Volunteer of the Month
Archives

May 2022
Ernesto Almada

Photo of Ernesto Almada

This month we’d like to shower kudos on a triple threat. Last year we were in need on a new instructor following the passing of our former Sketching teacher. Ernesto heard about our need and volunteered to teach. Now as the effects of Covid linger on and people are still wary, we have had a few instructors who, on doctor’s orders, have been instructed to not teach. Upon hearing this Ernesto has volunteered again to act as a substitute. Now he will also be teaching Spanish AND Water Color! Ernesto worked for and retired from the San Bernardino Unified School District after 33 years of employment. During that time he worked with an after school program and served as a bilingual tutor. He loves to teach, and is loved by his students. Thanks Ernesto for stepping up when we need you.

Featured Class

Watercolor
Date: June 7, 2022
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 am
Length: 8 weeks
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Ernesto Almada
Location: Game Room
Description: Our Watercolor class is old. It is not only one of our oldest classes, but is also one of the oldest art forms, going back to paleolithic times. Watercolor where the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water and put onto a liquid soaking paper, most notably, paper. Working with watercolors is difficult because with paint, it stays put. However, with watercolor, the paper and absorption changes the outline and appearance as it dries. Additionally, you have to be careful as colors can run into each other as they are absorbed, changing the shape and color of objects. Then, if you mess up with paint, you can paint over or scrape off the paint, but in watercolor, you might be able to partially correct a mistake by re-wetting and blotting, making errors costly. To help you with this is Ernesto Almada, our new Watercolor instructor. While Ernesto has experience as an art teacher as he also is our Sketching instructor.

Featured Activity

Friendly Visitor and Phone Pal
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
       non-members
Location:
Description: This month we'd like to shine the light on two programs that not only help out those who participate, but the people they help out as well: The Friendly Visitor, and Phone Pal programs. The Friendly Visitor Program is a free program designed for those who have trouble getting out of the house on their own, to make friends and maintain social interaction. We have volunteers who go and visit people in their own homes and let them know that someone does care about them. Sometimes the two will simply talk or play a game of cards. Other times they will go out to lunch or a movie. The level of interaction depends on them. Our Phone Pal Program is similar to the Friendly Visitor Program, but is more designed for those who don't want or need someone to come over to their house. They are happy with a simple phone call. Some enjoy long conversations, while others just want someone to check in on them once a week. This program has come in handy several times when a senior could not be contacted by phone. The Phone Pal volunteer either went over to the house or contacted us with their concern and we went over. On a few occasions we discover that the person had fallen and injured themselves, and had this program not been in place, might have died. If you would like to be a part in volunteering in these programs, or if you could benefit from any of these programs, or if you know of someone who could, please feel free to contact us at (909)862-8104 and ask for the Outreach Office.
Sinatra Dinner Show
By: Mike Sylva
Ol’ Blue Eyes was back at the center, much to the delight of a sold out crowd, for another Dinner Show. Michael Sinatra crooned oldies but goodies. While our chefs were busy preparing an Italian dinner for the crowd, Michael sang to an audience as hungry for his songs, as they were for dinner. We call him the Chairman of the Board, he also sang the hits of Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, and many others.

While popular with everyone, he is always especially popular with the ladies. A few lucky ones came up front for a personal crooning. One poignant moment was when Jack & Regina Milke, celebrating their anniversary, did a special dance.

Thanks to our volunteers, Aneta Giltner, Dianne Kassotis, Theresa Rago for helping serve dinner and drinks to everyone. Special thanks go out to PrimeCare for sponsoring this great night out!