‘Activities For Kids’ Articles
Written by tgrJams on 06 December 2011
C.A.S.A. Is Here for the Children
Please be there for C.A.S.A.
Russo’s Books 3rd Annual Christmas Book Drive for C.A.S.A.
Needs Your Help to Succeed!
By Thomas G. Robinson, Fake Reporter
Mi casa es tú casa. Probably one of the easiest translations of a Spanish saying to English. You see this saying all over, but usually at the entrance to someone’s home, or out on the patio by the bar-b-que pit, near the table. We know what it means, ‘my house is your house’, but we never really look at the words, or genuinely mean them right? I mean, I prefer the other well known quote, “Friends and fish both smell after three days!” Right?
But take a little closer look at the true meaning of that phrase and you’ll end up in some kind of setting like the CASA headquarters over on 24th Street. The office is always busy and they are constantly trying to get these children the help they need while they are dealing with the most “unchildish” of situations. In this case, it truly is the about “mi casa”.
You see, when kids are in an unfortunate situation where they have been listed by the courts as abused, neglected or abandoned, they become separated from their families and begin their journey through the juvenile court system. The Juvenile Court then notifies CASA , and an Advocate is assigned to their case. The Advocate evaluates the child and discusses with the judge his or her report prior to the judge making a decision. This is a great help for the judge who will now use this very important insight to decide the course of action the courts will take for the betterment of the child.
Now, going through this horrible mess at any given time of the year is not a good thing for a child. But add to that, that it’s Christmas Season, and there’s a whole new set of loneliness and a stronger sense of abandonment that they feel now, that they don’t at other times of the year.
Russo’s Books wants to help take some of the grief out of these children’s lives, if not but for a minute or two, or ten, or a couple of hours! And you can help too! How? By buying a brand new book and giving it to us to give to CASA, you will ensure that these children will not feel like they’ve been forgotten this holiday season! For some of these kids, it may even be the very first book that they can truly call their own! Something happens when you own a book. You get a sense of self worth and self esteem. You cherish it more. You may even want to read it over and over again.
We think that when children own their very own brand new book, it will not only take their minds off of the very big and awful situation they are going through, but it just may increase their wanting to embrace reading just a little more!
Our goal this year is to raise 400 books for CASA. Each child will receive one, maybe even two books from this effort. Won’t you help us?
So help CASA help these kids! Stop by Russo’s Books at The Marketplace and donate a book to a CASA Kid. Give the gift of literacy! Porque, mi casa es en realidad su casa, y me allegro de que lo es!
Tags: abuse, advocates, casa, children, christmas, donate, family, giving, help, russo's books
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Book Reviews, Business News, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by One Bakersfield on 01 June 2011
Looking for something educational, entertaining and enriching to occupy your children this summer? California State University, Bakersfield is offering plenty of summer camp opportunities for children, including art, reading, math and sports.
Here is all you need to know:
Roadrunner Reading Camp
Description: Children build skills in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension through small group instruction by experienced teachers in a relaxed learning environment.
Ages: Kindergarten through sixth grade
Dates: June 13-July 7, Monday through Thursday (No camp on July 4)
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: $325 per camper before May 13; $375 per camper after May 13 (Discounts and payment plan available)
Deadline to register: June 6
To register: www.csub.edu/extension or 661-654-2441
Roadrunner Math Camp
Description: Children master math facts and increase mathematical reasoning through small group instruction by experienced teachers in a relaxed learning environment.
Ages: Kindergarten through sixth grade
Dates: June 13-July 7, Monday through Thursday (No camp on July 4)
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Cost: $325 per camper before May 13; $375 per camper after May 13 (Discounts and payment plan available)
Deadline to register: June 6
To register: www.csub.edu/extension or 661-654-2441
“A Summer Adventure in Art” Art Camp
Description: Children learn to draw, paint, and create three-dimensional art using a variety of mixed media such as pencil, pastels, watercolor, modeling compound, and even vegetables.
Ages: 6 to 12 years (Must have completed first grade to enroll)
Dates: June 13-July 7, Monday through Thursday (No camp on July 4)
Time: 9 a.m. to noon for ages 10-12; 1 to 4 p.m. for ages 6-9
Cost: $325 per camper before May 13; $375 per camper after May 13 (Discounts and payment plan available)
Deadline to register: June 6
To register: www.csub.edu/extension or 661-654-2441
All Sports Camp
Description: Children are introduced to the techniques of various sports in a fun way that promotes health, cooperation and teamwork. Children are grouped by age, size and ability. Some of the sports include swimming, golf, baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football and more.
Ages: Pee wee 3-4 years; Half-day 5-13 years; Full-day 7-13 years
Dates: Week one June 13-17; Week two July 25-29
Time: Pee wee 8-10:30 a.m.; Half-day 8-11:30 a.m.; All day 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Pee wee $150; Half-day $170; Full-day $185 (Full-day to 5 p.m. $235)
Deadline to register: May 30 for $20 discount; after May 30 full price
To register: Contact Simon Tobin at 654-2428 or stobin@csub.edu
Soccer Camp
Description: Younger players can arrive with little or no previous soccer experience and leave a skilled young soccer enthusiast. Experienced children will learn technical skills and group drills.
Ages: Pee wee 3-4 years; Half-day 5-11 years; Full-day 7-14 years
Dates: June 20-24; July 11-15
Time: Pee wee 8-10:30 a.m.; Half-day 8-11:30 a.m.; Full-day 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (drop off as early as 7:30 a.m.; pick up as late as 5 p.m.)
Cost: Pee wee $150; Half-day $180; Full-day $225 (Discounts available)
Deadline to register: None, but $20 extra for walk-ups
To register: Contact Simon Tobin at 654-2428 or stobin@csub.edu
Roadrunner Wrestling Camp
Description: Two concurrent camps include Competition Camp, which features technique sessions and lots of live matches, and Technique Camp, which is geared more toward technique but also has some live wrestling at the end of each day. There are two levels of Technique Camp: beginner and advanced.
Ages: 9 to 18 years; 7th to 12th grade for Competition Camp; 4th to 12th grade for Technique Camp
Dates: July 31-Aug. 4
Time: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (overnight option available)
Cost: $120-$380
Deadline to register: July 1
To register: For Competition Camp call Brian Cobb at 661-900-9016; For Technique Camp call Gerry Abas at 661-203-4727.
Women’s Basketball Individual Skills Camp
Description: This camp is designed to develop each player’s fundamental basketball skills an overall playing ability with fun sessions of instruction and competition.
Ages: 4-17 years
Dates: June 20-23
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $150 before May 1; $175 after May 1; $230 for two siblings
Deadline to register: None
To register: Contact Mandi Carver at 654-6027 or acarver@csub.edu
Women’s Basketball Team Camp
Description: This camp is being offered to junior high, high school and club basketball teams. Each team will play a minimum of five games, plus learn individual skill work, time and score situations, and practice time.
Ages: 7th to 12th grade
Dates: June 24-26
Time: Teams will be notified when schedule is complete
Cost: $375 per team; $550 for two teams
Deadline to register: None
To register: Contact Mandi Carver at 654-6027 or acarver@csub.edu
5meter Water Polo Camp
Description: The camp offers a competitive learning environment for athletes looking to elevate their game and learn from accomplished coaches. Camp will offer position training to focus on your skills at your position. The camp is also open to beginners looking to develop the fundamental skills to play the game of water polo. Register as an individual or as a team.
Ages: 8-18 years
Dates: July 10-13
Time: Drop off 4 p.m. Sunday; pick up at 3 p.m. Wednesday
Age groups: 8-18 years old
Cost: Day camp $250; extended day camp $295; overnight camp $395
Deadline to register: June 1 for early registration
To register: Contact Jason Gall at (877) 824-7656 or jgall@csub.edu or visit www.5meter.com
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Written by tgrJams on 30 November 2010
by Thomas G. Robinson, Business Development Representative for Russo’s Books
Russo’s Christmas Book Drive for CASA Kicks-Off Saturday!
Every year, for the last six years, I have been involved in helping to raise books and awareness for the children of CASA. Many people I have talked to had never heard of CASA until something like this event takes place. I am in no way saying that I am some sort of generous philanthropist, because, as much as I’d like to be – I just don’t have the means. But, when it comes to children in need - especially those going through some pretty hard times, I make a special effort to do what I can. I am a bookseller. As a result, I have come to the conclusion that this is the something I can do, and I have done it for a few years now.
But, I need your help.
Last year, with the generosity of the Bakersfield community, we raised almost 1,600 books. Our goal was 2,000! Obviously, we fell short of that goal! We want to rectify that this year! WE WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU COULD HELP US DO THAT!
Why a new book? I love this explanation by our store manager, Jason Frost. He made this statement when he created a personal movement called “OPERATION RUBICONREADER”, where he is raising awareness and getting new books donated to send to the American soldiers over in Afghanistan and Iraq. It hits the ‘nail on the head’, and I really like what it says – so much that I’ve decided to include it here, word for word. It says all I want to say about giving a NEW book:
“If you choose to help, I do ask that you purchase NEW books for our soldiers. There is something psychological about receiving something new from a stranger and I do not, nor will I, let this turn into a “a dump for my old books”. YES, I know our soldiers would appreciate any literature sent to them, but I am sticking by my plea to buy them a new book. Please.” – Jason Frost, Russo’s Books Store Manager
To me, it’s about the fact that for many of the kids involved with CASA, it will be their first ever book that they own. The first book they can truly call thier own. Not only that, but given to them at a time when everything seems so wrong in their young lives. I’m sure they will remember this gift for years to come, maybe even all their lives.
Russo’s Books at The Marketplace will present the official “Kick-Off Event” for their 2nd Annual Christmas Book Drive for CASA Saturday, December 4th at 2:00 PM. You can meet representatives from CASA who will tell you about their program. There will be storytimes, community leaders, refreshments and maybe even a cartoonist!
For your entertainment, and to help… us with the festivities, news anchor Lisa Krch, author Nick Belardes and Thomas G. Robinson will read storytime favorites for the kids. Then, actors from The Empty Space Theatre will perform The Night Before Christmas! Afterwards, you’ll be able to talk to the actors and learn more about The Empty Space Theatre, and all the programs they offer our community as well.
What is a C.A.S.A.?
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (or… CASA) of Kern County speaks for abused and neglected children in the juvenile dependency process. Through the use of highly trained volunteers, the CASA program seeks to provide every child who needs an advocate with a voice in the court process.*
The Christmas Season is a time for joy, happiness, caroling, chestnuts being roasted on an open fire… and everything warm and cozy like that. But, guess what? Bad things happen during Christmastime, too.
Families get broken up due to domestic violence. Parents get arrested for things they should not have been doing without thinking about the ramifications of their actions and how it will affect their children until they get taken away.
Even though it’s a time for joy and happiness, real life goes on, and real people still get hurt. That is why CASA is here. To help the kids in need during these hard times, and to give them a voice in the court system – to be heard and noticed when they are so often lost in the shuffle of legal red tape.
And that’s why we’re here, too. Russo’s Books believes in CASA and the children of this community that they assist. That’s why we are asking for your help to bring a little ray of sunshine into the dark times these kids are dealing with.
Throughout the month of December, you’ll get a chance to help us reach our goal of providing the kids at CASA with over 2,000 books! A brand new book can raise a child’s self esteem, their interest in reading and, like I mentioned earlier - it may be the first book they can truly call their own.
We ask that you come to Russo’s Books at The Marketplace and grab one of the books we’ve conveniently placed on a table near the registers. Your gift, the ‘gift of literacy’, will be remembered by this child for years to come.
We thank you for your support of the kids this holiday season, and for shopping at Bakersfield’s only independent bookstore… Russo’s Books at The Marketplace!
(* taken from the CASA website)
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Written by tgrJams on 16 November 2010
OH NO? OH YES!!! Apolo Skates to Russo’s!
by Thomas G. Robinson
Whenever I hear of the name ‘Apollo’, I think of either the famous landmark in Harlem or the heavyweight foe that Rocky must fight in III. One is a legendary theatre where one night’s ‘Amateur Night’ gave us the Jackson 5. The other was one of the best of the Rocky franchise movies, and gave us Mr. T!
But, who knew if you got the ‘L’ out of his first name (yeah… sorry, I had to), you’d come up with the legendary record-holding Olympic gold medalist, Apolo Ohno. Even more – who knew one day he’d be coming to Bakersfield on a stop from his very busy tour promoting his new book, ZERO REGRETS: Be Greater Than Yesterday.
What a coincidence – One of the events I watched at this year’s Olympics in Vancouver, was Apolo’s incredible 3 out of 4 wins. I watched, quite simply, because Apolo was competing. Prior to that, that particular event never interested me. It wasn’t until I started hearing the stories of this young man and his father, that I started paying attention. By the time he was racing against the others, I was standing and cheering – shouting at the television, “Go Ohno! Go Ohno!”
Now he’s on his bus tour promoting his new book and making a special stop at our bookstore in The Marketplace! You get a chance to meet this incredible Olympic gold medalist and have your book signed by Apolo himself. He’ll be at our store Monday, November 29th at 12:00 Noon! He is scheduled for an hour, so don’t be late or you’ll miss this opportunity!
From the publisher:
Apolo Ohno is the most decorated American Winter Olympics athlete of all time with eight medals (two Gold, two Silver, four Bronze) and it’s safe to say that he not only changed the face of competitive short track speed skating, he put it on the map. He’s a role model for people of all ages and backgrounds, and he has transcended his sport to become an American icon. ZERO REGRETS (Atria Books; $26.00; October 26, 2010) is his story.
More than just a book that details Apolo’s amazing career, it is an intriguing and intimate glimpse of the person he really is. In this refreshingly honest, accessible, and practical book, Apolo doesn’t pull any punches as he shares with readers what makes him tick, how he evolved from a troubled youth into a disciplined and record-setting athlete, and where he finds inspiration every single day.
—
Our book store, Russo’s Books at The Marketplace, has had a stellar year with famous author signings! Through our hard work, our connections and our persistence, we’ve been able to bring you one of the hottest writers on the New York Times Best-Sellers list (Justin Halpern, Sh*t My Dad Says), a legendary Pulitzer Prize nominee (Victor Villaseñor, Rain of Gold, Burro Genius), a presidential nominee (Mike Huckabee, A Simple Christmas and Can’t Wait Till Christmas, coming Nov. 30th) and a speed skating legend and multi gold medal winner, Apolo Ohno (ZERO REGRETS, coming Nov. 29th , 12:00 Noon).
Your support of these events, both physically – by being here, and monetarily – by purchasing your book here at Russo’s, will only continue to help us in bringing these famous and controversial authors to Bakersfield. We appreciate the support! :-)
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Book Reviews, Business News, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About, Sports | Comments Off
Written by tgrJams on 08 November 2010
by The Empty Space Theatre
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
A Powerful New Adaptation by Wendy Kessellman
directed by Bob Kempf
…Back by popular demand after a sold-out run this past spring!
From one of the most inspiring and popular books of the 20th Century comes the stage version of The Diary of Anne Frank. Originally produced on Broadway in 1955, The Diary of Anne Frank has been revised and transformed by acclaimed writer Wendy Kesselman, who has created a more intense drama, with fuller, more complex characters. With formerly censored diary entries woven into the story, The Diary of Anne Frank is even more of an astounding and life-affirming theatrical experience, showing us both the fragility and the resiliency of the human spirit in a time of imponderable evil.
Featuring an impressive cast of actors (Mariah Bathe, Randy Messick, Amelia Egland, Julia Stansbury, Matt Borton, Amy Hall, Jason Monroe, Don McPherson, Tim Fromm, Alison Martin), and directed by The Empty Space’s artistic director Bob Kempf, The Diary of Anne Frank is a modern classic that everyone needs to witness.
RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
Performances are November 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 8pm, with a Sunday 5pm matinee on November 14.
Admission to all 8pm shows is by donation.
Admission for the matinee performance is $15 and includes a post-show reception with food, beverage, and a Q&A with the cast. This matinee is also a benefit performance for the Anne Frank Center USA.
The Anne Frank Center USA is a not-for-profit organization that uses the diary and spirit of Anne Frank as unique tools to advance her legacy, to educate young people and communities about the consequences of intolerance, racism and discrimination, and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on mutual respect. Visit www.annefrank.com for more information.
For reservations or more information, please call 661-327-7529.
Tags: acting, anne frank, bakersfield, bob kempf, diary, drama, history, The Empty Space, theatre
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Written by tgrJams on 17 September 2010
This weekend, Russo’s Books at The Marketplace will celebrate two “hometown hero” authors. Congressman Kevin McCarthy will sign his new book, “Young Guns: A New Generation of Conservative Leaders” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. The day before, the bookstore will honor an award-winning children’s author. Read on for her story.
By Thomas G. Robinson, Russo’s Books Business Development Representative
It is not often that we get to take part in a proclamation. In this case, a “day” will be set aside to honor a local celebrity who is one of the biggest children’s and young adult authors in the nation. This national best-selling, multi-award winning and internationally recognized author will be honored by both Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and Assemblywoman Jean Fuller on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Oh, and she happens to be a Bakersfield native, too – born and raised!
Author Pam Muñoz Ryan (“Esperanza Rising,” “Becoming Naomi León”) is a member of Bakersfield City School District’s Hall of Fame (having attended McKinley and Longfellow Elementary and Washington Junior High). After graduating from Bakersfield High School, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University. She currently resides in the San Diego area.
“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan has won several awards, including the Pura Belpré Award which honors Latino authors whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in a children’s book.
Her 30+ books for young people range from children’s picture books to young adult novels. A two-time winner of the Willa Cather Award for Writing, her novels have garnered some of the nation’s most prestigious accolades for children’s writings. Most recently, she received the 2010 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for her book “The Dreamer.”
Pam Muñoz Ryan has been invited to the White House on three occasions for the National Book Festival and other literary events. She is the National Education Association Author recipient of the Civil and Human Rights Award. Next month, she will travel as the American author representative to South Korea, where she and others from 26 countries will collaborate on an international book on peace for the International Board on Books for Young People.
Saturday, Sept. 18, will be proclaimed Pam Muñoz Ryan Day in Bakersfield. The celebration will take place at 2 p.m. at The Marketplace fountain, 9000 Ming Ave., with a reception to follow at Russo’s Books at The Marketplace.
In attendance will be the author’s family, “Esperanza Rising” cover artist Joe Cepeda, Nick Olmos and the College Heights Elementary Mariachi Band (who will perform), actors Bob Kempf, Michelle Weingarden, Kristina Saldaña and Jason Monroe from The Empty Space Theatre (who will perform a play based on her children’s book “When Mirian Sang”), her cousin (and local journalist) Lisa Kimble who will speak on growing up with Pam, and Sandra Yoon, BCSD Coordinator of Library Media Services who will speak on the importance of the author’s literary efforts. Finally, Pam Muñoz Ryan herself will speak.
The event will conclude with refreshments served at Russo’s Books, where Pam will meet and greet her friends and fans, and sign copies of her books.
The event is part of a long line-up of programs being held from September to November in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month and the latest One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern community read of “Burro Genius” by California author Victor Villaseñor. Learn more about the read and the events surrounding it by visiting the Kern County Library’s website.
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Assemblymember Jean Fuller, Bakersfield City Goverment, Book Reviews, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by tgrJams on 11 May 2010
The magic of reading is more than just a title. Once children or adults learn to read, the world opens up to them. Magically, you’re off to another land, another time or even another galaxy! Reading brings its own magic to you.
Then, there’s the magic of old. Top hats, rabbits, sawing someone in half – yeah, we’ve got that, too!
Magician David McDonald will appear at Russo’s Books on May 15th, at 2:00 PM to present his magic show, “The Magic of Reading”. A professional magician available for parties, gatherings, corporate celebrations, etc., David will entertain kids and adults.
You can enter our raffle to win magical prizes that include magic lessons or the Grand Prize of a professional magic show by David McDonald himself! (A $500 value!)
The magic is in the air, on our shelves and in our books at Russo’s Books! Won’t you join us? For more information, please call Russo’s Books at 665-4686.
Tags: bakersfield, books, family, free, magic, prizes, reading, russo's
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Written by One Bakersfield on 31 March 2010
 Valley Oaks Charter School and the Arts Council of Kern are offering a 10-week theater arts workshop that takes young people through a process of discovering the qualities we admire in themselves – as well as those other “kryptonite” ones we wish we could send to outer space!
These qualities become the core of our Superhero selves. What do our Superheroes look like? How do they save the world? We’ll write a play about our characters and then perform it for family and friends. This workshop will not only develop our acting and writing talents, but we’ll learn percussion as well, which will get woven into the final performance.
The workshop is from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursdays from April 8 to May 27, with a special session for girls only from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 1. Don’t worry if you miss the April 1 session – everyone will be starting at the same level on April 8.
All workshops will be held at the Stars School of Performing Arts, 1927 Eye Street, Bakersfield. This is a Valley Oaks Charter School vendor program, as well as being open to students from other schools. The workshop is open to girls and boys ages 6 to 14.
Cost is $10 per week ($100 for all 10 sessions) with a one-time $25 costume and materials feed due at the first session. To sign up, call the Arts Council of Kern at 661-324-9000. |
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