Bakersfield Life Magazine September 2017

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September 2017

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A MEMBER OF THE

T B C M E D I A FA M I LY

www.bakersfieldlife.com

The Women’s Issue

Dining Divas hit Sorella Ristorante Italiano Latination celebrates its 9th year $3.95

“Mexican Hat Dance” by Patti Doolittle

4 female artists share their stories 10 ideas for a girls night out Women’s and Girl’s Fund transforms lives

www.marycrealtor.com

othing beats banking local. Our friends at Valley Republic Bank feel like family who share our philosophy — for years they’ve provided the support, products, and services we need to grow. They’re accessible, transparent, and in touch with Kern County. We’re grateful.”

M OLLY & B RUCE B USACCA Owners, Secure Systems Keeping one of California’s biggest ‘small towns’ safe and secure is what they do. Bruce started Secure Systems in 1980 after graduating from Bakersfield High School; he and Molly married in 1988, and in 1996 they welcomed ‘the’ triplets of Bakersfield. As life progresses, so does the business. In 2017, they grew to a new space at 23rd and H. In Bruce’s words, “Valley Republic Bank has been our business partner for years.

Like us, they serve the community we grew up in, we know and we love!”

Local. Responsive. Reliable.

5000 California Avenue, Suite 110 | 4300 Coffee Road, Suite A6 11330 Ming Avenue, Suite 400 510 Woollomes Avenue, Suite 106, Delano

valleyrepublicbank.com | 661.371.2000 valleyrepublicbank.com Valley Republic Bancorp (VLLX)

SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURES FOR THE LOVE OF ART Four local women pursue their dreams while redefining what it means to be an artist.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Page 52

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

GIRLS NIGHT OUT BAKERSFIELD 10 ideas for a fun night out with the girlfriends.

Page 60

For the record: A story in the August issue about Kern River safety had incorrect information about type I and type III life vests. A type I life jacket is ideal for the river as it is designed not only to keep a person afloat, it will also roll them on their back should they become unconscious. A type III life jacket is not recommended for rough waters.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

www.mhmcpa.com NPyzow@cbiz.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

DEPARTMENTS Up Front Bakersfield has a large variety of live music venues with different styles of music.

Check out some of these locations on Page 17.

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

Eat & Drink

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOULA SCHOELL

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45 Up Front 14 The Big Picture 16 Word on the Web 17 12 Things ...

18 Arts & Culture 19 Short Takes 19 By The Numbers 20 Happenings

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PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

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82 Eat & Drink 22 Dining Divas 26 Lunchtime Pick 28 What’s Cooking Lifestyles 30 Money Matters 32 Pastimes 34 What’s Haute 38 Tech Talk

Bakersfield Life Magazine

Go & Do 40 Entertainment 42 Out & About 45 Trip Planner

51 Love and Life

B Well 47 Feature – How to Train for a 5K or Marathon

People & Community 66 Business Profiles 70 Bakersfield Matters 71 Millennial Voices 72 History 74 Philanthropy Matters

50 Your Body

77 Talk of the Town

September 2017

38 78 Personality 80 All-Star Athlete 82 For A Cause 85 Our Town 86 Prime Finds 88 SNAP! 94 Last Word

The Divas visit Sorellas Ristorante Italiano. See what savory dishes they ordered on Page 22.

Also, Bakersfield Life visits Iguanas Grill and Cantina for a delicious “Lunchtime Pick” on Page 26.

Lifestyles Chris Thornburgh offers seven tips to help you financially survive a career break in “Money Matters” on Page 30.

Go & Do In “Trip Planner,” we take a look at Colorado Springs. Its balance of natural and manmade features make for a great vacation destination on Page 45.

B Well Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. Get some tips on how to train for a 5K or a marathon in our B Well feature on Page 47.

People & Community Girls rule! Meet two local Girl Scouts who are making a difference for our furry friends in Kern County and beyond on Page 77.

• 3 Dimensional Designing • Full service Remodeling • Countertop /Backsplash • Diamond Cabinetry Sullivan Maple, Graystone on Pearl, Island color is Seal • Countertops: GraniteCopenhagen • Appliances: Jenn-air 30in wall Oven, Pro Style cook top with the built in microwave drawer • Sink by Kohler

Stockdale Kitchen and Bath with Rick Sorci at the helm envisioned, designed and created our beautiful kitchen. Their quality products, design recommendations and attention to detail are outstanding. Rick makes available his whole team. Rick helps with the whole process from granite shopping, backsplash, design and appliances with an expert advice helping with every step. We love the functionality, flow, and feel of our new kitchen. When guests arrive they can’t believe the difference from our previous 1980’s kitchen to the one Rick designed.

We couldn’t be happier with our results.

- Gregg and Terri Bender

STAFF SHARES Bakersfield’s Premier City Magazine September 2017 / Vol. 11 / Issue 12 Bakersfield Life™ Magazine is published by TBC Media

Who is your favorite female role model (real or fictional) besides mom?

Publisher Ginger Moorhouse Associate Publisher Virginia Cowenhoven

ON THE COVER Artwork by Patti Doolittle, which is one of the many entries in this year’s Latination.

President/CEO Michelle Chantry Editor Jim Lawitz Sales and Marketing Director Joey Zachary Assistant Managing Editor Mark Nessia

Coming Next …

How To Guide/DIY

To Advertise, contact

Joey Zachary at jzachary@bakersfield. com or 395-7363.

What’s hot this month on BLife’s Facebook and Instagram

Specialty Publications Coordinator Kasey Meredith Art Director Glenn Hammett Graphic Designer Holly Bikakis Specialty Publications Intern Amy Daigle

Meet Hailey Amos one of the Girl Scouts who helped integrate pet respirators into the Bakersfield Fire Department. Read their story on Page 77!

Photography Felix Adamo, Henry A. Barrios, Holly Bikakis, Casey Christie, Mike Cottle, Scott Hislop, Lisa Kimble, Kasey Meredith, Mark Nessia, Greg Nichols, Carla Rivas, Jennifer Self, Rod Thornburg

Bakersfield Life was at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Happy Hour Bar & Tapas with video!

Check out one of downtown Bakersfield's hottest eateries.

Contributing writers Kristen Beall Barnes, Asha Chandy, Nina Ha, Andrew Hawley, Lisa Kimble, Stephen Lynch, Arnold Morrison, Shelby Parker, Julie Plata, Chris Thornburgh, Liarida Yoakum

Live music venues in Bakersfield? We have several! Bakersfield Life checked out Centro 18 Cuisine and Lounge. For the video, check out our Facebook page or turn to Page 17 to read about more options.

Connect with us – www.bakersfieldlfe.com facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine Instagram/bakersfield_life twitter.com/BakersfieldLife

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

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“Women are strong, talented and intelligent! I admire my mom for her beautiful heart, Grace Kelly for her timeless style and my sister Sarah for her unwavering faith in Christ.”

– Nina Ha, contributing writer “Madeline Albright came to the U.S. as a Czech refugee during WWII, not speaking an ounce of English. She was unanimously voted to be the first female secretary of state.”

– Asha Chandy, contributing writer “It is difficult to single out one woman who has inspired me, but those who give of their time, talent and financial resources to help the needy and make our community such a wonderful place, without fanfare and away from the limelight, have my undying admiration. As a mother, my role models are the women who have raised kind, compassionate and giving human beings.”

– Lisa Kimble, contributing writer “It’s a toss-up between Cruella de Vil in “101 Dalmatians” and Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” because both are strong female characters who know what they want and go after it.”

– Elizabeth Sanchez, multimedia engagement coordinator

We want to hear from you – Send comments or letters to the editor to Mark Nessia at mnessia@bakersfield. com. Please include name, city and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and to excerpt them.

Contact us – 1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-395-7500

BROWN ARMSTRONG Certified Public Accountants

Trusted. Strategic. Experienced.

Now operating in Laguna Hills.

Bakersfield | Fresno | Laguna Hills | Stockton www.bacpas.com 4200 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93309 | (661) 324-4971 | www.bacpas.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

HEART to ART Art is the purest form of expression.

And it is through expression where people display individuality. For some, creating something is their preferred way to relax. For others, it’s an escape from the stresses of everyday life. And there are those who use art to reveal thoughts and feelings they are unable to share through traditional means.

Whatever the reason, whatever the medium, producing art that stems from the depths of human emotion results in something beautiful and powerful, its impact leaving a lasting impression.

Art is all around us, so prevalent, that its presence is often overlooked.

The clothes we wear is the result of art. The careful selection of fabrics, patterns and complementary colors meticulously stitched together to produce something comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Architecture is an artistic collection of structures shaped by the culture of a locale – a snapshot from an era that is sometimes our only connection to the past.

The catchy pop song on the radio that gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day is, whether you like it or not, also art. But music is better appreciated when it warrants an emotional response from the listener – a ballad that reminds us of the one who got away or a romantic song that perfectly describes that special someone.

A movie that makes you laugh or cry is the result of many artistic elements coming together, from the score that sets the mood, the cinematography that perfectly frames each shot for maximum effect, and the performance of the actors and actresses that make you forget this is a work of fiction – an imaginative depiction of events from mind of its creator.

Art draws us all together and its best trait is its subjectivity. It can be anything to anyone and there are no wrong answers. Art allows everyone to construct their own interpretation of the work – drawing from the experiences they’ve faced – to personalize it and turn it into exactly what they want it to be. In the end, art connects one heart to another.

Art is a reminder of the beauty that exists in a world that can sometimes be ugly.

When we remember that art surrounds us always, we look at our environment differently.

So get lost in art and see what you find in return.

Mark Nessia Assistant Editor 395-7383 mnessia@bakersfield.com

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

UP FRONT

The time is now to get your nonprofit included in the annual Kern Community Foundation Charity Giving Guide!

For more info, turn to Page 21.

The Big Picture / Word on the Web / 12 Things / Arts & Culture / Short Takes / By the Numbers / Happenings

FAIRY TALE COME TRUE Happening this month is the Fairytale Bridal Event at the Bakersfield Marriott on Sept. 10.

For more events, turn to Happenings on Page 20.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Up Front T HE B I G P I C T U R E

GARCES FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Garces seniors catch up on selfies before the start of classes.

Photo by Felix Adamo

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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WOR D O N TH E WE B

HEAR

Who is your favorite EVER Y female character be from W OR D ! a movie or book?

Compiled by Bakersfield Life

Don't miss the special moment.

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We provide hearing solutions suited for your individual needs, reconnecting people with the world around them.

S PECIAL O FFER Receive $500 off a pair of premium hearing aids.*

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

“Junie B Jones! If she were a kid in my class, she would drive me crazy, but I would love her. They’re funny.

And real. And they make me laugh.”

– Jolie Brouttier

“Ramona Quimby!

Her adventures got me hooked on reading.”

– Kristina Irwin

“Halle Berry in ‘Kidnap.’ Although I think she may have been too easy on anyone, it is most like how myself would react in that same situation.”

– Felicia Johnson

“Michonne from ‘The Walking Dead’ comic.”

– Crystal Alvarez

“Dagny from ‘Atlas Shrugged’ was a woman way ahead of her time – cool, confident, strategic.”

– Marilyn AdamsGeorge

“Ellen Ripley from ‘Alien.’”

– Diana Marquez

“Elisa Doolittle from ‘My Fair Lady.’

She’s plucky, independent and has a real joie de vivre. Plus I love singing along to ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.’”

– Amanda Brummer

“Mattie Ross from ‘True Grit,’ the original version, obviously.”

– Jenny Foster

“Scout from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ and Fern from ‘Charlotte’s Web’ instantly came to mind because of their strength and their precocious natures.”

– Misty Fogle Horack

“Dagny from ‘Atlas Shrugged.’ She embodies ‘value for value.’ She holds to her principles.”

– Chad Yost

12 T HI NGS .. .

BAKERSFIELD SOUNDS Try something new this weekend at these local venues for live music

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

Venues like B Ryder’s, Jerry’s Pizza, Elements Venue, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace and the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame are known for providing live entertainment on a regular basis, but there are more locations that offer classic, live music in their lounges.

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Pyrenees Cafe includes concerts with reggae jazz held throughout the year.

601 Sumner St., 661-323-0053.

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Karaoke is held at The Lone Oak Lounge Thursdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Live music (alternative rock and country) is performed every Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m. 10612 Rosedale Highway, 661-589-0412.

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Belvedere Lounge provides ’90s alternative rock.

Karaoke is on Thursdays and Sundays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Live music is played on Fridays and Saturdays.

3090 Brundage Lane, 661325-2139.

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Chime into classic rock at O’Hennings. A variety of bands are set throughout

California Dueling Pianos at The Padre Hotel

the month at the bar. Live music is hosted every Friday and Saturday night with an open jam on the first Sunday of each month. 1312 Airport Drive, 661-345-3048.

Corral presents concerts with a mixture of country and jazz. 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 661-873-7613.

10 The Padre Hotel pres-

Vintage music is performed at World Records, including guitar blues and blues rock. The performances are held throughout the year.

2812 F St. 661-325-1982.

ents many genres of music, particularly piano music and classic rock. Every Friday and Saturday, the Padre will feature dueling pianos at Prospect Lounge.

Schedule subject to change.

1702 18th St., 661-427-4900.

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11 Earlier musical styles

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Chalet Basque Restaurant promotes rock ’n’ roll.

Schedules vary every month.

200 Oak St., 661-327-2915.

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For rhythmic music and hip-hop, go to Cielo 9.

There’s new music on different days of the month.

4208 Rosedale Highway, 661-347-8471.

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For those who enjoy the Western style, Ethel’s Old

PHOTO BY MIKE COTTLE

Centro 18 Cuisine and Lounge offers Latin jazz music with the addition of punk rock. Concerts are presented every Saturday with a variety of bands.

1517 18th St., 661-493-0177.

are shown at Sandrini’s Public House. It presents reggae jazz music with the addition of country on Friday and Saturday nights.

1918 Eye St., 661-322-8900.

Mystic Red at Ethel’s Old Corral

Loneship at Sandrini’s

12 Smooth jazz is featured at The Mark Restaurant.

Music is played every Friday and Saturday night. 1623 19th St., 661-322-7665.

Shari Puorto at O'Hennings

www.BakersfieldLife.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARI PUORTO

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Up Front ART S & C U LT U RE

THIS MONTH’S PICKS

Editor’s Book of the Month

Coming up on its 23rd year, Bakersfield Village Fest is back and jampacked with food from 30 different restaurants, a multitude of bands, and a plethora of wine and beer options.

Dubbed the “party of the year,” Bakersfield Village Fest will be held at the Kern County Museum. There will be six fun and eclectic areas: Village Lawn, Vino Village, Craft Brew Village, Big KahunaVille, MicroBrews alley and the sponsors-only spot, Club VIP. These themed areas will span a whopping 16 acres, which will have five different music stages sprinkled throughout.

Crowd favorites Mento Buru will join 15 different bands. The stages will be playing music simultaneously. Lineup is subject to change but some other artists joining Village Fest are: DJ Phantom Stranger, the Pan-O-Rama Steel Drums Band, The Aviators, Dub Seed and Foster Campbell and Friends to name a few.

Village Fest will not disappoint your taste buds. Unlimited samples from favorites like, Frugatti’s Italian Eatery, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Salty’s BBQ & Catering, and Wiki’s Wine Dive and Grill, to name a few, will be making its way through the crowds.

Festgoers can wash down these Bakersfield delicacies with any of the 100 different brews and 70 wines. Beer selection is coming from about 60 different breweries spanning across the United States and Canada.

Tickets range from $68 to $75 and include 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples, as well as access to the entire festival. Stipulations for Village Fest are that you must be at least 21 years old. Men’s tank tops/muscle tees and

Bakersfield Village Fest

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

Entertainment

outside drinks are not permitted. Village Fest is a rain-or-shine event.

A part of the proceeds will go to the Kern County Museum and The Children’s Advocates Resource Endowment, a nonprofit organization that raises money for children’s charities.

When: Sept. 9, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. Tickets and more information: bakersfieldvillagefest.com

Theater “Butterflies Are Free” is about Don Baker, who leaves the nest of his overprotective mother, to pursue songwriting in Manhattan. “Donny Dark,” nicknamed by his mother in her book series, Don Baker has been blind since birth. When Mrs. Baker meets Jill, Don’s kooky, sexy actress neighbor, her motherly instincts go into overdrive and comedic chaos ensues.

When: Sept. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 Where: BMT Stars Theatre, 931 Chester Ave. Tickets: bmtstars.com 18

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September 2017

“Thanks for the Trouble,” by Tommy Wallach Parker Santé has all but given up on his senior year of high school, skipping classes in favor of hanging out in hotel lobbies throughout San Francisco and observing its colorful guests.

Sitting inside the Palace Hotel, he meets a silver-haired girl named Zelda Toth who, unlike Parker who hasn’t spoken a word in five years, has a little too much to say.

Completely infatuated with someone who may or may not be whom she claims to be, Parker takes up Zelda’s offer to invest the remainder of her money to help him turn his life around.

The catch: Once all the money is spent, Zelda will jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.

A coming-of-age narrative of first – and quite possibly last – loves, “Thanks for the Trouble” explores the power of connection and the relationship that can bloom between two individuals whose paths join at the center but head out in opposite directions.

SHORT TA K ES

BY TH E N U M BE R S

5 WEDDING TRENDS

PHOTO BY GREG NICHOLS

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Candi Easter, a judge in the “Latination” art exhibit at Metro Galleries, studies each piece of art.

Ninth edition of Latination The ninth edition of Latination, Bakersfield’s biggest art event, will take place at Metro Galleries on First Friday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. Latination is a juried art exhibit dedicated to exploring and celebrating Latino culture. The evening will feature the presentation of cash prizes to the winning entrants, as well as authentic Mexican food and live music by Mento Buru.

The first Latination took place in 2009 and it has grown each year in both participation and popularity. Last year’s show drew a record 275 entries.

In addition to the “Best of Show” and first and second runners-up, Metro Galleries owner Don Martin will select the Betty Leonor Award winner in honor of the 2012 Latination Best of Show winner who passed away at the age of 44 in July 2015.

HELP END DRUNKEN AND DRUGGED DRIVING IN KERN COUNTY

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WED TECH HELPS CAPTURE EACH AND EVERY MOMENT. • GoPros in bridal bouquets to capture the walk down the aisle.

• Sixty-four percent of couples created a wedding hashtag and shared with guests on their personalized wedding website.

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MOBILE WEDDING PLANNING DOUBLES AS MORE COUPLES ARE PLANNING ON THE GO. • Creating a personal wedding website – 25 percent, up from 14 percent in 2014.

• Using an online RSVP service – 20 percent, up from 7 percent in 2014.

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. • As unexpected places to wed are on the rise, only 26 percent had a ceremony in a religious institution – down from 41 percent in 2009.

• Hosting weddings at farms, barns and ranches increased from 2 percent in 2009 to 12 percent in 2016.

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Last year, Kern County saw over 4,000 DUI arrests – more than 11 per day. Another 45 innocent people were hurt from DUI crashes and 11 were killed.

Bakersfield’s fourth Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash on Sept. 23 at The Park at River Walk is your chance to do something about impaired driving in our community.

The 5K walk/run and 10K event – plus a free kid’s fun-run – is aimed to help local victims of DUI crashes, fund MADD Kern County programs and raise awareness.

Register at walklikemadd.org/bakersfield ($20 for youth, $25 for adult).

GUEST EXPERIENCE IS TOP OF MIND AS GUEST COST RISES WHILE GUEST COUNT DROPS. • Average cost per wedding guest in 2016 was $245, up from $194 in 2009.

FALL WEDDINGS DOMINATE. • September and October are tied for the most popular month, each accounting for 16 percent of weddings.

• Saturday nuptials are still strong at 70 percent followed by Fridays at 14 percent and Sundays at 12 percent.

Source: www.xogroupinc.com

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Up Front HAPPENINGS

September

Find more community events at bakersfieldlife.com or submit yours via email to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com or via our Facebook page: Bakersfield Life Magazine.

Nitro Circus

Nitro Circus is coming to the Kern County Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 10. The zany BMX show will feature crazy BMX, cycling, scooter, skateboard and even toboggan tricks with pyrotechnics, neon lights and a 40-foot ramp Faith Hill and Tim McGraw known as the Giganta Ramp.

Vehicles will start flying from 6 to 8 p.m., with gates opening Sept. 2-4 at 5 p.m.

Sierra Arts and Crafts FesNitro Circus Live gained tival, 9 a.m. Circle Park. Arts, traction from its MTV series crafts, antiques, beer at the that aired in 2009. Since then, brewery and wine, fishing, the circus has been touring. rafting, hiking and camping Nitro Circus Live will feature on Labor Day weekend. Kern30 world-class athletes. ville. Free. www.krvaa.org.

Anything from a kayak to a tricycle can fly Sept. 6 off of the ramp.

Full Moon Ticket prices Sept. 2-3 Bike Ride, range from 3rd Annual 8 p.m., Beach $19 to hStock Music Park. Free.

Fis $124, with stival www.bikebaFe options kersfield.org/ nville Rodeo Grounds, Ker for family calendar.

11447 Kernville Rd, Kernville packages Advance purchase price and VIP Sept. 8 $15 one day, $25 both days tickets. For Trace Adwww.friendsofthekernrivermore inforhatchery.org/ kins in Concert, mation, visit 8 p.m., Spectrum nitro-circus-live.

Amphitheatre, 11200 tickets-center.com.

Stockdale Highway, $25$65. www.AXS.com.

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Sept. 9-10 2017 Bakersfield Collector -Con, 10 a.m., Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Free. www. facebook.com/BakersfieldCollectorCon. Sept. 10 Fairytale Bridal Event, 12 to 3 p.m., Marriott Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $15-$45.

Sept. 14 Bunco at Christine’s Benefiting CASA, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Christine’s at Stockdale Fashion Plaza, 4915 Stockdale Highway, $30.

Sept. 15 “Kansas,” 8 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $45-$95. www.vallitix.com.

Kansas, “The Prelude Implicit” album

Sept. 16 Meet Me In Paris 3, The Ladies Guild presents the third annual fashion show, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Mission at Kern County, 816 E. 21st St. Lemoore Raceway Sand Drags, All day, gates open at 8 a.m. and races start at 2 p.m. at Lemoore Raceway, 1750 Highway 41, Lemoore.

Tickets are $10-$100.

CHARITY GIVING GUIDE A “WHO’S WHO” OF KERN NONPROFITS Calling all nonprofits! Register with Kern Community Foundation to be featured in the 2018 Charity Giving Guide, which will be published inside Bakersfield Life’s “Giving Issue” in December. The guide showcases charitable organizations to potential funders, volunteers and the community at large.

Registration is a two-step process: Agencies create a profile having a silver or higher transparency rating on Guide-

Star.org, the world’s largest database on nonprofits, then register with the foundation. Already registered? Ensure your agency’s GuideStar silver-plus rating and information are current.

Get started at kernfoundation.org > Funding > Nonprofit Registration.

Deadline is Sept. 8. For more information, contact info@kernfoundation.org or 616-2617.

Tour de Meow, hosted

by SOXrescue will have a 5K/10K run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Yokuts Park. The cost for the run is $35 and $50 for vendors. TourDeMeow.org. 661-276-9377.

Sept. 16-17 Fall Harvest Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Railroad Park, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Free.

Sept. 20 - Oct. 1 The Great Kern County Fair opening day, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. www.kerncountyfair.com.

Bakersfield Symphony

Sept. 22 Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra presents “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” directed by Jennifer Sampson. 7 to 9 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

Trace Adkins

An intriguing play by Tom Stoppard and music

by Andre Previn, which includes the BSO as part of the action. $35-$45. www. bsonow.org .

Sept. 23 Bakersfield Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash, 8 to 11 a.m., The Park at River Walk, 11298 Stockdale Highway, $15-$20.

Sept. 28 Garces Memorial High School’s Annual Holy Smoke Barbecue, 6 to 10 p.m., Garces Memorial High School,

2800 Loma Linda Drive, $30.

Sept. 30 Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Perform Live, 8 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave., Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017 – with special guest Cam, $66.50$126.50.

Paws and Pearls Gala, 6 to 10 p.m., Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Highway. Benefits Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue.

Tickets are $150 per person, $1400 for a table of 10, before Sept. 8. www.kernpawsandpearls.com.

Temblor Brewing Company celebrates two years Celebrate Temblor Brewing Company’s second year of business at Temblorfest II. Temblorfest II is a free event on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 11 p.m. Temblor Brewing will have line dancing, live music, local food trucks, games, raffles and, of course, beer.

With a stacked country lineup, the festival will kick off with Joel Hoffman’s line dancing from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., the Joshua Aigner Band will play. Lonely Avenue, roots rock Americana, will play from 6 to 8 p.m. and the evening will close out with alternative country band Truxton Mile from 8:30 to 10:30.

This year, Temblor Brewing is expanding the festival to the outdoors. Curbside Kitchen and Michelangelo’s Wood Fired Pizza are among the food trucks that will be providing food for the event, but if you love Temblor’s menu, you can order off of it as well.

Temblor Brewing will also be doing “Minute to Win It”-style games, short tableside games to face off with your friends for a chance to win free raffle tickets.

Temblorfest II is family friendly and doesn’t have an age restriction. For more information, check out temblorbrewing. com/events.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Eat & Drink

DINING DIVAS

Sorella Ristorante Italiano

Top: Filet mignon

APPETIZERS

Compiled by Bakersfield Life Photos by Greg Nichols

It’s all in the family at Sorella Ristorante Italiano. After all, Sorella means “sisters” in Italian. Owner Nancy Cristallo, who works with her two daughters, told the tale of 25 years of Sorella, starting with its first location in Visalia. Sorella is a hidden gem in southwest Bakersfield and is committed to creating unique Italian dishes, whether it’s the bruschetta Alfredo pizza or fettucine carbonara.

Sorella is a historical experience, but also a ticket to Italy, for some of the best Italian cuisine.

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September 2017

Joanie Haenelt on the bruschetta: The bruschetta was a delightful start to an authentic dining experience. The sliced Italian baguette was toasted with olive oil then covered with a scrumptious mixture of sundried tomatoes and basil. If you are looking for a light and flavorful appetizer, this one hits the mark.

Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the cioppino: Full of six different delights from the sea, this dish is beyond anyone’s imagination, even that of Poseidon himself! The sea medley is robust over the pasta, which includes: scallops, cod, calamari, clams, mussels and shrimp.

If the variety of the seafood wasn’t amazing enough, the sheer size of the shrimp and scallops cooked to perfection will seize the day. The sauce and fresh basil and lemon are light enough not to take away the perfect partnership between the sea and the pasta in this dish. A hefty meal, no doubt, but ever so satisfying with every single bite – a marriage between seafood and pasta that you must try!

Andrea Caldwell on the bruschetta Alfredo pizza: The evening started with a traditional pan of Alfredo sauce pizza that was bursting with fresh rosemary, sundried tomatoes and the phenomenal Promotional Content

Norma Rojas-Mora on the filet mignon: I went for the nontraditional as my main course because I could not resist the recommendation. The steak was cooked to perfection and the flavor was perfect. A premium cut of filet mignon

WHITE LN

McNAIR LN

CERNAN WAY

ENTREES

Left: Cioppino

GOSFORD RD

Alfredo sauce that leaves memories of a classic sauce. The sauce presented such a fresh cut, savory taste, with the simplicity of real butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano , hints of sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Basic, yes, but this sauce is incredible and complements in a classic way, with the handmade fettuccine, and lingers with an abundant, classic flavor.

Top: Dining Divas, from left: Andrea Caldwell, Beatris Espericueta Sanders, Tamara Clark, Joanie Haenelt and Norma Rojas-Mora.

500 FT

Sorella Ristorante Italiano

Sorella Ristorante Italiano

Right: Bruschetta Alfredo pizza

7900 McNair Lane 661-396-860 www.sorellarestaurant.com Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.

7900 McNair Lane

Continued on Page 24

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Continued from Page 23

seasoned with salt, pepper and a hint of garlic. My steak was paired with a side of fettuccine carbonara, which is not the traditional way it is served but I couldn’t be at an Italian restaurant and not try one of the pasta dishes. The fettuccine carbonara was prepared with fresh peas, mushrooms and ham in a white cream sauce – again, Sorella got the recipe right. The fresh peas added a sweet pop and the mushrooms and thin-sliced ham came together in the right combination.

I can say that the steak-and-pasta combo worked.

Joanie Haenelt on the chicken picatta: I asked the waiter what his favorite dish was; without hesitation, he recommended their chicken picatta. The chicken was browned and served in a tangy sauce of butter, lemon juice, white wine and capers then placed on a bed of homemade linguini. Here’s what makes this dish special: They topped it with heaps of succulent sautéed mushrooms. So many flavors going on in this dish! I was happy I took his recommendation.

Tamara Clark on the manicotti Alfredo: I could not resist trying a manicotti dish described as a “crepe” like pasta. Large tortilla-sized, crepelike pasta rounds are stuffed with a seasoned ricotta, egg and Parmesan mixture then baked while nestled in a sea of Alfredo

Top to bottom: Chicken picatta, manicotti with marinara and Alfredo sauce, porterhouse steak and stuffed eggplant parmigiana.

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September 2017

sauce. Another Diva was overheard describing this dish as “the devil wears Alfredo,” which is absolutely right! A rich and satisfying dish that hits the right spot for any Alfredo lover.

Tamara Clark on the stuffed eggplant parmigiana: It was absolutely divine. Presented as a stack of lightly fried eggplant rounds sandwiched between slices of melty rocotta and Sorella’s signature marinara sauce. The stack was baked until melty and I had to resist the urge to pick it up (like I would a hamburger) and take a bite larger than would fit on my fork. The dish was the perfect mixture of crunchy and melty and absolutely perfect.

Andrea Caldwell on the porterhouse steak: This flavor leads to complement my 18-ounce porterhouse steak in an outstanding presentation. Imagine the reviews of the community: “Sorella’s has the best steaks in town,” and this quote hold true. Nancy, mentioned the restaurant only orders the best cut to present this plate of meat fit for two. The steak was prepared with a traditional rub that gave notes of rosemary, minced garlic, sea salt and cracked pepper, grilled to perfection, complemented with a side of fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken that could be award winning.

DESSERT Beatris Espericueta Sanders on the bananas foster: Amazing tower of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the liquor of bananas, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg. I love the combination of the cool vanilla ice cream as it melts into the warm banana spread. You won’t leave anything on the plate and wonder how you can order one to go!

Tamara Clark on the Lily mud pie: This creation can only be described as an 8-year-old girl’s birthday party, in your mouth! Get a few extra spoons for this monster dessert of Nutter Butter cookies, peanut butter and hot fudge on an Oreo crust below vanilla and chocolate ice creams. Drizzled on top are caramel and strawberry sauces, peanuts and a mound of whipped cream. Grab three friends and take Promotional Content

Clockwise: Bananas foster, Lily mud pie and tiramisu.

a dive in, wade through the flavors and spin the plate for an even further flavor explosion!

Andrea Caldwell on the tiramisu: The concert of flavor ended with a legendary serving of tiramisu drenched in ladyfingers, dipped in rum, layered with creamy, buttery taste of rich mascarpone, with the hints of cinnamon and spice that really sets this dessert apart from any competitor. The family staff opens the doors of this legendary restaurant and makes you feel like family. With every encounter, they set the stage every time to a treasured culinary experience.

IN RUSTIC S C ROMANCE O C

Indoor & Outdoor Historic Natural Settings • Rehearsal Dinners • Spontaneous Garden Cuisine On Site Wedding Coordination • All Inclusive Packages • Bridal Showers • Award-Winning Day Spa Contact Lauren McIntyre: 805.540.3638

SycamoreSprings.com | 1215 Avila Beach Dr. San Luis Obispo, CA www.sycamoresprings.com

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Eat & Drink

LUNCHTIME PICKS

Iguanas Grill and Cantina

By Kasey Meredith Photos by Holly Bikakis

Iguanas Grill and Cantina brings authentic Mexican dishes and adds a unique, Epicurean twist. It’s definitely not your average Mexican restaurant. Drawing flavors from all areas of Mexico, like Puebla, Mexico City and Yucatan, owner Sergio A. Olivares is always looking for ways to create dishes that are as gourmet as they are affordable.

“We have one of the richest cuisines,” Olivares said, “I try to put as much passion into the food that I possibly can.”

Olivares grew up in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother; it was there that he learned to only put the best on the table. One of these – a 100-year-old recipe for mojo verde, a green sauce, passed down the family.

The lunch specials at

Iguanas Grill and Cantina are all under $10 and something a little more unique than a burrito. You can also order off of their full menu, if you’re thinking of trying one of their signature dishes.

Pollo Flor ($14.95) This delicate vegetablestuffed chicken sliced into tender strips would be delicious on its own, but add some magical green sauce and it’s to die for. This magical green sauce is none other than Olivares’ poblano sauce, which is savory and creamy. This thick poblano sauce has got some spice, but pretty mild in nature, allowing for flavors like garlic to come out. The chicken itself is extremely tender. It is stuffed with finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini blossoms and marinated onions, which must have been marinating for hours. Overall, the dish has light citrus notes,

Top: Pollo flor Bottom: Enchiladas mole

which complement the earthy tones of the vegetables. Grilled vegetables are complimentary, which is different than the typical rice and beans served at Mexican restaurants.

Enchiladas Mole ($7.95) Mole is a tricky sauce to master, but Iguanas might be my favorite rendition yet. A chocolate-based sauce, it’s not overpowering in sweetness although that is the tendency with most mole sauces. Iguanas’ mole has got a subtle kick to it, but it’s mainly smoky and mesquite flavored. Odd, describing a Mexican dish almost like barbecue, but it’s just that good. The peanuts and almonds in the sauce add to a nutty, smoky flavor. That nuttiness is offset by various chilies, ancho and morica

to name a few. This sauce even has banana in it. It’s an enigma, this sauce – just a complete explosion of smoky, toasty flavor. This unique mole drapes the most delicate corn tortillas I have ever known. Enchiladas can look a little melted sometimes, but Iguanas’ mole enchiladas are not that at all. Stuffed with shredded chicken, the dish is complete with none other than creamy queso fresco.

Iguanas Grill and Cantina changes the perspective of Mexican cuisine.

“Most Mexican food you think big portions and spicy food; we’re not like that,” Olivares said.

And it shows, with mole and poblano sauces so unique, you’ll be tempted to drink them.

Iguanas Grill and Cantina 6401 White Lane 661-381-7576 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily www.iguanasgrillncantina.com Find them on Facebook.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

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Eat & Drink

WHAT’S COOKING

Pita Paradise’s hummus

PITA PARADISE HUMMUS Ingredients • 3 cups of garbanzo beans • 1/2 cup tahini • 2 garlic cloves • 1/3 cup of lemon juice • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) Instructions Soak garbanzo beans in cold water overnight (24 hours preferred). Boil until soft and let cool for one to two hours. Put in blender and mix in remaining ingredients, blending until soft.

Drizzle with olive oil and serve.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Watch the video on www.bakersfieldlife.com or www.facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine/

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

www.klea.org

Lifestyles

MONEY MATTERS

7 TIPS TO HELP YOU FINANCIALLY SURVIVE A CAREER BREAK

By Chris Thornburgh

Balancing your work life and family life can be challenging at times. Many women are faced with the decision to take a career break to hold it all together. For most, this means taking time off for a new baby. For others, it may mean stepping back from the workplace to care for elderly parents or to follow other interests.

Whatever the reason, one of the most worrisome aspects of a career intermission is the financial implications. Consider these tips to mitigate the financial impact.

TRACK YOUR FINANCES If you have the ability to plan ahead, review your spending for one month. Track every penny.

Then ask yourself what will your budget look like without your income. Live on a reduced budget before you go on break and change your spending habits now.

CUT THE FAT Find missing money by monitoring impulse buys. Do you buy more groceries and gadgets than you really need? Whittle this habit down early so you can free up funds to pay off debt or save for reserve. Shave your spending habits by cutting back the number of times you eat out. Find alternative ways to socialize besides hitting the restaurant circuit every Friday and Saturday night. Are you in a position to negotiate a less expensive mobile phone plan? Focus on ways to free up cash flow.

PLAN A DEBT STRATEGY The nature of your debt and the length of your leave will determine your debt approach.

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September 2017

Ideally, you can immediately reduce debt with the money you save from cutting the fat. This may be the perfect time to refinance your home mortgage at a lower rate and a lower monthly payment before your income changes. Cars can also be refinanced for a lower payment. Of course, lowering the payment will extend the loan’s duration, but cash flow is often key when you have to step out of the workforce. A knowledgeable CPA can help you organize a game plan to efficiently minimize debt.

STASH A RESERVE If time is on your side, aggressively build up a cash reserve.

Now that you know what you are spending every month, build your reserve based on your living expenses and length of your break.

Add a buffer for the unexpected.

Two things that you want to make sure you can cover are health insurance and retirement contributions.

CONTINUE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE You may be able to stay on your employer’s health insurance plan if you are on an approved leave of absence. If not, you can get COBRA coverage or catastrophic coverage to ensure that you have protection in the event of an accident.

However, not all health insurance plans qualify to protect you from the current individual mandate penalty if your plan does not meet “minimum essential coverage.”

hiatus. Too many women shortchange themselves by discontinuing their retirement contributions.

This is problematic given divorce rates and longer life expectancies.

Even though you aren’t working, you may be able to contribute to an IRA if you are married and your spouse works. Plan ahead and include this cash outlay when calculating your needed cash reserve.

STAY ENGAGED If you plan to return to your career, stay engaged professionally.

Remain in touch with professional contacts and keep your foot in the door. Part-time work and flex schedules may later be an option.

THE BOTTOM LINE Don’t let an employment break derail your long-term financial plan. Preparation and strategy can minimize a break’s financial effects.

KEEP NESTING FOR YOUR FUTURE An aggressive start to your retirement savings can help make up for a lack of contributions during your

Chris Thornburgh

Chris Thornburgh is a CPA and partner at Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corp.

Contact her at cthornburgh@bacpas.com or 324-4971. The views expressed in this column are her own.

IT REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE.

Getting a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was quick, easy and told me things about heart disease I never knew. Like how your heart age can be older than your actual age and how living a heart-healthy lifestyle can help avoid a devastating heart attack.

Now I’m enjoying my life like never before. So can you, with a Heart Health Checkup at the Bakersfield Heart Hospital Women’s Heart Center.

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Heart Health $ Checkup

only

Not covered by most insurance plans.

Includes:

- Screenings - Evaluation - Personalized Report

3001 SILLECT AVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308 - 852-6200 - BAKERSFIELDHEARTHOSPITAL.COM

Lifestyles

PASTIMES

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOULA SCHOELL

LEARNING ABOUT THE JOYS OF GREEK CULTURE THROUGH FOLK DANCING

By Amy Daigle

Soula’s dance group dancing at St. George’s Greek Food Festival.

Facing page: Soula’s students pose for a photo at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church before the competition.

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Happiness.

That’s the role that Greek folk dance is utilized for.

Whether it’s for weddings, engagements or festivals, this dance has been passed on to many different communities, including Bakersfield.

The Greek folk dance community at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bakersfield, which has been going on for almost 80 years, plans to keep their kids together and teach them about the Greek culture through dancing.

“They love it,” Soula Schoell, director of four Greek folk dance groups at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, said. “For me, it’s very satisfying because I have something to offer to the case of my community and that satisfies me.”

Schoell has been dancing since she was 8 years old.

The community brings the students to a

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival organized by Bishop Anthony where the communities of California, Nevada, Washington and Hawaii gather together to compete in the diocese of San Francisco. This is where the Greek folk dance community earned many awards.

The Greek folk dance community performs at St. George’s Greek festivals, including the Greek Food Festival, which is its own fundraiser that offers a variety of food, drinks and activities, including dancing and live Greek music.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOULA SCHOELL

While Schoell’s students participated in these competitions and earned awards, they assimilated aspects of Greek culture, primarily Greek folk dance and music.

There is a variety of different dances for every region of Greece.

“Greece has dances and songs for every occasion – happy and sad. There’s also dances, which we call ‘war dance,’” Schoell said.

War dances, such as pyrrhichios, were used to prepare Spartans for battle.

After departing from their families, they would become desolated and disheartened.

While wielding weapons and shields, they would start

practicing movements and postures used in battle to give them inspiration.

On top of having competitions at FDF and learning Greek folk dances, the Greek folk dance community performs at St. George’s Greek festivals, including the Greek Food Festival, which is its own fundraiser that offers a variety of food, drinks and activities, including dancing and live Greek music.

The festival begins in the first week of October, starting from the 6th to the 8th. The dancers offer dance lessons to guests. The various dances they present demonstrates the vitality of Greek culture.

St. George Greek Food Festival Friday, Oct. 6, 5 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8, noon to 6 p.m.

Hellenic Park (401 Truxtun Ave., next to the Amtrak Station) Admission: $5; children under 12: free

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Lifestyles

WHAT’S HAUTE

Encore Boutique Encore Boutique, a chic resale store, isn’t your average resale shop.

Specializing in designer resale, Encore has everything from Michael Kors shoes to a new Coach purse, but all for an incredibly reasonable price.

Sales associate Amy Baldovinos said that customers are always pleased to find that they are always fully stocked with great inventory.

Encore isn’t a thrift shop; its goal is to provide affordable prices and classy pieces to the community of Bakersfield. With a wide variety of women’s clothing, its selection expands into accessories and jewelry. It also has a men’s and homeware section.

The most rewarding fact of

shopping at Encore is knowing that you’re helping the community. Encore is a program of the Mission at Kern County, providing job training for men and women going through the Mission’s oneyear discipleship program.

All of the proceeds go toward helping those who are homeless or in recovery.

“We are blessed with an abundance of clothing donations at the Mission, so we thought how can we make this into a boutique benefitting the Mission?” Baldovinos said.

The program helps the trainees learn customer service, problem-solving and communication skills so they will be fully equipped after the program.

Baldovinos said that many

graduates of the program have been hired and continue to be successful at their jobs.

“You really see people’s lives change and see them embrace hope,” Baldovinos said.

Catherine Skow, Director Retail Sales and Amy Baldovinos, Sales Associate.

DEPARTMENTS

Men’s

Tops and bottoms

Home

Jewelry

Meet Me in Paris Fashion Show 2017

Handbags

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Shoes

September 2017

September 16, 2017 10 a.m. to Noon The Mission at Kern County 816 East 21st St. Live music, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres

ENCORE BOUTIQUE 1817 Eye St. 661-489-5538 Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. www.themissionkc.org Find them on Facebook.

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WHAT’S HAUTE

JULIA We are continuing our monthly series on JULIA, the new designer jewelry/accessories and gift store at the Marketplace, located between Williams-Sonoma and Chico’s.

This month we are highlighting the prominent Pandora section at JULIA. Owners Stacie and Vincent have a deep appreciation for the brand, and are excited to give Pandora fans in Bakersfield a new place to shop for it. “Pandora for us has always been a perfect example of ‘affordable luxury,’ which is what our store really focuses on. This is jewelry that’s made just like fine jewelry—every stone is handset.

The only difference is the materials: sterling silver instead of platinum/gold, cubic zirconia instead of diamonds.”

Pandora can currently be found at select fine jewelers, but to see it in a store like JULIA is to experience the brand anew. “Pandora is a well-known brand,

but we really feel like it deserves a wider audience than those who go to the stores that currently carry it. We are presenting the brand in a fun and contemporary boutique setting. We truly believe that seeing Pandora at our store is something

that will truly be a new and exciting experience for Bakersfield shoppers.” says Vincent. Check out Pandora as well as other designer jewelry brands like ALEX AND ANI, Kendra Scott, and UNOde50 at JULIA at the Marketplace.

PANDORA PIECES

5

4 1 6

2

3 Promotional Content

1 Ring - Hearts of Pandora - $70 2 Ring - Pandora Shimmering Leaves - $150 3 Pandora Bracelet - Pandora Pavé Heart, Clear CZ - $80, with select charms in photo - $695 4 Necklace - Pandora Floating Locket, large sapphire crystal glass - $130, with Love & Family petites, Clear CZ - $180 5 Pandora Bracelet - Pink leather bracelet - $50, with select charms $310 6 Earrings - Alluring Brilliant Marquise, Clear CZ - $90

JULIA (Located next to Chico’s at The Marketplace) 661-412-8068 Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday Find them on Facebook Instagram @ JULIABakersfield www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Lifestyles

WHAT’S HAUTE

SALON 33 The salon industry is changing, but instead of following the pack, Salon 33 is forging its own path.

Within its doors is a strong emphasis on individuality and detail. Gone are the white walls, black countertops and slick tile floors found in most establishments, replaced by stone, wood and metal – urban chic indicative of its owners Cory Hazdovac’s and Danielle Cash’s distinct personalities.

The salon’s stylists – who are more appropriately described as “hair artists” – bring their own unique flair and techniques to the salon, creating a customized, personal experience for each client. There are no formulaic approaches to hair and nails, no matter how simple the task.

“Hairdressing was always individual thing,” Cash said. “You want someone whose personality is like yours.”

In numerology, the number 33 is the “mover and shaker” of the master numbers, thus earning the nickname “master teacher.” True to its name, Salon 33 aims to educate its staff and clients.

Products consist of high-end, yet affordable items, such as Unite, BLNDN, Reuzel,

and the entire line of ColorProof and Saints & Sinners, which can only be found at Salon 33.

“We’re trying to give a different feel, a different vibe,” Hazdovac said.

SERVICES

SALON 33 3015 Calloway Drive 661-525-3999 Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 36

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

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WHAT’S HAUTE

Gold & Silver Trading Co. When you walk through the doors at Gold & Silver Trading Co., you instantly feel as though you’ve been transported into another world. Signed presidential documents, hand-painted art that once belonged to the queen of England and coins shipwrecked for hundreds of years have all graced the walls and cases of this local treasure.

“It’s not just about the item itself,” says Kameron Kephart, owner of Gold & Silver Trading Co. “It’s about the story behind the item. How many hands did the item pass through before it made it to mine? That’s what makes this job fun and that’s what keeps me going.”

“Another thing that keeps me going is my family,” says Kephart. “It’s great to know I have the support of my family with my brother and fiancée both working alongside me. My father also stops by from time to time to give me business advice, which is extremely helpful.”

Like the name suggests, Gold & Silver Trading Co. has some pretty hefty cases

From left to right: Joel Kephart, Kameron Kephart and Monica Magdaleno

of gold and silver coins and jewelry.

“When Mike’s Coin closed down, customers were left wondering where to take their coins to get a fair price,” says Kephart. “I think people are just now starting to realize that we operate as a coin shop as well.”

There is also an extensive selection of jewelry at Gold & Silver Trading Co. We also

make custom jewelry and offer a jewelry repair service.

Of course, Gold & Silver Trading Co. isn’t all just about coins and jewelry. They offer cash loans as well.

“We loan anywhere from $10 to $10,000. It’s an easy way to get cash. If a guy walks into the store with a handful of gold Krugerrands looking to get a $5,000 loan, it would be easily obtainable here at Gold

& Silver Trading Co. We also loan on smaller items; if we determine it to have a value, we will usually make a loan on the item.”

Whether you’re in need of fast cash, looking to invest in your future or are simply curious what the pawn stars of Bakersfield have to offer, Gold & Silver Trading Co. is a must-visit destination in Bakersfield.

GOLD, SILVER, COLLECTIBLES, ANTIQUES

GOLD & SILVER TRADING CO. 3124 Union Ave. • 661-800-5210 • www.goldandsilvertradingco.com Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Lifestyles

TECH TALK

INCORPORATING LATEST TECHNOLOGY, GADGETS TO YOUR BIG DAY

By Mark Nessia

Technology has changed the wedding experience for couples and guests.

Social media stories, hashtags and geofilters are old news. Gadgets once limited to the realm of fantasy and science fiction are now available with the push of a button and the click of a mouse.

Below are four options to have the wedding of the future today.

1 - ROBOT RENTALS • www.technologyone.net/rent-adouble-robotics-robot Guests can’t make the wedding? No problem! They can attend in robot form.

Telepresence, the use of virtual reality technology for participation in distant events, allows users to witness the sights and sounds of the big day from anywhere on the planet.

Robots, like those created

by Double Robotics, can be rented from organizations such as Technology One. Set up takes less than 10 minutes and the robot can be controlled remotely via iOS device or desktop computer running Google Chrome.

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allows users to take photos and write personalized messages, which are then compiled and printed into a hard- or softcover book for the same price as a traditional guestbook.

My Digital Guestbook also doubles as a photo booth and users can view and download images online immediately after taking them.

3 - ROBOT BARTENDERS • www.makrshakr.com In addition to robots in the audience, you can find robots behind the bar as well.

Makr Shakr is the world’s first robotic bar system and it’s available to rent for any event. The machine can reproduce all the necessary actions of its human counterpart, from the shaking of a martini to thinly slicing a garnish, while mixing cocktails with millimeter precision.

Spirits, syrups, sodas and juices are stored in ceiling-mounted bottles and drinks are ordered through the Makr Shakr app, which also lets users know when their drinks are ready to pick up.

The only question that remains is do you still have to tip them?

2 - DIGITAL GUEST BOOK

4 - HOLOGRAM SELFIE BOOTHS

• www.mydigitalguestbook.com My Digital Guestbook transforms the traditional guest book into something fun and interactive for wedding guests. The service turns an iPad into a guest book, complete with personalized greetings and thank you messages, that

• www.vntana.com Selfies are unavoidable in today’s society, so why not kick them up a notch?

VNTANA’s Hollagram Selfie is a photo station that allows users to create holographic doubles that appear in real-time. The interactive software captures movements and guests can interact with hilarious

Bakersfield Life Magazine

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September 2017

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4 representations of themselves on the display.

Social media integration allows photos, videos and GIFS to be made and shared long after the party ends.

True love is looking someone in the eyes and realizing that there is no future without them in it. With technology advancing so rapidly, that future may be now.

HOSTS

In the beautiful new Highgate Swim & Fitness Clubhouse Castle & Cooke invites you to the unveiling of our brand new Highgate Swim & Fitness Clubhouse for a unique culinary and artistic experience – the Second Annual Farm-to-Table(aux) benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

Enjoy seasonally fresh farm-to-table cuisine while costumed actors perform “Tableaux Vivants” – still life living pictures of literary, historical or everyday events.

Fresh Farm-to-Table Cuisine • Artisan Cocktails • Craft Beer Boutique Wines • Tableaux Vivants • Mystère Box Raffle • Auction

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 • 6:00 – 9:30 PM HIGHGATE SWIM & FITNESS CLUBHOUSE Ming Ave. & Allen Road

Tickets Online: farmtotableaux.com/bgckc HighgateSevenOaks.com

Go & Do

ENTERTAINMENT

By Shelby Parker

Every September, when the Kern County Fair rolls into town, the air is filled with the sound of music and games and the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and funnel cakes. Now, in its 101st season, it is the “ticket to fun.”

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

Running from Sept. 20 through Oct. 1, the mission for the Kern County Fair is “creating a friendly environment for an educational, culture and entertainment experience,” said Jeannie Burton, supervisor for commercial, exhibits, concessions and facility rental.

It celebrates the accomplishments of the entire community.

September 2017

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNY EVERETT

PHOTO BY JENNIFER SELF

CALIFORNIAN FILE PHOTO

PHOTO BY HENRY A. BARRIOS

PHOTO BY FELIX ADAMO

Kern County Fair is the ‘ticket to fun’

Burton said the No. 1 reason patrons come each year is the food, of course. Many favorites, include the classics, such as barbecue, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, pizza and the Mexican food in the Villa Festiva corner.

Aside from tradition, there are plenty of new treats to try,

including the Dole whip floats and fresh fruit bowls at Udder Delite Ice Cream, deep-fried fruit punch and maple and bacon funnel cakes at Toucan locations, Flaming Hot Cheetos corn (dipped on the cob) at Noel’s Mexican, and stuffed chicken waffle cones and homemade cinnamon bun waffles at Teen Challenge.

Burton says attendees are also drawn to the free entertainment that the fair provides at the Budweiser Pavilion stage and around the grounds. This year’s lineup, includes a few of music’s superstars from yesterday and today: War; country artists Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, and Old Dominion; pop acts Smash Mouth, En Vogue, Sheila E.; and a slew of various local artists.

This year, the Grand Sierra Stage will host piano vocal performers and music with a mix of comedy and entertainment, following the trend of the dueling pianos bit.

Not to worry, though, many classic shows and attractions are back, including the hypnotist, turkey races, pony rides, the mechanical bull, camel rides and more.

New to the fair this year are the acrobats in the Ramos Bros. Circus – juggling, high-flying daredevilry, clown antics and performance routines, and dancing poodles taking place four times a day.

If ocean life is an interest to attendees, they can visit the all-day Stingray Encounter exhibit, which allows fairgoers to view, touch and feed the stingrays. Visitors can purchase food for $3.

The acrobats of Hebei, China, “masters of agility and grace,” will also be performing a show at the Grand Sierra Stage, combining Chinese traditions with acrobatics.

Kern County residents also have the opportunity to enter their collections, hobbies and more in a variety of contests at the Competitive Exhibit.

Still, Exhibit Supervisor Patt Sandrini said the Hobby and Model Department is “always a favorite. New items appear each year. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t.”

The photography section is one of the largest displays at the fair, hanging around 1,200 photos each year. Other departments include floriculture; decorative painting; creative arts and the culinary department, hosting the hot wings, K.C. chili and baking contests.

Burton hopes they create a “fun, positive experience” and that attendees will anticipate the 2018 fair.

For more information, including the full schedule of dates, times and a complete list of performers, exhibits and more, visit kerncountyfair.com.

40 years Kern County Fair Sept. 20 through Oct. 1 1142 S. P St. Opening/ Closing Times: • Mon.-Thurs., 3 to 10 p.m.

• Fri., Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Fri., Sept. 29, 3 to 11 p.m.

• Each Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.

• Each Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

www.californiakeyboards.com

Prices: • Adults: $12 • Ages 6-12: $5 • Ages 5 and under: FREE • Seniors (62 or better): $9 • Active & Retired Military with ID: FREE • Parking — $10 Discounts: • $7 discount parking vouchers at O’Reilly Auto Parts • $6 half-price admission voucher for Wild Wednesday 9/27 at Les Schwab Tires.

• One free child’s admission with kid’s meal purchase at McDonald’s restaurants (ages 6-12, while supplies last).

2017

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www.reddoorinteriors.com HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-6 • SATURDAY 10-5 • SUNDAY CLOSED

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41

Go & Do

OUT & ABOUT

BRIDAL EVENT HELPS PUT ON CELEBRATIONS ONLY DREAMS CAN DESCRIBE

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

By Asha Chandy

A wedding is a well-thought-out event requiring months of preparing, nail biting, licking a bunch of envelopes and also keeping very cool under pressure.

The outcome? Being with your family and friends, not behind the scenes sweating the details at the last second, and truly enjoying the special moments at hand.

Whether it’s a wedding, quinceañera or even a company party, the Fairytale Bridal Event has your back.

Taking place Sept. 10 at the Bakersfield Marriott, the event has everything one could need to plan the perfect event, from venues to food and everything in between.

They say time flies when you are having fun and an elegant celebration requires a fantasy-packed agenda with no time for malevolent forces. Jaw-dropping fairytale endings only.

The Fairytale Bridal Event is the wand-wielding godmother in your own enchanted story. Thanks to the Kern County Bridal Association, every bride, groom, birthday girl and even planners for corporate functions can be satisfied in knowing that they are working with the top local professionals who specialize in giving hosts a sweatfree, fantastic and trendy event.

Vendors are members of the Kern County Bridal Association and will have exclusive prizes and discounts on services for selected attendees, however, every guest can walk away with gifts and giveaways worth up to $10,000.

Beginning with a highend fashion show that includes gowns, tuxes and formal party attire, attendees can dream a little bigger for their special day as well as check off items on that long to-do list. Enjoy free catering samples and cake tastings while meeting with and booking professionals including caterers, photographers, DJs, stylists, coordinators, florists – anything one can imagine.

VIP ticket holders are guaranteed seating and early entrance, as well as a jampacked bridal bag with their admission. Since general admission opens at 11:30 a.m., Kern Bridal Association’s Executive Director Kyle Brown has a few simple tips: Get your tickets fast and get there fast.

Brown noted that all first responders and a guest are free to attend in honor of their service and the anniversary of 9/11.

Join the Kern Bridal Association for this exciting expo where you can get answers from professionals, book services and go home knowing you saved money, time and sleepless nights in order to put on the fairytale celebration that only dreams can describe.

The perfect setting for:

Weddings, Receptions, Quinceaneras, Company Parties, Meetings, Anniversaries, Conferences, Family Gatherings, Birthdays Seats 325 Tables & Chairs Included • Available Weekdays and Weekends • Affordable!! Event Planning Resources Available • Active Military Discount and Non Profit 501C3 Discount 2030 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-325-7889 Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 AM to 2PM Website: womansclubbakersfield.org email: womansclub.bkfld@yahoo.com

Fairytale Bridal Event Sept. 10 801 Truxtun Ave. Tickets range from $15 to $45. www.kerncountybridalassociation.com

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Go & Do TRIP PLANNER

COLORADO SPRINGS:

Facing page clockwise:

Where nature and city collide

The Cheyenne Creek flows toward Helen Hunt Falls, one of two waterfalls in Colorado Springs.

By Mark Nessia

A perfect blend of recreation and relaxation at 6,035 feet, Colorado Springs is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the high life without getting too far from nature or the city.

It’s easy to get lost in nature in a city surrounded by it.

Garden of the Gods, a 1,367acre city park featuring towering red rock formations, is a National

A view of the Colorado Springs skyline.

Rock formations at Garden of the Gods.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Stretched along the Front Range with Pikes Peak providing a stunning backdrop, Colorado Springs is a destination rich in metropolitan amenities nestled among lush mountain scenery.

Colorado’s second-largest city is a melting pot of culture that merges love for the outdoors with suburban comforts – where one can go from the hustle and bustle of downtown to the tranquility of a mountaintop in a little over an hour.

Despite a population of over 465,000, Colorado Springs retains the quiet characteristics of a small mountain community, spread out over 196 square miles, with long stretches of road through gorgeous landscapes and no traces of civilization in sight. Away from the light pollution in the heart of the city, the stars are vibrant in the night sky.

Natural Landmark and the jewel of Colorado Springs. Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls in South Cheyenne Cañon dubbed “Colorado’s grandest mile” and Helen Hunt Falls offers a breathtaking view of North Cheyenne Cañon just 13 minutes away.

But Colorado Springs’ greatest strength is its balance of natural and manmade features, from scenic hikes to local breweries, basking in the warmth of 300 days of sunshine and mountain air.

The U.S. Olympic Complex is one of three Olympic training centers in the country. The Colorado Springs facility is the national headquarters for USA swimming and shooting as well as boxing, cycling, figure skating, gymnastics and wrestling. The Cadet Chapel on the Air Force Academy grounds is a spectacular piece of architecture, a harmonious mix of aluminum, glass and steel housing all faiths.

Colorado Springs is no slouch when it comes to good eats, either.

Amy’s Donuts is a smorgasbord of creative twists on typical morning fare. Totaling over 100 different flavors with toppings ranging from fresh fruit to candy, even maple bacon, Amy’s Donuts takes all the colors of the rainbow and makes them edible.

For a truly unique dining experience, it’s hard to top King’s Chef Diner. A custom-built Valentine diner that opened its doors in 1956, this is the definition of a mom-and-pop shop. With only 13 seats, the diner can be efficiently run by two people – one cook and one server. The cash-only restaurant serves comfort food with a modern twist utilizing local, non-GMO ingredients. Due to popular demand, a second, larger, location was opened six blocks away featuring more seats without sacrificing the charm of the original.

A perfect blend of recreation and relaxation at 6,035 feet, Colorado Springs is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the high life without getting too far from nature or the city.

Amy’s Donuts offers a wide selection of colorful and creative doughnuts.

The interior and exterior of King’s Chef Diner, a custom-built 13seat Valentine diner opened in 1956.

The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Olympic Training Center programs.

This page: The Cadet Chapel on the Air Force Academy grounds.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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B Well

FEATURE

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

2016 Bakersfield Marathon runners finishing the race.

Facing page: Both runners and walkers enjoy the gorgeous weather in the Tehachapi Gone to the Dogs 5K Fun Run.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

HOW TO TRAIN for a 5K or marathon

By Kasey Meredith

F

eet pounding on the ground, short breaths and beads of sweat running down your face are the sights, sounds and smells that define completing a 5,000-meter race or marathon.

“It feels immensely satisfying,” Nicole Giumarra, a marathon and ultramarathon runner, said. “I feel so accomplished knowing I’ve covered all this distance with my own two feet.”

Running a mile might seem daunting now, but after this guide you can feel determined enough to take on an ultramarathon.

GETTING STARTED The first step is investing in a good pair of running shoes. There are many notable brands like Brooks, Newton and Solomon.

Another good one is the Hoka One One, a shoe designed by marathon runners that helps alleviate plantar fasciitis.

Next, sign up for a race. This will make your goal concrete. The 2nd Annual Bakersfield Marathon and 5K presented by Dignity Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, which will be coming up in November, and the Wind Wolves Run, a 10K/10-mile run, are close by so you won’t have to travel to compete.

Cody Logan, who is currently

RACES TO TRAIN FOR NOW BAKERSFIELD WALK LIKE MADD & MADD DASH Saturday, Sept. 23rd The Park at River Walk, 5 or 10K GONE TO THE DOGS 5K FUN RUN Saturday, Sept. 23 Warrior Park, Tehachapi RUN TO REMEMBER Saturday, Oct. 28 Hoffmann Hospice Home, 4401 Buena Vista Road 1 mile walk, 5 or 10K

training for an ultramarathon, has been running 5Ks and other distances since high school. Logan likes the support of the running community, adding that “finding someone to help keep you accountable can help you a lot.”

“Nobody starts running a mile right off the bat.

You have to learn to run like you learned to walk.”

– Cody Logan

After committing to a race, you need to stick to your guns and try not to make excuses for yourself. Here’s where the running buddy will come in handy.

“The time you spend scrolling on your phone is time you could be running. There’s always enough time to run,” Logan said.

If you can’t seem to find a partner, the Bakersfield Track Club provides running programs.

Another good resource is the app Couch to 5K, which helps you train gradually for a 5K from the comfort of your phone.

TRAINING Depending on the length of the race, your training schedule will vary. Try starting out with three days a week with one long running session on the weekend.

Logan suggests a walking and jogging routine.

“Nobody starts running a mile right off the bat,” Logan said. “You

AUTISM ON THE RUN Saturday, Nov. 4 CSUB 2 or 5K BAKERSFIELD MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 5K, Sunday, Nov. 12 CSUB BAKERSFIELD TURKEY DAY RUN, Nov. 23 The Park at River Walk 2-mile walk or 5K run

Continued on Page 48

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Right: The 2nd Annual Bakersfield Marathon and 5K presented by Dignity Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals takes place on Nov. 14.

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

Facing page: A runner gets a drink on Chester Ave. just before 34th Street at one of the many check points along the Bakersfield Marathon route.

Continued from Page 47

have to learn to run like you learned to walk.”

Running requires simple resources. You don’t have to subscribe to a fancy gym or drive far for optimal running trails. You can even run up and down your neighborhood streets.

Marathon training is conceptually the same as training for a 5K. First-time runners should increase the total number of miles by 5 to 10 percent each week, gradually building up to the distance that you will have to run in the race.

If you’re planning on running a marathon, you should start tapering about two to three weeks before the start of your race. This is where you begin regaining strength and take more rests throughout the week to be optimally prepared for the 48

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

race. When tapering, you will stop increasing your mileage and run slower.

Your body might get cranky with you because the endorphin high might feel lesser, but it’s worth it in the end. Take it from Logan.

“On the day of the race, I’m shooting out of the cannon, ready to go,” he said.

Nearing race day, Giumarra suggests terrain mountain training. Even if you’re not doing a trail run, getting off of the treadmill and running the course or a terrain similar to the course is beneficial.

EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT Resting is just as important as training. You should rest or try other forms of exercise one or two days a week. Giumarra said she will kayak, do Pilates or yoga, swim or cycle when she’s not running.

If you don’t get adequate sleep or rest, your body won’t reap the benefits of your training. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Getting the right amount of rest is only half of the runner’s fuel formula. Eating well is

added salts to your body,” he said.

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND GET OUT THERE “Run your own race, otherwise, you can get caught up and you will blow up,” Logan said.

The brain can fill itself with negative thoughts and that is going to be one of your biggest enemies throughout training and on race day.

“Assuming you’re fit and fueled, your body can always do more than your mind is telling you it can,” Giumarra said.

In the end, the only enemy stopping you from running is yourself.

“It’s simple: All you really need is a good pair of shoes,” Giumarra said.

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

just as vital.

Having a good breakfast on race day is key.

Giumarra’s go-to breakfast for race day is coffee, a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and a spoonful of peanut butter.

“Always coffee before a race. Always,” Giumarra said.

It’s true that carbohydrates are a main component to a runner’s diet. But it’s not just bread and pasta – fruits and vegetables are extremely important.

Water intake is vital.

Oftentimes, you should drink more water than you think you actually need.

Logan stresses the importance of electrolytes.

“Your muscles are going to be trying to shut down; you need those

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B Well

YOUR BODY

Cooking Oil 101 to weigh.

“It can be overwhelming, but the two most important things to consider are monosaturated and polysaturated fats,” Meghan Whitaker, a registered dietitian

By Kasey Meredith

Choosing an oil from the decorated shelves at the grocery store is almost like buying a car with all the pros and cons

at Bakersfield Heart and Surgical Hospital, said.

Cooking with the wrong oils is not only going to make cooking harder, it also has potential adverse health effects.

“The harsher it’s processed, the more chemicals they use,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker advises that while some oils can withstand high heat, cooking techniques, like frying,

should still be used sparingly.

“Everything in moderation,” she said.

Here are the cooking oils that are not just trendy, but rich with good fats.

TYPES OF OILS

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OLIVE OIL

COCONUT OIL

AVOCADO OIL

FLAXSEED OIL

A classic, this can be considered a great alternative to canola and vegetable oils.

The key words to look for when picking out an olive oil is “first cold pressed.” Whitaker said this means the olive oil is in its purest form, with fewer nutrients removed and chemicals add.

Olive oil is rich with monosaturated fats, “fats that only have one double bond and are broken down easier,” Whitaker said. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and helps with inflammation.

The miraculous oil that graces every hair and skin product these days should be your go-to cooking oil. Coconut oil is actually better suited for sautéing and roasting because it has a higher smoke point than olive oil. Its properties contribute to lowering cholesterol.

“Coconut oil still has saturated fats, but it’s one of the better saturated fats,” Whitaker said. Whitaker suggests that you buy extra virgin and first cold-pressed coconut oil as well, if it’s available.

“It’s a step in the right direction from using trans fats,” she said. “It’s a better substitute for margarine.”

The plump green guys are full of monosaturated fats – fats that contribute to anti-inflammatory and heart health.

With a smoke point of 520°, the highest among cooking oils, avocado oil is the best choice for everyday cooking like sautéing, roasting, searing and also ideal for vinaigrettes.

Like olive oil, the makeup of avocado oil helps reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.

Rich in omega-3 and omega-6, flaxseed oil has been compared to fish and walnut oil.

“Because of its properties, it has the potential to turn rancid, depending on how you store it,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker suggests using flaxseed oil in dips and salads because you don’t get all the nutrients when the temperature is raised.

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

LOVE AND LIFE

“Women, like men, should try to do the impossible.

And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.”

– Amelia Earhart

EMBRACING CREATIVITY STARTS NOW

By Nina Ha

Art is the ultimate expression of creativity. Whether you’re a professional sculptor or a stay-athome mom, as women, there are so many ways to embrace art, culture and artistry in our lives.

Everyone is an artist in one way or another. Many of us may not consider ourselves creative, but we all are. Art comes in myriad forms. There are artists who evoke laughter or tears with a single painting and writers who wax philosophic with exquisite eloquence.

Then there are women who are amazing graphic designers, interior decorators or even scrapbook artisans. Others create art through music or are so proficient in technology, science or medicine that it’s practically poetic. Some culinary geniuses make food and pastries almost too visually captivating to eat. Many women

are master metalworkers, calligraphers, pounded furiously inside my chest. I took tailors, gardeners, carpenters, stylists or a breath, prayed for courage, did some DIYers. power poses and recited Shakespeare. As I enjoy putting personal touches on He always does, God pulled me through. birthday invitations, home decor and even I ended up landing the role of a lead fairy shoes. I love creating custom stationery, in a play by acclaimed Director Jennifer designing T-shirts for family and friends, Sampson. The best part was my daughter directing music videos, building shelves and son got to play a little fairy and wood using my table saw and decorating our sprite right alongside me with my husband home with meaningful photographs in the audience cheering us on. It’s an we’ve taken. experience I’ll never forget.

Nevertheless, there are sometimes For anyone who has always wanted to artistic aspirations inside us that we’ll try something new or develop a talent you never even know exists until we challenge already have, it’s never too late to start. ourselves.

No matter what it is, big or There’s an old Chinese proverb small, pick up your metaphoric that says the best time to plant chisel and make your mark. a tree was 20 years ago, but the Let your fearlessness inspire second-best time is now. and challenge others to do the This past spring, at the age of same.

42 and with no acting experience whatsoever, I walked into an Opinions expressed in this Nina Ha audition for a local play. My heart column are those of Nina Ha. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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For the love of art A miniature guitar made with thread, beads, hot glue and plywood.

No. 3 in a series of five works in monochrome.

A rose made with hammered steel.

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September 2017

Women are a powerful force in the art world. Their influence is visible throughout history, from being the subject of famous works to producing them.

In Bakersfield, it is more of the same. From murals, sculptures, paintings and photographs displayed around town to the theatrical and musical performances

on stage, their presence is hard to miss.

Four locals are pursuing their dreams all while redefining what it means to be an artist.

The Free Spirit

Deja Nunez Story and photos by Mark Nessia

D

eja Nunez is unconventional.

Despite an interest in art that dates back to when she was a shy child who would take her mother’s paints and pens and doodle instead of socializing, she resisted the urge to follow an artistic path after graduating high school. She took business and math classes in college, the stigma of “the starving artist” keeping her away from art as she tried to figure out what direction she wanted to go.

“My mom was like, ‘You should pursue your passion,’ and I was like, ‘I don’t know, I don’t want to be poor,’” said Nunez, 25.

After two years, Nunez’s mom suggested she check out art college again.

“Why don’t you do what you love?” she asked her daughter.

Nunez still fought the urge to pursue art before the fear of missing out on a great opportunity proved too much. In 2012, one year after her mother’s recommendation, Nunez enrolled at Columbia College Chicago.

She graduated with a degree in art and design before moving back to Bakersfield in 2016.

But even with the degree under her belt, making art was not Nunez’s full-time job.

In addition to commissioned work, Nunez was also a house sitter, a dog walker, a Lyft driver and a welder. Not by necessity, but by choice.

“I’m not really starving because I’m pretty good at managing my money,” Nunez said. “People like stability most times, I feel, but I don’t. I was having so much fun doing something different every day. I’m not super concerned about money. I’d much rather be happy working less and doing what I like.”

Her nonconformist approach is found in her work as well. Nunez doesn’t just paint. She sews, welds, embroiders – whatever her mood calls for.

“I just get bored with one thing, so I just go on to the next thing,” she said.

Some artists value stability. Some value money. Some value gigs and exposure. Nunez values happiness in everything she does.

As she ponders her future, she knows she does not want to be tied down. Her goal is to “make cool stuff and travel.”

The idea of her art paying for her to explore the world piques her interest as it keeps the experiences fresh and unique while allowing her to continue to be the free spirit that she is.

“You have all this time to make your art and you’re not starving,” she said. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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For the love of art The Storytellers

Bethany Lahammer and Jessica Burzlaff

By Mark Nessia

Photos courtesy of Jenny Maddern

M

odern theater consists of several elements.

An intricate plot that keeps audiences glued to their seats, engaging dialogue full of emotion, colorful characters that people adore or love to hate, powerful music, and eye-catching sets, costumes and special effects.

Platform Theatre Company takes most of those components away.

There are no costumes or props.

There is no dependence on music to set the mood. There is no script. And unlike traditional dramas where performers take on the identities of the characters they portray, Platform Theatre Company’s players often depict themselves.

The result is something real and raw that focuses on the most important feature: the story.

Platform Theatre Company Creative Director Bethany Lahammer and Clinical Director Jessica Burzlaff provide a literal and figurative stage to honor those stories.

“That’s really important to us,” said Lahammer. “That’s the mental health aspect of people getting to try on the whole spectrum between black and white and really play with all the gray in between to open them up for new kinds of empathy and we use theater to do it.”

Lahammer and Burzlaff crossed paths in 2010 at the Spotlight Theatre and found they had similar backgrounds but from different disciplines. They became good friends with a “pie in the sky” dream of starting a theater company that combines the aspect of mental health and theater to make something “fun and different.”

Their dream came to fruition in 2014 when Burzlaff, a licensed marriage and family therapist, directed and Laham-

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

mer starred in “Next to Normal,” a musical about living with bipolar disorder, at The Empty Space. The production won “Best Show of the Year” and Lahammer won “Best Performance by an Actress” at the annual Empty Space Awards.

They started Platform Theatre Company the following year.

Using a technique called devising during the creation process, the stories originate from the performers in an improvisatory-like setting that is then transcribed and performed for the audience.

“It distills the whole theater experience down to what I like the most, which is exploring and telling stories and getting to step into someone else’s shoes for a little while, “Burzlaff said. “It’s a great experience.”

The subject matter runs the whole spectrum, from love and relationships, to depression and everything in between.

“We don’t want to limit what people say; we don’t want to put rules around it,” Burzlaff said. “We want to empower them to be who they really are, say what they need to say, even if it’s something that may make people uncomfortable.”

Because there are no leads, no audition process and no ranks, the environment is freeing and accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.

Participants can be as involved as they want knowing that they are surrounded by supportive, like-minded individuals whose goal is to be more comfortable in their own skin.

By telling real stories by real people, Platform Theatre Company takes the populations that often don’t have a voice and puts them center stage.

“I feel like people who have a voice, they find a center stage,” Lahammer said. “But a lot of people don’t even know there is one. We’re hoping our company helps that.”

September 2017

Platform Theatre Company Clinical Director Jessica Burzlaff, left, offers instructions to performers.

Platform Theatre Company utilizes a technique called devising during the creation process.

The subject matter runs the whole spectrum, from love and relationships to depression and everything in between.

Because there are no leads, no audition process and no ranks, Platform Theatre Company is accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

55

For the love of art The Lifelong Learner

Patti Doolittle Story and photos by Mark Nessia

P

atti Doolittle always knew art was her passion.

As a freshman at North High School, she often found herself drawing her teachers instead of listening to their lectures, getting in trouble every now and then when she got caught. Even though he was grouchy and even scared her a little, Mr. Ryan taught Doolittle a lot about putting ideas to canvas. He was Doolittle’s first inspiration.

At Bakersfield College, Clayton Rippey became another artist Doolittle admired, his abstract and realistic works influencing her personal style: realistic but with her own creative twist.

For 50 years, Doolittle has been putting pastels, acrylics and oils on paper and canvas. Her works can be found throughout town in art galleries and murals on building walls.

She draws inspiration from anything that catches her eye, with Bakersfield’s colorful cast of characters providing most of the fuel. Her paintings consist of portraits of people and animals and Western scenes.

She loves being able to make emotional connections with strangers without saying a single word.

“I like to make people happy when they look at my paintings,” Doolittle said. “Sometimes people fall in love with them. It’s kind of neat to do that.”

Doolittle has emotional connections with her own work as well.

Her father is buried in the cemetery at the Tule Indian Reservation and while she was visiting, a white horse appeared. Doolittle visited several more times and the same white horse would come. Naturally, Doolittle painted the scene. “(The horse) kept looking at me and I thought, because my dad was a

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

cowboy, that’s my dad’s spirit,” she said.

A hairdresser for 30 years, Doolittle made the transition to making art exclusively 15 years ago, turning her passion into her career.

Inside her studio, Doolittle can block out the distractions from the outside world, getting so lost in her work, she sometimes forgets to clean up. Her space was voted “the messiest” after a studio tour of Bakersfield artists but it doesn’t bother her in the least.

“I’m having fun,” she said. “I keep learning. You never know it all.”

For those aspiring to turn their passion into a career, Doolittle advises to be persistent.

“Work hard at it,” she said. “It’s a passion; set aside time for yourself and your work. Don’t let anybody interfere with that.”

September 2017

Portrait Workshop Patti Doolittle will be giving a portrait workshop at the Bakersfield Art Center, 1607 19th St., on Sept. 23. Call 661-8692320 for more information and to make reservations.

Clockwise from top: Patti Doolittle in her studio.

A self-portrait.

A scene at Doolittle’s father’s resting place at Tule Indian Reservation.

One of Doolittle’s entries in Latination.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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For the love of art The Luminary

Crimson Skye Hochhalter

By Mark Nessia

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September 2017

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

A

battle rages inside the mind of Crimson Skye Hochhalter leading up to a performance.

The grip of self-doubt dragging down her confidence, she wonders to herself whether she’s good enough, whether she’ll bore the crowd, whether she belongs.

But as soon as she closes her eyes, strums the first chord on her acoustic guitar and begins to sing, nothing else matters. It’s just her and the music.

Hochhalter’s entry into the world and her passion for music was born from tragedy.

Her mother, Lea Brown, was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after discovering she was pregnant. Doctors recommended Brown get an abortion and commence treatment, but she refused. After giving birth, doctors once again recommended treatment, but Brown ignored the suggestion so that she could breastfeed her daughter for a few months. She eventually had a double mastectomy and several other surgeries but the cancer kept coming back.

Brown passed away at 33 years old, about two months after Hochhalter turned 4, but it was enough for the mother’s passion for music to pass on to her daughter.

Hochhalter picked up a guitar at age 5 but her play was intermittent.

It wasn’t until high school that she began to find solace in music.

“The main time I picked up my guitar was when I was sad,” she said. “I was able to play things that soothed me.”

ANREA DE ANDA PHOTOGRAPHY

a regular at Café Smitten, Centro 18 and First Friday in downtown Bakersfield.

She uses her music, an eclectic mix of soul, folk, jazz, and rhythm and blues, to help others – much like how music has helped her.

“I just want to touch as many people as I possibly can,” Hochhalter said. “We’re all trying to figure out why the hell we’re here. What is the purpose of being a living thing? I think a lot of people get sidetracked and distracted and forget that the whole core is love and helping people. As long as I’m doing that in my life, I can feel content in some way. But there’s no better way than music.”

As she continues to inspire others with her words, she will never forget the one who inspired her.

“I just give it all to my mom because I just wouldn’t be here without her,” Crimson said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRIMSON SKYE

The first song Hochhalter wrote was called “Sunday Morning,” which was about her mom. The result came as a surprise to the aspiring musician.

“I was like, ‘How did I write this song? This is a really good song,” she said. “I think (my mom) was speaking through me. I’m able to sing and play music like she loved to.”

Hochhalter’s confidence received tremendous boosts thanks to a talent show at Garces High School, where “Sunday Morning” was met with thunderous applause, and a fateful meeting with former “American Idol” finalist and vocal coach Amy Adams, who took Crimson in as a mentee.

Performing as Crimson Skye, Hochhalter busked in Southern California for a time before landing her first paid show in 2015.

Now, the 21-year-old performer is

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Girls night out in

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Bakersfield C O M P I L E D BY B A K E R S F I E L D L I F E

G

irls just want to have fun and sometimes the boys just can’t hang. Sometimes you and your girlies have run fresh out of ideas and can’t decide what to do for a night out on the town. Lucky for you, we’ve created a foolproof guide to having a GNO, that’s Girls Night Out, chock full of entertainment and debauchery, all in good taste of course.

Paint the Town Red

Marlene Heise takes a photo of Dianne Hoover as they enjoy their first Paint Nite event.

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Grab a brush and unleash your creative side at a paint night event.

There’s no shortage of options as local businesses like The Art Cellar, Corks & Strokes and Brush & Blush and national programs like Paint Nite offer something every week. Materials are provided and participants can take their works of art home at the end of the evening.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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Girls Night Outback “Thunder Down Under,” Australia’s hottest export, comes to the Fox Theater Sept. 30 in a night of chiseled bodies, seductive dance routines and cheeky humor. The interactive experience puts the audience in the middle of the action as Aussies dance on tabletops and select a few lucky ladies to join the fun onstage.

A Musical That’s Anything but a Drag Featuring hit songs like “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” oozes girl power as a trio of drag queens take their show through the Australian outback aboard a bus nicknamed Priscilla in search of love and friendship. Show dates are Sept. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9 at Stars Theatre Restaurant, 931 Chester Ave.

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Relax and rejuvenate

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Pamper yourself along with your best girlfriends at one of Bakersfield’s many spas. Services like full-body massages, facials, hair, nails and makeup will leave you glowing and rejuvenated.

Dance the Night Away

Brunch at Café Med.

PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG

Bust a move and dance like no one’s watching at places like and Debonaire Dancers and Studio 9, which offer lessons in a wide variety of styles, from ballroom dancing to hip-hop and salsa.

Thanks a Brunch!

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It’s hard to top a good brunch and Bakersfield is ripe with options – you can’t go wrong! Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Belvedere at the Padre Hotel, Centro 18, Hodel’s Country Dining, Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill and Café Med are just a few of the options that come to mind and there many more on the list. Which one is the best? You’ll have to try them all to find out!

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PHOTO BY CASEY CHRISTIE

Owner Darci Atkinson leads a group event at The Kitchen.

Kiss the Cook The Kitchen, 1317 20th St., is the place to flex your culinary muscles, getting your hands dirty to help make something fun and delicious. Think of it like a paint night event, only you get to eat what you make in the end. Cooking classes are also offered at Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar and Café Med on select nights.

Find your Zen surrounded by the tranquil environment of the Bakersfield Museum of Art sculpture garden. Samsara Wellness Center partnered with BMoA to offer free community yoga sessions every month. The next gathering is Sept.

1 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

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DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Namaste at the Museum

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Planting the Seed for Good Times

www.bmtstars.com

Keeping up with the paint-night-like theme, Plant Night combines the social, sometimes rowdy, elements of the neighborhood bar scene and uses it as fuel to create terrariums, collections of small plants growing in transparent, sealed containers. So roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty as you create tabletop gardens at Temblor Brewing Company.

Host a Theme Party Spending the night out can get a little repetitive after a while. Mixing it up a bit and hosting can be fun. One easy theme is picking a letter, like “C” for instance, and having guests bring an item starting with that letter. Dressing up for a theme party, say a ’50s and ’60s theme party, is a great way to introduce new friends to your circle.

If you want to get super creative, try out a murder mystery theme party. NightOfMystery. com has downloadable games, which can get gripping, plus they’re an excuse to dress up in formal wear you only wore once. Why not have an excuse to feel fabulous with your girlfriends, indulging in drama that doesn’t actually hurt anyone?

www.bfojaistudioartists.org www.BakersfieldLife.com

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People & Community

BUSINESS PROFILES

Hardt Construction ‘We sweat the details so you don't have to’ Hardt Construction’s roots go back to 1949, when Herb and Marge Hardt started the company in Southern California before moving their young family to Bakersfield in 1957. The company is now operated by the next generation – Michelle and Tim Hardt. This husband-and-wife team has more than 30 years of experience constructing, designing, renovating and developing residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Michelle Hardt, who heads the firm’s design services, discusses Hardt Construction and residential design trends.

What are your most “in demand” services?

Construction is a cyclical, economically sensitive business. While we build custom homes, the demand is greatest now for remodeling. People are staying put and improving their homes and businesses. Kitchen remodels are the most requested, with master bathrooms closely following.

What remodeling trends are you seeing?

People are embracing a lot more “old school” principles. For example, rather than requesting polished brass fixtures, people want “champagne,” or brushed bronze. We are using a lot of glass and patterned tiles on kitchen splashboards. And rather than granite, we are using manmade quartz for countertops. Although it cost about the same, quartz is more forgiving than granite. We also are seeing more painted cabinets – white, off-white and cream. Stainless steel appliances continue to be popular.

As to colors, clients want a softer, almost “beachy” look. For flooring, people are moving away from carpeting and favoring wood-looking tiles. This product will show fewer scratches than wood floors, which is a plus if you have children or pets.

And window treatments are almost entirely shutters and wood blinds.

Co-owner Michelle Hardt

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How do you approach projects?

We enjoy a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. People often call us to remodel a kitchen. But when I go out to their home to see what changes they want to make, the conversation can expand to include adjacent rooms, or maybe the entire house.

I then shop ideas for all elements of the project – ranging from cabinetry to appliances. Over the course of several days, we agree on a plan, budget and work schedule. Throughout the project, I am a liaison between the client and the construction crews.

What makes your company unique?

Our personal service. Because we have in-house staff and use few subcontractors, our clients save money and time. We also take care of a lot of details, such as finding places for people to live while the remodeling is underway and moving families out and moving them back in. We have even arranged boarding for their dogs.

As an example, four years ago, we were called when a three-story Bakersfield home flooded. A thirdfloor leak sent water flowing through the air conditioning ducts, filling the entire house. Within an hour, we had a crew at the house draining and soaking up the water. Restoration required gutting the house.

In another case, we were called by a family that was out of town when a fire destroyed their garage and filled their house with smoke. We immediately went out to secure the house and begin repairs.

Whether it is new home construction or remodeling, we help clients through the entire process. We sweat the details for them.

Hardt Construction 2900 E. Belle Terrace 661-333-7541 www.hardtconstruction.biz

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People & Community

BUSINESS PROFILES

Petroleum Club of Bakersfield

What is the history of the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield?

Established in 1952, the Petroleum Club has become an integral part of the heritage and history of Kern County. The Club was an informal gathering of those in the petroleum industry to network and connect on pertinent issues. It served to tie its members together as a unified industry and has done so ever since.

Originally, we met at the Bakersfield Inn, Elks Lodge, First Baptist Church on Truxtun Avenue and then the Cask & Cleaver on Truxtun Extension, where we served lunch daily and one dinner per month. Since moving to the Stockdale Tower in 2003, we have evolved to what we have become today: full lunch and dinner service with formal and semi-formal dining rooms as well as a more casual bar to suit any of our members’ occasions with stunning views. In fact, we are celebrating our 65th anniversary this year with an event that is open to the public on Friday, Nov. 3.

What are the benefits of being a Club member?

Today, we enjoy a very diverse membership from a wide variety of professions and industries. Our philosophy reflects our commitment to excellence as a gathering place for community leaders. PCB maintains a prestigious facility for unobtrusive 68

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business meetings and social gatherings while featuring casual and exquisite fine dining with impeccable service.

As a member, you will be awarded with many benefits, far more than the best view in Bakersfield. We offer a private fitness center, including a fully equipped gymnasium with shower facilities.

Our Reciprocity Network gives you access to over 150 clubs all around the world. Many have rooms available for an overnight stay and dining facilities for you and your guests. Enjoy the most elegant accommodations and exclusivity that many hotels cannot match.

PCB offers several event rooms; catering to business meetings, birthdays, weddings, quinceaĂąeras, etc. and most membership levels have waived room rental fees.

Whether you join us for lunch, dinner or a special event, you have a team working from the top down to provide for your every need and expectation.

What is Petroleum Club of Bakersfield?

PCB is a private dining and social club. Although we do not offer golf or tennis, our relationships with Bakersfield Racquet Club and Rio Bravo Country Club give our members access to them. We specialize in

business gatherings and networking.

We host a gambit of nonmember events as well, providing incredible views and outstanding service to our one-of-a-kind organization.

Contact us to schedule a tour.

What is the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield dining experience like?

A fine-dining experience at PCB delivers a special and unique moment in which even a small desire is fulfilled; it allows you to enjoy delicate food in harmony with body and soul.

We offer amazing cuisine prepared by executive chef Michael Kelly and a large list of exclusive wines as well as your favorites. We invite you to become a PCB member today.

Petroleum Club of Bakersfield 5060 California Ave. 661-324-6561 www.thepetroleumclub.com

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People & Community

BAKERSFIELD MATTERS

Out of her gourd Local woman creating gourd-geous works of art

Marty Barnes the “Gourd Queen”

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Story and photos by Lisa Kimble

Bakersfield resident Marty Barnes has pages of a yellow legal pad on her kitchen table filled with her prospective Kern County Fair entries alongside a tattered cardboard box with dozens of ribbons, including ones for grand champions and “Best of Show” from competitions past.

Nearly all of them will be gourds.

Last year, she submitted 28 fair entries, earning $200 in cash prizes. This year, she’s shooting for 40.

“Every year, I try to push it further,” Barnes said.

There are 12 classes within the Fair Gourd division.

Over the years, she has easily squashed the competition.

For Barnes, affectionately dubbed the “Gourd Queen,” her passion for the ancient art of engraving and burning gourds is serious business and made her the cream of the crop. Yet she’s cool as a cucumber about her self-taught craft of turning the large fruit into works of art.

After she retired from the Postal Service, she began

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September 2017

pine needle coiling but soon found herself in a pickle.

“The beginning of the pine needle basket is the hardest, but I saw a lady starting a basket around a gourd,” Barnes said.

But she didn’t let her “gourd” down and the pine needle baskets were small potatoes. Barnes began carving away. Eight years ago, she started entering her creations in the Kern County Fair.

She purchased them at the famed Welburn Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, brought them home and after hollowing them, she went to work. She could easily see a design and duplicate it with precise carving, burning and etching.

“I’m more on the whimsical side,” she said. “I use everything. If it is natural, I’m going to use it.”

Barnes has carved dragons, created miniatures and everything else imaginable into her gourds. Last year’s first-place gourd winner is being converted into a lamp.

Her workshop, where all the magic happens, is a converted enclosed patio where she houses the tools of her craft, baskets of gourds and drawers of clamps. Beyond is a backyard filled with what some might see as junk, but Barnes sees as “potential art.”

No country bumpkin, Barnes, a member of the Gourd Society of America and featured in its magazine, is president of the Kern County Gourd Society. She attends shows around the country and is now a popular lecturer in the local Garden Club circuit.

Kern’s greatest annual show – the Kern County Fair – opens Sept. 20. Visit the Home Arts building to see Marty Barnes’ gourds, her doilies and hundreds of other homemade crafts, baked goods and entries.

And celebrate the spirit of homespun art and county fairs that is Americana.

Lisa Kimble

Opinions expressed in this column are those of Lisa Kimble.

MILLENNIAL VOICES

A LESSON IN MINDFULNESS Focusing on the here and now keeps the doubts at bay

By Kasey Meredith

Recently, I moved from one side of the country to the other – from South Carolina to Bakersfield.

Admittedly, it was a gutsy move and like any other major life event, is likely to come with a barrage of unwarranted “what ifs,” both from yourself and others.

Clouding your thoughts with these heinous doubts can be extremely stressful and completely ungrounded in reality.

By concentrating on the immediate moment, you can release those anxious butterflies in your stomach. This ideology is known as mindfulness, a fancy word for living in the moment, a kind of carpe diem that stems from Buddhism. Cognitive behavioral therapists are even considering mindfulness to be beneficial for patients who suffer/deal with anxiety and depression.

goal, but leaving it open-ended, When I was deciding what susceptible to change. It’s about to do once I graduated, many of embracing the great unknown. my peers were telling me their Your goals reside somewhere in goals of where they wanted to be by the end of the year, frantically there, free of time, place and doubt.

I also felt more confident applying for jobs nearly every as I focused on the goals of hour of each day. day-to-day life and started to It’s easy to feel pressured by take a little time out of my day your colleagues. Get a job. Get to reflect on the now. It’s still a promoted. Meet someone. Move work in progress, but I was able in together. Get a house. Have to silence the to the doubts in children. I could see my whole my head about moving to the life flash before my eyes as I unknown and unfamiliar. watched some of my peers make I’m not saying you’re going to these decisions. Am I late? Why be Zen every waking minute of don’t I feel this way? Is it OK to the day. But taking five minutes not want these things right now? each day to actively concentrate By concentrating on the on where I’m at right now is like present moment, these stressful what ifs dissolve. It’s tricky that second cup of coffee in the almost rewiring our morning. It’s recharging. brains to not ponder the future or find comfort Kasey Meredith is in nostalgia. As millennials, we’re taught to be the newest addition goal-oriented early on to the Bakersfield Life in education.

Magazine team who Mindfulness isn’t survived her first month Kasey Meredith as a Californian. about abandoning your

An important tool of mindfulness is meditation. I find it hard to meditate on a whim, so I like to use guided meditations. Two good apps for this are Headspace and Simple Habit, but there are countless more.

These apps basically force you to sit down and reflect the current happenings.

www.BakersfieldLife.com

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People & Community

HISTORY

The little theater that rose to the top

Facing page top: Connie (Deborah Renno) gratefully accepts the assistance of Stephany aka Steve (played by Margaret Haggard) in “Cry Havoc” at Bakersfield Community Theatre.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAN HEFNER

Top: The exterior of Bakersfield Community Theatre as seen in the mid-1960s.

By Julie Plata

“Everything’s coming up roses.”

“I am not throwing away my shot.”

“Don’t cry for me, Argentina.”

“If I were a rich man.”

“Tonight, tonight.”

“Memory … ” “All that jazz.”

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.”

Now try to get through the rest of the day without at least one of these songs stuck in your head. Chances are anyone who appreciates theater can name the shows those tunes are from.

Although Broadway is immensely popular today, the rise of Hollywood films placed professional the-

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aters into a slump.

Famous early playwrights and actors started to leave the Broadway lights for a chance on the silver screen. At the same time, the little theater movement gained popularity. In 1929, Virginia Steele, playwright and guest director, stated to The Bakersfield Californian, “The little theater movement, which has sprung up all over the country, will be the salvation of American drama.”

The little theater movement came to America from Europe about 1911. Although commercial theater had been popular here since colonial times, the little theater movement signified the rise of small community theaters. The purpose was to create a purely local endeavor that made theater accessible and affordable to a greater number of people. The small companies had the freedom to create good, artistic drama rather than only focusing on what made the most money. Most importantly, the community theater allowed people

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAN HEFNER

from small towns, rural areas or cities to come together and create art.

The Bakersfield Community Theatre is one of California’s oldest contributions to the movement.

In May 1927, after the community’s little theater drafted its constitution and bylaws, the Bakersfield Community Theatre was born. Ninety-eight sponsors pledged their financial support and plans were drawn for the first show.

Under the direction of Alma Campbell, the theater’s first production, “The First Year,” was attended by more than 400 patrons. The show was a smash!

Under the direction of Alma Campbell, the theater’s first production, “The First Year,” was attended by more than 400 patrons. The show was a smash!

It was one of many successful shows for Campbell. In fact, during the theater’s first 32 seasons, over one-third of its productions were directed by Campbell, Louise Atwood, and Marjorie Fairbanks.

The theater continued to endure during WWII. Its first season since the U.S. joined the war effort occurred in October 1942. A letter to the editor on Oct. 15, 1942, praised the efforts of the patrons of the Bakersfield Community Theatre and its board of directors “for continuing, despite increasing obstacles, to offer a full season of five plays.” The writer recognized that in times of war, “it is essential that the roots of cultural achievement be kept alive.”

In 1961, the theater established its first permanent home at 2400 S. Chester Ave. After 90 years, the Bakersfield Community Theatre continues to inspire and entertain the community.

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We offer the following services: • Well exams

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• Same-day appointments

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• After hours on-call

Accepting most PPO, HMO and Medi-Cal insurances.

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People & Community

PHILANTHROPY MATTERS

WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ FUND WORKS TO TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF WOMEN, GIRLS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Kristen Beall Barnes

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund at Kern Community Foundation is a shining example of women working together to transform the lives of women and girls in our community.

In the 12 short years since the fund was created in 2005, more than 500 donors have, through collective giving, built an endowment of almost $1.4 million and granted $300,000 into the community; worked diligently to educate the public about women’s and girls’ needs unmet by current strategies; empowered one another to become serious and thoughtful philanthropists and responsible advocates of positive social change; and created a permanent legacy through an endowed fund whose annual yield supports programs benefitting women and girls throughout Kern County, thereby, making our community a better place.

And now they are expanding their efforts to transform the lives of local women and girls by visiting schools, community groups and just about anywhere women and girls might gather, with a powerful documentary that asks a simple question: “What would you do if you were not afraid to fail?”

Just because someone said no at some point didn’t mean their dreams died. These women found success another way.

The film is called “The Empowerment Project,” and details an incredible journey of a crew of female filmmakers driving 7,000 miles between Los Angeles and New York over one month to encourage, empower and inspire the next generation of strong women to go after their career ambitions.

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The film spotlights eight positive and powerful female leaders across a variety of lifestyles and industries: a professional athlete, an astronaut, a mathematician, a fourstar Navy admiral, an architect, a professional chef, a social entrepreneur and even a commercial pilot. Along the way, the filmmakers reveal their candid insights on how these women define their success and what it takes to be a woman in their position and share valuable advice on how to improve the female role in the workplace.

A key quality that all the women whom the filmmakers interviewed have in common is a passion for their field and unyielding determination – just because someone said no at some point didn’t mean their dreams died. These women found success another way.

“The Empowerment Project” doesn’t stop when the credits roll. Rather, at the conclusion

of the 50-minute film, the conversations and empower more women and girls. lights go up and conversation begins – conversation The Women’s and Girls’ that asks viewers to considFund is happy to bring “The er possibilities and ideally Empowerment Project� to encourages them to be their your group. Simply contact best selves, reinforcing them through Kern Community Foundation (kernthat they are enough and foundation.org). You can that they can achieve any also learn more about the dream. Each discussion documentary by visiting is led by a member of the empowermentproject.com Women’s and Girls’ Fund and then asking yourself, Vision Committee and frequently includes a panel of “What would you do if you local extraordinary women. were not afraid to fail?�

The documentary has Kristen Beall Barnes, already been shown in Bakersfield to a few Ed.D., is the president and CEO at hundred women Kern Community and girls, spanning multiple Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@ generations, kernfoundation.org and the committee is hoping or 616-2601. The to expand to views expressed in more audiences, this column are her Kristen Beall Barnes initiate more own.

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People & Community

TALK OF THE TOWN

Hailey Amos and Kylie Greene taking the Girl Scouts oath and modeling their life-saving pet respirators.

To see all of Hailey’s badges, watch the video on our Instagram @bakersfield_life

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SPECTRUM R E A L T Y

G R O U P

GIRL SCOUTS From saving pets to helping the community Story and photos by Kasey Meredith Girl Scouts are saving pets from burning homes when they’re not out selling cookies. Hailey Amos and Kylie Greene, both 14, have been raising money to give pet respirators to fire departments in Bakersfield and in Kings County since last March.

“We both have a passion and love for animals and pets,” Kylie said.

The idea came to them while they were helping out at the Cat House in Kings County as a part of their silver award project. From there Hailey’s uncle, who is a firefighter, expressed that there was a need for the respirators.

“We knew we could do more, so we did,” Kylie said.

Initially, the girls had jitters when they found out they had to present their idea to the Kings County Fire Department. But in the end, there was nothing stopping them.

“They took us for a ride in the fire truck and even made us breakfast,” Kylie exclaimed.

For the first time, Hailey and Kylie will meet one of the pets that their respirators saved, a dog named Jack.

“I’m so excited to meet him; I’m glad to know that I saved someone’s pet,” Hailey said.

Both girls love helping pets, but it doesn’t stop there.

Rather than wanting to go into animal care for the

future, both are interested in helping the community.

Kylie’s project is geared toward helping schools better understand attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, ADD and ADHD. Hailey is trying her hand at woodworking and crafting a construction for her girl scouts camp.

Whether it’s helping pets from burning buildings or giving burritos to the homeless through the Bakersfield Burrito Project, they will continue community service even when there are no more ranks to advance to.

Hailey and Kylie love Girl Scouts because it’s a way to give back to the community.

“I don’t care if people don’t think it’s cool to be a Girl Scout,” Hailey said. “It’s cool because we get to help people all over Bakersfield.”

Whether it’s helping pets from burning buildings or giving burritos to the homeless through the Bakersfield Burrito Project, they will continue community service even when there are no more ranks to advance to.

“It all pays off in the end,” Kylie said.

Back to School!

The beginning of the school year is always exciting and maybe a time to “Do Your Math.” If you’ve outgrown your current home and have questions about the market, give me a call. I can help you make a “Straight A” decision about your first or next home.

Annemarie Ulbrich

Broker Associate | CalBRE# 01734179 5100 California Ave., Suite 106 Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 869-2777 aulbrich@spectrumbakersfield.com WWW.SPECTRUMBAKERSFIELD.COM

www.thewoodspavilion.com www.BakersfieldLife.com

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People & Community

PERSONALITY

Tae kwan do instructor inspires students to be strong, confident, self-determined Anything boys can do girls can do, too

Evelyn “Sophia” Espino

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Young girls are often expected to fit a certain mold.

They are told to wear dresses, have great posture and aren’t supposed to get their hands dirty.

Evelyn “Sophia” Espino, 17, isn’t like most girls. She considers herself to be “one of the boys,” especially growing up with two brothers and being close with her father.

Being a daddy’s girl, she said, “Everything that my dad would do, I would want to do.”

Her father, Henry, took tae kwan do classes for several years and really enjoyed it, so he signed Sophia and her brothers up for classes.

The family quickly fell in love with the sport, and just a few years later, Sophia’s dad approached the kids about becoming instructors at JK Tae Kwon Do, her family’s studio. Her mom also started classes when Sophia thought about quitting.

“It has been an amazing experience and honor to have been able to watch my daughter grow with the students, mentally and physically, to be able to connect herself with the sport, knowing it will be challenging,” Henry said.

As a black belt, Sophia has experienced the long hours and work it takes to reach the goal, which can

Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

By Shelby Parker

take up to three years.

The most challenging aspect of all?

“Being a girl in this sport,” she quipped.

Sophia has received some resistance from both guys and their parents as the only female instructor, receiving comments like she should stick to volleyball or other “girlish sports” or that “she’s weak” and “she’s just a girl, what does she know?” With a female instructor, parents don’t always want to entrust their sons because it appears to be “not as hard of a sport.”

One instructor told her he was harder on the females, because he wanted them to see that they can do anything guys can do, and she held onto that.

Another instructor had a different view and said, “Girls weren’t meant for teaching this sport; it was only supposed to be for guys.”

It pushed her harder to be just as good of a teacher. And no matter what, she’s always had the support of her family.

“I see the brightness in her eyes when she teaches the students. You could see she loves teaching the kids and teaching them morals as I taught her when she was a little girl. For me as a father, I have seen how she has grown up loving the sport and learning from it, and now she is learning how to teach it to kids, teens and even adults,” said Henry.

Sophia didn’t let the obstacles stop her. She competed in several tournaments as a purple belt, along with a national competition where she won first place in both sparring and Pumsae. She said it is probably the highest accomplishment she’s had.

“I kind of went into this

mostly wanting to help girls,” she said, adding that she wants them to know this sport isn’t restricted just to guys.

“I have seen many girls self-inspire themselves because of how strong, confident and self-determined she is to represent tae kwon do. She has shown that nothing is impossible just because you are a woman.”

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– Henry Espino, Sophia’s father

She went through a period of being bullied growing up and couldn’t always fight back. Helping those who walk around feeling scared is what makes it worth it for her.

“I feel stronger about myself than I did back then,” she said.

“I have seen many girls self-inspire themselves because of how strong, confident and self-determined she is to represent tae kwon do.

She has shown that nothing is impossible just because you are a woman,” said Henry.

Sophia has inspired her own friends to take classes, and once her niece starts walking, they will enroll her, as well.

A piece of advice she wants to pass along to her is “just because a guy tells you that you can’t do it, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”

Watch the video on www.bakersfieldlife.com or www.facebook.com/BakersfieldLifeMagazine/

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People & Community

ALL-STAR ATHLETE

Versatile player helps lead CSUB women’s soccer in new season

By Stephen Lynch

PHOTO BY MARK NESSIA

Sometimes a small change can make a big difference in the fortunes of an athlete. That was the case last year for Cal State Bakersfield women’s soccer player Sophie Freeman.

Early in the second half of the Roadrunners’ seventh game of the year, the former Garces standout was moved from her position as a defender to center midfielder. Freeman flourished in her new role, tallying six goals and four assists for a total of 16 points.

For her efforts, Freeman was named the WAC Freshman of the Year and SecondTeam All-Conference.

“We were down 3-1 (to Eastern Washington),” Freeman said. “Coach decided to make the switch for me to go up because I would attack a lot out of the defense. So he decided to put me up there and I never went back the rest of the season.”

Freeman scored five goals during CSUB’s final six games. She had hat trick in a late-season 5-2 victory over WAC rival New Mexico State.

Two days earlier, on her 18th birthday,

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September 2017

she experienced the highlight of her season, scoring the game-winning goal against UTRGV. “We had a minute left and it was tied,” Freeman said “I was 30 yards out, kind of by the sideline, outside the box; I just shot it. The goalie was off the line and it went over her head. It was one of the best birthday moments of my life.”

With Freeman’s goal scoring, CSUB finished last season 8-10-2.

The Roadrunners just recently kicked off the 2017 season. Their regular season slate of games wraps up in late October. Less than week later, the WAC Tournament begins in Phoenix.

Freeman has high expectations CSUB this year.

“We’re hoping to start the year off with a winning record before we get to conference play,” Freeman said.

“Then, we want to make sure when we get into conference play we play strong and get the wins we need to have a good spot in the (WAC) tournament.”

Personally, Freeman would like to exceed her scoring totals from last year.

But she knows that possibility will be highly dependent on whether the stays at

center-mid or moves back to defender.

During preseason practices, she switched back and forth between the two positions.

She enjoys playing both center-mid and defender.

“I like being close to the goal and having the opportunity to score goals,” Freeman said. “But I feel like get more involved when I play as a defender because I touch the ball more.”

Last year, Freeman was one of only four CSUB players to start all 20 of the team’s matches. Her six goals ranked second on the team.

She made the transition from high school to Division I college soccer appear seamless.

“I did lot of work during the summer, before the season, and it helped a lot,” Freeman said. “There’s a huge difference because the players in college are way more skillful and have more speed. My teammates helped make the transition to D-I soccer easier.”

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The Roadrunners just recently kicked off the 2017 season.

Their regular season slate of games wraps up in late October. www.kerncasa.org Freeman is now a college soccer veteran once again ready to help her team in any way she can.

“I’m competitive so I have to make sure I’m doing my best to get the job done no matter what position I play,” Freeman said. www.BakersfieldLife.com

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People & Community

FOR A CAUSE

COLLABORATION BRINGS VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTISTS TO UNLIKELY PLACE

By Liarida Yoakum

Photos by Mark Nessia

A behind-the-scenes organization whose goal for the community is to bring beauty to a place they love also brings visual as well as performing artists to a place most would consider unheard of: the hospital.

The Arts Council of Kern has collaborated with Adventist Health Bakersfield to provide Art Care once a week, every Wednesday, to not only patients, but staff, caregivers and families of patients as well.

The program allows visual and performing artists to display their talents

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and a way for people to interact with artists, find calming moments and provide a healing distraction through a most difficult time.

Art Care does not focus on just one area of the hospital.

“We are one population,” said David Gordon, executive director of the Arts Council of Kern. “It’s as much for staff as it is for patients, caregivers, family or friends.”

Visual artists, an individual who paints or draws, will go into a patient’s room and have a one-on-one lesson or do a project with them. The performing artists, individuals who play an instrument, will play on patient floors near

September 2017

the nurses’ station and have also played in the chemotherapy area and the burn unit.

“Occasionally, we will have patients who ask us to come in and if they’re about to be released from the hospital and the nurses feel like there isn’t too much of an exposure from us then yeah, we will go in,” said Dave Ogden, a performing artist who plays the acoustic guitar and the eight-key antique wooden flute for the program.

Aside from running his recording studio, he has been involved with the program for five years and plays alongside his wife, Brenda Hunter, who has been involved with the program since

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the very beginning eight years ago. She plays the folk harp and is a full-time piano teacher at East High school.

The Arts Council of Kern has collaborated with Adventist Health Bakersfield to provide Art Care once a week, every Wednesday, to not only patients, but staff, caregivers and families of patients as well.

“We’re not music therapists; we’re just here to

provide a relaxing atmosphere. It’s just kind of homey and peaceful. We get that from the nurses and the patients – it’s just homey,” said Hunter.

Hunter reminisces over a time a woman when came up to her while they were playing in the lobby and thanked them for playing. “(She) confided that she had just come from being with someone in the ER and that the calming music was ‘just what she needed,’” she said.

All artists involved with the program are local to Kern County.

“They’re high-quality professional musicians (and) visual artists; they make their living doing what they are educated to do.

They’re regular people doing what I consider a regular job,” said Gordon.

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People & Community

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

OUR TOWN

September 2017

EXPRESSION FROM THE HEART Art therapy helps clients tell their stories, gain personal insight

By Liarida Yoakum

For Dena Barnes, art is a form of expression like no other.

“Art is an expression of someone’s heart,” she said. “I think the beautiful part about art is when we look at someone’s art and they’ve expressed themselves in it – that’s what draws us to it.

“It’s a piece of someone,” she said.

Although Barnes practices traditional talk therapy, her emphasis is placed in art therapy. A Bakersfield native who is a licensed marriage and family therapist/ art therapist, she has been practicing since 2012 and her office is located in the heart of Bakersfield.

Art therapy “is the process of making art and therapy to help a person gain insight (and) increase emotional, physical and mental health.”

With any form of therapy comes a stigma: that something is wrong with you or you must have a severe mental illness and that’s just not the truth at all, explains Barnes.

Art therapy is beneficial for everybody at every stage of life: adult men and women, teenagers and children, even as young as 5.

Barnes finds it helps individuals who have experienced trauma.

“It externalizes some of the issues; that’s why it’s so helpful with trauma because sometimes trauma is so hard for people to talk about,” she said. “But when they put it out here in front of them, they can tell the story a lot easier … and step outside your box and challenge yourself a little bit and gain insight to you and your process.”

At first meet, an important factor between her and a client is getting to know one another because the “therapeutic process is far increased if the relationship between the therapist and the client is a positive, comfortable, good one.”

As a client is going through the art

therapy process, they can find themselves painting, collaging or sculpting alongside Barnes, as she is an artist herself. She grew up painting and gives a large part of her creativity to her mother, who was also an artist.

“As a child, I made a lot of art and I made art journals and I didn’t even know I was practicing art therapy at the time on myself,” Barnes said.

“I love what I do. I feel so lucky every morning to wake up and get to do this for a job.

Hopefully the stigma of therapy is reducing and people are starting to be open to the process and coming in and talking to someone and what a benefit that can be and how making art with that can be so helpful.”

– Dena Barnes

Licensed marriage and family therapist/art therapist Dena Barnes in her downtown office.

Her studio immediately welcomes her clients with a few paintings of her own, as well as collages, sayings and positive affirmations placed on the walls and laid carefully about the room. Included is a window overlooking the beautiful downtown Bakersfield area.

“I love what I do,” Barnes said. “I feel so lucky every morning to wake up and get to do this for a job. Hopefully the stigma of therapy is reducing and people are starting to be open to the process and coming in and talking to someone and what a benefit that can be and how making art with that can be so helpful.” www.BakersfieldLife.com

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People & Community

PRIME FINDS

Mom’s morning warning!

The kids are back to school, so it's time for you to have a little “me-time” fun! Plan a mom's morning out at Color Me Mine and paint this great travel mug using their easy marbleizing technique!

Available only at Color Me Mine at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., 661-664-7166. www.bakersfield.colormemine.com

Here’s your sign!

Vintage signs and so much more at Farm Girls Vintage Finds 2113 Q St. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Who rescued who? Come and find out!

Visit ​​Rags To Rescue Re-sale store. So many treasures and finds that will amaze you. This isn’t just any thrift store.

Filled with gently used items for yourself, home and pet just waiting for a repurpose!

Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Visit our Facebook page,​www.facebook.com/haltragstorescue/​for times, location and weekly peek inside.

All purchases support and go directly to the dogs!

Iconic Kern County scenes Local artist Charlotte White will be on exhibit at the Arts Council of Kern, Mission Bank Building, 1330 Truxtun Ave., through September. Also, she has an ongoing exhibit at The Arts Center, 1607 19th St. Contact Charlotte White at 661-330-2676.

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Bakersfield Life Magazine

September 2017

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September 2017

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Bike Bakersfield’s Full Moon Ride Date: Aug. 7 Held at: Beach Park Photos by: Carla Rivas

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Wine and Work for Kern Literacy Council Date: Aug. 10 Held at: Luigi’s Photos by: Carla Rivas

Antonia Valpredo and Timothy Lemucchi

Leanne and Scott Belden, Lisa Baldridge, David and Christina Blaine

Gloria Williams, Suzanne Noble and Colleen McGauley

Darren and Cheryl Scott and Holly Arnold 90

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Richard Wilson, Lisa Hockersmith, Judy and Tom Tupper

Laura Wolfe, Robin Fleming and Gabriela Gamboa

Diana Robayo, Diego Cano, Katherine Frangos and Jillian Salim

Julie Salazar-Garcia, Rick Garcia and Nancy Gomez September 2017

Louie and Patty Poire

Passion for Fashion, fundraiser for Kern Autism Network Date: Aug. 12 Held at: Bakersfield Museum of Art Photos by: Carla Rivas

Chava Garibay and Sonja Segoviano

Lisa Davenport and Jennifer Art

Stephany Casillas, Diana Cuadra, Edgar Sanchez, Adrian Balsa and Adriana Cacers

Cammie and Eric Livingstone

Ashley Kent, Roseanna Low, Miguel Alvarez and Aimee Diosi

Yuritsi, Sandra and Jayson Sandoval

Lisa Jhanjar, Phoebe Saenz, Eddie and Jessica Trevino

Jose Medina and Samarrah Haynes

Raquel Arellano and Roman Uribe

Vince Fong and Mia Cifuentes www.BakersfieldLife.com

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First Friday Date: Aug. 4 Held at: Downtown Arts District Photos by: Greg Nichols

Savannah Forcillo and Zoe Gutierrez

Joan and Will Flickinger, Gary Knerr

Roy and Catherine Malahowski

Leonard Sanoian, Robert and Carol McNabb

Raven Carnes and Garrett Steil

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Zayne Fidler and Kaitlyn Rogers

September 2017

Joshua and Shannon Pennywitt

Elmer and Esmeralda Rivas, Luz and Edgar Robles

ALPHA Canine Sanctuary Fundraiser Date: Aug. 10 Held at: Imbibe Photos by: Greg Nichols

Jane Kikendall and Marilyn Stewart

Alison and Ty Reidenbach

Karen Vinyard, Chris Maupin and Donnie Ward

Mary Rosson and John Watson

Claire and Robert Castro

Annie Adams, Dan Rainey and Milton (dog)

Kirby Brewer and Susan Madigan

2017

19th & N Street, Downtown Bakersfield Kim Bonham and Gaylyn Moss

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People & Community

LAST WORD

The Earth without art is just ‘eh’

By Andrew Hawley

I was finishing up my studio art degree at the time I came across a job opening at our local art museum. They needed an instructor position filled immediately and I really wanted to work in an art-related field, so I went for it. However, the problem was I had absolutely no idea how to relate to kids.

Today, I’ve worked in art education for over six years, from teaching classes in elementary schools, to creating curriculum and programming for high-schoolers. I’ve been able to see the effect of art on kids and the effect on kids without it.

When I was working as a mobile art teacher, I’d arrive to a classroom, pass out supplies and show some samples of work by a notable artist or two. However, it was during the project portion of the lesson that I noticed some common symptoms among the students. They’d hold their pencils with a stiff, test-taking grip.

After three or four lines, they would frantically search for the eraser, then vigorously rubbed the paper back and forth. About a quarter of the way in, they’d turn to me and say, “Does this look right Mr. Andrew?” and it was here that I realized these students haven’t really been exposed to the visual arts at all.

A third-grader who mixes primary colors to make secondary colors is participating in a science experiment.

It’s not uncommon for schools in the United States to be absent of arts programs. Budgetary cuts to elementary schools can completely wipe out the arts and some children won’t even experience their first art class until

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September 2017

middle school. A recent study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that 42 percent of eighth-graders in the United States took a visual arts class in 2016.

However, for those students who get the privilege of taking a visual arts class, what are they being taught? I mean, I see children take sequential steps to draw a flower just like the teacher’s and I hear teenagers tell me their art teacher “didn’t like my painting” but that really isn’t a correct understanding of what the visual arts is.

As an art instructor, I can show a child a material or tool, how it can be used and then see what they decide to do with it. I can guide them through a technique they may not be familiar with and encourage them to apply it in their own work. I can engage them in conversation about an artwork and have them answer questions independently and collaboratively about its content. It’s this process of open

exploration that’s so important for a child to take part in.

A third-grader who mixes primary colors to make secondary colors is participating in a science experiment.

A middle-schooler who writes a short essay about an artwork will have a visual aide to help him/her understand an era in history. Fifth-grade students who complete a pastel drawing will learn vocabulary words like “blend” and “layering” by actually executing them with their hands.

If a child can be in that sort of environment for just 30 minutes of their school day, imagine how that could spill over into any other subject they encounter.

Andrew Hawley is the owner of MAKE, a space dedicated to introducing children to artistic processes and techniques while encouraging individual expression. The views expressed in this column are his own.

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