The Riverside Art Museum is one of two Southern California institutions that will be honored this summer with a 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

It will join the Los Angeles County Library system among the eight recipients of the nation’s highest honor for museum and library services. The medals have been presented for the past 29 years by the Washington, D.C., based Institute of Museum and Library Services to celebrate institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families and communities.

This year’s recipients were selected from among 30 national finalists “that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service,” Institute Director Crosby Kemper said. “Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.

“Riverside Art Museum integrates art into the lives of people in a way that engages, inspires, and builds community through thought-provoking exhibits and art classes that instill a lifelong love of the arts. The museum values art education as well as exhibitions and collections and aims to uplift untold stories.”

The museum was formed in the early 1950s by a loose-knit group of artists and formally opened in 1967 in a building designed by award winning architect Julia Morgan. A second outlet, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, which is also known as The Cheech, opened June 18, 2022, in partnership with actor-comedian Cheech Marin.

Congressman Mark Takano, D-Riverside, nominated the museum for the award. “I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Riverside Art Museum on receiving the esteemed 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” he said in a statement. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to their groundbreaking work establishing The Cheech and in showcasing Chicano art and culture, bridging gaps in representation, and fostering inclusivity within our community. “The Riverside Art Museum has truly set a new standard of excellence, and we celebrate their dedication to preserving and celebrating the vibrant heritage of the Inland Empire.

This award is a proud moment for the 39th Congressional District and a shining example of the transformative power of art.” The museum’s executive director, Drew Oberjuerge, said the award is an affirmation of its mission in the community. “This award is a tribute to how inspiring transformation can occur when a group of people come together with the goal to uplift and celebrate the human experience through art,” Oberjuerge said in a statement.

“Our Trustees and staff have prioritized community voices and community collaboration, which resulted in the establishment of The Cheech and the ongoing innovation of our organization and programs.” The awards are usually presented in August, but no date was announced for this year’s ceremony.

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Ellen Tichy watched her daughter Cassi lose her battle to Ewing sarcoma on May 20, 2018. On the fifth anniversary of that loss, Tichy is hosting a blood drive in San Jacinto to help others in need while honoring her daughter’s memory and bringing awareness to the need for more childhood cancer research.

On Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., a LifeStream bloodmobile will be parked at the San Jacinto Stater Bros. market, 1537 S. San Jacinto Ave., to receive life-saving donations. Tichy, of Hemet, works closely with LifeStream to host monthly blood drives in the community.

It helps the blood bank replenish their blood supply which is experiencing a critical shortage. She is hoping to have at least 50 donors at this upcoming event, “ten for every year of this heartbreaking separation” from her daughter. “I look forward to giving blood because I know I’m helping others,” Tichy said, who tries to donate every 56 days, the allotted time frame set by LifeStream. “When Cassi needed 50-plus units of platelets and blood (during her treatments) I always wondered who had been generous enough to donate.”

Tichy is encouraging donors to wear yellow, Cassi’s favorite color, to honor her memory. She said that while her daughter is not physically here, “her spirit of light and love continues to shine ever so brightly.” While walk-ins are always welcome, Tichy is requesting that potential donors make an appointment as soon as possible so their wait time can be minimized and she can better organize the event.

To make an appointment, visit lstream.org/sanjacinto and mention code REPLCT21 to donate blood in honor of Cassi. In recent years, Tichy has partnered with Wings for Ewing Sarcoma, a nonprofit started by a young ballerina with the disease, and her mother, Sandra. Chiara Valle, of New York, was diagnosed in 2018 and has been out of treatment for about four years but still has regular screenings. Her cancer had not metastasized as was the case with Cassi. “This charity will also benefit from any blood donations on May 20,” Tichy said. In March, thanks to the efforts by Tichy and generous blood donors, LifeStream was able to present a $2,500 check to the Wings for Ewing Sarcoma nonprofit.

Tichy said Cassi was diagnosed with the rare childhood bone cancer when she was 15 and spent 32 months fighting it. She has kept her daughter’s memory alive through advocacy for more research and awareness campaigns that will help others stricken with the disease. And also by hosting regular blood drives as a way to give the gift of life to others. LifeStream’s website states, “Blood donations are urgently needed now to protect lifesaving treatments in your community.” It also shares information such as the fact that one donation can help multiple patients because following collection, red blood cells, plasma and platelets are separated, stored and distributed separately. Platelets are especially in need by cancer patients and must be used within five days of collection, a reason why new donations are continuously needed.

While no one wants to be in the position of needing blood to maintain health, to battle disease or to recover from injury, the site states that 1 in 4 people, at some point, will require a blood transfusion. Yet currently, less than 10% of the population eligible to donate blood actually does so. In preparation for donating, eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids.

Bring a photo ID with proof of age. Donors under the age of 17 must bring a signed LifeStream parental consent form. To learn more about blood donations, visit www.lstream.org or call 800-879-4484. For more information, www.wingsforewingsarcoma.org and #shinebrightcassi.

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Anthony Fauci was awarded the Frank A. Calderone Prize, the most prestigious honor in public health, at an April 27 ceremony in Alumni Auditorium on the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus. A day earlier, he was honored at the School’s Centennial Gala. Administered by the Columbia Mailman School, the Calderone Prize recognizes individuals who have made a transformational contribution to the field, selected by an international committee of public health leaders. (Watch a video of the event.)

A household name and public health hero, Anthony Fauci served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022, and as the chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022. Fauci advised seven Presidents on HIV/AIDS and on initiatives to bolster medical and public health preparedness against emerging infectious disease threats such as pandemic influenza and COVID-19. In his decades of service, he has testified to U.S. Congress 275 times—likely more than anyone else in the history of the country.

“When the world found itself terrified of a respiratory illness called COVID-19, you provided steady, scientifically based guidance to all of us. You have been consistently the leader we believe. Your commitment to humanity is unparalleled and a model for all of us. You have saved countless lives. To say you have had a profound impact on millions of people would be an understatement,” said Dean Linda P. Fried, who presented the Calderone Prize to Fauci.

After accepting the Calderone Prize medal, Fauci delivered an original lecture to a rapt capacity audience. He focused on his work on HIV/AIDS, particularly his role advising U.S. Presidents. Fauci said his life changed after reading early reports of the disease later called AIDS, dedicating himself to addressing the public health crisis. In the laboratory, he conducted pivotal studies that underpin the current understanding of the disease. Later, in his role as director of NIAID, he helped shape policies that turned the tide against HIV/AIDS.

In the early 1980s, Fauci briefed President Ronald Reagan about the emerging outbreak, pushing for faster drug availability under compassionate use. Into the presidency of George H.W. Bush and beyond, Fauci met with HIV/AIDS activists, who were often friendly in private but publicly contentious. As the first successful therapies became available in the 1990s, he explained the science behind them to President Bill Clinton, who gave the go-ahead for the creation of an AIDS Vaccine Research Center (the Center was later responsible for the breakthrough mRNA vaccine for SARS-CoV-2).

A crucial moment came when Fauci spearheaded the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was announced by President George W. Bush in 2003. PEPFAR has since saved more than 20 million lives throughout the developing world. In recent years, U.S. presents have looked for ways to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic using new tools like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), as well as an emphasis on implementing equitably distributed interventions for treatment and prevention. “Ending HIV/AIDS depends on following the science,” Fauci concluded.

Columbia Mailman Students Visit Anthony Fauci’s Home

Screened at the Calderone Prize Ceremony, a special video documented a recent encounter between Columbia Mailman students Antony Nguyen and Jordan Williams as they traveled by train to the home of Anthony Fauci to interview the public health leader. The student pair queried the Calderone Prize winner about his proudest moment (PEPFAR), his concerns for the future (another pandemic), and why he is optimistic (“because there are a lot of bright young people interested in public health.”) Of his legacy, he said he wants people to remember that “I gave it everything I had.”

Nido de Esperanza Wins City Health Award

Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and member of the Columbia Mailman School faculty and Board of Advisors, presented the Drs. Frank and Mary Calderone City Health Award to Nido de Esperanza(link is external and opens in a new window), a nonprofit organization that since its founding in 2016 has provided culturally sensitive infant care services to 160 families in Washington Heights and beyond.

In remarks, Francesca Calderone-Steichen said Nido de Esperanza had special meaning for her since her mother, Mary Steichen Calderone, MS ’42, had a lifelong interest in the health of mothers and babies. In the early 1930s, the elder Calderone worked with her father, the legendary photographer Edward Steichen to create a photo picture book for early childhood called The First Picture Book: Everyday Things for Babies (Francesca Calderone-Steichen presented an inscribed copy of the book to Gisselle Pardo, the organization’s co-executive director, who also accepted the City Health Award).

Francesca Calderone-Steichen said her mother and father, Frank Calderone, also worked to improve the nutritional health of mothers and babies on the Lower East Side through the Mother’s Health Organization. Later, Mary Steichen Calderone became the first female director of the Planned Parenthood Foundation of the United States and the founder of the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States.

“Today we honor Nido de Esperanza, whose intensive supportive and caring work for young mothers and their babies and work my mother did in the 20s and 30s, work that is successful to family outcomes,” Francesca Calderone-Steichen said.

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Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service. Here’s what identification you need to receive your veteran discounts.

Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain’s Veterans Day programs — be sure contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.

Make sure to visit the Military.com Discounts Center for more discounts and articles. And sign up for the Military Deals and Discounts Newsletter to get even more discounts and information in your inbox on how Military Families can save big.

2022 Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts:

Veterans Day Free Meals

To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals on or around Veterans Day, November 11.

Aroma Joe’s — All veterans get a free 24oz. drink on November 11.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.

Black Angus Steakhouse — Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 11 at all locations from 12pm to 3pm. This deal is not available to-go.

Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bombshells Restaurant and Bar— All 12 locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on November 11. Other items will be discounted 20%. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20% discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.

California Pizza Kitchen –On November 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and choice of one entrée from a special menu.

Caribou Coffee — Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.

Carolina Ale House — Veterans and military members get a free rib platter with the purchase of a drink on November 11.

Cattlemens — Active, non-active, and retired military personal get a complimentary sirloin steak dinner in honor of Veterans Day. Sign up on their website on or before November 11 to receive your steak certificate. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and is valid November 12 through 22 during regular business hours for outdoor dining or dine-in. The offer is not valid on takeout orders and is valid at California locations only.

Charleys Philly Steaks — Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.

Chicken Salad Chick — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.

Chili’s –Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Cicis Pizza — Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and it does not include a drink.

Country Kitchen — Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Cracker Barrel–Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.

Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11. 

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free menu item at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Hooters— Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage on November 11. Dine-in only.

Huddle House— Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.

Lion’s Choice — Active-duty and retired military members get a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. While there, veterans can also take advantage of the standing 20% discount offered daily for veterans and active-duty military. 

Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal between 3 and 6 p.m. from a special menu at participating locations on November 11.

Peet’s Coffee — Active-duty military, reserves, national guard, veterans and military spouses get a complimentary drip coffee or tea all day on November 11.

Perkins — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Magnificent Seven Meal on November 11 with valid ID.

Pilot Flying J — Veterans get a free meal at participating locations November 11 through a special offer in the app.

Red Lobster — Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in and To Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00am and 4:00pm local time.

Schlotzsky’s — Veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID get free chips and a small drink with an entree purchase November 11 through 30 at participating locations, in-store only.

Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails — Veterans and active-duty military get one free entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage on November 11 from 11am-9pm. Dine in or take away only.

Starbucks — As with previous years, Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on November 11. As a new addition in 2022, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.

Texas Roadhouse— Veterans and active-duty military receive a meal voucher on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. These vouchers are good for dine in or carry out and can be used until May 30, 2023. There will be a specific menu to select from. 

Tuscan Brands — On November 11, Tuscan Kitchen, Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar, and Toscana Italian Chop House & Wine Bar will be serving a family style meal to veterans and one guest from 11am to 4pm. Veterans and their guest can RSVP by calling the restaurant located in the town they reside.

White Castle— Veterans and active-duty military get a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.

Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering Veterans Day deals on or around November 11.

54th Street Grill — Veterans and active-duty military get up to $10 off any entrée on November 11. Dine-in only.

Chop House — On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get 50% off entrees.

Eat’n Park — All former and current military personnel receive 10% off for themselves and their entire party each time they dine in for the entire month of November. Dine-in only.

Fogo de Chão— Veterans and active-duty personnel get 50% off their meal on November 11. In addition, each veteran or active-duty guest will receive 10% off food for up to three guests.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House— Veterans and active duty service members receive 20% off any meal and beverage purchase on November 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — Veterans, National Guard, Gold Star parents and Gold Star Spouses can enjoy a select half-priced entrée on November 13. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Metro Diner — Veterans and active-duty military receive 50% off a meal on November 11.

Miller’s Ale House — Military members and veterans get 50% off their entrée of choice with proof of service on November 11.

Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering Veterans Day deals on or around November 11.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service — On November 11, MILITARY STAR cardholders will receive various deals, including 15% off food orders at participating Exchange restaurants.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. — Veterans and active-duty military get 20% off when dining in on November 11.

Cabo Wabo Cantina — On November 11, Cabo Wabo, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, offers veterans and active-duty service members a 20% discount on food and drinks.

CentraArchy Restaurants — Veterans and active-duty military members get an entrée from the full menu at half price on November 11.

Houlihan’s— On November 11, veterans and active-duty military members receive 50% off a specially selected set of entrees.

Joe’s Crab Shack — Veterans get 20% off their meal when they dine-in on November 11.

Luna Grill — Veterans and active-duty service members get 10% off their entire purchase with valid ID on November 11. Offer is only valid for orders placed in restaurant (dine-in or to-go).

MacKenzie River — Veterans and active military receive 25% off for their entire table on November 11 at participating locations. Use code THANKUVETS at checkout for discount to apply when ordering online.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant— Veterans and active-duty military personnel get 50% off any entree from November 8 through 14. Dine-in only at participating locations only.

Morton’s The Steakhouse — On November 11, current and former military members get 20% off.

Quaker Steak & Lube — Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off any entrée at participating locations on November 11.

Roy Rogers — Veterans get 20% off your entire purchase with proof of service at participating locations on November 11.

Texas de Brazil— Veterans receive 25% off dinner November 8 through 11 during dinner hours. Dine-in only. Reservations highly recommended.

Tijuana Flats— Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off an adult entree on November 11. Offer is valid for in-store and takeout orders. Orders may be placed online.

TooJay’s— Veterans get 25% off when dining in on November 11.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill — Active-duty and prior military get 20% off your meal through November 30. In-store only.

Get Discounts at Restaurants All Year Long

AARP salutes you for your service to our country with a special membership offer of up to 43% off. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! Join today and save on your next meal with AARP.

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The word “honor” is used in many ways. It is used to recognize someone. To honor someone means that recognize something that they have done. Synonyms for honor include acknowledge, commend, congratulate. The phrase “honor and glorify” appears in many religious songs.

The Medal of Honor” is the highest recognition that is given to soldiers who have served above and beyond the call of duty. An “Honorable Discharge” is given to those who have completed their military service.

Their certificates include the words “This certificate is awarded as a testimonial of honest and faithful service.”

From Merriam-Webster, “Definition of word of honor: a promise that one will do something, that something is true, etc.” The word “honorable” is used as a title indicating eminence or distinction, given especially to judges and certain high officials. Some of the synonyms for “honorable” are morally correct, honest, ethical, principled, decent, virtuous, trustworthy, truthful, fair. Having “honor” is about how you treat people and not just friends but strangers too.

As we are in the midst of voting right now a person deserving of the term honor would be encouraging all to vote, even those who have different philosophies. America is supposed to be governed by the “will of the people,” expressed by the vote of the people. Adherence to that principle implies that all the people should be allowed, encouraged, and enabled to vote. If you do not allow, encourage, and enable everyone to vote, you are not deserving of the term “honor.”

Thoughts of honor have occurred to me because of the way political parties are treating voting. Voting is one of the greatest privileges we have as Americans but one political party actively tries to limit voting of other Americans who do not share their particular political philosophy. They try to suppress the vote in many ways. They limit voting locations. They close polling placing in poor neighborhoods making it more difficult and expensive for the poor to vote. The governor of Texas has allowed only one ballot drop off location per county, counties with millions of voters and hundreds of square miles. The Postmaster General of the United States has crippled the post office just when mail-in-voting is beginning. Some states have made it difficult to get identification cards by choosing hard to get to locations and then try to require those hard to get IDs in order to vote.

In California, the GOP has placed unofficial ballot collection boxes that will aid them in suppressing votes. While there is no identification of the voter on ballots, there is identification of the voter on the official envelopes that must be used to return absentee ballots. The GOP could identify the voter by using these envelopes placed in the unofficial boxes to determine with which party the voter is registered and thus simply not deliver selected ballots their destination to be counted.

It is voter suppression pure and simple. There is simply no honor in suppressing the vote. Politicians who pursue these suppression tactics have no honor.

I am proud the Democrats of Hemet-San Jacinto have pursued a policy to encourage all to register and vote. We assist all who want to register regardless of the party they wish to affiliate with. I am proud that Democrats across America support everyone having easy access to registration and voting. I hope that the will of the people is expressed in this election. The honor of America is at stake.

-Dick Gale

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