User Posts : The Northwest Voice

Rusty Shoop says, "It’s the economy, stupid!"

It’s the economy, stupid. The problem is that I can’t figure out who the stupid people are. If the question “Who understands the economy?” was asked, my hand would not be one going up. But if our country’s leaders can’t figure it out, we’re in deep doodoo.

On Sept. 15, amid a stock market in the tank and the housing market and financial institutions in meltdown, John McCain said that the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Not if you’d picked up a newspaper lately. He later said what he meant by fundamentals was the American worker. President Bush said basically the same thing back in mid-August, quote: “The fundamentals of our economy are strong ... Job creation is strong. Real after-tax wages are on the rise. Inflation is low.” I’m quite sure the president was wrong on all counts. Then, just over a few weeks ago, President Bush was on national television (a rare occurrence in itself) to say basically, “The sky is falling.”

I don’t doubt that the financial sky is falling. And now the $700 billion bailout is a done deal. Actually, it’s probably closer to a trillion. Not only that, but it’s full of pork barrel funds, or earmarks, or whatever you want to call them. I’m not sure any politician has a firm grip on the underlying problems. I’m not sure if either candidate for president has a good understanding of what’s going on.

I understand a little bit about the free enterprise system. You start a business. If you sell a good product and run your business properly, you can prosper. If you don’t, you fail. Many in the banking industry have failed. They should be allowed to go under, allowing banks that have not made stupid, greedy mistakes to take over.

Let’s not give billions of taxpayer dollars to the very people who caused this mess — but, alas, it’s too late.

Yes, tough times are ahead. I’m quite sure a serious recession is just around the corner, if it’s not already here. Whoever gets elected president, I hope he surrounds himself with people smart enough to figure how not to stick it to us middle-class folks. Five bucks says that this bail out isn’t going to help the middle-class or the working poor at all.

All we can do is watch … and hope … and pray … with major emphasis on pray.

Click here to read more of Rusty Shoop's blogs.

Look who turned 11: Abrielle Lopez

Hey, Glitterbug! Hope you had a great birthday! You are growing up to be such a smart, beautiful young lady! You make us oh so proud everyday. Keep up those straight As!

Love you very much,
Mom, Dad, Jay, Aiden & Jonah

Happy ‘Sweet 16’ Madie!

Happy birthday
to a beautiful young lady who brightens
our lives.

We love you!
Mom, Dad & Chase

Shelby Clerico is 18!

The most tenacious girl I know — what a remarkable young woman! I am proud of you and what you have accomplished so far in your life. You have brought joy everyday into my life.

I love you!
Mom

Rosedale students enjoy BC Leadership Conference

My students at Rosedale Middle School along with our Bulldog mascot and the Freedom Middle School mascot just attended the BC Leadership Conference and we took a picture with your magazine for the photo section. Thank you for the great speech.

Two severed thumbs up: Talladega Frights takes top prize in haunted attractions

When it comes to Bakersfield’s top seasonal haunted houses, Talladega Frights and The Chamber, there’s no question that Talladega Frights stands severed head and shoulders above all competition. Having been involved in semi-professional haunted houses as a teenager, and been a faithful attendee of same for many years, this writer can vouch that Talladega Frights is the best local Halloween fest he’s ever seen.

Those who queue up for Talladega Frights, located at NOR's Fruitvale Norris Park, have a long wait in front of them. This is abated by an impromptu performance of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" by costumed ghouls in an outdoor graveyard setting. Once inside the attraction, attendees stumble through an impressive sepulchral crypt full of decaying mummies, straight from an Indiana Jones movie set. The sets and lighting are top flight and could pass muster for anything found at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean. A wide variety of rooms, ranging from the beautiful and bizarre to the downright horrifying await visitors, and must be left to the hearty souls willing to enter its portals to discover and enjoy.

However … some rooms deserve special praise and merit. This hardened veteran of horror in both film and literature was ready to beat a hasty retreat when he entered the "claustrophobia hallway," a billowing tarp that envelops people in what feels like a black intestine. This writer was set to cry "Mommy, take my hand!" at this point. Especially disconcerting was a paneled room lit by strobe lights, as movie monster favorites Michael Myers and Freddie Krueger lunge from holes in the walls. The people I was with began to express real panic at trying to find an exit.

Especially dreadful was a section featuring wailing maniacs inside a hospital - nursing home-like setting, presided over by a mad doctor with an elongated grin. Decorated with X-ray photos and lit with a sickly glow. This part of Talladega Frights crosses uncomfortably into real-life horror, and will malinger in the mind long afterwards.

Hands down among the most popular of the various rooms at Talladega Frights is "The Bridge," a genuinely discombobulating experience that had me buckling at the ankles. The owner and operators insist that it’s all done with optical effects, but -- just see it for yourself.

The Chamber, a longtime Bakersfield haunted house in contrast pales in comparison. This year’s attraction features a "traffic" theme, with signs such as "Don’t Enter" and "Wrong Way" decorating the walls. It’s a witty touch for local commuters, but the Chamber is otherwise sorely lacking in originality this year. There a long walks through darkened hallways, with visitors fearing what lies just around the corner, but on the night I visited all the character costumes and makeup seemed to be rushed, uninspired affairs. The Chamber has previously been featured in several national and international entertainment magazines as being one of the top haunted houses. This year’s edition, located near the Sam Lynn Ballpark, is a definite letdown.

While not wanting to create an unfair sense of competition between the two events, this writer suggests that fear-hungry crowds should go out and support both The Chamber and Talladega Frights. While Frights is by far superior of the two, both are worth your time and money. A friendly suggestion to the people behind the Chamber would be to regroup and come up with fresher ideas for next year.

For dates/times for Talladega Frights, click HERE.

For dates/times for The Chamber, click HERE.

What is breast cancer?

Cancers are a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells eventually form a lump or mass called a tumor and are named after the part of the body where the tumor originates.

Breast cancer begins in breast tissue, which is made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, and the ducts that connect lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective, and lymphatic tissue.

Breast cancer in men is a rare disease (accounting for approximately 1% of breast cancer cases in the US).

Breast Cancer death rates were virtually unchanged between 1930 and 1990, but decreased about 27% between 1990 to 2004. 1 in 8 women are expected to get Breast Cancer in their lifetime.

Recommendations:

•    Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.
•    A clinical breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older.
•    Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast changes promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.
•    Screening MRI is recommended for women with an approximately 20%-25% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer, including women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer and women who were treated for Hodgkin disease.
Locally, in Kern County 345 people are expected to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2008.

For more information about Breast Cancer nationwide go to www.cancer.org for the American Cancer Society. For Kern County residents, Links for Life is a local non-profit organization that helps people affected by Breast Cancer (www.linksforlife.org).

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.