Member News

Leadership Bakersfield is thrilled to announce a partnership with Garden Pathways, a distinguished nonprofit organization providing exceptional mentoring and educational opportunities to the community. Together, they are hosting an exciting Bingo and Beer Fundraiser to support the Garden Pathways’ Downtown Education Center. The Bingo and Beer Fundraiser will take place on June 19 at Temblor Brewing Company, located at 3200 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA. The event will open its doors at 6 p.m., and the evening will kick off with a lively session of bingo games at 7 p.m. Participants will have the chance to win incredible prizes that have been generously donated by local businesses and community supporters. Furthermore, the event is designed to be family-friendly, with food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. The best part? No advanced ticket purchase is required, so grab your family and friends and join in the fun! The Leadership Bakersfield team extends its heartfelt appreciation to Temblor Brewing Company, local businesses, and community members who have generously contributed their support. Opportunities for event sponsorship are still available, and contact Savannah Maldonado at smaldonado@capk.org for more information.

Chosen Payments, was acquired and as of June 1, 2023, the company rebranded to become Aurora Payments, one of the Top 10 Full-Service Merchant Services Providers in the nation. Chosen Payments joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Since that time, Chosen Payments has processed credit cards for the Chamber and many of its members. This rebranding will not change any existing relationships, fees or member offers. Chamber members will still enjoy exclusive, low rates, and savings normally reserved for large multi-location enterprises. Whether you operate a small business from home or have multiple locations, all Chamber members enjoy the same low rates. Aurora Payments also provides gift card/loyalty programs, POS systems, ACH check processing and guarantee, recurring payments, and electronic payment links such as text-to-pay among a suite of other services. To learn more about Aurora Payments, visit https://risewithaurora. com. For media inquiries contact Jim Luff, Corporate Communications Manager at jim.luff@risewithaurora.com or call at 805-910-1445.

North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) is excited to announce that the long-running Youth Summerball program returns to the community this Summer in June! NOR invites families to sign up their children for the off-season sport which includes boys baseball ages 8-15 and girls softball for ages 8-14. The registration fee to participate is $125 and includes a uniform & picture; residents living within NOR District boundaries receive a rate discount at registration. To make this program possible, NOR is seeking community support through volunteer coaches, seasonal recruitment of hourly positions, and local program sponsorship. Volunteer Coaches: Coaches are instrumental to the success of the Summerball program and support the teams in the league; they inspire youth by creating a positive environment, serving as a role model, and promoting self-confidence. To learn more about volunteering for NOR and to express interest in volunteering to coach, visit HERE. Hourly Seasonal Positions: Recruitment for positions during the May through June season to support the program include Recreation Leaders (Site Supervisors), Umpires (Officials), and Scorekeepers. These positions support the operation of the games and are perfect for those passionate about sports. Applicants under 18 will also be considered for these positions with a valid work permit. To apply, visit HERE. Sponsorships: Businesses interested in supporting NOR can sponsor the Summerball program. Sponsors are acknowledged on NOR’s social media, at the program’s opening day, and on the field at Polo Community Park. To express interest in sponsoring the program, email jbernal@norrecreation.org. “We’re looking forward to a very successful year with the return of Summerball,” says Jasmin LoBasso, Superintendent of Recreation & Community Services. For additional information, please contact Jasmin LoBasso, Superintendent of Recreation at jlobasso@norrecreation.org or call 661-392-2000.

Nekter Juice Bar, located at 4420 Coffee Rd., is now open at Riverlakes Village! Pay them a visit today and experience the goodness of their handcrafted juices, smoothies and bowls made with love and care.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is currently accepting registrations for Summer Day Camp for schoolaged children at the following Club sites: E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center (801 Niles St.), Stockdale Club (5207 Young St.) and Lamont Club (8301 Segrue Rd., Lamont). The Summer Day Camps start on June 5, 2023. Meals and snacks will be served to the children each day. The Boys & Girls Club Day Camps provide the quality, enriching experiences children seek. Daily themes and activities include arts and crafts, STEM, field trips, and outdoor games/activities. Programs are designed with age-appropriateness in mind, and the Youth Development Professionals work hard to meet the individual needs of the Club members. Families love that the Boys & Girls Club provides a traditional day camp experience within a Boys & Girls Club setting. Call 661-325-3730 for more information, and registrations are currently being accepted HERE

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Stage Door Academy and Stars Theatre Restaurant will produce The SpongeBob Musical this summer for local youth. The workshops include dance, voice, and acting lessons directed by Frank Sierra and Jill Burdick. The production will have a morning session and an afternoon session. Each session will run Monday to Friday. “We have gathered some of the finest performing arts instructors in town to create a learning environment where our children are inspired to stretch their imaginations, talents, and enthusiasm for performing. We are so excited to see our talented kids on stage and to share with family, friends, and the community what kids can accomplish given the right tools, education, and mentoring,” Zane Smith, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

• Morning Session: June 5 through July 1 (9 a.m. to Noon)

• Afternoon session: June 12 through July 12 (1-4 p.m.)

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world! For more information, click HERE.

The League of Dreams is excited to announce the longanticipated return of its bowling league. Children, ages 5-22, with disabilities are encouraged to join others this season for a bowling experience adapted to their amazing abilities. The League of Dreams is excited to partner with Bowlero Bakersfield to host this year’s games. Games will be every Thursday 3-5 p.m., beginning June 15 and continuing through July 20. Volunteers are needed and may register HERE. In 2007, the League of Dreams began offering children with physical and cognitive disabilities the chance to play sports, beginning with baseball and basketball. The League has grown to offer a dozen different athletic programs to over 600 athletes in Kern County. The non-profit plans to expand to reach even more athletes in the coming year. For more information and to register for programs or to volunteer, please call 661-616-9122.

North of the River Recreation & Park District (NOR) is hosting a wide variety of camps, classes, programs, and activities for the community this Summer! Pick up a copy of NOR’s Summer 2023 Funbook at one of our community centers or view it online HERE to explore a full catalog of activities, camps, and recreational programs happening this Summer. Explore highlights from our Summer programs:

• Aquatics Beat the heat during Rec Swim starting June 27 at the Greenacres Pool.

• Stay safe and take Swim Lessons; Registration is open.

• Cool down at any of our 8 Spray Parks.

Community Discover NOR’s weekly scavenger hunt. Participate as much or as little as you’d like. End your week with a Movie in the Park. “It’s easy to enjoy a staycation in the North of the River community,” says Jasmin LoBasso, Superintendent of Recreation & Community Services. “By joining the fun at NOR, you’ll transform your staycation into a ‘Playcation!’” For additional information, please contact Jasmin LoBasso, Superintendent of Recreation at jlobasso@norrecreation.org or 661.392.2000.

The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce (KCBCC) will be holding their Midwest Invitational Black Rodeo on Wednesday, July 7 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S P St. Join us! Tickets are:

$20/general admin, $25/VIP and $30/DOS. Tickets can be purchased at the KCBCC Office, 2623 F St., Ste. F, by calling 661-376-2853, or by emailing info@kcbcc.co during business hours [M-F: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.]. For more information, email info@kcbcc.co

Keep yourself and your family covered by making sure your information is up to date. Health Net wants you to know that Medi-Cal covers vital health care services for you & your family which includes: doctor visits, prescriptions, vaccinations, mental health care and more. If you have Medi-Cal make sure you renew it when it's due for renewal. Update your contact information: Report any new changes to your name, address, phone number & email so your county can contact you.

• Check your mail: Counties will mail you a letter about your Medi-Cal eligibility. You may need to complete a renewal form.

• If you’re sent a renewal form, submit your info by mail, phone, in person or online so you do not lose your coverage.

• Create or check your online account: Sign up to receive alerts on your case. You may submit renewals or requested information online.

• Complete your renewal form (if received) by mail, phone, in person, or online to avoid a gap in your coverage.

For more details & information on how to update your contact info, visit HERE