Bracing for son's new adventure: Camp KEEP

My oldest son is leaving me for the first time in his life.
He's only 11, and what we're talking about is Camp KEEP.
This is the season when many of our local fifth and sixth graders are heading over to the Central Coast where they will spend 5 days exploring and learning as part of the Kern Environmental Education Program, which is run by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office.
He's very excited. A true outdoors kid, much like his dad (the outdoors and kid part), Diego is looking forward to hanging out with his classmates and some school helpers and exploring nature at its best.
This is a big deal in our family as it's the first time he will be staying away from his home. Sure, he's spent ONE night here and there at his cousin's house, but this is on a much larger scale. Five days. Technically, it's only four nights, but that's almost a week! A week without hugging my son, kissing his cheek before he goes to bed or heads off to school in the morning, having talks over dinner, hearing about his day at school, and watching him play around with his three other brothers. The little ones will miss him, too. The second oldest will miss not being able to pick on his brother.
I didn't go to Camp Keep as a kid but I do see this as an amazing learning opportunity for him. And I understand that mommy can't always by her son, watching every move he takes, just like my husband tells me. (But I wish I could!)
Yes, I understand that this is his chance to be independent, make new childhood memories and explore the outdoors with his circle of friends (of course, with some great Camp KEEP and school officials around to make it fun and educational).
But I'll still be counting the days.

Latin women's club celebrates 30 years

Got a call from Maria Martin.
She's a Bakersfield resident and a charter member of a group that will be celebrating 30 years in existence.
This group, the Bakersfield Latin American Women's Club, was formed back in 1979.
"We were 8 girls at the time," Maria said. "We came to live here, and we developed this club."
Part of the developing included creating new friendships and sharing of their culture.
These women hailed from places like Columbia, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
A good number of them were wives of men whose profession in the oil business, such as Occidental Petroleum, drew them to Kern County's to work in one of our biggest local engines, Maria says.
Today, the club's membership has increased to 50, with other Latin countries, such as Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia, being represented.
Maria said the women meet once a month to socialize and plan projects. They have also taken on charity work, such as giving money for scholarships.
When they get together, most of their conversations center around speaking in their native language, Maria says. I'm sure some Spanish phrases or words are not quite universal, and more than likely, it's the camaraderie that connects them.
And they'll likely be sharing that and more as they celebrate their 30-year anniversary 7 p.m., Sat. May 30th at the Doubletree Hotel in Bakersfield.

Chris Rivera's fight against cancer

Made a new friend on Facebook recently, and he and his family are working on a cause to help St. Jude Hospital.

Bakersfield resident Chris Rivera and his family started a fundraiser for St Jude Children's Hospital with the hope of helping others.
"Our family is in a real battle with cancer these days and we wanted to do something besides feel sorry for ourselves," Chris wrote me.

Here's what else he had to say:
"I have this one life to live. I plan to enjoy it to the fullest with my family and friends.... Why do I feel this way? Let me tell you why: Our family has been devastated by cancer. A total of eight family members and friends are currently fighting for their lives. We shed our tears for loved ones lost and prayed for the rest of our family to find the strength to fight this terrible disease. My family isn't just about to sit by and watch as our family is slowly taken away by this thing called CANCER. We decided to fight back."

And they are fighting back with their "Travel To Find The Cure" fund-raiser project.
It's a joint project between the Riveras and Uniglobe Golden Empire, a local travel agency in Bakersfield. Apparently, if you you book your travel needs with this travel agency, and you mention "Travel to find the Cure," the business will set aside a commission amount that goes to the Rivera family, and they, in turn, hand it over to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Talked to Ray Watson, owner of Uniglobe, and he said Chris is able to make this happen as part of being an independent contractor with the travel agency. Already, Chris organized a cruise in Baja.

"He's come up with the (Travel to Find the Cure) concept, and I think it's very cool," Watson said. "He's real passionate and engaging."

The family chose the travel idea after a visit with Chris Rivera's sister-in-law, Grace, who has a brain tumor.
"Seeing what Grace was going though, not just with the disease, but with the chemo and radiation therapy, it was hard not to be moved," Chris wrote. "We asked her if there was anything we could do for her and she said, 'Yes there is. You can live your life too the fullest. Never take a day for granted. Go places you only dreamed of, take pictures with your kids, see the world with your loved ones before something happens'."

Chris said if people aren't traveling anywhere anytime soon, then he requests one other thing in exchange: "Just give your loved ones a big hug and kiss. That's just as important."

To find out more info., look for Chris Rivera on Facebook, or email him at: mexibunch@gmail.com

BC baseball ready to play home games

Spring is here and most likely, many parents are looking for some fun things to do with their families.
I’d encouraged them to take the kids out to the ball game --- the BC ballgame, that is.
After playing so many games away this season, the Bakersfield College baseball team will open this weekend’s game with a new and improved home field. The game will start at 6 p.m. against LA Pierce.
Field improvements and construction of the new modernized viewing complex for spectators was made possible with a $250,000 gift from the Dean and Adah Gay family. The family wanted a sports complex for the college, BC’s Amber Chiang tells me.
Because of the work, the team has had to play nearly every game thus far on the road.
Playing at home will be a welcome relief, and more of a reason for us to support them. The stands are now ready for spectators.
Their first home game should be an interesting time as the Scottish Games will are to also be here on the same in the adjacent soccer fields.
The team has struggled this past season with an 8-18-1 overall. Despite the record, we should go out and support them in one of the upcoming games. Plus, it’s a nice way to spend a Saturday with the kids.
Also new: the softball stadium is undergoing some work, too.