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Silver Lining: Bette Horn, Aera Energy dynamo
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Anonymous user Tue Feb 20, 2007 13:10:41 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Sometimes when I interview people and the interview ends, I say, “Whew, how do they do that?” 
My interview with Bette Horn ended on that note! Bette is a great addition to the city of Bakersfield and the county of Kern.
Currently, in her full-time position with Aera Energy LLC, Bette’s title is Public Affairs Specialist.  As is frequently the case with titles, it really doesn’t say much about what she does. Her duties are broad and reach far into the community. Her love for her job is obvious as her eyes light up when she describes going out into the community and helping in ways that sometimes can’t be measured.
Bette’s been in her current position with Aera for the nearly 10 years they’ve been in business, and prior to that she held the same position with CalResources. CalResources and Aera are both offshoots of Shell Oil Company.  Bette began her work with Shell when it was called Shell California Production Inc. in 1982.  At that time, Shell California was housed in the Triangle Building on California Avenue, awaiting completion of the 12-story Stockdale Tower located on the corner of California Avenue and Mohawk Street. Currently, Aera occupies the building at the corner of Ming Avenue and Old River Road in Southwest Bakersfield.
We talked about Bette’s job and what she likes best on a day-to-day basis. She enjoys working with the local chamber of commerce, various schools in the area, and developing relationships with people in other corporations. Her favorite thing is people and helping them, so it is apparent that she is in the right field for her personality and skills. 
In Bakersfield, Kern County, and the state, Aera is well known for its work in the communities where its employees live and work. Bette’s work behind the scenes helps employees carry out Aera’s vision to make positive contributions within their communities. Making a difference and improving life is what it’s all about.
One of Aera’s favorite projects, and definitely a favorite of Bette’s, is reading to second-grade students in city classrooms who are not meeting grade-level reading requirements. Twenty-five Aera employees go out each week to help these children catch up with their reading skills — the end result is success for the students. It is an important task that makes Bette proud of her fellow Aera employees.  
Bette was quick to say that she has a life outside of her full-time employment. She and her husband Mark are very involved in the lives of their four grandsons, ranging in age from 4 to 11. On the weekends, they spend as much time as they can with their grandsons and believe that grandparenting is a positive contribution to their eventual success.  With a grandmother like Bette, the four boys have an opportunity to feel loved and secure, which not all kids have. Bette stressed that she and her husband do not feel that it is the amount of money they spend on the children, but rather the quality of time spent with them that is key. Just being together and playing together is very, very important to Bette, and she makes time for them even though her work is very demanding. She believes that some work projects can wait until Monday. 
“Children grow fast,” Bette said. “And sometimes, if you miss an important moment, you’ve missed something that can’t wait and won’t be repeated.” 
She is very happy that her two daughters and son live in Bakersfield so she has frequent visits with the grandchildren.
Bette talks of someday retiring and having more time to travel, to spend with the grandchildren, and to work with local nonprofits, as well as continuing to work with school reading programs. She firmly believes in early childhood education (specifically mastering reading skills) and says it will carry over into her retirement. 
“To see a child all of a sudden ‘get it’ is the thrill of a lifetime,” Bette exclaims.
She will continue to make a difference, working full-time for Aera and eventually leading a very productive life in retirement.
Bette has lived in Bakersfield most of her life. She graduated from Garces High School and attended Bakersfield College. She and her husband moved to Northwest Bakersfield 20 years ago, and they thought they were moving way out of town.  When they first completed their home off Brimhall and Old River roads, Bette said they could sit in their back yard and “see forever.” They are now surrounded by hundreds of homes on large lots and they can’t see forever, but they do love Northwest Bakersfield and enjoy their home and neighborhood.  
Bette pondered about what happens as people age, and said that she has made a conscious effort to remain interested in others. She believes that if you focus outside of yourself, you become a better person inside. She is living proof of her philosophy. The difference she makes in the lives of many people is evident, and her inner goodness is infectious.
Bette’s example of living life to the fullest and helping in as many ways as she can is an inspiration. Bakersfield is indeed fortunate to claim Bette as one of its residents. The world could use a “Bette” on every block in every neighborhood!   

— If you have a friend, neighbor or family member who lives or works in the Southwest who is 55 or older and would be an interesting subject for this column, e-mail Caroline at creid@bak.rr.com

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