User Posts : The Southwest Voice

Girl Scout Troop 605 gives back

The girls of troop 605 were devastated earlier this year when one of the girls in their troop became very ill with an auto-immune disease and after about a month long stay at the Valley Childrens Hospital, she passed away at the age of 12. During her stay at the hospital, her parents were given a room to stay at the Ronald McDonald House next door.

Having a room to stay in by the hospital meant so much to her parents. After they came home, the little girl's mom, Katrina, (who is one of the leaders of Troop 605)shared with the girls how grateful she was to the Ronald McDonald House. The girls of Troop 605 decided that they wanted to give back as a way of saying thanks.

The Ronald McDonald house (which is not funded by Ronald McDonald's) relies on donations from the community. Our girls decided that they wanted to collect laundry soap and dryer sheets. They asked friends and family for donations and they also held a car wash. They were able to bring a large amount of donations to the Ronald McDonald House.

On May 3rd the girls brought their donations, along with sandwich trays, fruit and cookies for the families, to the facility in Madera. While there, they were able to help with simple chores like cleaning the playroom, sweeping, washing windows, etc. It was very rewarding and fullfilling for these girls. We have decided to make this trip a couple times per year and will collect donations of new stuffed animals and new or used DVD's this time.

If anyone has not been to or had any experience with the Ronald McDonald house, let me tell you that this is such a wonderful place. For just $15 a night for families, they can have a place to take a nap or shower or get something to eat. They can be right there by their child. You just can't imagine what that means.

Sesame Street Memories

When my kids were about 1 and 3 years old, we were watching Sesame Street and there was a little segment that said "If hearts were called Chickens, you'd have to say, 'I love you with all my chicken' ". My kids, who are now 13 & 15, thought that was the funniest thing they every heard and so they used that saying all the time. It become a daily saying in our home and we still use that saying today!

Happy Birthday, Pastor Larry Wylie

Pastor Larry Wylie is the Senior Pastor at Bakersfield First Church. He will be celebrating his birthday on April 16th. Happy Birthday Big Lar!

Easter Celebration at Bakersfield First Church

The kids at Bakersfield First Church had a great time at church on Easter. The kids had their traditional Sunday School lessons, then they were treated to some skits with live actors and puppets and then we did some crafts and enjoyed an egg hunt with over 900 eggs!

Some other fun children's activities that are now being planned are:

1st Annual Bekka Potter Basketball Camp taught by Coach Kyle Wylie of South High (June 16-20th),

Vacation Bible School - Theme is: "Son World Adventure Park" and is for ages 4 years thru 6th grade (June 23-27th from 6:30-8:45 pm)

If you do not have a church to call home, we would love to have you come and join us! Sunday service time is 9:15 a.m. and Sunday School is at 11:00 a.m. Please call Bakersfield First Church @ 832-2145 for more information.

Educator of the Month: Lauri Heffernan - Winner!

I would like to nominate Mrs. Lauri Heffernan for Educator of the Month. Mrs. Heffernan teaches 3rd grade at Old River Elementary School. She is an awesome teacher. She is the kind of teacher that everyone wishes their child to have. She makes all of her students feel special and valued. She teaches them respect by her example and she expects nothing but the best from her students. My daughter, Kendall, loves to go to school everyday and looks forward to another day in Mrs. Heffernan's class. Mrs. Heffernan does a great job instilling in these kids the school's motto: "Honest Words, Honest Actions and an Honest Day's Work...American Values for the 21st Century" Mrs. Heffernan should be chosen as Educator of the Month!

Family Carnival

A church family carnival will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, 2801 Hughes Lane, on Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. the cost is $5.

Dr. Rick Rigsby to speak in Bakersfield

Considered among America's finest speakers, Rick Rigsby challenges audiences with a compelling message that engages the mind, energizes the will, and encourages the spirit! A master storyteller, Dr. Rigsby weaves a life of triumphs and tragedies with timeless common sense values--to respond to the challenges of our day. Following a successful career as a television news reporter for a CBS affiliate in Northern California, Rick Rigsby began graduate studies, earning a Master's degree at California State University, Chico, followed by his Doctorate from the University of Oregon. For the last two decades, Dr. Rigsby has served as a college professor--the last 14 years at Texas A&M University--where he continues to serve as chaplain for the Aggies football team.

Saturday, September 8th @ 6:00 p.m. at Olive Knolls Church (6201 Fruitvale) This evening is geared for teens and families

Sunday, September 9th @ 9:15 a.m. at Bakersfield First Church (2801 Hughes) This is for the entire audience

THIS IS A FREE EVENT

Questions? Call Sandi @ 661-832-2145

Summer Vacation Photo Contest: Camp Surf in San Diego

I took a summer vacation with 11 Girl Scouts to Camp Surf in San Diego, CA where the girls learned to surf, body board and much more. We camped right on the beach. It was a GREAT trip!

Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest: Mikey, 2 years old

"I don't think I'm big enough for this floatie"

Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest: Hangin' out by the pool

Here is Kendall with her dog, Lucy. That's as close as Lucy wants to get to any water!

Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest: Sun Worshipper

Here is our little dog, Mikey, laying on his towel enjoying the sun.

If I joined the circus I would ...

If I joined the circus I would do a clown act. I would juggle fire on sticks. I would also make silly faces and jump around. I would ride a unicycle and do crazy tricks. All the people in the crowd would cheer because I was so good at tricks and riding the unicycle. I would try to be so good that I could be on TV. Also, if they let me join the circus I would also like to be an animal trainer and train the elephants. I would have them wear funny hats and the girl elephants would wear sparkly saddles. The boy elephants would wear green saddles. The elephants would do tricks like sitting and jumping up and down. I would sit on the elephant and say "yee-haw" just like a cowgirl. Everyone would clap if the elephants did all those tricks right. I would do all those things if I joined the circus.

Father's Day Photo Contest: Enjoying Las Vegas

Rich and Kendall Castillo enjoying a Las Vegas vacation

Father's Day Photo Contest: Rich and Kendall

Daddy and his little princess enjoying the day at Medieval Times Dinner and Theater Show.

Graduate Photo Contest: Zac

Good bye, Warren Jr. High...Hello Stockdale High School!