Clubs/Support Groups: Bakersfield.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.

CALIFORNIA GWRRA DISTRICT RALLY

Gold Wing Road Riders Association
California District
Public Relations Coordinator
Larry & Donna Pickens
2564 West Norberry St.
Lancaster CA. 93536
E-Mail: res0r1sy@verizon.net
Home Ph: 661-726-5145 Cell Ph: 661-547-3166 or 547-2733

Gold Wing Motorcycle Rally in Bakersfield California

Region F, California District of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association will hold their 2008 “Rally of Stars” District Rally on August 29th through the 31th in Bakersfield. The Host for stage screen and acting will be on the set of The Double Tree Hotel on Rosedale Hwy in Bakersfield where hundreds of Gold Wingers will converge for this three day event.
All interested individuals are welcome to attend this rally or just come by and see what we are presenting. The activities will include Riders Education, Vendors, Skills Games, First Aid/CPR, Bike Show, California District Couple of the Year Competition, Maintenance Seminar, Talent Show and more.

Bike Night

Bike Night is every Tuesday, 7 pm, at Leo's Burgers! Check out bakoboyz.com for more info!

Heart Rhythm Meditation Workshop

Interested in learning how to become more in touch with your body and spirit?

Come to the Beginning Workshop on Heart Rhythm Meditation for Physical Heart Health hosted by Jeanie Underwood.

Jeanie says, “Heart Rhythm Meditation develops a strong heart. By meditating with the heart as the focus, dramatic results in health, relationships, and accomplishments can be experienced. In this class, a practical method for heart development will be taught. Participants will learn to coordinate the body’s internal rhythm, producing entrainment of the heart, breath, and brain waves.”

This class will be given at the Unitarian Universalist church on Saturday, September 6, from 9:00 AM – Noon. The cost is $50.00 and all proceeds will be donated to our fellowship.

To enroll or for more information, contact Jeanie at 303-3239. Sign ups are requested by August 31.

CVAAS.ORG's Heretic's Barbecue

A Heretic's Barbecue or Secular, Human Skeptics, Agnostics & Atheists, Yes and any other Human Beings with enough Courage to enjoy Fun, Food , a Sport and Entertainment.

Heretic's Barbecue

Do you cherish science and rational thinking? Would you like to meet with others who share your secular values? Then join us for a freethinking event, located right here in the California Central Valley.

The Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics proudly presents the
First Annual Heretics Barbecue!

Rational thinkers, skeptics, secular people of all types, and friends and supporters AND their families are all welcome at this event. Come and enjoy as Atheists, Skeptics, Agnostics, Humanists, Secular Humanists and Freethinkers of all types gather for an afternoon. And bring one or more new or used books, CDs or DVDs to donate to the secular / skeptical book auction!

Menu:
Tri-tip sandwiches, rice pilaf, salad. Drinks provided include iced-tea, sports drinks and bottled water. Vegetarian burgers will also be available.

Admission price:
$10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under.

For more information and to purchase admission, see the advertisement on the Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics website.

Bike Night!

Bike Night is every Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Leo's Burgers! Check out bakoboyz.com for more info!

12th Annual SHRM Symposium & Expo: HR Is So Much More

The 12^th Annual SHRM Symposium & Expo will address many of the responsibilities that business owners and HR professionals juggle every day. As the HR profession progresses the juggling becomes more involved. To assist with these added responsibilities, we will provide you with current information from national speakers and local experts on a range of critical topics, from background checks and internet searches, to safety and security issues, to handling harassment complaints. That’s not all! Let’s add a little fun to the workplace with tips from Craig Zablocki.

East Bakersfield High School Class of 1988 20 year Reunion

Proposition 8 Benefit

The NCLR's Executive Director, Kate Kendell will be the featured speaker at a benefit to defeat Prop 8 on Sunday, October 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.

This educational benefit will explain why Prop 8 must be defeated. If one group of people are denied their civil liberties by chaning the constitution, then no one is safe.

Local ministers, Rev. Chuck Cournyea and Rev. Byrd Tetziaff, as well as several community advocates for human rights will be on hand to answer any questions.

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.

Bike Night!

Bike Night is every Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Leo's Burgers! Check out bakoboyz.com for more info!

Panic Tuesday's

$1 Beers $2 Shots

Dj's spinning 80's and New Wave all night!

@ The Element Lounge 21+ 8pm-2am

FREE!!!!!!!

Celebrate National Disability Employer Awareness Month

The Talent Knows No Limits Job Fair is a terrific opportunity for employers to showcase current job openings and meet job-ready candidates. Employers can sign up for free by downloading a registration form from www.hire-us.net. Click on the Important Dates page and download the Talent Knows No Limtis Job Faire Registration Form.

Bike Night!

Bike Night is every Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Leo's Burgers! Check out bakoboyz.com for more info!

Chevrolets Limited of Bakersfield

Chevrolets Limited of Bakersfield will host it's 29th annual Car Show and Fun Day on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Kern River Golf Course picnic area. All vehicles are welcome with 18 classes and 3 trophies awarded in each category. There will be children, adult, and super raffles as well as a 50/50 raffle. The Bakersfield Firefighter Burn Foundation will have a BBQ tri-tip lunch for purchase. Games for all ages and a slo-drag competition will be held. Pre-registration is $25.00 if received before October 1st. after October 1st, registration is $30.00 with sign in from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information call Homer Walker at (661) 324-3745 or Ralph renz at (661) 832-5625.

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. The next class is on Tuesday, November 18th.

Free Meditation Music CD! (supplies limited)

McFarland High 1993 15 year class Reunioun

McFarland High Class of 1993 will be holding its 15th year reunion picnic at Centennial Park October 25th from 12-4pm. You can visit Classmates.com for more information and to rsvp.

Candlelight Vigil

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL TO

HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE FACED

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC) will be hosting the Remembrance Candlelight Vigil Monday, November 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm on the lawn of the Olive Drive Church 5500 Olive Drive, Bakersfield CA.

This very special and heartfelt event will honor both caregivers and those individual’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Our plans for this outdoor luminary event include: Master of Ceremonies Katie Harlen of KGET Channel 17 who will share this event with our main speakers Channel 29 Anchorman Jeff Lumuchii and Gladys Zobel Director of Family Services ADAKC. We will also be presenting a touching musical remembrance slide show and candle lighting ceremony followed by an Open House at the ADAKC Day Care Center.

With a $15 donation anyone wishing to participate will receive a luminary with their loved ones name (in honor or in memory of) and may also include a photo and caption to be displayed in the outdoors slideshow.

“With approximately 10,000 individuals diagnosed with this disease in Kern County.

Our hope is to raise community awareness about this divesting disease and the services we provided for caregivers. The Adult Day Care Center offers guilt free relief for caregivers who need a break for their own well-being. Often times the caregivers pass long before their loved ones from their own self-neglect. This is a wonderful way to remember and to honor the love we all have shared with those family members and friends who have been affected. We anticipate a great turn out for this event. ” explains Kate Eucce Chief Executive Office of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County. “

Kern County families struggle daily to cope with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders; the candlelight vigil is not only for those who have had a loved one pass from Alzheimer’s Disease, but for anyone at all who has been impacted.

For more information call (661) 393-8871

No one should face Alzheimer’s alone!

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Come join us at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on A St. for our monthly meeting. Bring a project or just come and lend a hand. No experience is necessary. All are welcome.

NEED FOR FEED FOOD DRIVER AND POKER RUN

1ST ANNUAL NEED FOR FEED FOOD DRIVER AND POKER RUN

PROCEEDS TO THE GLEANERS

LIVE MUSIC

FREE! Knitting, Crocheting, & Beading Classes

Bead & Yarn Studio

Free Classes!

Knitting Classes every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 1:00 -4:00

Beading/Jewelry making classes Wednesday and Fridays 2:00 - 5:00

These are scheduled classes but if we are not busy at another day and time, we would love to help you with any technique or skill.

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Come join us at Mercy Hospital for our monthly meeting. Bring a project or just come and lend a hand. No experience is necessary. All are welcome.

Fran Tarkenton Small Business Networking Breakfast

FREE JEWELRY MAKING, KNITTING, & CROCHETING CLASSES

Free Classes!

We have the largest inventory in Southern California!

We offer free beading, knitting, and crocheting classes. Bring in a friend and we will teach you.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday

1:00 - 4:00

If we aren't busy we can teach you any technique, any time (not just at the scheduled times, just ask).

There is no other store like ours. Come in and visit us or go to our website at:

www.beadandyarnstudio.com

Make your own Christmas Gifts

Save your money!

Create your own holiday Gifts!

Baby blankets, booties, santa hats, Binnies, scarves, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, purses, rosaries, rings, etc.

Join us for classes!

Everyday classes! We have the largest inventory of yarn & beads in Southern California.

Bead & Yarn Studio 7400 District Blvd

Join the Southern Sierra Council, BSA in Scouting for the Community

Let’s Share Our Blessings and Help Those in Need Through Local Charities!

Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 3pm - 7pm
at the Bakersfield Double Tree Hotel
located at 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

Bring Donations of Food, Clothing, Toys & Sporting Equipment for the following charities:

Golden Empire Gleaners

Bakersfield Rescue Mission

Salvation Army

Valley Achievement Center

CALM

See a complete needs list for each organization at www.sscbsa.org.

Enjoy Appetizers, Desserts, Beverages & Entertainment
Take Part in the Silent Auction/Raffle
Bring Your Children for Child ID Services
Purchase Boy Scout Popcorn for Holiday Gift Giving
Support Local Organizations
Learn how you can help your Community
And More!

For more information please contact the
Southern Sierra Council, BSA at 661-325-9036.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Outreach Event

‘Help Is Here Express’ Bus Tour Comes to Bakersfield

To Help Patients in Need Access Prescription Medicines

BAKERSFIELD, CA (November 26, 2008) – The “Help is Here Express” bus tour will be in Bakersfield, stopping at the Mental Health Department at Kern Linkage to help uninsured and financially-struggling Californians access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) – a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies – raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease in the United States. Patients can also learn about new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

To date, the PPA has helped more than 5 million patients, including more than 316,000 Californians. Since its launch in April 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 2,000 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs. The “Help is Here Express” is staffed by trained specialists able to quickly help uninsured patients in need access information on more than 475 patient assistance programs, including nearly 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. When the “Help is Here Express” moves on, patients can visit PPA’s easy-to-use Web site (www.pparx.org) or call the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) where trained operators field calls in 150 languages.

WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2008

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Mental Health Department at Kern Linkage

2525 N. Chester Avenue

Bakersfield, CA 93308

WHO: Partnership for Prescription Assistance

“With the number of people affected by chronic disease increasing every year, the PPA and its message of hope is now more relevant than ever,” said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

The Milken Institute along with the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (www.fightchronicdisease.org) note there are more than 16.3 million cases of common chronic diseases in California, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, mental disorders, and pulmonary conditions. Those diseases are responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths in the United States, and the Milken Institute research states that more than 1.8 million people have heart disease, 1.5 million are affected by diabetes and 1.1 million suffer from cancer. Innovative medications and treatments – along with improved access to prescription assistance program information through the PPA— may help to reduce the number of deaths caused by chronic disease every year, according to Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. Medicines in development by America’s pharmaceutical research companies include 277 life-saving and life-improving medicines for heart disease and stroke, 750 medicines to treat several types of cancer and 95 medicines for diabetes.

“The PPA is meant to help people who are uninsured and financially-struggling,” added Tauzin, “But for patients in California suffering from chronic disease, it is especially important for them to know that help is here.”

In addition to stopping in Bakersfield on December 5, 2008, the “Help Is Here Express” will bring the Partnership for Prescription Assistance to several other California cities, including San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Fremont, Fresno, and Los Angeles.

For more information, contact: Cynthia Moore at (916) 658-0144 or cynthia@perrycom.com.

###

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Outreach Event

‘Help Is Here Express’ Bus Tour Comes to Bakersfield

To Help Patients in Need Access Prescription Medicines

BAKERSFIELD, CA (November 26, 2008) – The “Help is Here Express” bus tour will be in Bakersfield, stopping at the Mental Health Department at Green Frog Market to help uninsured and financially-struggling Californians access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) – a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies – raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease in the United States. Patients can also learn about new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.

WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2008

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Mental Health Department at Green Frog Market

3715 Columbus Street

Bakersfield, CA 93306

WHO: Partnership for Prescription Assistance

For more information, contact: Cynthia Moore at (916) 658-0144 or cynthia@perrycom.com.

Toys for Tots

Please join us for our Toys for Tots event. Registration is $10 to be donated to our Team participating in the Junior Olympic Nationals this year AND a toy to be donated to Kern County Toys for Tots. We will be projecting our GAMES onto the entire wall. Special Bonus points for dressing in character. Mario Cart will start at 3pm. Rock Band will start at 5pm. Pre-registration is preferred. Registration cuts off after first round of play. Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Please help support a sport which builds confidence, self-esteem, morals, and character.

Thank you.

BEAD & YARN STUDIO HOLIDAY SALE!

Teaching You the Craft!

Free Beading, Knitting, & Crocheting Classses!

Check out our website:

www.beadandyarnstudio@yahoo.com

Ask all the questions you want and learn the craft without a charge. We love to teach you what ever you want to learn.

Create beanies, scarves, blankets,

Create rosaries, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, etc.

We are having a sale! $50 w/ 5% off

75% w/ 10% off, $100 w/ 15% off, and $150.00 w/ 20% off

Bakersfields Aids Project presents An Enchanted Winters Evening

The Bakersfield's Aids Project is hosting its first Enchanted Winters Evening benefit ball for the children of Kern County who have been affected by aids. This black tie event will be held at the Red Lion Inn 2400 Camino Del Rio Court Bakersfield, inside their grand ballroom. There will be hor'dourves, music, dancing, silent auction, door prizes, raffles, and a no host bar. Tickets are $50.00 each. ALL proceeds go to the Bakersfield Aids Project, which is a 100% volunteer free organization. Please help us in helping the children of Kern County this holiday. For tickets or information, please contact: Jennie @ 661-587-1265 or Sean @ 661-900-2327.

Thank you for your help

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Learn to Meditate!

Community Weight Loss Challenge Support Group

NOW IS THE TIME IN 2009 TO LOSE WEIGHT! Join the Community Weight Loss
Challenge Support Group to make this a reality. New local and Online Classes
starting soon. $29 to join and a canned food donation to support our
Partnership Food Bank. Classes meet weekly for 12 weeks. Learn valuable
information on proper nutrition.

The biggest losers (greatest % of body weight lost), win monetary
prizes. Weekly prizes given to celebrate accomplishments. Rules are in place
to maintain consistency, such as gain a pound, pay $1 or fail to weigh in, pay
$5. Join us for lots of fun, accountability and support in reaching your goal.

Local class begins Saturday, Jan 3rd at 10:00am in NE Bakersfield. Can't attend
the local class? Attend from home via the Internet beginning Monday, Jan 5th,
at 6:15pm. For more information and to register, call Sandi Lopez at 283-0830,
or visit www.losepounds-loseinches.com

Bakersfield Bobby Sox

Bakersfield Bobby Sox, a girls softball league will be holding registrations on Saturday Jan.3, 2009 from 11am until 4pm and again on Thursday Jan. 15, 2009 from 5pm until 9pm. Signups will be at Cataldo's Pizzeria on the corner of Stockdale Hwy. and Real Road, for girls ages 4-18. All girls will play-no tryouts. Cost will be $100 for the Mini Sox division and $120 for all other divisions.

Players new to Bobby Sox please bring a copy of your birth certificate.

For more information visit our web site at www.bakersfieldbobbysox.com or call Kathy at 832-1271.

Empowerment: Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops

Workshops provide participants with chronic diseases the knowledge, tools and motivation they need to become proactive in their health. The workshops are two and a half hours, once a week for 6 weeks. Each participant receives their own copy of the companion book Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, 3rd Edition, an audio relaxation CD, Time for Healing and other supportive incentives. Free of charge!

Community Weight Loss Challenge Support Group - Internet Class

NOW IS THE TIME IN 2009 TO LOSE WEIGHT! Join the Online Community Weight Loss Challenge Support Group to make this a reality. New Online Class
starting soon. $29 to join this fantasitc 12 week program. Learn valuable
information on proper nutrition.

The biggest losers (greatest % of body weight lost), win monetary
prizes. Attend weekly from home via the Internet beginning Monday, Jan 5th,
at 6:15pm. For more information and to register, call Sandi Lopez at 283-0830,
or visit www.losepounds-loseinches.com
Interested in attending a local class for live group support and accountability? Local class meets Saturday, beginning Jan 3rd at 10:00am in NE Bakersfield. Class open to join anytime. Call for information. We make losing FUN!

Kern Audubon Society

Kern Audubon Society meeting--Tuesday, January 6th, 2009, 7 p.m., Kern Superintendent of Schools building, 17th and L Streets, Dr. Ted Murphy, professor emeritus of CSUB and renowned San Joaquin Kit Fox expert, will present the evening's program. Learn about our neighbor, the Kit Fox. Everyone is welcome (admission is free) and refreshments will be served. For more information you may call 325-0307 or check www.kernaudubonsociety.org.

How to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

Join Tony Paulson, PhD, Executive Director of Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program, for a free information session and Q&A, "How to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder." January 7, 2009, 12 noon, Doubletree Hotel, Bakersfield.

Donate Gently Used Items to Children & Parents in Reunification

CARENET is collecting gently used and new furniture, which will be distributed to Kern County’s foster children and emancipating foster youth. On Saturday, January 10^th, CARENET staff will be collecting beds, bedding, couches, tables, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and other household necessities. Please bring donations to 1801 Belle Terrace between 8-10AM. Each donor will be provided with a receipt for all donations. Contact Kevin at Covenant Community Services (661/326-8304) for more information.

Covenant Community Services is a faith-based, nonprofit organization serving the public through various social services including: foster care placement, transitional housing, mentoring, mental health and family preservation services. Contact information: http://www.covenantcs.net/ or 661/326-8304.

More about CARENET: CARENET is an outreach program serving children and families by providing resources to insure that a simple resource lack is not a reason for children to remain in an out-of-home placement. CARENET provides goods and services to children and families to build success. CARENET consists of an individual or a group of people in the community who use their talents and resources to help a child and family in need. Plumbers, office workers, retired individuals, families, people with trucks, electricians, business owners, and other friendly people in the community can make a difference in the lives of families. CARENET is a community network designed to build families and enable success. Covenant collects new and gently used household furniture including beds, sofas and dining tables, which are distributed to the families in need. Covenant also recruits people from the community with specific skill sets (i.e. plumbing, electrical) who will volunteer time to assist families in need. The community can help by calling 661-326-8304 to donate items or volunteer time. Donation means so much to families who are desperately trying to heal. With the help of people in our community, CARENET can meet the needs of hurting and hopeless children and families.

Parkinson's Diease Support Group

Parkinson's Diease Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm. Meetings are located at the First Presbyterian Church at 1705 17th Street. Next meeting is Tuesday, January 13th.

Bakersfield Chess Club

The Bakersfield Chess Club will be moving to the East Hills Mall on January 15th. Everyone is welcome to play and learn "The Royal Game". On March 28 - 29th, the Kern County Open Championship will be held at the Clarion Hotel. This tournament is divided into an Open and a Scholastic division. Go to www.bakersfieldchessclub.com for more information.

Active 2030 - Member Recruitment

The Ladies Active 2030, Golden Empire # 1038 is looking for ladies to join us. If you are between the ages of 20 and 39 and have a desire to help local in-need children then join us at Recruitment Night. Come meet us and learn about 2030 and how you can made a difference in a child's life. Hope to see you there!

BJ's, 10750 Stockdale Highway, 6:30 pm on January 15^th.

For more information - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=152291537

Introduction to Yoga Workshop

Our highly qualified instructors will provide you a thorough, fun, well rounded approach to your yoga practice. The Introduction to Yoga Series offers the most substantial foundation for all new students. In just four weeks students will have a strong foundation of the basics of breath, alignment principles and philosophy.

This is a four week workshop with classes on Saturday: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, and 2/7 from 4-5:30pm. During the four weeks of this workshop we encourage you to attend regular classes. One month of classes are free with this workshop.

2009 West Coast Disability Ministry Summit

Joni and Friends International Disability Center

Hosts Annual West Coast Disability Ministry Summit

For World’s Largest Unreached People Group

The disability community will be the focus of a training event held January 23 and 24at The First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, CA. The Joni and Friends Through the Roof Disability Ministry Summit will be addressing the largest under-reached people group in the world. Local pastors, ministry leaders, program staff, Sunday school teachers, workers in disability related fields, as well as individuals and families affected by disability are invited to attend. Hosted by Joni and Friends International Disability Center located in Agoura Hills, CA. The ministry seeks to fulfill “The Luke 14 Mandate” which is a call to the church to reach the 650 million people in the world affected by a disability.

Appealing to churches across the U.S., Joni and Friends Founder Joni Eareckson Tada is scheduled wrap-up the Disability Ministry Summit. The purpose of the Summit and the core of the mission of Joni and Friends is to equip the church to evangelize, embrace and disciple people affected by disabilities. Our goal is to give them the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and to discover, as well as exercise their spiritual gifts of service and leadership within our churches. The Summit will also provide a rich environment for churches, ministry leaders, and workers to network with one another.

Church Relations Director of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center and Summit organizer, Ken Chambers, notes, “The Lord Jesus in Luke Chapter 14:12-24 directs the church to ‘compel’ the poor and disabled to come into his church so that the church “will be full”. He further explained, “In observing hundreds of churches around the United States including Southern CA who have embraced this mandate just the opposite of what people usually think comes to pass. Instead of burdening the church, disability ministry brings new life to the church and opens up a whole new segment of the population who are hungry to know Christ. The church soon learns what II Corinthians 12: 9 and I Corinthians 12:22-24 teaches, that is, as the church embraces physical weakness the Lord Jesus manifests his glory and power and the church is strengthened not overtaxed with more ministry. As Luke 14:14 says the church ‘will be blessed’.”

Dr. Steve Pope, Pastor of Centerpoint Church in Simi Valley noted, “At first I thought we didn’t have the resources to reach out in an intentional way to people and families affected by disability. Now I can’t imagine having a church without ministry to individuals and families affected by disability. Our church has significantly grown in Christ-likeness and in numbers as a direct result of disability ministry. Our apprehensions simply passed away as Joni and Friends provided all we needed to grow in outreach to those affected by disability. We learned that disability ministry really only involved just doing what we were able to do and loving people where they were at. Disability ministry has made my church feel so full.”

Joni and Friend found through a survey conducted by the ministry that 80% of the churches polled indicated that they do not have the knowledge, training, or leadership necessary to launch a disability ministry.

Thirty years ago God placed a call upon Joni Eareckson Tada, herself a quadriplegic, to take the message of redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ to the world’s 650 million disabled people, resulting in the International Christian ministry of Joni and Friends International Disability Center located in Agoura Hills, CA.

For more information and to register for the Joni and Friends Disability Ministry Summit 2007 to be held at The First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, located at 3700 East Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, Ca on October 26 – 28, log onto www.joniandfriends.org and click on “Through the Roof West Coast Disability Ministry Summit” in the “What’s New” box or call Joni and Friends at 818.707.5664.

Looking for a New Hobby! Trying to get out of the house for a while!

Bead & Yarn Studio Presents

Free Knitting, Crocheting, & Beading Class

Tuesday - Saturday 12-5

LQ's and BPAL presents a Boxing Exhibition Event

LQ’s Performing Arts Center is partnering with the Bakersfield Police Activities League to host a Boxing Exhibition Event on January 24, at 7 p.m. @ LQ’s Performing Arts Center (1300 19^th Street). Admission is $10 per person. Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, January 2, 2009.

This first-time collaboration between the PAL and LQ’s will showcase the boxing abilities of the youth in Kern County. All monies raised will go towards “Saving LQ’s” for the year 2009. Both the LQ’s Performing Arts Center and the Bakersfield Police Activities League are programs designed to help improve the lifestyles of the Kern County youth. However, at this time, LQ’s Performing Arts Center is the program in danger of having to close its doors to the community. So, the PAL Center has offered to do all possible in the effort of saving LQ’s for 2009.

PathPoint Job Club

Date: Wednesday, January 28th

Time: 3:30 pm

Price: Free!

Contact: 661-617-6170

If you’re an employer looking for talented applicants, or a person with disabilities, looking to match your talents with a job, visit the PathPoint Job Club

The next PathPoint Job Club meets at PathPoint on Wednesday, January 28th at 3:30pm. Bring your talent and join the club.

The HIRE Committee, a public-private partnership, brings together the monthly PathPoint Job Club meetings the last Wednesday of every month. For more information call 661-617-6170. Or visit, www.hire-us.net.

Clubs/Support Groups: Bakersfield.com

The Center For Inquiry Discussion Group of Kern County

CALIFORNIA GWRRA DISTRICT RALLY

Bike Night

Heart Rhythm Meditation Workshop

CVAAS.ORG's Heretic's Barbecue

Heretic's Barbecue

Bike Night!

12th Annual SHRM Symposium & Expo: HR Is So Much More

East Bakersfield High School Class of 1988 20 year Reunion

Proposition 8 Benefit

Learn to Meditate!

Bike Night!

Panic Tuesday's

Celebrate National Disability Employer Awareness Month

Bike Night!

Chevrolets Limited of Bakersfield

Learn to Meditate!

McFarland High 1993 15 year class Reunioun

Candlelight Vigil

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

NEED FOR FEED FOOD DRIVER AND POKER RUN

FREE! Knitting, Crocheting, & Beading Classes

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Fran Tarkenton Small Business Networking Breakfast

FREE JEWELRY MAKING, KNITTING, & CROCHETING CLASSES

Make your own Christmas Gifts

Join the Southern Sierra Council, BSA in Scouting for the Community

Let’s Share Our Blessings and Help Those in Need Through Local Charities!

Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 3pm - 7pm at the Bakersfield Double Tree Hotel located at 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

Bring Donations of Food, Clothing, Toys & Sporting Equipment for the following charities:

Golden Empire Gleaners

Bakersfield Rescue Mission Salvation Army Valley Achievement Center CALM

See a complete needs list for each organization at www.sscbsa.org.

Enjoy Appetizers, Desserts, Beverages & Entertainment

Take Part in the Silent Auction/Raffle

Bring Your Children for Child ID Services

Purchase Boy Scout Popcorn for Holiday Gift Giving

Support Local Organizations

Learn how you can help your Community

And More!

For more information please contact the Southern Sierra Council, BSA at 661-325-9036.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Outreach Event

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Outreach Event

Toys for Tots

BEAD & YARN STUDIO HOLIDAY SALE!

Bakersfields Aids Project presents An Enchanted Winters Evening

Project Linus Make a Blanket Meeting

Learn to Meditate!

Community Weight Loss Challenge Support Group

Bakersfield Bobby Sox

Empowerment: Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops

Community Weight Loss Challenge Support Group - Internet Class

Kern Audubon Society

How to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

Donate Gently Used Items to Children & Parents in Reunification

Parkinson's Diease Support Group

Bakersfield Chess Club

Active 2030 - Member Recruitment

Introduction to Yoga Workshop

2009 West Coast Disability Ministry Summit

Looking for a New Hobby! Trying to get out of the house for a while!

LQ's and BPAL presents a Boxing Exhibition Event

PathPoint Job Club

Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 3pm - 7pm
at the Bakersfield Double Tree Hotel
located at 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

Bakersfield Rescue Mission

Salvation Army

Valley Achievement Center

CALM

For more information please contact the
Southern Sierra Council, BSA at 661-325-9036.