Spirit: Tehachapi News

Local Jazzercisers entertain at Kern County Fair

As many onlookers gathered around the big stage Friday, Sept. 26, over 30 girls were busy getting ready for their big dance performance at the Kern County Fair.

Dancers representing Tehachapi's area schools, Cummings Valley Elementary, Golden Hills Elementary, Tompkins Elementary, and Jacobsen Middle School were anxiously awaiting show time on the big San Joaquin Community Stage.

The show was comprised of three different dance routines. The Junior Jazzercise dancers danced to the Cheetah Girls, “The Party's Just Begun." The 7th grade dancers from JMS danced to Hairspray’s "Can't Stop the Beat", and the 8th graders danced to Gia Farrel’s "Hit Me Up."

Chris Duff, Jazzercise Instructor at the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District, began working with these groups of girls in August. Some of them practicing after school and some of them giving up their lunch break at Jacobsen Middle School to work on their routines.

"These girls did a great job! It’s always so rewarding to work with kids. My programs are only about six weeks in duration and then end with the culmination of a performance — perfect for busy schedules. And the dancers get immediate gratification without a long drawn out year of practicing!" Duff said.

Duff also paid a visit to Tompkins Elementary and delighted the after school program with a performance earlier this week. The performance ended with the audience also getting a chance to learn a few basic dances.

"Music is a big part of our kids lives — they love listening to it, playing it and moving to it,” said Duff. “ There are so many ways our schools could incorporate music to enrich our students daily lives."

The next big event and opportunity for Tehachapi area kids and teens will be Oct. 7, when practices will begin for anyone interested in performing in the Disneyland Parade on Nov. 22. For the past three years, Duff has taken a large group to participate with 300 other dancers from California in this experience of a life time — dancing in the parade! For more information regarding this program, please call the TVRPD office at 822-3228.

LIBRA used book sale benefits Tehachapi’s schools

LIBRA, Library Associates held their bi-annual Used-Book Sale in conjunction with the Harvest Faire held at Philip Marx Central Park on Sept. 20-21. Proceeds from this event and others like it are used to purchase computers and other library equipment for Tehachapi schools. Since the inception of the organization in 1990, LIBRA has purchased $87,000 worth of equipment for the TUSD. Anyone interested in becoming a member may call 821-1134 for more information.

Lions Club Students of the Month

Lion Club members are proud to acknowledge Jacobsen Middle School 7th grader, Carrie Brewer, as Student of the Month. Carrie has an infectious enthusiasm for school, participates in class discussions and is an active member of the Navigators team. Carrie is interested in biology and science, and would someday like to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

For the month of September, Nancy Aparicio, a Monroe High School student, was selected as the Lion Club student of the month. Nancy has demonstrated to her teachers that she is determined to be successful by dramatically improving her attendance record and academic skills. Her teachers consider Nancy to be an inspiration to her fellow classmates.

At Tehachapi High School, Kevin Ruiz was selected for the Lion Club’s September award. Kevin has gotten off to a strong start this school year by pulling down some outstanding grades and being part of Link Crew. As a senior, Kevin’s attitude is admirable because he is always willing to volunteer his time to help others.

Bear Valley quilters visit vets

On Sept. 3, eleven quilters from a Bear Valley Friendship Group, also members of the Tehachapi Mountain Quilters, took 32 handmade quilts to the U.S. Veteran's Hospital in Fresno. Pictured from left to right, is Louise Martinez, Pat Hoppe, Adelia Schumacher, Marilyn Reynolds, Mary Ann Wells, Sally Potter, Terry Shumate, Millie Luster, Lynne Bauer and Marge Sheppard. Also accompanying the Bear Valley group, but not pictured is Angie Heredia.

Thunderous applause on the mountain Local charities benefit from car show proceeds

At high noon on Wednesday, Sept. 10 representatives from local charitable organizations gathered at Railroad Park to accept donations made possible by the Thunder on the Mountain 2008 Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show.

Committee president Dennis Sterk was on hand to pass out the checks to the following organizations.

Relay For Life: $5,000
Eileen McPhee Memorial Scholarship: $4,000
Automotive Industry Scholarship: $1,500
Optimal Hospice: $2,000
Railroad Depot Restoration Fund: $1,500
Open Door Christian Ministry: $500
Tehachapi Humane Society: $500
Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce: $500
Tehachapi City Explorers: $300
Tehachapi Moose Lodge: $200

The Tehachapi News salutes... Marine Corps Pfc. Steven M. Bajorek

Marine Corps Pfc. Steven M. Bajorek

Marine Corps Pfc. Steven M. Bajorek, son of Catherine M. and William D. Turney, of Tehachapi, recently completed the Administrative Clerk Course at Personnel Administration School, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune, N. C.

During the eight-week course, Bajorek learned basic skills and knowledge in personnel management and administration procedures.

With his newly acquired knowledge, Bajorek is ready to prepare personnel evaluations and reports, leave authorizations, military identification cards, and official orders for Marines changing duty station.

Bajorek is a 2007 graduate of Tehachapi High School, and joined the Marine Corps in March 2008.

Not So Square

Not so old fashioned, not what you did in school, new fashions, and no fancy footwork -Modern Square Dance is so much fun!

If you can walk you can square dance, and very cool walking it is — in patterns, like close-order drills set to music (so guys really like it!). There's more to it than you ever dreamed, and you can do as much or as little as you like. If you're looking for some activity for yourselves now that you're empty nesters, or retired, or maybe just new around here, give square dance a whirl. We have whole families having fun dancing together — we offer scholarships to all members (with an adult) aged 12 to 17.

The music comes from all eras: Beatles, Swing, Western, Hymns, Old Favorites...one caller even does some “square raps!”

You might also be interested to know that there are all kinds of fashion options these days. We go for the western look a lot here in Tehachapi. Workshops are very casual; for most dances girls like to wear a skirt that will twirl, from mini to floor length, denim to crinolines - your choice.

“Square dancing is friendship set to music.” No lie: you meet the greatest, friendliest people in the world. Square dancers come from all walks of life and are all ages. More than a few couples have met while they're 'bowing to their partner.' We can even travel to festivals if we so choose. It's easy to get going since your first class is FREE. Who is teaching? More good news! We are lucky to have the best caller/teacher: Rod Shuping. He makes it easy to dance at the very first class.

Tehachapi Gandy Dancers begin new classes/workshops Sept. 10.We have student workshops every Wednesday evening 6:15 - 7:45 p.m. at the Veteran's Hall, 125 East F Street. You can just show up or call Sharon at 821-3455 or Laura at 822-7030 with questions. New people can begin dancing Sept. 10 and/or 17. Come try it for free either of those Wednesdays. New friends, a little exercise, no obligation, just fun!

Up, Up and Away for Gracie Girl

Gracie Girl, a purebred Yorkie, couldn't get along with the other female Yorkie in the house and they fought constantly. Life was miserable for Gracie's family and they worried over the dogs hurting if not killing each other.

In desperation, Gracie's family called STOP, Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets, and asked if we could find a new home for Gracie. Luckily, we just adopted out a dog so we had a foster home available. But the question was--would Gracie get along with other dogs? Was she adoptable?

Yes. Gracie was fine with other dogs, even other female dogs. So what caused the problem between Gracie and her housemate? STOP consulted several experts in the field of dog care and everyone agreed that the problem was more than likely due to the fact that neither of the dogs had been spayed and that both dogs wanted to be alpha dogs.

Spaying at this late date may or may not have saved this relationship. Certainly, there wouldn't have been peace overnight and Gracie's family couldn't take the chance of the dogs getting into it again and the other female's puppies being harmed.

STOP posted Gracie on www.petfinder.com and told her story. A few days later an application to adopt Gracie came via email. The applicant said she was already in love with Gracie just from her picture and that she wanted to adopt her.

STOP reviewed the application and set up the adoption. On Labor Day at 12:15 PM, Gracie's new mom flew into the Tehachapi Airport
to pick Gracie up and take her to her new home in Santa Ynez.

Gracie's new mom reports that Gracie is doing well and that she is everything she dreamed she would be--a good little dog.

Civil Air Patrol get First Air Training at VFW by Carol Schaubschlager

Adults and cadets from Civil Air Patrol Squadrons from Edwards, Rosamond and Tehachapi, met at the Tehachapi VFW Post for a 9-hour course in CPR and First Aid. The course was presented by Samantha and Danny Lack, of the Bakersfield Red Cross Association. Sam and Danny are also Civil Air Patrol members of the Bakersfield Squadron.

Initial CPR and First Aid training, along with maintaining it's currency, are required for all CAP members--both adult and cadet. Emergency Services is a core mission for Civil Air Patrol, CAP personnel support Disaster Relief efforts nationwide and are tasked by FEMA or State OES for support to their communities. In order to work Ground Team search missions for downed aircraft, members must also be CPR and 1st Aid qualified. Some members of California Wing Civil Air Patrol seek EMT training per the guidelines of California Healthcode and Regulations Title 22 to enhance their support for disaster relief missions.

Civil Air Patrol is the non profit US Air Force Auxiliary serving the Nation with Cadet Programs (ages 12 to 18), Aerospace Education and Emergency Services. For more information on how you can serve, www.cap.gov <http://www.cap.gov> or call your local unit (661)867-9934, evenings.

ELK HERD HEARD EARLY

Bear Valley Elk images by Denis Mayberry

Senior Center News

Tickets for the Rotary Club/Kiwanis raffle to benefit the Tehachapi Senior Center are available for sale at the center weekdays form 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of terrific prizes and only $5 a ticket!

UPCOMING EVENTS
August 22: Ice Cream Social and Dance
September 12: Luau Fund Raiser and Dance
September 26: Art Class - Pointelism Portraits

Exercise Classes
Club Stretch: Tues. and Thurs. 10 to 11 am
Tai Chi: Tues and Fri. 10 to 11 a.m.
Various Workout Tapes: Mon, Wed and Fri. 10 to 11 a.m.

Activities
Dominoes: Mon. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pinochle: Mon & Tues 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Line Dancing: Advanced - Mon. 1-2:30 p.m., Beginning - Fri. 1-2:30 p.m.
Bereavement Support: Tues. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Art Appreciation: On vaction til' Sept.
Craft Class: 3rd Wed. 11 a.m.
Bridge: Thurs. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Weight Watchers: Thurs. 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Knitting Circle: Thurs. 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Caregivers Support: 4th Thursday, 1:10 p.m.
Picture Bingo: Fri. 12:30 p.m.
Crochet: Fri. 1 to 4 p.m. Bingo: Tues. & Sat. Doors open at 4:00 p.m.

Lunch Menu
Call 822-6255 for reservations

The Senior Center is located at 500 East F Street. Doors are open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm and the manager can be reached at 822-5412

Cadets team up to present the colors at festival, school board meeting

This past weekend, cadets from Edwards Composite Squadron and Tehachapi Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol teamed up to perform the colors in the Mountain Festival parade and at the Tehachapi Unified School District meeting.

Cadet Sgts., Matt and Niko Lopez, Rusty McCullough, Michael Riley (pictured) and Aaron Haak supported these events. Cadets have supported their communities with colors at the THS graduations, Jacobsen graduations, Memorial Day, July 4, as well as events at Edwards Air Force Base. These are just part of the civic responsibilities that cadets learn, disciplines in drill, uniform wear, customs and courtesies are all part of the Cadet Program.

Cadet Riley is the Cadet Commander for the Tehachapi Squadron. He leads the weekly meetings for cadets, carrying out the agenda and making sure cadets gain the knowledge and training that is required. He was appointed to the position after a resume submittal and review board. Cadets learn early how to present themselves and interview.

Recently the Tehachapi Squadron held an "Open House" to highlight the activities and programs that are part of Civil Air Patrol. Visitors went through various stations to learn about the Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services that CAP members (both adults and cadets) provide. Senior Member Chela Czirr (pictured) is shown conducting a hands on activity for interested persons with the "Alka-Fuji" Rockets. Lt. Kristabel Elam (pictured) is demonstrating how CAP members search for downed aircraft with Directional Finding equipment. Kristabel is a former cadet of 12 years and currently has enlisted in the US Air Force and will be a linguist. Maj Bob Souza (pictured) is explaining details about flight opportunities in CAP with his personal aircraft.

Several guest visitors also attended, former Cadet Casey Schaubschlager (pictured in uniform, with former cadet Joe Eastwood). Casey was a cadet for 10 years and Joe for 5 years. Casey, during his time as a cadet received National Honor Cadet at the National Cadet Competition in 2001. Casey is now retired from the US Marine Corps after two tours in Iraq. He has returned to serving in CAP at the Bakersfield Squadron Civil Air Patrol to "give back" to the cadet program there. Also attending was Chaplain Major Wes Claire, National Guard (Vicar at the St Jude's Episcopal Church in Tehachapi.) The Chaplain opened the event with a dedication prayer.
Cadets do not have to go into the military from Civil Air Patrol. The leadership skills and disciplines they learn in the Cadet Program put them in the forefront in many corporate jobs as well as Police, Fire and Health Services. Most cadets also continue serving their community, state and nation in many ways; volunteerism is the spirit of Civil Air Patrol.

Civil Air Patrol started in Dec. 1941 out of war time homeland civilian assistance and was established by Congress in 1947 as a non-profit organization and Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Civil Air Patrol supports their Community, state and nation by volunteer efforts of it's members in Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, Cadet Youth Programs (age 12-18) and Aerospace Education to the public. Fore more information on Civil Air Patrol, www.capnhq.gov <http://www.capnhq.gov/> or call your local unit 867-9934 (evenings).

Now Available - Mountain Festival Pre-sale Carnival Tickets

Presale carnival tickets at a reduced price are now available at the Chamber office. Presale tickets will be 20 tickets for $12.00, at the carnival booth ticket prices will be $1.00 per ticket, 20 tickets for $18.00 and 32 tickets for $24.00. Sunday August 17th will be “Pay One Price” day. The presale price for a wristband is $20.00, which will enable you to ride as often as you like on Sunday Only, on Sunday at carnival booth the cost is $25.00. Each Carnival ride takes 3-4 tickets.
Come by the Chamber office and get your Carnival presale tickets at a reduced price. The last day to purchase your tickets and wristbands at this special price will be Thursday, August 14th at 12:00 p.m. The Chamber is located at 798 Tucker Rd, Suite 4. For more information call the Chamber at 822-4180.

Country, Swing, Gospel?

The Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts presents the second in their summer concert series with the Jim Phillips Band. Jimmy Phillips, Tommy Hays, Tracy Barns and Maria Worth will be playing a mix of music - country, swing and gospel.
Jimmy Phillips has been a part of the Bakersfield sound with over 50 years in the music business. He learned to play the drums at a very young age and has had the honor of playing with many artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Buck Owens, Glenn Campbell, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard and many, many others.
Put August 23, 5-7 p.m. on your calendar for this special performance held in the congenial atmosphere of a private home in Bear Valley Springs. Refreshments to delight the palate… This promises to be an evening you won't soon forget.
Tickets are available at Frame of Mind and Bear Valley Market. For more information, tickets, or gate pass, please call Leslie Craven at 821-5466 or Nancy Williamson at 821-3534.

Coming up at Tehachapi Art Center

New Hours! – Thanks to many special volunteers’ commitments to make things happen at the Tehachapi Art Center (TAC), will maintain new late hours every Friday (until 7 p.m., except on First Fridays when we will be open till 8 p.m.) – which will give you a great opportunity to come in and get your arts and craft supplies for your weekend projects! We are also now open every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well, offering you a place to bring guests to see how creative Tehachapi artisans can be!
First Fridays at TAC — Tehachapi Art Center will be part of the First Friday Art Around Town festivities on August 1, hosted by Juanita Niemeyer. On tap for this month’s celebration will be art demonstrations by Juanita and more, plus of course, refreshments. Come by to see what’s new at the Art Center from 5 to 8 p.m. on August 1, have some refreshments and watch the artists at work.
Open Studio — Join us for Open Studio on Thursday afternoons (1 to 4 p.m.) or Friday mornings (10 to 1); cost is $5 per session (or 6 sessions for $25); bring whatever media you want and enjoy working with it around other creative types (always a fun and inspiring experience);
Wednesday Afternoon Crafts with Cheryl Gusbeth — Drop-in craft classes are offered every Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 3:30 p.m. by Cheryl (mother of five and soon to be six, so she knows kids!); cost is $10 (which includes materials); when school starts we will be continuing the craft hour after school.
Watercolor with Suzan Christenson – The popular on-going classes with local artist and teacher Suzan Christenson are in session now, meeting on the first and third Mondays of each month; $15 per session (plus materials); 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pretty as a Peacock Focal Bead/A Clay Day with Christi Friesen – August 9; beginners 10am - noon (cost is $35 plus clay); more advanced 1-4 p.m. (cost is $45 plus clay). In this class you’ll have a great time creating a peacock focal bead – it’s something fun and shiny, so how can you resist? The workshop will focus on color blending and creative composition, as well as adding beaded embellishments, use of headpins and flat rhinestone crystals. Christi Friesen is an internationally known polymer clay artist who happens to live in Tehachapi and who teaches regularly at TAC; her classes sometimes fill up so be sure to preregister.
Adult Oil Painting with Juanita Niemeyer – local Alenander wet-on-wet certified oil artist Juanita Niemeyer will be offering another oil-painting workshop on August 16; 10am – 3pm (bring your lunch); cost is $45 plus materials (available at TAC or bring your own).
Polymer Clay Spiral Flower Canes with Cathy Clark – Saturday, August 23, 1-4 p.m.; cost is $35 plus clay; this is one of many polymer clay classes Cathy (of Tehachapi Polymer Clay Guild) will be offering this fall.
Acrylics for Adults with Deanie Zeitlin – a 4-week course starting on Wednesday September 3, 9 a.m. to noon, with local artist Deanie Zeitlin; cost is $60 plus materials.
Acrylics Workshop for Adults – Deanie will also be offering a one-day workshop on Saturday September 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meso Metallica, Polymer Clay Tiles Workshop with Tammara Scott – a 2-day class with nationally recognized polymer clay and mixed media artist (from San Marcos), Tammara Scott, Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14; cost is $75 plus $15 materials kit plus clay.
Also coming on tap:
Silver Clay with Leila Kleiman, Saturday September 20, and Pastels with Flo Sussell, Saturday, September 27.
Be sure you pre-register for any class you’re interested in to ensure that you will have a spot in that class – some class fill up and people arriving on class day are turned away; other classes are canceled because not enough people signed up to make it worth the teacher’s while to be there. Either way, preregistration is not only a good idea but a requirement.
Remember, Tehachapi Art Center is Where Art Happens! And something is always going on in the Center. Call or come by to see what might be new: 822-6794 or come by the Tehachapi Art Center at 777-A West Tehachapi Boulevard, or check out our website at tehachapiartcenter.com