Volunteering: Bakersfield.com

KERN AUTISM NETWORK HOLIDAY DINNERS DONATION

The Autism Society Chapter-Kern Autism Network (KAN) is pleased to announce that in collaboration with Albertson's and Kern Regional Center we are once again distributing holiday meals to families affected by autism spectrum disorders in our community this year.

KAN purchased 33 ham and turkey dinners from the Panama Albertson’s Store with funds received through Memorial Donations. Joseph Biever, General Store Manager, worked with KAN in order to allow recipients to pick up a complete meal, heated the day they needed it, directly from their store.

Kern Regional Center provided a list of deserving families in our community to receive vouchers to insure they enjoyed a holiday meal for Thanksgiving.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 150 children is affected by autism.

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County. We are a chapter of the Autism Society of America. For more information, visit our website at www.kernautism.org.

Autism Society Chapter-Kern Autism Network
www.kernautism.org
kernautism@gmail.com
FACEBOOK link-Kern Autism Network
661-588-4235

Aera Energy employees support local communities with food drives

Aera Energy LLC and its employees in Kern County and Ventura are reaching out to support local families in need. Multiple Aera food drives will provide nearly 250 families with meals in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Monday Aera culminated its 14^th annual Thanksgiving food drive when the Golden Empire Gleaners picked up nearly 200 brightly decorated boxes brimming with fixings for Thanksgiving meals for local families. The boxes were festively decorated by students at South High School and stuffed with enough stuffing, pie fixings and turkeys or hams to feed a family of six. Nonperishable items were donated by headquarters and Belridge field employees; a company donation topped off each box with a ham or turkey and fresh vegetables.

Meanwhile at Aera’s Midway Sunset location in Taft assembled another batch of holiday meal boxes for local families through their Adopt-a-Family program. Employees stuffed boxes with Thanksgiving feast fixings for 12 families and personally delivered them last week to Taft area families.

“For Aera and its employees this annual food drive has become an important holiday tradition,” explains Rochelle Howard, engineering technical associate with Aera. “All these boxes provide evidence to those capable of giving, that individually and collectively we can make a huge difference. These boxes alone will feed almost 200 families. It is our way of sharing the true meaning of Thanksgiving with those who are less fortunate and provide our neighbors in need the most basic necessity – food.”

“The Gleaners are so fortunate to have business partners like Aera Energy LLC who have a big heart for the hungry in our community,” says Pam Fiorini, executive director of the Golden Empire Gleaners. “For 14 years their employees have ensured an abundant Thanksgiving holiday for our families in crisis. Last year they helped nearly 700 people through this event alone. Their generosity puts our motto, ‘It Starts With Food’ into action.”

In Ventura, Aera employees donated nearly $1,000 to supply 25 families with complete Thanksgiving meals. Holiday meal certificates will be distributed to families at the Boys and Girls Club of Ventura through local non-profit Project Understanding.

Aera Energy LLC is one of California’s largest oil and gas producers. Company headquarters are in Bakersfield and most of its production is centered in the San Joaquin Valley. Aera also has oilfield operations in Ventura and Monterey counties.

Help spread holiday cheer to people living with MS

Bakersfield – Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community this holiday season? The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter is looking for volunteers and/or donations to make gift baskets for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) involved in the Caring Connection program.

Every week, through the Caring Connection program, volunteers visit people with MS who are living in a licensed care facility, or are homebound and unable to go out into the community. This friendly visitor program helps provide a connection to the outside world, emotional support, companionship and social interaction.

During the holiday season, the National MS Society tries to do even more, by delivering gift baskets to this group. One 30-year-old living in a skilled nursing facility is asking for gifts or trinkets she can give to her two young daughters. Another man has asked for a radio. Other items on wish lists: DVDs, books, holiday decorations and personal hygiene products. “I think the baskets are very important because so many people living with MS are isolated. Many do not have any Christmas at all,” explains Board of Trustee Lisa Karpe. “No gift is too small.”

If you or someone you know would like to sponsor a person with MS by creating or assembling a gift basket, or if you would like to donate any products, please contact the Kern County office of the National MS Society at 661.321.9512, or email christine.grontkowski@nmss.org.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and it stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.1 million worldwide.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2010 alone, through our national office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted $159 million to programs and services that improved the lives of more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $37 million to support 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE AND AAUW BAKERSFIELD BRANCH EVENING SOCIAL

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE AND AAUW BAKERSFIELD BRANCH EVENING SOCIAL

Donating Blood is a Positive Way to Make an Impact in Our Community

Bakersfield, CA: Blood and fun go together at Houchin Community Blood Bank at 5901 Truxtun Avenue on October 20, 2011, from 5-8 p.m. when the American Association of Women (AAUW) Bakersfield Branch teams up with Houchin for this community event and evening social.

Light refreshments will be served. Every half hour, beginning at 5:30, blood donors will be eligible for a door prize drawing of gift cards from such local eateries as Café Med, Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar, Frugatti’s, and PF Chang’s.

Program Co-chair, Kristi Grohs said, “AAUW Bakersfield has been in the community since 1925 and is continually looking for a positive way to impact the lives of those in our community. Donating blood is a very personal and easy way to give a little of yourself to others.” The event is also an occasion for the community to become acquainted with AAUW Bakersfield Branch and its mission and work in Kern County.

Donors will need to remember these Houchin Community Blood Bank guidelines:

· Bring a picture ID with Date of birth

· Be free from all cold, flu, cold sores, or symptoms of infection

· Eat a serving of meat at least three hours prior to donating

· Wait one year after tattoos and body piercings

· Be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds

Event co-organizer Erin Hawkins said, “It’s hard to resist a great evening of giving, greeting, and meeting. And, besides, though it’s not yet Halloween, ‘We want your blood.’”

For more information, or to sign up, contact Erin Hawkins at 661-706-9269. Walk-ins are also welcome. When donors arrive at Houchin, they can stop at the AAUW table to register on site.

A Jihad by the faithful

At 6 a.m. in the morning my doorbell rang. It was Abdul Ahad on my door ready with a car to toe away the equipment¹ that was camouflaged in my garage overnight. “Assalamaulekum (may peace be on you in Arabic) Salman, its time to get going.” Ahad was fully equipped and loaded with all the ammunition² and had a bright smile on his face demonstrating the allegiance and sincerity towards the cause of Allah; his face was shining and he had an amazing look of achievement and satisfaction on his face as if he had achieved all in his 25+ something years of life. Both he and I were fasting, as this was almost the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn through dusk and avoid eating and drinking during the day.

After giving Ahad the equipment¹, I went to change and get loaded² to be ready for the battlefield³. Faisal calls me on my cell asking if everything’s going as planned. Like any complex operation, Faisal was not aware of Ahad’s role and neither was Ahad instructed on Faisal’s specific tasks. However, both were working for the same cause, to please Allah.

A Few weeks earlier we had been working on sending leaflets⁴ to media and government organizations to give them a heads-up of this complex operation. Today was the final day to remind/call them so that they were there to witness history in making. Along the way, we also had to ensure that we recruit enough volunteers to achieve our goals seamlessly.

Hours later, we were organized along with volunteer troops who were similarly equipped, fasting and ready to take orders. Every single one of them ready to leave everything behind and serve the Creator in the scorching heat of over 100⁰F. Also present were faithful from several Churches and volunteers from Rotary Club and several other individuals. In the mayhem, it looked like a mosaic of different faiths/colors combined together, for the same cause, to please the Creator and serve the needy.

This was the battleground, where different faiths of America were to meet to work together to fight hunger and poverty – A Jihad⁵ by the faithful. They were to feed needy and homeless people, provide them clothing/food and hygiene kits. Approximately 100 volunteers joined hands to fight hunger and poverty on the Labor Day weekend. Amongst the volunteers was Harvey Hall, the Mayor of Bakersfield, who not only joined the ranks of the troops, but also encouraged local Islamic community to continue the generosity in the time of need amidst the economic downturn. Organizing committee members (Sisters Jan, Majida, Sara, Fawzia, Sally, Rechma and Halima; Brothers Saif, Ayub, Mustafa, Ahad, Faisal and Salman) along with a huge list of volunteers were already present at the MLK Jr. Park to serve fellow Americans in the time of need. This was the Bakersfield 2010 Humanitarian Day organized by Muslims in America to feed the needy along with other faith based and social organizations.

“And they feed with food, for love of Him, the needy, and the orphan and the captive. Saying: we feed you only for the sake of Allah; we desire not from you any recompense or thanks.”

The Holy Quran, Surah Al Insaan 76:8-9

Legends:

1. Generator to provide electricity for providing sweet ice cones to needy kids

2. Jeans, t-shirt, sun block, cap etc.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Bakersfield, where more than 500 needy/homeless people were expected to eat food and get free hygiene kits.

4. Invitation letters and press release

5. An individual's striving for spiritual self-perfection

Bakersfield 2011 Humanitarian Day

The 2011 Bakersfield Humanitarian Day is scheduled for August 13, 2011 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Bakersfield between 11:30am -1:30pm. This will be the third consecutive year Muslims in Bakersfield will join hands with other religious and social organizations to feed and spend a day with the most neglected people in our society, the needy and/or the homeless. For more details about this event, volunteering opportunities and/or tax-deductible donations please call Saif Ahmad at (661) 204-0885.

In Bakersfield, to date we have fed more than 800 people with almost 200 volunteers since 2009. Bakersfield faith based organizations, United Way and Rotary Club joined hands with Muslims in Bakersfield last year to feed more than 400 people.

The ILM Foundation, a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, is the custodian of Humanitarian Day™. The Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity (CPHD) is a multi-faith civic engagement network established to support the growth of Humanitarian Day and related humanitarian projects domestically and abroad. Humanitarian Day encourages people to work together enthusiastically to disrupt the vicious cycle of poverty, hunger and neglect. Worldwide CPHD has served more than 65,000 needy people over a period of 11 years. For more information visit www.humanitarianday.com

Homelessness Facts: [1]^,[2]^and[3]

Did you know California is considered the homeless capital of the United States? Amongst the homeless population, 40% are families, 14% single females and 39% amongst the homeless population is under the age of 18.

Locally, in Kern County, there are approximately 1,500 homeless persons according to a recent one-day survey conducted in January 2011 by the Kern County Homeless Collaborative. Slightly over 50% of those surveyed reported they did not have shelter for the night the day the survey was conducted. Nearly 40% of those without shelter were found in southeast Bakersfield. More than 130 children were counted homeless; including 28 who did not have any shelter. There were 10 participants who were pregnant at the time of the survey. While the overall numbers may seem small in comparison to larger cities, survey organizers insist this is only a small percentage of the actual numbers of homeless in Kern County[4].

Note: The author of this article is Omani by birth, Pakistani by decent and American by choice. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and can be reached for comments at salmanhkhan@hotmail.com

[1] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, "The Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress (2008)", July 2009

[2] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress (AHAR), released in June of every year since 2007

[3]www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States#2009_Annual_Homeless_Assessment_Report_to_Congress

[4] “Snap Shot of Homelessness”, Kern County Homelessness Collaborative, 2011

Optimal Hospice Volunteer Karaoke Singers Sharing their Gift of Song

If you sing like Pavarotti in the shower or Lady Gaga in your car or if singing in front of an audience is number 19 on your bucket list there is something you should know. An audience is waiting for you and it doesn't include any critics like Simon Cowell. This audience is comprised of elderly residents who are excited to have someone sing to them. "They are some of the most important people on earth," says Optimal Hospice Volunteer guitarist and singer, Ron Weymouth. "They're in an environment where they can start feeling very inconsequential, but they're so the opposite. They've done everything I've done and then some." They may also be the most appreciative audience possible

You don't need the voice of Carrie Underwood to take part. The performers are everyday people who have joined with the Optimal Hospice Volunteer program to provide the gift of song for residents in skilling nursing and assisted living facilities. "It was scary at first," says Wanda Whiteside, Optimal Hospice Volunteer and founder of their karaoke singers program. "My voice would quiver, my bottom lip would quiver, … I would sweat." But the nerves didn't last long. Now you'll find Wanda singing and joking with the residents as she serenades them. She entertains them because it makes her happy to make someone else's day. Wanda is a veteran of the Optimal Hospice Volunteer program who has done everything from patient family support and companionship visits to 11th Hour support so that Optimal patients do not have to die alone. Mentoring and scheduling for the Karaoke group is just the latest in Wanda's amazing contributions to the Optimal Hospice Volunteer Program. "Sometimes I dedicate a song to one of them, like, Somewhere Over the Rainbow," shares Wanda. "There would be standing ovations. Some people get up and start dancing - I hand them a microphone so they can sing along.”

"We're there to uplift people," says Weymouth, who was once considered a terminally ill patient himself. In 2002, he was told he had approximately six months left to live. His story was even featured in a documentary about people who had a short time to live. Now, after a long battle back to wellness, he shares his time and compassion enhancing the lives of others through his music. He plays the guitar and sings I'm going to Kansas City like the professional musician he was in his mid-twenties and thirties. The crowd loves him. "When I see their eyes light up," he says, “It really makes my day… makes my life."

The Volunteer Department at Optimal Hospice Care is recruiting more members for the Optimal Hospice Volunteer Karaoke Singers Group so they are able offer these fun events to more facilities in the Kern County Area. No experience required. "We can use people who are fun-loving, not afraid to laugh at themselves, and have an open heart for the elderly or hospice patients,' says Whiteside. Even children are welcome. "The patients really respond to them."

If you are ready to serenade a thankful audience instead of just singing in your shower, make this call. Contact the Volunteer department at Optimal Hospice Care at 716-4000 or email kbudnick@optimalcares.com to ask how you can become a part of this wonderful group of merry makers. Try your hand (or your voice)at karaoke or bring your favorite musical instrument to play along. "I really, really enjoy karaoke," says Whiteside. "I love it. Absolutely love it." You might love it, too.

Local high school student recipient of national scholarship

Bakersfield – The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter, is giving more than $1 million in scholarships to students around the country this year. More than 800 applications were submitted nationwide, and one local high school student, Liberty High School’s Cameron Califf, was chosen to receive one of the awards. Califf was honored during a ceremony at Liberty High held on World MS Day, May 25.

Califf, who is graduating this year with a 4.5 GPA, will be receiving $1,000 from the Society and plans to attend the University of Southern California where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. He said he chose USC because of its reputation and because of everything the school has to offer. “USC has everything a college would want—a successful football team, strong academics, and the fact that it is located in the heart of L.A., so there will always be something to do,” he explained.

Besides receiving the scholarship last Wednesday, Califf was also recognized for being at the top of his class (and earning the highest GPA possible in the Kern High School District). He was also involved with the school newspaper, The Revolution, and was on the “We the People” constitutional debate team, which went to state in February. But his achievements go beyond past the classroom; he has also been instrumental in raising multiple sclerosis awareness in Kern County.

In 2009, Califf was chosen as “Youth Volunteer of the Year” for the entire Southern California & Nevada Chapter, which serves 20,000 living with MS. He was honored for two projects he completed for the National MS Society as he was trying to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. He designed and created 10 signs that have been (and will continue to be) used during Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Bakersfield. Califf also designed and constructed a “Wall of Honorees” so the Bakersfield office can publicly recognize those who have made generous donations, those who are top fundraisers, and those local volunteers who have received honors from the Chapter. Because of his accomplishments, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on May 29.

Califf chose to do his Eagle Scout project for the Society because of his mother, who was diagnosed in 1997. “She became involved with the MS Society in 2002 and because of her close connections, I have also had the privilege of working with them,” he said. “I am just glad that I could help out and help try to find a cure for MS.”

Every year, the National MS Society awards scholarships to high school students with a connection with MS. Last year, Paige Brock, a Frontier High School student living with MS, along with Bakersfield Christian High School’s Siobhan O’Rourke, the daughter of a Bakersfield woman who has MS, received the scholarships.

About Multiple Sclerosis

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

2010-2011 High School Blood Drive Winners Announced

At the end of each school year, Houchin Community Blood Bank hosts an elegant luncheon to recognize all the high schools participating in the Give It Up Challenge, and introduce the schools contributing the most blood. This year there was a tie for the large school winner, with South and Ridgeview sharing the honor. Frazier Mountain was the small high school winner. Over all, high schools came together to hold 64 blood drives, collecting 6,620 units of blood, which possibly saved as many as 19,860 lives. The high school blood drives represent a 38% increase over last year.

The award luncheon on May 6th featured beautiful awards for each participating school, including a signature Houchin Community Blood Bank license plate featuring the number of gallons of blood each school has collected in total during their participation over the past 10 years. The Houchin Ambassadors in each school who organize the drives to gain leadership experience and community service were recognized for their hard work, as were the principals and advisors who make the program so successful. Two ambassadors spoke very movingly of their reason for participating in the program. Kalyn Butler from West High School told of her desire to make sure others who could give blood would, since she could not, and Christian Flores from Ridgecrest High School spspoke of the loss of a dear friend to leukemia, and how he believes giving blood honors her memory and passes some of their friendship on to the recipient.

Other award presentations were made to community volunteers who assist with the high school mobiles and local businesses who support the high school program including: Rusty’s Pizza, Wall Street Imprintables, Tahoe Joe’s, Chick-fil-A, Sonic Drive In and the green thumb.

A special new high school program was also announced at the luncheon to give schools a head start on the 2011-2012 competition. The high school sending the most students, staff, parents and friends in to donate at the blood bank this summer will receive a free lunch from Tahoe Joe’s for the entire school staff. More information about the high school blood donation program is available from Stephanie Gibbons at 661-301-5623.

National MS Society looking for volunteers to Join the Movement

Bakersfield – The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter is looking for volunteers to help with Walk MS: 2011. On October 22, more than 1,000 walkers are expected to hit the trails of Yokuts Park and help raise the goal of $106,000. Funds raised will support direct services for the thousands of people with MS and their families in Kern County, along with MS research to find a cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system. But they will not be able to do it without the help of people like you!

“Volunteers are the backbone of this event,” said Christine Grontkowski, Community Development Coordinator for the San Joaquin Valley Region. “Volunteers can help with planning starting months before the walk, setting up at various locations throughout the weekend, registering walkers, monitoring the route, handing out snacks or cheering on the walkers. There’s a place for everyone to help!”

Volunteers have a variety of motivations for involvement. Some volunteer because severe MS symptoms, including fatigue and balance difficulties, make it impossible to participate in Walk MS. Others are involved because they have a special tie to someone who has the disease. Gail Clark of Bakersfield is volunteering for that reason, and because she has made a resolution to become more involved in this community. “It is so rewarding to see this community come together. I know I am part of the movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS,” said Clark.

If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, call 661.321.9512 or email christine.grontkowski@nmss.org. For more information, visit www.walkMSsocal.org.

About Multiple Sclerosis

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2009 alone, through our home office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted over $132 million to programs that enhanced more than one million lives. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested nearly $36 million to support 375 research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. To learn more about MS and the work of the National MS Society, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org.

Youth for Christ Report to the People Banquet

Youth for Christ of Kern County's Report to the People Banquet on Tuesday evening, March 8th was a great success with more than 400 people in attendance for the multimedia and live presentation highlighting the past year. This year's theme was changing lives today- impacting our world tomorrow. Student Master of Ceremonies, Austin Donovan of Independence High and Samantha Salazar a student and teen mom lead the evening's festivities. Chairman of the Board, Andy Beeghly thanked and recognized the volunteers, table hosts, partners and Board for their participation with the Report to the People Banquet. Four of Kern County leaders started off the program with their video endorsement of Youth for Christ's work and impact here in Kern County. Individual stories by students, volunteers, teachers, church leaders, and business partners were the highlight of the evening. Special thanks goes out to the generous business and individual underwriters that met the financial goals for the event and the on-going needs of the ministry. Executive Director, Jim Lewis together with Associate Director, Adam Capehart reported on the past year's progress of moving two part time staff to full-time, of expanding to Eastern Kern County (Rosamond) while continuing to broaden and expand the weekly influence in working with more that 1,200 young people every week led by 17 paid staff and 155 volunteers throughout the county. The coming year's goals and objectives were shared and those in attendance were given opportunity to respond. Special thanks goes to Pastor Kent Pedersen and the Congregation and Staff of Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene who hosted the event at their Family Ministry Center, in spite, of the fire at their school just three days before the banquet.

Vietnam

I don't have a story. But my question is>? How do I get in touch with the group that wants help on the Vietnam Sign project. Please send me the information. Or have then get in touch with me. Thanks hgr/Shadow Rider

Boy Scouts Compete to Fight Hunger

All throughout their history, the Boy Scouts of America have worked to combat hunger as part of their goal to perform “service to others and to the community.” Whether it be planting vegetable gardens during World War I or collecting food during the Great Depression, Scouts for generations have learned the importance of community stewardship. This year, the Boy Scouts of the Southern Sierra Council continue this tradition through the Scouting for Food Collection.

On Saturday, February 5th, Scouts will go door to door into their neighborhoods asking residents to fill bags with non-perishable food items. The food will be delivered to collection points at various fire stations and Wal-Mart stores throughout the community. New to this year’s collection is an online fundraiser at www.capk.org/food. The district that collects the most food and money will receive bragging rights and a coveted Unit Ribbon.

“It’s nice to see young people in our community being involved and helping assist those in need,” said Food Bank program manager, Ian Anderson. Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank can turn every $1 raised online into 9 pounds of food.

The hunger problem in Kern County is growing. According to a 2010 FRAC report, Bakersfield has the 2^nd highest food hardship rate of any metropolis area in the country. Just last year, CAPK Food Bank distributed over 7 million pounds of food.

If you are not visited by a Scout at your home you can still participate in the food drive by visiting capk.org/food. The site will be taking online donations until February 9^th and has a map of fire stations and Wal-Mart locations where you can donate food on February 5^th.

For information about Scouting for Food or to learn more about Scouting in your area please contact the Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America at 661-325-9036.

Assistance League to host New Member Informational Coffee

Assistance League of Bakersfield
is
Looking for Members Committed to Making a Difference!

Please join us for an Informational Coffee and Tour.
Where: Assistance League of Bakersfield, 1924 Q Street (corner of 20th & Q St.)
When: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Barbara Scott at 661.323.0838 for reservations and information.

Foreign Exchange Students ... Need Placements!!!!!

Hello my name is Jodi Bowen, I am a coordinator for “Horizons Du Monde” a foreign exchange program from France. I have a group of students coming into Bakersfield in February for ten days and I am looking to place them with families that have children. This is a very rewarding program for all that are involved and most that take the opportunity to host an exchange student do it again and again. I too was a host parent prior to becoming a coordinator and will continue to be a host parent any chance I get. This group already has an itinerary set up for them; all the family needs to do is open their homes, heart and arms to the awesome experience.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you and show you more about the program and answer questions. I need to place the students and the escort couple by January 21st so a meeting to accommodate that deadline would be ideal.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Jodi Bowen
661-343-1357

Horizons du Monde
License # 016-97-0001
IATA Agreement #20 2 42 773

Caring for Burros on Christmas

For most of us, Christmas means family, friends, good food, gifts and prayer. But that is not the case for Stephen Wingard. He spent his Christmas feeding and helping wild burros, more than 200 of them. Wingard and his girlfriend, Michelle Callahan spent the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day volunteering at the Wild Burro Rescue and Preservation Project (WBRPP) in Olancha, about two and a half hours drive northeast of Bakersfield.

Wingard is an entomology technician at the USDA research station in Shafter, who spends his day time catching bugs, monitoring their behavior and conducting various experiments. When asked how he came to know about the project in Olancha, “My girlfriend and I moved to Bakersfield from Arkansas in August, 2009. As we were new to the area, I was looking for volunteering opportunities to make better use of my free time. I came to know about the wild burro project through www.volunteers.org” said Wingard. He spent the Christmas weekend hauling hay bales, planting trees and grapevines in Olancha while Callahan helped with cleaning up and organizing some records.

WBRPP was founded by Diana Chontos to create a sanctuary for abandoned, wild and unwanted burros that would have otherwise been killed. Due to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros act of 1971, these burros could lose their habitat. Chontos made the first burro rescue in 1985 and WBRPP became a non-profit in 1991. “I wanted to provide an alternative to the plight of the animals.” said Chontos in a telephone interview. “For many years, we had very limited funds. All our operations are supported by private funding. Some give money and some provide service.”

Mules, wild horses, cats and dogs are among the other animals that WBRPP rescues and rehabilitates. Chontos said that it costs about $5000 a month to feed these animals. Additional shelters for the animals, solar energy project, irrigation for the plants, new roof, repairs for volunteer accommodation, and drought tolerant grass seed are among the current needs of the sanctuary. Volunteers with skills and/or knowledge in these areas are encouraged to extend their support. General public are welcome to visit and learn more about the rescue operations. Additional information about the wild burro rescue operation can be found at www.wbrpp.org.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Surendra Dara is an entomologist and the founder of Laugh To Live (www.laughtolive.org).

Local woman to be honored in L.A. for her work with people with MS

Los Angeles – Bakersfield resident Lisa Karpe doesn’t have multiple sclerosis (MS), but she is making a difference in the lives of people with MS in Kern County, around Southern California, and across the nation. Karpe, whose mother was diagnosed with MS and lived in a convalescent home for 17 years before passing, said, “My mom was sick from day one. It’s a hard disease and it’s an expensive disease.” As a result, she decided to give back, and is now going to be honored for her volunteer work by the Southern California & Nevada Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Karpe will be presented with the “Volunteer of the Year” award during a board meeting February 24, 2011 in Los Angeles. Since 2004, she has been instrumental in both fundraising and providing support to people with MS. Karpe has been participating in Walk MS/ donates to the Golden Circle, the major donor gift campaign for the Chapter;, has been involved in the Bakersfield Against Multiple Sclerosis (BAMS) group that aims to raise awareness, along with funds for programs, services and cutting-edge research; has personally stewarded foundation submissions in Bakersfield on behalf of the Southern California & Nevada Chapter; and has dedicated many hours to the Chapter’s Caring Connection program.

Through the Caring Connection program, Karpe visits several people with MS who are either living in a skilled nursing facility or are homebound and unable to go out into the community. Not only does she provide emotional support and companionship, she also becomes an advocate to those people she visits.

The Southern California & Nevada Chapter, which serves nearly 19,000 people living with MS, honors one person each year with the “Volunteer of the Year” award for his or her outstanding volunteer service and contribution to moving us closer toward a world free of MS. For more information on the award, volunteer opportunities, or any of the programs or services of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, call the Kern County office at 661.321.9512 or visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2007 alone, through our home office and 50 state network of chapters, we devoted over $136 million to programs that enhanced more than one million lives. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested over $50 million to support 440 research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org.

Majestic Properties Donates 10% of earned commissions to charity for the Holiday season

In the spirit of the holidays

Majestic Properties will be doubling their donations to charity from our closed sales. Anyone entering into contract to either sell or buy a property with us in the Month of December will get to choose the charity of their choice which we will donate 10% of our net commissions.

Business has never been better for us and we would love to share our blessings with your charity. Not only do you get the joy of helping your favorite non-profit charity, but you will also have representation by some of the most talented, competent, and customer service oriented real estate professionals in Bakersfield and the Central Coast. Call us today for a free consultation.

Visit our website for more details at www.mymajesticproperties.com or call 661-706-9401 for complete information.

National MS Society looking for volunteers to spread holiday cheer to those living with MS

During the holiday season, the National MS Society tries to do even more, by delivering gift baskets to this group. Some items on their wish list: DVDs, books, holiday decorations and personal hygiene products. “I think the baskets are very important because so many people living with MS are isolated. Many do not have any Christmas at all,” explains Board of Trustee Lisa Karpe. “No gift is too small.”

If you or someone you know would like to sponsor a person with MS by creating a gift basket for him or her, or if you would like to donate any products, please contact the Kern County office of the National MS Society at 661.321.9512, or email christine.grontkowski@nmss.org.

About Multiple Sclerosis

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Local Rotarians Race to Eradicate Polio

The Weekend of October 23rd the Rotary Clubs of Kern, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties, came together for their annual District Conference and to signal the start of their “Race to the Finish” for Rotary International’s effort to eliminate the scourge of Polio from the world. Starting in San Luis Obispo on Friday night, Rotarians traveled in a convoy to Bakersfield and then on Saturday morning to Santa Paula, Lompoc, and Santa Inez. All along the way, Rotarians were updated on the status of their worldwide effort to eliminate Polio. At each stop, donations to fight Polio were presented to Rotary International. All in all, these generous Rotarians contributed nearly $200,000.

The Poliomyelitis (polio) virus can strike a person at any age, but it usually affects children under five years. It invades the human nervous system where it can cause total paralysis within hours that can cripple or even kill the victim. Once a global epidemic, the wild poliovirus is now only found in four countries, but the fight isn’t over. Millions of children still live in the shadow of this threat. Since 1985 Rotary International and our local Rotary Clubs have been working with the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and other charitable foundations to eliminate the scourge of Polio. Since the beginning of this quest Rotary has spent US$633 million protecting more than two billion children in 122 countries.

You can help Rotary on their Race to the Finish! If you would like to help put an end to Polio, contact your local Rotary Club or go to www.rotary.org/endpolio.

Rotary International is the World’s first and largest service club organization. Founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, it has grown from four members to more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. The motto of Rotary is ‘Service Above Self” and our local Rotary Clubs bring that motto to life. To learn more about Rotary International visit their Web site at: http://www.rotary.org. To learn more about your local Rotary Clubs, visit the District 5240 Web site at http://www.rotarydistrict5240.org and click the “Club Directory and Contact” link in the left-hand menu.

Frustrated Father & Lost Innocence

FRUSTRATED FATHER

LOST INNOCENCE

WILL YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS

I AM A FATHER WHO STILL IS SADDENED TO THIS DAY FOR MY DAUGHTER’S VICTIMIZATION AND THE MANY OTHERS THIS PERSON HAS DAMAGED

PLEASE READ THIS AND REMEMBER TO BE PROACTIVE AND VIGILANT, YOU CAN BET THE PREDATORS ARE VIGILANT LOOKING TO SEE WHO THEY CAN DEVOUR

The following gives an account of allegations made against one person, from children at different youth functions and over a period of several years. These are all considered allegations since this was dismissed in the furtherance of justice? I will address this person as TEEN or YOUNG ADULT, who is now an adult, so as not to damage their reputation. If this account given applies to you take notice. If you’re the alleged offender in this account or a future offender, STOP what your doing get help. If you a parent know, educate, GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES, talk with them earn their trust listen to them, know who is watching them. I was right there with our children my wife and I as leaders and many times parents would drop their children off never coming inside to meet any of us who participated in the youth activities. If you’re a victim please find someone you trust and TELL you need help. Plus you have a responsibility to let the authorities know so the offender may be stopped. Your notifying the authorities may protect future victims. Do you really know whose serving in our community?

My daughter was a victim of a violent sexual assault when she was 13 yrs old by a teenager 17 years old in our local church during a youth service. I was in another room approximately 40 feet from my daughter and did not hear nor realize this traumatic event happened. This came out year and half later after the assault. We noticed a change of lost innocence during this time leading up to our discovery. I was also trained with my agency in assisting Post Trauma Victims and how to identify victims of sexual assault. Yes I worked in Law Enforcement. This TEEN through an investigation by the Kern County Sheriffs department was identified as a juvenile to have been carrying handcuffs around to youth functions where he was a volunteer at many different youth activities in our county. In one incident a younger male by 4 years is identified as a victim. The victim said he was handcuffed to a fence, hit with a chain, and kicked in the groin. A different young male was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed during another similar incident. One adult woman who has a disability that leaves her with a mental maturity of a young teen was sexually harassed and assaulted verbally continuously by this TEEN who was now a adult male over the age of 18 over a period of time, after they were an adult. This woman has a mental disability which in reality she’s has a maturity of only a young 12 or 13 year old. We were contacted by this woman’s grandmother who heard of an ongoing investigation and asked us to have to have the investigative detective contact her. In another incident this fine young TEEN now and ADULT threatens a teen girl by telling her, he will have her father fired at his work, unless she has sex, oh by the way this is on the way to a different church event. At a different church he is now an ADULT, was finally charged by the county District Attorney’s office with sexual battery on a minor girl during a youth service.

I have not described everything but do you honestly believe all these young girls and boys were all lying. The parents of the now ADULT believed they were. ALL OF THESE ALLEGATIONS WERE ALL AT VARIOUS YOUTH CIVIL AND CHURCH FUNCTIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. Many of the (ONLY KNOWN REPORTED OFFENSES) alleged incidents happened when this TEEN/ADULT was not yet 18 years old. This ADULT was only charged with the one sexual battery on a minor which occurred in a local church during a youth service. The now ADULT was now 19 years old and becoming more outwardly aggressive.

This case was DISMISSED in the furtherance of justice. I contacted the DA’s office and it was explained to me the dismissal was a due process violation of this TEEN now /ADULTS rights. So it was dismissed in the end of 12/2005. These cases where juvenile/adult offenses occur together are complicated to prosecute. The OFFENSE WAS (Penal Code 647.6 ANNOY/MOLEST CHILDREN). Remember we have to protect the offender’s rights.

Did all these children from so many walks of life over so many years make up these stories? Did the children conspire to lie against a fine outstanding servant of our youth or did they identify a pattern of a predator seeking whom they may devour. Many of these brave children who choose to come forward with their hidden secret only to have a system tell them THIS ADULT RIGHTS WERE VIOLATED SORRY. Do you think the children felt violated? Do you think an offender will offend again when a technicality lets them off and then they are not held accountable? They still offend whether caught or not. I believe they become bolder and more deviant learning from their mistakes and learning how to work around the law, organizations, employers, their family and the future VICTIMS. This is almost an unbelievable movie script but a reality played out in the lives of children in our county.

When we reported the incident to authorities it was discovered, two fathers, had already contacted the parents in regards to their now ADULT child’s behavior around other minor girls a few weeks prior. SO THE PARENTS KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM AND CONTINUED TO LET THIS PERSON PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES ONE PLACE WHERE HE WAS A LEADER. THE KIDS RANGE IN AGE FROM K-12TH GRADE even after they were made aware. My daughter who was terribly embarrassed bringing this out (which many victims experience and the reason why they suppress the abuse). My daughter had written me a letter which I have where every morning I still see which reminds me to remind everyone to be aware we are the protector of our children. When I read this letter, I went straight to the Sheriffs department which in their investigation discovered all I have said. So this information is available in the County Court house. I could divulge so much more but wont. Remember these are allegations of discovery, given by the testimony of children who alleged they were a victim of a crime. Many times children do not even know they are victims of a crime.

Here is one reason (excuse of the offenders behavior) I was given from a person in Leadership where several of the alleged crimes took place had to say. This person seemed more concerned this organization might be tarnished and who in the community may know. I was told they may have had a hormone issues its common at this age. I thought to myself he really just didn’t say that to me. I almost popped him in the nose for talking to me as an idiot and making an excuse for a predator. To this day nobody apologized at least to my daughter or the other victims that I know of. We or she could have sued but didn’t, through prayer, faith and will she has overcome going on with life as an adult.

Can you imagine a person who has in the past, participated in various church youth activities, civil youth activities, and volunteered with an ambulance company and other community services, who knows what else now that they are an adult? Serving anywhere in our county, serving our youth while in a position of trust and authority? And still is. I WONDER HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCY'S ACTUALLY CONDUCT A THOROUGH BACKGROUND CHECK. But even this check will not come out since it was dismissed but the charge is public record. Will you listen to the children not worrying about tarnishing your organization?

My family and I are very thankful of the Kern County Sheriffs Department Detectives and Kern County District Attorneys Office of their handling of this. They all worked very hard, professional and were very compassionate. These situations where juvenile offenses and adult offenses are together make it complicated to prosecute.

Do you really know who is watching your children?

Megan's Law Website

http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Local photographer hoping to lose big to help National MS Society win big

Bakersfield – Two Bakersfield charities could have a lot to gain thanks to a local weight loss challenge. Terrio Physical Therapy and Fitness had originally come up with its 5 Ton Challenge as a way to help people get healthy, lose weight, live longer and fight obesity. But professional photographer Stephanie Deveau of “inky-dinky-do” studios turned things up a notch when she challenged owner Tim Terrio to pay her official charity, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, $1 for every pound she and her team members lost.

Terrio did agree to pay, but only if each of her team members lost at least 30 pounds. In addition, he told Deveau that if her team doesn’t lose the weight, she will have to pay him $20 per team member, with all proceeds going to his charity—the League of Dreams. “This challenge has been very, very funny,” Terrio account representative Karla Schweitzer said. “Stephanie challenged Tim, and then Tim turned it around and challenged her. We all have had so much fun doing this.”

The 5 Ton Weight Loss Challenge began Tuesday, September 7. Between now and November 22, participants are focusing on three aspects—fitness, nutrition and wellness. In the four previous events, participants have lost a total of 6,500 pounds.

If Terrio wins the this latest challenge, the funds will be added to the pot the League of Dreams is saving to build a playground and place where all children with all types of disabilities will have a chance to play. “We are trying to build a sports facility for kids in wheelchairs, and to just help all kids have fun,” Schweitzer explained. “The building would be accessible for kids with all disabilities.”

If Deveau wins, her inky-dinky-do Walk MS team will be credited with the funds. Walk MS takes place on October 30^th at Yokuts Park. You can register online or donate to support Deveau at www.walkMSsocal.org. The event raises money for research for treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis, as well as for local programs and services to improve the quality of life for thousands of people affected by MS in Kern County. A few of the programs include

· Physical activities classes such as yoga, and personal training and conditioning

· Wellness classes (Living Well helps the newly diagnosed, while Optimal Living helps those who have been diagnosed longer develop strategies to manage the disease)

· Healthy living programs (such as CogniFitness, which focuses on helping people improve their cognitive skills)

Besides this challenge, Deveau is raising money by offering “Mini Sessions for MS” on September 16. On that day, people pay $30 for a 20-minute photography session, with 100% of the proceeds going to the National MS Society. On October 25-26, inky-dinky-do becomes the “Witch’s Studio.” People have their choice of a $20 package that includes a 15-minute Halloween photo session, along with a digital file that will be emailed, or they can pay an extra $10 to add one printed 5x7 and two printed 4x5 photos. All of the proceeds on those days will also go directly to the Society.

Friend Tracey Halvorsen said, “I can tell you that Stephanie has always been about helping because she can. It isn’t a publicity thing … It is about being able to make a difference.”

Gratified needy served by ravenous and thirsty volunteers

Braving the heat of more than 100⁰F at the MLK JR. park in Bakersfield on Saturday the September 4, 2010, the volunteers and organizers gathered along with family and friends to serve the most neglected segment of our society; the homeless and the needy. More than 500 needy people were fed and provided with hygiene kits, clothes, shoes and offered free haircuts, massages, popcorns and candies.

About 100 volunteers gathered at the event that is hosted by the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity every year during the month of Ramadan, the most sacred Islamic month in which Muslims abstain from food and drinks from dawn through dusk every day for one month. This helps feel the pain of the less fortunate and needy people and be closer to the God. Although sponsored by American Muslims, this was a community event with various non-profits such as the Rotary Club, United Way, interfaith groups, Churches and various other commercial enterprises donating and volunteering for this beautiful cause.

The event started with a prayer led by Imam Ayub Haroun of the Islamic Center of the San Joaquin Valley and Pastor Jordan of Christ First Ministries. Mayor Harvey Hall also attended and volunteered to serve food.

Mayor Hall said, "It’s an excellent work by the Islamic community and speaks well for our community in Bakersfield.” The mayor continued, “ Each person on the serving line took the food and said a warm thank you. Bakersfield is an amazing community and we want to make sure that we give back to our community”

Imam Ayub and Pastor Jordan prayed for peace and prosperity and emphasized on the common humanitarian cause for helping fellow Americans in the time of need while following the word of God, the creator of mankind.

A needy person said, “ I am not homeless, but am needy since both me and my fiancé don’t have jobs and cant meet our needs. It’s really good to be here, specially on the Labor Day and we thank the Islamic community in Bakersfield to organize this event.”

ILM Foundation under the banner of Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity has hosted for over the past 10 years Humanitarian Day in over 20 cities nationwide serving a collective count of 60,000 people and have accounted for nearly 20,000 volunteers participated. “Convert One Day into a Life’s Mission” is the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity’s intention of developing a universal system of direct social services which will include job training, health care and education services.

The author can be reached at salmanhkhan@hotmail.com

Local High School Students receive scholarships from Assistance League

Assistance League of Bakersfield has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to seven graduating high school students. the scholarships are based upon academic achievement, leadership, financial need, and community service.

The recipients are:
Jordyn Francisco, Ridgeview High School

Amanda Chaves, Highland High School

Alyssa Medina, McFarland High School

Michael Perez, Shafter High School

Daniel Torres, McFarland High School

Anais Perales, McFarland High School

Giovanna Martinez, McFarland High School

The scholarships are funded by the Assistance League Dean and Adah Gay Scholarship Fund.

Founded in 1956, Assistance League of Bakersfield is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. The scholarship program is one of five philanthropic programs that Assistance League provides to our communituy.

For more information about Assistance League of Bakersfield, please contact us at: 661.323.0838.

Local organization raises thousands for the National MS Society

Bakersfield – On the heels of World MS Day, the Association of Petroleum Wives (APW) is doing its part to bring us one step closer toward a world free of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Bakersfield nonprofit organization for women with husbands in (or retired from) the petroleum industry will be presenting the Kern County office of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society a check for over $14,200 at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 25, one day before World MS Day.

The APW raised the funds over a matter of months during its signature events. The two biggest events were the Charity Sporting Clay Shoot held in April at the Kern County Gun Club and the Charity Bunco Night held during MS Awareness Week on March 11 at the Petroleum Club. Every year, the APW chooses nonprofit organizations to benefit from its fundraisers; APW member Lynn Califf said, “I think this year was our best year ever.”

The money that will be donated to the National MS Society will be used to help fund local programs and services for those people affected by MS. The check will be presented to Community Development Manager Fotini Alfieris and Special Events/Program staff member Christine Grontkowski on May 25 at noon at the Guild House located at 1905 18^th Street in Bakersfield.

The check presentation comes just one day before World MS Day, which will be celebrated May 26. The National MS Society is encouraging everyone to get involved in the global movement to help the 2.1 million people who have been diagnosed worldwide. You can register at www.worldmsday.org, or if you would like to make a donation, text “MSAWARE” to 20222, and $5 will go to the National MS Society.

About Multiple Sclerosis

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Kern County Child Abusr Prevention Fundraiser at the Gaslight Melodrama

The Gaslight Melodrama will be holding a fundraiser to benefit the Kern County Child Abuse Prevention Council for their premiere of The Mobfather. A Musical on Thursday, May 27th Tickets are $25.00 and all sales from tickets will be donated to KCCP.

Child abuse is one of the most serious problems facing families today. KCCP worksclosely with both parents and children who are recovering from the aftermath of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence. KCCP also works to prevent child abuse and neglect from occurring in the first place or from happening again. Through a combination of parenting education, family counseling, case management and guided visitation or parent coaching KCCP sees families get better and do better every day. Buying a ticket to "The Mobfather" will not only guarantee you of an evening of rollicking musical fun, but you can know that your donation is helping those on the difficult road to healing and making their homes safe and loving for all family members. KCCP and Haven Counseling Center is in the business of healing families. Your participation can make you a part of that process, too.
For ticket information please call Haven Counciling Center at 327-4711

ASSISTEENS Fashion Show

A sunny spring day, a group of Assisteens and the Noon meal at Glenwood Gardens all came together for a Fashion Show.

Eight lovely young ladies modeled their prom dresses for the residents at Glenwood Gardens on Sunday, March 28, 2010.

Anna Keathley, Maddie Ebel, Katie Fiddler, Alli Cauzza, Darci Phillips, Laura Crowther, Katie Ebel, and Kim Fiddler meandered through the main dining room and passed out carnations to many of the residents.

Mrs. Wini Davis, a resident of Glenwood Gardens and also a member of Assistance League for over 50 years, commented; "The girls looked so lovey and it was refreshing to have them come and model their dresses."

The Assisteens are an auxilary of Assistance League of Bakesfield. This group is comprised of high school girls; working to better our community through fundraisers and philanthropic programs. They are our leaders of tomorrow.

Pantcycling for Assistance League of Bakersfield

Assistance League of Bakersfield will team with Sears and Haggar Clothing Company for "Pantcycling Day's in April. Sears customers will be able to 'Change their Pants for Charity'; an event that features a unique twist on charitable giving, with Assistance League of Bakersfield benefitting.

Sears Stores and Haggar Clothing Company are hosting the 'Pantcycling Days' from April 16 - 25, 2010. This event will take place locally and in over 800 Sears retail stores. When a customer visits Sears and donates a gently used pair of pants, they will receive a $5.00 certificate off the purchase of new pair of Haggar slacks. The donated pants will be given to Assistance League of Bakersfield's Bargain Box Thrift Store. These pants will be sold to help raise funds for all of our philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell and Operation Hugs.

Assistance League of one of 122 chapters nationwide. This school year, the Bakersfield Chapter clothed 2,916 children in our Operation School Bell program and provided 1,350 teddy bears to children in traumatic situations.

Chapter President, Barbara Overton expressed her thanks to Sears Retail Store and Haggar Clothing Company for selecting Assistance League as the benefiicary of this event. "This generous donation will allow us to serve many more people in need through our program": Barbara Overton stated.

For more information about Assistance League programs and membership in Bakersfield to to www.assistanceleague.org.

Thank you.

Camp KEEP: One Parent's Survival Story

Camp K.E.E.P.: One Parent’s Survival Story

By Thomas G. Robinson

In 2008 I had the pleasure of accompanying my son, Andres, to Camp KEEP (Kern Environmental Education Program) during his 6^th grade year at Leo B. Hart Elementary School. We were asked, as parents, to volunteer to become counselors since the rules changed and high school students were no longer being accepted to counsel.

We spent the week at the Ocean Home where we hiked, hiked and then hiked some more. We hiked to a creek; we hiked atop a mountain, through the sand dunes and into the coves. At the time I didn’t think it was so bad. Oh, there were moments where I didn’t think I would make it, but in the end I prevailed. That was two years ago.

In March of this year, it was my youngest son, Alex’s turn to go to KEEP. Forgetting all the pain and headaches from the two years before, I unwittingly decided to volunteer to counsel again. As soon as I arose to the early morning bus ride, seeing the excitement of the voyage ahead for the students, I began to remember just how much work this week was going to be.

Counselors for Camp KEEP are elementary student’s parents. We are usually of the same breed, meaning, we have usually sat on the boards at the schools, are educators or administrators, or have been room parents or carpoolers. In short, we’ve been known to corral kids in a nonviolent way (usually) and maintain some sort of mutual respect between us and “them”. At this point I’ve usually been pretty comfortable in knowing these kids. However, over the last four years, due to the economy and starting a new job, my school involvement has waned a bit and my previous status of knowing these kids on a first name-basis has gone by the wayside. I knew a few of my son’s friends, but not as many as I had before. It made me feel a little guilty knowing I have not been as involved as I used to be. But, here I am, at Camp KEEP for the second time in two years!

Take off: What would have taken you or me about an hour and a half to two hours to get to Morro Bay, takes about three hours by two charter buses with about 150 kids and 8 to 10 parents and teachers. With required stops for the “official bathroom break” and at all railroad crossings, the “adventure” becomes slightly stalled and I become entangled in conversations about the latest video games and all the “Mr. Robinson, Mr. Robinson” questions that come from surrounding kids. Still, it’s a comfortable ride as the teacher has brought a DVD for the kids to chill out with, “Disney’s Snow Buddies”. Oh joy.

Arrival: The air quality is the first thing you notice when you arrive at camp. There’s a hint of salt-water in the air and the faint smell of the eucalyptus trees that surround the campgrounds. It’s so refreshing to take a deep breath and fill your lungs with clean ocean air. Then you see it, the ever-present big white dome. The place where we’ll be having all our breakfasts and dinners, where the kids will be challenged to eat properly and keep their voices at a respectable level, where most disciplinary action will take place for groups that don’t contain themselves, where Naturalists (that’s what they call the teachers there) will spend countless minutes pausing for silence until the kids realize that they are talking too loud and the naturalists are waiting for them. It’s where we, as counselors, are separated into teams and are ordered to sit at cafeteria tables designed for kids half our size in order to instill some sense of leadership. It’s at this point as you attempt to squeeze into that very tight bench-to-table narrowness that you renew your personal vow to do a few sit-ups in the morning and start watching what you eat – again.

Over the course of the five days and four nights that we are there, we see the kids in a whole new light. They are excited to be away from home for the first time without their parents. They are learning how to cope with problems without yelling out for mom or dad to help. They are learning to control themselves in a very excitable environment where rules and regulations still exist. They are preparing to leave primary school and begin their new lives in ever-so-cool junior high. And, they are learning.

During the week, the Naturalists take kids to various ecosystems around the campsite. We learn (yes, WE learn) about riparian ecosystems, how Morro Rock came to be (very interesting), about local birds and plants, and how everyone is responsible for how we treat our planet. Before you begin to hum a few bars of Cumbaya, note that although the “hippie” atmosphere is ever present, these Naturalists are professors and scientists who have educational backgrounds that would rival most of the top educators in the state. They also have a great love for what they do, and it shows. From hiking to the oceanic view of the coves to our mountain top view from Mt. Valencia, Jr., we get to know the naturalists on a more personal level, and they become regular people just like you and me. I am constantly amazed at how they stay calm and collected with some very aggressive children; knowing that they do this kind of thing week after week for nine months out of the year. (Insert shout-out to “Squid” here!)

Return: I think most parents and kids will agree that as much as you want to continue this love-fest of nature, we all are excited to begin the trek home. For the counselors, images of soaking in a scented bath, drinking a glass of wine, and eating a nice home-cooked meal are so precious, so near and yet so far. For the kids, I’m sure their PS3’s and X-Boxes are calling on them to come play again with the familiar sights and sounds of Japanese anime, dramatic musical interludes and promises of laser blasts and karate chops galore.

My favorite memory for both visits to Camp KEEP involve the simple fact that, for a full week, I spent 24 hours a day with my child, watching them interact with their friends, teachers and other adults. I noticed that they are young men, still innocent enough to act silly with their friends yet become cool when called for, and knowledgeable enough to know that this will eventually become one of the fondest memories of their childhood.

Camp KEEP has been around for over 40 years. When I mentioned to friends and colleagues that I was about to spend my week’s vacation at KEEP, most of them had a memory to share of their time there as a child. Some of them burst into campfire songs (The Scat Song, anyone?) and reminisced about their favorite moment there. Not originally from Kern County, I was amazed at the impact this place had on them.

It’s important to note that not every school in Kern County is going to Camp KEEP anymore. Budget cuts have dramatically cut the amount of schools that have been able to include it in their educational programs. Personally, I think it’s a shame that there will be students who will never experience the outdoors in this way. For some kids, it would have been their first and last time in that type of environment.

Overall, if you ever get a chance to go, or if your child’s school is one of the lucky schools that will be attending - jump at the opportunity! Your outlook on life (environmentally) will change, your relationship with your child will grow stronger, and your time spent away from all the chaos at work and home will be something to fondly reflect upon.

For me – I am a two-time survivor of Camp KEEP. If I had another child that would be attending camp in the future, you can be sure I would make it three. Who knows, maybe twenty years from now, I’ll be attending with my grandchild… Hopefully, it’ll still be there.

Click on this link to learn more about Camp KEEP: http://www.campkeep.org/

GARCES STUDENTS DONATE OVER 1200 BOOKS TO NEEDY CHILDREN IN ARVIN & LAMONT

During three weeks of the Lenten Season, students from Garces Memorial High School were asked to look beyond themselves and consider doing something for others—specifically, for children who are much less fortunate than most of the children they know.

Under the direction of Teacher Librarian Mrs. Darla Brown, Garces English classes collected 1,277 new and gently used books for children aged one through ten. The books will go to the students of the Arvin and Lamont School Districts and their families.

The Lamont School District has a poverty rate of 98%, and 100% of students qualify for free and reduced-rate lunches. “These are not children who have lots of books to read in their homes,” says Mrs. Brown. “The books our students have donated will literally change the lives and futures of these needy children.” Books will be distributed to Arvin and Lamont families at the district’s Parent Youth Conference at Arvin High School at the end of April.

While collecting the books, Garces English classes also engaged in a little friendly competition. The winner, with 469 books, was Mrs. Huddleston’s 5^th period class. While their teacher was awarded a stylish book tote, the class enjoyed home-baked chocolate chip brownies and milk from Mrs. Brown as a well-earned reward.

Local Bakersfield Teen wins Miss Teen Ventura County International Pageant!

Crowning Glory Productions held their fifth annual Miss & Teen Ventura County International pageant at the beautiful Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center. Since the Ventura County International Pageant is an Official Preliminary to the California International Pageants (http://www.californiaintl.com), the winners will be vying for the titles of Miss and Teen California International 2011 this September in Downey, CA!

Nineteen exceptional ladies competed in Interview, Fitness, Fun Fashion and Evening Gown. The title of Miss Ventura County International 2011 went to Kari Ann Johnson of La Habra, who will be receiving over $5,100 in a cash scholarship, prizes and awards. Kari Ann’s platform is Eating Disorder Prevention & Awareness. The Court of Honor included Tiffany Allen (1st Runner Up) and Kaci Campbell (2nd Runner Up).

April Mitchell, a local Bakersfield teen, went home with the title of Miss Teen Ventura County International 2011; she will be receiving over $4,400 in a cash scholarship, prizes and awards. April Mitchell’s platform is the Kids Character Club. The Court of Honor included Paige Durand (1st Runner Up), Rachel Russell (2nd Runner Up) and Bryana Inouye (3rd Runner Up).

The following special awards were also given: Miss Evening Gown Winner - Kari Ann Johnson, Teen Fun Fashion Winner - April Mitchell and Bryana Inouye (tie), Miss Photogenic - Kaci Campbell, Teen Photogenic - Tatiana Juarez, Miss Congeniality - Brittany Garcia and Kari Ann Johnson (tie), Miss People’s Choice - Kelli Scarangello and Teen People’s Choice - Tatiana Juarez. Top Ticket Sales and the recipient of a $100 cash scholarship was Amber Devolites, Top Ad Sales and the recipient of a $100 cash scholarship was Bryana Inouye and the Pageantry Spirit Award went to Steve & Denise Curtis who have been an integral part of the Crowning Glory Team for the past five years!

The International Pageant System strongly supports community service. Since each of these nineteen ladies strives to make a difference in their community, they each received gifts valued at over $225!

If you would like to become a Crowning Glory Girl and are between the ages of 13 and 29, there is still an opportunity for you to represent our County at the 2011 California International State Pageant. For information, you may call visit the Crowning Glory Website (http://www.crowninggloryproductions.com), Crowning Glory Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/CrowningGloryGirls) or call Connie at 805-660-8412.

California DAR State Conference in Irvine

The California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate its 102^nd Annual State Conference on Thursday, March 18^th through Sunday, March 21^st at the Irvine Marriott Hotel in Irvine.

The purpose of the conference is to present awards to community winners and receive annual reports from California’s hard-working chapters and committees. On Opening Night, after a warm welcome from State Regent Leonora Branca, state awards will be presented for Community Service and Good Citizenship as well as Outstanding Teacher of American History and winners of the American History Essay Contests. The special guest speaker will be Merry Ann Wright, First Vice President General National Society. The evening promises to be resplendent with a traditional Color Guard and a Proclamation issued by the office of the Governor and greetings by the Mayor of Irvine.

A non-political women’s service organization, The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the largest and most active service organizations in the world. Over four hundred members are expected to attend this State Conference.

Of the many activities planned, one of the highlights will be the National Defense Luncheon to be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm on Friday, March 19, 2010. The guest speaker will be R. Duke Blackwood, Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, who will discuss Peace through Strength and the importance of archival security.

The theme of the conference this year is “Remember the Ladies …” a famous request made to John Adams by his wife, Abigail, during the writing of the Declaration of Independence. On Saturday evening, March 20^th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the ladies will hold a DAR Celebration Dinner. Honoring the path a woman may choose to travel as a Daughter, awards will be given to Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Chapter Regent. The dinner will also honor the State Conference Committee, visiting State Regents and the First Vice President General. It is a formal evening and a fitting venue for the Presentation of Debutantes.

During State Conference, members will vote on their next State Board. State Officers are elected for a two-year term. Leonora Branca, California State Regent 2008-2010, has been an inspirational leader with the slogan “California DAR goes Green”. California daughters now receive their newsletter over the internet and may be seen carrying their new green bags, the proceeds from the sale of which have gone to purchase eco-boxes --- self-guided tours now located in the new Condor Country at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Conservation is one of the tenets of DAR and the organization has supported conservation projects like this for almost 100 years.

Conservation, American Indians, Service for Veterans, Good Citizens and Scholarships are just a few areas of interest for an active DAR member. The California State Society boasts more than 8,500 members of all ages, religions, races and political parties and comprises 116 chapters which remain dedicated to furthering the National Society DAR goals of patriotism, education and historical preservation. In the spirit of hospitality, the California Daughters actively seek new members! To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.

Greater Bakersfield Green Expo

First there was - 1 city 1 high school

Arvin Green ARTS Festival May 2009

www.arvingreenarts.org

Now...

There is 1 county and 44 high schools.

Greater Bakersfield Green Expo April 2010

www.gbgreenexpo.org

Be a part of the Largest Green Event in

Kern County!

Kern County Joins Movement to End MS

Bakersfield – Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is being celebrated around the nation March 8-14. Here in Kern County, many events are taking place to give you an opportunity to MOVE IT to end MS. “You can make a difference in the lives of the 2,400 people who live with MS in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Kim Kotrla, director of the Southern California Chapter’s San Joaquin Valley Region. “There are fun and easy activities throughout MS Awareness Week that will make you feel ‘good’ while you do good,” Kotrla continued.

· Tuesday, March 2 at 9am: The Kern County Board of Supervisors will present Kotrla and Chapter Board of Trustees Ray and Lisa Karpe, with a formal proclamation declaring March 8-14 MS Awareness Week.

· Saturday, March 6 at 9:30am: Approximately two dozen volunteers, many from Frontier High School, will hit the streets to turn Bakersfield orange, the color for a cure. They will wrap orange ribbons around trees along Chester and Truxtun Avenues, and around trees surrounding HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital to draw attention and awareness to the disease.

· Monday, March 8 at noon: MS Awareness Week kicks off with a balloon release. Mayor Harvey Hall will be attending to make a formal proclamation declaring MS Awareness Week in the city of Bakersfield.

· Tuesday, March 9 from 11am – 11pm: BJ’s will donate 15% of a party’s bill (excluding happy hour specials and alcoholic beverages) with a redemption flyer. Call 661.321.9512 or email christine.grontkowski@nmss.org to receive the flyer.

· Saturday, March 13 all day: A team of local boy scouts and their fathers lead MS Service Day, traveling around Bakersfield, completing home improvement projects both inside and outside homes of people living with multiple sclerosis. This includes planting trees and pouring concrete so one man can have access to his garden area.

In addition to these public events, the National MS Society will also be honoring its top Walk MS fundraisers at Frugatti’s Italian Eatery on Monday, March 8, and on Thursday, March 11, the Association of Petroleum Wives will host a charity Bunco night benefiting the Society at Christine’s at the Stockdale Fashion Plaza. Many other local businesses including Fitness 19 on Hageman and Calloway, RJ’s Bar and Grill, Starbucks on Coffee and Hageman, Watson-Touchstone ERA, Russo’s at the Marketplace, and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital will do their part to raise awareness by either allowing staff to wear orange awareness ribbons or hanging up posters on windows.

“Remember, Move it… Move it, during MS Awareness Week. It is the perfect time to join and help build the MS Movement,” said Kotrla. To find out more ways to be a part of MS Awareness Week, and encourage others to move it too, visit http://nationalMSsociety.org/cal.

About Multiple Sclerosis

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2008 alone, through our home office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted over $148 million to programs that enhanced more than one million lives. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested over $45 million to support 440 research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org.

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional and contact the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1.800.FIGHT.MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

Gaslight Melodrama to host fund raiser for the Stockdale High School Parents Club

On Thursday, February 25th at 7pm, The Gaslight Melodrama will be rolling out the red carpet for the sneak peek premier of I HATE SHAKESPEARE! All ticket sales for the Thursday performance will be donated to the Stockdale High School Parents Club to fund scholarships and student activities. For tickets call Carol Nelson at 858-0504

Optimal Hospice Needs Service Volunteers

Do you have a unique talent you would like to share? Make 2010 the year you make a difference by helping others. Optimal Hospice Care needs your special talent/skill/license in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas to provide much needed services to our patients. At the present, we have an urgent need for hairstylists and manicurists to keep our patients looking and feeling their best. We are also recruiting certified pet therapists, music therapists, home and yard care, seamstresses, bilingual speakers, marketing specialists etc…There is a place for you to come and share your exceptional skills and make some new friends along the way. If you would like to make a reservation for an upcoming Volunteer Orientation or would just like a little more information on how you can help, please call Karen Budnick at 661-716-4000 or email her at kbudnick@optimalcares.com.

Optimal Hospice Volunteer Training Opportunity! Make 2010 a year to remember...Volunteer!!

Looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Become a volunteer with Optimal Hospice and have the experience of a life time. Optimal Hospice Care will be hosting New Volunteer orientations on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are searching for compassionate people from Bakersfield and the surrounding communities who are willing to share a little time and friendship with the patients and families under our care. Please join us for our next session and enjoy a light lunch with some new friends. For location or more information on how you can help call Karen at 661-716-4000 or email her at: kbudnick@optimalcares.com

Community Dinner Program Needs Your Help

A free community meal is served every Wednesday evening at Wesley United Methodist Church at the corner of Niles and Oswell. The meal service is now drawing in nearly 50 people from the surrounding neighborhood and continues to grow. It is becoming a bigger job than what the small cadre of volunteers from the church can handle themselves and so they are asking for help from people outside of the church to help with preparing meals, setting up, serving the meals, visiting with people, cleaning up, and food donations.

Dinners are served in The Gathering Place building at 1314 Oswell St, Bakersfield, CA 93306 from 5 to 6:30 PM. Dinner preparations usually begin around 4 PM and cleanup runs to about 7:30 PM. Donations of time or money are needed for this needed ministry. Call the church office, 661-871-3030 to volunteer or visit the church on the web at www.wesleybakersfield.org to get further information about this community outreach program.

Paul Hensler, Chief Executive Officer, Kern Medical Center is Bakersfield March for Babies Chair

Paul Hensler, Chief Executive Officer, Kern Medical Center

Commits to Making Bakersfield March for Babies a Success

Making a Difference in the lives of mothers and babies

Bakersfield, CA – January 21, 2010— Mr. Paul Hensler, Chief Executive Officer, Kern Medical Center is the 2010 Kern County chair of March of Dimes Bakersfield March for Babies., the March of Dimes biggest fundraiser. He is personally committed to raising money toward the March for Babies goal to support research and community programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies to begin healthy lives.

The Bakersfield March for Babies will take place on April 17, 2010 at Liberty Park. Balboa businesses and individuals can sign up and raise funds online at www.marchforbabies.org.

“I’m serving as the 2010 Revenue Chair for March for Babies because one in eight babies is born too soon and no one is more committed to finding the answers than the March of Dimes, said Paul Hensler.

Paul Hensler joins a distinguished roster of businesses leaders who are spearheading the event in communities across the nation. Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company and Ron Gettelfinger, President of United Auto Workers, have joined forces a national co-chairs, with a goal of raising $100 million nationwide to improve the health of babies.

“We are honored to have Paul lead the way.” said Lynn Hogue, Executive Director, Central Valley March of Dimes. “When our leaders publicly stand with a cause they support, they show the whole community the value of volunteer service and community involvement.”

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected.

The March of Dimes is investing more than $16 million in research and programs in California alone in 2009. Scientists are working to improve the health of babies by seeking the cause or treatment for birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

In Kern County, the March of Dimes helps moms and babies through professional and education programs.

The Bakersfield March for Babies is presented by Farmers Insurance. Division sponsors are Cigna and Kern Family Health Care. Golden Gate sponsors include Toyota and Big 5. National sponsors are Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Cigna, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, FedEx, and Sanofi-Pasteur. Media sponsors include KGET 17, T17.3 Telemundo, Bakersfield CW12, Bakersfield Magazine, and KUZZ radio.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/ca or nacersano.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GIVES THE MAGIC OF VOLUNTEERISM

Habitat for Humanity would like to send you to Disneyland. Volunteers that are willing to donate their time and services to the local nonprofit will qualify to take advantage of Disney’s “Give-A-Day, Get-A-Disney-Day,” program for volunteerism.

Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. As a reward for good community service, volunteers will be treated to a one-day, one-theme park ticket to the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for free.

The Disneyland program has limited tickets, so Habitat wants to help you out as soon as possible. Habitat for Humanity is one of our local nonprofits participating in the program. Habitat will be hosting a special volunteerism sign-up meeting this Thursday, January 21 at 5401 California Avenue at 6 p.m.

In order to qualify for the Disney program there are a couple of things you should know. You must pre-register for the program. Pre-registration information can be found at www.disneyland.disney.go.com. The program started on January 1, 2010 and continues until tickets are distributed or December 15, 2010, whichever occurs first. Volunteers must sign up for eligible volunteer opportunities for the “Give-A-Day, Get-A-Disney-Day,” program through Disney’s official Web site; participation in volunteer activities outside of this sign-up process does not qualify for a free ticket.

Traditionally, Habitat for Humanity has built homes from the ground up, but with the state of the economy and the amount of foreclosed homes on the market, Habitat has found a new way to use existing homes in the community for families in need.

Last month, Habitat for Humanity unveiled its 42^nd home for a local family to occupy. Most Habitat homes are built from the ground up with work from volunteers and the family receiving the home, this home was purchased at a discount from Wells Fargo bank after it had been foreclosed upon and vandalized. Habitat volunteers worked on repairing the damage caused by vandals and to replace the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems along with the roof.

"We anticipate that the acquisition and rehabilitation of foreclosed homes will be our primary way to provide homes for low income working families for the next few years", said Dennis Wallace, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire, "As long as existing homes are so plentiful and inexpensive in Kern County, it makes sense for us to use this existing resource rather than construct new homes.”

For more information on Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire or to become involved as a volunteer or a house sponsor call 661-861-8449. For more information and pre-registration on Disney’s program log on to www.disneyland.disney.go.com.

Red Carpet Kiwanis Fundraiser at The Gaslight Melodrama Theater

On January 21,2010, The Gaslight Melodrama is rolling out the red carpet for the Bakersfield Kiwanis club for the premier of Goodbodies Gold. All ticket sales for this night will be donated to the Kiwanis Club. Ticket prices are $25.00 and can be purchased by calling Sandy Morris at 326-3051.

The Kiwanis Club is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis, through guidance and example work to develop future generations of leaders. Everyday, Kiwanians are revitalizing neighborhoods, organizing youth and sport programs, tutoring, building playgrounds and performing countless projects to help children and communities .

The Gaslight Melodrama's production of Goodbodies Gold is a old fashioned, boo the villain and cheer the hero Melodrama that is fun for the whole family. The show stars Jill Burdick, Don Kruszka, Coryn McBride, Barb Mercado, Greg Ramsdell and Jay Stodder and is directed by Michael Prince. Goodbodies Gold will Premier on January 21 through February 20th. Please visit our website at www.themelodrama.com for more information.

Toy's for tots donation drop off!!

THIS YEAR WE HAVE JOINED TOGETHER WITH TOYS FOR TOTS AND BAKERSFIELD TOY RUN TO HELP COLLECT FOOD AND TOYS FOR CHILDREN! COME TO OUR LOCATION ANYTIME BETWEEN NOW AND DEC.20 & DROP OFF ANY UNWRAPPED TOY OR UNPERISHABLE FOOD ITEM TO HELP LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON YOUR STAY WITH ANY DONATION. JOIN THE CAUSE TOY'S FOR TOTS! CALL US DIRECTLY IF YOU NEED TO BOOK A ROOM TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT 661396-1425

Dancing for Toys

Linda Larma and Daughters Academe of Dance will be holding their annual toy drive December 14th through December 20th to benefit the Kern County Child Abuse Prevention Council at The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, 12748 Jomani Drive.

This dance studio will hold a marathon dance- a- thon, spanning 6 days and 14 performances with over 500 children performing. Show times vary throughout the day. Admission is a new unwrapped toy. Call 589-8208 for more information.

San Miguel Commemorative Grove Gets A Facelift

Melissa Iger, director of the Tree Foundation of Kern, hopes that someday the San Miguel Commemorative Grove will be a destination place to study indigenous plant science for students of all ages. “Our goal is to create a botanical garden that features native plant life,” says Iger. Once completed the Grove will be a local field trip opportunity for kindergarten through twelfth grade students and a place where students from Bakersfield College have the opportunity to study plant science in a natural setting. “The hope is to raise money and depend on volunteerism to make the botanical garden a reality,” says Iger.

On Saturday, November 21, volunteers from across Kern County came out to rake, pile and haul away trash, sticks and other debris from the San Miguel Commemorative Grove. Daniel Hipsher, Liberty High School student and future Marine, feels that it is important to volunteer. “ Community service helps the community grow and look better,” says Hipsher. Volunteer Chris Jabonillo claims that, “you need to give your time to help others and not just focus on your self.” Julia Cruz found out about the project through her church. She insists that getting out and working hard for the community is good for her spirit. She was vigorously cleaning up piles of leaves and sticks from the center of the park. “It makes me feel good to do some hard work,” says Cruz.

The City of Bakersfield has partnered with the Tree Foundation of Kern in order to maintain the Grove during this time of budget cuts and diminishing revenues. The city is counting on volunteers to keep the indigenous tree grove located on The Kern River Parkway looking beautiful. Hope 4 Kern volunteers found two large shopping carts and mounds of trash in the canal that parallels the grove. Liberty High School student, Henry Palacios believes that more people should volunteer. Palacious plans to study criminal justice next year at one of the CSU campuses.

More information about the San Miguel Commemorative Grove and the botanical garden project can be found at www.urbanforest.org.

Habitat for Humanity Unveils Kern County’s 42nd Home This Weekend in East Bakersfield

This Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m. a local East Bakersfield Family will be ready to move into their band new home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire. This will mark the 42^nd home the local nonprofit agency has provided to families in need. However, there’s something different about this house.

Most Habitat homes are built from the ground up with work from volunteers and the family receiving the home, this home was purchased at a discount from Wells Fargo bank after it had been foreclosed upon and vandalized.

Habitat volunteers worked on repairing the damage caused by vandals and to replace the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems along with the roof.

This new “green” building method will allow Habitat to provide more families who reach the qualifications with safe and comfortable homes. This home will go to Paul and Paula Munoz and their four children.

Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire used funds earned at its ReStore to purchase the home, as well as donations from first United Methodist Church and the Francis Alford Living Trust.

The event will be held on Sunday November 15, 2009 at 2 p.m. The location of the home is 812 Wallace Street. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire or to become involved as a volunteer or a house sponsor call 661-861-8449.

Gaslight Melodrama to host fundraiser for Bakersfield Swill Club

The Gaslight Melodrama will be hosting a fund raising show for the Bakersfield Swim Club on Thursday, Oct 8th for the Premier of The Skylight Zone followed by Auntie Teenie Weenies Oildale Halloween Hoedown. All ticket sales will go toward the Bakersfield Swim Club, Bakersfield's oldest swim club since 1972. From infants to Olympians, the Bakersfield Swim Club is a non profit swim team, affiliated with USA Swimming and Central Californian Swimming. Kieth Moore is the head coach and has coached a number of Olympic swimmers including Gabe Woodward, winner of the silver and bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil.

Proceeds from this event will go toward pool rentals, uniforms and the hosting of the 2010 Jr. Olympics in Bakersfield in February 2010. The Jr. Olympics draw qualifying athletes, in all age groups from all over Central California.

Tickets for this fund raising event is $30.00

CallBakersfieldSwimSchool for reservations at 637-1403

Bakersfield Swim Club Contact- Ricardo Izquiero at 477-6659

Melodrama contact- Linda Larma 587-3377

Tickets for this fund raising event is $30.00

CallBakersfieldSwimSchool for reservations at 637-1403

Bakersfield Swim Club Contact- Ricardo Izquiero at 477-6659

Melodrama contact- Linda Larma 587-3377

Korean's website in Bakersfield

It is very troubling and scarcely to come to a new place as a new immigrant. When I came to in Bakersfield 3 years ago, I felt worried and anxious about living in a new country. Fortunately, I met many nice and kind people who are missionaries of the American Korean Church. This helps me set up my life in a strange place without many mistakes and errors. As a new immigrant who comes to Bakersfield, I needed information about real life. Additionally, most immigrations are not good at English, and everything is new to them. Especially, because Korean’s are minor ethnicity, and the supported system from California is very weak. For example, when I came to Bakersfield for the first time, it was very difficult to find information about living here. Because Bakersfield was a small city and there was a small quantity of Korean residents. After I made mistakes about living in a foreign country, I realized that we needed the Internet website for Korean in Bakersfield. I made a new website, and I uploaded all my information. Also, as a Bakersfield College student, I posted all the process of enroll in and other information in Korean language. It works very well. A few students who transferred from other states to BC get information from this website. They could enroll without mistakes and errors. Sometimes I get Email from Korea, asking questions about BC and CSUB. Also I added a life section, education, real estate, and job section in this website. This information will help others who do not know how to set up a new life in a strange place. I strongly suggest that the Bakersfield Californian ask for advertising on this website for local Korean people. As a local newspaper, I am also asking you to help. I hope that Korean’s who came to Bakersfield or have been living here will get good and helpful information from this website. (http://cafe.daum.net/BakersfieldKorean )

Gaslight Melodrama Bowls for Charities

The cast from the Gaslight Melodrama's newest production of Westchester Finest turned out in costume to bowl for their favorite charity. The event took place on Wednesday, September 9th, at Westchester Bowl, 1819 30th Street. The bowl a thon raised over $1000.00 and will be donated to The Kern County Alliance Against Family Violence, The American Cancer Society and The Childrens Heart Foundation

Chat And Do

CHAT AND DO

Every Tuesday on the third floor of Glenwood Gardens a group of women gather together. They come by wheelchair, by walker, with friends and alone. Some bring armloads of fabric or bags of fiberfill. Others come empty-handed but ready to work. They all look forward to the conversation. "That's where the ‘chat' comes in," says Marilyn Wietzke, an 87 year old resident, and the lone member of the group's telephone committee. "We wanted to get the residents out of their rooms and acquainted with other people."

What began as "The Quilting Group" evolved into crocheting, knitting and embroidery. It happened out of necessity - poor eyesight, shaky hands and a lack of sewing machines made quilting a difficult undertaking. Yarn work was the focus for a while, so the group changed their name to "Needle and I." Then, after deciding that the name was inappropriate since many of them no longer had the dexterity to push a piece of thread through the eye of a needle, they switched to "Chat and Do." It was Maddie Turners idea. Lynda Sweigart says it suits the group.

The "Chat and Do" girls also began to branch out into other crafts, like making Nutcrackers out of flower pots and necklace clips to hold napkins in place during meals. Soon Maddie had the group helping with a project called "Angel Babies" and the women began sewing gowns, hats and blankets for babies born too early to survive. The group then switched their focus and decided to use their skills to help others. That's when Optimal Hospice got involved.

"We have enough stuff but not enough things to do, so we decided to call Karen (the Volunteer Coordinator Assistant with Optimal Hospice)," says Lynda. Several of the ladies had used Optimal Hospice during the final phase of their loved ones life. They know first hand the grief associated with death, as well as Optimal's commitment to continuing support for the families after their loved one passes. Wilma Guenther came up with an original doll pattern, several women went shopping for soft fabric with small patterns that won't fray, some fiberfill and all-cotton thread. Once the necessities were procured, the group was in business. The dolls they make provide comfort to children who are losing or have already lost someone they love.

"We like to volunteer," says Lynda Sweigart, certified teacher, daughter of Marilyn and acknowledged ‘leader of the pack.'

Judging from the kind-hearted and sharp-witted women in the room, volunteerism is a perfect fit. They just donated several fabric dolls to Optimal Hospice's Bereavement Program. Maybe "Chat and Do" should change their name to "Chat and Do Good."

For more information, please contact Karen Budnick in our Volunteer Department at 661-716-4000 or kbudnick@optimalcares.com.

Optimal Hospice Care offers Pet Therapy to Animal-Loving Patients! Join the CarePals Team!

Jacqueline, or “Jackie” for short, knows she’s beautiful. She fully expects everyone to tell her so, and if you don’t, she’ll squint at you until you do. She has a knack for ingratiating herself with people. Twice a month, she has a good bath, gets her nails done, puts on her red scarf and heads to the convalescent home. She takes her owner, Sue Roeser, with her. This tall, white, princess of a Standard Poodle is a pretty special dog.

Jackie has been working miracles as a therapy dog in convalescent homes, schools and libraries for seven years. “Jackie is very spiritual. Put her in a room full of people and she’ll go to the one who needs her most,” says Sue. She is the perfect height for laying her head upon the lap of someone in a wheelchair. They can just reach over and scratch her fluffy, white ears. “We spread smiles and joy,” says Sue. “The dog lets you get into so many places that you wouldn’t get into if you didn’t have the dog. It really enriches your life and gives you such a depth of understanding for other things when you can just chat with people. There’s a lot of history in those convalescent homes.”

Sue began visiting convalescent homes as a hospice volunteer in 1980. She has been volunteering for Optimal Hospice Care since 2003. Optimal Hospice is an organization dedicated to helping people in the end stages of life to remain independent and to live each day as fully and comfortably as possible. Optimal Hospice is excited to add the new pet therapy, CarePals, as a unique and special part of the volunteer services they offer the patients under their care. “As any pet lover knows, there is nothing more comforting than receiving unconditional love from a cuddly animal. We are very excited to bring this kind of care to our families. Optimal is currently searching for other certified/licensed/insured pet therapy teams who are interested in becoming part of our volunteer program. We are also encouraging our current volunteers to get certified with their pets so they can become part of the CarePals program. There can never be too many teams – we have a lot of people who could use the love,” says Rhonda Frankhouser, Volunteer Coordinator.

Sue is uniquely qualified to help with Optimal’s effort to bring pet therapy to their patients. She began her career as a Medical Assistant in a family practice that specialized in Geriatrics. Out of compassion and because there was a need to be filled, Sue would sit with her patients after work. She soon found that helping those facing the end of their lives was a passion of hers. She has been spending time with dying patients for almost thirty years now. Add to that her love of dogs (she has four!) and pet therapy was a natural progression. Sue and Jackie as a team are better able to be of service than just Sue alone. “It is scientifically proven your blood pressure will go down [when you pet an animal],” says Sue. She’s right. According to a study by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, “In the institutionalized elderly there is evidence that pet therapy may reduce depression and blood pressure, reduce irritability, reduce agitation and increase social interaction.” Sue has witnessed this effect first hand. Several years ago, she was called to visit a man who was dying and very, very angry. He wouldn’t allow anyone in to see him, except his nurses. He was combative, he threw things and for several weeks he refused to talk. A family member who recalled that the gentleman had lost a beloved poodle a few years earlier, suggested Sue and Jackie come for a visit. Out of loneliness for his dog, the man agreed. When Sue and Jackie arrived, he motioned for Jackie to come over. She obliged. The two of them went outside. Then the man did an extraordinary thing. He lifted up Jackie’s ear and began to talk. He talked. And talked. And talked. All the while, Jackie sat quietly and listened. She is excellent at keeping secrets. Two weeks later, the man died peacefully. According to his family, after Sue and Jackie’s visit, he was never angry again.

It’s Jackie’s calm, friendly, non-aggressive behavior that suits her for this line of work. In order to become a therapy dog, Jackie had to pass a test administered by a qualified Tester/Observer. It is a three page test that required Jackie to be under Sue’s control at all times. Jackie had to walk on a loose leash, be able to meet strange dogs, shake hands and many other obedience feats. Then she was observed three times walking room to room in a convalescent home. Of course, Jackie passed the test. She remains up to date on all her shots and tests negative on the fecal check, thereby earning her membership in Therapy Dogs, Inc. As for her owner, Sue is finishing the process of becoming a Tester/Observer herself. “Betty Fillmore started the program in Ridgecrest back in 2002 and we were one of the first ones,” says Sue. It looks like she will also be one of the first ones in the Ridgecrest, Lancaster, and Bakersfield areas qualified to administer the test. In the meantime, Sue is adding two year old Barley to her team. He’s a fluffy, white Bichon who began his work as a therapy dog in September. He’s much shorter than Jackie, but that doesn’t stop him. He’s known for standing on his back legs and putting his paws on the knees of the person in the wheelchair. He loves nothing more than to be petted on his soft, furry head. Jackie and Barley never go to work together since Sue is required to give them her undivided attention when they are on the job. But one can be certain that tall Jackie is teaching young Barley a thing or two at home. You can also bet that Sue is right there in the mix. You see, besides the fact that Sue is a great-grandmother, she has more energy than the average twenty year old. Between tap dancing, acting, stage managing, directing, Beta Sigma Phi, The Red Hat Society and her husband of nineteen years, you might just find Sue and Jackie or Barley happily visiting with your loved one.

For more information about Therapy Dogs Inc., go to www.therapydogs.com. For more information about Optimal Hospice Care or becoming a CarePals Pet Therapy Volunteer for Optimal Hospice Care, contact the volunteer department @ 1-661-716-4000 or email rfrankhouser@optimalcares.com.

For the Love of Cats - DO GOOD - HAVE FUN!

With kids home from school and everyone busy with summer activities our volunteer rate has dropped drastically. Summer is kitten season and the need for foster pet parents is critical. Adoptions are way down and our system is overloaded and overflowing. All of our kittens are current on shot, have had vet checks and been spayed or neutered (if old enough) and treated for fleas.

Please wont you volunteer to be a foster pet parent? If you are not able to foster a kitty right now please go to our website at www.thecatpeople.org and help support our rescue efforts. The Cat People are a volunteer organization so 100% of your donation goes to support our rescues, fund our spay and neuter programs and help special cats in need AND your contribution is tax deductible.

DO GOOD - HAVE FUN!