kern river courier december 12, 2008

16
Kern River Water Data: Wed. 6 a.m. Stor age , Isabella Reser v oir 110, 156 acre-ft. (Pool capacity is 568,075 ac.-ft. at the spillway. Current limit 360,000 ac.-ft.) Peaked at 258,239 ac-ft. June 16. Inflo w , Nor th F or k of K er n at K er n ville 226 cfs (5-hr avg.) Outflo w , Lo w er K er n 226 cfs Borel Canal flo w 194 cfs Data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cfs=cubic feet per second 1 cu.ft. = 7.48 U.S. gallons 1 ac.ft.= 325,851 U.S. gal. Terry Sweet and Roman Margis caught some great trout. Henry Thal says not to lis- ten to all the doom and gloom you hear. Richard Rowe discusses how to green up Christmas cards. FREE Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley 4 6 15 Friday, December 12, 2008 A Community Partner and Award-Winning Newspaper Vol. 5 No. 45 Valley weekend weather forecast Fri.: Sunny, high 66. Fri. night: Mostly clear, low 40. Sat.: 20% showers, high 51. Sat. night: 20% showers, low 33.. Sun.: Slight chance showers, high 46.. Sun. night: Chance showers, low 31. National Weather Service ‘Toys for Tots’ needed now Kern River Courier SOS! Toys now! Today! Pastor William Blanton of The Salvation Army/Helping Hands Ministries reports that only 101 toys had been collected by press time to dis- tribute among 256 needy Kern River Valley children up through age 15. Please buy toys and bring them, unwrapped, to any Toys for Tots col- lection box or to WEB Recycling in Lake Isabella. Or drop them off by tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Community Christian Service Center, 6105 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Lake Isabella, from 10 a.m. until noon. Michael Batelaan Kern River Courier Four new bike path and sidewalk proj- ects are slated to begin where the bike paths and sidewalks end in Lake Isabella. A summary of these Lake Isabella Blvd. projects was brought before the public Monday evening, Dec. 8, by the Kern County Roads Department. Mark Evans, Design Manager for the roads department, presented the four new bike path and sidewalk projects with the goal to provide much safer continuous bike lanes and walkable paths along the boulevard. The combined four roads projects are expected to cost approximately $1 million, Evans said. The first project has already begun under the contractor, Granite Construction, and will be between Erskine Creek Road and Turner Avenue. The details of the project are to pave and widen the westerly road shoulder along the Scovern wetland area from Erskine Creek Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier Wofford Heights resident Alfred Rodriguez, left, is an 87-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor who was honored at the groundbreaking of the new Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin on Pearl Harbor Day, Sunday, Dec. 7. At right is William F.Tuerk, Undersecretary of Memorial Affairs for the Veterans Administration. Local man honored at debut of new National Cemetery Michael Batelaan Kern River Courier A Wofford Heights resident and a genuine Pearl Harbor Survivor partici- pated in the dedication of the brand new Bakersfield National Cemetery on a most appropriate day – Dec. 7, the 67th anniversary of the 1941 attack that brought America into WWII. Alfred Rodriguez, MMC, USN Ret., led the Pledge of Allegiance at the dedi- cation of the new facility, located in rolling foothills near Arvin. Rodriguez, 87, was invited by letter to be Pledge leader by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. During the dedication ceremony, all of the speakers made reference to Rodriguez’ service to his country, including keynote speaker William F. Tuerk, Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs for the VA, who recognized Chief Rodriguez as a "legacy for all Californians." After the dedication, Rodriguez said, "They said my name many times," refer- ring to those who had spoken at the cer- emony. Rodriguez was born in Santa Barbara Sept. 1, 1921. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July, 1940 at San Diego. After boot training he was assigned to the U.S.S. Bobolink, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (not yet a state). His normal duties consisted of minesweeping and towing targets for the battle force. It was Dec. 7, 1941, New cemetery benefit to Kern County Priscilla Scott Special to the Kern River Courier Close to 1,000 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 7 in Arvin for the new Bakersfield National Cemetery. Various motorcycle clubs from Kern County rode in and displayed American flags, encircling the dedi- cation venue. The 500-acre site is located in the pristine oak-studded rolling hills of the Tejon Ranch, one mile south of Caliente and 22 miles east of Bakersfield at the junction of Highway 58 and Highway 223. The development will provide full- casket gravesites, pre-placed crypts, in-ground cremation sites, Columbarium gravesites, roadways and other infrastructure improve- ments and landscaping. The new cemetery is estimated to serve the 200,000 veterans of central California over the next 250 years. The event was hosted by Bakersfield meteorologist Miles Sidewalk, bike path jobs start Safety, walkability stressed See PROJECTS, Page 15 See RODRIGUEZ, Page 8 See CEMETERY, Page 8 Bob Powers Gateway organization gets grant Mike Devich Kern River Courier The Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation has received funding for a management plan, according to a member of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy – none other than First District Supervisor Jon McQuiston. McQuiston said in a statement to the Courier, “The Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation will develop a strategic plan for the management of the Bob Powers Gateway Preserve. This Preserve has an alkaline marsh onsite, which is a rare wet- land type in the Sierra that provides habi- tat for a number of plants and animals.” Another grant was awarded to the Mojave Desert-Mountain RC&DC to expand and enhance the Sand Canyon Environmental Education Program of Ridgecrest, which provides classroom and field environmental education programs for fourth and fifth grade students. The Sierra Nevada Conservancy sup- ports efforts that improve the environmen- tal, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada region. Visit www.sier- ranevada.ca.gov, or call toll-free at 877- 247-1212.

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Kern River Courier December 12, 2008

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Kern River WaterData: Wed. 6 a.m.

Storage, IsabellaReservoir110, 156 acre-ft.(Pool capacity is568,075 ac.-ft. at thespillway. Current limit360,000 ac.-ft.)Peaked at 258,239ac-ft. June 16.

Inflow, North Fork ofKern at Kernville226 cfs (5-hr avg.)

Outflow, Lower Kern 226 cfs

Borel Canal flow194 cfs

Data from U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers

cfs=cubic feet per second

1 cu.ft. = 7.48 U.S. gallons

1 ac.ft.= 325,851 U.S. gal.

TerrySweet

and RomanMargis caughtsome greattrout.

HenryThal

says not to lis-ten to all thedoom andgloom you hear.

RichardRowe

discusses howto green upChristmascards.

FREE

Spotlighting thebest of the Kern River Valley

4

6

15

Friday, December 12, 2008 A Community Partner and Award-Winning Newspaper Vol. 5 No. 45

Valley weekendweather forecast

Fri.: Sunny, high 66.

Fri. night: Mostlyclear, low 40.

Sat.: 20% showers,high 51.

Sat. night: 20%showers, low 33..

Sun.: Slight chanceshowers, high 46..

Sun. night: Chanceshowers, low 31.

National Weather Service

‘Toys for Tots’ needed now

Kern River Courier

SOS! Toys now! Today!Pastor William Blanton of The

Salvation Army/Helping HandsMinistries reports that only 101 toyshad been collected by press time to dis-tribute among 256 needy Kern RiverValley children up through age 15.

Please buy toys and bring them,unwrapped, to any Toys for Tots col-lection box or to WEB Recycling inLake Isabella. Or drop them off bytomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 13 at theCommunity Christian Service Center,6105 Lake Isabella Blvd. in LakeIsabella, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Michael Batelaan Kern River Courier

Four new bike path and sidewalk proj-ects are slated to begin where the bikepaths and sidewalks end in Lake Isabella.A summary of these Lake Isabella Blvd.projects was brought before the publicMonday evening, Dec. 8, by the KernCounty Roads Department.

Mark Evans, Design Manager for theroads department, presented the four newbike path and sidewalk projects with thegoal to provide much safer continuousbike lanes and walkable paths along theboulevard.

The combined four roads projects areexpected to cost approximately $1 million,Evans said.

The first project has already begununder the contractor, GraniteConstruction, and will be between ErskineCreek Road and Turner Avenue. Thedetails of the project are to pave and widenthe westerly road shoulder along theScovern wetland area from Erskine Creek

Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier

Wofford Heights resident Alfred Rodriguez, left, is an 87-year-old PearlHarbor survivor who was honored at the groundbreaking of the newBakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin on Pearl Harbor Day, Sunday,Dec. 7. At right is William F. Tuerk, Undersecretary of Memorial Affairs forthe Veterans Administration.

Local man honored at debutof new National CemeteryMichael BatelaanKern River Courier

A Wofford Heights resident and agenuine Pearl Harbor Survivor partici-pated in the dedication of the brand newBakersfield National Cemetery on amost appropriate day – Dec. 7, the 67thanniversary of the 1941 attack thatbrought America into WWII.

Alfred Rodriguez, MMC, USN Ret.,led the Pledge of Allegiance at the dedi-cation of the new facility, located inrolling foothills near Arvin. Rodriguez,87, was invited by letter to be Pledgeleader by the Department of VeteransAffairs in Washington, D.C.

During the dedication ceremony, allof the speakers made reference toRodriguez’ service to his country,including keynote speaker William F.Tuerk, Undersecretary for MemorialAffairs for the VA, who recognized ChiefRodriguez as a "legacy for allCalifornians."

After the dedication, Rodriguez said,"They said my name many times," refer-ring to those who had spoken at the cer-

emony.Rodriguez was born in Santa Barbara

Sept. 1, 1921. He enlisted in the U.S.Navy in July, 1940 at San Diego. Afterboot training he was assigned to theU.S.S. Bobolink, stationed in PearlHarbor, Hawaii (not yet a state).

His normal duties consisted ofminesweeping and towing targets forthe battle force. It was Dec. 7, 1941,

New cemetery benefit toKern County

Priscilla ScottSpecial to the Kern River Courier

Close to 1,000 people attended agroundbreaking ceremony onSunday, Dec. 7 in Arvin for the newBakersfield National Cemetery.

Various motorcycle clubs fromKern County rode in and displayedAmerican flags, encircling the dedi-cation venue.

The 500-acre site is located in thepristine oak-studded rolling hills ofthe Tejon Ranch, one mile south ofCaliente and 22 miles east ofBakersfield at the junction ofHighway 58 and Highway 223.

The development will provide full-casket gravesites, pre-placed crypts,in-ground cremation sites,Columbarium gravesites, roadwaysand other infrastructure improve-ments and landscaping. The newcemetery is estimated to serve the200,000 veterans of centralCalifornia over the next 250 years.

The event was hosted byBakersfield meteorologist Miles

Sidewalk,bike pathjobs start Safety, walkability stressed

See PROJECTS, Page 15

See RODRIGUEZ, Page 8

See CEMETERY, Page 8

Bob Powers Gateway organization gets grantMike DevichKern River Courier

The Kern River Valley HeritageFoundation has received funding for amanagement plan, according to a memberof the Sierra Nevada Conservancy – noneother than First District Supervisor JonMcQuiston.

McQuiston said in a statement to theCourier, “The Kern River Valley HeritageFoundation will develop a strategic planfor the management of the Bob PowersGateway Preserve. This Preserve has analkaline marsh onsite, which is a rare wet-

land type in the Sierra that provides habi-tat for a number of plants and animals.”

Another grant was awarded to theMojave Desert-Mountain RC&DC toexpand and enhance the Sand CanyonEnvironmental Education Program ofRidgecrest, which provides classroom andfield environmental education programsfor fourth and fifth grade students.

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy sup-ports efforts that improve the environmen-tal, economic, and social well-being of theSierra Nevada region. Visit www.sier-ranevada.ca.gov, or call toll-free at 877-247-1212.

2008 events:

Friday, Dec. 12Candle Stroll and

Live Nativity Scene, 5p.m., Circle Park,Kernville. 376-2629.

Saturday, Dec. 13Christmas Parade

of Giving, 4 p.m.,Kernville. Santa Clausappears in Circle Park.376-2629.

2009 events:The Courier has received

some of the dates that havebeen made available for the2009 annual events shownbelow. Some are tentative.Call the Kernville Chamberof Commerce, (760) 376-2629, or the Kern RiverValley Chamber ofCommerce, (760) 379-5236,for updated information.The Courier will make moredates available as informa-tion is received.

January: Man andWoman of the Year banquet(Jan. 9), awards (Jan. 26)

February: Whiskey FlatDays (Feb. 13-16), HeartWalk

March: Living Green inthe Kern Valley Festival(March 27-30), KeyesvilleClassic Mt. Bike Races

April: Kern River FestivalWhitewater Races (April 18-19), Trout Festival, KernValley Nature Festival

May: History Days,Classic Car Show (May 9)

June: Kids Fishing Derby(California Free FishingDay), WhitewaterWednesday

July: Fireworks Over TheLake, Personal WatercraftRaces

August: Rubber DuckyRaces, HummingbirdFestival

September: TurkeyVulture Festival, CaliforniaFree Fishing Day

October: Kickin’ Back atKernville Rod Run, ValleyFest, Casino Night

November: Lake IsabellaChristmas Parade

December: Christmas inKernville, Parade of Giving

Page 2 Kern River Courier Friday, December 12, 2008

Regular meetingsand activi-tiesFridays• 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.- TOPS weight loss group,Mt.View Baptist Church, 2959 Erskine CreekRd., Lake Isabella. 378-3935.• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - AA, 6407 Lake IsabellaBlvd., Lake Isabella.• 5 p.m. - Kern River Hot Rodders CruiseNight, Circle Park, Kernville, 3rd Fri.• 8 p.m.- Al-Anon, Fellowship Bldg, 80 EvansRd, Wofford Hts. For families of alcoholics.376-2410 or 376-2066.

Saturdays• 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., KRV CB’ers Breakfast, SrCtr., Lake Isabella • 9:30 a.m. Sequoia Amateur Radio Group,Youth Center, Lake Isabella. Second Sat.• 7-10 p.m.- Dam Dancers square dancing,1st Saturday, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Sundays• 9 a.m. to noon - VFW Breakfast, open to thepublic. 2811 Nugget, Lake Isabella. 379-3877.

Mondays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 1 p.m. - Kern Valley Democratic Club,Senior Center, third Monday.• 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Line dance beginner class-es, intermediate and advanced follow at theSenior Center. 379-0043.• 3 p.m. - Kernville Chamber of Commerce

meets, board 2nd Mon., general membership4th Mon. 376-2629.• 3:30-5 p.m.- Substance Abuse FamilySupport & Community Education, CollegeCommunity Services, 2731 Nugget Ave., LakeIsabella. 379-3412.• 6-9 p.m. KRV Community Orchestra meetsat Cerro Coso College, Lake Isabella, Rm G.376-4461.• 7 p.m. KRV Art Association meets, 3rdMon., Senior Center. 379-2844.• 7 p.m. Havilah Centennial Group meets 1stMon. at schoolhouse. 379-2636.• 7:30-Al-Anon, KRV Hosp Cafe. Help forfamilies & friends of alcoholics. 376-2410 or376-2066.

Tuesdays• KRV Garden Group, 2nd Tues. 379-6162.• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd.,379-5831.• 9:30-11a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, First Baptist Church, LakeIsabella. 379-2556.• 2 p.m. - KRV Cemetery District meetingat cemtery. 2nd Tuesday. Public invited.

376-2189.• 7 p.m. - KRV Historical Society meets,Senior Center, Lake Isabella, 4th Tues.

Wednesdays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 9:30-11 a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, United Methodist Church, Kernville,379-2556.• Noon- KRV Chamber of Commerce lunchmeeting, Paradise Cove, 2nd Wednesday.• 1:30 p.m.- Clan Diggers meeting 2nd Wed.at Highland Chapel Methodist Church, LakeIsabella. 3rd Wed. - Workshop same location.• 3 p.m.- Republicans of Kern Valley meet3rd Wed. 549-3033 for location.• 6 p.m. - Fish & Game Habitat Club meets,631 E. Evans Rd, Wofford Hts, third Wed.• 6:00 p.m. American Legion, Lake IsabellaSr. Ctr. Veterans Rm., third Wed. 379-5488.• 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.- Senior Dance, SeniorCenter, Lake Isabella dining rm., live band.• 7 p.m. Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd. Wofford Hts,376-2410. For families of alcoholics. 376-2410or 376-2066.• 7 p.m. - Elks meet, Wofford Heights Blvd.

Thursdays• 9 a.m. to noon - Thursday Painters,Community Room, Senior Center, 379-5329.• 9:30 a.m. - Fire Safe Council, SupervisorMcQuiston’s office, Lake Isabella. Third Thurs.• 9:30 a.m. - Aglow Int’l, Senior Center,Room 1. 2nd Thurs. For women.• 11:45 a.m. - KRV Woman’s Club meets,Elks Lodge 4th Thurs. (some exceptions).• Noon, Exchange Club meets, ParadiseCove.• 5 -7 p.m. - TANF Cultural Night - NativeYouth & Community Cultural Ctr French GulchCampground.• 5-7 p.m. VFW Taco Thursday, open to public.379-3877.• 6 p.m. - Rotary Club meets - Golf Course,Kernville.• 7 p.m.-Sweet Adelines meet-Senior Center,Lake Isabella. Prospective members welcome.• 7 p.m.- Kern Valley Astronomy Club,museum, Kernville. 3rd Thurs. 376-1291

Bingo GuideFriday, 12:30 p.m. - Eagles Bingo,

Eagles Hall, Mt. MesaSaturday, 12 p.m., South Fork

Woman’s Club Bingo, 6488 Fay RanchRoad.

Sunday, 1 p.m. Moose Lodge Bingo,Lake Isabella Blvd.

Wednesday, 1 p.m - Senior CenterBingo, Lake Isabella.

Thursday, Early Bird 12:15-Regular 1p.m. St. Jude Bingo, Hwy 155 & NellieDent Dr., Wofford Hts.

This information is sent to the Courierby the groups listed. It is suggested thatgroups provide a phone number in caseinterested individuals need more informa-tion.

Published Fridays by KRV Publishing

Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley

Owners/Editors/Publishers Michael Batelaan Mike DevichContributing Editor Mike LudikerContributors/ColumnistsJack Bustamante Rod Middleworth Matt Freeman Bodfish BobSally Thornburg Debra RundellRon Bolyard Donna FitchCalifornia Joe Harry ThalClarence Semonious Marya MillerRichard Rowe Dona AndersonPhotographersMichael Batelaan, Mike Devich, MikeLudikerContributing PhotographerMurdoc DouglasAd ProductionMichael Batelaan, Mike LudikerAdvertising SalesValerie MinouxBusiness OfficeSara WakemanSubscription InformationThe Kern River Courier is publishedand mailed weekly for $35 per year.Send payment to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Advertising policiesPublisher reserves the right to reject or cancelany advertising at any time. Cancellations orrejection shall not preclude payment on similaradvertising previously run. KRV Publishingand the Kern River Courier are not liable forerrors in copy or an advertisement beyond thecost of the actual space occupied by the error.Publisher reserves the right to place the word“advertisement” on any ad copy that appearsto resemble editorial matter.

Submission policiesEditorial and photo submissions are wel-come and will run at the discretion of theeditors. Submissions will only be returnedwhen accompanied by a self-addressedstamped envelope. The editors reserve theright to edit all submissions. The entire con-tents of the Kern River Courier are copy-right ©2008 KRV Publishing. Reproductionin whole or in part is prohibited without priorwritten consent. All rights reserved.

Letters policiesLetters to the Editor are run when space per-mits. They are meant as an open forum forexpression. The views expressed in the lettersto the editor within this paper are not necessar-ily the views of this paper, nor those of the staff.Letters to the editor pertaining to local issuesand events or those that affect our area areencouraged. Please include your real name,address and phone number for verification.Pen names or incomplete names are notallowed. The Kern River Courier reserves theright to exclude any letter to the editor, or editits contents for length and prevention of libel,or for other reasons as seen fit by the editors.Letters should not exceed 200 words.

KRV PublishingMailing: P.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Office: 6392B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights(next to WH Post Office)

Phone: 760-376-2860FAX: 760-376-2862

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and byappointment.

E-mail address:[email protected]: www.kernrivercourier.com

The Kern River Courier is adivision of KRV Publishing

Kern River CourierWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler

©2008 KRV Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Kern River Valley – the place for fun

Visit us at www.kernrivercourier.com,click on “Current Issues”

on home page

Friday, December 12, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 3

Fans of ‘Twilight’ to gather at library Dec. 13“Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer is a best-selling book read around the

world and a smash hit movie at the box office with both teens and adults.Fans of the Twilight series will be gathering to share their love for thesebooks at a special program hosted by Kern River Valley Branch Library onSaturday, Dec. 13, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Come dressed as a favorite character andenter the costume contest. There will be Twilight prizes, a drawing forgreat a Twilight-related item and refreshments. Recommended for ages 13and up. KRV Library 7054 Lake Isabella Blvd, 760-549-2083.

Los Vaqueros Gymkhana Club games Dec. 13The Los Vaqueros Gymkhana Club will hold a show at Jake’s Place arena

(Sierra Way just south of Kernville Rd.) Saturday, Dec. 13. Spectators wel-come. Starts 9 a.m. Rain date Dec. 20. Call 378-2885 for more information.

Santa to appear in Circle Park Dec. 13, 17 and 20 Santa Claus will appear in Circle Park in Kernville right after the

Christmas Parade of Giving on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., and will appear againDec. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Democratic Club serves Christmas luncheon Dec. 15The Democratic Club of the Kern River Valley will hold their annual

Christmas luncheon at the Moose Lodge on Monday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. The$14 lunch includes a 2009 club membership as well as turkey and ham“with all of the trimmings” plus dessert. There will be a 50/50 raffle.Reservations necessary by today, Friday Dec. 12. Contact Virginia at 379-1262.

Third Caravan For Compassion to be held Dec. 20 Following two successful Caravans for Compassion, another one is

needed because of food shortages in our community. Saturday, Dec. 20,cars will be rounding the lake collecting food for our less fortunate.Nonperishable foods are needed, winter clothes, diapers. All donations goto the Food Pantry, God’s Storehouse and the Salvation Army. Join the car-avan or just come to the stops and give. Kernville’s Circle Park 10-10:30a.m., Wofford Heights Post Office 10:45-11:15, Lake Isabella Senior Center11:30-noon, Mt. Mesa Market 12:15-12:45, Southlake Sierra GatewayMarket 1-1:30 p.m.; South Fork Woman’s Club, Weldon, 1:45-2:15 p.m. Forinformation, call 376-1546 or 223-0269.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 21 at Senior CenterSanta Claus will be at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella on Dec. 21 from

9 a.m. to noon with gifts for the kids.

Children’s Christmas party at Elks Lodge Dec. 21The Kern River Valley Elks Lodge will hold their annual Children’s

Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. Open to all children under 16.Visit with Santa and enjoy a hot dog, Christmas cookies and sodas. Formore information call the Elk{s Lodge at 376-6475.

Tattooed Santa to give away gifts Dec. 22Frank from the Tattoo Shop in Wofford Heights will be playing Santa

and will give away free toys on Monday, Dec. 22 at his shop at 6930Wofford Heights Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

My Place serving free meal Dec. 23My Place restaurant and guitarelements.com will once again be serving

a free meal in honor of the Christmas season. This event will be held onTuesday, Dec. 23 at My Place restaurant, 6206 Lake Isabella Blvd. from 11

Mark your calendar

Courier early deadlinesChristmas 12/26 issue: Ad deadline will be Friday, Dec. 19

instead of Tuesday, Dec. 23. We will then deliver Tues. and Wed. Dec.23-24, before Christmas weekend starts. Office closed Dec. 25-28.

New Year’s 1/02 issue: Ad deadline will be Tuesday, Dec. 23instead of Tuesday, Dec. 30. We will then deliver Tuesday andWed.nesday Dec. 30-31, before the New Year’s weekend starts. Officeclosed Dec. 31 through Jan. 4.

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Community

Rod MiddleworthKern River Courier Columnist

I’m not a big breakfast eater.For years I’ve been content

with a scrambled egg, a piece oftoast and aswig of coffee.

When I wasa youngster, Iate cold cerealwith an occa-sional dish ofoatmeal orcorn mealmush.

But to myearly tastebuds, nothingcould beat abowl of RiceKrispies. Of course, listening forthe “snap, crackle and pop” wasalways a draw for an impres-sionable boy. I also likedWheaties, “the breakfast ofchampions.” I knew that eatingWheaties would give me lots ofstrength and after breakfast Iwould often stand in front of amirror and flex my skinny mus-cles, humming "Have you triedWheaties? The best breakfastfood in the land!”

Of course I noticed that cerealwasn’t the only reason for buy-ing what sometimes tasted likesweetened sawdust. No indeed. Inoticed it was often the prizeinside the box. One treasure Ifound was a Lone Rangerdecoder badge. With it I coulddecode the secret message from

the weekly Lone Ranger radioprogram. It was usually a mes-sage about being a straightshooter and doing good deeds. Iwould wait breathlessly, eachweek for my coded message so Icould use my decoder.

I also remember that getting aprize inside the carton was sotempting that sometimes I wouldsprinkle the contents of anopened cereal box into thechicken yard so Mom wouldhave to buy more cereal. Shenever caught on, but we surehad some fat chickens.

Sometime during this period Ialso ate Shredded Ralston.Mostly because my hero, TomMix, told me to do so. He wouldsing, “Shredded Ralston foryour breakfast. Start the day outshining bright. Gives you lots ofcowboy energy, with a flavorthat’s just right. It’s deliciousand nutritious, bite size andready to eat. Take a tip fromTom, go and tell your mom, thatShredded Ralston kain’t bebeat!” So I did!

I still like Shredded Ralston.In fact, I had a bowlful thismorning. There was, however,no prize in the box.

What a bummer!

Wofford Heights resident RodMiddleworth, a retired securitymanager for Pacific Bell, is aninstructor for the local AARPDriver Safety Program and coor-dinator for the Lake Patrol volun-teers.

RodMiddleworth

Be sure to eat your WheatiesThings I have noticed...

Jack BustamanteKern River Courier Columnist

French Gulch Marina is stillenjoying a fairly good crappiebite. Lots of little ones are bitingand maybe two out of 10 aretwo-pound or better keepers.

Fishermen with hot dogs arestill bring-ing insome fiveto 12-poundcatfish intheFrenchGulcharea also.I don’tknow if Ishouldkeep thehot dogsin thegrocerysection ofmy storeor movethem overwith therest of thecatfish bait.

The trout bite on Isabella Lakeis improving every day now.More and more trout are cominginto the shallows all around the

lake. It’s time to get out thereand check out your favorite hotspots.

Two very happy fishermen,Terry Sweet and Roman Margis,brought in nice limits of trout.The dam area is loaded with nicefish, they said. They are keepingtheir bait a secret.

The bite is on, so let’s go fish-ing.

Photos courtesy E&J’s Tackleand General Store. For braggingrights, bring your catch to E&J’s,6498 Wofford Blvd, WoffordHeights, near the WoffordHeights Post Office.

Page 4 Friday, December 12, 2008, AdventuresK E R N R I V E R

LegendBoat Launch Ramps Camp Grounds Towns Hospital + Other Features

STATISTICSGeneral

Drainage Area 2,093 Square MilesCapacity, Gross Pool 570,000 Acre-Ft.Surface Area, Gross Pool 11,400Shoreline, Gross Pool 38 milesLength, Gross Pool 9 miles

Main DamMaximum Height 185 FeetLength at Crest 1695 Feet

Auxiliary DamMaximum Height 100 FeetMaximum Length 3,257 Feet

Lake ConstructionStarted March 1948Finished April 1953

WoffordHeights

Tillie CreekLive Oak

North Fork Marina

Boulder Gulch

Rich GulchHungry Gulch

West SideFrench Gulch

French Gulch MarinaPioneer Point

WoffordHeights

Park

LakeIsabella

to Ridgecrest

MountainMesa

Kernville

Southlake

M.L. Ludiker Artwork & Design

Lake Isabella

South Fork Recreation Area

South Fork Wildlife ParkingArea

ModelAircraftControllers

Robinson Cove

County Dump

Airport

Golf Course

Cyrus Canyon OHV AreaTarget Range

Hospital

ParadiseCove

Main DamKissack BayLI Visitor Center

Old Isabella RdAuxiliary DamEngineer Point

Wildlife Area

StineCoveCamp

9

Sierr

a Way

Moun

tain 9

9

To Baker

sfield

WaterSkiArea

Hanning Flat

Map courtesyMike Ludiker

www.kernvalley.com

Recreation InfoU.S. Forest Service

Lake Isabella office:4875 Ponderosa Dr. (enter from Hwy.

155 just over the hill from Hwy. 178)(760) 379-5646

Kernville Office:105 Whitney Rd. (around the corner

from the museum)(760) 376-3781(760) 379-5236

General KRV Info

Kernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Rd. KernvilleCorner Sierra Way & Kernville Road Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLELocal: (760) 376-2629

Kern River Valley Chamber ofCommerce

6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Across from Senior Center

Emergencies - call 911Kern Valley Hospital

McCray and Laurel, Mt. Mesa(760) 379-2681

Kern Valley SubstationSheriff’s Department and CHP7050 Lake Isabella Blvd.(760) 549-2100Weekdays only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Airport Cafe at Kern Valley Airport

Sierra Way, 4 mi. south of Kernville Rd.Breakfast & Lunch, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great food 7 days a week

Kern River Valley information

French Gulch Marina is the place

Let’s Go Fishing

“I don’tknow if I

should keepthe hot dogs

in the grocerysection of mystore or move

them overwith the restof the catfish

bait.”--Jack

Bustamante

6629 WWofford BBlvd, WWofford HHeights760-3376-11600 Extra parking in back

LUNCH SPECIAL

Special good for a limited time only. Notify yourserver about special when ordering. Offer can notbe used in conjunction with any other offer.

1/4 lb. Hamburger& Fries $399

Hours: SSunday tthru TThursday BBreakfast && LLunch 7am to 2pmFriday && SSaturday BBreakfast && LLunch 7am to 3pm Dinner 3 to 8pm

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Lake IsabellaCA 93240-0810760/379-4860

[email protected]

cardadsask us about

economicalbusiness card ads

760-376-2860

The Kern River Valley Salvation Army

Needs your help!

Donations aretax deductible

You may send donations to, or you may drop by

Salvation Army/Community Christian Service C enterP.O. Box 2786 6105 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA93240 760-379 -5100

®

Make it a wonderful holiday seasonthis year for everyone in theKern River Valley

Plan to donate to or volunteer for thesemajor Salvation Army events:

Christmas bell ringing60 volunteers needed to ring bells in front of

local stores. Our major fundraiser to assist our community. Allfunds stay in the valley!

Toys for TotsDrop off unwrapped toys in boxes at participating retailers in thevalley, or bring them to the Salvation Army/Community ChristainCenter.

Grand Fur (Douglas) Table-top to 9 foot $20 to $65Noble Fur 5 to 9 foot $45 to $75Fresh Wreaths &Poinsettias Also available

OpeningNovember 29Kern Valley FFA

Fresh Cut TreesRefrigerator Trucked Direct From Oregon

At Crossroads Shellin Lake Isabella

Open:Monday thru Friday

12:00 to 8:00pmSaturday & Sunday9:00am to 8:00pm

For more informationCall: 760-549-3147

By Cindy Elavsky

Q. My husband and I arehaving a disagreement overthe DirecTV commercial withChevy Chase.I say it is theactual clipfrom themovie“NationalLampoon’sVacation”with voice-overs. Hesays theactors are“look-alikes,” not the originalactors. Will you please let usknow who is right? — KarenM., via e-mail

A: You are mostly correct.DirecTV has a whole series ofthese popular commercialswhere they use actual clips froma popular movie (“Terminator 2:Judgment Day,” “Poltergeist,”“Misery” and more) and, usingblue-screen technology, splicethem together with one of theoriginal actors touting DirecTV’squality and service. For example,in the “Vacation” commercial youasked about, the beginning of thecommercial and everything withChevy Chase is from the actual

movie. Everything from whenChristie Brinkley comes up fromthe water after diving and beginssinging the praises of DirecTVwas filmed especially for thiscommercial, with Christie repris-ing her role as the Red FerrariGirl from the 1983 movie.Twenty-five years later, and shecan still convincingly play a 29-year-old. Color me jealous!

Q: What is former childactress Donna Butterworthdoing now? — Linda S.,Arcadia, Fla.

A: The adorable singer/actresswho starred with Elvis Presley in“Paradise, Hawaiian Style” andJerry Lewis in “Family Jewels” isstill singing and performing. Thenow-52-year-old Donna releaseda CD in 2007 called “The Girl inthe Picture” and can be seen atElvis conventions throughout theU.S. Donna herself recently said:“I am on the comeback trail. Iknow my life is entertaining peo-ple.”

Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at [email protected], or write to her incare of King Features WeeklyService, P.O. Box 536475,Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Friday, December 12, 2008 Page 5EntertainmentK E R N R I V E R

Previews of new DVDsBy DNA Smith

PICK OF THE WEEK“Ghost Town” — This is one of

those little gems that seem tocome and go really quickly at thetheaters, but hopefully find newlife on home video as people dis-cover them.

“Ghost Town” is a wickedlyfunny romantic comedy starringRicky Gervais (star and creator ofthe original “The Office”) asBertram Pincus, a surly dentistwho, after having a near-deathexperience, discovers he can seeand speak with ghosts.

One of the spirits he meets isFrank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear),who wants Pincus to preventFrank’s widow (Tea Leoni) frommarrying a lawyer he believes isonly pursuing her for her money.Needless to say, high jinks aplen-ty ensue.

What sets “Ghost Town” apartfrom most run-of-the-mill rom-coms is that the story doesn’t gofor cheap, sappy sentimentality.It’s refreshingly honest andhuman, and the performances byGervais and Leoni are wonderful.It’s a rare date movie that evenguys will love.

ALSO“The Duchess” — Oh look: It’s

Keira Knightley in a period cos-tume drama! This time she’s stuckin the 18th century as Georgiana,the Duchess of Devonshire,ancestor of Diana, Princess ofWales. And like Diana, Georgianawas also the subject of muchscandal, gossip and marital

intrigue. You have a choice: Youcan rent or buy this DVD, or you

could just slapa big whitewig and corsetonto a box kiteand makeMonty Pythonnoises at it.Guess whichone I’m gonnado? Oh, comeon. I’m justkidding. Idon’t own abox kite.

DOG OF THE WEEK“Eagle Eye” — Shia LaBeouf

has the dubious honor of being intwo of 2008’s big-budget stinkers.The first, obviously, was “IndianaJones and the Temple of Suck,”the second being “Eagle Eye,”possibly one of the worst films ofthe year.

Basically, the story is this: Acomputer that can control every-thing has gone bat-dookieinsano, and then there’s a plot toassassinate the president using aboy’s trumpet, and StupidMcStuperson (LaBeouf) gets ledby the nose by a disembodiedvoice to save the day while avoid-ing Billy Bob Thornton cuz ...that’s what you do.

Seriously. I think it’s a law orsomething, because I bought awallet last month and the picturethat came with it was of Billy BobThornton, and stamped on it was“Avoid This Guy.” True story.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater‘Ghost Town,’ ‘Duchess’ weekly picks

Brinkley

Knightley

Brinkley is ageless

This week’s top DVD rentals

Downtown Kernville 760-376-2556

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BEDTIME STORIESStaring Adam Sandler

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1.Hellboy II:The Golden Army (R) JeffKahn (Dreamworks)2.Kung Fu Panda (G) animated(DreamWorks)3.Smart People (R) Dennis Quaid(Miramax)4. Journey to the Center of the Earth(PG-13) Brendan Fraser (New LineCinema)5.The Incredible Hulk (PG-13) EdwardNorton (Universal)6.This Christmas (PG-13) Delroy Lindo

(Sony)7. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of theCrystal Skull (PG-13) Harrison Ford(Paramount)8.Star Wars:The Clone Wars (PG) MattLanter (Warner Bros.)9.The Strangers (R) Scott Speedman(Universal)10. Iron Man (PG-13) Robert Downey Jr.(Paramount)) (Paramount)10. Iron Man (PG-13) (Paramount)

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

ellnessWK E R N R I V E R

Page 6 Friday, December 12, 2008

Henry ThalKern River Valley Courier columnist

Has your dis-posable incomegone down thekitchen disposer?

I turn on thenews to hear oneeconomic prob-lem after anoth-er. Unemploy-ment is growing,businesses areclosing and peo-ple are reluctantto spend. Their reluctance, of coursemeans there is less income cominginto the stores, hence, more layoffsand store closings. Then more peo-ple are out of work, and less moneyflowing in the economy.

My solution is to turn off the tele-vision, mute the radio and don’t readthe Wall Street Journal. I firmlybelieve that if everyone were notbothered by these woes, it would goaway, as those working would con-tinue spending, and the economywould rebound.

But, in the real world, many fami-lies need to tighten their belts. Oneway is to assume a greater risk inyour health care. Now, if you haveany medical problems which areongoing, or could flair up, the lastthing you need is to change yourhealth insurance. First, it might bedifficult to get a new policy, and sec-ondly, you are using it, so you aregetting value.

What about healthy people? Thevery last thing you can afford is amajor hospital or other medicalexpense. Cancer treatments can runinto thousands of dollars per month,

and that is following a surgery! Ifmoney is tight, and you can qualify,consider a high deductible healthplan. They cover absolutely nothinguntil you reach the deductible, thenthere are some plans that will cover100 percent of all medically necessaryprocedures. Sorry, face lifts andtummy tucks aren’t considered nec-essary.

The high deductible plan offersseveral different monthly premiums,the higher the deductible, the lowerthe monthly cost. Beware, that cou-ples and families typically need tohave two people meet the deductiblebefore all family members are cov-ered. They need a lower deductible,just to be prudent.

This type of plan is also a goodalternative to the plan that a spousemight get from work, if the employeris then payroll deducting the monthlydependent premiums from his/herpaycheck.

It may take this country a while toget out of this economic crisis, but ifyou can individually keep going, lifecan be sweet.

Harry P. Thal, MA, CertifiedSenior Advisor, is a licensed insur-ance broker in California (0621106)and other states. He is a memberof the Kern Valley HospitalAdvisory Board, President of theKern Association of HealthUnderwriters, and a member of theNational Ethics Bureau. Harry is onthe NAHU Medicare AdvisoryBoard. He also serves on the boardof the California Association ofHealth Underwriters. He may bereached at 760-376-2100, e-mailharrythal @aol.com or visit him onthe web at www.harrythal.com

Health Insurance Matters

Henry Thal

Economic woes hit everyone

HEALTH INSURANCEWe represent most major California insurance companies

Since 1982

Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency760-376-2100

[email protected] www.harrythal.com

Nationally recognized Medicare authority.President-Elect Kern Assoc. Heath Underwriters CA Lic.0621106

HOFFMANNH O S P I C E

A N O N - P R O F I T H O S P I C E

Sally Thornburg, R.N.

8501 Brimhall Road • Building 100 • Bakersfield, CA 93312

Phone (661) 410-1010 • Fax (661) 410-1110

Toll Free (888) 833-3900 • www.hoffmannhospice.orgLogo

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Lake IsabellaCA 93240-0810760/379-4860

[email protected]

Kern River Courier

As the holidays approach, SocialSecurity has good tidings to sharewith Social Security andSupplemental Security Income (SSI)beneficiaries: they will receive a 5.8percent increase in benefit pay-ments beginning with the Januarypayments!

The 5.8 percent cost-of-livingadjustment (COLA) will begin withbenefits that over 50 million SocialSecurity beneficiaries receive inJanuary 2009. Increased paymentsto more than 7 million SSI benefici-aries will begin on December 31.

Social Security and SSI benefitsincrease automatically each yearbased on the rise in the Bureau ofLabor Statistics’ Consumer PriceIndex for Urban Wage Earners andClerical Workers (CPI-W), from thethird quarter of the prior year to thecorresponding period of the current

year.This 5.8 percent increase is the

largest since 1982.Along with the annual COLA

comes other changes, including anincrease in the amount of wagessubject to Social Security tax. In2008, the maximum taxable amountwas $102,000. Beginning in 2009,the maximum taxable amount willbe $106,800. This change will affectabout 11 million of the 164 millionworkers who pay Social Securitytax. The tax rate remains the same:6.2 for employers and employees,and 12.4 for the self employed.

In 2009 it will take $1,090 in tax-able earnings to earn a credit ofcoverage for Social Security, upfrom $1,050 in 2008. All workerscan earn up to four credits in a year.

The average retired worker willreceive $1,153 per month in SocialSecurity benefits in 2009, up from

Good tidings from Social Security

Kern Village - The Burlington Assisted Living

32 Burlando RoadKernville, CA 93238

760-376-6733Paula Glidewell, Administrator

LIC#157200475

We proudly provide:• Spacious rooms with cable and• Emergency call systems in each room• Daily on-going planned activities• 24 hour caregiver assistance• Medication management• Nutritionally balanced meals• Housekeeping & laundry services• Transportation to local doctors and

dentist of your choice All for one low cost.Located in the beautiful mountain communities ofKernville and Wofford Heights, our facilities offer a

variety of services to meet the needs of our loved ones.For more information, call or visit us at

13 Sycamore DriveWofford Heights, CA 93238

760-376-6474Shirlin Linton, Administrator

LIC#155801223

See SECURITY, Page 7

servicesp tbusiness & professional directory

Bodfish Bob's SlowCooked Pepper Steak

1½ to 2 lb. beef round steak 2 tbsp. cooking oil ¼ c. soy sauce 1 c. onion, chopped 1 tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ¼ tsp. ground ginger 4 Tomatoes, cut into eighths, orone (16 oz.) can tomatoes with liq-uid, cut up 2 lg. green peppers, cut intostrips ½ c. cold water 1 tbsp. cornstarch

Cooked noodles or rice

Cut beef into 3-inch x 1-inchstrips; brown in oil in a skillet.Transfer to a slow cooker.Combine the next seven ingre-dients; pour over beef. Coverand cook on low for 5 - 6 hoursor until meat is tender. Addtomatoes and green peppers;cook on low for 1 hour longer.Combine the cold water andcornstarch to make a paste;stir into liquid in slow cookerand cook on high until thick-ened. Serve over noodles or

rice.

Bodfish Bob's CaliforniaTamale Pie

. 1 lb. lean ground beef, browned ¾ c. yellow corn meal 1½ c. milk 1 Egg, beaten 1 pkg. chili seasoning mix 1 tbsp. seasoned salt 1 lb. can tomatoes, cut up 1 lb. whole kernel corn, drained 2¼ oz. sliced ripe olives, drained 1 c. Cheddar cheese, grated

Stir together cornmeal, milkand egg. Add rest of ingredi-ents, except cheese. Pour intocrock pot, cover, cook on high3 to 4 hours. Sprinkle cheeseover top, cover and cookanother 5 minutes.

Bob's Easy CranberryHoliday Punch Recipe

2 cups red wine1 cup vodka1/4 cup spiced rum1/2 cup ruby tangerine grapefruitjuice chilled2 cups cran~raspberry juice drink,chilled1/2 cup seedless green or seedlessred grapes, washed and sliced inhalf1/2 cup fresh cranberries,washed1 lemon, thinly sliced1 lime1 orange, thinly sliced1 apple, thinly sliced6 cups ginger ale

Combine wine, vodka,spiced rum and juices in apunch bowl.

Add fruit and chill. Add chilled ginger ale just

before serving. Makes approx-imately 10 to 12 5-ounce serv-ings.

Visit Bodfish Bob on the Webat www.bodfishbob.com

Recipes for Dummies by Bodfish Bob

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in thebusiness& professionaldirectory760-376-2860

Robert’s CarpetRepair & Cleaning

Hello friends and neighbors.We are a new business in town.Prices starting at 25 cents persquare foot (with a minimum

$25.00 charge).First time customer special offer

of $25.00 one room,second room same size free

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Upholstery Cleaning also Available

Robert Steele 760-378-3517Toll Free 1-866-431-0910

Kitty’sVideos&More

Movies to RentMusical Instruments

Sales & Repair5116 B Lake Isabella Blvd.760-379-4010

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WaterWells

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760-379-44224571 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake Isabella

PiutePumpService

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California JoeKern Ruivr Courier Columnist

Off we wentfor our Fridaymorningappointment atCedar-Senaihospital in LosAngeles. MizSue’s finalcheckup withthe renounedsurgeon Dr.AlbertSilberman. Hewas his usual-bushy grey-haired ebbulientself, always joking and wise-crackingwhile closely monitor-ing his patient’s situation.

And that evening after check-ing into our Super 8 nMotel inNorth Hollywood, we met upwith another couple and off weall went to the NoLo ArtsCenter in NoHo to see “Yo-Ho-Ho-A Pirate’s Christmas.”

No Lo Arts Center is anattractive well-lit theatre build-ing on Magnolia Street right inthe heart of the new theatre dis-trict just east of Lankershimwhich houses a number of “offBroadway” theatre houses. Youwalk into a pleasant, well-lithouse lobby and shortly there-after you are ushured into thetheatre itself which looks to bea 99-seat theatre all, gussied upfor the season’s holidays.

And at 7:30 p.m. the house-lights dim and the show beginsright on schedule.

Suddenly pirates seem to beswinging in on ropes fromeverywhere. Singing, swinging,they appear on this kinglyopen stage which resembles atwo-story kind of grey baronialcourtyard. They sing and theyslap at each other and they runthrough the aisles and one canquickly tell this will absolutelybe an interactive evening. YoHo Ho indeed!

Well sir, so far Alaska seemsto be as far north as Miz Sueand I have ventured on ourNorth Pole adventure up ’tilnow. But I could quickly tell wewere in for a new adventure.

Seems these pirates had

somehow landed near theNorth Pole and were about tostorm ol’ Santa’s year -roundworkshop.

The pirates succeed in cap-turing Santa and Mrs.Claus butol’ Santa succeeds in turningthe tables on the dastardly vil-lains and the citizens of theNorth Pole unite with the freebooting invaders to quicklybring good cheer and lots ofpresents to all the waiting chil-dren down below. And all theYo-Ho-Ho songs are lusty andloud and everyone has a goodtime singing atthis pirate’s jollyChristmas.

I’ve got two young grand-sons who live in the hills ofStudio City and they would loveto see these pirates in action. Iexspect

I’ll be going back real soonto walk the plank with myyoung pirates, age 11 and 13.This is just what the doctorordered for twichy young fel-lows - lots of action andsinging and jumping on and offpirate ships and whipping upon backward wannabe pirateswho have to learn their ABCs ifthey want to master the art ofstoming Santa’s North Pole.

Future shows include theinnovative and erotic DRACU-LA -a world premier musicalINSANITY and a audaciuousworld premier play BATH-ROOM STALL INCANTATIONin the early summer.

So far as I can tell theseNoLo Arts Center pirates havedone their homework. Well,they’re a vibrant and youngtheatre ensemble led by a tal-ented artistic director whoknows how to put on a reallygood show.

That’s just what this L.A.community needs: its own rec-ognized theatre district. The

NoLo Arts Center is at III36Magnolia Blvd., NorthHollywood. Reservations: 818-308-8500 or 800-785-4770.

California Joe is the story-teller persona of StevensonPhillips, an actor and lingr livingin Kernville. You may reach himat sscaljoe@ aol.com.

Country Living

Early Christmas in L.A.

Friday, December 12, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 7

SOCIAL SECURITY continued from page 6

$1,090 in 2008.People who have Medicare cov-

erage will want to visit Medicare'swebsite at www.medicare.gov forchanges coming in 2009.

To learn more about SocialSecurity changes coming in 2009,

visit our online fact sheet atwww.socialsecurity.gov/pressof-fice/factsheets/colafacts2009.htm.

As always, you can find a wealthof information about Social Securityat our website, www.socialsecuri-ty.gov.

Country Joe

Muzio, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.The weather was grey and dreary, butMuzio, according to some fans, usedhis meteorology skills to cause the sunto appear, along with some rainbows.

The Colors were presented by theGovernor’s Honor Guard and eachbranch of the military was honoredduring a medley of military themesongs, by having the veterans in atten-dance stand during their branch ofservice’s song.

The fact that it was 67 years to theday since the bombing of PearlHarbor where 2,403 Americans diedwas recognized and the survivors andwidows were honored. The Pledge ofAllegiance wasled by MMCAlfred Rodriguez,ret., a PearlHarbor survivorand Kern Valleyresident fromWofford Heights(see main story onthis page.

The group wasfirst addressed byRobert Stine,CEO of the Tejon Ranch, who donatedthe 500 acres to the United States forthe new National Cemetery. He credit-ed former Congressman Bill Thomasfor helping secure the Bakersfield areasite during the 2003 VeteransCemetery Expansion Act.

Congressman Kevin McCarthyaddressed the crowd. He said that itwas not only a groundbreaking, but itwas “saying we are a grateful nationthat does not forget freedom is notfree.” He noted that the cemetery wasthe result of a collaborative effort ofmany people including the TejonRanch for donating the property and

many meetings of local veterans toplan the cemetery.

“This cemetery is the land of thefree and the home of the brave,”McCarthy said and he encouragedpeople to visit it frequently throughoutthe years.

An invocation was given byCaptain Greg Horn, Marine CorpsChaplain. Then Wesley Jones, the firstdirector of the Bakersfield NationalCemetery addressed the crowd. Hesaid the 1,000 in attendance in thepoor weather is “what Bakersfield isall about.”

The first half of the first phase willbe the development of 20 acres. The

first phase is 50 ofthe 500 acres. Hesaid there will be3,000 internmentsites ready in earlysummer of 2009.He said that hisgoal is “a nationalshrine where per-petual care is not achore, but anhonor.”

The keynotespeaker was the Undersecretary forMemorial Affairs, William F. Tuerk,who recognized Chief AlfredRodriguez as a “legacy for allCalifornians.”

Tuerk manages 125 of the nation’snational cemeteries and was repre-senting James B. Peak, Secretary ofVeteran’s Affairs.

The afternoon concluded with agroundbreaking, a dedication plaqueunveiling, a rifle salute by theCalifornia Honor Guard, and “Taps,”played by Sgt. First Class James Wulf,US Army, Ret.

Page 8 Kern River Courier Friday, December 12, 2008

6415 Lake Isabella Blvd. 760-379-2868 thefurniturestore.us

Sunday thru Friday9:00am to 5:00pm

TheTheFURNITUREFURNITURE

StoreStore

The Kern River Valley Salvation Army

Needs your help!

Donations aretax deductible

You may send donations to, or you may drop by

Salvation Army/Community Christian Service C enterP.O. Box 2786 6105 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA93240 760-379 -5100

Make it a wonderful holiday seasonthis year for everyone in theKern River Valley

Plan to donate to or volunteer for thesemajor Salvation Army events:

Christmas bell ringing60 volunteers needed to ring bells in front of

local stores. Our major fundraiser to assist our community. Allfunds stay in the valley!

Toys for TotsDrop off unwrapped toys in boxes at participating retailers in thevalley, or bring them to the Salvation Army/Community ChristainCenter.

®

“This cemetery isthe land of the freeand the home ofthe brave.”

--Rep. Kevin McCarthy

“We Cater to Cowards”

2616 Erskine Creek Road, Lake Isabella8:30am to 5:00pm Daily, Evening Appointments Available

760-379-3671

Offeringa completefamily dentalcare service

40 yearsexperience

Left to right:Angela, Hygienist

Marie, OfficeManager, Dr.

Rushton and April,Dental Assistant

RDA.

X-Rays

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Crowns

Bridgework

Minor Orthodontics/Space Maintainors

Oral Surgery

Denny Rushton, DDS

Dentures & Repair

Children’s Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Whitening

Endontics

Member ofAmerican Dental AssociationCalifornia Dental AssociationKern County Dental SocietyOHSA Compliant

3628 Suhre StreetLake Isabella

Next to Crossroads Shell Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pmClosed Christmas & New Years Day

Owner: Lisa Stephens 760-549-0077

All prices plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any deal document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge.Price good through 12/19/08.

Santa is coming to town and is looking to putthis truck under your Christmas tree!

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 Quad CabAuto Check Completed (One Owner)

V8 5.7 Liter HEMI, Big Horn, 4WD,Fully Loaded and Ready to take home!

Blue Book Suggested List: $19,255

Sale Price: $15,777Mention this ad when purchasing this vehicle

at the sale price and Santa will give you an upgrade to a 1 year/14,500 Extended Warranty!

Kern River Motors Offers Extended Warranties.

Special Financing, Motorcycle Products andParts Including Oil and Filters.

CEMETERY continued from page 1

RODRIGUEZ continued from page 1while tied to the coal docks with sev-eral other minesweepers, that thedevastating surprise attack of PearlHarbor began at 7:55 a.m.

After leaving Pearl Harbor in mid-1942, his new duties were to deliveraviation gas, bombs, and generalsupplies from Tulagi to Guadalcanal,Solomon Islands. They also partici-pated in the sea battle of Nov. 13,1942, aiding U.S.S. Aaron Ward, andwas later involved in a sea battle onNov. 30 that same year.

In mid-1943 he was transferred toSan Francisco to the newly commis-sioned U.S.S. Wedderburn DD684,going from one of the oldest andslowest Navy ships to one of thenewest and fastest. On that ship hesaw action that included the invasionand recapture of Guam, the invasionand capture of Saipan and most allthe major engagements of WWII’s

Pacific Theater.Rodriguez said that the invasion

and capture of Okinowa was one ofhis toughest assignments. This wasthe conflict where the Kamakazi sui-cide plane came into prominence.Forty destroyers were damaged orsunk by using this strategy.

After the surrender of Japan inAugust 1945, Rodriguez' ship wasassigned to be one of the first ships toenter Tokyo Bay, which, as a PearlHarbor survivor, was very satisfyingfor Rodriguez.

Rodriguez also served in theKorean Conflict aboard the U.S.S.Hollister DD788, where he participat-ed in shore bombardment activitieswith the battleship U.S.S. Missouri.He spent 15 years of his career onNavy ships, receiving many awards,and retired after 30 years of service in1970.

Valerie MinouxKern River Courier

The KRV Community Orchestra holds their “ChristmasMemories” concert Sunday at Kernville Elementary School.

Friday, December 12, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 9

6415 Lake Isabella Blvd.760-379-2868 thefurniturestore.us

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Offer ExpiresDecember 31, 2008

Spohn-Gross, White named KRVChamber’s man, woman of yearKern River Courier

The Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce hasannounced the selection of theRev. Dr. Charles White and Dr.Holly Spohn-Gross as their Manand Woman of the Year for 2009.

Both White and Spohn-Grossare being honored for their manycommunity contributions of thepast several years.

The Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce willhonor them at a special dinner

celebration on Jan. 26 at ParadiseCove. The public is invited toattend and celebrate both hon-orees.

There will be a social hourstarting at 5:30 p.m., with dinnerbeing served at 6:30 p.m. Cost is$30 per person.

For reservations, contact theChamber office at (760) 379-2536.It is suggested that reservationsbe made soon, as both honoreesare extremely popular and wor-thy, according to the Chamber,and seating is limited.

• ONLY LOCAL DAILY WEATHER

• YEARLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS

• FISHING & HUNTING FORUM

• COMMUNITY FORUM

• MAPS & DIRECTIONS

• CAMPING & HIKING GUIDES

• ONLINE CONFERENCE CENTERS

• RELOCATION INFORMATION

BUSINESS & SHOPPING GUIDES •

LODGING & DINING GUIDES •

COMPLETE RECREATION GUIDES •

8 DAY CABLE / SAT TV GUIDE •

FILM LOCATION INFORMATION •

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION •

MAIL INQUIRIES & REQUESTS •

SEQUOIA FOREST INFORMATION •

COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS •

• AND THE MOST ACCESSED BUSINESS WEBSITES IN THE VALLEY! •

AVERAGING OVER 350,000 ACCESSES PER MONTH DOMAIN WIDE

KK E R NE R N VV A L L E YA L L E Y .. C O MC O M

SeasonsBest to All!

from

Michael BatelaanKern River Courier co-publisher

Well, here we go again! Or should I say there’s nowhere to

go again, around Circle Park inKernville. Thispast month,thanks to a com-plaint receivedby the KernCounty Parks &RecreationDepartment, theonly public rest-room in the areaaround CirclePark wasremoved. Thevery same way, Imight add, that ithad arrived in the first place – mer-chant complaint.

The merchants in this quaint littlepart of Kernville have long deniedaccess to their throne rooms withmore excuses than I used to give inschool for not having done my home-work. Even when a portable publicrestroom was provided by the county,with it came only more complaints –leaving one with no place to do one’sbusiness.

Complaints that the restroomstunk, that its patrons often did notclose the door behind them (or thewind opened it for them, leaving allfor the world to see), and vandalismhave now resulted in having the rest-room removed until further study oroptions for another location areexplored.

Don’t get me wrong. The mer-chants of Kernville want your busi-

ness more than ever. They need youto stop, shop, eat, drink and spendsome time and money. It’s just thatnext to no one wants to deal with theunmentionable business and the nec-essary paperwork that comes to passafter one has partaken of such activi-ties.

It is my own personal observationthat of the 30-plus businesses locatedin and around Circle Park, only oneopenly provides a wheelchair accessi-ble restroom for public use. Less thana handful make their best seat in thehouse available (for customer useonly); four might allow use in anemergency; and most even with dis-abled access and restroom provisionlaws don’t provide one at all.

Not to tiptoe around the subject,but more facilities are now providedfor your dog in Circle Park with thenew “Dogipot” than the needs of ushumankind.

Let’s speak up and not let theefforts of the Kern County Parks andRecreation Department and othersget flushed along with the park’s newtoilet.

No ifs, ands or “butts” about it, thebottom line is that Circle Park mer-chants, the Kernville Chamber ofCommerce, our Kern CountySupervisor’s office and the Parks andRecreation Department need to puttheir collective heads together to solvethe public restroom problem.

It is, after all, time to doo your civicduty.

The Kern River Courier welcomesyour comments.

Michael Batelaan is co-publisher ofthe Kern River Courier and can bereached at [email protected]

Editorial: I Can’t Help But Comment ...

Circle Park restroom issueneeds to be brought to a head

MichaelBatelaan

Page 10 Kern River Courier Friday, December 12, 2008

Archie Logsdon CarpentryDecks & Remodeling.

"Craftsmanship and Attentionto Detail." (760) 223-6624

[email protected]

STOCKING STUFFERSAdorable CKC RegisteredChihuahua puppies. (8 weeksand up. Teacups and Tiny Toys.Current shots. Pad trained$200-$400 379-1403

ELECTRIC SCOOTER for house,walks, street. 4 wheel, sturdyconstruction, Meritz Corp.takes any hill in Kernville. Pluginto any socket to change. New8/2008. Local parts & service.Range 18 miles. $4,250 - $1,000off w/cash. Bill Jenkins 376-4628

POOL/SPA REPAIR SPECIALIST20+ Years ExperienceCA. License #647258

(760) 376-4384 / (909) 210-3971__________________________

BAND FOR HIREAll Occasions Rock and Roll /

Oldies / Country Big BandSwing & More!

Call Chuck (661) 210-7220

Cabin For Sale - Cabin on 1/3acre lot at 102 Hoebeck Bodfish.Cross street of Columbus, fixerupper for $80,000. 661-428-1108__________________________Lake Isabella - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park, $25,000 or financingavailable. 760-379-2092__________________________Beautiful Furnished Park Modelon Kern River. 2+1, w/barn-styleTuff shed & charming side yardw/porch. Asking 19K OBO.818-242-7788

SPACES FOR RENTWofford Heights Mobile/RVPark Great Location! Quiet,mature trees, walk to lake, mar-ket, medical, park & theater.Free rent on the 6th month.Call Able 760-379-5479. After3pm & weekends, call Ralph @310-387-7136

Onyx Apartment for rent in quietneighborhood. 2 bd, 1 ba. Close topark & store. $550/mo incls. water& trash.References required (661)477-7091__________________________Rent to Own - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park.$595/mo.Includes spacerent. + deposit. 760-379-2092_________________________Available Dec 1st - Rent/LeaseDouble Wide M/H. Mt. Mesa2/2. Central Heat & Airw/appliances. Wofford Heights2/2. Central Heat w/appl. 379-1047 (appointment)_________________________Southlake - 2 Bedroom Duplexw/garage, laundry room, fire-place, dishwasher, $600/mo +$600 security deposit. 378-3374_________________________Cozy 1 bd, 1 ba. House inWeldon near Kelso Creek Road.Large fenced yard. Room forRV parking. All new interior.Water & trash paid. $650/mo +$650 deposit. Available 12/15.Call Mike @ (949) 645-4697 or(949) 246-7731

Residential Lot on AspenDrive in Bodfish. $30,000OBO, Call (661) 428-1108__________________________40 Acres Flat NevadaRanchland. 200 mi NE ofReno. Buildable horse proper-ty.Walk to river & store @ I-80.$399 down, $399/mo, $39,900sale price. Owner financing.No qualifying. 775-453-3724__________________________One acre in Isabella Highlandsw/old trailer & outhouse.Mostly flat w/power at propline. Xlnt investment or forweekenders. 19K OBO.Possible OWC. 818-242-7788

"FIREWOOD"Camping•Cooking•Home Heat

THE FIREWOOD GUY6400 Lake Isabella Blvd, #CLake Isabella, 760-379-8087

INDOOR SALE Sat & Sun13th & 14th 8am to 4pmAntiques, Desks, LeatherFurniture,Victorian Couches andChairs, Saddles, Enamelware,TVs, Motorsports Posters,Mirrors, Lamps, Collectibles,Lighted Glass Case. 6411Wofford Blvd.W.H. 376-4884__________________________

RUMMAGE SALETubatulabals of Kern Valley

Saturday, December 13th, 8amto 5pm @ 12600 Mountain

Mesa Road, Suite B__________________________YARD SALE

Sat. Dec 20th, 8am to 2pmonly No Early Birds 13Arnold Springs Dr. Pala

Ranches Wofford Heights__________________________GARAGE SALE A little ofthis and that! Pick up lastminute gifts, collectibles andgood stuff. Lots of used cloth-ing - clean! 4221 Balboa, 8am -5pm. Saturday, Dec 13th.

Weed liek uh Ed-u-makated andXsperyenced Pruef RedorEnturn two corek airrors 4classyfried add eddyter datduzent no difurence beetweenspade & spayed. Pour dogg wuzfixed buht thay uzed sum tipe uvshuvel 2 duett. Efu cann spel gudfone en azke 4 duh add eddyterpleeez. 55five-2too4tree.

DRESS ME UP6437 Lake Isabella Blvd. in thePost Office Shopping Center.Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 9-12. 379-8927 Children's Clothing and More

Make sure you advertise in the

“ORIGINAL MARKETPLACE”(760) 376-2860

The Kern River Courier Marketplace~ Since 2004 ~

Jerry’sAPPLIANCE SERVICE

Washers • Dryers • RefrigeratorsStoves • Dishwashers

379-2199

Explore the Kern Valley––Shopping, Dining, Lodging––

Lah-De-Dah-Gifts, Collectables,Antiques. “If it’s not here, wedon’t have it.” Sewing Center forSewing Needs. 41 Big Blue Rd.Kernville. Call 376-6704.

Services

Ads - 5 Lines - $5.50

1. Write your message on the form.Please be neat. Ads start at 5 linesfor $5.50 and only $1.00 for eachadditional line.

2. Total first five lines and $1.00 foreach additional line. Multiply thetotal by the number of weeks youwish your ad to run. Fill in theblanks below. Payment must bewith order.

3. Enter credit card #, or makecheck, money order payable to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, Ca 93285-1145

6392 B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights, Ca 93285

Mail or deliver to above address.

Ad must reach us by Tuesday 12noon of the week it is to run.

Place your

Marketplace

ad in 3 easy

steps:

5 lines = $5.50Each line equals 27 spaces

or characters approx)

Add a line $1.00 ea.

Photos add $5.00 ea.

Frame add $1.00

Number of weeks ad is

to run______ X your

ad total = $__________

Amount due.

Name_________________________________________________

Mailing Address_________________________________________

Daytime Phone Number___________________________________

Master Card Visa Check or Money Order

Credit Card Number______________________________________

Name as it appears on card________________________________

Expiration Date_______Signature___________________________

Each line equals 27 spaces or characters. Actual length of published ad may varydepending on combination of letters, spaces and words. Please read your ad as soon asit is published. If you do find an error, notify us immediately. The Kern River Courier willtake responsibility for only one incorrect insertion and will not be responsible for morethan the cost of one insertion. No further liability shall apply. The Kern River Courierreserves the right to reject any ad and may edit ads as needed.

Payment is required prior to run. Phone orders are accepted with credit card only.

For Rent

COCKTAILS AND DANCING5430 Lake Isabella Blvd.

379-8144Largest pool table in town!

*bounce houses*water slides

*sno cones & cotton candymachines

*party supplies & moreWE DELIVER!

760-376-4KIDS(4543)www.kernkidspartyrentals.com

Specialty Shops

HomesPets

Ray's Painting & DecoratingInterior & Exterior Painting

Wall CoveringInstalled and Removed

760-417-9797

Land For Sale

SADIE'S CENT SAVERDiscount Grocery Outlet open inSouthlake in old Ranchhouserestaurant bldg. New productsstocked daily! 8458 Entrada Blvd.378-4240. Come See Us!

Chuck Barbee - Still & VideoPHOTOGRAPHY

Portraits - Family EventsEquestrian - Historical

Photo Scanning & RestorationTransfers to DVD & CD

760-376-8784

Spaces for Rent

ABRAHAM’S

APPLIANCE RREPAIR

SERVICEWASHERS-DRYERS • REFRIGERATORS

STOVES • DISHWASHERS • ICEMAKERS ETC.

379-44707

Firewood For Sale

Yard/Garage Sale

For Sale

YOUR AD COULD HAVE

BEEN WORKING HERE!

CALL US...

WE GET READ

THETHEKERNKERNRIVERRIVER

COURIERCOURIERGETS RREAD!GETS RREAD!

AND SO WILLAND SO WILLYOUR YOUR AD.. .AD. . .

NEED EEXTRA CCHRISTMAS GGIFT MMONEY? ..... SSELL TTHOSE LLITTLE UUSED IITEMS!

Assistant Needed

Clarence SemoniousPastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship

Consider an unscientificobservation, intended todiscover personal detailsonly about oneself. I noticethings that dangle – frompockets, purses and otherplaces. These articles couldexpose a desire to commu-nicate some truth aboutthat for which we aresearching.

Possibly these manifesta-tions are the modern equiv-alent of David’s words, “O Lord, you havesearched me and known me! You knowwhen I sit down and when I rise up; you dis-cern my thoughts from afar. You search outmy path and my lying down and areacquainted with all my ways. Even before aword is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, youknow it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4.

Is David revealing that he is on a quest ofcompanionship with God? At least Davidsought companionship with his creator. Thebobbles mentioned above may be witnessthat many are on a quest for some unknown,intangible treasure.

I have a living pet. Its a Pionus Parrot, amostly green bird. A previous owner namedhim Scooter. The books say that he has thecognitive ability of a typical two-year-oldchild. He has bonded with me, shows emo-tions such as a desire to be with me and dis-plays a pique if I ignore him. I love protect-ing him, giving him treats, petting him and

talking to him. I give. He takes. Yet I getpleasure caring for this creature who makesa mess of his cage, the floor and my clothes.But I do not praise him for giving me life, asDavid does to God, saying that he is, “fear-fully and wonderfully made. Wonderful areyour works; my soul knows it very well.”Psalm 139:14.

Explaining that if his people behavedbadly, doing things God forbids, Moseswarned that God would cause them to bescattered. But then he adds the promises,“…from there you will seek the Lord yourGod and you will find him, if you searchafter him with all your heart and with allyour soul. When you are in tribulation, andall these things come upon you in the latterdays, you will return to the Lord your Godand obey his voice.” Deuteronomy 4:29-30.

I know that God is much better at protect-ing and caring for me than I am my parrot.My quest is to bless the God who causedDavid to write, “…let all who take refuge inyou rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, andspread your protection over them, that thosewho love your name may exult in you.”Psalm 5:11.

Dec. 25 is the annual recognition of thecompanionship that so many seek – the mir-acle of man’s creator becoming a man him-self to reestablish a fellowship that was bro-ken so long ago.

Friday, December 12, 2008 Page 11

KernvilleFirst Baptist Church of Kernville46 Valley View Drive, KernvilleSunday Services — 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-6403Prince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship Center44 Big Blue Road, KernvilleSunday School 9 a.m.Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 417-2014Kernville Foursquare ChurchKernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Road Sunday Services 9:30 a.m.223-6704Kernville United Methodist Church251 Big Blue Rd., Kernville Sunday Services 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.376-2751St. Peter’s Anglican Church11900 Sierra Way, KernvilleSunday Service 10:00 a.m. 376-6362

Lake IsabellaFirst Baptist Church of Lake Isabella 3701 Suhre, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. 379-5615Fountain of Christ Church 5101 #A Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake IsabellaSunday Service: 9:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.417-0793 Living by Faith Evangelist Outreach6437 Isabella Blvd. (near Post Office)Sunday Services 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 379-8036Landmark Missionary Baptist Church2741 Mountain View Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.379-5640Mt. View Southern Baptist Church2959 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30, 11:15 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-4296Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS)377 Highway 155, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 12:00 p.m. 379-2343Kern Valley Bible Church3920 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.379-5482 Church of the Nazarene2931 Erskine Creek Rd., Lake IsabellaSunday Service 10:30 a.m. 379-2062Highland Chapel United Methodist 5301 LakeIsabella Bl., Lake Isabella Sunday School & Worship 9:30 a.m. 379-2120Lake Isabella Church of Christ3711 Golden Spur, Lake IsabellaSunday worship 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.Bible study Sun. 10 a.m., Thurs. 6 p.m.Kern River Valley Seventh Day Adventist 3801 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Saturday Service 9:30 a.m. 379-3206Kern Valley Pentecostal LightHouse Church3730 Wagon Wheel Dr., Lake Isabella Sunday School 9:45 Services 10:45 a.m. Eve. 5 p.m. Wed. Service 6 p.m. 379-5819

Mt. MesaChurch of Christ Mt. Mesa6400 Dogwood Av., Mt. MesaSunday Services 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.379-4792Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints6400 Park Av., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:00 a.m. 379-2904Grace Chapel12312 Mt. Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. 379-4093Christian Assembly12424 Mountain Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-6377Victory Tabernacle (United Pentecostal Church)4324 Birch, Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 4 p.m. 379-6360

Southlake/WeldonKern Christian Church “The River”14900 Hwy 178, Southlake Sunday Services 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. 378-3780Weldon Baptist Church20674 Highway 178 Sunday Services 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.378-4964Weldon United Methodist Church20021 Hwy. 178, WeldonSunday Services 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.378-2321

Wofford HeightsFamily Life Center Foursquare Church 20 W.Panorama, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 376-6719New Life Assembly of God25 Arden Av., Wofford Heights Sunday Services 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.376-6402St. Jude Catholic Church86 Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Heights Sunday Mass 7:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m376-2416Calvary Chapel125 Sycamore Drive, Wofford HeightsSunday Services 9 & 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-8789Christ Fellowship80 Evans Road, Wofford HeightsSunday Service 10:30 a.m.

MiscellaneousSGI - USA Buddhist Discussion Meetings - call 379-6162 for dates and times.Based on the Lotus Sutra.Salvation ArmyMon. 9 am — 1 pm. Service and applications at 6105 LakeIsabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. TSA feeds the hungry lunchMonday through Friday. Assistance is offered to personsor families who are having difficulties paying utility bills, inneed of food, clothing, spiritual and other counseling. 760-379-5100.

Churches of the Valley

Semonious

Voices of FaithSearching for truth everywhere

The Kern River Courier encourages messages from all churches. E-mailthem to [email protected]

Super Crossword answers

aithFK E R N R I V E R

Worldwide candleceremony SundayMike DevichKern River Courier

It takes only you and one candle to joinhearts with the world.

Each year on the second Sunday inDecember all children who have passedaway are remembered with a candle-light-ing ceremony in homes around the world –so that that their light may always shine.

For one hour, this Sunday, Dec. 14, start-ing at 7 p.m. local time, you may join in theceremony by simply lighting a candle. Thesame thing happens at 7 p.m. local time allaround the globe.

The Worldwide Candle Lighting started inthe United States in 1997 as a small Internetobservance but has since swelled in num-bers as word has spread.

For more information, see TheCompassionate Friends Web site atwww.compassionatefriends.org or callMarge Eckman at (760) 378-1023.

BIBLE TRIVIAby Wilson Casey

1.According to Luke, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was that his “father” had toattend what? Feast, Fast, Sacrifice, Census 2.Who was Herod’s information source as to where the Christ Child was to be born? Joseph,Reuben, Micah, Matthew 3.From Luke 2:13, what term describes an army of angels praising God? Heavenly host,Covenant, Spirit multitude, Manoah4.What group received the angels’announcement of the birth of Jesus? Carpenters, Shepherds,Tentmakers, Masons

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

ANSWERS:ANSWERS:1) Census;2) Micah;3) Heavenly host;4) Shepherds

Weldon Baptist ChurchPastor/Teacher: Rick Rayls Worship Leader: Darrow Elconin

20647 Hwy. 178 Weldon 760-378-4964 or 760-951-7700

• Contemporary Music• Solid Bible Teaching• Everyone Welcome• Nursery AvailableSundays: 9am- Praise Team Practice

10am- Adult & Children’s Services6pm- Evening Bible Study

Fay Ranch Rd

Weldon 178

Kelso Valley Rd

Kelso C

reek Rd

PowersTract

Powers Ln

Highway 178

Weldon Baptist Church ■

Page 12 Friday, December 12, 2008

See Page 11 foranswers to puzzles

Courier chuckle of the week:

“Thus the metric system did not real-ly catch on in the States, unless youcount the increasing popularity of thenine-millimeter bullet.”

Dave BarryDave Barry

Friday, December 12, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 13

Trivia TestBy Fifi Rodriguez

1. MATH:What mathematical term describes the boundaryof a closed plane figure?2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:When did Mother Teresa win the Nobel peaceprize?3. HISTORY:What was the native city of explorer Marco Polo?4. GAMES:How long is a standard bowling lane?5. ENTERTAINMENT: Which singer was the first to record a “GreatestHits” album?

Answers:

ARIES (Mar. 21 to Apr.19) The arts are a strongpart of the Arian aspect, with music becoming moredominant. An important decision looms as a longtimerelationship takes an unexpected turn.

TAURUS (Apr.20 to May 20) Surrounding yourselfwith beautiful things helps restore the Taurean soul.Enjoy an art exhibit, for example. Or redecorate yourpersonal space with something truly splendid.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Some colleaguesmight try to talk you out of what they insist is a risk, butwhich you consider an opportunity. As usual, followyour own good sense when making your decision.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A workplacechange you might have worried about soon proves tobe highly favorable for the clever Crab who is ready totake advantage of new opportunities opening up.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Congratulations. YourLeonine pride is polished to a dazzling new brilliancethanks to your success in winning support for your newproject from even the most doubtful of detractors.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) An unsettling rumorabout a colleague’s apparently regrettable behavior issoon proved groundless, allowing you to enjoy theupcoming end-of-year festivities in a happy mood.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Your success helpingcreate a harmonious environment out of a chaotic situ-ation earns you the admiration of someone who couldbecome an important new presence in your life.

SCORPIO (Oct.23 to Nov.21)Your sense of loyal-ty could find you leading a passionate defense of aloved one you feel is being unfairly treated.The week’send brings long-awaited family news.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Your keeninstincts are once more on high alert as you find your-self being pressured to make a quick decision about acertain matter.More facts come to light by week’s end.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) An unexpectedworkplace development could disrupt some familyplans.A full explanation, however, averts domestic dis-cord.A financial matter continues to need attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Spend time awayfrom distractions to reassess some recent moves thatmight not have worked out as you had hoped. Whatyou learn could be invaluable for future decision-mak-ing.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20) A recent act of kind-ness is a reminder of how important your friends are toyou.You might want to show your appreciation by host-ing a special pre-New Year’s party just for them.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Salome’s Stars

1. Perimeter2. 19793. Venice, Italy4. 60 feet5. Johnny Mathis

c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 14 Kern River Courier Friday, December 12, 2008

Donna FitchKern River Courier columnist

Eventhough thisyear is quicklywinding down,registration forthe Spring2009 semesterat the localcommunitycolleges hasbegun andclasses will startthe week of Jan.19 Most likely, you are busypreparing for the coming holidaysso I thought I’d introduce you tocreative possibilities being madeavailable to you at the beginning ofthe new year.

Our own local campus of CerroCoso Community College will offerHistory of Western Art; Drawing:beginning, advanced and specialtopics; Sculpture and Piano, begin-ning through level 4. Also availableis a class on Improving yourWriting Skills.

You can reach the KRV campusat 760-378-1090 or for on-lineinformation www.cc.cc.ca.us

The Ridgecrest Campus ofCerro Coso Community College isoffering: Gallery Technology: theo-ries and functions of an art gallery;Beginning Black & WhitePhotography; Painting: beginningand special topics; BeginningDrawing; History of Western Art;Sculpture; Art Practicum (allowslab time to work on projects foradditional units). Music classes

offered are: Guitar, MusicAppreciation; Choir; Piano andBand.

On-Line Classes include:Introduction to Art; Digial Imagingand Photo Retouching and WebDesign.

The Ridgecrest Campus can bereached at 760- 384-6100 or on-lineat www.cc.cc.ca.us

Bakersfield College offers awide variety of classes: ArtAppreciation (five different class-es); Two-dimensional Design;Ceramics (all levels); FigureDrawing; Survey of Western Art(18th-20th Century); Survey ofWorld Art; Art of Latin America;Sculpture; Basic Drawing; Basicand Advanced Painting in Acrylic.

Digital arts classes include: Introto Digital Photography, AdvancedPhtography; Intro to Digital Arts;Digital Illustration and DigitalImaging.

Bakersfield Musical offeringsinclude: Conert Band, Orchestra,Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Singers,History of Music, Choir, Guitar,Basic Elements of Music, MusicAppreciation, Piano and History ofAmerican Pop Music.

Bakersfield College can bereached at (661) 395-4011 or on-line at www.bc.cc.ca.us. Registra-tion can be completed on-line.

Monday through Saturdaybuses from the Kern River Valleygo directly to Bakersfield Collegeuntil 5:15 p.m. in the evening. Callahead to (760) 379-1708 to schedulea pick- up from the Bakersfieldcampus back to our area.

Sign up before the classes fill.

Class considerations for ’09

Donna Fitch

Creative Connection

Matt FreemanKern River Courier Columnist

Buying anew car is, formost people, amajor pur-chase. First,you comparefeatures,design,mileage anddependability.You identifysevreal suit-able makesand models, and then compareprice. With all features and benefitsbeing equal, would you choose themost expensive, or look to the oneoffering the best value?

You wouldn’t pay more than youhave to, and homebuyers are nodifferent. When selling your home,the asking price determines yoursuccess. Although you and only

you make the pricing decision, it iswise to approach your real estateagent for advice.

The agent knows what buyershave been willing to pay for otherhomes similar to yours. Your pricemust be competitive against those,and no higher. Buyers often payfull price when they recognize agood value, yet rarely consider anover-priced home.

Really, it is the buyers who setthe sale price. No matter what youask, until a buyer is willing to payyour price, no sale will take place.How do you determine the rightprice? Look closely at each salethat your agent has researched,comparing time on the market, fea-tures, financing offered and thefinal sales price.

Your home’s ideal price can befound in the maze of statistics pro-vided by your real estate agent.Price your home to sell, and buyerswill compete for it.

Talking About Real EstateIItt’’ss yyoouurr ddeecciissiioonn

Matt Freeman

MLS# 2208959 $245,0003+1.75 with 1,612 s.f.+/-, .61acres. Beautiful deck on thisone!

MLS# 2210031 $89,0002+2 with 1,440 s.f.+/-, 1980 MH,fully fenced with permanentfoundation!

MLS# 2209596 $165,0002+2 with 1,200 s.f+/-, .28acres. Panoramic lake view!

MLS# 2210098 $18,0006,073 s.f.+/- lot. Great cornerlot! Level & utilities!

MLS# 2210124 $219,7503+2 with 1,950 s.f+/-, .43acres. Wow, one of a kind!

WE LLIST AAND SSELLWE LLIST AAND SSELL

THROUGHOUT OOUR VVALLEY!THROUGHOUT OOUR VVALLEY!

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Forest Service announcesseasonal road closuresKern River Courier

Every winter the Kern RiverRanger District closes the gates oncertain forest roads for user safetyand to prevent resource damage.The combination of precipitation inthe form of rain and snow andfreezing temperatures on paved anddirt roads makes these roads dan-gerous to drive. In addition, costlyrepairs are often needed if traffic isnot controlled on these roads.

People who need access to theirprivate property located behindlocked Forest Service gates can con-tact either the Forest Service Officelocated in Lake Isabella at 760-379-5646 or Kernville at 760-376-3781.

These roads will remain closeduntil the District Ranger determinesthey are safe to drive on and driving

on them will not cause resourcedamage.

As a reminder, District RangerRick Larson wants to remind every-one who travels through theNational Forest during the wintermonths to be prepared for anyemergency. It is a good idea to makesure your vehicle is properly main-tained, you have a full gas tank andyou have a communication device.Always carry tire chains, shovelwarm clothes, blanket, flashlightand food and water. Make suresomeone knows where you aregoing and when you are expected tobe home.

“The National Forest is especiallybeautiful during the winter,” Larsonsaid. “Please respect our preciousresources and have a safe andenjoyable visit.”

Friday, December 12, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: NATURALHEALTH THERAPEUTIC(2008-B7871) Street addressof principal place of business:121A Piute Drive, Kernville,CA 93238. REGISTRANT:Catherine Crawford, 121APiute Drive, Kernville, CA93238: A, Individual. The datethe business commenced:07/01/1995. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(11/26/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time.NATURAL HEALTH THER-APEUTIC CENTER. Thisstatement filed on 11/26/2008.ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk ByM. Rodriguez (34993)-Published by the Kern RiverCourier December 5, 12, 19and 26, 2008.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: KBIZZY BEEPROPERTY MANAGE-MENT (2008-B7937), DBA#2: TRAILS END REALESTATE (2008-B7938), Streetaddress of principal place ofbusiness: 5336 Lake IsabellaBoulevard, Lake Isabella, CA93240. REGISTRANT: AnnaMc Alister, 50 StagecoachDrive, Caliente, CA 93518:

A, Individual. The date thebusiness commenced:00/00/0000. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(12/03/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time.BIZZY BEE PROPERTYMANAGEMENT, TRAILSEND REAL ESTATE. Thisstatement filed on 12/03/2008.ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By G.Durward. (34993)-Publishedby the Kern River CourierDecember 12, 19, 26, 2008 andJanuary 2, 2009.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: KRV NOVELTY(2008-B7529), DBA #2:KERN RIVER CLOTHINGCOMPANY (2008-B7530),Street address of principalplace of business: 11101Kernville Road, Kernville, CA93238. REGISTRANTS:Kern River Corporation: F,Corporation. The date thebusiness commenced:00/00/0000. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filed

in the County Clerk's Office.(11/11/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time. KRVNOVELTY, KERN RIVERCLOTHING COMPANY. Thisstatement filed on 11/11/2008.ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By G.Meza. (34993)-Published bythe Kern River CourierDecember 12, 19, 26 2008 andJan. 2, 2009.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: DOUG SHAWHORSESHOEING (2008-B7734) Street address of prin-cipal place of business: 15138Kelso Avenue, Weldon, CA93283. REGISTRANT:Cynthia Shaw, 15138 KelsoAvenue, Weldon, CA 93283:A, Individual. The date thebusiness commenced:11/29/99. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(11/19/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time.DOUG SHAW HORSESHOE-ING. This statement filed on11/19/2008. ANN K. BAR-NETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By G. Meza(34993)-Published by the KernRiver Courier December 12,19, 26, 2008 and January 2,2009.

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a.m. until 3 p.m. All volunteers and contributions will be greatly appreci-ated. To volunteer or contribute, call Angela at 379-2563.

Whiskey Flat Days organizing meetings Dec. 29The Kernville Chamber of Commerce’s next Whiskey Flat Days planning

meeting will be Dec. 29. It is a potluck. For more information, call theChamber office at 376-2629.

Whiskey Flat Days Kick-off Dinner Jan. 9The Kernville Chamber’s 2009 Whiskey Flat Days kick-off dinner will be

held at the Elk’s Lodge on Friday, January 9. Social hour is at 5 p.m., din-nerat 6 p.m followed by the event at 7 p.m. Cost for dinner is $20 andincludes tax and tip. The menu consists of salad, fried chicken, mashedpotatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll and dessert. Come meet allthe mayor candidates. Seating is limited. Call the Kernville Chamber at376-2629 for reservations.

CALENDAR continued from page 3

Richard RoweSpecial to the Courier

Americans sent nearly 2 billionChristmas cards in 2007. I loveChristmascards, both as asender and areceiver. Thisyear, due to mygoing greenerand my wither-ing budget, I'mrethinkingChristmascards. I couldjust cut them out entirely, orprune my list. But, sad to say, formost on my list, my annual letteris the only way I keep in touch.So, I'm looking for a greeneralternative (the cheaper the bet-ter).

I read about an organized pro-gram in the UK, recyclingChristmas cards and plantingtrees with the net income. But thebottom has dropped of the paperrecycling market, so that won'tdo much this coming year.

I used to buy pretty cards, likethose from the National AudubonSocietywww.holidaycardcenter.org,Sierra Club, MetropolitanMuseum or the Museum ofModern Art. I confess to havingdozens of boxes of MoMAChristmas cards somewhere instorage. I bought those years agoon a trip to NYC when MoMA

closed for remodeling. The cardsshowing Santa diving into aswimming pool better fit where Iused to live (Palm Springs) thanWofford Heights.

I could go the route of online e-cards. I'm already getting somewonderful ones from friends viawww.jacquielawson.com. TheNature Conservancy has greatholiday e-cardswww.nature.org/ecards/. Thereare fun ones atwww.PickleParty.com orwww.rattlebox.com.

Inspired by a foodie e-newslet-ter www.outlawcook.com, I'vedecided to do up a PDF file annu-al letter: a short two-page onethat I'd print out on my colorprinter for those who aren't intoe-mail; but a longer one withmore pictures and clickable linksfor those who make the most ofe-mail (pity to those with dial-up).If you'd like a copy, send me an e-mail.

And those many boxes ofChristmas cards I hoarded, whenI find them? I'll list them for saleon eBay next year.

Richard Rowe is a retired cityplanner, living in Wofford Heights.He is website administrator ofKRVR.org for Kern River ValleyRevitalization. He is in charge of amajor new event planned forMarch 27-30, 2009 – "LivingGreen in the KRV." He can bereached at [email protected].

Living GreenGreen up your holiday cards

Rowe

road north to the former car deal-ership, then continue north fromthe Highway 155 intersection toTurner Avenue with the completionof the curb, sidewalk and bike lane.

Funding for this project is fromcounty General Fund moneythrough Supervisor McQuiston,with a cost of approximately$50,000. Scheduled completion isby the end of the month.

A second portion from ElizabethNorris Road to Erskine Creek Roadis to place missing curbs, gutters,and sidewalks and to restripe theroadway for a two-way center left-turn lane. With the design phasesof this project complete, the projectis currently out to bid with fundingof $300,000 total coming from$80,000 local, and $220,000Transportation Enhancement Act(TEA) Federal Grant monies.Construction is scheduled to startin February 2009 and completed byApril/May 2009.

Third is the section of road fromKilbreth Road to Elizabeth NorrisRoad, with continuous 6-ft. pavedshoulders on both sides of the

highway and a separated pedestri-an asphalt path. Design is present-ly underway for this project and isworking its way through NEPAenvironmental clearance. Fundingof $300,000 total is to come from$55,000 local, and $245,000 in TEAfederal grant money. Completion isscheduled for the fall of 2009.

The fourth portion of road andpathway improvement is to befrom Highway 155 at McDonald’snorth to the County Complex atLakeland Street and LakelandEstates on the east side of theroad. This improvement will comeby way of curbs, gutters and side-walks along the east side of LakeIsabella Blvd. and the proposedconstruction of a pedestrianbridge north across the BorelCanal.

Design for this last project is justunderway, pursuing agreementwith SCE to cross the Borel Canalwith the pedestrian bridge.Funding for this project is comingfrom a TransportationDevelopment Act (TDA) state grantof $160,000.

PROJECTS continued from page 1

Arrest reports werenot available from theSheriff’s Department bypress time this week.The reports will be print-ed in the Kern RiverCourier when they arereceived.

Arrest reportsA digest of arrest reports from

various public safety agencies in theKern River Valley area

Page 16 Kern River Courier Friday, December 12, 2008

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Our Valley, Our Earth

Difference between highest and lowest points on earth is astronomicalRon BolyardKern River Courier Columnist

Another question that isasked is: What is the footage orthe mileage of the lowest placeon earth to the highest? Thediagram below will explainvery nicely the answer to thatquestion.

The highest point on ourplanet is Mount Everest at 29,141 feet above sealevel. The deepest or lowest point is theMarianas Trench at minus 35,840 feet. The totalis 64,981 feet or 12.3 miles. (Note: This data is

1951 information, thus Mount Everest may behigher and the Trenches much deeper after 57years of continental drift).

Also important to note is the presence of theContinental Shelf that surrounds all the conti-nents and the Continental Slopes that divedeeply into the oceanic abyss from those slopes.These features are indicative of the tectonics ofContinental Drift. I will discuss these concepts,in detail, in a couple of weeks.

Ron Bolyard is a retired geologist and hasdeveloped an “acute interest” in the geology of thesouthern Sierra Nevada since he moved here in1999.

Bolyard