all times. Girl Scouts oath says that we are responsible for what we say and do. The Bible says that we should help those in need. Learning and truly understanding these things are my biggest accomplishments so far!
Q: How do you hope to inspire others through your accomplishments?
A: I hope to inspire others through doing my best, encouraging people to do their best and trying to be a good role model. My parents have always been encouraging and told me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it, practice a lot and don't give up. My mom say's it is a matter of what you think. You are right if you think you can't and you are right if you think you can. It's only a matter of what you think!
There are people I know whose accomplishments have really encouraged and inspired me. I hope to do this same thing for others. Kim Rhode is a family friend and a real role model and inspiration to me. She's a champion skeet and trap shooter and the best gun shooter in the world. She practices a lot and has won gold, silver and bronze medals in four different Olympics. Another good friend, role model and inspiration to me is Maegan Ridley from Alta Loma. She has been one of the people who helped me learn how to ride horses. She is the current Miss Rodeo America and is traveling the United States representing all Rodeo queens in the country. The Air Force just took her up for a ride in one of their F16 Thunderbirds.
I would like to encourage teenagers to find someone in need, look for the good in people and truly show compassion towards others. Then, turn off your games once in a while and use that time to do something to help someone else. You'll end up feeling better about yourself if you have spent a little time helping others. One of my goals in life is to encourage and help kids with cancer. My brother and I want to speak in schools and teach other kids how to fight against cancer. We also want kids to know that it is not contagious and if someone in your school gets cancer, then you should not stay away from them, you need to be there for them and help them through it. This is when they need you the most! I hope one day that cancer awareness will be taught in the schools. Inspiring and encouraging one another is extremely important. More so than people realize.
Q: Can you tell me about your trips to Lithuania and Russia? What do you do there?
A: Our first trip to Eastern Europe was during spring break in April 2007 to visit a family from Upland who was living and working in Lithuania for one year. We went to school with their kids and their dad was the youth pastor at Pomona First Baptist Church. They were there to encourage and help people who lived through the reign of the Soviet Union dictatorship.
According to Gallop Poles, Lithuanians have the highest suicide rate in the world. Many Lithuanians feel that they have no hope. Through the Soviet control, many Lithuanians were killed or mentally, physically and emotionally beat down for so many generations that they tend to isolate themselves and develop a severe case of hopelessness and despair. Suicide is their escape. They are very discouraging people towards each other and this has paved the way for an epidemic of suicides. We are working hard with others to show them that there is hope and to encourage them to break free from this cloud of darkness that covers their country.
My brother and I work to encourage the kids in Lithuania. We have helped in many ways. For example, we have thrown a birthday party for the orphans, taught American football and baseball to kids and tried to help them learn English as they help us learn Lithuanian. Our job is to smile, be their friend and to encourage them in what ever they are trying to do. We have bought a small house in Lithuania and have made many new Lithuanian friends.
My family is working very hard to develop a ministry of "Hope" for Lithuanians. In order to help people, you need to have a place or building to work from. My family helped establish "The Manna Center", a place where people can come to for help. This is an ongoing project and vision of a Lithuanian Christian Church located on the Baltic Sea in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Here is the link to the center if you would like to know more about this project. www.serving.lt
Q: You have also traveled to Alaska for the Iditarod. What was that experience like for you?
A: In March of this year, for ten days, we lived in a girl scout cabin in Wasilla, Alaska. Most of the time it was below zero degrees. We had no running water, a wood burning stove for heat and an outhouse about 200 feet away from the cabin. We took our one shower at a community center in Anchorage. We spent each day working at a dog kennel learning how to care for dog teams, learning the art of dog mushing, the history of the Iditarod and other things to earn our dog mushing and Iditarod badges. It was cold, exciting, fun, educational and adventurous. It was exciting because we got to hang out with the dogs, learn from the mushers how to take care of the dogs and be a part of a working dog kennel. We formed a small bond with some of the dogs. It was fun working and playing with these dogs and learning that each dog has their own talent and personality (just like people). We participated in "Vet Check" day at the Iditarod headquarters and learned about their extensive health checks from the Chief Veterinarian.
In addition to learning and experiencing the 2009 Iditarod, we were able to experience and understand the alaskan culture. Even though Alaska is part of the United States, they have a much different culture than the rest of the country. We learned about Eskimo's and their Native Alaskan lifestyle. We ate salmon, moose burgers, caribou stew, and reindeer dogs. Reindeer and caribou is the same animal except a reindeer is domesticated. We went to the reindeer races in downtown Anchorage and had lots of fun watching the reindeers run. The weather was very cold and we realized that Alaska has some very interesting and different wildlife than what we are use to in California. It was a great adventure and experience.
Q: What are some of your experiences being home schooled?
A: We chose to be home schooled this year for many reasons. Because we are an active family, we decided that we wanted more time as a family working on our education together. Home schooling has given us that opportunity. We can take our laptops with us and can do our schooling anywhere we have an internet connection. It is a really cool online program called K12 and we are done with our book academics within three hours each day. There are many field trips that are offered so that you can interact with others your age. We can go at whatever speed we like and don't feel the stress of certain homework or project deadlines. I attended Mt. Baldy School for elementary school between kindergarten and fourth grade and then attended Upland Christian School for fifth and sixth grade. Then, for seventh grade, I asked to be home schooled. Every school was a different kind of experience, but all of them were really good, in their own way. Home schooling is good because you get up in the morning and you can make your own schedule. I am home schooled with my twin brother, John Wesley, which makes it even better because there is someone else to be able to learn and study with. When you are home schooled, you can really focus on your subjects and get more done in just a few hours, instead of all day, like in a regular school environment. You also have a more flexible schedule, which allows you to be able to take trips, or travel to interesting places, so you can experience and learn, when you can actually go somewhere and see things, in person. When you are home schooled, you have a lot more time to do other things that you want to do.
Q: What other activities and hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I am involved in a lot of activities and have a lot of interesting hobbies. I have been doing Tae Kwon Do for four years at a studio in Upland. I currently am a junior black belt with plans of taking my black belt test in November. This will be a very strenuous test and I am now in serious conditioning to get ready for the test. I recently won a gold medal for my division at a state tournament.
I have been in Girl Scouts for the past seven years and am now a cadet. I will soon begin working on my silver award. This is highest award possible for a cadet's to achieve. It involves planning, coordinating and implementing a project that benefits our community.
I love horses, and have an Arabian named Alazaar. I really like riding on the local horse trails near my house with my family and friends. Quite often I enjoy riding between the trees on Euclid. We are members of the Alta Loma Riding Club and enjoy the "Play Days" at Heritage Park . I just finished the spring season of Upland City Pony League. I played on the Red Sox and our team won the Championship for the league. It was a great season, a lot of fun and I had great coaches that really helped me. I learned a lot from watching the other players, going to practices and trying hard. I was the only girl on the team and the only girl in the league, but the coaches and team members really encouraged and helped me. I really hope more girls start playing fast pitch baseball. It is a lot of fun. Because of the encouragement and support from my coaches and my team, I want to play again next season. I recently watched the movie "A League of their Own". It was about keeping professional baseball alive during World War 11. Women took over real baseball during the war because most of the men were in foreign countries were serving in the military. These women became famous and are now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I enjoy doing many other things in the community or with my friends. I really love athletics. I like tennis, racquetball, football, volleyball, bike riding, roller skating, and ice skating. I am an advanced swimmer and certified in lifesaving and CPR. I was on the swim team at The Claremont Club for a year. They are a really good swim school with great coaches. While on the swim team I competed in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. I really like all kinds of water sports like surfing and snorkeling. We are a sail boating family. My Dad was living on a sailboat for 3 months before he met my mom. He actually really wanted to raise us traveling on a sailboat. But my mom wanted a home with a yard and animals. She won, but he still takes us sailing on the ocean. This is why my mom insisted that we were advanced swimmers. We spent 6 weeks every summer for six years at the Claremont Club in their swim school. It was great and it is fun for us and assuring for my mom that we are good swimmers.We are involved heavily with Ovation School for the Performing Arts in Upland. My brother and I take classes there in theatre, acting , dance, music ,hip hop, tap, jazz, and voice. This is a great school in Upland. We have also been in many local community theatre plays at the Grove Theatre. I've been in Annie, Honk, Peter Pan, Esther, the Star of Persia, Broadway Revue and others. In my quiet time, I love to draw, paint and do ceramics. I've taken many classes from Kids Art in Claremont and it is very relaxing. We own a cabin in Mt Baldy where we do lots of hiking on the local mountains. We are involved in the Mt Baldy community and love the mountain life. In the winter time, we do lots of snowboarding near our cabin. We entertain a lot and we host many parties for our family, friends and neighbors in our home.
Q: What are some things that most people may not know about you?
A: There are lots of things that people don't know about me. I was named after my grandmother who was Helen Catherine Clair. She was a great lady! My nickname is "Sweet Pea". I love working with animals and I want to be a Veterinarian. I've swam with sharks at Scripps School of Oceanography, climbed a Volcano in Hawaii at 6am in the morning with my parents just to find the best spot to watch the sun come up and went river rafting on class 5 rapids on the St Laurence River in Montreal, Canada. Also, we adopted our white lab from a camel farm in Yuma, Arizona (he still sits like a camel) and I like to country line dance with my dad to the Boot Scoot Shuffle and the Electric Slide. I've been on the auto bon in Germany and have been lost in Warsaw Poland in the Middle of the Night. I shovel a barrel full of horse poop everyday, my brother and I cut the grass at our house, do a lot of yard work and do the dishes in the kitchen. We play hard as a family and we work hard as a family.
Three days of Community Emergency Response Teams training will be offered to San Antonio Heights residents over the summer.
The training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.
The C.E.R.T. Training sessions include:
Disaster preparedness
Fire safety
Two sessions of disaster medical operations
Light search and rescue
C.E.R.T. Organization
Disaster psychology
Terrorism and C.E.R.T.
Classes are taught by trained emergency personnel and will consist of three seven-hour classes to obtain C.E.R.T. certification.
Classes are also open to existing C.E.R.T. Members.
Day one and two of training is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 and July 25 in Monte Vista rooms one and two at Life Bible Fellowship Church, 2426 N. Euclid Ave. in Upland.
Day three of training is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 8 in the Belleview House lower 10 at Life Bible Fellowship Church.
Information and reservations: (909) 239-1647 or e-mail jr0371@verizon.net.
The Upland Animal Shelter, 860 E. 15th Street, is hosting a "Kitten Adoption Extravaganza" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18.
All cat and kitten adoption fees will be $25 and will include spay/neuter, microchip and first vaccines.
Refreshments will be provides and there will be giveaways.
Visit the shelter and "adopt a pet, save a life, and gain a lifelong companion."
Information: (909) 931-4185.
All cat and kitten adoption fees will be $25 and will include spay/neuter, microchip and first vaccines.
Refreshments will be provides and there will be giveaways.
Visit the shelter and "adopt a pet, save a life, and gain a lifelong companion."
Information: (909) 931-4185.
At The Grove Productions is holding auditions for their children's theater production of "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Those planning to audition are asked to come prepared to sing.
All roles are currently open.
Information: (909) 920-4343.
Those planning to audition are asked to come prepared to sing.
All roles are currently open.
Information: (909) 920-4343.
Upland-based non-profit Steven's Hope has recently opened the doors to their children's boutique.
The boutique provides new and gently used items to help fund their programs that assist seriously ill children and their families.
Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Steven's Hope is at 1014 W. Foothill Blvd. Suite B.
Clothing, toys, games, books, DVDs, shoes and accessories are available at the boutique.
A grand opening will be held August 14 and 15.
Boutique volunteers are needed as well as donations. Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Information: (909) 373-0678 or visit www.stevenshope.org
The boutique provides new and gently used items to help fund their programs that assist seriously ill children and their families.
Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Steven's Hope is at 1014 W. Foothill Blvd. Suite B.
Clothing, toys, games, books, DVDs, shoes and accessories are available at the boutique.
A grand opening will be held August 14 and 15.
Boutique volunteers are needed as well as donations. Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Information: (909) 373-0678 or visit www.stevenshope.org
The 5th Annual San Antonio Canyon Watershed's Clean Up Day is from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday on Shinn Road in Mt. Baldy.
Participants in the clean up day will work to keep the forest and water supply clean.
All clean up materials will be provided as well as light refreshments.
Shinn Road is across the street from fire station 25, 3000 N. Mountain Road.
The cities of Upland and Pomona are participating as well as the San Antonio Water Company.
Information: (909) 802-7421.
Participants in the clean up day will work to keep the forest and water supply clean.
All clean up materials will be provided as well as light refreshments.
Shinn Road is across the street from fire station 25, 3000 N. Mountain Road.
The cities of Upland and Pomona are participating as well as the San Antonio Water Company.
Information: (909) 802-7421.
Future Energy Corporation recently celebrated the opening of their two new facilities in Upland.
The 30 year-old energy company is now at 1671 W. Arrow Route in Upland.
A ribbon cutting was held in June by the Upland Chamber of Commerce.
"We were joined by the Mayor of Upland, executives from The Upland Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and our clients," said Jeffrey Adkins, founder and CEO. "We look forward to providing solar panel solutions, energy efficient windows, and other environmentally friendly products to our clients."
From the Upland location Future Energy Corporation will be serving the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
The company has eight offices throughout the state and provides energy efficient solutions to it's clients.
Future Energy Corp. also offers environmentally friendly solar panels, energy efficient windows, state of the art heating and cooling systems, energy efficient insulation, and home protection via SURECOAT.
Visit their Web site: www.energysavers.com
The 30 year-old energy company is now at 1671 W. Arrow Route in Upland.
A ribbon cutting was held in June by the Upland Chamber of Commerce.
"We were joined by the Mayor of Upland, executives from The Upland Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and our clients," said Jeffrey Adkins, founder and CEO. "We look forward to providing solar panel solutions, energy efficient windows, and other environmentally friendly products to our clients."
From the Upland location Future Energy Corporation will be serving the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
The company has eight offices throughout the state and provides energy efficient solutions to it's clients.
Future Energy Corp. also offers environmentally friendly solar panels, energy efficient windows, state of the art heating and cooling systems, energy efficient insulation, and home protection via SURECOAT.
Visit their Web site: www.energysavers.com
The Claremont Chorale's smaller chamber choir will be joining Choralescence, a local a cappella ensemble, from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Carnegie Cultural Center, 123 D Street.
The performance is part of the Upland Public Library's adult summer reading program and will include spirituals, music by American composers and music of other places and periods.
The performance is part of the Upland Public Library's adult summer reading program and will include spirituals, music by American composers and music of other places and periods.
The Upland Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the city of Upland, is holding a Find U Promotion in downtown Upland until July 15.
Residents are to visit participating downtown Upland merchants for entry forms which will make them eligible to win prizes.
Participating stores will have signs in their windows.
Drawings begin at 6:30 p.m. July 16 during the farmer's market in downtown.
Information: (909) 204-4465.
Residents are to visit participating downtown Upland merchants for entry forms which will make them eligible to win prizes.
Participating stores will have signs in their windows.
Drawings begin at 6:30 p.m. July 16 during the farmer's market in downtown.
Information: (909) 204-4465.
Craig Conner and his sons were willing to get a few feet away from a bear in San Antonio Heights a couple weeks ago all for the sake of a great You Tube video.
The bear, which has been seen a lot lately by residents along with it's larger companion, was rummaging for food in a dumpster.
"He didn't seem to be people shy and he wasn't acting violent," Conner said. "He didn't seem concerned that people were watching."
This is the second time Conner had seen the bear in the area in the last few weeks.
Conner was driving down baseline in early June when he saw Claremont police officers and an animal control near Cable Airport.
"I noticed that bear was going over the fence at that time," Conner said. "Later that day it was on the 11 (o'clock) news."
The bear was later found in a tree in Cabrillo Park on 11th Street and was caught by state Department Fish & Game officials.
The recent bear sightings are the first Conner has heard of in about five years, he said.
However, what has been bothering the Conner family more frequently is a local raccoon.
"This year we've had a racoon that's been visiting us quite frequently since we got a new puppy," Conner said. "When we had an older dog it was big enough to keep the raccoon from looking around."
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