What's Up in Bear Valley Springs?

The recent PSPS events certainly had a lot of our community in an uproar and disrupted services. On top of that, the schools were closed causing, at a minimum, great inconvenience to working parents, plus meals and a warm, safe place for children who depend on those services. As well, people who needed power for medical devices were put at risk. Hopefully a better solution can be found in the future.

At the November CSD meeting, discussions were held on preparing for possible future outages. A warming (or alternately, cooling) center, as well as a charging center would be available at the Whiting Center. Also, pump generators were explored to get water to the citizens of the community.

On Monday, Nov. 11, the BVS Veteran’s Association held a memorial service at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Jim Carmichael greeted us with bagpipe music as the crowd gathered. The weather was beautiful and the size of the crowd showed it. A good 80 people assembled for the service. Richard Oldenburg, commander, gave the welcoming introduction, then Jim Rice led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Eve Geisler led us in the National Anthem. Four inductees were added to our memorial. These are all veterans who have resided in Bear Valley and passed within the past five to six months. Honorees that day were Douglas W. Griffith who served with the U.S. Army in Korea; Jerry Guardado who served as an officer in the U.S. Army in Vietnam; James A. Murray, corporal, who served in the U.S. Marines in Korea and Charles (Chuck) R. Smith, who served in the U.S. Army in Okinawa. After they were each inducted, Oldenburg presented each widow with a bouquet.

Two enjoyable events are coming up. Right after Thanksgiving, the annual holiday bazaar will take place at the Whiting Center. Many talented artisans will be displaying and selling their works, suitable as unique Christmas gifts.

As well, on Sunday, Dec. 8, the Tehachapi Pops orchestra is performing their annual holiday concert, again at the Whiting Center. The event starts at 2 p.m. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Both these events are sponsored by the Cultural Arts Association.

And, of course, the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Oak Tree Country Club is coming right up.

Bear Valley Springs is a private gated community in which the residents pay an annual Association amenities fee. To participate in the above events, a non-member or non-resident must arrange with a friend or family member in the community for a guest pass that would permit them to engage in the activities. Guest passes will be checked.