Forty Septembers

There are many ways to look at it…

Forty trips around the sun…

280 -/+ dog years…

480+/- full moons…

Forty Summers/Winters/falls/Springs

The fact remains that today I celebrate the fortieth anniversary of my birth. A fact that is thanks in large part to my Mom, of course, my friends and family, for all… always being there for me when I needed them.

Birthdays have always been a sore subject for me. I will not go into the details, but for those that know me, you also know my reasoning. In fact, I did not really start learning to enjoy my birthdays until I met the woman that is now my wife. This is not to say that my family and other friends did not help, but sometimes your spouse can convey thoughts and ideas that the rest of your family cannot.

As I look back on my life up to this point, I worry that I may not have done all that was expected of me. That is more of a philosophical question than anything else, and thusly has no correct answer. It is more a question about my role in the universe and if I am living up to my part in it. Have I achieved that which was expected of me. Is this all there is? Is there nothing more?

Looking at the average life span of a male American, it would appear that I have reached about the half-way point in my journey of life. The point where we should look around, make sure that we are still heading in the direction that we want and expect, make any corrections to our heading, then weigh anchor and set sails again.

I am not depressed about forty. In reality, it is only a number, unless I make it out to be something else. I do look at what I HAVE done with my life and think that I should have tried harder, pushed myself more, taken more chances, made more friends, not let go of as many as I have. But there is a lot of life left, and the road is entirely uncharted. We never know what is waiting around the next corner, or where life will take us tomorrow, the day after, next year, or any time afterward.

Forty is not a big number. When I look at my age, I alway think of what Chiun said in the movie “Remo Williams: The adventure begins.”

“For a plum, I am old beyond my time, for a mountain, I have not begun my years, for a man, I am just right.”

When I look at aging and the process of “ripening”, I have gotten in the habit of looking at a good friend of mine named Russ. If I can be half the person and live half the live that he has, by the time I am his age, then I will consider myself to be lucky.

In closing… I do not really could my life in years. I have learned that you should count your life in the friends you have made and the loves you have known, both those you keep now, and those that have moved on to other things, or have slipped away forever. I am learning not to dwell on the bad things I have experienced, but accept them as lessons learned and embrace them as part of my life, every bit as important as the good things, and in some cases, maybe even more so.

We are all learning, right up until the day we die. So you might say that we are all incomplete works, each year we are just adding a new feature.

Frontier High School Marching Band Rumage Sale

Hey Everyone,

Come join us on Oct 4th, Saturday 7:30 a.m. for a massive parking lot sale we will be having at Frontier High School. All proceeds will go to the band for upcoming traveling expensense. There will be clothes, toys, games, antiques, household items, sports odds & ends and almost anything you can think of. 50 or so families involved. We want this sale to be talked about for a while so please don't miss it. Tell your friends, neighbors and families. Frontier High School Allen & Olive in th Northwest part of town. BE THERE!!!!! Thank you from all of us

Fall History Forum scheduled at CSUB

A historical figure that has drawn both praise and scorn is the focus of California State University, Bakersfield's fall History Forum slated for Friday, Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the Albertson Room on campus.

University of Oregon's David Orique will lead a discussion on 16th-century figure Bartolomé de las Casas (1484-1566) in a presentation titled "The Unheard Voice of Law from an Often Heard Text: A New Rendition of Bartolomé de las Casas' Brevísima Relación de la Destruición de las Indias."

"Las Casas was a formidable advocate of human rights for the indigenous of the new world," Orique said.

Orique added that over the course of Las Casas' 82 years of life, he was a conscientious secular cleric, a crown-appointed "protector of the indigenous," a diligent Dominican friar, the controversial Bishop of Chiapa and a seasoned member of the emperor's privy council.

Trained in canon law, philosophy and theology, Las Casas consistently advocated for evangelization by peaceful methods, and questioned the legitimacy of Spain's presence in the new world. Of his prolific writings, "A Very Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies" is by far the best-known document.

Since its inception in 1999, the History Forum has presented one speaker per academic quarter. Past topics have included the history of the California wine industry by historian Victor Geraci; an oral history and the Chicano experience in World War II given by Mario Garcia, from the University of California, Santa Barbara; and the history of the Basque settlement in Bakersfield presented by Jeri Echeverria, Fresno State University provost and historian.

The forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and parking will be free in lots B and C. For more information please call Mark Baker with the history department at (661) 654-6833 or visit www.csub.edu/history/.

CSUB to hold annual New Student Convocation

California State University, Bakersfield will welcome its newest students and their families to campus at its fourth annual New Student Convocation on Friday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. in the Doré Theatre.

All new and transfer students are expected to attend.

"The New Student Convocation presents a unique opportunity for the university to welcome new students into the learning community, express our expectations for student learning, and demonstrate our collective commitment to facilitating their success and our belief in their potential to graduate from the university," said CSUB President Horace Mitchell.

The day will include an orientation, special convocation ceremony, advising and registration, a resource and club fair, and a meet and greet luncheon with Mitchell, administrators, fellow students and faculty. There will also be programs for parents offered in both English and Spanish.

The convocation ceremony is designed to complement the commencement ceremony that graduating students experience upon the completion of their degree. The event will incorporate a procession of university administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders.

Highlights of the program will include brief remarks by Mitchell, the provost and the vice president for student affairs, a welcome message from a faculty member, and an introduction by the new student body president, Carlos Ortiz. Additionally, the ceremony will incorporate music and a variety of university traditions.

For more information or to RSVP, log on to www.csub.edu/convocation.

Four CSUB students to receive John Brock Scholarships

Four John Brock Scholarships will be awarded in conjunction with the presentation of the prestigious John Brock Community Service Award at the annual dinner slated for Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Seven Oaks County Club.

Bernard J. Herman, executive director for the Bakersfield Museum of Art, has been named this year's recipient of the John Brock Community Service Award.

The John Brock Scholarships, in the amount of $2,500 each, will be given to highly deserving students in the School of Business and Public Administration at California State University, Bakersfield. Scholarships are funded from the event's proceeds through CSUB's John Brock Endowment.

"Four recipients have been identified whose academic achievements qualify them for this financial award," said John Emery, dean of the School of Business and Public Administration. "These students have demonstrated not only academic achievement, but the leadership and community service for which the John Brock Scholarships were established. Their future success in private and public sectors will be important to Bakersfield and Kern County."

This year's scholarship recipients are:

- Marco Gomez – Gomez is a senior in accounting, the youngest of six children and the first in his family to attend college. Gomez is living with his parents who are retired. In addition to assisting his parents and carrying a full class load, he is an active volunteer in both his community and church as a tutor and mentor for fellow students. His high grade point average and academic achievements have been recognized by his membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the business administration honor society. After graduation Gomez plans to become a certified public accountant and pursue a master's degree.

- Jason McGuire – McGuire is a senior accounting major who transferred to CSUB after earning his associate of arts in business administration with a certificate of proficiency in accounting at Taft College. He aspires to become a certified public accountant, either working for a corporation or establishing his own business. He was recently married. He is carrying a cumulative grade point average of 3.88. Additionally, McGuire desires to use what he has learned to help his church and surrounding community.

- Maria Ramirez – Ramirez is an accounting major and has the goal of being the first in her family to attend a university and graduate with a bachelor's degree. She would like to earn a master's in business administration after she gains some business experience. Ramirez also wants to become a certified public accountant.

- Raul Rodriguez – Rodriguez hails from Lamont and is a graduate of Arvin High School. The middle child of parents who worked as farm laborers, he was inspired by his girlfriend, Rita, to pursue a college degree. Ramirez has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. His studies in accounting have resulted in his recognition as one of three recipients of the Honor Graduate award from the Bakersfield College Foundation. His ambition is to continue his education to earn a master's in business administration and become a certified public accountant.

For additional information, contact event chairman Keith Brice at (661) 322-4241.

"I am the greatest player of them all"

A Little girl, in a softball hat in hand stands in the field with her ball and bat.
Says, "I am the greatest player of them all" puts her bat on her shoulder and she tosses up the ball.
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down swings her bat all the way around
The world so still you can hear the sound, the softball falls to the ground.
Now the little girl doesn't say a word, picks up her ball, she is undeterred.
Says, "I am the greatest there has ever been" and she grits her teeth and she tries it again.
And the ball goes up and the ball comes down swings her bat all the way around
The world so still you can hear the sound, the softball falls to the ground.
She makes no excuses, she shows no fear, she just closes her eyes and listens to the cheers.
Little girl, she adjusts her hat, picks up her ball, stares at her bat
Says, "I am the greatest, the game is on the line" and she gives her all one more time.
And the ball goes up and the moon so bright, swings her bat with all her might
The world's as still, as still can be, the softball falls and that's strike three.
Now it's suppertime and her momma calls, little girl starts home with her bat and ball.
Says, "I am the greatest, that is a fact, but even I didn't know I could pitch like that!"
Says, "I am the greatest, that is understood, but even I didn't know I could pitch that good!"

DODGE BALL TOURNAMENT

DODGE THE BADGE - Law Enforcement Dodge Ball Tournament - November 15 & 16 at The Zone 4039 Well Tech Way. The format is 6 per side with a 12 person roster. A portion of the proceeds go to the top 3 finishers' favorite charities.

Covenant Community Services: CARENET Furniture Drop-Off Day

Through Covenant CARENET, Covenant Community Services provides goods and services to foster children returning home to their families and foster youth who are emancipating from foster care. The mission of CARENET is providing services and resources to foster children returning to their families and youth leaving the foster care system equipping them for successful transitions. CARENET is a partnership with the Kern County Department of Human Services and the Juvenile Court system. This program is supported by the donations of our community and through a grant received from United Way of Kern County.

CARENET is collecting gently used and new furniture, which will be distributed to Kern County’s foster children and emancipating foster youth. On Saturday, September 13^th, CARENET staff will be collecting beds, bedding, couches, tables, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and other household necessities. Please bring donations to 1801 Belle Terrace between 8AM – 1PM. Each donor will be provided with a receipt for all donations. Contact Kevin at Covenant Community Services (661/326-8304) for more information.

Covenant Community Services is a faith-based, nonprofit organization serving the public through various social services including: foster care placement, transitional housing, mentoring, mental health and family preservation services. Contact information: http://www.covenantcs.net/ or 661/326-8304.

More about CARENET: CARENET is an outreach program serving children and families by providing resources to insure that a simple resource lack is not a reason for children to remain in an out-of-home placement. CARENET provides goods and services to children and families to build success. CARENET consists of an individual or a group of people in the community who use their talents and resources to help a child and family in need. Plumbers, office workers, retired individuals, families, people with trucks, electricians, business owners, and other friendly people in the community can make a difference in the lives of families. CARENET is a community network designed to build families and enable success. Covenant collects new and gently used household furniture including beds, sofas and dining tables, which are distributed to the families in need. Covenant also recruits people from the community with specific skill sets (i.e. plumbing, electrical) who will volunteer time to assist families in need. The community can help by calling 661-326-8304 to donate items or volunteer time. Donation means so much to families who are desperately trying to heal. With the help of people in our community, CARENET can meet the needs of hurting and hopeless children and families.

Editor’s note

Community service has always been an important part of my life. Whether it requires wearing one of those embarrassing orange vests and picking up trash around town or dressing up for a well-heeled event, if it’s for a good cause, I’m there! I’m also one who never misses a good party.

That’s why I’m excited that The Southwest Voice is a sponsor of this weekend’s Village Fest — one of Bakersfield’s premiere parties that benefits the children of Kern County. I hope you will all consider attending and if you do, make sure you stop by to say hello and get your picture taken at our Luau themed photo booth! Because the event features one of the best beer tastings in all of California, we enlisted a few of our contributors to write “brew” themed articles:

• Beer tasting for style can brew up favorite

• Village Fest 2008: Good times for a good cause

• A six-pack or a keg?

Want to meet those contributors? Flip to page 4 in our print issue, you will see a new feature of The Southwest Voice, “Meet our community contributors.” Each issue, we will introduce you to a few of your Southwest neighbors who have taken the time to share their stories with you. You can contribute by posting online. I hope that, with each issue, we see more and more new faces!

Free Children's short story

My free children's short story for September is now posted on my web site. I post a new story on the first of every month. You may read it on-line or print it out for your children or grandchildren. Hope you enjoy. www.grannywrites4kids.com

Peg Connelly

A six-pack or a keg?

I am not referring to the kind of beer you drink, but rather to the type of belly you have. Many of us enjoy a beer now and then — well, maybe more than now and then! There is no reason that you cannot enjoy your beer without developing the dreaded beer belly.

While we often refer to the rounded belly that Santa Claus sports as a beer belly, it is really less about the beer and more about the lack of activity and diet in general. It is a fact that too many calories of any kind will be stored in the body as fat. Where we store our fat is largely genetically determined, but how much of it we store is not!

If you want to enjoy your beer and/or a few other indulgences, then your best bet is to add activity into your daily life. There is no real nutritional benefit (well, a few carbs!) to beer, so it is simply adding calories to your daily intake. You need to make up for that with a walk, run, game of baseball or tennis, maybe a fun aerobics class or bike ride. The alcohol in beer is metabolized in the stomach and is quickly and easily turned into fat. Use it for energy and no problem — 3,500 calories equals 1 pound no matter how you slice it. If you drink six beers at 150 calories each, you have consumed 900 additional calories! That done a couple times a week will add 1 pound every two weeks to your growing body. But if you exercised four times that week, burning 500 to 600 calories per session, you would burn an equal amount, keep your weight steady, and have six-pack abs instead of a keg.

Sometimes it is not actually the beer causing the beer belly, or the muffin top for that matter. It may be the freestyle eating that goes along with a little alcohol and a social environment. Those nuts that sit atop the bar may be healthy, but they are laden in calories (and seldom do you only eat an ounce, which is one serving!). The buffalo wings and ranch dip or the chips and guacamole may be as big a culprit to your waistline as the beer itself. Whatever you eat or drink needs to be balanced with an equal amount of exercise or activity.

Life should be enjoyed, but it is easier to enjoy it with a healthy body that allows freedom of movement and freedom from pain. So enjoy your beer, just balance it out with extra activities that you also enjoy. Driving should not be an activity enjoyed after beer! Be responsible and be healthy.

New school year, new possibilities

Reflecting on summer stories, sharing new ideas, and contemplating the possible successes that lie ahead are all part of a brand new school year. For teachers, summer is a time to rest, but it is also a time to research trends in education and consider how those trends can improve teaching in the classroom.

As with any job, there is always room for improvement. Education is the prime example in which new ways of thinking are a constant goal. Working with state content standards has sent education in a positive direction. With such a strong road map guiding curriculum, teachers can focus on choosing techniques that will best address what is being taught on a daily basis.

For me, the beginning of a new school year is fun because the room for possibilities is endless. Working with my peers on projects over the summer and questioning what worked and what did not work during prior years makes us all better teachers. Collaboration is a major key to success in the world of education. By challenging ideas and trying new things, we keep the curriculum exciting for us — which definitely impacts our students in a wonderful way.

Teaching is technically a nine-month position. But for many teachers all over, teaching is like any other job. There are breaks, but in those breaks we don’t completely stop working. Enjoying what we do drives us and always keeps us asking the same question: How can we better ourselves and our curriculum? With that said, let the year begin!

— Amy Luther is a frequent contributor to The Southwest Voice and a teacher at Warren Junior High in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.

What is Long Term Care?

You probably know someone who has needed long-term care. Maybe you have witnessed a family member, friend or colleague struggle with the emotional and financial issues that can come with a long-term care experience .Long-term care can affect any age group, any social strata, and any geographic location. But what is it and how can you plan for it?

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is help you may need due to a lengthy illness or an unexpected injury or accident,. It’s assistance with the everyday tasks, or the activities of daily living (bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence). Long-term care may be provided in a variety of locations, from nursing homes and assisted living facilities to adult day care centers and even your own home.

Who needs Long-Term Care?

Americans are living longer than ever before. This extended longevity is one of the things that drives the growing need for long-term care – the longer we live, the better the odds that we may need long-term care services.

While the majority of long-term care services is provided for seniors, a surprising amount of long-term care services are provided to younger people. [In fact, the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates that 40% of the 13 million people receiving long-term care services are between ages 18 and 64.

Who pays for Long-Term Care?

Long-term care can be expensive, financially and emotionally. An unexpected need for long-term care can have a significant impact on a family’s assets and lifestyle

Many people mistakenly believe that their health insurance will cover the cost of long-term care. Others believe that Medicare or Medical will cover long-term care expenses. While Medicare does provide health coverage for seniors, it is limited in the coverage it provides for long-term care. Medical will pay for the cost of long-term care, but you must qualify by meeting strict income and asset eligibility requirements.

Long-term care insurance could be a solution.

Long-term care insurance can be a very smart way to address the challenges from a long-term care need. Long-term care insurance can help pay for nursing home care, as well as, a variety of home and community based care services. Long-term care insurance may not be for everybody, so if you are considering a policy, read it carefully and be sure to work with an insurance agent who understands long-term care issues.

With long life comes long-term planning. Make a plan for you and your family today. For more information on long-term care insurance, please contact John Border, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company at (661)325-8113

Youth Athlete of the Month

Savannah Melton, 13, participated in the 2008 Disneyland 5k Family Fun Run over Labor Day weekend, finishing the run in 43 minutes. This was the first time that Savannah has ever participated in a 5k run. She never gave up, no matter how tired or hot she got. Savannah also plays Bobby Sox softball and currently plays soccer for Team Fury, AYSO Region 359.

Savannah always gives her best effort and has a "can do" attitude. Great Job, Savannah! We are very proud of you!

Don’t tell a child, “You’re smart!”

I am not gifted. Face it; 90 percent of us aren’t. I have however, experienced great fortune and success in my life. One of the reasons I may be successful is that I was never told as a child that I was smart. I experienced success as a child and my parents loved me dearly but, “You’re so smart,” and “Brilliant!” never came out of my parent’s mouths. Instead, they said things like, “Good work,” “Try harder,” “More effort and you’ll get it.”

Psychologically there may be a reason for my success and the lack of someone urging me on with statements of my intelligence. Stanford Psychologist Carol Dweck does research on motivation, personality, and development and short of summarizing her studies, finds it just may be detrimental for children to be told they are smart. My understanding is that Dweck finds that children who grow up believing they are inherently bright sometimes fear taking risks and trying new things because they might find they are not brilliant at them at first and quit the effort before going any further. Dweck calls this a fixed intelligence.

Contrarily, people with growth intelligence believe that they can learn and eventually excel in things they take on. This is where the concept of work ethic and practice makes perfect comes in. A child told that success comes through effort just may find more of it.

The ironic angle of all this is according to a survey conducted by Columbia University, 85 percent of American parents think it’s important to tell their kids that they’re smart. In essence, and I’m at fault here too, our kids are better off being encouraged to work than being encouraged that they are naturally bright.

I’m sure you readers have brilliant children but you might just think about keeping that to yourself and encouraging them to try a bit harder and trust their luck. I am reminded of Thomas Jefferson’s statement, “I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

Peggy Dewane-Pope is an eighth grade teacher at Stonecreek Junior High School in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Learn more in Self-theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development (Essays in Social Psychology)by Carol Dweck.

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