Riding for a smoothie

Visitors to Wasco library were treated to a demonstration on how to make healthy smoothies by the Downtown Business Association's vice president, Camilo Vasquez.

Trained in the culinary arts, Vasquez leads demonstrations the first Wednesday of each month showcasing a different item. In his "day job," he creates sandwiches and salads for Cloud Nine Restaurant on California Street in Bakersfield.

Approximately 20 people joined the fun last week. Vasquez provided the ingredients to make healthy smoothies. There was no sugar involved; only natural honey was used as a sweetner. Vasquez was surrounded by an array of strawberries, bananas, oranges, apples, Craisons, almond milk, orange juice and nonfat unflavored yogurt.

Vasquez had a special bike with a blender attachment hooked to the front, and anyone who made a smoothie had to ride the bike to get the blender going. The faster they peddled, the smoother their drink.

Vasquez demonstrated the bike to everyone; however, some of those who made smoothies were not strong enough to peddle the bike, so he assisted.

Vasquez delighted the kids by making chef's hats for them out of white construction paper.

Librarian Tina Garcia looked on as attendees created their own smoothies.

In addition, fifth-grader Thomas Marin from Maple School was visiting the library at the perfect time for the demonstration.

After attending that morning's Coalition meeting, Wasco Woman's Club President Marlene Swan spent some time creating her own smoothie.

Extra Help/Departmental Aide Jennifer Munoz created a smoothie, while Shellie Orneloz, another library aide watched.