Category Archives: The Weekly News

Skydiving a Life-changing Check Off My Bucket List

By Nancy Stoops

I have lived a very exciting and fulfilling life.  I have travelled to all seven continents, have had many close-up wildlife experiences, worked with shamans and chiefs, meditated with the monks in Thailand, swam with sharks, have two published books on Amazon and so much more. My bucket list was very short because at sixty-five I really have done it all.  Skydiving was always on that list and it seems like every time I was ready to go, we would have a death in the family.  Well in July I finally had the opportunity to finally go and it was life-changing.  I have never felt such freedom as I did jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet.  As a child I would have flying dreams and on that day my dreams came true and I was flying like a bird.  Skydiving also reminded me that there isn’t anything that I can’t work through or accomplish.

I think Covid has left many of us complacent because our lives got shut down and we got comfortable in that. I know many people are having a hard time going back to school, work and just generally back into life.  Skydiving was a great way to awaken me and all of my senses.  I just feel so very alive again and excited for the next adventure.  I hope you can find something to wake you up and make you part of the living again.  Try to fight the fears and the lies that hold you hostage from the life you deserve to have.  You deserve to be excited, fulfilled, happy and content.  Make today the day you start living your best life and being your best self!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the therapy dog on Amazon.net.

A New School Year

By Melody Kraemer

A new school year! Who is ready? I have enjoyed these past summer months with my kids at home, and it seemed we were off to some adventure almost every day. 

It could be that we subconsciously are making up for the summer before when we were in “lockdown.” The summer, let alone this year, has flown by in a blink of an eye. Now the kids will be starting school, and though that much-needed break between us is probably needed. I will miss the lazy days of sleeping in, the swimming, the extended sunshine days, no schedules, and all the downtime. Now isn’t that what summer is all about?  

In a few short days, we will buckle back down and get back on our daily schedule. It won’t be easy, and granted, I should have stayed on a schedule during the summer, but my kids needed this break and had only a few short weeks of summer. With my boys having ASD, autism spectrum disorder,  they attended ESY (extended school year). So these few weeks of summer were precious to us, we enjoyed them and made as many memories as we could.  

My youngest will even be going back to school with a brand new look. He decided to find his daddy’s beard trimmer and start shaving his head. There’s never a dull moment in our world, now onto the next season of life. Reach out and let me know if you are ready for school. 


Ecclesiastes 3:1
1. For everything there is a season, and a time for every a purpose under heaven


 Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of  AutismMomAdventures.com

Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures 

For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Deliberate Confidence

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…” 2 Timothy 4:17

What gives you confidence?  Watching the “2020” Olympics, I can’t help but to be impressed by the confidence of the athletes who are on one of the biggest stages of their lives.    Families and whole countries are cheering them on and hoping they bring home the gold.   It would seem a lifetime of training, a strong support system, a focused mind, and for some faith, has given these athletes such strong confidence.   Paul the Apostle used athletic metaphors often.  One of his last metaphors he employed was of both a fighter and runner.   As Paul was penned his swan song letter to Timothy, he says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). What is most impressive is that he wrote these words from prison, with few friends left.  In prison for his faith in Christ.  Having few friends willing to stand with him for fear of their own lives, or because of societal shame.  What then gave Paul confidence?  Paul experienced God standing with him in past circumstances and difficulties.  He also knew countless others were spurred to faith in Christ through his chains as his faith was on display (Philippians 1:12).  Many saw the reality of Christ power in his willingness to suffer for Christ.  Oswald Chambers once said, “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.”   Paul found himself at times in chains, being beaten, shipwrecked, and even abandoned, but those were times when he knew the Lord was closest and stood with him (2 Timothy 4:17).  Paul said, “none of these things move me” so to finish his race with joy (Acts 20:24).  Joy in the fact that he would finish his race on this side of Heaven with unwavering faith.  Deliberate confidence is (Faith) that God is always in control.  The Lord stood with Paul as Paul stood with the Lord.  I pray you that you live deliberately confident in the fact that God hears you and is standing with you. 

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets at Eastvale Elementary located at 13031 Orange St, Eastvale.  Sundays 8:30/10:30am.  Livestream, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live is also available.  http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. 

India

By Mark Hopper

One of the most memorable places my wife and I have visited is India. Several years ago we flew from Los Angeles to Taiwan then on to Singapore and arrived in Mumbai on the west coast of India. It was a long journey. We spent several days in Mumbai seeing some of the sights and visiting some ministries working among the poorest people in the city. Then we flew to Hyderabad where our host met us at the airport and drove 3-4 hours outside the city to a boarding school and orphanage.

We were surprised by the heavy traffic. Driving in India is not for the faint hearted. Hundreds of cars, trucks and scooters crammed together honking their horns as they waited for the traffic lights to change. When we left the city behind us we found the two-lane highway heart stopping too. Cars and trucks struggled to pass each other on the busy highway.

The countryside provided a different perspective of life in India. We saw people working the fields and were impressed by the variety of agriculture that stretched to the horizon.

We spent a week at the boarding school and orphanage working alongside the staff and leading a children’s program with over 300 students participating. We shared Bible lessons, led recreation and engaged the students in making crafts and art projects.

We were impressed with the hard working staff and the enthusiastic students. Students were respectful and energetic. The school provided meals, housing and a rigorous education for the children. It was a week we will always remember.

Our host drove us back to the airport in Hyderabad where we caught a flight to Delhi in northern India. We couldn’t leave this beautiful country without seeing the Taj Mahal. This magnificent structure is located about two hours outside of Delhi. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Several of our neighbors in Diamond Bar are from Indian descent. They are delightful people who are proud of their heritage. I love to tell them about our trip to India. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Let me encourage you to set your sights on visiting other parts of the world. Get outside the tourist centers and catch a glimpse of daily life in the country. And get to know your own neighbors who have come from other parts of the world. You will be glad you did and they will too!   

Read 365 more stories and articles (one for every day of the year) in the book Let me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus postage ($5). Buy one for yourself and one to give a friend. Order your copies at mark@efreedb.org.

Our Life: When Are We No Longer Parents?

By Michael Armijo

It was only a 45-minute drive, but I arrived at the site. It took me another 10 minutes to find his “section,” but we were soon in the vicinity of where his life was laid to rest. As I paced each headstone, I had an eerie vision of him lying beneath the surface, watching me pace the yard, while his spirit yearned for me. Almost as though he was screaming, “I’m over here,” in a silent spirit.
I walked up to his plaque and I stared at the etching in the stone. I reluctantly read the words, “Cipriano Armijo, beloved man of God.” And after kneeling down on the soft, damp, green grass, I relaxed my body over the 8 by 4 foot section of landscape that was the last home to daddy’s body. I traced each word on the plaque with my hand, etching each letter of his name with my fingers.
When I knelt, I looked down upon the freshly cut, softened soil and confessed all the things that have happened since he left this earth. I explained to the ground, and to the bronze piece of metal that bears his name, my life without daddy with hopes his spirit heard my deepest fears and my strongest accomplishments. I told him that I had hoped he was proud of me, as my life had followed strange paths that have given me journeys of learning and routines of pain. Since his departure, life had become interesting and successful, yet painful and confusing.
When I sat at his gravesite, I realized what a misconception the phrase: “I no longer have parents, they died.” Because when I knelt at his site I held myself accountable of my actions and perceptions of life, just as when he was alive. I relayed the message; “I know you’re there, I know you’re watching.” As I crept to my knees, I still had a father and I still had someone to answer to.
I believe that parents are forever. Good or bad, their behavior and their actions stay in our memories. I believe that we never end our influence on our children, we never stop being parents. That’s why it’s so important that we do a good job each day while we’re here on earth; we have no guarantee of how long we’re going to be here. When we’re gone, when our heart stops and our spirit rises to the world beyond our hearts and minds, we can only hope that we’ve loved enough, lived enough, and laughed enough for our children to remember our lives as a benefit to their own, because we do live in their hearts forever.
Someday, when our own children kneel on the soft, moist, green grass that lies our last home to our bodies, we can only hope the tears that fill our children’s eyes and hearts are tears of love that yearn for us to forever watch over their joyous lives. This will remind them that we’ll never, ever, stop being their parents.

WVUSD Trustees Recognize School Stars

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—The Board of Trustees celebrated stellar members of the Walnut Valley family during the February 17 meeting.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Maple Hill Elementary parent volunteer Saralie Ekowibowo receives the Partner in Education Award on Feb. 17th.

Maple Hill Elementary parent volunteer Saralie Ekowibowo was acknowledged with the Partner in Education Award. For the past six years, Saralie has served on Community Club and the Hawk Shop weekly after-school shopping experience featuring candy, handmade ornaments, Boba, pizza, and gifts. “The Hawk Shop was Saralie’s brainchild,” lauded Principal Kelly Morris. Saralie also volunteers every Thursday in the reading intervention group for first and second graders.  She has helped hundreds of students learn how to read and to foster a love for it. Last year, she organized yard sign deliveries, drive through celebration with swag bag, and virtual activities to celebrate promoting fifth graders. “Putting kids first each and every day is her anthem – Saralie is a champion for kids!” Morris added.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Maple Hill Elementary 4th grader William Lee honored with Super Star Student Award

Fourth grader William Lee received the Super Star Student Award. In 2nd grade, William lost his mother.  Mrs. Lee was one of the school’s most dedicated parent volunteers.  During this life-altering event, William has demonstrated great perseverance and character.  When he returned to school, William chose peace, kindness, and persistence, Morris said. “We saw the beauty of William’s true character in the face of adversity and we witnessed the abundant love of his parents. ”William is gentle to others and a caring citizen. He continues to have a brave heart, strong mind, and brave spirit – the school’s motto. “We could all take a page out of William’s book,” Morris added. “Life will present us all with challenges, we can turn to sadness or we can do what William did and move towards hope and resilience.”

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Quail Summit Elementary fourth grader Anjelica Liu presented with Super Star Award on Feb 17th.

Quail Summit Elementary fourth grader Anjelica Liu was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.  Last summer, in the midst of the pandemic while many children were playing or watching television, Anjelica decided to start an online business called Charity Girls to raise money to help others.  The nine-year-old began creating small beaded items with all funds donated to the Feed America non-profit organization. Anjelica said she knew that a lot of people didn’t have money for food and clothing and she just wanted to help. “Anjelica makes us extremely proud!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger. “What you want most of a student is that they demonstrate not only high academic standards, but also characteristics that show empathy, kindness and love – and Anjelica demonstrates all of these!”  Anjelica’s items are available at: www.etsy.com/shot/CharityGirlsCo.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Quail Summit Elementary parent Nicole Zhou receive the Partner in Education Award.

Quail Summit Elementary parent volunteer Nicole Zhou was honored with the Partner in Education Award. Nicole always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is supportive of all teachers, works diligently in the classroom, and participates in Community Club, School Site Council, and the Superintendent’s Parent Leadership Seminar.  Before distance learning, Nicole was a regular figure in the hallway, always working on projects to help students. “We have always relied heavily upon Nicole and she never waivers in her support of our school,” Weissenberger said.

The school is most appreciative of all that she does, but funnily enough Nicole is the one that always takes the time to show her appreciation. This year, she gave every staff member perfume as a gift during the holidays.  “Nicole not only supports us with her help, she helps us smell good in the process!” the school leader shared.

The Board of Trustees presented a special recognition to the 2020 Classified Employee of the Year, David Arionus.  David is a morning aide at Suzanne Middle School. Since joining the team he has provided exceptional customer support while connecting with students and staff on a personal level. Due to the pandemic, the annual Cornerstone Awards was held virtually this year. Twelve classified employees were lauded for outstanding customer service, culminating with the Classified Employee of the Year announcement. “David is a people person, and he is someone everyone really loves and respects!” lauded Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.  “We’re just super proud of him!”

TheCityofDiamondBarNews.com October 2020 theCityofWalnutNews.com is available online!

The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:

2020.10sgv-ie-newsDownload

Pastor’s Corner: To Tell or Not To Tell

Mark Hopper

Many years ago we took our children on a trip to California. We spent two days at Disneyland and then drove north to visit my brother and his family in Grass Valley. Our kids enjoyed time with their cousins and we enjoyed catching up with my brother and his wife.


One day we went to a pumpkin patch and each of our kids and the cousins selected their own pumpkin. They looked forward to carving and decorating their own pumpkins for Halloween when we got home. On our way back to Arizona we realized we would need to stop at the border for an agricultural inspection. We knew we would be asked by the border agent if we had any agricultural products that we were bringing into Arizona from California.

My wife and I had a lively discussion about what we should say to the agriculture inspector. If we said that we did not have any agricultural items – our children would get to keep their precious pumpkins. But, our children would also know we did not tell the truth. On the other hand, if we did tell the border agent that we did have some agricultural items – their personal pumpkins might be confiscated at the border and they would have nothing to carve for Halloween.


What would you say if you were faced with a similar situation? Do you tell or not tell? Do you disclose or conceal. Do you tell the truth and risk the loss of the precious pumpkins? Or to you tell a lie and hope you don’t get caught?


A man named Abraham faced a similar test. His wife was beautiful. He told her to lie and tell people she was his sister. He told the same lie when he was asked about her. Abraham was afraid someone might kill him and take his wife (Genesis 20). Years later his own son Isaac did the same thing following of his father’s example (Genesis 26)!


I know people are more important than pumpkins. I believe it is better to tell the truth and face the consequences than to tell a lie. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Put aside falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). Your reputation is on the line and your children may follow your example. When we got to the border we decided to tell the inspector about our precious pumpkins. We held our breath – then he said no problem. Pumpkins are permitted! Let me encourage you to tell the truth. We were glad we did and you will be too.

You can find more stories and articles by Mark Hopper at his web site – letmarkencourageyou.com. His book with 365 stories and articles (one for each day of the year) is available for $25 which includes postage – contact him at markh@efreedb.org.

What Lessons Should We Have Learned from This Pandemic?

Nancy Stoops

First and foremost, I want to say we take so many things for granted.  Hopefully this pandemic has taught us to be grateful everyday for our lives, our health, our families, our friends, our pets, the beauty of nature, all the freedom we have and the abundance of basic necessities that most of us have. Hopefully we all have learned to be more patient and understand that after a storm we can find a rainbow if we take the time to look. I also hope that people have learned to be more present and mindful and have learned to live in the moment. Each moment we have the honor of being in is truly a gift.  This is why it is called the present and hopefully you don’t throw presents away, instead you embrace them.

            I hope that if you had some extra money, time, food, clothing or other basic essentials you made some donations. There is still a huge need and I promise it will make you feel better. There are many people that don’t have the basics right now due to the pandemic and also the wildfires and could really use a hand right now.  Instead of feeling sorry for yourself do something great with all of that emotion. By helping others whether they be people or animals you are making a difference.  If everybody could give a little right now, we’d all feel better.

            I hope all of you have found some inner strength you didn’t even know you had.  So today and every day pat yourself on the back for who you are with the promise that tomorrow you will be an even better version of yourself. I hope all of you are doing well and know that we will all survive and come better versions of our already amazing selves!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at 909 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Autism Mom: School Lunches

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 2:4 NKJV.

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

My boys and I go out almost every day to pick up school lunches. If anything, it gets us out of the house for a bit and gives us a break from on-line school.

On this one particular day, as I turned down the school street, there was a car in front of me that was going very slow. It was obvious this person was looking for something or someone. I just drove around them and proceeded into the school.

I was anxious to get the school lunches and get home before school started again. I still had to drop off something to a friend of mine, but she lived just right behind where the school was. 

As I left my friend’s house, I got in my car as a car pulled up beside me. They rolled down their window ( it was that same car in front of me at the school going slowly). She asked if I knew how to get to the school. ( I was confused a bit since she was right in front of the school.) I started to explain to her to go down the street, turn right, turn right again, and go to… I could see her face was saying, “what?” 

At that moment, I said, follow me. So I had her follow me to the front of the school. I pointed to the open driveway to get in, and I made a U-turn to go home. My son asked what I was doing, and did I know her? I said, no, I don’t know her, but whenever you can help someone do it. He said, I bet she appreciates you getting her to the school. I replied, Well, we may just have answered her prayer. 

“Remember, whenever you’re in a position to help someone, be glad and always do it because that’s God answering someone else’s prayers through you.”

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Make the Wright Choice for Your Insurance

Staff Reports

Chino – When looking for an insurance company, Wright Insurance Services is the right choice. For the last 30 years, they have been providing the best in auto, home, business, and life insurance…and they are still going strong!


JB Wright Insurance Services is an Independent Insurance Agency, which means they represent many different companies so they can find the one that is right for you. Their staff has the knowledge and experience of their insurance products to provide maximum benefit and protection to their clients.


“Our goal is to provide our clients with the insurance they want at the lowest possible price, while providing them with the highest level of customer service,” said owner and agent, Joel Wright. “We can furnish our clients with an assessment of their insurance needs and choice of which package fits them best,” he added.


Being an independent agency allows customers to have stronger coverage, better protection, and the lowest possible rates. Wright Insurance Services has access to more options than any one single insurance carrier can offer. “This ability to compare pricing helps us secure you a lower premium,” said Wright.


Wright Insurance was founded by Joel Wright and his parents Bob and Myrna, and their company is now an agency that the community knows and trusts.
“It’s quite fulfilling to have been a key source of insurance for thousands of people in the Southern California area, who have come to rely on us,” said Joel Wright.


Now, customers continue to spread the good word about Wright Insurance Services because they are treated like friends and family, rather than just clients. “Professional people who treat you like family is always The Wright Choice!”

Wright Insurance Services is located in both Chino, 909-628-0444 and in Santa Clarita, 661-244-5244. Visit one of their licensed professional insurance agents at 3340 Riverside Dr. Ste. L in Chino. However, if you want a quick quote, call 909-628-0444.
“It’s always FREE and always FAST! Better protection…lower premiums…the WRIGHT choice for 30 years!”
See ad on page 4.

Schools Honored For Outreach Efforts During Pandemic

Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – C.J. Morris, Castle Rock, Evergreen, Maple Hill, Quail Summit, and Vejar Elementary Schools earned the 2020 California PBIS Community Cares Award for outstanding support to students, families, and communities during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Maple Hill Elementary staff sent students “Making Lemonade Out Of Lemons” video.

Maple Hill Elementary produced several outreach videos featuring the “Making Lemonade Out of Lemons” school closure theme.

“We wanted to support our families with weekly messages of encouragement, read-a-louds, and suggested activities to promote social and emotional wellness,” said Principal Kelly Morris.

In one video, staff members suggested fun stay-at-home “opportunities” including exploring nature, dancing, playing board games, learning family traditions, and even having a backyard picnic.

“Let’s seize the day – better yet squeeze the day!” Morris exclaimed.

Evergreen Elementary 5th graders penned caring letters to seniors living in quarantine.

Evergreen Elementary fifth grade students wrote letters to assisted living facility residents during the first weeks of quarantine.

“Hopefully you’ll get to see your friends and family soon,” offered one caring 10-year-old who said she was keeping busy reading Harry Potter books, playing with sisters, and watching TikTok videos.

“I understand that you might not be happy and you can’t travel or eat at your favorite restaurants,” said 11-year-old Kyra Chen.

“You should always stay positive and try to have a good time!”

“The seniors loved receiving the letters and some wrote the children back!” said Principal Trina Dreyer.

Challenge Accepted! Vejar Elementary families stay connected during distance learning by sharing online photos.

Vejar Elementary hosted online weekly spirit challenges, family activities, and sent daily text messages.

Families stayed connected while posting first day of school photos in a shared Google folder for the August 10 challenge.

“We are working to make sure we continue to recognize the positive moments from our students and celebrate them during distance learning,” said Principal Whitney Prenger.

This school year will include virtual student shout-outs, birthday celebrations, Bitmoji postcards, and monthly assemblies recognizing Valuable Vejar Vaqueros for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and safety.

“We also look forward to providing virtual classroom visits and school tour footage to get our students acquainted and excited to return as soon as it is safe to do so!” Prenger said.

C.J. Morris Elementary staff members distribute supplies for distance learning.

C.J. Morris Elementary staff members rallied together to provide supplies to students and families to support distance learning.

“We strive to be global citizens while implementing PBIS in conjunction with our IB Attributes,” said Principal Fayroze Mostafa.

“It truly takes a village!”

Quail Summit Elementary shared daily wellness activities and strategies to help students handle the stress of living in quarantine.

“Schools really need to think outside the box, now more than ever, when it comes to COVID-19,” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

Castle Rock Elementary delivered messages of community, kindness, and
empathy during pandemic.

Castle Rock Elementary concentrated efforts on maintaining the sense of community built throughout the year.

“Students and staff alike were mourning the loss of one another and the connectedness we shared,” explained Principal Jen Alcazar.

“We focused on helping all our Knights demonstrate perseverance and grit while at the same time building faith that things would eventually return to normal.”

The school posted messages of hope and inspiration on social media platforms using photos, videos, and student highlights.

Homebound students were also challenged to reach out to others who might be struggling.

“They responded with love, compassion, and action doing what they could to uplift one another and by sending messages to essential workers,” Alcazar added.

Diamond Bar Restaurant Week 2020

City of Diamond Bar

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar.

Diamond bar – Diamond Bar Restaurant Week returns next month, October 2-18, bringing with it even more reasons to dine out, pick up curbside, or get takeout meals from any local restaurant.


In light of the pandemic, this year’s promotion has been adapted to make it easier for restaurants and diners to participate. For restaurants, these adaptations include automatic inclusion, no participation fee, and waiving of discount or special offer requirement. For diners, it means they can order breakfast, lunch and dinner from any Diamond Bar restaurants of their choice and enter their receipts or share their photos on social media for a chance to win a number of prizes.


Launched in 2016, Diamond Bar Restaurant Week (DBRW) is a special campaign aimed at supporting local restaurants while highlighting the diverse and quality dining choices in town. It is co-sponsored by the City and the Regional Chamber of Commerce-San Gabriel Valley.


Dine and Win! Through our sponsorships, the “Dine and Win!” contest will have some very exciting prizes to be awarded at the conclusion of Restaurant Week.


How to Participate:
Simply dine out during Diamond Bar Restaurant Week at any eatery in Diamond Bar, and save your receipts!
How to Submit Receipts:
Enter Your Receipts for the Dine and Win Contest:
Email: dbrw@diamondbarca.gov
Mail: 21810 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
See flyer on page 8.

Autism Mom:Frustration

Melody Kraemer

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I’m frustrated, are you frustrated?  I wake up, click my heels together, and say, “I wish we had  school on campus.” Though nothing happens, maybe it’s because I’m not wearing ruby red slippers. Does anyone know the way to “OZ?” 

Distant learning is not something my kids are not getting adjusted to at home.  I know it’s hard for the teachers and staff as well. The principle of their school stated this is all uncharted waters, but everyone is doing their best. 

Some children are probably doing wonderfully, though not the case in many families. I know how these parents feel, I am one of them. Have we looked at the impact of how it’s affecting our children, on the spectrum or not? 

Many children I have interviewed have expressed that they are angry, sad, bored, miss their friends, and are scared. 

There are so many emotions flying around for our little ones.  

We always think our children are resilient and happy in their childhood. But on the contrary, they are experiences far more than they may be showing. Kids may not be open to how they are feeling, for not wanting to disappoint mom or dad. 

Kids may think they don’t want to share their feelings since mom and/or dad may already be upset over this pandemic. 

Some kids can’t even express what they are feeling.  As parents, we need to hug our children more, reassure them they are awesome, and we will get through this. It’s time to remind them they will see their friends again and never give up hope. It’s a time to remind them God is in control and won’t leave us. We have to remember kids may not share their feelings fully, so sit down and have a heart to heart with them, if that’s feasible. If not just stay as positive as you can.

Staying positive is not always easy through this pandemic. For me anyway, but I see my children and look into their eyes, and it confirms they are trusting me to protect them, love them, and stay positive. So I smile and remind them they are the absolute best, and we are in this together along with everyone else. We all need to keep praying, keep loving, and stay positive. God is good and will take care of us and we should not be anxious about anything.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.

Diamond Bar High Alum Jason Wright Makes History

Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar –

Diamond Bar High School alumnus Jason Wright makes
history as the new president of the Washington Football
Team.

Walnut Valley USD proudly congratulates Diamond Bar High School alumnus Jason Wright (Class of 2000) who has been named president of the Washington Football Team.

Wright becomes the first Black person to hold the league title, and at age 38 is the youngest team president in NFL history.

Wright was a NFL running back for seven years with Atlanta, Cleveland, and Arizona and a business consultant at McKinsey & Company for the past seven years.

The popular Brahma football player and class president attended Northwestern University and earned an M.B.A from University of Chicago.

Diamond Bar High School alumnus Jason Wright has been named president of the Washington Football franchise. The star football player, #18, won back-to-back championships

In high school, he won back-to-back championships in 1998 and ’99 where he scored the winning touchdown to claim the CIF Southern Section Division II title and an undefeated 14-0 season.

“Jason was always an A-plus kid,” retired Diamond Bar High coach Terry Roche told the Associated Press. “It’s all a credit to his parents and family.”

“What a great day for him and his family and all of us that know him.”

The 1999 championship team was quarterbacked by Ryan Maine, who later became head coach at Diamond Bar, and is the current principal at Walnut High School.

Maine knew his friend was destined for great things since their days playing Pop Warner.

“He was always so smart, he was Diamond Bar’s class president, and he was going to Northwestern for medical school, but ended by being drafted and played in the NFL,” Maine shared with the Associated Press.

“He was our team captain and always one of hardest workers. He set an example. I always talk to high school students now and always tell them to surround yourself with people that make you better. I look at that class led by Jason, and he was one of those people that made us all better.”

TheCityofDiamondBarNews.com September 2020 theCityofWalnutNews.com is available online!

The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:

2020.9sgv-ie-newsDownload

Take This Time to Become Your Best Self

Nancy Stoops

I know many of you are struggling with the Pandemic and all that goes with it.  Think about how many times you wished for sometime for yourself.  Well now you finally have it.  Use this time that we are all needing to stay home and lower the number of cases as a way to improve yourself.  Think about what it would feel like to become your best self. 

            Take out a piece of paper and fold it in to three sections. In the first section write all your qualities you want to keep.  In the second section write all the qualities you don’t want anymore.  In the third section write down all of the qualities to wish you add to your already wonderful self.  Now set some goals on how to start working on your plan.  For example, if you are feeling depressed start exercising and keeping a mood journal.  Each day write down how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way.  Look for the day you feel better and create a recipe based on what you did that day to make you feel better.  You can do the same thing with anxiety.  Write down all of the lies that are causing you fear and then find the truth through evidence from your past.  Think about all that you have already survived.  Meditation can be a very effective tool as well to quiet our minds and combat anxiety.

            Use this difficult time to your advantage.  Take this time to work on you.  I also recommend taking time to enjoy nature. Witnessing a beautiful sunrise or sunset can be a very wonderful way to adjust one’s attitude and mindset.  Please know I have faith that we will all come out better versions of ourselves and grow from all that we are dealing with.  Please don’t lose faith in yourself or this amazing world that we are so very blessed to live in!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.

Pastor’s Corner: The Man In The Mirror (Part Two)

Mark Hopper

In my previous article I shared about how we need to take a look in the mirror and see what changes we need to make in our own life. The words of the song Man in the Mirror and the story of the pastor with the rebellious daughter really drive home the principle that change needs to begin with you.

Many years ago I attended a helpful seminar on leadership. I picked up some useful ideas on how to be a more effective leader of our staff and our church. One of the speakers was Ken Blanchard, he was well known for his best-selling book – The One Minute Manager.  He shared an illustration that he often used with business leaders that has been very helpful to me as a husband, pastor and leader.

He said that when things are not going well, a foolish manager will look out his office window and place the blame on his workers. Why are sales and production declining? The employees must not be doing their jobs. On the other hand, when things are going well, a foolish manager will look in a mirror and congratulate himself for the great job he is doing.

Blanchard went on to say that when things are going well and sales are up and production is growing, a wise manager will look out the window and recognize the success is due to the hard work of his employees. And, when sales are down and production is declining, a wise manager will look in the mirror and ask himself – What am I doing wrong? What steps do I need to take to help our business improve?

There is a passage in the Bible where King David ignored the warning of his own advisors and demanded that his staff count the number of troops under his command. This action resulted in the death of a number of innocent people. David realized his mistake and asked God to forgive him and stop the devastation and destruction. He accepted responsibility for his arrogant behavior (Second Samuel chapter 24). If things aren’t going well in your life or business, let me encourage you to take a good look in the mirror. Ask yourself – what changes do you need to make in your life? Accept responsibility and change what you are doing. And if things are going well in your life or business, I hope you will give the credit to God and to the people who have made it possible. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Hopper has published a book with 365 of his articles and stories. The title is “Let Me Encourage You”. The cost is $25 which includes shipping. Order your copy at markh@efreedb.org.

TheCityofDiamondBarNews.com August 2020 theCityofWalnutNews.com is available online!

The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:

2020.8sgv-ie-newsDownload

Diamond Bar High Freshman Runs 30 Days to Feed Families

Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – After months of being cooped up in quarantine, incoming Diamond Bar High School freshman L’Mio Edwards decided to get moving to help make a difference during the global pandemic.

Diamond Bar High freshman L’Mio Edwards ran a 5K a day for a month to raise funds during COVID-19. Photos courtesy of Smotherman Images.

During the summer, the talented track star ran a 5K (3.1 miles) for 30 straight days in her quest to feed families impacted by COVID-19.

Step by step, her efforts totaled 93 miles while raising funds for the New Earth non-profit organization that distributes free weekly groceries.

“People need to eat, especially during this coronavirus,” the 14-year-old said.

The #5KaDay4Food Challenge kicked off May 26 and has netted $9,600, just a few hundred dollars shy of her $10K goal.

“I’ve been running since around the third grade,” she said during a recent KNBC interview.

“After running for so long I thought I might use it for something if I’m going to be stuck at home.”

L’Mio began preparing her mind and body for the feat by completing a 6K each day for two and a half weeks prior to the event.

Her father, Deon, drove by her side during every run to ensure his daughter’s safety during the entire fundraiser.

The teen now happily sees others partnering in the #5KaDay4Food Challenge that provides assistance to food banks around the nation.

They donate and pledge to run their own 5Ks for 30 days, she said.

“Some people choose to run only a few days or whatever they can handle – which is equally awesome!”

She also joins 5Ks in various communities to continue raising funds for the cause.

“If you want to see a positive change in the world, it starts with yourself,” L’Mio says of her personal motto.

“This was a cool way of getting to know more people in the community and overall a great experience!”

Additionally, U.S. Congressman, Representative Gil Cisneros recognized the Diamond Bar teen for her successful fundraising efforts on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 21.

“Using her gift as a talented runner, she committed to running a 5K a day for 30 consecutive days in order to raise money for local food banks and help families in need. Our CA39 is so proud of her!”

Visit www.GoFundme.com/f/5KaDay4Food to support the fundraiser.