Volunteer of the Month
Archives

October 2021
Don Harper

Photo of Don Harper

This month we’d like to shine the light on Don Harper is one of our longtime Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. Don has been a member for about 7 ½ years, and has been driving for 5 ½ years. During that time he has become one of our go-to drivers driving multiple times a week, and sometimes several trips in one day. He first heard about the center from his mother-in-law, who is a Wii Bowler. She got him a membership and he came and joined the Wii Bowling league. He then remembered then Outreach Director, Holly Andrade, talking about TAP and how they needed drivers. He gave it a test drive, enjoyed it and has been doing it ever since. He loves driving, and loves the people. He thinks of this as his job, but a job he enjoys. The clients love him too and has clients who ask for him. Originally from Fort Worth, TX, his mom brought him out here when he was two. He inched his way over from Blythe, to Beaumont, to Highland. We are thankful that his travels brought him closer to us. Thanks Don for driving that extra mile for us!

Featured Class

Sketching
Date: September 15, 2021
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Length: 8 weeks
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Ernesto Almada
Location: Game Room
Description: This month we’d shine the light on one of our older classes, but one of our newest instructors. The Sketching class has a new teacher and his name is Ernesto Almada. While he may be a new instructor here, neither art, nor teaching is new to him. Ernesto is an Art major and has spent 33 years in the school district as a bilingual tutor. During that time he worked with an after school program. During that time he taught young students art skill, but teaching adults would be no different. He had several students who earned awards in local art shows. Classes will start with a foundation in basic shapes and then use those shapes to learn shading before moving on to more complete objects, 3D, still life, then finally portraits. There will be no tracing or copying of other people’s works. He wants people to show their own creativity. Students need to bring their own pencils (from 9H to 9B – The HB scale ranges from 9H, a hard pencil that leaves fine, light marks, to 9B, a soft pencil which a high ratio of graphite that leaves bold, dark marks.), or even just a #2 to start, a sharpener, as well as a sketch pad. The size of the sketchpad will depend upon a student’s personal preference. So make your mark in the world and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s what they make erasers for.

Featured Activity

Hula - ON HIATUS
Time: Thursdays 10:00 - 10:30 am
Cost: Free members
      Free non-members
Location: Exercise Room
Description: Get ready to shake your groove thing as we welcome back Hula! In January, our Hula returned on Thursdays from 10:00 - 10:30 am. The class is officially called Hula and is being taught by Yolanda “YoYo” Hernandez. YoYo is our new instructor. She learned Hula when she was 72! She always wanted to learn, but didn’t the time, being busy with raising a family and work. She first started with yoga, learning balance. From there she worked on her flexibility, and finally learned Hula. She also believes that Hula is good for the body and the brain, having to remember the dance calls, the steps, and of course, the dancing itself. She first started teaching at another center, before she was asked to start teaching here. YoYo teaches both men and women and begins with the basics. She teaches both “hapa haole (Hula dance with English words), and traditional Hawaiian dances. Classes are taught on Thursdays, from 10:00 – 10:30 am and are free to attend. All one needs to bring is a willing spirit. Until then ke nānā aku nei mākou e ʻike iā ʻoe (we look forward to seeing you).
Neil Derry Dinner Show
By: Mike Sylva
Old Hazel Eyes may not have the same ring to it, but it was his golden throat that caught your attention. San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry came to help us out as we hosted a dinner show with Supervisor Derry wowing the crowds as he sang the standards. He loves to sing, and he loves to help others, both young and old, as indicated by him doing benefits or us, as well as a youth center up in Big Bear.

Before the show Neil Derry worked his way through the room, chatting with individuals in the crowd, then making his way to the stage to croon. Then after the show it was back to mingling as he answered questions and posed for pictures with the fans.

Thanks to Janetha Hamre, Linda Brian, Rae Sanchez, and Dianne Kassotis for their hard work in the kitchen and serving. Big thanks go out to Primecare for sponsoring this great night out!