Recently in Faith and Values Category

Abandoned kittens nursed to good health

By Nicole Laffey
Executive Director
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society

YUCAIPA - Baby kittens were found by YAPS staff stuffed in a box at the front of the facility covered in ants and only about six days old.

We've been hand raised and bottle fed and received a lot of attention from the folks at YAPS. After eight weeks of TLC, we are looking for homes of our own.

We are very social, and get along well with other cats and dogs. We are young, so we like to play, so if you have a chance come play with us today!

YAPS
11937 13th Street
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
Telephone (909) 790-1440
Email yaps@yaps.com
Website www.yaps.org

Harley needs a home

By Nicole Laffey
Executive Director
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society

YUCAIPA - Hi, I'm Harley a two year old Norfolk Terrier mix. I'm a real sweetheart, and the staff loves me. I hardly ever need a leash cause I'll stick by your side like glue. I like most other dogs, and kids too. At around 15 pounds, I won't take up too much room. I'd be a great addition to your family, please come visit me today!

YAPS
11937 13th Street
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399 Telephone
(909) 790-1440
Email yaps@yaps.com
Website yaps.org

YAPS Titus

By Nicole Laffey
Executive Director
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society

YUCAIPA - Hey there! My name is Titus! It broke the hearts of my former owners to give me up, but there was an illness in the family so I understood. I'm only about six months old, and I get along really well with everyone including kids and other dogs too.

In my former home I was allowed to sleep indoors. Perhaps you could find a spot in your heart and your home for me. Come on over and see me, I love visitors!

Nicole Laffey
Executive Director
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society
P.O. Box 199
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 790-1440

News Release:
Story and photos by Mike Sturman
Beaumont Unified School District

BEAUMONT, CA - Even in bad economic times, the Beaumont Unified School District comes through. Donations to the United Way by District employees jumped to $26,000 this year, a $5,000 increase over the previous year.

Jeanette Marlar, Eastern Region Director of the United Way of the Inland Valleys, told the District's Board of Trustees at a recent meeting that, "this District always steps up to the plate." In the last five years, she said, Beaumont employees have contributed about $100,000.

Lisa Tarrats, the District's Facilities Accounting Technician, is the District's United Way Campaign Manager. "The total collected in the Pass was $66,000," she said. "Of that, $26,000 came from Beaumont."

Fallen heroes absent but not forgotten on this sacred day for veterans

Photos By Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

YUCAIPA - Thomas Arredondo stood back soaking in the scene before him. He watched as people strolled among the hundreds of graves adorned with small American flags marking the permanent resting place of Calimesa and Yucaipa veterans who fought and died in service to their country.

The former Infantryman of the Army's First Infantry Division served in Vietnam from February 1967 to February 1968. He was one of the fortunate ones to come home alive, he said.

On Monday Arredondo paid his respects to those who didn't come home alive. He was one of about 500 who attended the Memorial Day Commemoration at Desert Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Calimesa.

"I come every year to remember and honor the men who died and didn't come home," said Arredondo of Mentone. "I had an uncle who was killed in Korea. He was only 18. I lost four or five of my friends and my bunker buddy was killed by either shrapnel or a bullet. I never want to forget them."

Set Free Church to host annual Car & Bike show on June 20th

YUCAIPA - From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music, raffles, plenty of vendors and food at Set Free Church. This event is free to the public. All Bikes, Hot Rods, Classic Cars and Custom rides are invited to show off there stuff.

Trophies will be presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, and also there will be trophy's for Pastor's pick & more. Registration is just $25.00 at the door or you can register online for only $20.00 at www.setfreerocks.com.

Veterans hope public will take time to pay respects

By Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/23/2009 05:59:30 PM PDT
(An excerpt from Diana Sholley's terrific feature story, "Day to remember," that appeared in the SUN's Perspectives section today.)

YUCAIPA - As Gary Martin prepares to celebrate Memorial Day, he wonders how many of his fellow Americans will also take the time to honor the holiday. Will they host a backyard barbecue? Enjoy a day at the beach? Water ski on the river or take a long weekend getaway?

All great ways to spend free time. In the midst of sun, surf and summertime snacks, Martin hopes everyone who enjoys the freedom to celebrate however they choose can find some time to pay respects to the men and woman who provided all those possibilities.

"People seem to have lost focus on what Memorial Day is all about," said Martin, commander of the Yucaipa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7347. "I have strong feelings about veterans, especially those who have paid the ultimate price. With all our country's trials and tribulations, there's no one in the world that enjoys the freedoms we do."

Giving people an opportunity to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, the Yucaipa VFW Post 7347 has joined with the Yucaipa American Legion Post 426 to host an hour-long ceremony at Desert Lawn Cemetery.

Today volunteers will be out at Desert Lawn adorning the graves with American flags.

The event will include speakers, a rifle salute, flyover, taps and a roll call of all the Yucaipa and Calimesa residents who gave their lives after answering the call. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

Attendance by Yucaipa Mayor Dick Riddell and Calimesa Mayor Jim Hyatt, along with one of the guest speakers, Calimesa Councilmember, Ray Quinto, are also expected.

For the past few years the Yucaipa's VFW and American Legion have joined for combined celebrations on Veterans and Memorial Day. Martin was saddened by last year's Veterans Day turnout at Yucaipa Regional Park.

"We probably had less than 150 people there," said Martin, 64, who served 10 years in the Marines and 10 years in the Army. "Within 100 yards or so of our celebration there were three pavilions filled with people having huge barbecues."

Through extensive planning and getting the word out, Martin hopes to revitalize the holiday, its true meaning and a sense of gratitude.

"Have a barbecue, go to a picnic; most Memorial Day events only last about an hour," he said. "Is it too much to ask to spend one hour a year to pay homage to a veteran that gave his life for your freedom?"

Monday's Memorial Day Commemoration at Desert Lawn will start at 10 a.m. and last for about an hour.

Desert Lawn Funeral Cemetery
11251 Desert Lawn Drive
Calimesa, CA 92323
(909) 795-2451
www.caringfuneralservice.com

Take time to read Diana's entire story by clicking on this link: Day To Remember

About 50 volunteers, including veterans, boy scouts and cub scouts, planted flags at the grave sites of U.S. military veterans at Desert Lawn Funeral Cemetery on Sunday morning.
By Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

CALIMESA - They came because they care. They came because they are grateful. They came in reverence for those who served, fought, and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

About 50 volunteers carrying armfuls of small American flags searched among the hundreds of grave markers on the vast green lawn of Desert Lawn Funeral Cemetery on Sunday.

These patriotic volunteers - veterans from the Yucaipa American Legion Post 426 and VFW Post 7347, Highland Boy Scouts Troop 19, and the Yucaipa Cub Scouts Pack 4 - searched for a very revered group of Americans resting for all eternity at Desert Lawn:

Americans who had served, fought, and died for their country - the United States military men and women of the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps.

When a flag bearer found a grave marker with the name of veteran on it, a flag was placed in the ground next to the marker. And when the final flag was placed, the cemetery was filled with over 300 flags waving softly in a silent breeze.

For 12-year-old Christian Lucas of Troop 19, this was his first time paying such an honor to America's veterans. "We need to recognize everyone who served and died for our country," Christian said.

The flag placing ceremony precedes the Memorial Day Commemoration, which will be held at Desert Lawn on Monday. Sherrie Hyman of Yucaipa wore her black POW MIA T-shirt inscribed on the back with, "You Are Not Forgotten."

Her arms were filled with flags as she stepped gingerly and respectfully among the hundreds of grave markers in search of those inscribed with the names of veterans.

Hyman, along with her fiance Howard Parkin a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, adorned grave sites with flags for about an hour - at one small grave marker after another - such as that of Lester L. Lundorf. His marker read, Y2 US Navy, World War II, 1915 - 2005. Or that of Artys Ruth Brown, 2nd Lt. US Army, Korea, Nov. 9, 1919 - July 2, 2007.

"My dad John Hyman was in the Navy and served in World War II," Hyman said. "It means a lot for me to be here today to honor my dad and all of the veterans. Because of them we live in peace and in a free country."

Memorial Day Commemoration will begin at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day at Desert Lawn. There is plenty of seating and parking and the event will last for about an hour.

Desert Lawn Funeral and Cemetery
11251 Desert Lawn Drive
Calimesa, CA 92320
(909) 795-2451
www.caringfuneralservice.com.

CALIMESA / YUCAIPA - The Memorial Day 2009 Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 25 to commemorate the Yucaipa Valley men and women who died while in military service.

The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. until about noon at Desert Lawn Cemetery. Veterans from the American Legion Post 426 will pay tribute along with the VFW Post 7347 firing squad and honor guard. The Yucaipa High School Air Force JROTC Honor Guard will post the Colors. And the Sanctuary Choir, a 30 member group from Yucaipa Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa, and the Bryant Street Baptist Church will perform.

There will also be a Laying of the Wreath Ceremony, a Fly Over, and local and state dignitaries will speak in honor of our fallen heroes.

Desert Lawn Cemetery is located off the Interstate 10 Freeway east of Calimesa.

Desert Lawn Funeral Home
and Memorial Park
11251 Desert Lawn Drive
Calimesa, California 92320
Main (909)795-2451

News Release:
By Liz Davila
Set Free Church Yucaipa
Event Resource Director
(909) 446-0033

YUCAIPA - Set Free Church in Yucaipa is presenting its 16th Anniversary Party and Annual Car & Bike Show on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All car and motorcycle clubs, as well individual enthusiasts are welcome to enter their vehicle and bike in the show by registering at the Set Free website. Or on the day of the event. Registration is $20.00 Online and $25 on event day and includes a Commemorative T-shirt and Goodie Bucket.

Five bands will perform, including The Royal Blues, Draweth Nigh, Set Free Berdoo, Set Free Riverside, and Set Free Yucaipa.

The event is free to attend and children will have plenty of fun activities including face painting, balloon animals, a bounce house, and of course plenty of food for everyone provided by several vendors.

There will also be raffle prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds to benefit Set Free Women and Children's home.

To be a vendor call Angel at (909) 446-0033 or email suzi@setfreerocks.com no later than June 1, 2009.

Set Free Church
13700 Calimesa Boulevard
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 528-0782
(Off the 10 freeway at County Line Road exit)

For more information and to register on line visit:
Click Here For Set Free Website

Rummage sale to help support St. Frances X. Cabrini Youth Ministry - donations welcome - public encouraged to attend

News Release:
By Lisa Cox
Coordinator of Community Events
St. Frances X. Cabrini Catholic Church
12687 California St.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 797-2533, ext. 500
lcox@sfxc.org

YUCAIPA - All bargain hunters in the Yucaipa-Calimesa area are invited to a Rummage Sale being held by St. Frances X. Cabrini Church in Yucaipa on the weekend of June 12-14. The sale will take place in Cabrini Hall and hours are 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 12 and 13, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. June 14.

The sale is expected to include such items as clothes, books, electronics, furniture, religious items, toys, tools, and much more.

Anyone in the local community is welcome to donate items for the sale and donations will be accepted at Cabrini Hall beginning June 8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Proceeds from the Rummage Sale will benefit the activities of the St. Frances X. Cabrini Youth Ministry.

St. Frances X. Cabrini Church and Cabrini Hall are located at 12687 California Street in Yucaipa. For more information, call (909) 797-2533.

MENTONE - "Autism Awareness...A Musical Benefit" which will be held on June 6th in Mentone. Proceeds will go to the Inland Empire Autism Society.

All of the musical acts involve alumni from Yucaipa High School, residents of Yucaipa and/or individuals with a familial link to an Autistic person. Cheryl Hunter, Kristin Harris and Lauren Harris are the mother and daughter team putting the event together in honor of Cheryl's son Jason who has Autism.

Event: Autism Awarness...A Musical Benefit
What: Several local musical groups with a tie to Yucaipa and Autism will perform along with food, activities, and prize drawings.
Where: Diamond Jim's Opera House (Mill Creek Cattle Company)
1874 Mentone Blvd., Mentone CA
Time: Family events 4pm to 6pm, Music 6pm till closing
Cost: $10 adult $5 children 12 & under (presale) $12 adult $6 under 12 (at the door)
Purpose: Fundraiser for the Inland Empire Autism Society

Contact: Cheryl Hunter autismmusicbenefit@gmail.com

News Release:
By Bozena Luczak

WHAT: World Vision Experience: AIDS - Step Into Africa is a unique, multimedia, interactive exhibit that allows visitors to step into the lives of actual children affected by HIV and AIDS in the hardest-hit region of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa, where about 25 million people are infected with HIV (2/3 of the world's total).

Visitors walk through a replica of an African village and experience the effects of the pandemic in a real way as they listen to a personal audio track relating the story of one of four real children.

Madison Hadley, 7, right, gives her four-year-old sister, Malia, a big hug and kiss after Malia and her dad, Joe Hadley, finished walking a lap during the Yucaipa Relay For Life. Malia is a Retinoblastoma cancer survivor for two years.
By Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

"This means the world for us to be here and give something back in the fight against this disease," said wife and mother, Michelle Hadley. "This is a healing process that helps others and brings an awareness and gets out the information about this disease."

YUCAIPA - See in photos the sixth annual Yucaipa Relay For Life that was held at Yucaipa Community Park, Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10.

Click Here For Photo Gallery

Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

Cal State San Bernardino Greek fraternities and sororities show their bigheartedness to Yucaipa Valley community by sprucing up Yucaipa Regional Park on Saturday

YUCAIPA - Yucaipa Regional Park - especially the one acre swim lagoon - showed its winter wear and needed a clean up in time for the park's annual Memorial Day weekend opening. So about 150 members of the California State University San Bernardino Greek Community united as a volunteer labor force to get the job done on Saturday.

They pulled weeds, painted walls and buildings, racked debris from the swim lagoon's sandy beaches, planted trees, plants, and flowers, picked up trash, and cleaned up the volleyball sand court. And when they had finished their all-day work, the park sparkled like new again.

"This brings all the Greeks together for a good cause in being united to help out our surrounding communities," said Humberto Estrada, president of the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity. "That's what the Greek life is all about, giving back."

YUCAIPA - Traci McAughty speaks with determination. She's on a mission - a mission to raise awareness that what happened to her won't happen to others.

For two years, McAughty was medically misdiagnosed. And finally when the correct diagnosis was determined, she heard the dreaded words, "you've got cancer."

Now she smiles proudly and states that she is a three-year breast cancer survivor. On Saturday McAughty joined with other cancer survivors, along with family and friends at the sixth annual Yucaipa Relay For Life at Yucaipa Community Park.

"I was misdiagnosed for two years and finally I got the correct diagnosis when I was 32," McAughty said. "That's why I'm out here today to raise other people's awareness about catching it early."

John Bohner
Courtesy Photo

Written By Don A Roth,
Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church

CALIMESA - Inland Empire resident John Bohner has been elected president of the Yucaipa Valley Retirees fellowship of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

The new leader will be serving his first term starting June 1 and continuing for a year. He has been a resident of this area for the past 13 years. He replaces Jean Zachary of Calimesa.

The chief executive of the organization is a retired denominational auditor who spent 13 years of overseas mission service in Singapore, Guam and Hawaii..

At the time of his recent retirement, Bohner was chief auditor of the church’s Hawaiian Conference located in Honolulu. He continues working part-time as an auditor of the Southeastern California Conference of Adventists with headquarters in Riverside.

News Release:

YUCAIPA - Bear Witness Ministries is excited about the upcoming, coming third annual Praising In The Park event. We are looking forward to another summer of awe inspiring Praise and Worship.

Kerrie Bradshaw of Bear Witness Ministries was quoted as saying, "last summer we had a powerful summer of worship, with all the churches coming together as one body, to lift our voices in praise and worship."

Fundraising, such as selling produce at the Banning Art Hop helps Carol's Kitchen feed about 3,000 hungry people each week in the Pass Area.

BANNING - Carol's Kitchen volunteers set up their produce stand at the Banning Art Hop on Saturday. The money they raised in sales went to help feed an ever-growing population of hungry in the Pass Area.

"We are up by 40-percent in the people we feed," said Jim McConnell, executive director, who started Carol's Kitchen in 1998 with Jim and Arlene Ragan, to honor their daughter Carol Ragan, who in 1996, was struck and killed by a drunk driver near Bellevue, Washington.

Throughout the Pass Area in several locations, Carol's volunteers feed about 3,000 people a week, McConnell said. Many call first and ask if it's OK for them to come by and eat.

"We tell them that anyone who is hungry is welcome, and they can eat all they want until they are full," McConnell said.

He said that donations are down because of the downturn in the economy, which has left many people - including an alarming increase in families - struggling to survive.

That is why the organization is reaching out to people who aren't facing such dire times, and asking them for help. Carol's Kitchen, Inc. (www.carolskitcheninc.org), has set up a website in which donations can be made online through JustGive.org / Guidestar.org.

"No donation is too small," said McConnell. "We want to make it as easy as possible to help people support Carol's Kitchen, so we can continue feeding the hungry with dignity and compassion."

To learn more visit Carol's Kitchen at: Click Here For Carol's Kitchen Website

To Make A Donation, Click Here

Carol's Kitchen will celebrate 11th year of feeding the hungry and honor Carol's birthday

Carol's Kitchen News Release:
By Jim McConnell,
(951) 845-9202

BEAUMONT, CA - At the Beaumont Presbyterian Church--702 Euclid Ave., on the corner of Seventh & Euclid Beaumont, CA 92223--from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Carol's Kitchen volunteers will serve chicken enchilada casserole to the hungry in order to honor the late Carol Ragan's birthday and celebrate the organization's 11th anniversary.

The actual date of Carol Ragan's birthday is April 20 while the Carol's Kitchen anniversary is on April 21. The organization will host its commemoration on April 22, 2009.

"Chicken enchilada casserole was Carol's favorite dish," says President and Executive Director Jim McConnell, "only her mother Arlene could make it the way she liked it."