User Posts : The Northwest Voice

Jam Announce Unprecedented ’23 For Free’ Offer To Families

Owners of California NBADL Team Placing Family Time Above Bottom Line With Swish’s Kids Club

(Bakersfield, Calif., October 13, 2008) – The Bakersfield Jam, proud affiliate of the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, announced today that they will be offering the families of Kern County an opportunity to bring their kids to 23 home games at no charge and hang out with Jam mascot Swish!

In an unprecedented and proactive initiative, Jam Majority owner Stan Ellis and Managing General Partner David Higdon continue on their path of providing the highest level of professional sports in the Southern San Joaquin valley at the lowest prices possible.

The Jam is asking parents to bring their children to the first Jam home game on December 6th, and in doing so their kids will automatically become members of Swish’s Kids Club, enjoying the remaining 23 home games for free.

Parents or a supervising adult will be required to purchase 1 ticket in any section (excluding court side) and bring three kids with them. Two adults can bring six kids with them, with the maximum being three adults with nine kids. Swish’s Kids Club members will also receive an official Swish Welcome Package. The age limit is 12 years and under.

In recognizing the economic climate and its effects on family time, Ellis and Higdon didn’t hesitate to embrace the ‘plays together-stays together’ philosophy while planning the ’23 For Free’ campaign. Ellis states, “With the current economic crisis that our country is experiencing we know that it can be extremely difficult for families to afford quality entertainment options. The Bakersfield Jam is all about the community, and I want Kern County families to know that they can experience the valley’s highest level of professional sports without having to worry about inflated prices.”

Entering into their third season in the NBADL, the Bakersfield organization has reached out to the community before with financial relief for family entertainment. In January Ellis and Higdon reduced ticket prices for the remainder of the 2007-08 season, including 1$ upper-bowl seats for military personnel and college students. Ellis adds, “For thousands of kids across Kern County to be able to watch currently-signed NBA players and future stars right here in Bakersfield; for free! This is something that I am truly proud of.”

For comprehensive details on the ’23 For Free’ offer please visit www.bakersfieldjam.com and click on the SPOTLIGHT/Swish’s Kids Club tab.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Bakersfield JAM featured in popular video game for the first time

All 14 Teams Represented in Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Popular NBA 09 The Inside Videogame

For the first time, the NBA Development League’s 14 teams will be featured in Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (SCEA) NBA 09 The Inside videogame, it was announced today. The game, which will be available October 7 in retail stores nationwide on the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), and PlayStation®2 systems, will give fans the chance to experience the journeys of players who seek to transition from the NBA D-League to the biggest stage of the NBA.

As part of NBA 09 The Inside’s new PS3 feature, “The Life,” fans will have an unprecedented experience to actually control the on- and off-the-court journeys of three players in their quest to go from the NBA D-League to the NBA. Game players can also take part in the annual NBA D-League Showcase, All-Star Game, and Playoffs and Finals. Additional interactive elements allow game players the option to select any NBA or NBA D-League team to compete against one another in a Quickmatch exhibition game.

“We are always searching for new and improved ways to connect with our fans through unprecedented access and authentic D-League experiences. This game accomplishes that goal,” said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. “By allowing our passionate fans to virtually live the D-League life, we hope they will feel closer to our players than ever before and better understand the amazing journey of all NBA prospects.”

NBA 09 The Inside provides fans with an unparalleled, comprehensive basketball game experience including character customization, unique game play modes and true-to-life NBA action in full high definition. The NBA D-League will also have a presence throughout SCEA NBA 09 The Inside media platform including national TV advertisements.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PLAYSTATION®Network and PLAYSTATION®Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Northwest Voice newsletter & deadline info.

Hello again, Northwest neighbors!

First, I have an announcement. Many of you are expecting to see our special "Senior Citizen" issue this week. However, due to an unexpected production change, we have postponed that wonderful issue until November. We had SO many great contributions and photos, though, that it is definitely worth the wait!

Now, I know you are just getting your new Northwest Voice out of the racks or out of the mailbox, but I am already thinking of the next issue! Here is your regular reminder email for the next great Northwest Voice! This is the info:

All submissions for the 10/22 issue are due by:

Tuesday, October 14th at 6 p.m.

What are we looking for? Politics! It's everywhere you look or listen: on the news, on the radio, in The Bakersfield Californian. Now, it's YOUR turn, Northwest Bakersfield, to share how you feel about politics! You can write about:

The political process
American now vs. America when you were growing up, as it relates to politics
Voting booths, polling places
Elementary school, junior high, and high school student council races
Who was your favorite U.S. President and why?
What do you think of campaign ads?
Are you an active participant in the political process or just barely show up to vote? Why?
Do you know a teenager who is voting for the first time? Let's hear from him/her!
Are there any pros or cons to voting by mail?
California voters must register 15 days prior to an election in which they plan to vote. Is this a good mandate? Tell us!
Do California votes count in the presidential race?
Should the age to vote change? Why or why not?

As you see, there are plenty of topics on which to write! But in keeping with The Northwest Voice's tradition of upbeat and positive local stories, let's leave the partisan chatter to other publications, and please submit articles that everyone can enjoy!

Now ... have you SEEN the new issue?? Well, "LOOK!"

Northwest Voice reader and beloved retired teacher from Standard Middle School, Gayle Steele, writes this week's cover story on a local chapter of The Red Hat Society.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Look at our extensive calendar of events.
Talladega Frights is up and running and has had RAVE reviews! See how two Northwest Voice couples were treated to a VIP night at the "haunt" -- then read local reaction in our Northwest Voice blogs.
The intersection at Rosedale & Calloway has a bear of a turn lane, and one contributor is fighting back!

Thank you to everyone who attended our first ever Health & Fitness Family Fun Day at Liberty Park on Sunday. Special thanks also goes to our amazing sponsors of the event:

NOR Recreation and Park District, Terrio Therapy - Fitness, Bakersfield Jazzercise, Dr. Kyle Mortensen--dentist extraordinaire, KGFM 101.5, Costco, Bakersfield Adventure Women's Boot Camp, Order of the Dragon, Raising Bakersfield, National Health Services, 24-Hour Fitness, Tatsuno Chiropractic, University of La Verne, Fit for Life, BeautiContol, Nu Skin Enterprise, Kern Central Credit Union, Links for Life, Interim Healthcare... THANK YOU! We are already looking forward to NEXT year's fair! If you have a business interested in participating, please feel free to contact our sales department at 661-716-8642.

That's all for this week! And don't forget--if you know people interested in submitting something, have them log on to www.northwestvoice.com and become a Web site user today!

All good things,

Dana

No Child Left Behind? Is there really such a thing?

I will be the first to admit I’m generally negative by nature. I don’t care for this part of my personality, and I continually try to change it but many times to know avail. I’m sure this article will come across negative to many of you in Bako land. However, this is an article that is one that needed to be written and addressed a long time ago. Actually, it is one that I hope someone in the California government reads and gets a little perturbed by, because I myself as a California educator am very much perturbed.

The problem in education, too many people are afraid to step on toes!! Well, put your steel-toed boots on, because there is getting ready to be some stepping!

Recently, I was talking with a friend, also a teacher, and she informed me that the curriculum specialist along with one of the District board members would be visiting the underpaid teachers and the overcrowded classrooms. They were also updated on the fact that they all needed to be following adopted pacing guides that were determined for each of the grade levels.

Does this raise any red flags in anyone else’s mind? Or am I the only one wondering, what in the world is going on with California education?

Did anyone, especially those in administrative offices, ever think that there just might be a student or two or maybe even the whole class that didn’t get the new concept taught the day before?   Did anyone also ever think that just maybe a lesson my need to be retaught for future foundational understanding?   I might just be going out on a limb here and some may be thinking I might be a little crazy, but I myself sometimes take a few encounters with new material to fully grasp what is being taught to me and I’m a clear California credentialed, highly tested, highly educated individual. And I know it might surprise you all, but back in the day when I was in school, there was no CHILD LEFT BEHIND, and many of us seemed to do OK!!

No Child Left Behind? Or Children that don’t get it the first time left behind? What about those students that get straight Fs and are pushed through to the next grade? Because………No Child Left Behind!! Who really is being left behind?

We are told multiple times at inservices and by administration to do small group pull back and reteach for those that don’t master or understand a skill, but with what time? We are expected to hit so many standards that it leaves us little time for reteach. However, I do work with many teachers that do small group reteach, but do you know when that happens? Before school, during breaks (recesses), lunch time, and after school, might I add without pay. How many of you would be willing to miss your 15 minute break and lunch break to teach a coworker everyday just so they won’t be left behind?

When do we finally say enough is enough and this New Education thing “No Child Left Behind” is not working? I’ve heard the educational pendulum always swings back and forth. Oh, how I’m waiting for the swing of the pendulum where a credentialed highly qualified California educator can actually teach and students can actually build a foundation of learning for future educational endeavors without the state mandating every little aspect of education.

Because sadly it is the children that suffer and many of my students get to me, I teach upper elementary, and I spend the first quarter on what should have been mastered and retained the previous years many times on basic concepts. Of no fault to the early grade teachers, I know you all are doing an amazing job with what the State of California makes you responsible for. But there is so much to cover in so little time.

I have heard these sayings many times while playing sports, “If it’s not broke………don’t fix it.” and “Just get back to the basics.” Hmmmmmm just maybe, that might be an idea for the California State government.

Or maybe not. They’re too busy cutting educational spending, funding illegal alien programs, paying themselves too much while teachers, after the hours they work, make less than minimum wage.

If we initiate the adherence to pacing guides for California teachers so not to leave children behind, then I can absolutely guarantee someone or many are being left behind. Most teachers know their students’ individual strengths and weaknesses and know how to best help their students. Please leave the instructional pacing to the highly educated, dedicated, and qualified teachers that you hired!!

Editor’s note

It’s October! Fall is finally fully upon us, which means that the Northwest’s very own “haunt” is now open for business! Check out the amazing Talladega Frights, then let me know what you think!

My days have been busy! Special shout out to Miss Pate’s & Mr. Kramer’s classes at Almondale Elementary, who invited me to speak about writing. I also spoke to Mrs. Baker’s Bunch at Olive Drive Elementary School, and we talked about the importance of observation as it relates to writing. If your school would like me to visit, just send me an email! I’d be happy to share my love of The Northwest Voice and get kids motivated to become better writers, spellers, and observers!

Also, we are getting a lot of online requests for a free subscription to The Voice, and that’s great! Many of you are checking the box marked “Yes, I’d like to receive the newsletter,” but in order to do that, you’ll need to become a Web site user, too. It’s also free! Just visit: www.northwestvoice.com, and click “Register now.” I will do all the rest.

Some of you might be looking for the highly-anticipated “Senior Citizen” issue that was due to come out this week. We have moved that publication to mid-November. Keep your eye out!

Also in November, the U.S. will select a new President! With that in mind, I am accepting political articles (400 words only) to be included in the next issue. Please submit them via the Web site by Oct. 14 and become a published writer today!

Talladega Frights Night!

The night before the grand opening of the Northwest’s new haunt, Talladega Frights, Northwest Voice editor Dana Martin attended a VIP night and invited a few of our own VIPs. Seated are Dave and Cindy Meek and Debra and Michael Elliott, all contributors and loyal readers of The Northwest Voice. After dinner, they bravely toured the haunt and found it to be fabulous, from the graveyard to the mazes! Mike Wilbur and his staff and actors have created a frightening experience sure to spook people of all ages.

For information on the dates/times Talladega Frights is open, please see: www.TalladegaFrights.com.

Easy chicken for busy retired people (or busy working people or busy anybody!)

What you need
• Six to eight chicken breasts
• A bunch of aluminum foil, torn in pieces about three times the size of the chicken breast.
• A Crock-Pot
• Some great flavoring salt (garlic, Santa Maria Seasoning salt, onion slices, whatever is your favorite)

Directions
Wrap breast tightly in aluminum foil with your favorite seasoning — very tightly wrapped and sealed (pinched shut) then double wrapped. Put 2 inches of water in the bottom of the Crock-Pot. Carefully stack the wrapped chicken breasts in the Crock-Pot. Turn the temperature to high and let the chicken cook for six to eight hours. You have to put it on high because the heat has to penetrate the foil and steam the chicken. When you are ready to eat, steam some vegetables, throw a salad together and call it late lunch or early dinner.

This recipe came from my friend, Anita. She frequently goes to a family mountain home and they toss this in the Crock-Pot as soon as they can and live on it for the weekend. It makes a delicious chicken dinner, chicken salad or, when mixed with barbecue sauce, an absolutely mouth-watering barbecued chicken sandwich, a favorite of my grandson and son-in-law.

Don’t be scared. Cooking it on high for six to eight hours is not going to ruin it. Six is better, but eight is OK. Don’t keep pestering it by opening the lid. You can take one package out with tongs or something and open it carefully (steam will pop out!) and poke it with a fork to make sure it is nice and tender. If it’s done and you’re not ready to eat, put it on low and keep it hot. Store the uneaten pieces in a suitable refrigerator container. Don’t leave it in foil or it might taste like a tin can after it cools.

One of these days I will to try pork chops cooked this way, but it would probably be best to trim most of the fat off. Depending on how thick they are, you might not want to cook them as long. I plan to try it as soon as I can find thick chops at the grocery store. Anita has tried ribs and turkey breast, but she said it wasn’t as good as the individually wrapped chicken breasts.

Bon appetite!

50 and fabulous!

Happy birthday to a group that is not made of preschoolers, but of Lil’ Rascals. This group is not known as the Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, but as the Sisterhood of the Red Hats!

The Red Hat Society is a social organization founded in 1998 for women over 50, based on the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph that depicts an older woman in purple clothing with a red hat. The society’s founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, says that the international phenomenon started on a lark when she impulsively bought a red fedora at a thrift shop.

“The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and élan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together,” writes Cooper on the Red Hat Society’s official Web site.

“Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next,” adds Cooper.

As of October 2006 there were 1.5 million registered members in over 40,000 chapters in the United States and 30 other countries, and new chapters are forming every day.

The women of one local chapter, the Lil’ Rascals, enjoy feelings of belonging. There is a genuine love for one another and gratitude for the awesome friendships they have made. They laugh together, cry together, and celebrate all known (and some unknown) holidays. They are a remarkable family. And they do have fun.

On a Saturday afternoon in April, this group of amazing women celebrated four years together and the beginning of friendships that bring joy to each, regardless of their circumstances. It was a time of visiting, playing games, sharing stories, subtle chuckles, and raucous laughter. The group is comprised of women from varied backgrounds, educational experiences, marital statuses and occupations.

They are only one of 44 chapters of Red Hatters in Bakersfield. Each chapter is led by a Queen Mum, also known as its Leader of the Pack. The members within each chapter adopt new names for themselves, and the Lil’ Rascals are no different. They are Dutchess MacKiwi, Marquessa of Mischief, Mary the Boom Boom Rapper, Divine Diva of Disorder, and Empress of Enthusiasm to name a few. The new name is meant to be indicative of each lady’s sense of humor and a hint at her personality.

The groups have activities that fit the lifestyles of their venerable members: cruises, gambling excursions, dress-up dinners, shopping field trips, and a monthly birthday bash — another excuse to join and celebrate members turning a year older.

There are only two requirements to belong to the Red Hat Society: a lady must be 50 or older, and she must enjoy wearing purple and red, which do not match.

Karen Smith is Queen Mum of the Lil’ Rascals chapter, but her subjects call her Madame Sweetie. Karen believes that the lives of her members are filled with all the joys, heartaches, disappointments, tragedy, beauty, and love that anyone has ever experienced. Amongst these Red Hatters, she claims, you could find any story worthy of a Hollywood film.

“All of the Lil’ Rascals are living their lives to the fullest now,” said Smith. “We are all on the downhill side of this thing called life, and we want to make every moment count.”

“We have had four deaths in our chapter in the past two years. When these events took place, these ladies rallied and became a source of strength that Samson would have envied. They are incredible and have enriched each others lives beyond measure,” Smith added.

Some of the members are widows and some become widows, but all of the ladies are a source of support during the trying times prevalent during golden years. Some of the members were raised as single children, no siblings. Now, because of the Red Hat Society, each woman in the chapter has 30 sisters ready to assist and support.

Visit: www.redhatsociety.com to learn more about the The Red Hat Society.

Educator of the Month: Mrs. Warren

Mrs. Warren is a home school teacher. She home schools her two kids, Brynna and Emma. She is a great mom and teacher. Emma said, “I love it when she teaches us how to read new books,” and Brynna said, “She plans fun things for history.” Lyndley is an all-around great person.

Thank you, Lyndley, for being a great teacher, mom and neighbor!

October Events

Oct. 10-12
17th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, 33559 Famoso Road. Tickets are $55. Details, call 800-884-NHRA.

Oct. 11
• Pumpkins & Pancakes breakfast by Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club. Tickets $20, $10 for kids. To RSVP, call 321-4876.

• Guns & Hoses boxing charity event will be held at The Dome, 2201 V St., at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Details, call 472-0624.

• Light The Night to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society will be held at Cal State Bakersfield at 7 p.m. Details, call 213-4712.

• Inaugural Relay For Life Yard Sale fundraiser will be held at Christ’s Church of the Valley, 13701 Stockdale Highway, starting at 7 a.m. Details, 619-6415.

• Oscar Wilde’s “Salome” performed by the Metropolitan Opera will be screened at Edwards Cinema at 10 a.m. Tickets are $22. Details, call 322-4891.

• Fall vendor/craft fair at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 108 Goodman St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details, call 858-792 .

Oct. 11-12
Ninth annual Bakersfield Cactus and Succulent Show and sale in the East Hills Mall at 10 a.m. on Saturday & 11 a.m. on Sunday. Details, 832-3128.

Oct. 12
• Bakersfield College and FHS combined choir concert will be held at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road, at 4 p.m. Free. Details, call 327-1609.

• Fall Festival at Coconut Joe’s Diner, 124 Columbus St., at 1:30 p.m. Details, call 327-2900.

• Bridal Show offered by the Kern County Bridal Association will be held at the Sheraton Inn, 5101 California Ave., at noon. Cost is $5. Details, call 633-9200 .

Oct. 14
“The Soul of Morocco” presented by Bakersfield Adult School will be shown at the Harvey Auditorium, 1316 G St., at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Free. Details, call 871-0146.

Oct. 17
• “The Edge of Heaven” will show at the Fox Theater, 2001 H St., at 7:30. Tickets are $5. Details, call 325-4815.

• Fall Fiesta & Tequila tasting to benefit the M.A.R.E. facility, 18200 Johnson Road, at 6 p.m. Cost is $50. Details, call 589-1877.

Oct. 18
Ye Witches Brew tea party sponsored by CASA will be held at 11 a.m. Cost is $40.
Extreme Elite Cheer Grand Opening will be held at 5207 Young St. from 1 to 3 p.m. Details, call 663-8500.

Happy Birthday, Jordyn Martin!

Happy 17th birthday! You are a sweet and special young lady. We can’t believe our laughing baby is already 17!

Love,
Dad, Mom, Jarret & Jaisyn

FREE Health & Family Fitness Fun Day this Sunday!

The Northwest Voice wants you and your family to have fun & get fit this weekend at our inaugural Health & Family Fitness Fun Day taking place on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Park on the corner of Brimhall & Jewetta.

This FREE community event hosted by NOR and Terrio-Therapy Fitness you can:

Experience football speed and agility camps performed by former Fresno State and Bakersfield Blitz Wide Receiver and current TERRIO EDGE Co-Manger Eric Mahanke
Go through basketball technique seminars performed by former BHS Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and current TERRIO EDGE Co-Manager Cassaundra Boston
Receive baseball hitting instructions performed by Travis DeBont, hitting instructor at the TERRIO EDGE
Show the men in your life who's boss with the Women's Adventure Boot Camp!
Meet Dr. Kyle Mortensen, a local dentist, who will be available to answer questions about your dental health, and he's giving away custom whitening trays (a $400 prize).
Dance along to performances by the NOR Cheerleaders and Jazzercise
Check out martial arts action by Order of the Dragon

And, of course, you'll have a chance to win LOTS OF FREE PRIZES including memberships to 24 Hour Fitness!

Come see our Northwest Voice team and spin our FREE prize wheel to win FREE Northwest Voice prizes!!

Don't miss the FREE Health & Family Fitness Fun Day!!!

Northwest Voice newsletter & senior citizen issue!

Greetings, Northwest friends ... and welcome to autumn!

First, let me remind you of the deadline for The Northwest Voice "senior citizen issue." To have your stories, photos, announcements, or celebrations included in the 10/8 issue, they must be posted to our Web site by:

Tuesday, Sept. 30th at 9:00 p.m.!

This is our special *Senior Citizen* issue! Do you have precious photos of your grandparents? Parents? A special story, funny tidbit, or announcement? Do we have any Northwest friends celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary? Who is our oldest Northwest citizen?

If you think you know someone who could be our oldest Northwest senior citizen, click here and post a name, birth date, and tell us a little bit about the person. If you have a photo, add that, too!

Let's see your senior citizen photos! One special contributor will have his/her photo featured on our cover! Would you like your photo featured on the cover of the next Northwest Voice? Find your photos, then email them to me. I will select one lucky contributor's photo for our next cover! Please make sure to send full resolution photos (don't resize them, please), then keep an eye out next Wed. to see who "won" the cover photo! They can be group photos or family photos, individual photos--whatever you like!

By now you should have received your new issue of The Northwest Voice! It's our Talladega Frights issue, and here's what it looks like:

Read the humble beginnings of Talladega Frights, and the details put into it that's sure to make it a regular Northwest October tradition.
Read about Rosedale North's escaped gingerbread girl, "Ginger," and then read how she was eventually found!
Laugh out loud and see if you can relate to Heather Ijames' "editorial" on being a new baseball mom.
Last but not least, WIN TICKETS to TALLADEGA FRIGHTS! Yes, I still have tickets, and all it takes is to bring new Web site users or subscribers to the site. In order to win, just send me an email with the names of the new Web site users or magazine subscribers who should be credited to you.

THIS JUST IN! All new Web site users who register at NorthwestVoice.com between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 will ALSO be entered to win a pair of tickets to opening night of Talladega Frights! So, you win for steering them to our Web site, and they win for signing up! A random drawing will be held Wed. night, so be sure to check your email WEDNESDAY!

As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions, questions or comments, please feel free to send me an email. Also, just a heads-up, keep an eye on your email Monday... I have a very special surprise for all of you!

All good things,

Dana

Who is our oldest Northwest resident?

Hello, Northwest Bakersfield! In honor of our upcoming issue devoted to our fabulous "over 55" set, we are wondering: Who is our oldest resident of Northwest Bakersfield?

Is it your mom, your dad, an uncle? Is it you? The only qualification is that the person must be residing in the Northwest.

Reply to this post (below) and tell us about your senior citizen. Include a picture if you have one, tell us his/her birthdate and name, and feel free to include a paragraph telling us about this person's life.

Get your FREE Temptations tickets!

It isn't just your imagination! Get ready!

Bakersfield welcomes:

THE TEMPTATIONS!

And The Northwest Voice has FREE tickets!

In order to WIN a pair of tickets, you must give a little love to our Northwest Voice advertisers!

Pick up the latest issue (9/24) of The Northwest Voice.
Search for an ad from the advertiser that could "Tempt" you to stop for a delicious snack, a sweet treat, or a refreshing fountain drink. (Hint: Its name/logo is the combination of a geometric shape and a letter of the alphabet!)
Two ways to enter: Snap a photo of that ad and email it to dmartin@northwest voice.com, or...
Circle that ad and FAX it to 661-716-8631 in the attention of DANA. Include your name and phone number. Must be a Northwest Voice subscriber.

Winners will be notified by Friday. If only one person enters, that person gets all the tickets. If two people enter, they will split the pot. Get the picture??

I "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," but I will if you want me to! I want to see YOU at this show! All the Northwest Voice winners will sit in one row with me! Let's go have FUN!

Deadline is A.S.A.P.!

The concert is on Sunday ...

So... HURRY!

Let's go to the Fox Theater in Bakersfield!