The REC Center Branches Out

On Saturday February 1, 2014 the City of Bloomington welcomed The REC Center to its community with a packed Open House. In what was the former fire station in the area, Jennifer Araiza, Executive Director of the REC Center opened the facility doors to the city’s children and parents with refreshments and activities galore. Supported by local businesses and community groups, the Grand Opening for the REC Center was bustling with people present to support the cause. San Bernardino County Sheriff Captain Horace Boatwright said, “We are glad to see the REC Center come to Bloomington. This area needs this type of outreach and the Sheriff’s Department will be partnering with the REC Center with programs that are being developed for this particular community. This place will definitely be beneficial to all the kids out here.” Inside the converted building was a room full of teens dancing to choreographed moves lead by Jacqueline Bulger with music played by a DJ. Later on the band Nation of Salvation came to provide live music and the young people mingled, talking and enjoying the entertainment. In one room, youngsters were painting rocks and other projects and a preschool area was readied with arts and crafts for the days when adult classes would be offered. Outside on the sidewalks children and teens alike were painting the grounds with sidewalk chalk as laughter surrounded the center. Also outside on the premises David Jayne, President of the San Bernardino Valley Riders and member Cindy Lundgren had brought their group’s mascot Ultra, a miniature horse, to the celebration. “We’re here,” said Jayne, “because we need to get more people in Bloomington more active in our community. We’re excited to support this after school program and make sure we do everything we can to help the REC Center succeed here.” Laura Orozco of San Bernardino County Josie Gonzales’ office came to present the REC Center with a certificate and a plant to celebrate their Grand Opening. “Supervisor Gonzales is thrilled to have the REC Center open in this unincorporated area of our community. It means so much to the people, and we know this is just the beginning of good things here. Supervisor Gonzales is excited to thank Mrs. Araiza for her effort on behalf of Bloomington’s citizens, and will be lending her full support to make sure this venue is successful in every way.” The REC Center also received congratulatory certificates from State Senator Norma J Torres office and State Assemblymember Cheryl Brown, of the 47th District’s office. There was a lot of support from the Grand Terrace area, with many people who were familiar with The REC Center’s work in Grand Terrace. Girl Scout Troup 610 was at the Grand Opening in full force and happy to see the culmination of all the hard work Araiza had put into opening the Bloomington area’s facility. Anthony Padfield of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department was looking forward to coordinating efforts with The REC Center. “We are hoping to bring recreational programs, as well as mentoring and intervention programs to the Center,” Padfield shared, “I’m glad we will be able to work together to provide the community’s young people with programs and activities that will benefit everyone.”