Posted by Karen Bonanno on Mar 14, 2018
   

John Guerard and Neil Walker greeted Rotarians with a smile and appreciation.  President Denise Haynes called the meeting to order and Rocker Dan gave the Invocation followed by Craig Holland with the flag salute.  Bill Black led our group in "Harrigan."There were no visiting Rotarians and no guests this week.  Karen Bonanno presented a Foundation Moment which she found interesting. 

In honor of National Women’s Day on March 8th:   Three Rotary women were recognized on March 7th for their commitment to improving lives through innovative humanitarian projects. Geetha Jayaram, Marie-Irene Richmond Ahuoa and Danielle De La Fuente shared their stories of how they have helped poor women in India gain access to mental health care, vaccinated hundreds of thousands against polio in West Africa and empowered refugee children around the world.  

Liz Rozell of Bakersfield College was our Vocational Moment.  She enlightened us on the growth experienced by the college and the number of certificate and degree programs available now, including partnerships with local high schools where students can graduate high school with college credits through duel enrollment! 

Michael O’Doherty introduced our speaker, Tom Burke, Chancellor of Bakersfield College.  Tom explained the ins, outs and challenges of the college budget system and funding uncertainty.   

So many happy spots! Neil won over $300 at Thursday’s event and was $30 happy, followed by Jerry who received some great health new and was $10 happy.  Adoree’s Grandson was accepted to six colleges so far, making her $5 happy, Sandy is a Grandma for the third time and was $20 happy, Darren was happy for hosting Rotary at his company last week, Ron was happy to announce Surveyor’s week coming up, Craig was happy for the clean water project, Sheryl will be spending St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Ed is happy his best friend will be joining him in Ireland, I was happy for Ron for being happy about National Surveyor’s week in addition to my family celebrating one year as owners of P.A.S Associates. Michael presented President Denise with some Torrey Pines swag and Ken presented her with a glass frog bell from his recent trip.

No club or wedding anniversaries, but lots of birthdays – Jeff Haynes, March 11; Michelle Cooper, March 12; Martha Samora, March 14; Ed O’Donnell, March 15 ;and Bree Goodmon, March 16.  Happy Birthday!!

Congratulations to Stephanie for winning $58 in the drawing and to Pete for being the lucky winner of 300 Paul Harris points!

 

P.S.  If you read this on Tuesday night and are attending tomorrow's meeting, please remember any canned food donations. I know the rain may be hard, but I'll be there to collect donations.  Sandy