By President, Daney Bachiu,

Redlands Blueprint & Commercial Printing

After a hot and humid summer, Fall has finally fallen upon us.  I really, really, like the cooler days and nights.  When I get home at night, I open the windows, turn on my whole house fan, (you’re welcome SCE) and in about 20 minutes it’s 68 degrees.  It actually got down to 64 last night and I had to turn the fan off.

As I write this, the countdown is on….75 days to our First Annual Night Light Run.  As more and more people register, there is an undercurrent of excitement growing at the Chamber office.

One could say, you can feel the electricity in the air. This is going to be one fabulously fun event, so don’t miss out. The closer to the event, the higher the entry fee, so register now and take advantage of the discount.  The entire chamber staff of two, committee member, Jill Riley  her daughters, soon to be son-in-law and myself have fun on Thursday nights giving away Cotton Candy while promoting the Night Light Run.

With all the holiday parties, open houses, and get-togethers already being scheduled the last quarter of any year is a social whirr.  This year, with the culmination of the 125^th Anniversary Celebration, the dinner, play, fireworks, art festivals and tours, along with our own fantastic Night Light Run, I think it is safe to say it is going to be a social blurrr.  Pace yourself accordingly so you can enjoy it all. Check the community calendar on the Chamber’s website so you don’t miss any of the festivities.

Covered California has official launched providing health coverage for millions in the State under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment began October 1 and healthcare coverage will begin January 1, 2014.  To help employers and employees understand the exchange and the subsidies from the federal government the Redlands Chamber of Commerce will offer a seminar on October, 11, 7:30 AM at the Chamber office.

The seminar, presented by John Heaton, JMH Insurance Solutions Inc. will provide an update on enrollment, plans, process, application procedures and more.

John will answer questions, and help find solutions for you, your business and your employees.

The seminar is free to Chamber members. Space is limited so reservations are necessary. Please call the Chamber office at 793-2546 to make your reservations.

Sarah Snedaker has joined the Chamber team as an intern.  She is currently a student at California State University, Fullerton, where she is earning her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.

So far she is enjoying her responsibilities as Chamber Intern assisting people in finding answers to their Redlands questions, helping to plan the upcoming Redlands Chamber Night Light Run, and most of all, meeting all the various chamber members and learning about their businesses.  She looks forward to meeting more chamber members and hopefully being able to help grow their businesses.

When asked what her hobbies were she replied “Chasing around Charlie ( the office poodle) when he steals my things, and being a foodie at all the delicious restaurants in Redlands”.

“Sarah has been a gift to the organization and staff.” said Kathie Thurston, Chamber Executive Director. “It’s great to have and extra set of hands on deck when we are planning a new event and Sarah has been a delight. She’s eager to learn, willing to do anything and jumps in no matter what the project. We are thrilled she’s joined the team.”

The City of Redlands will bring to a close its celebration of the City’s founding with several community-wide events, the first of which will be held Saturday, November 2nd.  The 125^th Anniversary “Extravaganza” will have various events throughout the day, including a community dinner served at noon and 4 p.m. in Smiley Park.  Tickets for the barbecue dinner are $7 and can be purchased at various locations in the City, including the City Clerk’s Office and our own Chamber Office.

The day will start off with the Farmer’s Market held at the City parking lot located at 5^th Street and Redlands Boulevard.  Historic bus tours led by Tom Atchley, Larry Burgess and Nathan Gonzales will depart at the north parking lot of the Redlands Mall.  Bus tour tickets are $25 and the proceeds will go to the Heritage Room of the A.K. Smiley Public Library.  Seats are limited so reservations for the bus tours are suggested. For reservations, call (909) 307-6060.  Entertainment from community groups and local Redlands schools will be provided throughout the day at Ed Hales Park and the Redlands Bowl.

During the day a variety of exhibits, events and walking tours are planned.  A Kids Zone featuring historic games and crafts led by the Boy and Girl Scouts of Redlands will be located in Smiley Park behind the library.  The Kids Zone will also have a small performance area with musical performing groups.  Also in this area of the park will be various booths featuring the many historical related groups in Redlands.

The park area next to the Redlands Bowl will be devoted to historic re-enactors who will display costumes, handicrafts and trades typical of the late 19^th Century when the City was founded.

The Mission Gables house located on Eureka Street will host art works created by the young people of the City which followed the theme of the City’s founding.  In the patio area to the rear of the building art works created especially for this event by local Redlands Artists will be on display.

The Red Dirt Art Festival will be held during the day in the park next to the Old City Hall, displaying additional artwork created by local artisans.

The Contemporary Club building on Eureka Street will host several displays from the Redlands Historical Museum and the San Bernardino County Museum collections.  Also on display will be photos produced by members of the Redlands Camera Club.

Complimentary historical walking tours of the Smiley Park neighborhood and downtown Redlands will be led by volunteers from the Historical Society and the Heritage Auxiliary of the Contemporary Club.  Tours will begin on the hour and half hour from both Smiley Park behind the library and Ed Hales Park at the corner of 5^th and East State streets.

The Redlands Bowl itself will be the site of the conclusion of the day’s events.  The ceremonies will include a welcome by our Mayor Pete Aguilar, and brief talks by our local historians, Larry Burgess and Tom Atchley.  Former Mayor Carol Beswick will also speak.  The Redlands Fourth of July Band, led by Curtiss Allen, Sr., will present several musical numbers.  A brief sketch from the “Redlands, My Redlands” original musical production will also be performed.  The finale of the evening will be a spectacular fireworks display in the sky above the Redlands Bowl.

On Monday, November 11^th the City will host its first Veteran’s Day Parade in many decades.  The parade committee, led by City Clerk Sam Irwin, has a wonderful event planned to honor our Veterans.  The parade will end at Jennie Davis Park where the festivities will continue.  This event is free to the public.

On November 15^th and 16^th, the newly composed production of “Redlands, My Redlands” will be performed at the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel.  This lively, heartwarming look at Redlands’ history composed by local music artist James Skousen with a cast of Redlands residents including community notables such as Mayor Pete Aguilar, Martha Green, Council Members Jon Harrison and Bob Gardner, City Clerk Sam Irwin and School Board Member Neal Waner will be a highlight of this anniversary year.

Tickets are $5 and available at the City Clerk’s Office, Chamber of Commerce and at the 125^th Anniversary booth at Market Night during October.  The finale of the anniversary year is the debut showing of our documentary film highlighting how philanthropy has been an integral part of developing our community into the special place it is today.

The documentary has been a work of love for Al and Susan Stevens of Redlands own, “Work and Play Productions.”  They have been working with groups and filming all over town.  Of course our host and narrator is our exceptional local historian, Dr. Larry Burgess.

The film will be debuted as part of the Esri Forum Series on the early evenings of November 26, (the actual date of our City’s incorporation) and November 27.

A celebration anniversary cake will follow the viewing.  Seating for this free event will be limited, so make sure you contact the Esri Forum to make reservations early.

This has been an exciting year to celebrate our community.  Be sure to be part of these special concluding events!