WSSN Stories

Sorority Gets in the Giving Spirit for the Holidays

ETA NU OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC

ETA NU OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  In partnership with St. Paul A.M.E. Church, High Calling Christian Church and New Focus Community Development Outreach Corporation, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., will be providing Thanksgiving meals and food baskets for the Inland Empire community on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 North Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. This is a free community event where there will be health and medical services provided along with children’s activities and a clothing give away. Free mammogram screenings will be provided for women.  Please call ahead for appointments 1-714-871-4488 ext. 210.  Other health screenings offered will be blood pressure checks, blood sugar and diabetes, cholesterol, hemoglobin, vision, dental hygiene, lupus, obesity, WIC, mental health services, resources for pregnant women, and information on the Affordable Care Act.

STOP THE PAIN: Teen Summit on Dating

teen dating

teen dating

LOS ANGELES, CA – On Saturday, November 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Positive Results Corporation (PRC) will be hosting its 3rd Annual ‘STOP THE PAIN’, a teen summit on dating violence, sex trafficking and bully prevention, at California State University Dominguez Hills, 1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747. This is a free community event designed for youth and young adults ages 12 to 24, and their families. Sessions and workshops include Bully Prevention; Sexting and Texting; Dating Violence Prevention; Sex Trafficking Awareness; Teen Exploitation Warning Signs and several others. Each workshop and session will also feature  interactive networking opportunities and honest and helpful tools for creating healthy relationships. Students will also earn 10 community service hours for their participation.  PRC’s 3rd Annual Teen Summit will also feature a performance from singer and songwriter, RaVaughn, known for her hit single, “Best Friend.”  Youth can register for the event by visiting stopthepain-3rdannual-es2.eventbrite.com. A continental breakfast, lunch and gift bags will be provided. For more information about PRC, sponsorship opportunities or how to get involved, please contact Kandee Lewis, Executive Director at 323-787-9252 or by email at kandeele@prc123.org.

LOU PRODUCTIONS COLUMN ARTIST REVIEW: YOUNG STRESS

Young Stress

Young Stress

What it do Inland Empire!

It’s ya girl, LUE and I’m back with this week’s artist review. This week I am happy to feature one of the hottest Hip-hop artists from the Inland Empire, Gerald Martin also known as YOUNG STRESS. When it comes down to performing and getting the crowd going this artist always delivers.

YOUNG STRESS is a  rapper, producer and engineer who was born in San Bernardino, California. He started music at the tender age of 5. Coming up under his father who was an amazing pianist and his talented uncles, Young Stress learned how to play the drums and piano by ear. Realizing his talents, his parents and older sisters kept him involved with music. At the age of 17, he learned how to produce his own beats. After mastering the skill of producing he began to write, rap and perform.

This young man has been on several radio shows and has performed throughout Southern California and beyond. When it comes to having faithful and devoted followers, believe me when I say, he got it. I’ve seen him pack a house first hand. He drives the young ladies crazy with his looks, locks and lyrics. If you haven’t heard his hit “Kurt Covian”, you must check it out. A crowd pleaser fo’ sho’. Make sure you remember the name because this artist is going places.

 

For more information on this talent artist please look him up under “YOUNG STRESS”, on Facebook, Reverbnation and Soundcloud. Until next week!

WINERY OF THE WEEK: Joseph Filippi Vintner’s Wine Club

filipwinery

www.josephfilippiwinery.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- With the holiday season in full effect, it’s that perfect time to acknowledge some of the local wineries that are in and around Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The first winery that I would like to highlight is Joseph Filippi Vintner’s Wine Club, 12467 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Since 1995, the winery has expanded to several new acres of vineyard plantings and revitalization projects in the Etiwanda area of Rancho Cucamonga. These vineyards include premium red grape vines such as Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, Tannat, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Tempranillo and Syrah.

Adult guests who visit the winery may partake in the winery’s tasting areas where they can sample reserve barrel-aged releases and award winners that are available for purchase exclusively at the winery.

On Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. winery staff will be hosting a wine pairing event with their very own award winning wine maker, Kristina Filippi. She will be sampling several special wines paired with light appetizers to compliment each wine. The event is limited to an eight person capacity. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The cost is $55 for wine club members and $70 for the general public.

The winery is closed on Mondays, open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, please visit www.josephfilippiwinery.com. (Written by Naomi Bonman, editor).

For Colored Girls Premieres Live

For Colored Girls Premieres Live

For Colored Girls Premieres Live

LONG BEACH, CA- For Colored Girls is a series of 20 poems, collectively called a “choreopoem”. Its poetry expresses many struggles and obstacles that African American women face throughout their lives. It is performed by a cast of seven women characters, each of whom is known only by a color. On Sunday, November 10, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., will be presenting the theatrical performance of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough”. Throughout the evening there will be a series of activities starting with a Jazz Reception and Silent Auction at 5 p.m., the play at 6:30 p.m. and a Dessert Chat with the cast at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 with proceeds supporting the host chapter of Steering Committee for the Farwest Regional Conference. The play will be held at the Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90804.  For more information please call 877-625-3452 ext. 2205 or email farwestRC2014@lbadst.org.

Local Business Finds Ways to “Support” Breast Cancer Survivors

The Bra Lady

UPLAND, CA-  The Bra Lady, a custom fitted bra boutique in Upland, is in the business of “supporting” women.  They take that support to a whole different level when it comes to women battling breast cancer. Their customers come into The Bra Lady at different stages of their battle.  Some women visit before their surgery to purchase post-surgery products such as zip-up camisoles with drain pockets, front hook bras or scar reduction sheets. Others come afterwards looking for forms and pocketed mastectomy bras. All women seem to share the common appreciation of having somewhere to shop in a warm and inviting environment where the staff is friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable.
When The Bra Lady owner, Lisa Goodman, became aware of women who could not afford quality mastectomy products she found a unique way to support them.  She developed the “Support”,  a Survivor campaign which provides gift cards to the boutique to women in need.  Donations for the campaign are collected through fundraising events and from their own boutique customers.  “Support” a Survivor gift cards can also be purchased for friends and family. A recent customer said, “I’m always asking my friend what I can do to help.  This gift card is the answer.”  She went on to say, “I know my friend will be treated with the same friendly customer service I get when purchasing my undergarments here.”
The Bra Lady also supports breast cancer causes by participating in community events throughout the year. They form teams for cancer walks, host fundraising events in their boutique, speak at breast cancer support groups and health fair events, donate mastectomy products to local organizations, and so much more.
The Bra Lady is located at 958 N. Central Avenue, Upland, CA 91786. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Susie Rowan at 909-981-1741.

‘Da’ Hip-Hop Wizard’ of Oz Comes to Corona

Da' Hip-Hop Wizard'

Da’ Hip-Hop Wizard’

CORONA, CA- First it was “Wizard of Oz”, then we had “The Wiz”, now get ready for “Da Hip-Hop Wizard of Oz.”
LaQuette Milner,  director of LQ’s Performing Arts Center and “Da’ Hip-Hop Wizard of Oz”, states the old saying, “Never forget where you came from.” This is what strives Milner to contiune to live her life by, and is  why she is bringing “Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz” to her hometown, the Inland Empire. LQ’s is set to bring “Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz” to Corona’s Historic Civic Center Theatre, 815 Sixth Street,  Corona, CA 92882 on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. Show times are Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
“Da’ Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz” sheds new light and brings outstanding creativity to an old idea. This show has a wonderful storyline and is able to captivate the audience with its powerful messages, entertaining songs and high energy dancing. This production is a “family-friendly” event and is appropriate for all ages.
I would like to invite you, your surrounding community and your staff to come out and support this wonderful redemption of the classic “Wizard of Oz.” I promise you, you’ll have a wonderful time. Admission Prices are “Early Bird Special” starting at $10 in advance per person, $20 per person at the door and kids ages two and under are free. (By Lue Dowdy)

CAAM’S Annual Gala Honors Legendary Entertainers

Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade

Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade

LOS ANGELES, CA- The California African American Museum (CAAM) will be hosting its 8th gala, “An Artful Evening at CAAM” on Saturday, October 12. The gala will include reception entertainment, a silent auction, bar, post dinner dancing, music and complimentary valet parking. This year CAAM will be honoring legendary entertainers Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Business, Real Estate and Philanthropy; and visual artist Phoebe Beasley with the Lifetime Achieve Award for Visual Art.
Husband and wife Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade are two very successful dancers and actors. Holder, a Trinidad native is also a painter and has had his art showcased in several major international exhibitions. Holder won two Tony Awards for his direction and costume design for the hit Broadway musical The Wiz. In addition, he has designed and choreographed ballets for the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Pennsylvania Ballet. Holder was featured in several films including the James Bond film “Live and Let Die” and in a major 7UP commercial campaign as the “UnCola Man.”  Holder is also known for his radio voiceovers, bearing his deep baritone voice.
As a dancer, choreographer, stage and film actress, de Lavallade studied other art forms including painting, set design, music and more. De Lavallade received her inspiration from her cousin, dancer Janet Collins, who was among the few of Blacks of her time that were classically trained dancers.  It was with Holder that de Lavallade choreographed her signature solo, Come Sunday.  A documentary entitled Carmen & Geoffrey chronicles their careers, life and marriage.
The gala is an elegant, black-tie affair and is CAAM’s largest fundraiser of the year benefiting CAAM’s Mentoring Generations program, an umbrella program that provides innovative cross-cultural programming servicing K-12 students and families with children. Major components of the Mentoring Generations program are: Young Docent internship program, Young Docent After-Hours, Buses and Docents, and Young Voices at CAAM.
Visual artist Phoebe Beasley is the only artist to receive the presidential seal twice for her artwork under two different presidents. Beasley’s work is collected extensively and is included in CAAM’s permanent collection. In addition, Beasley was the first African American female president on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Beasley received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Ohio University and has worked with Victoria Rowell and Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan to help students achieve self-esteem through their artwork.
For more information, call 213-744-2060, email gala2013@caamuseum.org or visit www.caamuseum.org/gala.

Parkview Hospital and NAACP-Riverside Branch Present 1st Annual Healthy Harvest Festival

Healthy Family

Healthy Family

RIVERSIDE, CA- Fall is in the air and on Saturday, October 12, Parkview Hospital and the NAACP-Riverside Branch will present its 1st annual ‘Healthy Harvest Festival’ family event. The fun filled autumn celebration will focus on physical activity and healthy eating which will be presented at information booths on hand. These festive booths will not only showcase the importance of keeping active and eating healthy diets in our everyday lives, but will engage visitors to join in the fun by participating in an activity or simply listening and observing to learn. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Parkview Community Hospital Founders Center located at 3865 Jackson Street in Riverside. The information booths at the festival will be manned by agencies and organizations that offer “NO COST” to “LOW COST” services such as: Molina Health Care, Southern California Witness Project (information about free mammogram screenings), Covered California (information on Affordable Healthcare Act), Healthy Heritage Movement Inc., Riverside Diabetes Collaborative, Riverside Community Health Foundation and Dubois Institute just to name a few. Free Health Screenings (Blood Pressure and Glucose) will be available to all visitors. Children of all ages will especially delight in the colorful activities on hand such as the Art Corner which features an opportunity for everyone to have their faces painted in fun designs of various selections. There’s nothing like a Harvest Festival to embrace good clean living and fun! It is the perfect time to incorporate healthy living while embracing the beauty of autumn. For more information, call Terri Akens at 951-732-3428.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates 21st Appreciation Service

Pastor Robert Fairley

Pastor Robert Fairley

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- New Hope will be hosting its 21st Appreciation Service for Dr. Robert L. Fairley, Pastor, and First Lady Mary A. Fairley. The celebration will take place on Sunday, October 13 during the 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. services. All are welcomed to attend. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is located at 1575 West 17th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411. For more information call 909-887-2526.