Aug 29, 2024
200+ students gear up for Back-to-School shopping with BN Rotarians and volunteers. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY KEEFER, BNR ROTARY
The Bakersfield North Rotary members, along with volunteers, recently shopped with approximately 200 students from Standard and Beardsley School Districts, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County as part of their annual Back to School Shopping Event. These students received new school wardrobes for pre-selected 5–17-year-old kids at Kohl’s on Rosedale Hwy.
Bakersfield North Rotary raised money through Rotarian donations and fundraising events to ensure these kids have new clothes, new shoes, and all the necessities to start a successful new school year. In addition, the Boys & Girls Club partners brought their own students, and funds, to increase the reach of the event and provide for more children across Kern County.
Kohl’s, located on Rosedale Highway, opened their doors early and provided a sizeable discount for these students to make sure each student gets to purchase items on their “needs” list. Parents provided a list of what each student needs (shorts, shirts, shoes, undergarments, etc.) and provided their size; then Rotarians, and other volunteers, teamed up with the students and helped them shop.
Examination Of Potential Mutations in the Gene for Voltage-gated Na+ Ion Channel in the Leech, Macrobdella decora,” with faculty advisers Kathleen Szick (CSUB, Biology) and Rebecka Zepeda (BC, Biology).
During the summer, California State University, Bakersfield partnered with Bakersfield College for a five-week research program that gave 47 students hands-on lab and field experience, working alongside biology, computer science, and engineering professors from both schools. The research program is part of CSUB’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering Career Pathways Program. With the availability of additional funding, Taft College students also had a chance to participate. “We believe that STEM majors should start exploring their career options early, and to gain experiences along the way,” Dr. Charles Lam, mathematics professor and the grant’s principal investigator, says, “This invaluable research experience with professors from both CSUB and BC will enhance their education and prepares them for a future career in STEM.”
For more information on the program and its research projects, please visit https://news.csub.edu/photo-gallerynbspbccsub-summer-research-program.
September is Deaf Awareness month, and the Independent Living Center of Kern County’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ILCKC_ DHH) will sponsor its 5th Annual Community Day on Saturday, September 28 from 11 am to 3 pm at LBC Activities, 2801 Ashe Road, Bakersfield. This event is free to support Deaf-owned businesses, share information on available services, and network. Celebrate this amazing community with food vendors, shopping, entertainment in ASL, and community resources.
For more information, please visit https://www.facebook. com/ILCDeafHHServices/.
The annual Kern County Fair will be held Wednesday, September 18 through 29 at the Kern County Fairgrounds. The legendary band Kool & the Gang kicks off the Budweiser Pavilion concert series on September 18 at 8 pm. The concert is free with your fair admission and it’s first-come first-serve seating. To see a complete list of all concerts, visit www.kerncountyfair.com.
A community tradition since 1916, the Kern County Fair offers fun for the whole family. Although admission can be purchased at the gate, you can skip the line and find exclusive specials to purchase tickets online at www.kerncountyfair.com/ticketsanddeals.
Valley Strong Credit Union donated $5,000 to Kern Community Foundation for Borel Fire Relief Fund. This contribution will directly assist individuals and families affected by the Borel Fire in the Kern River Valley, which has burned over 59,000 acres and continues to impact the region. Valley Strong Credit Union’s donation will boost ongoing relief efforts and demonstrates the power of community support during challenging times. The full impact of the Borel Fire will likely unfold over the coming years as the community works to rebuild and heal.
To learn more about the Borel Fire Relief Fund, contact Kern Community Foundation at 661.325.5346 or info@kernfoundation.org. Donations can be made at www.kernfoundation.org/borel.
