The Bakersfield Vioce 01/17/10

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www.bakersfieldvoice.com

Jan. 17-23, 2010

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Happy Birthday greetings to Ashley & Justin! Pg. 2 An ode to a poet Pg. 3 Fabulous Fantasy Football follies, dude! Pg. 7

Wolf Pack love!

Columnist keeps eye on Ridgeview favorites, pg. 5


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JAN. 17-23, 2010

YOURCELEBRATIONS!

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 Designers kkuehl@bakersfield.com

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

Happy 11th Birthday, Ashley Reyes! We want to wish our little Princess Ashley, a Happy 11th Birthday. We love you so much. You are such a good girl and we are very proud of you.

OFFICE

Happy 10th B-day, Justin Zepeda! Justin, We hope you have a wonderful Birthday — hope all your wishes come true. We Love You, from Family Reyes!

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

The Bakersfield Voice P.O. Box 440 Bakersfield, CA 93302 The Bakersfield Voice is published by Mercado Nuevo, an independent subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian.

Love Dad, Mom, Anthony, Andy, and Amy.

EXTRA!EXTRA!

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Have a great story to tell? How about a nice photo of your kids you’d like to share? Or maybe you have a blog that you think is interesting or inspiring. Well, we’d like to get it into The Bakersfield Voice, our citizen journalism newspaper distributed to more than 75,000 households each week. It’s easy to do, just go to our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile and begin posting your stories, photos and blogs today. If you are not sure about grammar or punctuation, don’t worry. We’ll help you by editing it before putting it in the newspaper. So, how do you get it into print? Well, the best thing to do is post early and often. The Bakersfield Voice prints on Thursdays and is distributed on Sundays to some Bakersfield households, along with scores of racks at local businesses. The best way to get something into print is to post a couple of weeks before you’d like for it to get into print. And although we can’t guarantee that your stories or photos will get into The Voice, you can increase your odds by getting your postings done by the following deadlines:

Sunday, Jan. 17 Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show, 1:30 p.m., The theater at Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $18-45. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Fair Trade Store, with jewelry, baskets, gift items from Third World countries; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays; and 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road. 327-1609. Teen Challenge Choir, 6 p.m., Southgate Redemption Center, 1017 Southgate Dr. 837-2574.

Monday, Jan. 18 CSUB Men’s Basketball vs. Montana State, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $5-25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. CSUB Women’s Basketball vs. UC Davis, 1 p.m., CSUB, Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. $4-25. gorunners.com or 654-BLUE. Master’s Swim Team, year round program, learn to develop swimming skills, strokes, techniques, improve physical fitness, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $60 per month. www.bakersfieldswim.us or 852-7430.

DISNEY PHOTO

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck in the Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show. Recreational Swim Team, year niques, abilities, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, McMurtrey round swim team, learn to develop swimming skills, strokes, techMore on page 8.

Run dates:

Deadline to The Voice Web site:

Jan. 24-30

Must be posted before Jan. 13

If you’d like to advertise: Please contact The Voice Sales Manager, Jaime De Los Santos, at 716-8632.


YOURENTERTAINMENT

Kern County Scottish Society to honor life of Robert Burns BY HOLLY DAVISSON Community contributor

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he Kern County Scottish Society invites the public to a most distinctive celebration of the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous Bard (Poet) on Saturday, Jan. 23, marking his 251st birthday. For more than 200 years, Scottish people all over the world have paused to remember the poems and songs of their national hero who immortalized Scottish culture and the common man. The KCSS Burns dinner, following a traditional format, will be held at Hodel’s Restaurant in the Liberty Room , 5917 Knudson Dr., and will feature not only the supper, but includes entertainment provided by the traditional Celtic music of Banshee in the Kitchen. Banshee in the Kitchen has not

only developed a local following, but a national one as well. They have released five CDs that can be purchased at any local music store or on their Web site: Burns www.bansheeinthekitchen.com. As part of the dinner, Burn’s poem “An Address to the Haggis,” is given in honor of the Scottish national dish. A special presentation (Toast) is expressed at the haggis, a dish of very humble origins. The Burns dinner is the most formal Scottish event of the year for the KCSS. Many local Scots will be donning the kilts and family tartan. Burns was born in 1759 to farming parents — but Burns learned the skill

Bakersfield Art Association Mardi Gras Gala! BY MAUREEN SUTTON Community contributor

The Bakersfield Art Association will host the BAA Mardi Gras Gala at 7 p.m. at the Bell Tower Club, 1200 Truxtun, Friday, Feb. 19. Cajun style buffet, wine, New

Orleans style entertainment, Mardi Gras parade, the music of South Side Chicago Seven, dancing, artwork, and a silent auction will be included. Attire is dressy/cocktail or costume (there will be a prize for best costume).

of writing and began to write poems and odes, many of which were put to music. He was recognized for his ability to capture everyday life experiences in a poetic prose. Among his enduring works are: “Auld Lang Syne,” ” My Love is Like a Red, Red, Rose” and “My Heart’s in the Highlands.” Burns died at 37 from heart disease, but he is still remembered for his heartfelt poems. The Robert Burns Dinner is open to the public but reservations are required. Cost of the dinner is $40 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. for cocktails; dinner served at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending may call 393-6765; Gary Lockhart at 836-0971; or visit our Clubhouse at 1985 Airport Dr. For more information, visit our Web site: www.kernscot.com. The Kern County Scottish Society, Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit education organization. Cost is $75 per person. Tickets are available at the BAA Gallery (East Hills Mall), Schilling Art Studio, BAA members, or online at: www.mardigrasgala.com. Contact www.mardigrasgala.com; www.bakersfieldartassociation.co m; 664-9504 or 328- 9237 for more information.

Children from the audience will play ‘geese’ in the opera ‘The Goose Girl!’ COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD

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JAN. 17-23, 2010

alifornia State University, Bakersfield’s Opera Theatre will present An Evening of Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes, Friday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Doré Theatre. The performance will include Pasatieri’s children’s opera “The Goose Girl.” Five children from the audience will be selected to participate as geese in one scene of the light-hearted opera. Additionally, the evening will include scenes from Nicolai’s “Merry Wives of Windsor,” Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” and Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes.” Numerous CSUB students will take part in the performance including: Alicia Bean, Kevin Calvin, Almalinda Duran, Elizabeth Gergian, Robert Hamilton, Katherine Kiouses, Adrianna Medel, Dan Musquez, Elizabeth Provencio, Marco Rodriguez, Sara Thomas, Jessica Trevino and Brent West. Peggy Sears will direct the production. Piano accompaniment will be provided by Soo-Yoen Chang. Set design and lighting will be created by Ray Finnell, and costumes will be designed by Roger Upton. Tickets are $10; $6 for students and seniors, and will be available at the box office one hour prior to show time. For more details, please call 6542168.

Contents

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Go green!

Learn natural methods to use in your home and garden in honor of “Go Green Month” at free workshop.

Rising star

Erin Hudson, a branch manager for KSFCU, has earned the “Tomorrow’s Star Award.”

And he SCORES!

Sports columnist gives you the play-by-play of his first Fantasy Football experience as he maneuvers down the field to make the winning point!

About the cover Ridgeview High School’s Lady Wolf Pack basketball team is Peggy DuanePope’s, Voice education columnist, favorite high school team to follow — along with other local sports teams comprised of many of her former students. On page 5, you can read more of what Peggy has to say about the Wolf Pack and other former students she keeps tabs on in the news. Peggy’s daughter, Shannon Pope, took this cover photo of Ridgeview Wolf Pack team members, Nichole Martin and Marisa Garza, celebrating a recent win with a hug. Your photo could be on our next cover too! Photos and stories for the Jan. 31 issue must be posted by Wednesday, Jan. 20 by 5 p.m.

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EXTRA!EXTRA! CSUB to host electronic waste recycling event COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD

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Learn how to go ‘green’ in your lawn and garden! BY MARIA RUTLEDGE Community contributor

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he Southwest Branch Library, in observance of “Living Green Month” and in partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension Kern County Farm and

Optimal Hospice offers free grief support groups BY DEBORAH MEREDITH Community contributor

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as your family experienced a loss? Loss impacts the entire family system. Children learn about grief through observing, listening, and talking. Optimal Hospice Care offers free grief counseling to the community geared specifically towards children ages 8 to 18 years. Please join us

Home Advisors, will be hosting a onehour workshop titled “Green Methods for Home Lawns and Garden” at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The program is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call the Southwest Branch Library at 664-7716. every Tuesday 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Optimal Hospice Care,4700 Stockdale Hwy, Ste 120. Other support groups offered by Optimal Hospice Care: •Bakersfield Grief Support Groups Tuesday Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. First United Methodist Church 4600 Stockdale Hwy, Room 3 •Tuesday Adult Group 6 to 7:30 pm Optimal Hospice Care 4700 Stockdale Hwy, Ste. 120 All groups are free of charge and open to the community For Information please call Deborah Meredith at 716-4000.

ondering what to do with that old computer monitor? Have a printer that will no longer print? Tossing your outdated stereo equipment? Take advantage of California State University, Bakersfield’s electronic waste recycling event to properly dispose of items that may be hazardous to the environment. CSUB’s Fifth annual electronic waste, or e-waste, recycling event will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents, businesses, city and county agencies may bring e-waste items to the drop-off location near the community recycling bins in parking lot I, just south of the Icardo Center on Roadrunner Drive. There is no limit and there is no charge. “E-waste is a popular term for electronic products at the end of their ‘useful life,’ such as computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers and fax machines,” said David Beadle, CSUB’s director of safety and risk management. “Electronic items often contain lead, cadmium, barium and mercury which can be very hazardous. Proper recycling of these items keeps us all safer.” All electrical items will be accepted, including answering machines, camcorders, compact disk players, copiers, DVD players, electric typewriters, electronic games, fax machines, laptops, mainframe computers, cell phones, modems, pagers, PDAs, personal computers (CPU, monitors keyboards, mice, and peripherals), printers, radios, remote controls, scanners, stereos, tape players, telephones and telephone equipment, televisions, testing equipment, two-way radios, uninterruptible power

Workshop teaches small business Volunteers sought for Kern County Science Bowl owners how to provide a positive work environment

COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD

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alifornia State University, Bakersfield is seeking volunteers for the 18th annual Kern County Regional Science Bowl. The competition is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, at CSUB from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year marks the 14th year the Science Bowl has been hosted by CSUB. The event features 32 five-member teams from 15 Kern County high schools competing in a question-answer quiz format that covers physics, math, computer science and astronomy. Matches consist of two, eight-minute halves. Each match will have four officials in the room: a moderator, who will read the questions, rules judge, timekeeper and scorekeeper. The top two teams advance to the finals and compete in a double-elimination round, with the winner advancing to the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., April 29 — May 3. Thomas Meyer, professor of

physics/computer science and coordinator of the event, is looking for volunteers to help run the event and local businesses that are interested in donating prizes for the students. All officials must attend a training session before the competition where they will be trained for the various positions and given the competition rules. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, morning snack and lunch, courtesy of event sponsors. “The previous events were a great success because we had incredible support from campus and community volunteers,” Meyer said. “In return for their efforts, volunteers will get to watch Kern County’s top science students compete.” Meyer added that all volunteers are welcome, regardless of educational background. For more information, or to become a volunteer, contact Penny Lampkins, 654-3082 or plampkins@csub.edu. You may also log on to: http://www.cs.csubak.edu/ScienceBowl/Volunteer.html, to volunteer directly.

BY DIANE HOWERTON Community contributor

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he UC Merced Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in conjunction with KDG Human Resource Solutions of Bakersfield, is sponsoring a series of FREE workshops. Employee-related litigation is the most prevalent type of litigation faced by small business owners. Even when a business has only a few employees, it is critical that business owners and entrepreneurs understand employee rights in order to avoid lawsuits. These workshops give owners the information needed to not only protect the business but also to provide a positive working environment. The HR topics are the following important sessions:

supplies (UPS), VCRs and word processors. “If you can plug it into a wall socket or put batteries in it, we can generally accept it for recycling,” Beadle said. “Residents simply need to bring the items and provide their name and address for recording requirements. We will take care of the disposal.” Large bulky items, such as water heaters, dishwashers or air conditioning units, cannot be accepted. The City of Bakersfield offers a bulky item collection program. Residents may call 3263114 for more information about this service. “By adding e-waste to our recycling program we’re able to provide a place where our community can bring obsolete electronic devices, and at the same time generate much needed income for campus environmental sustainability projects,” Beadle said. CSUB receives a fee for recycled electronic waste that contains a monitor or screen. This income offsets the cost of recycling all the other e-waste, and any remaining money is used to purchase various items for use on campus. For example, the “plastic lumber” handrails on campus outdoor stairways, which are made from recycled plastic milk and water jugs, were purchased with funds generated by the campus recycling program. At last year’s event, a total of 128,161 pounds —10 truckloads — of e-waste was recycled. For more information about the ewaste recycling event, please call CSUB Safety and Risk Management at 6542580.

•Feb 11: Common Pitfalls of California Wage & Hour Laws: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You •Mar 11: Necessary Forms: Before, During, & After the Employment Relationship •Apr 15: The Do’s and Dont's of Employee Handbooks •May 13: Interviewing: How to Hire the Best and Weed Out the Rest •Jun 10: Employee Privacy in a MySpace World •July 15: Managing Performance for Better Results •Aug 12: Harassment and Discrimination: Preventing and Handling DFEH Complaints •Sept 9: Difficult Conversations: What You Need to Say to Get What You Need •Oct 14: Managing Workers’ Compensation Claims •Nov 11: Rightful Termination: How to Say Goodbye Without Getting Sued Learn the facts and get questions answered from the KDG Human Resource Solutions professionals so that you can help avoid litigation and develop a strong employee team. Workshops will be located a UC Center, 2000 K St., third floor. Register online at: http://ucmsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/conferencelist.asp. For more information, call 877-8267232.


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YOURSCHOOLS

Educator gets kick out of following news of former students’ athletic journeys

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spent New Year’s Eve with several self-proclaimed, local, news junkies. We all agreed that the state of print news in America is pretty grim. We concluded that the aspect of our local newspaper that we value so much is local sports. Every day I scan the sports section to see what local kids are doing. During cross country, I check my favorite teams’ top performers, especially Jake at Highland, and I just wouldn’t want to go without Education columnist weekly football predictions. An article on my favorite tennis player, Elizabeth, graces my refrigerator. Coworkers, Kim and Lacey, used to play volleyball, and competition locally is so much fun. A former student, Karly, was a standout this year in golf. I’m delighted with basketball tournaments because I get to see scores from schools former students attend (Ridgeview, Golden Valley, Independence, and Stockdale), or where cur-

PEGGY DEWANE-POPE

rent and former classmates and friends of my children attend (Liberty, Frontier, Bakersfield and Garces). Having served on the AYSO Region 73 board for a half-dozen years, I love following the high school soccer scores and having my friend, Paul, coach wrestling at Bakersfield Christian, I like to see how they’re doing. In spring, track is my favorite. I spent a half-dozen years at Liberty timing their track meets and became familiar with kids from all the schools — so it’s amazing to pick up the sports section. Chris from Foothill was amazing! Luca, my foreign exchange student, will swim this year so I’m sure to keep up on that. Travis has been coaching baseball after stunning seasons at Stockdale, Bakersfield College, and Oral Roberts. Lacey’s dad coaches at Centennial, and formerly at North. More golf and tennis in the spring with Brian raising a racquet for Ridgeview this year. And frankly, there’s nothing more fun than seeing the threesome of Nisa, Jessica, and Victoria in print for softball. This is a huge, small town. We all know so many people. I’m so glad the PHOTOS BY TATIANA GARCIA. local sports section does such a great Ridgeview Varsity Basketball Coach, Mike Martin with the Wolf Pack. job keeping us posted on what’s up with our children. Peggy Dewane-Pope is a teacher with the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.

Educator of the month

Mrs. Linda Kuest Nominated by: Drew Spicer

Starter, Nichole Martin, celebrates her 16th birthday at the Ridgeview-West game where she scored 16 points!

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I would like to nominate Mrs. Kuest from Rosedale North Elementary School for educator of the month. She is my third-grade teacher and she’s wonderful. She makes class a lot of fun. Sometimes she acts silly while teaching us something new. She brought hot cocoa for us one day because we were reading a story about it. Mrs. Kuest also lets us play multiplication games. Last but not least, she has the best cursive I’ve ever seen. Sponsored by

■ If you have a teacher you think is great, nominate them for Educator of the Month by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less why your teacher is the best and MUST include his/her first and last name, and school where they teach — and remember, your nomination MUST also 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 for school supplies, compliments of GW School Supply and TBV.


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JAN. 17-23, 2010

YOURVOICE

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Cheney, President, Nevada Credit Union League, Erin Hodson, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Branch Manager, and Brett Martinez, outgoing California Credit Union League Chairman and Redwood Credit Union CEO. Erin Hodson was awarded the “Tomorrow’s Star Award” for her work at KSFCU.

Erin Hudson is a rising ‘star’ in local banking Community contributor

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he California Credit Union League presented “Tomorrow’s Star Award” to Erin Hodson, branch manager for the Regional Occupation Center Student Branch of Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. The League’s “Tomorrow’s Star Award” is presented to young credit union leaders, under the age of 35, for achievements that have resulted in added value to the credit union movement. “Erin has demonstrated expertise and dedication to serving as a strong advocate for credit unions, and her service to the credit union community and volunteer participation in Kern County is outstanding,” stated Steve Renock, president/CEO of Kern Schools Federal Credit Union.

The California Credit Union League Convention was held on Nov. 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Erin Hodson serves as a board member for the Regional Occupation Center Banking and Finance Program, Greenfield Union School District’s “Foundation for Success” Executive Board, Career Technical Education Advisory Board and is an Advisory member for the Bakersfield Adult School. In addition, Erin and the Youth Marketing Team at KSFCU teach the youth of Kern County financial literacy. The team performed 354 presentations for the 2008-2009 school years that reached 31,261 students. Erin was instrumental in organizing and presenting many of these presentations. The California Credit Union League also recognized KSFCU with first place in the nation for the most students reached through the financial literacy classes.

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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

JAN. 17-23, 2010

YOURSPORTS

SportsShorts: Columnist takes the whole Fantasy Football ‘enchilada’ — dude!

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ude, I was taken by surprise. Actually, quite taken aback. Unwittingly placed out of my realm. Displaced for sure. Like, totally dude. Of what do I speak you ask? Fantasy Football, dude! Whoa, caught me looking. Never had any idea what to expect when a buddy of mine asked if I would like to join their 10-team fantasy league ‘cause they were shy one entry. Figured I had nothing to lose except my entry fee. Might be fun. Catch up with some who are friends and make a few new friends at the same time. Cool! Let’s go for it, dude. So draft night rolls around and we meet at my buddy’s house. I’m totally clueless as to the formalities involved in the draft. While trying to ascertain the vibe, I find out there really are no formalities to speak of! You know. A guy’s thing, dude. We draw for draft order and begin the 15-round process of selecting NFL football players for our individual teams. You want quarterbacks who’ll pass for lots of yards & touchdowns (Drew Brees). You want split-ends who will go for big yardage and also score td’s (Andre Johnson). You want fleet running backs who can score from anywhere on the field (Adrian Peterson). You want a place kicker whose team bogs down in the red zone (Rob Bironas). And you want a stout defense which forces turnovers and loves to sack opposing qb’s (Baltimore Ravens). I felt I had a pretty good draft for being a novice and eagerly waited for the first weekend of games to arrive. Dude (and believe me when I say I’m not wearing that word out!), I did not know what hit me as it all began to discombobulate from the start. Throw out rooting for your favorite team! Ain’t happenin’ in this league. There’s no allegiance. None. Nil. I used to be a big Rams fan when they were in Los Angeles. When Georgia Frontiere moved them to St. Louis I dropped them faster

than Sarah Palin dropped the Alaskan governorship! When you’ve signed up for Fantasy Football dude (OK, or dudette), you are solely rooting for your individual fantasy team players AND rooting against your opponent’s fantasy players. You could be rooting for one split-end on the Eagles and be rooting against the other Eagles’ split-end AT THE SAME TIME! Crazy, dude! Puts you into a state of schizophrenia. I ain'’t lyin'’dude. Never been involved in anything like it. Completely changed the way I viewed professional football this year. So, we were set up into two divisions and battled through 12 regular season games. Six teams advanced and playoffs were held with the top two playing Sports columnist in the fantasy Super Bowl during the fifteenth professional regular season game. The fantasy Super Bowl was held during that week so that, perchance, none of the pro teams would yet be resting or sitting any of their regular starters as the NFL playoffs approached. It must have been beginner’s luck, but I ended up being the #1 seed in my division, had a bye and played in one semi-final game to try to advance to the Super Bowl. I ended up losing that semi-final game by four points — or so I thought, dude! Mid-week after that game, I get a call saying that a touchdown was taken away from Kurt Warner’s stats the previous Sunday. My opponent had Warner, and dude, I was awarded six points, thereby winning by two points and advancing to the fantasy Super Bowl. Now I’m completely stoked! I’ve been given a reprieve as well as a gift (oh yeah, did I mention it

MICHAEL ELLIOTT

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WAS Christmastime?) and this rookie is going bowling — Super Bowling! By this time, I’m completely and officially out of my gourd regarding this Fantasy Football folly I’ve gotten involved with. Four weeks in I swore I’d never do THAT again. Now I’m making all of the waiver moves I can in order to upgrade my team and bring home the whole enchilada, sauce and all. My counterpart in the title game has Peyton Manning and two of the Colts’ best receivers on his team. I’m toast, dude. But lo and behold, Indy decides that the perfect season is not worth going for and rests Manning and the others midway through the third quarter. I have been given yet another gift, and I somehow pull off the unexpected and win the doggone thing. Okay, I’m happy. I think! Haven’t had time to settle down yet. I’m still frayed. Terrible strain — that Fantasy Football. More stressful than a locomotive bearing down on you. Able to make you leap tall buildings if you get thoroughly energized. Was it worth all of the fuss? Yeah, dude! And if that word is worn out, it’s because I am too.

Athlete of the month Dustin Fisher Dustin Fisher played for the Olive Drive Trailblazers. His thirdgrade NOR flag football team went undefeated this season. Dusty loves football and was excited when he scored points for the team. His family is very proud of him! This photo was taken by his Uncle Wes of him scoring a touchdown!

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call Kim Smith (661) 588-7038 www.kerntyb.com kim@kerntyb.com 3400 Calloway Dr. Bldg 100 Ste 3, Bakersfield, CA 93312

■ 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.

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EXTRA!EXTRA! Continued from page 8. Aquatic Center, 1325 Q St. $60 per month. www.bakersfieldswim.us or 852-7430. Senior Discovery Days, each Monday, seniors 60 and older receive 50 percent discount off admission,10 percent discount in the gift store, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 8722256.

Association Adaptive Aquatics Center, 1800 Westwind Drive, Ste. 500. $35. 477-8605.

Thursday, Jan. 21 Mary Bucholtz, professor of linguistics will speak on “Styling Blackness: White Uses of African-American English in Hollywood Film,” 7 p.m., CSUB, Walter Stiern Library, Dezember Reading Room, 9001 Stockdale Hwy. 654-2362.

Tai Chi Classes, two sessions: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday, Golden State Mall, upstairs in the ballroom, 3201 F St. $45 for Condors vs. Victoria Salmon Kings, 7 p.m. Friday and Satureight sessions. 665-8033 or 2040949. day, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $7 to $25. bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Kid's Grief Connection Support FLICS International Cinema Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Optimal Society, presents “My Father, My Hospice Care, 4700 Stockdale Lord,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Hwy, Ste.120. 716-4000. Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org Sierra Club Conditioning Hikes, or call 428-0354. 3 to 5 miles, 7 p.m., meet at cor“The Sound of Music,” doors ner of Highways 178 and 184. open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. 872-2432 or 873-8107. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Stars DinTai Chi, 48 forms of Tai Chi Quan, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Arthritis ner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $50-$54; show only tickets $25. Association Adaptive Aquatics 325-6100. Center, 1800 Westwind Dr., Ste. 500. $40. 477-8605.

Friday, Jan. 22

The Condors taking on the Victoria Salmon Kings early in the season.

Tuesday, Jan. 19

Wednesday, Jan. 20

Saturday, Jan. 23

Bike Ride, for ladies, all levels, go at your own pace, 8 a.m., FinTai Chi, 32 forms of Tai Chi Sword, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., Arthritis ish Line Bicycles, 8850 Stockdale

THE CALIFORNIAN FILE

Hwy. finishlinebikes.com or 8336268. Book signing, with author Eric M. Leschinsky of “Starving the Flesh,” 1 to 3 p.m., B Moore Christian Books & Music, 526 Olive St. 324-2897.

Kern River Valley Hiking Club, El Paso Mountain-Last Chance Canyon Loop Hike, meet at Starbucks Coffee located at the intersection of Hwy. 58 and WeedCertified Farmers Market, 8 a.m. patch, leave at 7 a.m. Bring lunch to noon Saturdays, next to Golden and 2 quarts of water. Dress State Mall, 3201 F St. appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or Health & Wellness Series, pre747-5065 or 778-3453. vention and wellness program focusing on a sensible eating Kids Free Day, last Saturday of every month, CALM, 10500 plan, exercise, stress manage-

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