Events: Bakersfield.com

Bobby Durham LIVE @ the Rocket Shop Cafe

Dinner Specials

Drink Specials

Dancing

Live Bakersfield Country Music with Bobby Durham from 8pm-midnight

No Cover before 10pm

"ELVIS" returns to TROUT'S this weekend! FRI - 7pm / $10.00

MUST BE 21 & OVER! VALID ID IS ALWAYS REQUIRED AT TROUT'S AND THE BLACKBOARD STAGES!

(Attention MySpace friends!! Add Trout's to your top 4 friends, send us a message that you've done it, and when we verify the placement (within 48 hours) we will send you a special private message with a redemption code for 2 FREE TICKETS for the Friday, July 11th show @ 7pm!)

Brigadoon

One of the most intriguing and delightful aspects of a musical show is its ability to open up a whole new world to both its audience and cast. The show that does this better than any other is BRIGADOON. This is a Scottish fantasy about a town that disappears into the Highland mist and returns for only one day every one hundred years. It includes Waitin' for My Dearie, I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean, Come to Me, Bend to Me, Almost Like Being in Love, There But for You Go I, The Heather on the Hill and My Mother's Weddin' Day.

This is a tribute to simplicity, true love and goodness, which is hidden from the ordinary traveler

Playing at Stars Dinner Theatre July 11-Aug. 2

Book Blast

Families are invited to celebrate summer reading at a festival centered around books and literacy sponsored by the Kern Reading Association, Target, The Breeze, and Barnes & Noble. Students presenting completed reading logs at the gate can get their whole family into the museum for a variety of summer activities. Book Blast features costumed readers and characters, arts and crafts, and plenty of fun. Children can earn tickets for rach story heard. The tickets are good for a great prize drawing which begins at noon. Come as your favorite book character and get an extra chance for a prize! Some refreshments available at no charge, others available for a minimal fee. Call 661-852-5000 to find out where to get your free reading log and begin your summer reading adventure or visit www.kcmuseum.org

Bakersfield Rollergirls vs Prison City Derby Dames

If you haven't been to see the Bakersfield Rollergirls, you're missing out! Come check us out in our 3rd home bout of the season- Summer Lockdown, BRG vs Prison City! Mark your calendars!!

Old School Hip Hop Explosion

The Old School Hip Hop Explosion invades the Rabobank Arena on Saturday July 12th. Come out and hear the sounds of Tone Loc, Lisa Lisa, Klymaxx, Club Nouveau, Naughty By Nature, Young MC and Coolio. The Old School Hip Hop Explosion is sure to be the hottest show of the summer.

Tone Loc features Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina. These two hits went on to become popular singles, with Wild Thing earning Tone-Loc the distinction of being the second rap performer to reach the top of the mainstream charts. While Lisa Lisa is sure to rock the house with her hit single I Wonder if I Take You Home.

Other great hits you can look forward to hearing are: O.P.P and Hip Hop Hooray (Naughty by Nature), Gangsta’s Paradise (Coolio) and Hip Hop Classic – Bust a Move (Young MC).

Karaoke Saturdays at the Rocket Shop Cafe

20,000+ songs from all genres of music, drink specials, dinner specials, all ages welcome and KARAOKE CONTEST!!

Basics of Selling on eBay Class - July 12th 9:30 to 4:00

Can you answer 'yes' to any of the following questions:

Do you want to make extra money?
- Are you looking for a full-time or part-time job?
- Would you like to work at home?
- Are you tired of paying rent on that storage space and want to get rid of all of those treasures you've been storing?
- Are you ready to start downsizing and selling off your collections?

If you said "yes, yes, yes" to the questions above, you are a prime candidate for learning to sell on eBay.

Yard sales will bring a lot of people to your door on any given weekend, but offering your items on eBay brings the world to you!

As an eleven-year veteran eBay seller, I've sold to buyers all over the world. I specialize in antiques and collectibles, but on eBay, you can sell just about anything. The price you get depends on the uniqueness of your item. The law of supply and demand is alive and well - if there aren't many of them out there, and more than one person wants it, you never know how much you'll get!

So how do you get started, you ask? Take my class!

There will be a class offered on Saturday, July 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at University Square (2000 K Street) in the Grapevine Room.

Cost is $59.00 for the full-day class plus a $15 workbook fee.

You'll learn how to: register as a seller, open a Paypal account, research your items, write a great title and description, take photos that will catch your buyers' attention, pack and ship your items like a pro, and much, much more!

How to register?

Call Barbara King Page at 588-0953 or 599-0267 or send your check or money order to P.O. Box 21433, Bakersfield, CA 93390-1433.

Questions about the class? Email me at bkin@lightspeed.net and I'll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Psychic Faire Benefit

Psychic Faire

Benefit for Conan's Family

July 13

Conan's family lost their home to a fire

and the community is pulling together to make a small difference.

*Psychic Readings

with the Best Psychics in town.

*Massage

*Reiki

*Healing Circle

*Tribal Underground

Belly Dancers

*Henna Tattoos

*Fabulous Auction Items

*Bake Sale

Altar

Metaphysical MarketPlace

616 Jackson St. 661 633 1220 www.AltarBookShoppe.com

Open Fri-Sun, 11-6pm and by appointment.

We may be able to accommodate you NOW!

The Sacramento Antique Faire

OUR NEXT FAIRE WILL FALL ON JULY 13, 2008!
COME OUT AND SHOP FROM 6:30 A.M .TO 3:00 P.M,. WITH ADULT
ADMISSION BEING $3.00 AND CHILDREN 16 YEARS AND UNDER
FREE ! FREE PARKING ! LOTS OF YUMMY FOOD ! HOPE TO
SEE YOU AT 21ST STREET BETWEEN W & X STREETS IN
MIDTOWN, SACRAMENTO.
INFO 916-600-9770

Camp Blue Jay Session I

Camp Blue Jay is a residential camp in Tehachapi Mt. Park for children with disabilities from ages 7 to 13.

Come to Vacation Bible School This Summer

Summer is just around the corner.. are you starting to wonder what to do with the kids to keep them entertained? Look no further: Come to VBS!

Vacation Bible School is a faith-filled and fun week-long adventure with friends, old and new! This year St. John's Lutheran Church Children’s Ministry is proud to present Gospel Light’s SonWorld Adventure Park VBS.

At SonWorld Adventure Park children will

Learn to make good choices and how to choose Jesus!
Play action games!
Make cool crafts!
Eat yummy snacks!
Watch hilarious skits!
Ride a virtual roller coaster!
Get a FREE SonWorld Adventure Park t-shirt!

Hold on to your hats – it is going to be an exciting ride!!!

This amazing VBS is taking place at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, for two identical sessions.

Choose either one of our sessions to attend. Session one starts July 14 and runs through July 19. Session two takes place July 21 through July 25.

VBS runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is free of charge.

Children age 4 (pre-K) through those entering the sixth grade are eligible to attend.

As an added bonus, children can download a free sing-along CD from our church website.

To enroll your children, please call the church office at 661-665-7815, or visit the Web site at: www.sjlchurch.org

We hope to see you there!

Children’s Ministry Team

Wednesday Nights: INDIE NIGHT

Wednesday Nights are INDIE Night. Enjoy songs that are not top 40, including: rock, hip-hop, metal, reggae, and dance. The best from the underground scene!

Drink Specials all Night Long!!!

NO COVER CHARGE

MUST BE 21 or older to enjoy!!!!

Starts @ 9:30 P.M. till Close

Home School Forum

Please join us for C.H.E.C.K.'s Home School Forum on Monday, July 14, 2008, from 7:00 pm. to 8:30 pm.

Location: Riverlakes Church, 4301 Calloway Drive

We will have a panel available to answer the questions:

1.Why would a family consider home education?

2. What are the legal requirements to home educate?

3. How does one begin the process and what support, and from whom, can one expect to receive?

4. What styles of homeschooling and curricula options exist and where are they obtained?

For more information, please contact: Lynn Kinkade @ 589-8884.

Starting a Child Care Business Workshop

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a part of a growing industry where you can help children and earn money at the same time? If so, attend one of three, free “How to Start a Child Care Business” workshops on July 16, Aug. 19 or Sept. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Weill Institute of Bakersfield College, 2100 Chester Ave., in Bakersfield. To register, call the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at (661) 395-4126 or visit online at http://www.weill-sbdc.com/worshops-events.html.

Presented by Local Investment in Child Care (LINCC), SBDC and Community Connection for Child Care, the workshop will give you the practical information you need to open a quality child care business as a stand-alone center or in-home operation. Kern County will need 80 new child care centers and 1,000 family child care home providers by the year 2015.

All aspects of running a child care business will be discussed. So, if you are a child development professional, child care operator, home-based entrepreneur, real estate developer, business owner or have a desire to be in the child care business, this workshop will help you determine if a child care business is right for you.

For more information, please contact Dana Adams, LINCC child care intermediary, at (661) 636-4572.

Karaoke at Black Angus Steakhouse

"BREAK AWAY WEDNESDAY"

Black Angus Steakhouse 3601 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield CA 93308

HAPPY HOUR 3 pm - midnight

KARAOKE 9PM - midnight

Kinship Support Services Program Orientation

If you are raising the child or children of a friend or family member, there is a new program that can help. Haven Counseling Center now operates a new support program called Kinship Support Services. Open house orientation meetings are held on the first and third Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm at the Kinship Support Services Center at 316 H Street in Bakersfield. For more information about the services call 377-0377.

"Outside In 3" reception welcomes artists with disabilities

OUTSIDE IN 3, an exhibition of new works from artists in the Visual Arts Workshop, opens at the Larry E. Reider Gallery at the Arts Council of Kern with a reception for the artists from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on July 17th. Admission is free. The gallery is located at 2000 K Street, suite 110. The show runs until September 26th.

The title of the exhibit refers to the spontaneous, honest and often extraordinarily striking works of artists who teach and express themselves outside the world of art galleries, academies and museums. Among the artists showing are Sharee Alvarado, Stella Alvarez, Elizabeth Barbau, Robin Bell, LeeRay Bohannon, Gracie Cedeño, Judith Cervantes, Jose Patriz Clavel, Peggy Heady, Muriel Holcomb, Kristina Humphrey, Robbie Jackson, Kevin Mannata, Philip Maybach, Kari Paaren, Dominique Sears, David Spann, and Christy Trunec. Most have never exhibited their work before.

The Visual Arts Workshop is part of a county-wide series of programs developed collaboratively three years ago by the Arts Council of Kern and the Kern Regional Center. The programs serve to identify artists with developmental disabilities and provide them with the technical assistance needed to create a bridge to the mainstream arts community. The workshops are facilitated by community-based artists who play a mentoring role to the artists with developmental disabilities. Mentor artists in Bakersfield’s Visual Arts Workshop included Nancy Merrick, Nicole Saint-John, and Mike Barker.

“The needs of these artists range from the very broad—‘Can I even do this?’—to very specific questions concerning portfolios and brush use,” said Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects for the Arts Council and coordinator of the program.

Seemingly a new buzz word among contemporary art’s trendsetters, the term “Outsider Art” has been around for nearly a century. The great modern painter Paul Klee in 1912 said it “really should be taken far more seriously than are the collections of all our art museums if we truly intend to reform today’s art.”

“We want our clients to be included in activities others are involved in,” said KRC’s Aaron Markovitz, who worked very closely with the Arts Council of Kern in the production of the inaugural “Outside In” exhibit, which was held in the fall of 2005. Since then, the Visual Arts Workshop and exhibit concept has been embraced by the Kern River Valley arts community and by the Ridgecrest-based agency DART, whose own workshop entitled “Artists on the Edge” ended earlier this month.

OUTSIDE IN 3 runs the gamut from sculpture, to abstract paintings, portraits, and imagined landscapes.

###

"New Works" Reception

Tehachapi Valley Arts Association invites the public to attend a "New Works" reception at Gallery N Gifts in Tehachapi. 5pm to 8pm - wine and appetizers served. Meet the artists, enjoy an evening in Tehachapi.

Bobby Durham LIVE @ the Rocket Shop Cafe

Bobby Durham & his band will be performing LIVE @ the Rocket Shop Cafe this Friday night (JULY 18) from 8pm til midnight. no cover before 10pm, all ages are welcome.

HOT TACO - July 18, FRI 7 p.m. at McGee's at the Ice House

Join Hot Taco featuring Billy Russell, Tanner Byrom, Ron Mitchell, and Ed Berghoff at McGee's at the Ice House on Friday, July 18th at 7 to 10 p.m. 3401 Chester Ave. 323-8730.

Concert at the Gate

Local bands Trading Company, Ojo De Agua, and The Fighting Side of Me

and Out of towners Pictures in Braille, The Urgency

Bakersfield Police Department K9 Units 7th Annual "Howlin at the Moon" Fun Run

Come join us for Kern County's only night time run! 2k run around the park starts at 8 pm. The timed 5k and 10k begin at 8:30. Awards given for each category. New location this year (Park at River Walk). Food, entertainment and raffle prizes. Fun for all. Entry forms can be found at the BPD web page: http://www.bakersfieldcity.us/police/K-9/howlin_at_moon_home.htm

24th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival

Heading to the Central Coast to cool off this summer? Don't miss San Luis Obispo's popular Central Coast Renaissance Festival which is making its 24th annual appearance in El Chorro Regional Park on July 19 and 20, 2008. The public is invited to join the celebration. Costumes are not required.

Over 800 costumed participants will bring the colorful English village of Donneybrooke to life with shops and stages featuring continuous comedy, juggling, music and dance shows, as well as living history demonstrations throughout the village. A highlight is authentic, full-contact jousting by internationally recognized jousting professionals. Visitors will enjoy unique shopping and a bounty of delicious food and drink. There are games and events for all ages.

El Chorro Regional Park is located off Highway 1, across from Cuesta College, between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Parking is at Cuesta College and is $1.00 per car, with a free shuttle bus to the festival entrance. Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM until 5 PM on Sunday. Adult tickets are $15. Seniors and ages 6-15 are $10; under age 6 are free. A 2-day adult pass is $25. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are welcomed. No pets are allowed. A $1 discount coupon is available at
CCRenFaire.com. Call 1-800-688-1477 for more information.

Mento Buru / DJ Mikey LIVE at B-Ryders!

LIVE AT

7701 White Ln. / (661) 397-6709
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH!
9PM! FREE! 21 & OVER!
THE FUNKYREGGAEMAMBOSKAJAZZERS!
MENTO BURU!!!

AND SPINNING AT THE BREAKS!
BAKO'S MOST INVENTIVE....THE ONE AND ONLY!

DJ MIKEY!
YOU CAN'T BEAT THIS LINE-UP!
IF YOU DON'T DANCE TO THIS,
YOU DON'T DON'T DANCE!
WILL PACK-OUT!
GET THERE EARLY!
YEAAAAHHHHH!!!

Renaissance Festival Returns To San Luis Obispo On July 19 & 20

San Luis Obispo's popular Central Coast Renaissance Festival makes its 24th annual appearance in El Chorro Regional Park on July 19 and 20, 2008. The public is invited to join the celebration. Costumes are not required.

Over 800 costumed participants will bring the colorful English village of Donneybrooke to life with shops and stages featuring continuous comedy, juggling, music and dance shows, as well as living history demonstrations throughout the village. A highlight is authentic, full-contact jousting by internationally recognized jousting professionals. Visitors will enjoy unique shopping and a bounty of delicious food and drink. There are games and events for all ages.

El Chorro Regional Park is located off Highway 1, across from Cuesta College, between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Parking is at Cuesta College and is $1.00 per car, with a free shuttle bus to the festival entrance. Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM until 5 PM on Sunday. Adult tickets are $15. Seniors and ages 6-15 are $10; under age 6 are free. A 2-day adult pass is $25. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are welcomed. No pets are allowed. A $1 discount coupon is available at http://CCRenFaire.com.

Karaoke Showdown @ the Rocket Shop Cafe

The Rocket Shop Cafe is hosting week 2 of the Karaoke Showdown. Karaoke & karaoke contest for all ages starting at 8:30pm and going til closing. No cover charge.

Dog Splash Days - Shandon

Dog owners can bring their dogs for a swim at the end of the swim season at Shandon Community Pool. $10 donation admission is requested. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. Swim sessions are limited to 45 minutes and are schedule at the beginning of each hour. 10 am swim time is limited to dogs under 25 pounds. Dogs only are allowed in pool. Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations and details, visit www.parks4pups.org

Camp Blue Jay Session II

Camp Blue Jay is a residential camp in Tehachapi Mt. Park for children with disabilities. Session II is for children ages 14 to 17. Call the Society for Disabled Children for more information.

Communication and Supervision - A 3 Part Series

Studies show that at least 80% of a supervisor’s waking hours are spent in verbal communication,

and most supervisors indicate that poor communication is their biggest problem.

KDG Human Resource Solutions presents:

Communication and Supervision

a 3-part series

Tuesday, July 22, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Tuesday, August 5, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Tuesday, August 19, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

This 3-part series provides practical tips that can be immediately implemented to improve communication in every aspect of the participants’ lives by exploring:

what it means to communicate
why it’s difficult to communicate
communication styles and how they positively and negatively impact our communication with others
how to communicate more effectively while sending and receiving messages
the role of communication in supervision

Facilitated by Robin Paggi, SPHR-CA. Robin has a master’s degree in Communication Studies and has taught communication college classes and training workshops for over 15 years.

The fee for the series is $270 per person. Please visit our website at www.kdghrsolutions.com for more information.

Learn to Meditate!

The Bakersfield Meditation Society offers Free classes in meditation, relaxation, and personal and professional development. Beginners are always welcome! Meditation is a process of quieting your thoughts and reaching higher and happier states of mind. Meditation instruction and a short meditation are included in each class. Classes are held at the Greenacres Community Center from 7-8 pm.

FREE Meditation Music CD! (while supplies last)

Jazz Guitar at the Nile - July 22 - Do NOT Miss This!!!

Come on down to The Nile and find out what jazz enthusiasts throughout Bakersfield, the San Joaquin Valley, and everywhere have been raving about! It’s cool, it’s exciting, it’s sublime. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Jazz in Bakersfield? You bet!!!!

Bakersfield Jazz Workshop @ The Nile Bar & Grill

1721 19^th St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Hear It! Learn it! Play it!

Schedule of Events (free admission, donations accepted):

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Beginning Level Jazz Improv Class

Bring your own music stand and a Real / Fake book.

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Featured Guest Artist:

The Paul Cierly / Pat O'Connell Guitar Duo

(two of the area's finest jazz guitarists, on stage together!!!)

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Open Jazz Jam Session

For intermediate, advanced, and professionals. Please bring a Real / Fake book and vocal charts in your keys.

Want to learn more about the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop? Watch Steve Eisen, founder/director/CEO of the BJW explain what it's all about at this link:

BJW Myspace Video

For more info:

www.bakersfieldjazzworkshop.com

www.myspace.com/bakersfieldjazzworkshop

or call (661)444-0853

Lunch and Learn - Deciphering Leaves of Absence

KDG Human Resource Solutions is hosting a monthly lunch program designed to provide continuing education on timely HR management issues.

The topic for this seminar is "Deciphering Leaves of Absence" and will provide information on how to manage the many leaves of absence, and is perfect for HR professionals, office managers, and payroll administrators:

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Fee: $ 10 per person. Lunch is included in this fee.
Location: KDG Training Room, 4550 California Ave., Bakersfield
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call Brandi Gray at 661.328.5291 or e-mail bgray@kdghrsolutions.com
More Information: Call Brandi Gray at 661.328.5291 or e-mail bgray@kdghrsolutions.com

The Center For Inquiry Discussion Group of Kern County

The Center For Inquiry Group of Kern County will be holding a meeting at Lorene's Coffee Shop at 6401 Ming Avenue on Wednesday, July 23 at 7pm. The group promotes and defends science, reason and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor. It is associated with the transnational Center for Inquiry.

Back to School Uniform Drive

Catholic Charities / Community Action Partnership and KGET 17 are sponsoring a School Uniform Drive. Bring white or navy Polo shirts and tan or navy pants, skirts or shorts to the "Drive Thru" at the Weil Institue Parking lot on July 23rd. Cash donations will also accepted. Catholic Charities will provide your tax donation receipt. More than 30 city school require school uniforms, yet many are in areas with high poverty rates. Help make a child "fit in" by "fitting out" a child in a new school uniform. Donations will also be accepted anytime now through August 1st at Catholic Charities, 525 18th Street.

Karaoke at Black Angus Steakhouse

"BREAK AWAY WEDNESDAY"

Black Angus Steakhouse 3601 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield CA 93308

HAPPY HOUR 3 pm - midnight

KARAOKE 9PM - midnight

Karaoke at Black Angus Steakhouse

"TAKE A BREAK WEDNESDAY"

Happy Hour 3 pm - midnight

Karaoke 9 pm - midnight

Karaoke at BLACK ANGUS Steakhouse

TAKE A BREAK WEDNESDAY

BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE

Happy Hour 3 pm - midnight

Karaoke 9 pm - midnight

Free Training and Counseling Workshop

Presented by Caltrans-Small Business Development Partnership, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Goodwill Industries, 1731 Chester Ave. Open to small business owners or those interested in how to work public contracts. Details, 747-1465.

Elevation 406 Live at Amigo's

Another rockin' night at Amigo's on District and Gosford, when Elevation 406 takes the stage. If you love to rock and meet good looking people, then come out early for a seat while these guys bring down the house with cover tunes by your favorite artists!!!

Mile 124- THIS FRIDAY!

WHAT: mile 124. Basically, a kick back coffee house night with alot of amazing people. The purpose of the night is to be a "catalyst for expression and reflection pointing to God!"

I am going UP and I have a lot of greattt stuff to tell!

If you can't make it, it will be webcast at lifejourneychurch.tv.

This Mile 124 is ran excellantly & mostly by Teenagers! [me tooo] WOOT! There are art tables! Coffee! and goodiess :)
There will be a band called the Boasting Weak :) and a local artist Tim Kirkindoll who will be set up ready to paint whatever God gives him!

Art supplies, baked goods, coffee and drinks are all available at no cost.

All ages and people welcome!
Childcare is offered free of charge for children 12 and under :))

It's a grip of fun! Come to worship and enjoy the fellowship! and bring everyone and anyone you want!<3

Save Time, Gas and $$$ - Take your Notary Class HERE in Bakersfield

Save Time, $$$ and GAS! Take your required 6-hour Notary Public class HERE in Bakersfield. Small class size limited to ONLY 20 Students - So register early! This 1-day class will teach you all of the Notary laws but also the "Real World" Notary skills that you will need in your profession, including Fraud Detection & Prevention.

The Class includes: Your Workbook & Reference Guide, State Notary Handbook, the NEW 2008 Notarial forms: Acknowledgments, Jurats and Copy Certification by Document Custodian AND Continental Breakfast and Lunch.

As a benefit of taking your class with AV Notary Network, YOU WILL SAVE OVER $300 on your required Notary Bond and 4-year $100,000 Errors & Omissions Insurance, which protects you!

The required Live Scan for State & FBI background checks and your color Application Photo will be offered prior to class at 7:30 am for your convenience to save you time & money .

To register for class, please visit our website at www.avnotary.com . Please feel free to call me for more information.

Brigadoon

On Stage NOW at Stars! One of the most intriguing and delightful aspects of a musical show is its ability to open up a whole new world to both its audience and cast. The show that does this better than any other is BRIGADOON. This is a Scottish fantasy about a town that disappears into the Highland mist and returns for only one day every one hundred years. It includes Waitin' for My Dearie, I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean, Come to Me, Bend to Me, Almost Like Being in Love, There But for You Go I, The Heather on the Hill and My Mother's Weddin' Day.

This is a tribute to simplicity, true love and goodness, which is hidden from the ordinary traveler

Twilight at CALM features free ice cream — July 26

What could be better than free admission to the zoo and complimentary ice cream? That’s exactly what is in store for children, ages 3-17, who visit Twilight at CALM (located between Lake Ming and Hart Park), July 26, from 5:30-8 p.m.

As a way of contributing to the community, La Rosa Fruit Bars & Ice Cream, Inc. will be giving away free ice cream to all the children who attend the California Living Museum that evening.

Visitors will also be treated to a wildlife presentation and a scavenger hunt for the kids. The Central California Children’s Railroad will be running with tickets priced at only $1 per person.

CALM has cared for animals that have been injured or otherwise cannot survive in their native environment for 25 years. For information, call 661-872-2256 or visit the Web site at http://www.calmzoo.org.

Exciting changes at CALM

Weekends at the California Living Museum (CALM) just got more exciting. Wildlife presentations are now scheduled four times on Saturdays (including Twilight at CALM) and three times on Sundays. CALM Animal Keepers focus on mammals, birds of prey or reptiles during individual presentations, providing visitors with up close and personal experiences with the animals.

During Twilight at CALM on Saturdays, the Curator of Animals conducts a lively, hour-long show introducing visitors to a large variety of animals ranging from tarantulas to baby skunks. Presentations are entertaining, and everyone leaves a little more knowledgeable about the wildlife around them.

The Central California Children’s Railroad is on track for rides Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; during Twilight at CALM, and Sundays 1-4 p.m. This is not a kiddie train ride — adults enjoy it as much as children. Tracks run east of the zoo and during the eight minute ride passengers get a great view of the Kern River with frequent glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. Train tickets are only $1.

CALM is located at 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway (between Lake Ming and Hart Park). For more information, call 661-872-2256 or visit our Web site at http://www.calmzoo.org.

Avant-Garde at Narducci's

RaisingBakersfield.com's Preschool and Activity Fair

Meet representatives from local preschools, daycares, and activity providers all in one place, at the Riverview Park gymnasium, for free!

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2008

Refreshments provided.

Brought to you by RaisingBakersfield.com, the online resource for local parents.

Mobile Blood Drive at SAVORY SOLUTIONS

Savory Solutions is Bakersfield's premier make-ahead meal kitchen. We do the shopping, chopping and prep work for you to quickly prepare your family meals. You come to our kitchen to make the mess and we'll clean it up for you!

On Saturday, July 26th we are hosting a Mobile Blood Drive through Houchin Blood Bank. Anyone who donates blood and orders at least 6 meals from Savory Solutions will receive a free dessert with their order!

Appointments are required: please e-mail savorysolutions@bak.rr.com or call 836-FOOD (3663).

General questions about Savory Solutions can be answered at www.savorysolutions.com.

Mobile Blood Drive at Savory Solutions

Appointments are required: please e-mail savorysolutions@bak.rr.com or call 836-FOOD (3663).

General questions about Savory Solutions can be answered at www.savorysolutions.com.

Please keep this donor requirements in mind:

* Must be 17 years old and bring a photo ID. * Must EAT A MEAL within 3 hours prior to donating. * Drink FLUIDS and AVOID CAFFEINE before and after donating! * FREE from all cold, flu, cold sores, or symptoms of infection, and be off antibiotics for 3 DAYS. * Know the names of medications you are taking; most are acceptable. * Must wait 12 MONTHS after a tattoo or body piercing.

The Shenandoah Spy BOOK SIGNING

Francis Hamit will sign and speak about and possibly read from THE SHENANDOAH SPY, his exciting new novel about Confederate Army spy and scout Belle Boyd. Belle was a 17-year-old girl in Martinsburg, Virginia in July 1861 when she shot a Union Army soldier who invaded her home and assaulted her mother. She was aquitted on justifiable homicide. Her passionat advocacy for the South led her to become a Confederate Army nurse, courier, scout and spy. As a spy she worked mostly from her uncle's hotel in Front Royal which had been taken over by the Union Army as its headquarters. Her affair with a Union staff officer allowed her to discover Union Army plans to trap Stonewall Jackson's Army. She made a 15-mile ride in the dead of night to find and alert Colonel Turner Ashby of the 7th Virginia Cavalry to the plan. A few days later, at the Battle of Front Royal, she ran across the battlefield under fire to deliver further intelligence to Stonewall Jackson. For this and other deeds she became the first woman in American history to be formally commissioned an army officer. Although this narrative is presented as fiction, it is based upon real people and events and provides insights not just into the early Civil War, but also military intelligence operations and the way that guerrilla armies operate.

Mr. Hamit is a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop who once served in Military Intelligence. He lives in Kern County. The book is a trade paperback at $18.95 and is available at Russo's Books and other fine book stores.