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W W W. B A K E R S F I E L D V O I C E . C O M
SEPTEMBER 6-12, 2009
YOURCREATIVECORNER Continued from page 6
room and, like miniature typhoons, leave things dirtied and disordered, strewing little toys and puzzle pieces every which way. On the other hand, my sister, who is 11 years old, may often seem like an even greater source of annoyance, as, due to her decade’s worth of experience and newfound teenage confidence, it’s much too easy for her to nag and irritate me to no end. As many elder children are quite aware, sometimes younger family members can aggravate one without saying a single word at all. More-
over, aside from the challenge posed by merely coping with the “little terrors,” an unbelievable amount of responsibility is apportioned to the eldest, not only in physically helping with the young ones, but also in setting the best example and in being a guiding counselor. It should come as no surprise that, every once in a while, I lose my temper and bewail the unfortunate fate of being in the “big sister” position. However, an image sometimes comes to mind, of a time in the future, when I will visit each of my siblings and chat with them over a
light snack while marveling at the miracle of our own children, our current occupations, and the long and wondrous journey of life and history it took for us to get to that one point in time. At that moment, I am confident that I will experience an overwhelmingly sweet satisfaction from having surmounted the countless obstacles of time and age. So ... how’s it like living with so many siblings? In reality, it’s not as bad as I usually make it out to be. After all, it will all pay off in the end.
Gymnast wins gold medal in Junior Olympics COURTESY OF AMERICAN KIDS SPORTS CENTER
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rigitte Alexander, 17, placed first overall, earning the gold medal in Tumbling (age 15 -years-and-over girls division) at the USA Gymnastics National Junior Olympics Championships held in San Jose, Calif. June 22 - 28. She also placed fourth overall in Trampoline and landed in a three-way tie overall score for eighth place in DoubleMini Trampoline. Brigitte is a member of the American Airbourne Trampoline & Tumbling Team at American Kids Sports Center of Bakersfield. Brigitte is a 2009 graduate of Frontier High School. Teammates Michelle Estes, also 17, (age 15-years-and-over girls division) placed 18th in Trampoline, 22nd in Double-Mini and 28th in Tumbling. Lindsay Relerford (age 11 girls) placed 16th in Double-Mini, 28th in Tumbling, and 32nd in Trampoline. Elly Honaker (age 9 to 10 girls) placed sixth in Trampoline, sixth in Double-Mini and eighth in Tumbling, Justin Powell (age 11 to 12 boys) placed fifth in Double-Mini. All participants attending nationals must achieve qualifying scores in each event. The American Airborne team is coached by Matt Williams. The 2010 USA Gymnastics J.O. National Trampoline & Tumbling Championships will be held in Virginia Beach, Va. Brigitte Alexander
TBV’s August Athlete of the Month: Andrew Blanco The Bakersfield Voice’s Star Athlete of the Month for August is Andrew Blanco. Andrew, 10, continues to play baseball while on chemotherapy for leukemia. Andrew’s name was picked from among the other Star Athlete nominations for August. The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift card for sporting equipment, compliments of Sports Authority and TBV. Nominate YOUR star athlete today! Go to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com.
Snowball - 775017
Hi! My name is Snowball and I am a 10-12 month old, male, white, domestic short hair mix. I will be neutered before I can go home. I came to the shelter because my owner was no longer able to spend timewith me and they wanted me to find a new loving home. I am a very sweet and affectionate kitty that LOVES to be with people. Don’t forget tomention my ID number - 775017!
Monty - 777138
Hi! My name is Monty and I am a two month old, male, orange and white domestic short hair Tabby mix. I will be neutered before I can go home. I love to be with people, play with toys and relax in shoeboxes. I would do best in a home with older children. Don’t forget to mention my ID number 774841!
These pets may be adopted quickly! Please visit the KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER at 201 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. to see all of our adoptable pets. For more info call 661-868-7144 or visit our website at www.co.kern.ca.us/acd.
This week’s Star Athlete: Rhoda Hernando Nominated by Han’s Tae Kwon Do
COURTESY OF ALEX1
Rhoda Hernando is a 17-year-old, 3rd Degree Kukkiwon Black Belt at Han’s Tae Kwon Do Academy. She has been practicing at Han’s Tae Kwon Do since she was 6 years old. She practices daily at Han’s and is an excellent Tournament Team Manager. She is a positive rolemodel and mentor to our younger members. She likes sharing her experiences with our upcoming stars and dreams of going to the Olympics someday. She will be competing in the upcoming U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rhoda is a senior at Stockdale High School and is very involved with school activities. She is in Link Crew, Student Ambassador, Conflict Mediator, Science, PacRim, M.A.S.H., and HOSA clubs. When she graduates, she plans to attend college at University of Southern California, majoring in physical therapy.
■ Do you have a son, daughter, grandkid or buddy who is your pick for MVP? Nominate them for Star Athlete of the Week by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting an article. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less what makes this kid a star athlete and should include a photo. All nominees will be featured weekly in the print edition of The Bakersfield Voice, and each month, one nominee’s name will be drawn to receive a $50 gift card for sporting equipment, compliments of Sports Authority and TBV.