BGC Brief - Winter 2022

Board of Directors

Rob Duchow

President of the Board

Southern California Gas Company

Amir Zabrani Treasurer Wells Fargo

Matt Damian Secretary Artes Capital

Alan Avery Kern Health Systems

Alex Balfour Cushman and Wakefield/Pacific Commercial Realty Advisors

MacKenzie Boone

Ascend Real Estate

Greg Broida

BroidaCo Auto

Lynne Carrithers

Aera Energy, LLC

Michael George Safe 1 Credit Union

Rasmus Jensen

Tri Counties Bank

Chad Jones

California Resources Corporation

Larry Koman Koman Homes

Ben LeBeau

LeBeau Thelen, LLP

Marivic Louey Kern Energy

Kristin Monsibais

Immediate Past President Williams Adams & Company, CPAs

Derek Robinson Bakersfield College

Timothy J. Simmons Berry Corporation

Bryce Sterling Laurel Ag & Water

Zane Smith Executive Director

Barry Hill

Associate Executive Director

Legacy Board

Jason Cohen

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Gloria Williams

Aera Energy LLC

Letter from a Board Member

During the month of September 2022, I had the privilege of accompanying my granddaughter, Leilani Broida, to 4 outlying Boys & Girls Clubs. Along with a camera crew, we visited the BGC’s Clubhouse in Lamont as well as school campus-based Boys & Girls Clubs in Kernville, Lake Isabella and McFarland. With Leilani as a youth spokesperson, the mission was to highlight individual Clubs/Kids throughout Kern County and demonstrate the fun, engaging, and educational activities such as an elementary science project, planting a garden, painting Frida Kahlo portraits, making and experimenting with slime and playing outside games. Through this, a wonderful video was created for our recent Farm-to-Table(aux) event that gave attendees a snapshot of what actually happens on a day-to-day basis at each of the 67 clubs that comprise Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

As a witness to these excursions, my pride in BGCKC and awe of its impact grew exponentially. The cleanliness and orderliness of each facility we visited were my first impressions. Next came the professionalism and dedication of the Boys & Girls Club’s talented team guiding the children. The Boys & Girls Club team’s love for the children and dedication to their positive growth was evident and abundant. Then, there were the kids…smiling, enthusiastic and getting along with and helping each other.

Finally, I realized that these Boys & Girls Clubs are the safeguards that protect these kids and keep them on a positive path to maturity. Giving the children enrichment and socialization keeps them from being impacted during their ‘off hours’ by the negative influences that can vie for their attention daily. To sum up, I came away from the excursions with knowledge that The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is a vibrant, well-run organization that is worthy of support for truly making a difference in our society.

Greg Broida, BGCKC Board Member and Proud Grandfather

Leilani preparing to film in Lamont

Leilani filming in Kernville

Leilani filming in Lamont.

When the BGCKC Team at the Kernville Elementary Club was asked to suggest a member to be featured in this issue of BGC Brief, they unanimously agreed that member, Julianna Lembeck, was the perfect choice.

Julianna is a fifthgrade student and is currently in her second year as an enthusiastic Kernville Elementary Boys & Girls Club member. She has an incredibly bright and over-thetop personality which makes her a standout during our Drama Week activities. As one of our young thespians, she collaborated with other members to write and perform an original play entitled simply, “Lock”.

Julianna continues to have a positive impact on other members and as part of our cross-age

mentoring group, she has been an amazing role model for our younger members. When working on an activity about heroes, one of our youngest members (one of our “littles”), Evelynn, chose Julianna as her personal hero.

Julianna states that her favorite subject in school is writing but her favorite activities at the Club are the various art projects that let her be creative. In fact, the most important thing she wants kids who don’t attend the Club is to know how fun the art projects and other “cool activities” are at the Kernville Elementary Boys & Girls Club. Julianna continues to challenge herself and spends a great deal of time learning new skills, materials, and art styles with Art Teacher Diana, who is a professionally trained artist and art instructor for the Club.

Julianna first started attending the Club at Kernville Elementary due to the busy schedule of her parents and tells us she has several friends at the Club. She says she doesn’t have a favorite staff person, so we’re hoping that means she likes them all equally?

When not at the Club, Julianna enjoys playing softball, watching episodes of her favorite show, Bojack Horseman and reading her favorite book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Julianna preparing for a day at program

Julianna enjoys tutoring her classmates.

Julianna having fun with friends at program.

Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield

Justin & April Ahart

Timothy & Caitlin Ashlock

Ariel & Abby Auffant

Alan Avery

Alex M. Balfour

Larry & Kay Bardin

Adam Belter

Cathy Bennett

Aimee Blaine

Sonia Bonilla-Mendoza

Greg & Rose Broida

John & Jean Browning

Charles & Theresa Bush

Juan & Sabrina Cazares

Gary & Donna Cross

Mickey Cushine

Mike & Maggie Cushine

Matt Damian

Chelsea Dow

Ken & Marjorie Dow

Karla Espinoza

Melissa Fortune & Bruce Beretta

Christine Frazier

Fanny Gama

Monica Gonzales

Renee Goodwin

Robert & Jerry Haner

Matthew & Shelly Hewett

Barry & Eashell Hill

Edgar Jacobs

Larry Koman

Allan Krauter & Anna Agenjo

Bernie & Lynn LeBeau

Ryan & Frances Lewis

Andrew Lopez Christopher Lowe

Zachary Martindale

Erlinda Martinez

Natalie Martinez

Karinna Mendoza

Ruth Miranda

Chris & Jovan Molina

Alex & Kristin Monsibais

Jonathan & Mary Anne Mueller

Shannan Ogilvie

Dale Oprandy

Randy & Mary Richardson

Saber Insurance Agency

Darin Schwicker

John & Christina Sistrunk

Paul Skarphol

Zane & Amy Smith

Linda Sullenger

Dan & Rhesa Tate

Josh & Susan Wall

Deborah Wood

Thank you, sponsors

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IN-KIND SPONSORS

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AUCTION ITEM DONORS

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Affinity Truck Center

Arnie Johansson Atomic Kitten

Auntie Mae’s Sweet Tooth Bakersfield Art Association

Bakersfield Museum of Art Bakersfield Symphony Bella BGCKC Art Students

BJ Brewhouse

Blissful Retreat

BrainyActz

Brad & Liz Peters

Café Smitten

CALM

Chef Lino at the Pour House

Christine Diaz Condors Foundation

Dewar’s Don Lucas Jewelry

Don Perico, Tehachapi Ed Jacobs

Encore Boutique

EZ Tan Firestone/Main St/DogHouse Giselle Fernando Guarantee Shoe Center Guthries Alley Cat House of Flowers Hyatt Regency, Monterey Imbibe Jamba Juice Jordano’s Kern County Raceway Park Kern Energy Kern River Golf Course Kevin McCarthy KGET KRRJ Collectibles

La Costa Mariscos Lemonade Locks Linda Sullenger LINQride Log Cabin Florist Lourdes Arrubla Luigi’s Maggie Cushine

Marc & Shannon Caputo Marivic Louey Massage Corner Mossman’s Catering OrangeTheory Orlando Trevino Padre Hotel Pepsi Puzzle Effect Rankin Ranch

Real Escape

Rosemary’s Creamery

San Rucci Winery Sequoia Sandwich Company

Silvestre Galvin Sizzler/BMW Management

Smith’s Bakeries

Stars Theatre

Sugar Twist Bakery

Sugardaddy’s Women’s Boutique

Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company

Temblor Brewing Company

The Huntington Woolgrowers

Tehachapi, California— known for its scenic views, the infamous Tehachapi Loop, the Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm, and now the Tehachapi Boys & Girls Club. In April 2022, through a collaboration with the Tehachapi School District, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County opened the doors to a new Club serving 62 students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The afterschool enrichment program is focused on skill building, social-bonding and community impact. Through cooking classes, arts & crafts, STEM activities, gardening, and homework assistance, these young people are learning to create their own community that promotes learning, character building, positive affiliation, empowerment, and supportive friendships.

Some exciting projects on the horizon, in addition to the teen activities and classes, are celebrating students on their birthdays, good citizenship, academic success, holidays, and ultimately 8th grade graduation. Recognizing that in their teen years, our older kids typically “Vote with their Feet,” meaning they don’t have to come, but want to, so our team works extremely hard on developing ageappropriate programs and challenging activities to engage young people and give them ownership of their program. The Tehachapi Club is already having a positive influence on school attendance in that participation requires that

the student attend school the same day to be in our after-school program. However, one of our students has a special attendance situation and only goes to school three days per week. His enthusiasm for the Club and being part of our Club community and activities has compelled us to allow him to attend on the days he’s not required to attend school so that he can continue learning, contributing and being with his Club friends.

Our Tehachapi kids have a small wish list for improving their Club: Couches and bean bag chairs for their social recreation area; appropriate Nintendo Switch Games for Fun Fridays; and a dedicated Art Instructor to take a deeper dive into creating fine art.

The Club is certainly making an impact on youth in the area. When asked about their Club experience, we received the following responses from our teens:

“It’s like having a second family. You have support from friends and people who care for you. You can tell them anything and get unconditional support.” – Emily, 8th Grade

“All thee who enter with sadness leave with happiness.” –William, 6th Grade

“Great friendships are made here.” – Emilee, 8th Grade

We would like to thank the Tehachapi Unified School District for all their support in opening the youth center— this would not be possible without the investment they have made on behalf of their students.

For more information, or to schedule a tour of the Tehachapi Boys & Girls Club, please contact: Sarina Sierra Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Program Specialist – Tehachapi Phone: (661) 293-9092 126 S. Snyder Avenue, Tehachapi CA 93561

Tehachapi students enjoying after school program.

Tehachapi Club Members

Tehachapi Club Members get creative.

BY BIKE, BY BUS, BY FOOT

A Challenging, but Rewarding Path Taken!

“When I started with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, I didn’t have a car. I rode my bike, I took the bus, and I walked. I did everything I could to keep this job. I couldn’t have dreamed I’d be where I am today with this wonderful organization. I am forever grateful for everything that the Club has invested in me professionally and personally.” These are the words of Amanda Garza, an Area Program Director in north Kern County who has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs for nearly eight years.

After first joining the Club as an Administrative Assistant at the Niles Street location, Amanda was promoted to a Human Resource Assistant within the first six months. She worked closely and was mentored by Renee Stancil, who was the HR Director at that time and became an important and positive influence in Amanda’s life. In 2020, Amanda followed her heart to work directly with Club youth in the community where she lives and moved into the position of Area Program Director and opening three Boys & Girls Clubs in partnership with Kernville Union School District.

Amanda spent much of her childhood in the rural area of Kern River Valley but spent a few years with her family in the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The oldest of three children, she pushed not only herself, but her siblings as well to build futures of which they could be proud. Amanda says that her family is very close and has always stayed positive even through hard times. This supportive relationship is one of the things that truly inspires her.

Given that family is so important to Amanda, it is no surprise that one of her favorite parts about working at the Club is the “family-like” work environment. She says that there are so many great and supportive people at the Club that even when she doubted herself, the Club team rallied around her. “They supported me every step of the way and cultivated my leadership skills while shining a light on my

talents. They guided me and I have worked hard every day to show my appreciation for the Club.” Amanda goes on to say that the Club has a “passion for people—not only for serving youth, but for the more than 600 employees. The Boys & Girls Club cares about people and their success.”

As an experienced Youth Development Professional, Amanda works to cultivate Club participation with youth residing in her community. She advises kids to, “be open to new things. The Club provides so many opportunities for growth in education, skills, leadership, and friendships. You may find something new about yourself and some activities you didn’t expect to enjoy.”

Amanda enjoying programs with her team and students.

Amanda working with her students