Author:pablo

Coming Home: Recent Graduates

Art Reception

By Gloria Saldivar

Another great art exhibit was set up in our amazing gallery. It was based on the art of students that have graduated from Taft College and have gone on to four year universities to continue their education. The three artists included Amairani Avendano, Belen Gomez, and Alexandra Reinken. The exhibit was open to the public from March 12- April 11, 2014.

On March 31, 2014 professor Swenson (one of Taft College’s art professors) hosted a reception inside of the art gallery to welcome students as well as faculty to take a look at the interesting works of art. The reception turned out to be a complete success. There was an abundance of intrigued students and faculty that stopped by to see what was happening in our gallery.

As always there were snacks and drinks, but this time there was a delicious cake to celebrate the graduates’ talent. Mellow music and laughter filled the relaxed atmosphere of the gallery. Everyone had a great time at the gallery reception and definitely enjoyed the works of art that were created by the graduates.

On another note the winner for the past student art exhibit is Brynn Enigenburg’s work of art titled “Kate Hudson in Dots.” There was a tie for runner up which included Pio Kiggunon’s work of art titled “woman” and Kai Schoneweis’s work of art titled “I am into bands you have never heard of.” All the artists certainly created great works of art that expressed their artistic talent.

Arts Week

The art reception was part of the arts week event which was hosted by the art department here at Taft College. Activities included poetry readings, music sessions, and a performance by the drama club. These events invited students and faculty to enjoy the artistic skills of the art division. Arts week was fantastic! The art departments truly did a wonderful job . Click the links below.

Devine Reading Poetry Reading Video Music Video

Flock Your Friends for a Cure

Kaylynn Clark

Have you ever wanted to play a practical joke on a friend?
This would be the perfect thing to do while helping out the American Cancer
Society! Taft College is planning to “Stop Cancer in its Tracks” by inviting
Bakersfield and Taft areas to flock your friends!

The proceeds will
directly benefit Relay For Life, and only costs twenty-five dollars to “flock”
a friend’s front yard with plastic pink flamingos from 5am to 5pm. As well, you
can anonymously flock or leave a message at your friend’s physical address.

To receive more info, please contact Jill Brown at
661-763-7812 or 661-428-8385.

How to Do Summer Break On a Budget

By Kaylynn Clark

You see a bunch of college kids on TV on a beach in Cabo or Hawaii,
and wish you had that type of money to spend. Truth is, you are not alone. Many
students in college do not have the opportunity to buy pricey plane tickets,
book a hotel room, and party their tension headaches from Final Exams off. Truth is, there are many things to do on a local level during Summer Break that are definitely a lot more budget
friendly. I have compiled a list of ideas that you can during your break
without breaking your bank!

1. Go target shooting. Turns out, Kern County as a
   wonderful array of firearms dealers that also have shooting ranges on their
   premises. This is a definitely a great activity for thrill-seekers and
   competitive friends alike.  Go to lunch
   after and discuss who hit the target the most and it will make for a great
   time.
2. Explore Kern County. There are many places in
   Kern County that go unexplored by even the most familiar people to the area.
   Try going to the Kern County Museum for a minimal price, or go to that one
   Basque restaurant you have never tried.
3. Take time to unwind with a movie night at home. Summer
   doesn’t always have to be about doing something or going out, especially in the heat. Many
   overwhelmed college kids feel the most refreshed after being able to just spend
   the day at home before Fall semester starts. Invite a few friends over and ask them each to bring a movie and a snack to share. Your wallet will thank you.
4. Go out for Ice Cream. It’s hot outside, but your wallet won’t feel the heat. Ice cream is an affordable option that still makes you feel like you’re indulging!

Lunar Eclipse

Blood Moon

by Juan Ochoa

On the night of April 14^th, Bakersfield had the opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse. The event started around ten p.m when the Earth’s penumbra started touching the moon. By 11:00 the moon had been covered in shadow and starting to turn red. The moon stayed completely red for about an hour, and by 2:00 a.m. the red shadow faded and the moon was turning back into its white color. The lunar eclipse ended at approximately 3:30 a.m.

What Mac & Cheese Can Bring to a Community

By Michael Clites
While California State University of Bakersfield hosts numerous events on their grounds, there is always one that seems to sell out every year. This Bakersfield event is none other than the Mac & Cheese Festival. The festival took place on Saturday April 12; where there were 18 restaurants participating in the festivals contest for “Best Mac & Cheese.”  From deep fried to soup form, it is safe to say that the festival didn’t lacked in creativity. Café Med (a restaurant located in south east Bakersfield) took home the grand prize for having the best macaroni and cheese plate. A dish that was all to cheesy so resist, Café Med had managed to make a deep fried macaroni and cheese plate that surprised many at first, but after tasted, the skeptics were convinced.

But this festival isn’t just about the fabulous mac and cheese. A total of 16 wineries and breweries were also in attendance in which wine was given for sampling and beer was mostly given to refresh those walking around in the sun all day. And while the adults were being entertained by these things, there was plenty to do for the children and family! From a corn hole tournament, to a potato sack hopping contest, children of all ages had smiles on their faces.

But what is the purpose to all this delicious fun? The objective of the festival is to raise funds and awareness for 170 of the member Children’s Hospitals across North America. “The attendance is always outstanding, but never overwhelming every year that I come,” says a spectator at the event, “My family and have followed this festival all over California and it never seems to disappoint because my wife, daughters, and myself are entertained by the food and events here.” By selling out for the second time in its existence, the 2014 Mac & Cheese Festival raised over an estimated five thousand dollars for Children’s Miracle Network.

Yes, the festival seems to be getting better and better every year with more sponsors and participants gaining interest. Hopefully, this event can continue to sell out and raise the funds and awareness for the children’s hospitals nationwide.

The College Kid’s Guide to Less Stress

By Kaylynn Clark

Stress. It’s understandable when you have courses that are
very taxing, figuratively and literally. There are many things that can help
you to perform better in that one hard class or just help you to concentrate
better during your school week. Here are some solutions to the common problems
college student have.

The issue: skipping meals

The solution:  We are
all guilty of doing this at some point in time during our time in school. Many
classes are offered during regular meal times, like 8am (breakfast), 1pm (lunch),
or 6pm(dinner) .  This can be challenging
and can make it hard to focus during class, causing your stress levels and
cramming to go up. Try to pack a snack or portable meal to eat during a break
from class or get to school early so you can enjoy a meal right before you have
to report to class. There are also many options available at the Taft College
Cafeteria during school hours.

The issue: lack of sleep

The solution: Try to set a regular sleep schedule to follow,
no matter what is going on in your classes. The truth is, the amount of sleep
required to function normally is 8 hour, so try to get at least that. You
could also try to nap between large gaps between classes to refresh.

The issue: no personal time

The solution: There are many things that can help with this
situation. A lifesaver to many college students is their daily planner, and I
am no exception. A daily planner can help you to manage your time effectively,
as well as making time to enjoy yourself. Also, changing your mindset about school
can help with any anxiety. Remember, it is only 16 weeks per semester, and you
will always have plenty of time to relax at the end!

So You Got Into a University. . . What’s Next?

ByKaylynn Clark

1. Get your final transcripts from your junior
   college and submit them for review.
2. Contact your future school for a counseling
   appointment as soon as your final transcript is sent.
3. Go for a tour of the campus, if you haven’t yet.
4. Register for classes!

Professor Dyer’s Creative Writing to Read at Black Gold Café

By Kaylynn Clark

Taft College’s very own creative writing students will be
reading original pieces from their final collections on May 15^th,
2014. It is a great opportunity to listen to some great pieces of literature,
spanning many different genres. More information will be posted closer to
event.

Mac and Cheese Festival

By Kendyl Chavez

Bakersfield’s 2014 Mac and Cheese Festival was held on Saturday, April 12^th at Cal State University of Bakersfield. This event lured in three thousand people, eighteen participating restaurants, and thirteen local breweries and wineries. Not only were beverages and mac and cheese served, there was also live entertainment, games, and vendor booths serving treats such as kettle corn and snow cones. The goal of this festival is to help bring communities together and raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and to establish who has the best mac and cheese in town!

This year, there were eighteen participants who served creations such as chili-mac, mac and cheese flautas, and bacon mac and cheese. Every vendor had a unique spin on mac and cheese, but it was up to the people to decide who had the best. This year’s top three chefs were from Café Med, Steak and Grape, and the Crystal Palace.

The Mac and Cheese Festival is a fun event for people who are 21 and older to get together to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment!