Jackie and Nick Reuter moved from Rosamond to Tehachapi in February with their 15-year-old daughter, Jizel, and three dogs. They had both spent much of their lives in the Antelope Valley but the change of seasons, beautiful scenery and low crime rate of the Tehachapi area beckoned to them. Tehachapi also had an amazing selection of churches to choose from and reasonable home prices.

It was a ”no-brainer.”

In May, Jackie began work with College Community Services in Tehachapi as Recovery Coordinator for their Volunteer Senior Outreach Program (VSOP). For the last seven years she had been a Family Support Specialist with AV Partners for Health, where she would follow children in need and their families from the time they came home from the hospital until they were 8 years old. When she first began with CCC, she was working from home and finally came to the realization that she wanted to get out of the house and work with the public. CCC was happy to give her that opportunity.

Nick is a regional manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. His territory covers part of Los Angeles County from the 118 Freeway to the Central Valley. Jackie said they actually met at Enterprise when she had a slight “fender-bender” and her insurance carrier sent her to Enterprise. Nick was a management trainee and he helped her.

“It was fate,” said Jackie. “He wasn’t even supposed to be there that day.”

Jackie was born in Los Angeles but raised in Rosamond with her sister and four brothers. She said she once thought she wanted to be a teacher but decided to study child development when she went to Antelope Valley College. She did teach preschool for a while and did some tutoring before joining AV Partners for Health. She loves to refinish furniture and also loves to visit thrift stores which are where she finds many of her projects.

Nick was born in Iowa but raised in Lancaster, California with his two sisters. After high school he joined the Army and stayed for two tours of duty. He plays basketball and baseball. A man of many talents, he plays guitar, knows how juggle and does impressions. Jackie said her favorite is Elmo.

Jackie calls the family’s three dogs her “other hobby.” Fozzie, Blue and Henny (named for Hennessy Cognac because of her color) are all are adopted rescues.

Welcome Reuter family! We are delighted to have you as part of our community.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess, contact our office at (661) 822-8188.