News: The Southwest Voice

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.

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!"

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

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.

Southwest Calendar

Sept. 6 — Village Fest 2008
Come enjoy Bakersfield’s biggest party benefitting Children Advocates Resource Endowment (CARE) at the Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60 and include food, 15 beer samples and tons of entertainment! Visit: www.bakersfieldvillagefest.com for details.

Sept. 6 — “A Lofty Evening”
Enjoy a “Lofty Evening” with a tour of the new 1612 City Lofts Condominium Project and learn the history of the Hay Building, 19th and Eye streets. Food and wine will be served. Tickets are $50 and the event starts at 6 p.m. Details, contact Robin Valdes at: rvaldes@kerncasa.org or call 321-4876.

Sept. 6 — Today’s Healthy Christian Woman
A day-long seminar to discuss “Energizing Your Life God’s Way” with lunch, door prizes, snacks, and a one-year subscription to Cooking Light Magazine included in the $49 ticket price. Event begins at 8 a.m. and is located at 4500 Buena Vista Road. For details, send e-mail to: THCW@live.com or call 872-6375.

Sept. 6 — Sierra Club Breakfast and Program
Three Sierra Club leaders will offer an issues update for members at its free public breakfast meetings held on the first Saturday of the month will 8:30 a.m. held at Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave.

Sept. 11 — 12th Annual Society for Human Resource Management Symposium & Expo.
The SHRM Expo offers Information and networking for business owners and human resource professionals. Located at the Holiday Inn Select, 801 Truxtun Ave., the event begins at 8 a.m. Send Brandi Evans e-mail at: bevans@kleinlaw.com for details.

Sept. 12 — FLICS at the Fox
“Up the Yangtze” is the movie season opener for FLICS at the Fox Theater, 2001 H St., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. Visit: www.flics.org for details.

Sept. 13 — Sixth Annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
AKC event will be held at Yokuts Park off Truxtun Extension from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include vaccinations, licensing, microchipping, special Blessing of the Animals and a “Best Dressed Bowser” fashion show. For more information, call 845 8955.

Sept. 13 — Fourth Annual B-Town Blues Fest
World Records presents headliner and blues music favorite, Elvin Bishop and more. Music festival will be held at the CSUB Amphitheater and proceeds benefit Houchin Blood Bank. For tickets and information, call 831-3100.

What It's Like To Be A Bereavement Phone Caller

Most of us, at least most of us women, love to talk on the phone. We like to connect with one another, feel a part of things, get a glimpse into the lives of our friends. It makes us feel wanted, useful and in-the-know. We talk while in our jammies, painting our nails, shopping at Target, waiting at the Dentists office, before Yoga, after Yoga and while cooking dinner. The phone is fun. Okay, so I'm not one of those women. I'm imagining what everyone else must feel like because, truth be told, I detest talking on the phone. Can't even tell you why, exactly. I like people. I like talking with people. I just don't like the phone. That's why when Rhonda, volunteer coordinator extraordinaire, asked me to make the bereavement phone calls I thought that for the first time in her life, our maven of perfection had made a mistake. Me? Pick up that dastardly piece of auditory electronics and spend hours in agony? Oh, please. I spend every day with a seven year old and twin five year olds. I can barely carve out time to go potty and now I'm supposed to spend three of the only six hours I have to myself every week making phone calls? Can't I just bake some cookies???? Alas, Rhonda, in her infinite wisdom, must have known all along that I would take to it like the proverbial duck to water or even better, like a teenager to text messaging. I agreed in a very short term, try it out, noncommittal, "I can quit any time I want" sort of way.

I was warned that not everyone would be nice. We all grieve differently and some of the people I call may be angry. I braced myself for the worst, but found only the best. I love the people I call. They are unique and special and going through perhaps the most difficult time in their lives. I feel like it's a gift when they choose to open up to me. When they tell me about their loved one and how they are managing to make it through each day without them by seizing opportunities and going places even when they don't feel like it. When they relive memories and laugh about the good and silly times they've had. When they cry and struggle with their loss, yet find the willingness to accept the help that we're offering. It is good. It is so good. We all know that Hospice offers a vital service for the patient who is dying and for the loved ones left behind. Bereavement phone callers jump right in at one month, six months and thirteen months to check on those loved ones who remain with cracks and fissures in their lives and hearts. They need healing. We can help with that.

From a volunteer's perspective, checking in on the bereaved has given me a purpose outside of myself and my family. It takes "me" out of me and frees my mind for a least a little while from my own problems and upsets. In other words, our grieving clients help me more than I'm helping them. I don't leave the office depressed after making the calls, on the contrary, I leave grateful. I love making bereavement calls. With all this practice, one day I may even learn to love the phone.

If you are interested in becoming an Optimal Hospice Volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Office at 661-716-4000 or email kbudnick@Optimalhs.com for more information. Our Volunteer Training Sessions are every first Wednesday of the month. Please RSVP to reserve your seat.

Beer tasting for style can brew up favorite

Let me start by saying, “Not all beers are created equal.” With over 90 distinctly different beer styles, comparing an American style light lager to a British style imperial stout is like comparing swimmer Michael Phelps to gymnast Nastia Liukin. The individual characteristics of every beer produced will determine the style. When it comes to beer tasting, one has to evaluate the product according to its style.

Here is a breakdown of the style characteristics of the two above mentioned beers, according to the World Beer Cup Competition Style Descriptions and Specifications Guidelines:

American style light lager: These beers are extremely light colored, light in body, and high in carbonation. Calorie level should not exceed 125 per 12-ounce serving. Corn, rice, or other grain or sugar adjuncts are often used. The flavor is mild and hop bitterness and aroma is negligible to very low. Light, fruity esters are acceptable. Chill haze and diacetyl should be absent.

We all should be very familiar with the American light lager. My style characteristics summary: Light in color, body, hops, aroma and overall taste. Commercial examples: Bud Light and Coors Light.

British style imperial stout: Dark copper to very dark brown, British-style imperial stouts typically have high alcohol content. The extremely rich, malty flavor (often characterized as toffee-like or caramel-like) and aroma are balanced with medium hopping and high, fruity-ester characteristics. Bitterness should be moderate and balanced with sweet malt character. The bitterness may be higher in the darker versions. Roasted malt astringency is very low or absent. Bitterness should not overwhelm the overall character. Hop aroma can be subtle to moderately hop-floral, citrus or herbal. Diacetyl (butterscotch) levels should be absent.

There are several different stout styles and the imperial stout is the hardiest of all. My style characteristics summary: Dark in color, big rich body, malty aroma, high in alcohol with moderate to high hop bitterness. Commercial examples: Rogue XS Imperial Stout and Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout.

So, this weekend when you are tasting beers at Village Fest 2008, remember to judge the beer for its style. Some beers are supposed to be rich and dark and others, clear and light bodied. Dark beers need love, too.

Village Fest 2008: Good times for a good cause

It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a kid.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Children’s Advocates Resources Endowment (CARE) wants that village to party it up at Village Fest 2008!

Village Fest, formerly known as Brews in the Village, is one of Bakersfield’s premiere social events held every year to financially support the growth and development of Kern County’s most at-risk kids.

Get ready for good times!
The name of the event was changed this year to reflect its explosive growth and popularity, organizers said.

“When we first started it was a beer tasting festival. Then we added wine, cigars, food and entertainment. We realized the ‘Brews’ name wasn’t really fitting anymore because we’ve really grown into a full festival,” said Jim Luff, the president of CARE, the nonprofit organization that benefits from the event.

Village Fest co-founder Ralph Fruguglietti agrees, “We literally outgrew our name.”

Spread out over 16 acres of the Kern County Museum, Village Fest is like Disneyland for adults, complete with themed areas such as the Vino Village — where you can wet your palate with the finest of California Central Coast wines — and the fiesta themed CantinaVille that is so much fun, it had to be expanded at this year’s event.

True to its roots, the event still offers an extensive beer tasting. You will find selections from over 60 breweries, including local favorite and Southwest Bakersfield hot spot, Lengthwise Brewing Company.

“We are proud to participate in Village Fest year after year,” said Jeff Williams, the microbrewery’s owner. “This event benefits the children of Kern County and at the same time is one of Bakersfield’s biggest social events.”

Over 30 restaurants, including newcomers P.F. Changs, BJ’s Brewery and Famous Dave’s Barbecue will provide the perfect food pairings for all your wine and beer tasting. And as if that weren’t enough, there will be five stages supporting 17 live music acts throughout the night.

“I tell people attending the event for the first time to be prepared to be blown away by the magnitude and quality of it,” said Fruguglietti.

All for a good cause
One-hundred percent of the profits made at Village Fest go to CARE. Of that, 60 percent is put into an endowment that ensures that, if for some reason, Village Fest doesn’t go on, the good work for which it was created will.

“We put the other 40 percent back into the community through our grant program,” Luff said.

Local nonprofits that are dedicated to children’s causes receive grant funding from CARE.

Last year, the Bakersfield Police Activities League (PAL), which is located in southeast Bakersfield and provides after school care for more than 1,000 kids with the goal of keeping them away from gangs and street life, received $2,000 in grant funding from CARE. The money went toward the organization’s soccer program and to buy boxing equipment.

“CARE does a lot to support the children of Kern County,” said BPD Sgt. Chad Jackman, director of PAL. “And I’ve worked the Village Fest the last three years and can tell you it’s a nice, safe event for a good cause.”

What are you waiting for?
The Village Fest committee is aiming to raise $1 million for CARE this year. You can help by purchasing a ticket and attending this philanthropic event that is also one heck of a party!

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at Lengthwise Brewing Company, Frugatti’s Italian Eatery and Wells Fargo branch locations. With the event only a couple days away, you’ll want to act fast as there are usually very few tickets left for sale at the door.

Your ticket will provide admission into the event, which starts at 6 p.m., a commemorative tasting glass, entertainment, food and 15 beer tasting samples. Attendees must be 21 years of age and will be asked to provide identification when purchasing tickets and attending the event.

Make sure to stop by The Southwest Voice’s luau themed booth and have your picture taken for the Spotlight page coming soon to our Web site.

Does your dog have what it takes to be a good canine citizen?

You can find out by participating in the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program at the sixth annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Yokuts Park in Bakersfield.

The Canine Good Citizen test is a certification program that tests dogs with simulated everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The CGC program rewards dogs with the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as community members in good standing.

The purpose of the CGC test is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community. Dogs become respected members of their communities when they are trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. All dogs, including purebred and mixed breeds, are welcome in the CGC program.

CGC training is fun, useful, and will help you establish a closer bond with your dog. The AKC urges all dog owners to participate in this program. Today dogs must have good manners in public to live harmoniously within communities and survive the increasing challenges of anti-canine advocates. Every dog should respond to at least four basic commands to function acceptably in public: “heel,” “sit,” “down,” and “stay.”
There are 10 items on the test and the dog must pass all 10 to earn the AKC CGC certificate. All tests are performed on-leash. Dogs should wear a well-fitted buckle or slip collar made of leather, fabric or chain. Pinch collars or head collars are not acceptable. The leash should be either leather or fabric. Visit: www.akc.org for more information on Canine Good Citizen testing. Tests will be given from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is just one activity at Responsible Dog Ownership Day. AKC-affiliated dog clubs, as well as many other dog and pet related organizations, will participate. It is an excellent way to learn about resources in the area. Experts will be on hand to assist with locating a reputable breeder, training, advice on health, nutrition and socialization. All dogs must be on leash.
For more information, call 845-8955.

Anthony Pineda at Han's Taekwondo Academy.

Anthony Pineda is a second grade student at Valle Verde Elementary School. He also trains at Han's Tae Kwon Do Academy. Pineda started his Tae Kwon Do training in June 2008. He is a devoted member of the Han's Tournament Team and practices four days a week, two hours a day. With his busy training schedule, Pineda is required and manages to maintain good grades and behavior. Pineda competed in two competitions earlier this year, earning two gold and two silver Medals. He plans on competing in three more before the end of the year in preparation for Junior Olympics in 2009. Look for greatness in this determined, young man's competitive career. To learn more about Anthony or his Taekwondo school, please visit www.hanstaekwondo.com. Thank you.