News: The Northwest Voice

The Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center

The Junior League of Bakersfield recently completed a renovation of the Kitchen-Science Center at The Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center.

The center, originally built in 1976, was out-dated and worn after decades of use. The renovation involved demolishing the existing space and installing new appliances, cabinets, lighting and plumbing, along with purchasing various pieces of equipment. Goals were set that placed an emphasis on improving the learning environment along with increased visibility, safety and energy efficiency.

Mayor Harvey Hall, various members of the Chamber of Commerce, directors of the Kern County Museum Board, museum staff and local press were also present at the June 16th ribbon-cutting ceremony. Kern County Museum Director Carola Rupert-Enriquezspoke, thanking the Junior League of Bakersfield for bringing the project about. Several “campers,” all wearing newly-purchased safety goggles, were on hand to demonstrate various science projects and lessons learned during summer science camp.

The new facility serves 400 children ages 5-12 each summer and more than 20,000 visitors yearly. Educational programs include Kitchen Science, Geology Rocks! and Science Magic. For many students this is the only place they will ever experience science in a hands-on fashion. The response has been enthusiastic! Camp Director Jackie Brouillette said, “I honestly can’t thank the Junior League enough! I don’t know how we managed before!”

The Junior League of Bakersfield is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. It has been a vital part of Kern County for 50 years. Its primary focus is improving the quality of life for children and families, and it has played an integral role in funding and creating programs such as the Lori Brock Discovery Center, the California Living Museum (CALM), and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

CSUB launching self-study as part of NCAA Division I certification

California State University, Bakersfield has begun a year-long, campus-wide study of its athletics program as part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletics certification program.

The self-study will examine how the athletics program helps to fulfill the mission of the university and, at the same time, will take a close look at how the university's athletics program and academic environment provide mutual support for student-athletes.

While academic accreditation is common in universities, the NCAA program focuses solely on certification of athletic programs. The study is part of CSUB's move to Division I athletics.

"The self-study will open the athletic department to review by the broader campus community," said President Horace Mitchell. "The university will benefit by increasing campus-wide awareness and knowledge about the athletics program - what it has been, what it is currently, and what we hope for it to be in the future."

Initiated by the NCAA in 1993, the athletics certification program is designed to help ensure integrity in institutional athletics programs.

Mitchell has appointed a steering committee of faculty, staff, students and community members to conduct the self-study. Co-chaired by Provost Soraya Coley and Vice President Shelley Ruelas, the committee will gather information and recommendations through subcommittees on academic integrity, diversity, gender, governance and commitment to rules compliance, and student-athlete well-being. Each area will be measured against a set of operating principles established by the NCAA.

"The self-study process engages a broad cross-section of students, alumni, faculty, administrators, and external supporters in ensuring a well-managed, highly compliant athletics program," Mitchell emphasized. "An institution, like an individual, is made better through self-evaluation."

The university has established a web site, [ http://www.csub.edu/ncaa ]www.csub.edu/ncaa, that includes lists of committee and subcommittee members, has regularly updated information about the self-study and provides opportunities for public input.

"We're interested in conducting a thorough study and will welcome input from the campus community throughout the process." Mitchell said. "In part, we'll look at how the activities of the athletics program relate to our university mission and vision."

After the completed self-study report is submitted to on April 30, 2009, a team of NCAA reviewers from other colleges, universities, or conference offices will then conduct a three-day on-campus evaluation. The peer-review team will report its findings to the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification where the final certification status is determined. The process is expected to be complete by early 2010.

MOPS (moms of pre-schoolers) It's enrollment time

MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) is starting soon. MOPS is for moms with preschoolers, ages 0-6 years. MOPS aims to nurture moms. There are many MOPS chapters Bakersfield. They run September through May. You can join throughout the year if there is room. Children go to the childcare program; moms meet at their table with other moms, eat, have a speaker with discussion, and do a craft. The time is usually 9-11:30ish. Although most MOPS are at churches, most churches don't require you to attend the church or even be of a specific religion. Fee applies.

Here is LINK for MOPS programs here in Bakersfield. I also attached is the list. Hope this helps to keep moms involved and develop friendships.

Valley Bible Fellowship
2300 E Brundage Ln
Bakersfield, CA 93307 Map
(661)325-2251
Meets 2ND & 4TH MON at 9:00-11:15AM
Calvary Bible Church
48 Manor St
Bakersfield, CA 93308 Map
(661)327-5921
Meets 1st & 3rd TUES at 9:00-11:30AM
www.bakersfieldmops.org
Valley Baptist Church
4800 Fruitvale Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308 Map
(661)393-5683
Meets 1ST & 3RD THURS at 9:00-11:30AM
St John's Lutheran Church
4500 Buena Vista Rd
Bakersfield, CA 93311 Map
(661)665-7815
Meets 2ND THURS at 9:00-11:30AM

Laurelglen Bible Church
2801 Ashe Rd
Bakersfield, CA 93309 Map
(661)833-2800
Meets 3RD THURS at 9:00-11:15AM
University Baptist Church
2515 Church Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93306 Map
(661)871-0840
Meets 2ND & 4TH THURS at 9:00-11:30AM
Olive Knolls Nazarene Church
6201 Fruitvale Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308 Map
(661)399-3303
Meets 2ND & 4TH TUES at 9:00-11:30AM
Calvary Chapel Westbrook
6501 Schirra Ct
Bakersfield, CA 93313 Map
(661)397-6000
Meets 2ND & 4TH TUES at 9:00-11:30AM

What It's Like To Be A Bereavement Phone Caller

Most of us, at least most of us women, love to talk on the phone. We like to connect with one another, feel a part of things, get a glimpse into the lives of our friends. It makes us feel wanted, useful and in-the-know. We talk while in our jammies, painting our nails, shopping at Target, waiting at the Dentists office, before Yoga, after Yoga and while cooking dinner. The phone is fun. Okay, so I'm not one of those women. I'm imagining what everyone else must feel like because, truth be told, I detest talking on the phone. Can't even tell you why, exactly. I like people. I like talking with people. I just don't like the phone. That's why when Rhonda, volunteer coordinator extraordinaire, asked me to make the bereavement phone calls I thought that for the first time in her life, our maven of perfection had made a mistake. Me? Pick up that dastardly piece of auditory electronics and spend hours in agony? Oh, please. I spend every day with a seven year old and twin five year olds. I can barely carve out time to go potty and now I'm supposed to spend three of the only six hours I have to myself every week making phone calls? Can't I just bake some cookies???? Alas, Rhonda, in her infinite wisdom, must have known all along that I would take to it like the proverbial duck to water or even better, like a teenager to text messaging. I agreed in a very short term, try it out, noncommittal, "I can quit any time I want" sort of way.

I was warned that not everyone would be nice. We all grieve differently and some of the people I call may be angry. I braced myself for the worst, but found only the best. I love the people I call. They are unique and special and going through perhaps the most difficult time in their lives. I feel like it's a gift when they choose to open up to me. When they tell me about their loved one and how they are managing to make it through each day without them by seizing opportunities and going places even when they don't feel like it. When they relive memories and laugh about the good and silly times they've had. When they cry and struggle with their loss, yet find the willingness to accept the help that we're offering. It is good. It is so good. We all know that Hospice offers a vital service for the patient who is dying and for the loved ones left behind. Bereavement phone callers jump right in at one month, six months and thirteen months to check on those loved ones who remain with cracks and fissures in their lives and hearts. They need healing. We can help with that.

From a volunteer's perspective, checking in on the bereaved has given me a purpose outside of myself and my family. It takes "me" out of me and frees my mind for a least a little while from my own problems and upsets. In other words, our grieving clients help me more than I'm helping them. I don't leave the office depressed after making the calls, on the contrary, I leave grateful. I love making bereavement calls. With all this practice, one day I may even learn to love the phone.

If you are interested in becoming an Optimal Hospice Volunteer please contact the volunteer office at 661-716-4000 or email kbudnick@optimalhs.com for more information. Our training sessions are every first Wednesday of the month. Please R.S.V.P. to reserve your seat.

CSUB nursing alumni to hold “Spirituality: The Power of Hope” seminar

The California State University, Bakersfield alumni nursing chapter is holding its third annual “Spirituality: The Power of Hope” seminar on Monday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Doré Theater at CSUB.

The seminar will provide practitioners, spiritual advisors and families with insight and tools to provide stability, strength and a sense of hope to those who are emotionally and physically ill.

Elizabeth Andal, CSUB nursing professor and faculty adviser of the alumni association nursing chapter, believes spirituality plays a key role in everyone’s life, across all cultures and ethnicities. “Each human being’s spirituality is the power in overcoming adversities and meeting the challenges of life’s realities,” she said.

Community spiritual leaders scheduled to speak include: Rabbi Dov Yitchak Neal, Central California Jewish Network executive director; Sandy Johnson, San Joaquin Hospital executive director of chaplain services; and Emad Meerza, spokesperson for the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield. A panel discussion will be moderated by Russ Sempel, president of the Kern County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI.

“These are key experts in this community who contribute to the lives of its members,” Andal said. “Their work helps in numerous ways because they are here.”

NAMI Kern County is co-sponsoring the event. The seminar is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided to all registrants from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

To register or for additional information, contact Andal at (661) 654-3114 or eandal@csub.edu.

Bike Bakersfield: Local non-profit gets people moving!

Bike Bakersfield was established in 2006 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cycling as a preferred mode of transportation. Our many programs include: Recycle-a-Bicycle, which helps disadvantaged adults acquire a bike; bike rodeos to teach elementary children about bicycle safety; and creating bike routes for the public to help encourage bicycle commuting. Plus, if you donate a new or gently used bike to Bike Bakersfield, you will receive a tax deduction on next year’s taxes. Other programs also include tutorial classes on fixing your bike, fun bike rides and community events.

Cycling is a great, low impact sport, meaning it won’t harm your joints or bones. It’s also great for cardio exercise and increases lung capacity, not to mention an amazing weight loss program. Many people lose between 10 to 15 pounds after commuting regularly for a few months. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people who enjoy cycling as well. There are several cycling clubs in Bakersfield that put on regular events. It’s not hard to ride to work, and in fact takes only 10 minutes more than driving. So get on your bikes and ride!

If you are looking for a great place to ride, try the bike path. The Kern River Parkway is 32 miles of beautiful hidden scenery many residents may not notice. The Bike Path starts in the Northeast at Lake Ming and Hart Park and follows the mighty Kern River to the Nature Reserve at Enos Lane. Beautiful parks such as Hart, Beach, Yokuts and the Park at River Walk make it easy to jump on and off the bike path where ever you live. Even if you ride to commute, for fun, or just to spend time with family, cycling is great all around!

Visit: www.bikebakersfield.org and ask for a bike route to your work, or come in and visit us at 1708 Chester Ave.

Blog: NW Bakersfield needs more bike-friendly roads

As an avid bicycle rider, I can’t understand why Bakersfield, especially Northwest Bakersfield, doesn’t have better roads for bicycles. You can’t really ride anywhere without running into a narrow stretch of road or a bike lane so full of broken glass and other junk that you have to ride in traffic lanes just to get around it.

Some drivers aren’t very kind to bicyclists. I’ve been honked at and yelled at while riding down the road. Recently, I had turned onto Verdugo Lane from Holland Street. (I had to use Holland Street to avoid the Calloway Drive and Rosedale Highway intersection on my way home from Action Sports at Calloway Drive and Brimhall Road). On Holland Street, I had to ride away from the side of the street to avoid hitting parked cars. When I turned right onto Verdugo, a young woman in a truck yelled at me, “Get out of the middle of the street!”

Of course, I was pretty ticked off at the lady for saying that. She drove off and I just rode on, thinking if I could have responded to her, I would have said, “Shut up! You try riding a bicycle in nearly 100-degree heat for 10 miles!”

My word to drivers: Give us bicyclists care and respect on the road. We have enough to deal with already. We’re doing you a favor by helping to keep our air clean and reduce dependence on oil. So please do us bicyclists a favor and respect the fact that we’re riding bicycles and that we can’t go 50 mph like you can. By law, we have to be on the street, and you have to share the road with us.

I apologize if I was riding too far out in middle of Holland Street that day. When I ride, I try to respect drivers as best as I can. If I’m at a four-way stop and nobody is coming up behind me, you’ll often see me yield to as many as six cars just because I know they can clear the intersection faster than I can. I use the bike path whenever possible, too. Also, most bicyclists I see are riding on the right side of the road and away from traffic.

There is a pure lack of bike racks here in Bakersfield. Bike racks are places where riders can safely park their bikes and lock them up while at work or patronizing a business. I think most schools have bike racks for students who ride to school. I would like to see more bike racks here.

Want to respond to Bryan’s blog?

Bike safety tips: Whether to work or play, be wise on two wheels

Remember, bicycles must obey the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, meaning you must: ride on the right hand side, with traffic, as close to the curb as possible, and obey all stop signs and traffic signals. Even to turn left, a bicycle should act like a vehicle and merge into traffic to make the turn. However, if a rider doesn’t feel comfortable riding with traffic, just use the crosswalk. There’s no shame!

Some tips for commuting
1. Make sure you bring water for the ride and a snack for when you get to work. You’ll probably be ready for a little bite to eat after you cool off.

2. Flat fixin’s: Don’t forget spare tubes, portable pump or CO2 cartridges, tire lever.

3. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them tends to work out well if you’re bringing an extra change. While you’re on the bike, you’ll also want to wear something comfortable that will not get caught in the chain. (You can roll up pants, secure them with a rubber band, or wear shorts to avoid pant legs getting caught.) Also, it’s good to bring some layers just in case. Sometimes it’s cooler in the mornings and you might want a light windbreaker or sweater that you can peel off when it’s warmer on your ride home.

4. If your work doesn’t have a shower, an easy way to feel fresher is to bring a washcloth and sponge off. You can always leave extra toiletries at work, like deodorant, hair stuff, or makeup. That way, you don’t have to carry it to and from work every day.

Safety tips for children riding their bikes
1. Always wear a helmet. It is against the law for any child under 18 to not wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. If caught not wearing a helmet, the parent will receive an initial fine of $25 that increases every time the child is caught not wearing a helmet.

2. Ride in the bike lane, going the same direction as traffic. Drivers are looking for riders in the street, not on the sidewalk. Small children should ride on the sidewalk when accompanied by an adult.

3. Obey all stop signs and traffic lights. Even though the child may be riding in a familiar area, they must stop at all traffic lights. And, like always, look both ways before crossing the street.

4. A bike is made for one person, not two. Many BMX bikes come with pegs which are meant to help perform tricks, however, children use it as a way to take their best bud along for the ride. This is dangerous. If the bike gets into an accident, then two children will be hurt.

5. Wear a well-fitting helmet — it’s no use if it’s too big or too small. The helmet should be snug, but not tight, and fall about two fingers above the eyebrows.

Northwest annexations move forward

The Local Agency Formation Commission of Kern County (LAFCO) gave their blessings to the annexation of portions of Kimberly and Hooper avenues in their meeting on June 25. The applicants, a committee headed by Jerry Karr, a Kimberly Avenue resident, must wait for the results of two more hearings before the neighborhood can be annexed into the city. A protest hearing will be held in about two months, followed by a call for final approval vote by Kimberly and Hooper residents. Annexation of this area has a stormy and colorful history.

Starting as early as 1975, the city of Bakersfield expressed an interest in annexing an area between Freeway 99 and Coffee Road. Back then, the city had an aggressive stance toward growth and was successful in their efforts to annex two areas—at that time called the Palm Area and the Olive Drive area. The vocal majority of residents did not want to be annexed, so they raised about $45,000 and hired an attorney. The two areas were successfully de-annexed after a suit was filed and both areas were restored to the county. Since then, the city has had a less active role in initiating the annexation process.

But, things change. About four years ago, a few of the residents on Kimberly Avenue became discontented with county services. The main issue is an impending sewer assessment the county is planning. If successful, each resident would be required to pay approximately $27,000 for new sewer lines. The city, on the other hand, told the committee that if the city were to put in a sewer line, an annexed homeowner could continue to use the current septic system and would not be required to pay a fee unless a new hook up to the sewer was desired. Instead of being forced to pay for a sewer, having a choice certainly seems a great justification for being in the city.

A new approach to annexation was explored. City Councilman David Couch told the Kimberly committee that he would not initiate annexation, but if a large majority of Kimberly residents were interested, then he would pursue a one-street annexation. Mr. Karr and his committee went door to door in a three-block section of Kimberly Avenue and found 35 of the 41 home owners were in favor of annexation. A similar response was found by others on Hooper Avenue, so two separate requests for annexation into the city are going forward.

The next hearing is very soon. The Northwest community and the residents of Kimberly and Hooper avenues await the results with anticipation.

To comment on this article, visit: www.northwestvoice.com

Biking in Bako

We put out a "call for photos," and our Northwest community responded!

Check out the bicycling photos contributed by Northwest Voice readers!

Biking with Papa

Our summer vacation was extra special this year. We went on our annual beach trip, but this time we had a few added family members. We had the joy of sharing our vacation with my mom, my aunt, and my Papa.

We were super excited that my Papa decided to join us for a couple of days. Since we lost our Gram earlier this year due to an illness, we try to keep him busy and surrounded by much love and support. So we were keeping our almost 80-year-old Papa pretty busy on a bike ride at the beach.

It was tough, but we managed to all squeeze in our “Limo Surrey.” It was advertised as a bike that would seat six to eight people. After our limo experience, I am now convinced that they meant two adults, and four to six children. As you can see in the picture, we had five adults and two kids.

However, our mood never soured. We laughed so hard at times making it difficult to keep pedaling.

Either way, I am 100 percent convinced that Papa had a great time and that’s all that mattered to us!

September computer classes at The Beale Library

The Beale Memorial Library is offering the following computer classes for the month of September 2008

“Basic Keyboard and Mouse” Have a computer but not really sure how to use it? Learn the basics in our introductory computer class. Saturday, September 6, 10 am – 12 pm.

“Internet” Learn how to surf the Internet to locate helpful and fun information. Saturday, September 13, 10 am – 12 pm.

“Microsoft Word” Learn how to use Microsoft Word to create documents, such as memos, letters, reports, and resumes. Saturday, September 20, 10 am – 12 pm.

“Introduction to Excel” Learn how to create simple spreadsheets and graphs for home, school, or business. Saturday, September 27, 10 am – 12 pm.

The Beale Memorial Library is located at 701 Truxtun Ave. All classes are free.

No sign-up necessary! For more information, call (661) 868-0770.

Other Events in August:

Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, September 13, 10-11 am., or Monday, September 22,

5-6 pm. For more information, please call 661-868-0745.

THIS AND THAT: THE OLYMPICS

WOW!! America might have its problems; corrupt politicians, crime, street gangs, drugs, recalls on merchandise, and some of our citizens do have a tendency to be greedy and unethical at times, but I’ll say it again, WOW!! Don’t we have some fantastic athletes representing our country? They have outdone themselves at the Olympic Games in Beijing. The years and years they have put into training for these games; the injuries; the time away from their homes; the never ending pressure, the exhaustion they must feel after practices; the unbearable pain, and still they go on to perform with perfection and make all of us feel proud to be Americans.
There are no words to describe the feelings we get when watching an American athlete standing on the podium receiving a medal for their chosen sport. No matter if it is gold, silver or bronze, they have worked extremely hard to reach this plateau in their lives. We applaud their dedication and feel deep pride that they are Americans. Whether we have tears of joy, overwhelming pride or gratitude that these men and women are Americans, our emotions reach their peak when watching them perform. If we need a hero or someone to look up to we certainly have them now. All the participants who went to China to represent the United States of America have been outstanding, whether they won or not. They represented our country with dignity, poise, a sense of pride and we are grateful to them and acknowledge their accomplishments. AWESOME job ladies and gentlemen, you have made us proud to be Americans, and in these difficult times, we needed that and you generously gave it to us, and your country.

BOOK SIGNING

Peg Connelly will be autographing all four of her children's books at Russos Marketplace on Sunday, August 31 from 1pm to 4pm. Drop by and say hello.

First Day of School

Brandi and Tifani Woolsey starting their first day of school at Bakersfield Christian High School...