Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Barbara Fassel, President of the Wofford Heights Community Association (WHCA), was first on the agenda and gave a recap about the association. The WHCA was born last year when Fassel asked some friends, “Where’s the ‘Welcome to Wofford Heights’ sign?” There wasn’t one.

She decided to rectify the situation and called for a Town Hall meeting; to her surprise 35 people showed up. Since then, the group has been working to establish a separate identity from Kernville, and has many ideas on how to boost civic involvement and spirit. That could involve showcasing artwork throughout the town or staging a music festival. “We love Kernville, but we’re tired of being the town before Kernville,” said Fassel. “We’re seeking our own identity and spirit. One of our goals is to bring business and commerce back to Wofford Heights.” Here’s how to get involved, attend a meeting, the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Family Life Center, or become a member. Visit krvr.org and search for Wofford Heights Community Association.

Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross,asked people to please donate food and clothing to the Caravan for Compassion, which picks up donations monthly and distributes them equally to God’s Storehouse, the Food Pantry, and the Salvation Army. There are red donation barrels throughout the Kern Valley. The Caravan makes a circuit through the Kern Valley on the third Saturday of each month. Needed are basics such as pasta, beans, packaged potatoes, canned meats, vegetables, soups, diapers, gently used blankets, winter coats, hats, mittens, and socks etc. “This is not political,” said Spohn-Gross, “It’s about helping the poor in our community.” Visit krvr.org and click on Caravan for Compassion.

Spohn-Gross also gave the group an update on the KRV Swimming Program. She is currently looking for sponsors and hopes to top the $21,000 raised last year. Local green architect Nancy Shebesta envisions a solar heater for the pool, which will extend the program. This year, Saturday classes will be available as will adult classes. Online registration is planned to streamline the process.

To raise funds, organizers are planning a golf tournament on May 30 at the Kernville Golf Course. It will be followed by a gala under the stars with music, food, and a silent auction. For more information, or to contribute, email dpmspooner@hotmail.com.

Richard Rowe spoke about his pet project, Living Green in the KRVFestival, planned for March 27-30. Events include tours, demonstrations, workshops, a green film festival, vendor expo, a native plant sale, lots of giveaways, children’s activities, and more. Rowe wants Kern Valley residents to start thinking about saving money and the planet, while enjoying a new festival in the KRV.

A Green Art exhibit that will kick off the Festival on Thursday, March 26, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall in Kernville. On Sunday, March 29 at 4 p.m. at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella, Uduak Ntuk, a petroleum engineer, will give an illustrated talk about climate change. Like many other volunteers, Ntuk has been trained by Al Gore himself.  Even those who have seen Al Gore’s Academy Award-winning film “An Inconvenient Truth” can learn something from this more up-to-date slide show. Visit the Living Green section of the KRVR website at www.krvr.org.

Tom Anderson gave a brief outline of the Desert and Mountain Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council and how it has benefited the Kern Valley. KRVR was a founding member of the Desert and Mountain RC&D, which is a non-profit and part of a network of 375 RC&D councils throughout the U.S. The Federal government provides a Coordinator for each RC&D, but each council is made up of local people working to decide which projects should be taken on in their own communities.

Programs in the Kern Valley by the RC&D include small business development, assistance with the KRV Tourism Marketing Plan, the Kern River Watershed Director, and the Yard and Garden Coordinator. The program hasn’t benefitted from the President’s proposed budget. During President Bush’s term, people wrote letters requesting that $65 million be added back into the federal budget. Anderson asks people to write to Congressman Kevin McCarthy, asking his support of more RC&D funding.

Jeanette Rogers reported on the Kern Valley Hospital Foundation’s 11th annual Heart Walk, on Feb. 28. Monies are still being tallied for this year’s event, but last year, the Heart Walk raised $18,000.

Cheryl Borthick, President of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce (KCC) spoke about “A Taste of Kernville,” a mixer on March 23, at 5 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall. The event is free and will include food samples from various Kernville restaurants and eateries. For more information, call the Chamber at 376-2629.

Borthick also announced that the three Whiskey Flat Mayoral Candidates raised $29,734 this year. The proceeds are divided among the Chamber and each candidate’s charity. Jim Dandy raised $7,133, with $2,353.20 going to the Kern Valley Youth Center; Carter Cash raised $9,669.14, with $3,367.65 going to Kern Valley Youth Football, and winner Bronco Bob raised an astonishing $12,931.85, with $4,672.74 going to the Kernville Union School District PTC and Booster clubs

KRVR meets the first Wednesday of every month, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 1, at 9 a.m. at the Kernville Chamber Building. For more information, visit www.krvr.org.