A Canadian motorist, hospitalized in Bakersfield, sends a love letter to Kern County, and Pam Fiorini leaves the Golden Empire Gleaners

 * … HOME: If you ever doubt the goodness that exists in this community, notes like the following should serve as a wakeup call. Amanda Vallette and her husband are from Edmonton, Alberta, and

were touring the United States on motorcycles when they suffered an unfortunate crash and ended up in a local hospital. Said Amanda: "We met what I would like to believe were real Americans right from the beginning, some of the finest people we have ever met. To the strangers that helped us on the road, thank you for taking time out of your day to help me as I lay on the highway. To the Highway Patrol who took control and managed the situation with compassion and efficiency. To the fire rescue, you offered so much comfort with your experience. To the sweet EMS staff that calmed me by telling me the damage to my bike was cosmetic. But most off all to the hospital staff. We were nervous about the U.S. medical system but that was soon dismissed as we got such wonderful care from the time we went through the doors. There are so many others that made a positive impression, the hotel staff where my husband stayed waiting for my discharge, the clerk at Rite Aid, the medical transport to LAX. The bottom line is that Bakersfield showed us just how wonderful a country the USA is. Here is a big thank you to one and all."

 * … GLEANERS: Pam Fiorini is resigning as executive director of the Golden Empire Gleaners. Fiorini has served as head of the charity for seven years and told me it was time to do something else. No word yet on who will succeed her. (photo of Pam Fiorini (right) with Judi McCarthy.)

 * … SPOTTED: A woman in an old green van casually tosses her fast food wrappers and soda cup out the driver's side window while driving down Mount Vernon. When she stops at a light, she empties her ashtray.

 * … OVERHEARD: In the Vons at The Marketplace a woman is telling a friend about her children going back to school. "God knows I love them but I can't wait to get them out of the house."

 * … FOODIE BEST BET: Cafe Med has brought back its half off appetizers during happy hour, as well as $3 beer, $4 wine and $5 martinis. Always a best bet for quality food and drink.

 * … DATE NIGHT: Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? Then you might consider Date Night at the Fox Theater which will be showing the 1980 film Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. Admission, hot dogs and drinks are just $1 each. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. It's a chance to see all the work the Fox Theater Foundation has done on bringing the old girl back to glory.

 * … VILLAGEFEST: Get ready for another VillageFest, the always popular event that is expected to raise $160,000 for charity. The event, featuring craft beer, music and food, is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Kern County Museum from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be beer from more than 60 breweries, wine and plenty of food, not to mention 15 local brands. The attendance is expected to exceed 5,000. The event has always been a fundraiser for C.A.R.E. (Children’s Advocates Resource Endowment), a non-profit organization serving the needs of Kern County’s children since 1999. Tickets are $70 and may be purchased at Vallitix, Lengthwise and Frugatti's Italian Restaurant.