State’s virtual tree lighting: So what?
I am sometimes just baffled by what upsets folks like the letter writer who complained Dec. 14 about Gov. Gavin Newsom switching the Christmas tree lightning ceremony to a virtual one. He called the switch a “ban” of Christmas tree lighting.
Congress can’t pass a budget or provide aid to Israel and the Ukraine — and changing the Christmas tree lighting bothers him? Wow. I have to admit that I didn’t know there was a California Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and I’ve never seen it, live or virtual. I wonder if the letter writer has ever traveled to Sacramento to see the ceremony live. My money is on “no.” — Jay C. Smith, Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY IS A TREASURE
Bakersfield has a true treasure in our Bakersfield Symphony! Attending the Christmas concert was pure joy! Concert-goers were first welcomed by a group of Strolling String students from Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Music education in schools is definitely a plus!! There were also planned kids’ activities in the lobby prior to the concert.
Maestro Stilian Kirov and the symphony never disappoint. His rapport with the audience is endearing and always pleasant. The symphony performed classical holiday music of composers that were unknown to some of us, but were enjoyable nonetheless. Equally pleasing were the familiar carols which offered a sing-along. Dr. Jennifer Garrett’s Bakersfield College choirs were so engaging from singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” to the very entertaining “Twelve Days of Christmas” sung by the men’s chorus.
A special shout-out to Tastries Bakery, which provided hundreds of decorated mini cupcakes and cookies free to the attendees. What a treat! Thank you to each person performing or working behind the scenes. Each one worked to make it a memorable evening. — Caryl Curless, Bakersfield
RESOLVE TO DONATE BLOOD
We are rapidly approaching the time of year when people once again resolve to do “good things” and discontinue doing “bad things.” Some succeed, but many fail to accomplish their well-intentioned resolutions. I generally fall into the latter category except for one New Year’s resolution I made 40 years ago.
Having seen the advertisement for Houchin Community Blood Bank’s need for donors during the holiday season, I resolved that in the new year I would donate a pint of blood every time I was eligible. I kept that resolution and donated six times. At the end of the year, realizing I was only two pints away from a gallon, I decided to complete a one-gallon donation.
I proudly displayed the “Houchin Blood Bank 1 Gallon Club” license plate frame on my car. Then I thought, “I’ve donated one gallon, now go for two.” So, I did ... and then three and then four. Now 40 years and 20 gallons later there is a continuing satisfaction in the knowledge that I have had a part in helping many people survive a catastrophic incident who may not have survived had they not received a blood transfusion.
In this holiday season, if you would like to share your good health with someone who needs help, I encourage you to be a whole blood or plasma donor. As the Houchin Community Blood Bank slogan so aptly states, “People live when people give.” — Joe Moesta, Bakersfield