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400 Kern Street
Taft, CA, 93268
Phone: (661) 765-2165
Fax: (661) 765-6639
www.taftchamber.com
Newsletter November 2014
Our Gold Sponsors
Our Platinum Sponsors
The “Together We Can” Collaborative and West Side Community Resource Center is once again coordinating the annual community Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive for local fami-lies in need. Your support, combined with collaborative efforts of local business and agen-cy partners will ensure that the maximum number of families will enjoy a bountiful holiday food box!
How can you help?
Collect food at your church, business, or agency.
Bring food to the Westside Community Resource Center.
Donate funds to purchase perishable foods such as turkeys & potatoes
When?
Non-perishable food: Donate from now through November 20 (Monday - Friday 9-5)
Perishable foods (Frozen turkeys) Because we do not have a freezer for storage please no-tify us if you intend to donate a turkey/turkeys. They can be dropped off on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Donate funds to buy turkeys – From now-Nov 20 Consider a gift card to go towards pur-chasing a turkey. The Resource Center will buy the turkey for you!
Where? Drop donations off at:
Westside Community Resource Center at The Fort
915 N. 10th St., Suite 20 93268
Or mail donation to:
WSCRC Attention: TWC 915 N. 10th St., Suite 20 Taft, CA 93268
Please make checks payable to: “Together We Can”
Should you choose to collect and distribute food within your own organization, we ask that you please contact the Resource Center with the names of the families you plan to serve so that we can avoid duplication of efforts.
Thank you for making a difference in our community!
October 8, 2014
Susan Wells, Career Education Facilitator
Transition to Independent Living Program, Taft College
Susan Wells began by reminding us of the many changes
to the TIL Program in the recent year or so: Program
Chairman Sandy Popejoy retired, Executive Director/
Founder Jeff Ross retired, and the new TIL facility was
finished and open for business. Susan announces a new
grant from Chevron which provides for three TIL students
to be paired with three traditional students to gain expo-
sure in the petroleum industry. Jen Villareal of Taft’s
Goodwill Store joined Susan at the meeting. The TIL Pro-
gram has teamed with Goodwill, and TIL students are
placed in the Taft Goodwill store to learn retail skills
while being paid.
October 15, 2014
Russell Johnson
Candidate for Kern County Assessor-Recorder
Russell Johnson again visited our Sit n Sip to explain his
reasons for running for office. He fielded questions from
the group. Although Sit n Sip is open to candidates and
we enjoy hearing from them, the Chamber does not en-
dorse candidates for public office.
October 22, 2014
Wind Wolves Preserve
Meagan England, Community Outreach Coordinator and
Naturalist from Wind Wolves Preserve spoke about the
programs, field trips, nature hikes, and tours the Preserve
has available. Most of the events are free to the commu-
nity and require no registration. If you need a spot for a
group retreat, youth outing, family fun day, or just want
to get outdoors, head out 166 East and make a stop at
Wind Wolves. They can schedule a shuttle pick up as
well. They have tent camping in designated areas and
tours of the canyon, animal hikes, black out hikes, geolo-
gy programs, and a conference room complete with ta-
bles, chairs, and a kitchen available for no charge. Stop
by the Chamber for more information about their availa-
ble programs.
October 29, 2014
Holi Allen, Director
Alpha House
Alpha House, a safe ha-
ven for women and chil-
dren who are victims of
domestic violence, is only
one of three such facilities in Kern County—and the only
one that is staffed 24/7. At least, that is, until last month
when they were forced to close their doors to around-the
-clock services and lay off staff. They simply refuse to
spend down their bank account to the point that they
owe their employees for work already performed. Our
City reacted with concern.
Alpha House runs on such a tight budget, giving so much
to the women and children they serve, that we often for-
get that the need keeps going, and Alpha House could
always use help. If you would like to be a regular contrib-
utor, please fill out and return the pledge card to Alpha
House. We must keep this valuable alternative for wom-
en and children available in our community.
Make a pledge to help Alpha House. Any amount is
greatly appreciated.
Wednesday mornings @ 9AM
Taft Chamber, 400 Kern Street
By Dr. Kathy Orrin, Executive Director
As I write this column, we are preparing for our 13th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament and rain is forecasted for the
morning of the event. Avid golfers do not mind the rain, but those who work with us as volunteers may prefer a sun-
ny day. Just note, if it rains on the Chamber Golf Tournament, you can thank the Chamber. Just another service we
provide the community—rain in a time of drought! You are welcome!
Oktoberfest is behind us. According to the Beer Garden attendees, the bands were wonderful. The Band 1916 nev-
er disappoints, and this year was no exception. We were happy to host them. We thank Black Gold Brewing Compa-
ny for their craft beer offerings and the Petroleum Club for their bar. We heard from many members of the communi-
ty through FaceBook regarding the Carnival. The reviews were mixed. Some folks liked the Carnival; others had an
issue with either a Carnival employee or with a procedure. One post loved the carnival one evening and hated it the
next. Which brings up an interesting thought: if folks were charged a mere $5 a month to access FaceBook, would
the quality of the posts go up? (Not my idea, but an idea worth pondering.) You should know that the issues reported
to us and those brought to our attention on FaceBook were passed along to the Carnival owner.
You may have noticed that the West Side District Hospital, that wonderful, nostalgic edifice at the end of Center
Street, is no more. On Thursday, October 30, bulldozers began the destruction of that great memory of days gone by
in our City. I remember Doc Bitzer telling me he could not take out my appendix until the lady in the next room deliv-
ered both of her twins. His matter-of-fact announcement of the news that I was going to have to just “hang on” for a
few more minutes was curiously calming because he was so straightforward and because I trusted him. Many of us
look at the demolition of the Hospital as a sad, nostalgic event.
The flip side of this event is that it is proof positive that our West Side Health Care District is moving forward. I recent-
ly attended a Board meeting and was struck with the enormity of the task before the Board Members. However, I was
also impressed with the Board’s willingness to put their shoulders to the task. I am convinced we will have a range of
healthcare alternatives available in our community in the future. The delivery of health care in Taft will not look the
same as it did in the past; there likely will not be one building to administer all our medical needs. But we will get
there. The Healthcare District deserves our support and our thanks.
By Shannon Jones, Event Coordinator
As the year winds down, you would think that things are starting to settle down at the Chamber as well. The opposite is
true—Just look at the calendar on page 4! We had another successful Oktoberfest and appreciate all of the community
support. This weekend is the 13th Annual Golf Classic at Buena Vista Golf Course and November 15th will be the “too many
to count” Annual Trout Fishing Derby at Buena Vista Lake Evans. Both of these events are unique in their own way and in-
clude a number of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and participants.
Registration for the Fishing Derby is going on now, only $10 for children and $20 for adults. While you can register at the
gate, you can get a head start by pre-registering and receiving your wristband when you submit your entry forms. When
you get to the lake on Saturday, November 15th, you can just show us your band and drive through the gate when they
open at 6AM.
One last event I want to mention is the 69th Annual Taft Christmas Parade on Monday, December 1, 2014. This parade
serves as the unofficial kick off to the holiday season in Taft. Our service clubs really help make this event special for our
community and we would like to thank them. Anyone can participant in the parade so submit your forms today!
November 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
7am, Chamber Golf Tournament, Buena Vista Golf Course
11AM-4PM, Taft Chomp and Stomp
2 3
TC Pre-order Christmas Trees DUE
4
Election Day
6pm, City Council meeting
5
9am, Sit ‘n Sip at Taft Chamber
1:30pm, Taft College Foundation Board Meeting
6
5pm, The Fort Country Hoedown
7
6-10pm, First Friday Car Cruise on Center Street
8
6pm, Truxton Mile Concert on Center Street
9
10
11
VETERANS DAY
12-6pm, Houchin Blood Drive at Taft Chamber
12
9am, Sit ‘n Sip at Taft Chamber
Kern County Energy Summit
13
14 15
6am, Chamber Trout Fishing Derby at Buena Vista Lake
8am-noon, Community Clean Up
16 17 18
6pm, City Council Meeting
19 - 9am, Sit ‘n Sip at Taft Chamber
12pm, All service club luncheon, Fort
4pm, Chamber Board Meting
4pm, Together We Can Meeting
6pm, Planning Commission Mtg
20 21
CHRISTMAS PARADE APPLICATIONS DUE
22
23 24 25 26 27 28
CHAMBER CLOSED
29
30
1
6pm, Taft Christmas Parade
“It’s a Roughneck Christmas”
2
6pm, Taft City Council Meeting
3 - 9am, Sit n Sip
6pm, Planning Commission Meeting
6pm, Petroleum Club Industry Night
4
5-8pm, The Fort Holiday Gift Show
5
6-10pm, First Fri-day Cruising Center
7-9pm, West Hills Church Drive Thru Nativity
6
12pm, West Kern Oil Museum Christmas Tea
7-9pm, West Hills Church Drive Thru Nativity
7 8 9
4-7pm, Taft College Bookstore Open House
10
9am, Sit n Sip, Taft Chamber
11 12 13
10am, Soro-pomist Home Tour
6pm, City of Taft Employee Appreciation Dinner
14 15 16
6pm, Taft City Council Meeting
17
9am, Sit n Sip, Taft Chamber
4pm, Chamber Board Meeting
6pm, TC Founda-tion Christmas Party
18 19 20
National Adoption Awareness Month
We invite you to help us promote the importance of
Adoption during the month of November as we cele-
brate National Adoption Awareness Month in Kern
County.
With nearly 2000 children in out of home care in
Kern County, we have a constant need for foster and
adoptive families willing to commit long term to these
children. When children cannot return home to their
families, relatives, or supporting friends, they do best
when they are able to find permanency through Adop-
tion.
The Month will be kicked off with a proclamation
from the Kern County Board of Supervisors on Tues-
day, November 4th, 2014 at 9:00AM during the Board
of Supervisors morning session held at 1115 Truxtun
Avenue.
Kern County’s 12th Annual National Adoption Day
celebration will be held, Friday, November 21st, 2014,
beginning with a press conference at 12:30 PM. This
event is NOT open to the public, but we will have
families ready to share their stories with you!
Attention all PG&E
Ag & Commercial Customers!
PG&E’s Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP) is here to help put more water on your crops and more money in your pocket. If you’ve repaired your pump or plan to make repairs, you are eligible for a rebate up to half the cost of a qualifying repair. Incentives are available ONLY for retrofit or replace-ment of either or both of the pump bowl and impeller. We re-quire a pre-test, the invoice showing what work you had done, and a post-test so we can measure efficiency gained. Please do not hesitate to contact Maggie Werner, [email protected] or 661-
529-0165 for more information.
PG&E Commercial Customers: Did you know that PG&E of-fers FREE energy site surveys? Trained account representatives can visit your business to help you better understand how you are using your energy, as well as help you find opportunities to lower your utility bills. In addition to performing the site sur-vey, account representatives will review PG&E rebates/incentives and any third party programs that could benefit your business. Don’t hesitate to contact Maggie Werner at 661-529-
0165 to schedule your free energy site survey today.
Greetings Friends!
I'm leading a bird hike out at Wind Wolves on Sunday November 2nd from 8:00 am-11:00 am. We will go in the pre-serve van and I'll drive us up canyon to stop at a few different spots to search for and observe birds and other wildlife. It will be a grand adventure, bird are so interesting to watch especially when it is cooler and they have a spring in their step!
Some binoculars will be available to use, recommended for ages 5 and up. It's free of course, but donations help us keep preserving and restoring these lands! Please give me a heads up if you will be coming. Call 661-858-1115, text 661-319-4589, or email me to reserve your spot on the shuttle (limited seats). Share this with others!
M
West Side ROP
Quarterly
Newsletter
NEW! Check it Out!
Taft Chamber 69th Annual
Taft Christmas Parade Monday, December 1, 2014
6:00PM Center Street
Gather your group and create your
best float, walking group, musical
talent, or club that fits your interpre-
tation of
“It’s a Roughneck Christmas!”
SAVE THE DATE!
Call for information 765-2165
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Bob Leikam Domino’s Pizza
1st Vice: Emmanuel Campos
Monarch Fleet Services
2nd Vice President: Ron Sousa Albertsons
Treasurer: Bart Hill United Security Bank
Devinder Bains
Taft Chevrolet—Buick
Tony Cordova Synagro
Les Clark
West Side Recreation and Park District
Bob Hampton Westside Waste Management
Ed Herrera
Edward J Herrera Insurance Agency
Greg Hill Old’s Cool Antiques and More
Sharon Hill
Taft Union High School
Sandy Koenig Westside Community Resource Center
Orchel Krier
Tumbleweed Café
Michael Long The Taft Independent
Dr. Dena Maloney
Taft College
Yvette Mayfield City of Taft
Jordan Miller
Roger Miller Insurance Agency
John Neumann Accelerated Environmental
Dennis Schertz
Asian Experience
Harry Starkey West Kern Water District
John Swearengin
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Dan Tosti Aera Energy LLC
Adele Ward
Taft City School District
Rodney Wikoff West Hills Church of the Nazarene
400 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268
661-765-2165
www.taftchamber.com
OUR STAFF
Executive Director: Dr. Kathy Orrin [email protected]
Event Coordinator: Shannon Jones
TAFT OILDORADO
October 9-18, 2015
Civic Luncheon, Grand Parade, Hot Air Balloons, Music
Festival, Car Show, Gala, Whiskerino, Maid of Petroleum,
Hoosegow & more
Contact Paul Linder for info!
Order a brick Today
Call us at 661-765-2165 to order a
brick for that special oilfield
worker or family member to be
placed at the Taft Oilworkers
Monument.
4x8 Brick: $100,
8x8 Brick: $175 Taft Oilworkers Monument
Welcome to our new and returning members for
September and October!
We look forward to serving the membership and our community through the 2014 year. Your support allows us to grow and act as the business hub for Taft.
If your name or business is missing from this list, that means we have not received your Membership Application and Dues by the time of this publication. Stop by and renew your
Chamber membership today! Contact me for any of these businesses information.
AmeriFirst Financial Inc, NMLS 145368 **
Art’s Corner **
Extreme Wireless **
Friends of Temblor **
LPL Financial **
SCORE—Golden Empire Chapter 563 **
Shar-On Foundation **
T’s Taxi ** ** New member