Youth Scholarships and Vocational Grants

The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.74 million in college scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs:  Most Valuable Student, Legacy Awards & Emergency Grants.  For additional details visit, www.elks.org.

Photo Credit: Elks Foundation

Photo Credit: Elks Foundation

Youth Spark Closes Gap In Innovation

Do you want to help your child ages 3-24 discover their passion in Computer Technology fields? Visit Youth Spark Hub to help your child close the gap on their technology skills.  In the future companies will require more employees with computer skills in the workplace. However, studies show that some of our children don’t have the interest or are lacking access to valuable resources, training and skills to empower our youth to change the world.

Photo Credit: Microsoft/Youthspark

Photo Credit: Microsoft/Youthspark

We had the opportunity to join a Youth Spark roundtable in Southern California and witnessed the impact the program is making in the lives of our children.   We learned that one of the areas that are hardest hit is our young adults.   After youth graduate from high school many of our kids are making a decision not to pursue college or are unable to find employment after they graduate.

Through Youth Spark youth ages 6-24 can  learn about cool new technologies, build valuable skills, and imagine ways to create innovative apps. Youth Spark also will also provide access to free software, computer programming training hubs and show you how other youth around the world are changing the world.   It is a great place for youth to get inspired about careers in Technology and learn about computers even if you don’t know where to start.

For additional information visit the YouthSpark Hub.
Youth_Spark_Hub

 

YouthSpark Grants

Microsoft provides cash grants to eligible organizations whose missions and activities support youth development. For more information, see our Nonprofit FAQ.

Microsoft also donates software and services to a broad array of eligible nonprofit organizations. Visit software donation page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

 

Caramel Color In Your Soda May Cause Health Risk

According to Consumer Reports the CARMEL COLOR that is used to make sodas brown in color contain 4-MeI, a chemical that caused cancer in mice.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer determined the chemical to cause health risks and is possibly carcinogenic to humans in 2011.    Consumer Reports experts believes that the levels of 4-Mel can cause health risks and asked the Attorney General to investigate their concerns.

carmel_color_in_soda_health_risk

The chemical is also used on some foods to make them brown in color.  To express your concern about CARMEL COLOR in food visit the Consumers Union’s website NotInMyFood.org.  Read the full Consumer Reports here.

Question:  Do you think the carmel color causes cancer?  Will this report make you kick the soda habit?

 

 

 

 

Best Valentines Day Restaurants in Inland Empire

Are you getting ready to plan your Valentines Day?  One of the things we love about the Inland Empire is the restaurants.  We couldn’t suggest a better location for your special day with your loved one.   Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year which gives you several options from planning a romantic evening to a weekend getaway!

Here are our picks for the Best Valentines Day Restaurants in Inland Empire:

Restaurants

Mission_Inn_Riverside

Photo Credit: Mission Inn

Mission Inn - Enjoy Valentine’s Day Dinner between February 1-28.  A Prix Fixe dinner menu includes choice of  Seared Diver Scallops, Butter Poached Swordfish or Filet Mignon, and end the night with a sweet taste of The Mission Inn’s famous Red Velvet Heart with Chocolate Truffles and Raspberry Coulis.   (Price: $46 per person).  The Mission Inn is also offering a Pink Couture Royal Afternoon Tea between 2-4pm during Valentines Week (February 9-16).  Enjoy pink macaroons, pink cream puffs, bonbons, Red Velvet mini cupcakes.  (Price: $39 per adult; $14 per child)

E.A.T Marketplace – An organically inspired menu will be prepared between 6-10pm on Friday and Saturday.  Three course farm to place menu includes vegetarian and gluten free options.  (Price: $75 per couple or $40 per person)

Tresinos –  Truly the best Italian Dining experience in Inland Empire.  The restaurant is family owned.  The food is fresh and all ingredients are homemade.  The owners also make their own pasta. ($5-$20)

Crepes de Paris – Nestled within the Victoria Gardens Mall is  a quaint and esquisite restaurant.  Crepes de Paris serves delicious french crepes.   They also have sandwiches and salads for a perfect dinner, lunch or dinner on Valentine’s Day.  We adore the French music they play and the decor.  It’s so romantic! (Cost $8 – $15)

King’s Fish House – Best Place to get seafood in Inland Empire

Haandi Indian Cuisine – Best Indian Food in Inland Empire

 

Wineries

Miramonte Winery –  Hippest place to have appetizers and wine on Valentine’s Day in Temecula Wine Country Southern California.  We recommend you get there a little before sundown to enjoy the sunset and order the cheese & fruit plate with your wine.  Wrap up your evening with a live band, Charcuterie or Mediterranean Board & a pitcher of their world famous Sangria.  The atmosphere at Mira Monte Winery is very festive and romantic! Open 11am-10pm.

Europa Village – Valentine’s Day Dinner Play.  Europa Village is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner Play, “Immortal Beloved” Love Letters for a Lifetime with a 4-course meal prepared by Chef Dean Thomas.    Each course is paired with Europa Wines. (Price $99-$125 per person)

Mount Palomar Winery – One of the original wineries in Temecula Wine Country opened in 1969.   Shorty’s Bistro is serving Valenties Dinner.  3 Course meal, paired with wine.  (Price: $75 per person).

Ponte Winery –  Enjoy Dinner and Dancing. Four course meal will be served.  (Price: $95 per person)

Wine Tasting

The Wine Tailor – Located in California’s Oldest Winery Location, The Thomas Winery, 8916 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA.   This is one of those places you add on your bucket list, especially if your a California native.  It will make you appreciate the history of where you live.

San Antonio Winery –  Fine Wine Store represents wines of high quality from California, the US, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, and many more.  Complimentary tastings includes 3 samples.  Tasting: Price $12.

Weekend Getaways

Temecula Wine Country – Southern California Wine Country

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Make your reservations at Peaks Restaurant at eat at 8500 feet.