In Memory of Patricia A. Stines

Patricia A Stines, 58, resident of Bishop for five years, was born in Pasadena on Nov. 21, 1947 and passed away on April 1 at Washoe Medical Center in Reno, Nev.

Patricia’s family lost a loving wife, sister, daughter and mother who was enjoying one of her many passions, bicycling, when she passed away. Patricia has now moved on to live with those who have left us, to warm their spirits with her smile and loving character. Her family is saddened that she left them so early but we receive strength that her influence and love will continue eternally.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Sto Stines of Bishop; sons, Ian and his wife Suzy Tervet of Pasadena; and Garrett Stines of Tehachapi; daughter, Heather Peterson of Tehachapi; parents, Richard and Anne Conrad of Bishop; sister, Dee Dee and her husband Doug Grafius of Independence; and grandchildren, Chelsea, Nicole, Lauren, Ethan, Evan and Micah.

Patricia was laid to rest on April 8 at the East Line Street Cemetery in Bishop.

Donations in memory of Patricia may be made to IMAH, 371 S. Warren St., Bishop CA 93514.

Senior co-ed softball

Bear Valley Springs senior co-ed softball will begin in April. The only requirements is that applicants be 55 years or older. We welcome players from anywhere in the Tehachapi area. Gate passes will be offered.

If you want to have some fun, get some exercise and meet new people, come on out. This is not a league function and if you can’t catch, throw, run or bat, you will fit right in. If you want a little fun, come and participate.

The first meeting will be April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bear Valley baseball park across from the fire station.

For more information or for a gate pass, call Paul or Diane Brimer at 821-1777 and leave a message.

Bouquet: Thank you McDonald’s for McTeacher Night

Golden Hills Elementary School would like to express our sincere appreciation to McDonald’s, GHES staff and everyone from the community who came to support McTeacher Night at McDonald’s on April 7. McDonald’s donated 20 percent of the night’s profits to Golden Hills Elementary which came to $822. The money donated is greatly appreciated and will be used to fund GHES projects.

Thanks so much and have a happy Easter.

Longer tax day hours at two Kern County P.O.s

Because tax day, April 15, falls on a Saturday this year, the deadline for mailing taxes will be extended to Monday, April 17.

Although the Tehachapi branch of the United States Post Office will keep their regular hours (8:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.) the following Kern county post offices will extend their hours to accommodate last minute tax mailings by collecting and postmarking mail later than usual.

Bakersfield Post Office
3400 Pegasus Drive
will stay open until 8 p.m on April 17.

Tulare Post Office
340 E. Tulare Ave.
will remain open until 12 midnight.

Tips from the postal service

* Be sure proper postage is applied. First Class postage is 39 cents for a weight of one ounce, or about three sheets of paper. Each additional ounce is 24 cents.

* If an IRS address label or envelope is not used, make sure the complete IRS address and zip code is printed on the envelope.

* Include a complete return address and zip code on the envelope used for mailing.

* To avoid the rush, mail early in the day.

For more information, visit www.usps.com.

A winter and spring challenge with grizzly

Tehachapi now has two of its youth attending school in San Luis Obispo since Jan. 18. They are attending the Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) on the National Guard Base at Camp San Luis Obispo.

What is Grizzly Youth Academy? It is a program implemented by the California National Guard as an intervention program for at-risk youth to gain the discipline and life skills necessary to become a productive member of their communities and society, adding value to America.

This program was established in 10 states in 1994 and expanded to California in 1998. There are now 30 such facilities throughout 25 states and Puerto Rico. GYA is primarily funded through the Federal government and State of California. Additional funding is obtained through grants and donations. There is no charge to the family.

The academy’s goal is to educate young adults through a non-traditional, military structured learning environment that addresses life, leadership and academic skills while improving self-esteem, pride and confidence. The Youth Challenge program is for youth 16 to 18 years old who are willing to take on the responsibility to change their lives. The program is designed to take these at risk kids who are either a high school dropout or at-risk of dropping out and give them a second chance or in many cases their last chance to prove to themselves that they are a valuable member of our society.

The Challenge program is a volunteer program and is in no way an alternative sentencing program. The applicant must be motivated and committed to turning his or her life around through this second chance. The program consists of three phases: a two-week pre-challenge phase; a 20-week residential challenge phase; and a 12 month post-residential phase.

During the two-week pre-challenge phase participants who, because of poor behavior or attitude, are found to be insufficiently motivated to complete the program are dismissed and sent home. The second phase, residential challenge, is for the next 20 weeks. This phase most resembles a military boarding school, not to be confused with boot camp.

Cadets live on base in military barracks, eat in the base dining facility and attend school on the base. It provides the cadets with educational, emotional and physical training based on the following eight core components: leadership and followship; community service (over the last six years Grizzly Academy has provided over 90,000 hours of community service to the County of San Luis Obispo); job skills; educational excellence; responsible citizenship; life coping skills; health and hygiene; and physical fitness.

The cadets proudly wear uniforms as an honor for making it thus far, follow daily schedules, attend classes and participate in other developmental activities designed to strengthen their minds and bodies.

The academics are supplemented with 10 off-site field trips during the course of this phase. These destinations vary depending on the curriculum being taught. Field trips have included museums, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, local colleges and universities, Hearst Castle and live theater performances.

The third phase, the post-residential phase, is a one-year mentorship period completed in the cadet’s community with the guidance and assistance of a screened, trained and matched mentor. The mentor’s job is to provide advice and assistance, regular monitoring of the graduate’s status, progress in obtaining employment and or pursuing further education and to provide other support within the means of the program.

GYA can be one of the most challenging, rewarding experiences of a young person’s life. GYA offers a rare, second chance for at-risk youth to get their education and life back on track, by preparing them to acquire a G.E.D., High School Diploma or return to their High School equipped to succeed and to pursue further education and job skills. This program can help the cadets earn up to 55 high school credits, transferable to their school in the district they live in. Some 1,600 cadets have completed this program and gone on to lead successful lives.

The next class will begin in July. All interested youth, between the ages of 16 to 18, that are up for an incredible life altering Challenge should check out GYA.

For more information, visit www.ngycp.org.ca/.

Groundbreaking for new Ag Facility

Tehachapi High School principal Mike Arredondo welcomed students and guests to the groundbreaking of the new agricultural facility at the school, thanking all of the people who worked hard for many years to make it happen.

Speakers included Tehachapi Unified School District Superintendent Marian Stephens, school board member Curtis Ward and FFA advisor Rick Cotta. Each thanked the community for the dedication and support they had received over the years, saying that FFA was a program the entire community could be proud of.

Julie Bolterman and Christy Leishman, members of the Agriculture Boosters Club spoke and reminded the audience that Tehachapi FFA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. They went on to say, “Fifty years ago, many of the FFA students lived on ranches and farms and FFA classes helped teach students how to make the family businesses more profitable. Today, few students live on farms. It is more important than ever for the program to succeed.”

Local soldiers visit United Arab emirates

Navy Airman Keith G. Boeckman, son of Sandra L. McDaniel of Tehachapi and Bruce N. Boeckman of Bakersfield and Navy Petty Officer second class Rebecca A. Livesay, a 1999 graduate of Tehachapi High School and their fellow shipmates assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan made a port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates while on a scheduled deployment as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) seven.

The port visit gave Livesay's unit a chance to experience a different culture and strengthen the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the coalition of maritime forces. CSG-7 has been conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the fifth fleet area of operations.

MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and supports the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

Carriers like Ronald Reagan are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in time of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available.
Livesay joined the Navy in February 2002.

For more information on the deployment and high resolution photographs, visit USS Ronald Reagan Web site at http://www.navy.mil.

New baby Rogers

Kaden Raymond Rogers was welcomed by his parents, Sandra Borloer and Kenneth Rogers, on Jan. 31 at 2:37 p.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. He was 8 pounds, 9 ounces and 22 inches long.

Carried away by baby Carrington

Chloë Victoria Carrington was born to her parents, Brittany and Colin Carrington, on March 20 at 10:34 p.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. She was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Charming baby Chesebrough

Deanna and Michael Chesebrough welcomed their son, John Michael Chesebrough, Feb. 26 at 7:52 p.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. He was 8 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20-1/2 inches long.

Welcome baby Wadkins

Candice Waterworth and Ashley Wadkins welcomed their son, Neo Ash Wadkins, on March 14 at 1:39 p.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. Neo was 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 19-3/4 inches long.

New baby Shadduck

Shannon and Wolfgang Shadduck welcomed their daughter, Claire Lilliana Shadduck, on March 20 at 9:37 a.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. Claire was 6 pounds, 2 ounces and 19 inches long.

Welcome baby Ayers

Stephanie and Dustin Ayers welcome their son, Nathaniel Benjamin Ayers, born March 25 at 1:13 p.m. at Mercy Southwest Hospital, Bakersfield. He was 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Salutations baby Sosnowski

Salutations baby Sosnowski
Sarah and Adrian Sosnowski have announced the birth of their daughter, Judith Joanne Sosnowski. Judy was born Jan. 19 at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital at 7:25 a.m. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Joe and Robbie Palos of Tehachapi. Paternal grandparents are John Sosnowski of Monrovia and Mona Lee of Bakersfield. Also welcoming the Judy is her brother Andy.

Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District

Youth basketball
Fifth and sixth grade basketball team A: at top, coach Nick Hall, top left Marcus Curiel, Ross Feeley, Cory Lange, Jacob Leiva, Dalton Skaggs. Bottom left, Justin Hedberg, Robert Natividad, Cody Hall, Gabriel Saavedra, Tyler Beardsley. This great team placed second in the Tehachapi all-star tournament. Coach Nick Hall was proud of this team stating “we played excellent defense and made the big shots when we needed them.” It was obvious that this team played together as a team, which was a nice accomplishment when they had only two weeks to practice for the tournament.

Fifth- and sixth-grade boys basketball team B. Tehachapi should be very proud of these young men. The B team competed in the all-star tournament and though they did not place, showed above and beyond class when they ended their final game with a hard loss and had smiles and high fives for each other and their coach. Due to ineligible players the results have changed from the day of the tournament. TVRPD is pleased to announce that the Tehachapi A team placed second place and will receive their trophy this week and metals will be given to each player. The team picture will be in next week’s paper.

Learn self defense from a pro
The vast majority of effective self defense used by law enforcement and elite military today has a deep history in traditional martial arts that goes back over two thousand years. Personal protection expert and personal trainer Sifu Mike Frescas has taught these same principles to civilians for over 25 years.

This is a non-boot camp course. It is designed to be informal, interactive and fun, with small group problem solving. Subject such as zones, use of force and pressure points will be covered. Fit for all adults ages 16 to 65 of any size or previous experience. A certificate in close quarters defensive training, with a 12-hour credit, will be given towards the 36- hour requirement towards blue belt advancement. For additional information, visit www.adaivitalpress.com/.

• Six week course: Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Begins: March 28 through May 3 in the Scout Hall
• Cost: $50

T-ball
TVRPD offers our younger children the opportunity to get a head start in developing their bat ‘n ball skills with our youth T-ball program. With a chance to familiarize themselves with exciting game situations, we do not keep score and the emphasis is on fun and education. We have two divisions that meet twice a week in sunny West Park for seven weeks of games and instruction. We have added more games this year.

• Cost: $45 (Price includes T-shirt and hat)
• Registration deadline: April 13 at 5 p.m.
• Game days: May 1 through June 15, Mondays through Thursdays
• Lower division: 4 to 5 years old, Monday and Wednesday
• Upper division: 6 to 7 years old, Tuesday and Thursday. Eight year olds who are not ready for little league may play.

Instructional volleyball
Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District and the varsity girl’s volleyball team are offering an instructional volleyball program this spring for those young volleyball enthusiasts. This program will be a six-week course on Mondays in basic volleyball techniques. The class will be held at the WPAC. Space is limited to 40 participants, so sign up early.

For more information, call Cathy Rehbock at 822-3228 extension 13.

• Monday dates: April 17 to May 22
• Cost: $50 (price includes a T-shirt)
• Times: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• Place: West Park Activity Center

Scottish Country Dancing
This is a beginner class, no need to bring a partner but wear soft soled shoes. You will learn formations and easy dances. This class is very popular in the Los Angeles area and classes are now being given in both Lancaster and Bakersfield. Instructor Barbara Mackenzie teaches in Bakersfield and has a great time with her students. The class will be held on Tuesdays starting April 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. for eight weeks. This class requires eight people minimum.

For additional information or to register, call Cathy at 822-3228 extension 13.

Barracuda swim team
Every year, TVRPD proudly sponsors the Barracuda Swim Team for competition. The team is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 18 years who can safely swim the length of the 25-yard pool. We are always looking for swim coaches and volunteers and encourage anyone with swim- team experience to apply.

• Cost: $150 resident fee (separate fees will be collected for swim meets)
• Registration opens: March 1
• Starting April 3, spring practice times are between 2:45 and 5:30 p.m.

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