The Bakersfield Voice 11/29/09 by Mercado Nuevo

www.bakersfieldvoice.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2009

F R E E

Norris students organize toy drive for needy Pg. 2 A Christmas tale Pg. 3 YOUR thankful thoughts continued Pg. 6

Friends without borders

Foreign exchange student finds friendship at Liberty, pg. 7

W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

EXTRA!EXTRA!

Year-round swim team offered for ages 6-18 BY LISA PHILLIPS Community contributor

he City of Bakersfield is offering a recreational swim team for ages 6-18. This year-round swim team develops swimming skills and abilities. Learn and refine all swimming strokes and the techniques needed to become a competitive swimmer. Improve your physical fitness while participating in an enjoyable sport. Swim meet participation and frequency of practice is optional. The team meets Monday through Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. Cost is $60 per month. For more information, call 8527430 or visit: www.bakersfieldswim.us. The program is sponsored by the City of Bakersfield Recreation and

S T A F F EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Vice President /Content ogarcia@bakersfield.com Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com Sandi Molen Contributions Coordinator smolen@bakersfield.com

ART Kent Kuehl Designer kkuehl@bakersfield.com

ADVERTISING CALIFORNIAN FILE

A young swimmer at McMurtrey Aquatic Center pool.

Greater Global Gifts Program to help adult swimmers expands hours for develop skills & improve fitness Christmas shopping BY LISA PHILLIPS

Community contributor

BY MARJORIE BELL Community Contributor

reater Global Gifts, the fair trade store at First Congregational Church, is open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. (closed Nov. 25). The store, at 5 Real Road (inside the front courtyard), features gift items, linens, baskets, soup mixes, and coffees benefiting vendors in Third World countries. For details, the church office phone is 327-1609.

he City of Bakersfield in now offering a master’s swim team. This year-round program provides coaching to adult swimmers to develop swimming skills. Learn proper strokes and techniques and improve physical fitness while participating in an enjoyable sport. Swim meet participation and frequency of practice is optional. There is an annual membership fee of $40 to join United States Master Swimming, if competition is desired. Master’s Swim Team meets Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. Cost is $60 per month. For more information, call 852-7430 or visit: www.bakersfieldswim.us. This event is sponsored by the City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department.

Fourth-grade students organize toy drive BY SIERRA MOORE AND SHAINA LOOKER Community contributors

e are Girl Scouts and fourthgrade students at Norris Elementary. After making sack lunches and delivering them to the Bethany Center this summer, and distributing sack lunches to the homeless on Veterans Day, we decided to have a toy drive to collect toys to donate to the children at the Bethany Center. The owners of Rollerama West were really nice and have decided to allow us to have our fundraiser at their roller rink. This fun event will be Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Every person who brings a new and unwrapped toy can skate for only $2! This includes skate rental. This is the time of year to help others and have the holiday spirit — so we hope everyone will come and join us in supporting the Bethany Center. We want all kids to have a toy this Christmas Season! For more information, e-mail: moore5909@sbcglobal.net. Thank you! Sierra and Shaina

Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632

OFFICE Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640

The Bakersfield Voice P.O. Box 2344 Bakersfield, CA 93303 The Bakersfield Voice is published by Mercado Nuevo, an independent subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian.

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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

YOURSCHOOLS

Contents

Can of soup equals discount for ‘A Christmas Carol’

4 5 8

BY ALICIA HAMMONS Community contributor

1407 Columbus St. Bakersfield, CA 93305

(661) 872-3914

New art school in town

About the cover CALIFORNIAN FILE

Fruitvale Junior High’s Advanced Drama Class will perform “A Christmas Carol” Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

ensure that no one in our community goes hungry this holiday season, we are asking everyone who attends to try to bring one can of soup for our soup drive. There will be a $1 discount to each person who brings in a can of soup the night of the perform-

N. Chester Ave.

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Graduating veterans

Bakersfield Art Institute is a full curriculum, fine art school.

Two Locations to Serve You Columbus St.

Voice pet columnist recommends critter-related must-haves.

Anita and Garrion Orr share a love of country and education.

ruitvale Junior High’s Advanced Drama Class is pleased to announce its second annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Dickens wrote the novel primarily to address the poverty of England’s poor. At the time, many were trying to make the bakers close their shops on Sundays. This infuriated Dickens because many poor families took their Sunday meals to the bakers to be roasted. Closing the shops would deprive many of their only hot meal of the week. Most funerals at this time were for children under the age of 10. Those that didn’t survive, grew up poor, without an education, and forced to continue the cycle of poverty. Many of Dickens’ characters were based on his real-life family members, including his sister, Fan, and her crippled son. “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of a mean and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is not sensitive to the plight of the poor and doesn’t care about anyone but himself. In the course of one night, he is visited by his former business partner and three other spirits who try to urge Scrooge to become a better man, and to care for others. In the spirit of this great tale, and to

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ance (limit one discount per person). Please come and enjoy this terrific production — we look froward to seeing you. Fruitvale Junior High is located at 2114 Calloway Drive. Have a blessed holiday season!

Our cover photo this week features foreign exchange student, Luca Grumbach-Wendt. Luca, 18, is from Münster, Germany.Voice education columnist, Peggy Dewane-Pope, is Luca’s host mother. She tells us all about this “special delivery” from across the globe on Pg. 7. Pictured from left: Luca Grumbach-Wendt, her new friends, Jeni Castro and Elizabeth Brooks, and her “Bakersfield” sister, Corinne Pope. Your photo could be on our next cover. Photos and stories for the Dec. 13 issue must be posted by Wednesday, Dec. 2.

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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

YOURPETS

Books for the pet lover in your life

ne of the things I’ve found over the years is that there are two kinds of people: readers and non-readers. Me — I’m a reader. I’ve loved a good book for as long as I’ve been able to hold one in my hands. With the holidays upon us, I thought I’d recommend some wonderful animal-related books for the critter lover in your life. First off, for the cook in your life, The Cat People just published their organization’s first cookbook, “Recipes With Cat-I-Tude.” For only $10 (tax included) you can gift foodies with new ways to make food and help one of the few organizations in Bakersfield dedicated to helping cats. Copies can be purchased at their shop, Pawsitively Cats, 602 18th St., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by going to their Web site at: www.thecatpeople.org. Next on my list is the perennial best-seller “Black Beauty,” by Anna Sewell. I waited until last year to finally read this book because I was under the impression it was a horse book. Don’t make my mistake. “Black Beauty” is one of the greatest books about animals and their relationships with human beings that has ever been written, and will enchant the young animal lover in your life.

I was thrilled when I saw that one of my childhood favorites is back in print. “The House of Thirty Cats,” by Mary Calhoun, is a terrific book for the young cat lover in your life. The story of a girl, a neighbor and loads of cats is a w a r m , sweet tale that is sure to be treasured by cat lovers for years afterward. My last pick is given with a wee bit of trepidation. “ T h e U n d e r neath,” by Pet columnist K a t h i Appelt, is a strikingly original story of a dog, three cats, some bayou magic and one of the baddest bad guys to ever be found in a children’s book. This is not a book for very small children, as it is a fairly dark tale, complete with scenes of animal abuse and death. But it is, nonetheless, a haunting, lyrical story that will resonate with the reader long after they have stopped turning the pages. The few illustrations in

VICKY THRASHER

the book further serve to entice the reader, as does the parallel fantasy story involving a trapped snake and shape-shifting people. Unlike anything else I’ve seen in recent years passing as animal stories for children, “The Underneath” is a book that will resonate with the reader long after the last page is turned. Have a book about animals that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it. Have a pet-related question or comment? E-mail Vicky at: Vicky@pawprintcity.com or go to: www.pawprintcitytimes.com.

Athlete of the month Jakob Russell Jakob Russell, #45, of the GEYF Freedom Freshmen football team, always goes the extra yard for his team. This year Jakob could be seen running the football down the field, kicking off for his team, and blocking for his teammates as they ran for the end zone. Jakob has been an inspiration and spirit-lifter for his team as well. He’s the guy that you’d hear at the end of practice and before the games, getting his team psyched up and ready to play. Jakob is a leader today, and I am sure we will see him doing the same for many years.

■ Do you have a son, daughter, grandkid or buddy who is your pick for MVP? Nominate them for Star Athlete of the Month by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less what makes this youth a star athlete — and remember, your nomination MUST include a photo in jpeg format. Winners will be featured in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice for the month and will receive a $50 gift card, compliments of Sports Authority and TBV.

EXTRA!EXTRA!

Mark your calendar for pizza night & fundraiser! BY USER NAME: THIRSTY FRIENDS OF KROLL DOG PARK Community contributor

he Thirsty Friends of Kroll Dog Park need your help with its “Doggie Drinking Fountain” fundraiser. And all that we ask is that you “Eat for a Great Cause!” Simply plan on ordering a delicious meal from our friends at Plumberry’s Restaurant, 13011 Stockdale Hwy., between 4 and 9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1. Present a copy of our special flyer (http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/co ntent/pizza-night-pet-fundraiser to download a coupon) and 20 percent of all designated meal orders will be graciously donated by Plumberry’s to our terrific cause. It really is that simple! And, you may partake of this event via dine-in, carry-out, and even delivery (if available in your area.) It just doesn’t get any easier, or more delicious than this! So please mark your calendars, and tell all your friends, colleagues, family, neighbors, and co-workers that we hope to see you all for good times and great food. What a great way to kick off a happy holiday season of giving! Thank you for supporting www.ThirstyKrollDogs.com and, of course, our wonderful friends at Plumberry’s.

CALIFORNIAN FILE

It’s playtime for Molly as Marv Larson throws the ball in a game of fetch. Larson is trying to raise $6,000 to install a water fountain for dogs at the park on Kroll Way so when dogs like Molly get thirsty, they can have a place to get a cool drink of water.

W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

YOURSCHOOLS

Veterans share love of serving country as they prepare to graduate from CSUB COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD

hen Garrion Orr was discharged from active duty after five years of service in the Army, including a one-year deployment to Iraq, he was ready to get a job. He had good skills and experiences, but quickly realized that wasn’t going to be enough. “In the job market, you need both skills and an education,” Garrion said. “My wife talked me into going to college and it really expanded my career options.” Anita Orr, who met her husband on Independence Day at Fort Lewis in Washington state, is also an Army veteran. She served three years in Korea. Together, the Orrs researched possible universities and selected California State University, Bakersfield. “We had never visited the area before, and actually didn’t even know that Bakersfield existed,” Anita said. “We have family in Lancaster and we wanted to be close to them, but didn’t want to live in Los Angeles. We took a leap of faith, and we don’t regret a single moment.” Now, after two years, the Orrs are ready for their next big step as they cross the stage and turn their tassels during commencement ceremonies on Monday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. in the CSUB Icardo Center. Garrion will walk away with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Anita has earned her bache-

TO ATTEND California State University, Bakersfield will celebrate its Fifth Fall Commencement on Monday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. in the Icardo Center where 563 students will culminate their educational experience and receive their master’s or bachelor’s degrees. Doors will open for guests at 11:45 a.m. and the processional for all graduates will begin at 12:50 p.m.

lor’s in sociology. The Orrs both credit a long list of professors who have contributed to their education. “Classes were very hard, but fun,” said Garrion, who ultimately wants to be a parole officer. “All my instructors were great. And, I really appreciate that the university brought in instrucPHOTO COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD tors like Bakersfield Police Chief RecAnita and Garrion Orr as they prepare to graduate from CSUB. tor and Judge Oberholzer who had law enforcement experiences that made “Some days it is really rough,” admits Staying focused on the long-term, the classes very real.” The demands of full class schedules Anita, who plans to enter the CSUB Orrs hope to remain in Bakersfield and weren’t enough for this dynamic pair. master’s of social work program in the eventually start a family. But, they Garrion works part-time,volunteers for fall and one day open her own counsel- know the economy and job availability Careers Services Center and plays ing practice. “At one point I didn’t think will be a factor in making that possible. “It was an adjustment, but Bakerscommunity softball. Anita works part- I’d make it, and my parents reminded time and volunteers at least weekly for me of what I learned in basic training. field is a good fit for us,” said Anita. the homeless shelter. Together, they It’s up to me to succeed and keep trying “It’s a caring community and I was have founded the university’s first Stu- until every task is complete. There’s no always taught to care for others, to give dent Veterans Organization and doubt my military background has with your heart. Garrion and I both encourage other veterans to take helped me stay on track. God. Determi- believe that if you give, good things will advantage of a higher education. And, nation. Motivation. Drive. And, I’m come back to you. It’s a ripple effect between it all, balance a happy mar- lucky to have a husband who is sup- over time and truly the way we live our portive. We help each other.” lives.” riage.

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NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

YOURCONTEST

Thankful thoughts

s promised, here are the remaining entries of our “What are you thankful for?” contest. We hope you enjoy these heartwarming “thank yous” as much as we do.

Former foster child thankful to those who foster children BY OPAL MORLAND Community contributor

am thankful everyday for God’s gift of life. Not just mine, but my children, family, friends and community. I am a former foster child and I had wonderful foster parents. They didn’t come easy. Our social worker helped place three Native American children with a loving foster family. This is very hard to do because there are not a lot of homes available especially for three young children. Even greater is the fact this foster family helped reunite us with our biological mom. They loved and cared for us for about three years, so you know it was very difficult for them to let us go. I am thankful for their love and understanding that the best place for a child is with their biological family, if at all possible. I know how difficult it is to let your children go because I was also a foster parent for 14 years. We hear about the sad things that happen as a foster parent but I am thankful everyday we have families that are willing to open their homes and hearts to the most vulnerable in our community. Thank you very much. Finally, I am thankful for a husband who supports me and my goals to help other foster children. I must also thank my children. These now young men have taken in and loved every child as their own sibling. They shared their mom and dad, rooms, toys, etc., with other children, and most times finances were difficult. They never complained because we had something much more ... the love of a child, and often PHOTO COURTESY OF OPAL MORLAND times, the thanks of the biological families we helped. Opal Morland is a former foster child and was a foster I am thankful because we have been rewarded with parent herself for 14 years. two beautiful, adopted, children. I am thankful for God’s gift of life ... my own, my love of others for our special children in foster care. Thank you. family’s, friends’, my community’s, and the heart and

Thankful for mom’s support BY ALEX TORRES Community contributor

hat am I thankful for? Well I’m thankful for many things but what I am most thankful for is my mom. I know that I can always count on her for everything and that she will always be there. My mom has played an important role in my life and she gets me through every day. She pushes me to work my hardest, and to never give up. When I am down and I feel like giving up, she is right there beside me, carrying me through. She has always supported me in everything I do, and when I look into the stands, it’s always her face that I see cheering her lungs out. Though we don’t always see eye to eye, I love her very much, and I don’t know where I would be without her. I’m thankful everyday that she is in my life, PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX TORRES and that we get along because not all mothers and daughters are as close as we are. This is my mom, Kim Torres, and I am most thankful for I love you, mom. her.

A thankful poem BY EVELYN ANDERSON Community contributor

et Us Give Thanks For all the gifts received in life Upon our earthly walk: A place to dwell, our daily bread, Dear ones and happy talk, Let us give thanks today. For all the beauty in the world From dawn to glowing dawn; The flower blooms, the birds in flight, For us to gaze upon, Let us give thanks today. For life, the greatest gift of all Within earth’s boundary: The hopes and dreams, abiding faith, And this the land of the free. Let us give thanks, today.

Nothing without family, friends BY USER NAME: MURPHY1951 Community contributor

ruthfully, I’d be happier if we could all just go back 50, 60 years ago. Things seemed simpler, and people were more at ease. Seeing that we are all stuck in this time zone, I’d have to say I’m thankful that all my grandchildren are healthy, and that they all have a good chance in life. I’m also thankful that my present wife and her two teenage daughters — who are in good health and are having a chance at college to prepare a good life for themselves. As for myself, I don’t need anything fancy myself. I’m just happy with what I have and the many of friends I have. Without friends, you are nothing.

W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M

NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2009

YOURSCHOOLS

Stork delivers daughter from across the globe!

ew parents in our early 50s? a California Christmas which she canWell, it’s not as crazy as it not imagine without snow. She’s not sounds! This school year, Luca crazy about some American food but Grumbach-Wendt joined our loves cruising through our wellfamily following a delivery that stocked grocery stores and is especially took her nearly halfway across the fond of Target. Liberty doesn’t have a world. much more Luca, a bright, happy, 18-year-old is spirited soul at PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY DEWANE-POPE in her senior year at Liberty High every home School. She hails from Münster, Gerfootball game, Luca Grumbach-Wendt with her host mother, Voice education columnist, Peggy Demany, where her younger brothers, Ivo nor do Luca’s wane-Pope. Luca is able to communicate weekly with her family via Skype. and Finn, keep her up to date weekly friends, includthrough Skype. Luca calls her mom and ing her new dad, and then they connect via the “ s i s t e r ” Internet with cameras on both sides of Corinne, have a the world — and their computers. Last more caring supporter. We week, Finn played the piano for Luca, feel so fortunate and her family sent their love electronthat Luca is parically. ticipating in her Luca is very involved at Liberty f o r e i g n where she helps drama teacher, Perry Ware, as assistant director, managing Education columnist exchange protasks for LHS like the Foothill Shakegram and is our speare Festival. The troupe is gearing new daughter! up for their next production, “You We know she will always be in our Can’t Take It With You.” Luca is busy lives, and she and her family will bossing people around! always be welcome in our home, I susLuca is with our family for the pect we will be welcome in her’s as remainder of the school year including well.

PEGGY DEWANE-POPE

Educator of the month Robin Province Nominated by: C. King Mrs. Robin Province was my daughter’s second-grade teacher at Buena Vista Elementary School. She is a wonderful and fabulous teacher that deserves the Teacher of the Month award. She truly is a blessing for Buena Vista to have. The children in her class are always having fun learning something new, even when she teaches it in a creative way. She is always taking the time to listen to each student’s needs. Mrs. Province creates the atmosphere in her class as comfortable, organized and fun. The children in her class love, care and

respect her as she does the same for them. Over the summer, my daughter even got together with Mrs. Province and they had an extraordinary fun day together. As a parent, I appreciate all her hard work and dedication she has put into teaching my daughter. Mrs. Province, you truly are an inspiration to Alyssa. Thank you!