Dec 26, 2024
PHOTO COURTESY CSUB.EDU
California State University, Bakersfield recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Basic Needs Department and a Food Pantry to help students experiencing food insecurity or a housing crisis. Set to open this Spring, the new building will have more of a physical presence on campus where more students can use the services provided.
“We’re really excited to be breaking ground on our new building today. This has been a long time coming,” says Basic Needs Director Dr. Jason Watkins. “This location will serve as a one-stop shop where students can access the Food Pantry, receive assistance with CalFresh, get emergency housing and other campus and community resources necessary for academic success.”
Working on the project since 2020, Dr. Watkins began having conversations with Student Services about the need for a larger space for the Food Pantry, which first opened in 2017. Each week, the Food Pantry serves an average of 800 students, faculty, and staff, and the new addition will quadruple the size of its current location.
For more information, please visit https://news.csub.edu/csub-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-basic-needs-hub.
Commission on Aging Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Kern County Commission on Aging (KC COA) recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary, which was established by the Board of Supervisors Resolution 74-335 on June 18, 1974. Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors (BOS), contracted providers of services for KC Aging & Adult Services Department (AASD), and two commissioners are appointed by the AASD director. Commissioners serve without compensation, and act in an advisory capacity to the BOS in the general area of problems faced by older adults. They also serve as advocates for all seniors and disabled adults.
Commissioners ensure there are programs and services available to meet the needs of these populations throughout Kern County. They travel ten (10) months per year to the various senior centers throughout Kern County to share State and County resources, programs and services. For more information, please visit www.kerncounty.com.
PHOTO COURTESY BGCKC.ORG/PANDACARES
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County have been selected to receive a $160,000 Panda Cares Project Learn (Academic Success) Grant to drive academic success for youth at 12 local Boys & Girls Clubs. This opportunity is made possible through the Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express.
Not all youth have access to quality education, so Panda Cares partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create opportunities for kids and teens to learn, lead, and thrive, focusing on increasing the quality of academic success programming in Clubs. This partnership empowers thousands of kids and teens at Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide to excel in school and build their character and leadership. Since 2020, Panda Cares has committed more than $42 million to enhance academic programming, support Project Learn, and establish Panda Cares Centers of Hope in Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.
Selected traditional and school-based Boys & Girls Club sites:
E. L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center; Stockdale Boys & Girls Club; Colonel Nichols Club; Evergreen Club; Voorhies Elementary; Mt. Vernon Elementary; Stella Hills Elementary; Horace Mann Elementary; Frank West Elementary; McKinley Elementary; Thorner Elementary; and, North Beardsley Elementary.
For more information, please visit www.bgckc.com.
PHOTO COURTESY CHUCKECHEESE.COM/ADVENTUREZONE
Chuck E. Cheese, the number one global family entertainment center, introduces immersive play areas in fun centers in 2025. These Adventure Zones are an innovative active play concept debuting in locations nationwide that combines the Trampoline Zones with the brand-new Ninja Run obstacle courses.
With features like jumping, climbing, and navigating obstacles, the Adventure Zones enhance the Chuck E. Cheese experience by combining physical activity with fun in a safe and secure environment, fostering motor skill development, and teamwork.
“Active play has always been at the heart of Chuck E. Cheese, and we believe play is a fundamental part of childhood development,” says David McKillips, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment. “As part of our commitment to delivering unforgettable family entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else, as families’ expectations have evolved, so have we. Families have told us that traditional trampoline parks and bounce houses can feel overwhelming for little ones surrounded by bigger kids and teens, so we thoughtfully designed our Adventure Zones for younger kids.”
For more information and for a full list of locations, please visit www.chuckecheese.com/adventure-zone.
Earlier this year, thousands of students faced technical issues while filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In response, the U.S. Department of Education has launched an improved FAFSA process. This form is crucial for high school seniors and college students seeking public financial aid based on family income, as well as scholarships from colleges.
The Education Department has simplified the application process and provided extensive training through workshops and videos. Additionally, more aid is now available to middle- and low-income families, with 500,000 more applicants eligible for federal Pell Grants compared to last year. These grants average $4,500 annually.
Students can file the FAFSA at any time but must submit it in the winter to receive college financial aid for next fall. The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available on December 1. For guidance, visit studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
This updated process aims to make financial aid more accessible to all students.
RENDERING COURTESY CATER DESIGN GROUP INC
The historic Woolworth’s building in Bakersfield is undergoing a vibrant transformation to mark its 75th anniversary in 2025. Stay tuned for the summer unveiling of this community treasure, where cheeseburgers will once again sizzle at the counter, celebrating a story that’s uniquely Bakersfield.
This landmark, rooted in 1950’s nostalgia, is being revitalized by Emily and Sherod Waite, who are committed to preserving its essence while introducing new life. The 44,000-square-foot structure will retain iconic features like the vintage lunch counter, but the vision extends beyond its past as a retail store with a fresh commercial purpose.
“This isn’t just a renovation – it’s a revival of community and history. We’re holding hands with the past while stepping into the future,” says Emily Waite, Project Manager.
You can follow along on this amazing journey on Instagram @historicwoolworth.
Promote your Event with KCFM’s Happenings Online and In Print
With a New Year comes all kinds of new family fun events to add to your calendar and to promote for your organization. You can find all the details for outings with your family by turning to the “Happenings” section on page 24, or visiting kerncountyfamily.com. If you are an organizer and want to market your event, please go to our website and add it to our digital calendar and maybe even see it in print.
