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.