Category Archives: Eastvale Lifestyle

Lifestyle tips, health and fitness, movie reviews

Eastvale Community Foundation (ECF) Hangs New Military Banners

By Jennifer Madrigal

 

Eastvale – The Eastvale Community Foundation (ECF) has begun the process of ordering and hanging new Military banners in the City. They recently replaced all the old mountings on 43 poles with heavy duty, hinged hardware that will help support the banners through our strong winds; and they removed all the broken banner arms. They also adjusted all the banners – including nine new tributes – to the height of 14 feet from the street. This adjusted height should eliminate the possibility of trucks hitting the lower arms.

The ECF has hired the Dekra-Lite company to produce the banners. The new material consists of two banners sewn together to provide extra durability.

Greg Coker – a recently retired Army Master Sergeant and new ECF board member – is now managing the program. While some of the details of the program are still being finalized, applications for the banners are available on the City’s website.

The ECF will be replacing banners previously removed due to damage, provided the individual is still in active military duty (which is the qualifier for all banners).

While the replacement of all previously removed banners will take some time to be mounted, the ECF is hoping to complete installations every few months. Going forward, newly approved banners will be set up with the next scheduled installation, once manufacturing is completed.

The ECF is very excited to be handling this program. “Honoring our military personnel is something that we are passionate about. Seeing all the nice, neat banners hanging proudly along Archibald fills my heart with pride,” said ECF Executive Director, Sharyn Link.

For more information about the Military Banner Program visit http://www.eastvaleca.gov.

 

Eastvale: VantagePoint Church Transforming Halloween Celebration

Staff Report

 

Eastvale – VantagePoint Church is adding a unique new twist to their popular Halloween celebration.

For the past five years, the church has hosted a highly-successful Trunk or Treat event for the residents of Eastvale.  This year, they were searching for a fresh concept that would not only be fun, but would also promote a sense of community.

“While Trunk or Treat was one of our largest outreach events with approximately 4,000 people attending last year, it was also becoming too large for our venue,” said Monique Whritenour, Director of Community Outreach at VantagePoint Church.  “This year, we decided we would go in a different direction.  Instead of the community coming to our one large event, we will bring multiple events out to the community.”

The result is the “Halloween Block Party.”

“We will have ten houses throughout Eastvale hosting large block parties sponsored by VantagePoint Church,” Whritenour explained.  “At each house, we will be serving hot dogs, hot chocolate, and handing out candy.  The ten main houses will also feature different fun activities.  Some will be showing Halloween movies, some will provide games with prizes, some will have bouncers, one will have a petting zoo, and one will even have a haunted house.”

In addition to the large block parties, numerous other houses throughout Eastvale will be hosting smaller celebrations.  Each block party will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.  Admission is free and open to everyone, not just immediate neighbors.

“Our goal is to provide a neighborhood event for Eastvale families to get to know their neighbors.  People can visit one house in their neighborhood, or they can have fun at multiple houses,” Whritenour said.  “We want to increase the sense of belonging within our community and what better way to do that than having a party for our neighbors?”

For the location of a “Halloween Block Party” near you, call the VantagePoint Church office at (909) 465-9700.

 

 

Corona: 7th Annual Crossroads Haunted Village

STAFF REPORTS

 

Corona – The Crossroads Haunted Village is quickly becoming one of Southern California’s top Haunted Locations. The Village is the home of three permanent Haunted Houses: The Chambers of the Mausoleum, Labyrinth of Lost Relics and The Asylum at Coffin Creek. The Crossroads Haunted Village also offers the Nightmare Harvest (haunted) Trail, and The Shady Hollow Hay Ride.

Crossroads is also excited to present the returning Pandemonium Magic Show (a 30-minute Illusion Show in an outdoor theater). Also featured will be the Dark Shadow Market, with vendors selling assorted wares, as well as food and hot/cold, non-alcoholic beverages.

There are two different ways to pay for the attractions. Single attraction tickets are available for $13, or you can purchase a haunted attraction package, good for all attractions (except the Pandemonium Magic Show) at a discounted price of $33. There is also a VIP Pass to avoid the long lines, bringing the total package cost to just $49. Pandemonium Magic Show tickets are $5; and Parking is $5 (cash only).

This delightfully haunting experience takes place Friday and Saturday nights, October 10-11; 17-18; 24-25; and Thursday night, Oct. 30, and Friday, Halloween night. The hours of each haunting are from 7 p.m. to midnight – with the Pandemonium Magic Show at 8 and 9:30 p.m. Dare to be scared at Crossroads Riverview Park, 14600 Baron Drive, in Corona. More information is available at http://www.crhaunts.com.

 

Eastvale: Rocks and Rubies

As a new feature to the Eastvale Community News, we want to highlight the some of the good things, and a few of the frustrations that happen around Eastvale.

Do you know a person or a business that has stepped above and beyond to make the community a better place? Have you experienced something that you would like to change?

 

The following incidents are shared by members of our community, and are anonymous:

  • RUBIES to Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, for choosing the beautiful Emily Huong as your homecoming Queen! You have shown the world what kind of heart this community has.
  • RUBIES to the kind lady at Albertson’s, who randomly bought me flowers and gave them to me. I was having a horrible day and you brought a smile to my face.
  • RUBIES to the kind stranger that took the time to tell me my disabled son was a “handsome, special little lad”. You made my heart smile.
  • RUBIES to the Pet Patrol, for taking such good care of my dogs in this ungodly heat!
  • RUBIES to the all the Eastvale Football teams who have played so hard in this heat! We love supporting you guys!
  • RUBIES to the awesome guy in the black Chevy who paid for my Starbucks! I returned the favor and passed it on. You started a great trend that day.
  • RUBIES to the kids I saw picking up the trash along Limonite. Great job, boys!
  • ROCKS to the grey Honda who almost took out a bicyclist by Harada. Slow down! There are kids and adults that want to live.
  • ROCKS to the landscaper who was spraying my lawn and making my poor dogs suffer after he swore he wasn’t doing anything.
  • ROCKS to the gardener who just stopped showing up to take care of our lawn. Good customer service goes a long way.

If you are interested in sending in a “rock” or a “ruby,” please email them to Jennifer Madrigal at Jenniferanapr@hotmail.com.

Eastvale: Out And About

STAFF REPORTS

 

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale is sharing some activities that are truly ‘something for everyone’. These are some of the main events happening in our fair City, and we hope you will be a part of them.

 

OCT 04: 7th Annual MDA “Fill the Boot” Fundraiser (Hamner/Limonite)

OCT 04: JCSD Fall Festival (Harada Heritage Park)

OCT 08: International Walk To School Day (all schools are participating)

OCT 09: Ronald Regan Elementary Ground Breaking Ceremony, 9:30 a.m.

OCT 14: CNUSD Administrator for the Day

OCT 16: The Great Shake Out

OCT 23: Eastvale Chamber’s “Candidate Forum” (Ramirez Intermediate)

OCT 24: Eastvale CERT Classes (through Oct. 26)

OCT 25: Eastvale Annual 5K/10K (ERHS)

OCT 28: Eastvale Town Hall Meeting

NOV 19: Developing A Business Plan (SBDC Class)

NOV 22: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

NOV 29: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

DEC 06: Winter Concert Series, Eastvale Gateway

DEC 06: JCSD WinterFest

DEC 11: Eastvale Gateway Tree Lighting, Concert and Holiday Mixer

 

Coming in January, the Chamber Board of Director’s Installation Dinner. For more information on these events, including times and details, visit http://www.EastvaleCA.gov

The Status of Traffic Safety in Eastvale

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

 

Eastvale – This September a new bicycle safety law, “Three Feet For Safety”, passed requiring motorists to give cyclists a minimum breadth of three feet while on the road. With the large number of accidents in Eastvale over the past year involving vehicles, pedestrians, and often cyclists, the public has raised the question: How safe are the streets of Eastvale?

According to a report by Lt. Pemberton of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, there have been 12 reported “vehicle vs. pedestrian” accidents in Eastvale since January. Six of these accidents have involved minors on bicycles, two involved minors on skateboards and one involved a minor pedestrian. There have been three accidents involving adults on bicycles, one of them being the fatal accident involving Troy Davids.

Are these numbers simply a reflection of poor and unsafe drivers, or are they a reflection of poor enforcement? This was a question that has been raised by multiple citizens as well as the Eastvale Safety Commission. In response, a report was prepared offering an in-depth look into exactly what the Sheriff’s Department is doing to ensure the safety of its citizens.

According to this report, four of the six accidents involving minors were determined to be the fault of the minor. Lt. Pemberton reported that overall, in the City of Eastvale, 56% of vehicle vs. bicycle accidents were caused by the bicyclist.

In response to these numbers, the Eastvale Police Department began implementing several educational and enforcement programs. Two traffic officers and two dedicated traffic community service officers are employed with the express purpose of conducting special operations in traffic safety. These operations include everything from saturation patrols used to target problem areas where repetitive violations are occurring, to safety programs, to DUI checkpoints.

The Eastvale Police Department performed a total of 12 traffic saturations, which included speeding enforcement, distracted driver enforcement, and “Click It Or Ticket” seatbelt programs, issuing a total of 560 citations.

Two safety programs were also conducted at various intersections throughout the City, which resulted in a total of 50 citations. In addition, there was also a “Bicycle Helmet Enforcement Operation” conducted at Roosevelt High School, with over 40 citations issued.

The Eastvale Police Department also came up with an interesting way to educate the public about the true impact of alcohol by holding a “Watch Your BAC” event at Buffalo Wild Wings. This event was a great way for the public to not only meet and get to know our local officers, but it was also very informative in teaching people about the blood alcohol content in their systems, and how quickly they can become impaired.

In conclusion, positive steps are being taken to ensure the safety of everyone in this community. However, simple things like wearing a helmet, educating your children about how to cross a street and when it is safe to cross a street, go a long way. While drivers do need to remember to pay attention when they drive, pedestrians and bicyclists need to understand that they are responsible for their personal safety and should be defensive as well.

 

 

Who Determines Our Path?

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

While driving one day, I noticed a young man sitting on a park bench. You could tell he was in despair, the way he was just sitting there, staring at the ground. He looked like he had given up.

The man was wearing a muddy shirt, dirty tan pants, a large trash bag that he used as a backpack, and a pair of almost unrecognizable tennis shoes. His hair was filthy and matted, and he sported an untrimmed beard that looked as though it had been chopped in sections with a dull pair of scissors.

He sat there as though he had no place to go. His head hung down; his eyes seemingly entranced on the ground. The scene reminded me of a small child, bored, thinking he didn’t have a friend in the world. I could see hopelessness and sadness in this man’s demeanor.

As the cars sped by on the street, the man got up and walked in a slow-paced journey to nowhere. Had he stepped into oncoming traffic, I would have been horror-struck, but not surprised. It would have appeared as though another tragic life had ended without a cause, without a clue, and without a care.

He didn’t look angry, but had he been I could have imagined him attacking. Why not lash out at society if you don’t care what happens to you? Why not “get even?” This is a sad logic, but as one who watches the news, its today’s reality.

As I looked at the man, I wondered if society had failed him; but how much truth does that hold? How responsible is society for the ones that are lost? I believe we have to ask ourselves, who determines our path? Who maps out our life? We’ve heard so many excuses about responsibility through blame and denial that we allow ourselves to label our lives as dysfunctional. And then we wonder why we turn out differently than others.

After the experiences I’ve had in life, I now believe we are the creators of our own destiny. We determine where we go, who we are, and who we become. After pointing the finger at society for too long, we need to take responsibility for ourselves. HOWEVER, I will add that as parents, we ARE responsible for providing an honest and fair life, a loving and caring environment, a responsible and healthy example, and a thorough and extensive education for our children. Of course, we shouldn’t condemn ourselves if our children do not turn out the way we had hoped. As human beings, there comes a point in time where we need to look ourselves in our own eyes and say; “I honestly did the best I could, with no regrets.” Why wish for the chance to do things over, when that is not a possibility? You can only change who you are right now, and move forward doing your best.

I believe that there will be a day of judgment. And on that day we will be forced to look into our own souls and really see who determined our path. So to that young man on the park bench, I hope you are happy with your path.

 

Eastvale: Boy Scout Seeks Merit Badge

BY K.P. SANDER

 

communication_lgEastvale – The Eastvale Community News received the following letter and editorial piece from a local boy scout in search of a Merit Badge for Communications. We hereby print the [rather charming] information, per his request, and look forward to hearing that the badge was awarded accordingly.

Dear Editor:

My name is Josh Tolley. I’m 14 years old. I’m in troop 433 in Eastvale, California. I’m trying to earn my communications merit badge. I would appreciate you reading the following article, and consider it for publication.

-Sincerely, Josh Tolley

Dear Video Game Magazine Writers:

I would like to bring to your attention that it is Batman’s 75th Year Anniversary of being the greatest hero ever, and I would like you to publish something about this in your magazine. Here is a list I have made of the top ten best Batman videogames.

  • 10 – Batman Lego 2
  • 9 – Return of the Joker
  • 8 – Batman Vengeance
  • 7 – Gotham City Imposters
  • 6 – Adventures of Batman and Robin
  • 5 – Batman Returns (NES)
  • 4 – Adventures of Batman and Robin (NES)
  • 3 – Batman Returns 2 (NES)
  • 2 – Batman (NES)
  • 1 – Batman Arkham Asylum

#10, Batman Lego 2, was fun because you could destroy things left and right. There were 50 different playable characters and lots of recognizable places.

#9 was a very interesting storyline. The highlight of the game was that it was the first to have long-range weapons.

#8 had a great game play and a fantastic storyline. It had lots of gadgets and was very difficult.

#7 was kind of a mix of Tf2 and Call of Duty. It had the silliest combat of Batman you have ever seen.

With #6, you get to willingly select your gadgets. There are all the familiar criminals, and it is all about careful platforming and precision.

#5 is a side screen “beat ‘em up,” like the Ninja Turtles, with flying kicks, super moves and dash attacks.

With #4, you get to use Batman’s fists, his gadgets, and maybe a game genie, because it is a very difficult game.

In #3, Batman is a total beast in this game because he is stronger, fiercer, and brutal.

#2 is a very complicated game, but the wall mechanics help a lot. Batman is the big, bad bat, and he uses rocket-firing pistols, batarangs, and the bat.

#1 uses Batman’s stealth, brutality, gadgets, has the key voices from the animated series, and there are long combos you can put together with his gadgets.

Sincerely, Josh

Did You Know?

BY K.P.SANDER

(Photo Courtesy: Google Image)

(Photo Courtesy: Google Image)

 

August 26 will mark 94 years since the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting American women the right to vote.

It almost seems silly now that it was even an issue to discuss, but 100 plus years ago women had very few rights. Our history tells us that women began organizing and petitioning to gain the right to vote in the 1880s, but it took decades for their purpose to be realized. Suffragists worked tirelessly against the odds, marching, lobbying, and even participating in civil disobedience – often against radical opposition – to change the Constitution.

At the time, the New York Times reported, “The half-century struggle for woman suffrage in the United States reached its climax at 8 o’clock this morning, when Bainbridge Colby, as secretary of state, issued his proclamation announcing that the 19th Amendment had become a part of the Constitution of the United States.”

The monumental change was a significant cause for celebration, but it had been a long time coming. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the society of American women began to see drastic transformations. They were becoming more educated and working more as a result of that, they were bearing fewer children, and starting organizations for the things they felt strongly about.

With World War I, barriers began to break down when women aided the war effort in a variety of ways starting in 1917. By 1918, women had acquired equal suffrage with men in 15 states, and Republican and Democratic parties began to endorse female enfranchisement.

From that point it was just a matter of time until the 19th Amendment became the law of the land, forever changing the face of American culture. On Nov. 2, 1920, more than eight million women across the United States voted in elections for the very first time.

 

What It Feels Like…

By JENNIFER MADRIGAL

 

JenniferMy youngest son, Nicholas, had to have two biopsies done earlier this month and the experience proved to be a “humbling” one for my older two sons. You see, as much as they love their little brother, they never really grasped the enormity of that love until procedure day.

Since Nicholas is deaf and autistic, these procedures were a little scarier to him than to most 10-year olds. He had to be held down, without his glasses, without his cochlear ear implant, and only the gentle reassuring caresses of me and his brothers. The doctor numbed him up – which if you have ever had a biopsy done you can attest to how much that shot really hurts – and began to slice deep into his skinny little arm and bony back. While we all held him down, me kissing his head and the boys each with a leg, we watched our little guy squirm and whimper in fear. Imagine not knowing what’s going on and on top of that, not being able to hear your mom explain it, see it clearly, or really even understand. I was unable to sign to him during the procedure because I had to hold him down, and he couldn’t move his head to see what was happening because of sanitary reasons.

So the three of us, me and my two sons gritted our teeth and watched and loved on him as best we could. But I noticed something, with every whimper, I saw my older boys wince as if they, too, were being cut. I watched their faces and I saw their hitched breathing. They were as tense as little Nicholas because they couldn’t stand to see him so scared. When Nicholas was all stitched up and we were back in our car, my boys and I took the time to reflect on the whole ordeal. My oldest said, “I really wanted to cry with him, mom. That was horrible!” And my middle son offered to buy Nicholas a car or a helicopter or whatever he wanted. We settled on getting Nicholas a shake and making him macaroni and cheese for dinner, two of his very favorite things. However, this whole experience gave them a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be a parent.

I told them that this is what being a mother feels like; it really is like having your heart walking around outside of your body. Seeing your child in pain, being helpless to make them feel better, and knowing that they have to endure the “hurt” for their own good are all elements of being a mom. This is why we get so worried and scared when our kids are injured or sick or simply take the wrong path. They are our hearts and so deeply connected to us that their pain becomes our own. For once, I think they actually got what I was saying without rolling their eyes and muttering, “Oh, Mom.”

Luckily, Nicholas’ biopsy came back negative for cancer, and once again my little guy enjoyed his favorite shake on the way home, and my boys now have a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be a mom.

 

Eastvale: Support The Eastvale Community Foundation

BY SARAH ARMIJO

 

eastvale-community-foundation-logoEastvale – Raising money, having fun, and getting the community involved is what the Eastvale Community Foundation (ECF) is all about. The ECF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up completely of volunteers, created by the Eastvale City Council in 2011 as a way of helping to assist with needs throughout the City.

The mission of the ECF is to strengthen the Eastvale community by collaborating with the City Council to identify needs and issues, and encourage the volunteering of time, talent, and resources.

The ECF is committed to serving the Eastvale Community, and has provided over $50,000 in youth scholarships for Eastvale youth sports and art programs in the last two years.

According to Sharyn Link – who has been an ECF Board Member for quite some time, as well as Executive Director of the foundation for the last year – the ECF donated scholarships to approximately 100 children in 20 different programs this year.

You can help support the ECF’s actions by attending or sponsoring their Second Annual Golf Tournament coming up on August 15, which will benefit programs in the City of Eastvale. The tournament will be held at the Los Serranos Country Club and the cost for this event is only $125 per person, although teams save $50 if they sign up as a foursome. The price includes 18 holes of championship golf, dinner reception and a few surprises.

This year, the primary goal of the golf tournament is to support the Military Banner Program, according to Link. “We want to raise enough money to provide all new hardware so the banners can withstand the Eastvale winds.  We also want to replace all of the banners that have been damaged or are missing.  Our Military personnel deserve our highest respect and honor and we plan to make our Military Banner Program show them that Eastvale is proud of them and thanks each and every one of them,” said Link.

Last year, the ECF raised over $20,000 at their 1st Annual Golf Tournament and their goal this year is to raise $30,000.  All proceeds from this event, and all their fund raisers, stay in Eastvale.

“Our long term goal is to help provide monument signs and way finding signs for our City.  We want people to know where Eastvale is when they drive into town,” said Link.

“I would like to encourage everyone to support the Eastvale Community Foundation throughout the year, but especially now for the golf tournament.  We can use sponsors, golfers, and if you don’t golf and can’t make it out during the day, come to the dinner in the evening.  We have a no host cocktail hour commencing at 5 p.m. and dinner will be at 6 p.m.  We have some amazing raffle prizes, silent and live auction items and a few surprises thrown in this year. It is a very fun evening and we encourage residents to come join the fun,” said Link.

Nine amazing board members have been putting in a lot of hours to put on this year’s golf tournament. According to Link, they also have a Golf Committee consisting of some Eastvale residents who have been helping with the planning of the tournament. On the day of the tournament, Link says that they will need about 40 people helping in order to make it as big of a success as last year’s event.

To sign up, volunteer or become a sponsor, visit the ECF’s website at http://eastvalefoundation.wix.com/eastvalefoundation#!events/coui. You can also reach them at (951) 263-0345. Also, be sure to “like” the ECF on Facebook.

 

 

 

Corona: Local Children’s Theatre Group Finds New Home

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

Corona – On Wed., July 16, one of the items on the City of Corona’s City Council agenda involved deciding the future of the old Council office building. This entailed voting on whether or not to allow Christian Arts and Theatre of Corona, a local children’s theatre program, to become the building’s new tenants.

According to their website, “Christian Arts & Theatre of Corona (CAT) is an after-school theater and visual arts educational program for students ages 6 to 18. CAT is committed to building up kids through excellence in the arts as well as modeling for them the highest morals through traditional Biblical values.” CAT has been a big part of Corona for 15 years. They offer after-school classes in singing, dancing, acting, choreography, theatrical make-up, and much more. Students at CAT also have the opportunity to audition for a musical production.

The group has moved seven times to different locations throughout Corona since its beginning, and has spent the past two and a half years offering classes in the former school of Crossroads Christian Church. While the location of the classes and rehearsals has repeatedly changed, one thing has remained constant for a very long time: the Corona Civic Center Theater has continued to house their musical performances.

CAT’s artistic director, Cindy Monroe, was informed of the possibility of a new home for the theater group.   This “home” was located only a few steps from the Civic Center Theater that the CAT families know and love. “It’s such a beautiful place! Our kids and families will love this new home,” said Monroe.

On July 16, the council chambers were filled with many of the CAT families who had come to show their support for the organization. On the Consent Calendar, the 9th item stated: “City Council directs the City Attorney to prepare a lease agreement between the City and Christian Arts Theater, using the City’s standard Historic Civic Center Lease Agreement…” The agreement would be for a five year lease, plus a five year extension.

The council members then took the time to share a few words about CAT with those present and talked about the positive impact the organization’s relocation would have on the community, specifically in downtown Corona. Council Member Stan Skipworth enthusiastically stated, “This is an opportunity to keep our community alive.”

Finally, it came time for the Council to vote. The item was passed 5-0 in favor of allowing CAT to begin leasing the building. The news brought enthusiastic cheers and applause from the CAT families in the audience, and Mayor Karen Spiegel remarked good-naturedly, “You guys can stay the entire meeting, and during everything we do now. Make sure that the applause is that good; we don’t get that very often.”

 

Eastvale: Rapper Kendrick Lamar Purchases Home in Eastvale

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

Eastvale – Rapper Kendrick Lamar recently purchased a modest home in the city of Eastvale.

News of Lamar’s purchase really began circulating in late May. The online buzz stated that Lamar had gone against the typical rapper stereotype and settled down not in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, but a former dairy community that had only just become a city four years prior. The fast-growing city of Eastvale is home to about 59,000 residents. Crime rates are low, and the houses are cheaper than neighboring coastal areas in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

The home Lamar purchased is said to have been built in 2006. The two-story residence is on an un-gated street, and is a short walk from the local shopping center. The home is 3,529 square feet, and includes three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a pool, and is said to have been purchased for $523,500. In comparison to what many successful rappers spend, Lamar paid a very modest price for his new home in Eastvale. Rapper Drake reportedly paid $9 million for his Southern California mansion; Tyga spent $6.5 million for his residence; and Dr. Dre recently dished out a whopping $40 million on an estate in Brentwood.

A few Eastvale residents have recently tweeted that they have spotted the star cruising around town in a sports car and visiting the city’s Picnic in the Park summer carnival. However, Lamar says that he plans on remaining in his current home in L.A.

 

 

What Love Is

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Jennifer

I learned my greatest lesson about love from my Grandpa Jester. Surprisingly, the lesson came long after his mind and memories had left him, and all that remained was just what he was at his core. My grandpa loved his family and his wife, and was genuinely kind to everyone. He stood for what he believed and defended his thoughts passionately, but with respect. When he was wronged, he looked at both sides and didn’t always assume he was right. But most of all, my grandpa was truly a good man.

Alzheimer’s disease came and stole parts of his mind and most of his memoires. While many people with this disease lose their “filters” and become increasingly more difficult, my grandpa stayed kind. Often times he would hop up and try and help out with the chores he always did. He would still make jokes and then forget the punch line, but laugh anyway. As his disease progressed, the secret winks he used to always give me from across the room stopped, and at that point I knew he had really forgotten me. However, he once told me that he couldn’t remember who I was but that he did know that he sure did love me. With all the great moments I shared with him, I always knew I was loved without end and that he was always proud of me. When my mother passed away, he sat at her funeral, tears streaming down his face, reliving her passing like a repeating loop in a bad movie. Although he wasn’t sure exactly what was going on, he knew we were all hurting and it broke his heart.

 

The moment that I really understood what it means to love another person came one morning after my grandma had learned that her brother died. My grandpa sat in his chair watching her as she tried to hide the anguish she was feeling. Although we tried to keep him from seeing her upset, he continued to watch her and then stood up with his shaking legs and bad balance and walked into the kitchen with her. He took her into his arms and hugged her tight, telling her it would be okay. He saw her pain, and knew that “his girl” was hurting. That moment was so profound and even years later I can still see the look of concern on his face. At that moment I understood that love is not a word you say because it makes people smile, love is something that lives on long after your memories fade. It is what you know and feel at the very core of your being. When you truly love someone their pain becomes your pain and even when lost in the cloud of Alzheimer’s, or age, or whatever else, that love remains. To me, that’s what love is.

 

 

Eastvale: Beloved Resident Passes Away

jimmy-foddrill-eastvaleSTAFF REPORTS

Eastvale – Jimmy Lee Foddrill, 51, of Eastvale, passed away on June 7, 2014 in Upland. He was born April 30, 1963, in Indiana. Jimmy lived in Whittier for 27 years prior to moving to Chino, where he resided for 15 years. The last eight years of Jimmy’s life were spent in Eastvale.

Jimmy was a graduate of California High School in Whittier. He then moved on to receive his Contractors License in 1993. Having love for his work, Jimmy was the owner of Foddrill Construction for 23 years. With great faith and being a man after God’s own heart, Jimmy attended Faith Community Church in West Covina and Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills. His adventurous nature brought Jimmy to love surfing. His eye for detail brought him to love working on classic cars; and the hero in him gave him a great fondness for Batman.

Jimmy will be lovingly remembered for his charm, humor, and ability to bring happiness to those around him. Jimmy loved his family and leaves behind his wife, Leonora; their children, Kaylee, Derek, and Aaron; his mother, Barbara; his father, Bobby; and eight siblings (Wendell, Barbie, Kitty, Penny, Johnny, Melissa, Boe, and Angie). Jimmy is also survived by four grandchildren. All will cherish his memory.

Norco: July 4th Mayor’s Ride Picnic In The Park

Looking for something special to do this upcoming Independence Day? Norco is celebrating the Horsetown USA way!!

Join the fun filled festivities on Friday July 4th, 2014!

  • Rotary Club’s ALL YOU CAN EAT Pancake Breakfast 7:30am-10:00am – $5
  • Mayor’s Patriotic Scenic Ride 10am from Ingalls Park Lot 2 – FREE
  • Picnic in the Park from 12noon – 3pm at Pikes Peak Park – FREE
  • Concert, Laser Show & Movie Night – 6pm in Moreno Arena $5 (12 & under Free)

CALL 951-270-5632 or visit http://www.ci-norco.ca.us for all the details!mayor's-ride-picnic-in-the-park

Inland Empire: Crash Victim and Teen Raise Awareness for Teenage Depression

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

In a story of forgiveness and partnership, the victim of a violent car crash has united with the teen that crashed into him. Together, they are working to help other teens who are battling depression.

In 2012, Inland Empire teenager, Luke Maxwell, drove a van head-on into an oncoming vehicle in Temecula. The crash was not an accident. Maxwell, who was 16 at the time, was attempting to commit suicide. He had been silently suffering from severe depression for years, and had decided that he was “done with life” when he woke up that morning. Following the crash, the teen was hospitalized and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Lenny Ross, 53, was the driver of the vehicle Maxwell crashed into. Surprisingly, he was not angry with the teen. After finding out that Maxwell was only 16 and that he had been trying to commit suicide, Ross said that his heart really went out to the boy.

Not long after the crash, the two men met face to face in a coffee shop. According to Maxwell, the first thing he did was give Ross a big hug and say that he was so sorry. The teenager immediately felt the compassion Ross felt for him, and knew that Ross did not want to hurt him, but help him to heal. That feeling of forgiveness and acceptance was significant in Maxwell’s recovery.

Together, Ross and Maxwell have a new mission in life: to raise awareness for teenage depression and help those who are battling it. Maxwell has now posted videos about teenage depression, and maintains a blog. He says that he knows he made a huge mistake, but that he is trying to make the best out of it by helping others.

Maxwell’s teen depression support group meets the first Saturday of each month (except the July 4th weekend) at 10 a.m., St. Martha Catholic Church, 37200 Whitewood Road, in Murrieta. The group is open to all teens 13 to 17 years of age who are struggling with depression, self-harm, and related issues.

 

 

Eastvale: Vacation Bible School

BY K.P. SANDER

 

About a hundred years or so ago, back when I was in elementary school, I had what I now realize was the privilege of attending Vacation Bible School, or VBS as it were. In those days they used to pull a trailer up in the front of the school; almost a little chapel on wheels. For a couple of weeks each year I was excused from class by way of a permission slip from my mother, and I spent an hour or so each day learning about Jesus.

I used to love being dismissed from my studies (yeah, I didn’t fall in love with school until college). There was something very special about walking up the steps of that trailer and sitting in one of the little pews. I can tell you as a certainty that I don’t remember a single moment of the studies that I missed during class time, but I profoundly recall the stories and teachings that I learned at VBS. In fact, I would be so bold as to say that the learnings that happened so many years ago have had a direct correlation to the strong level of faith that I have today.

I still look forward to seeing what VBS has in store locally, and appreciate that Eastvale churches offer several programs each year. Some offer paid curriculums, and some are free (and even include a daily dinner – a true definition of a happy meal). I am grateful that my family is still involved in VBS and that two little boys in particular look forward to it, just as I did.

This summer, when you hear that charming phase that always seems to accompany children too long ‘round the house, “Mom, I’m bored!” remember that there might be a local VBS program just around the corner that could not only occupy their time, but perhaps teach some positive, life-long lessons.

Happy VBS-ing!

 

Teach Your Children To Love Their Elders

BY NORMA PADILLA-MURAKAMI

The elderly, often times, are forgotten; but how can we change this? It really is pretty simple, but it takes thought. As long as you are instructing and reinforcing a few simple steps, you can instill the importance of elderly care in your children.

Whether you are caring for aging parents, grandparents, neighbors, or the elderly from your church fellowship, teaching your children how to value life – whether it be young or old – is imperative. Try incorporating these ideas into your family routines.

Visit the Elderly: Be it at their home, an assisted living facility, or just down the hall in your own home, spend some time together. You can play card games, make a meal together, bake cookies, or pick flowers from the garden. Remember some of the things that they can no longer do, like raking leaves, changing light bulbs, and general housekeeping. Let your children see you do these things, as well as making phone calls, and including the elderly in your family outings. Teach them to slow down, and take a few moments to show they care.

I often think about a youth group from my church. Each Mother’s Day they host a tea, and every Christmas they put on a dinner theatre for the elderly. The youth decorate, serve, and are basically in charge of the events. This makes the elderly feel needed and appreciated. It shows they are not forgotten and left to feel lonely, but are valued by our youth.

Try incorporating some of these simple practices into your family or church as soon as your children are able to imitate what you do. Ensuring that the elderly in your life are not forgotten is a lesson in the value of life.

Norma Padilla-Murakami is a wife, mother of four adult children, and has six grandchildren. She is a former parenting class instructor with her husband, Tim.

Making Progress

Jennifer
BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Progress is advancing in some way. Progress is making changes to yourself and hoping that those changes make you a better person. Progress is inspiring. Progress is hoping against all odds and actually seeing it happen. I’m progressing in life. I’m changing things, myself, my situation, my outlook, my faith, my hopes, and my dreams. I’m trying to redefine my own reality and see things for how they actually are and what they can be, not what they will never be.

I’m faithful, but not patient. Yet I am faithful that I will learn to be patient and that I will be given the opportunities to advance both my patience and my courage. Evan (Steve Carell) in the movie, Evan Almighty, said something along the lines of, “We pray for courage. But God does not make us brave; he instead gives us the opportunities to be brave, thus making us courageous”. Progress means that while I may not be there yet, I am further than I was yesterday and that I am moving forward.

While I progress another year in my life, I look back and see how far I’ve come, and that pushes me on to aspire for something greater. We should never stop progressing, aiming, hoping or dreaming to be better than we were yesterday. Life is unique, in that one must always aspire to higher levels to avoid being mediocre. This has always been a fear of mine, mediocrity. I do not want to be mediocre, I want to be extraordinary and exact a change on this world. I need to make goals, checklists, recordings, or whatever it takes to keep myself accountable to what really matters.

The best advice I can give anyone in this regard is to really, seriously, hold yourself accountable. You are responsible for your happiness, success, etc. If you don’t like the path you are on, no matter how old or young you are, no matter what your fitness level is, your education or your financial situation, change it! Make progress, even if it just means you take one step toward being where you want to be. Just remember to progress.