With the Spirit of Rotary, Bakersfield Breakfast Rotarians started Wednesday morning’s meeting with our astute President Dave Spalinger at the helm. With a few weeks of confidence in running our m
eetings under his belt, President Dave has got the role of being President down. He maintains an enthusiastic momentum during the meetings. Members are encouraged to attend “in real life” or on Zoom despite current COVID operating conditions. John Guerard stepped up at the last minute to provide our invocation to further our hope of health and safety in the coming days and weeks,. Past President Queen Jackie Maxwell led us in the flag salute. Someone asked me at the meeting, “How long will we need to keep addressing Jackie as Queen”. I told them as long as forever lasts…if you know what’s good for ya! I got your back Queen. Our songstress, Chelsea Ashcraft brought her gleaming grin to the stage to prompt to sing the “Star Spangled Banner
”. Honestly, I do not remember ever singing the National Anthem at a Rotary meeting and I tell you our members did a fine job singing indeed!**Featured Program**
With no visiting Rotarians or guests, Sandra Parnell, filling in for the absent Pete Leveroni, introduced our program speaker. Jeremy Tobias is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK). I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tobias before, but after listening to his presentation it was perfectly clear why I hadn’t. He simply does not have time to meet others very often. It’s a wonder Mr. Tobias makes it home in time for dinner after listening to all of the services his organization provides for families in Kern County. Little did I know that CAPK began modestly in 1965 providing basic services and connections to agencies for those in need of food, housing, and medical care. Over the years the program has grown in recognition and services. CAPK is a model non-profit organization which has established itself in the quality, quantity, and accountability for services it provides. With 950 plus employees strong CAPK is operating from 80 separate locations on an 85 million dollar budget. They have such a recognizable high standard in providing services that CAPK offers limited services outside of Kern in Tulare, San Joaquin and San Bernardino counties.
One may ask, without extensive fundraising, how does CAPK have the funds to provide services? Much of their budget is from the State, but the great majority is from federal support of their programs. Mr. Tobias is particularly proud, and I know you are, of CAPK’s financial accountability. Serving as a model for non-profit programs, Tobias touts that CAPK has a stable reputation of efficiently meeting its financial obligations. This bodes well for the organization’s future plans.
Mr. Tobias said of the 15 core programs offered, there are none more successful or larger than the Head Start Program. Known as a Pre-K educational program for children, Head Start in Kern County has the good fortune of being under the guidance of Mr. Tobias and the program’s local staff. He said running a close second in size and impact is the Kern County Food Bank. Even though CAPK does not solicit financial contributions, due to Federal laws that restrict such practices, they are fully engaged in requesting donations for food. The food donations come from contributors such as large local farming companies. Tobias said he even has full-time staff whose duties are to engage with farmers to coordinate the donation of surplus food to the program. Okay, so if you haven’t figured it out by now, CAPK is heavily involved in, as Mr. Tobias states, “Pulling others up by the bootstraps”.
CAPK has its eye on housing for the homeless. As we have heard from others who recently spoke at our Breakfast Rotary meetings, homelessness is a big concern, particularly the availability of housing. Mr. Tobias tells us that CAPK is focused on increasing their presence in this sector of Kern by spearheading housing development.
Much to my surprise, CAPK even has a Weatherization Program for low income housing. Insulation, weather stripping, or whatever is needed to keep elderly and children warm on cold winter nights or cool during the sweltering summer heat.
Speaking of seniors, I heard of a niche where our club could volunteer. CAPK’s Food Distribution Program needs people help. As we know, seniors are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Getting access to safe sources for food can be daunting. The distribution program delivers sheltered seniors healthy food choices without exposure to COVID. Managing the county’s WIC programs is another mainstay food allocation service provided through CAPK.
Mr. Tobias shared that one of CAPK’s services that has become increasing popular is their “211 Information Call Line”. This service, which receives 100 thousand calls per year and is available 24/7, informs CAPK clients about programs for which they may be eligible. These programs include the Mortgage Assistance Program. This program provides information to people who have become financially compromised, perhaps due to temporary job loss or a lay-off and are in jeopardy of losing their home. Maybe it’s not “911”, but to those facing eviction it is an emergency. SoCal Gas is one of the CAPK mortgage program partners. CAPK staff and their partners have some really cool things going on to keep people fed, housed, warm and even educated. Through these programs, CAPK supplements our commerce and economic base to benefit all that live in Kern County.
We would like to thank Mr. Tobias, his staff, and the program’s Board of Directors that ensure the value and proper application of CAPK. Volunteers are welcome according to Tobias. If you would like to learn more please visit CAPK website
WWW.CAPK.ORG, or contact the CAPK office directly at 5005 Business Park North (661) 336-5236.
WWW.CAPK.ORG, or contact the CAPK office directly at 5005 Business Park North (661) 336-5236.**Announcements Announcements**
It was an all-lady’s day birthday meeting with Stephanie Baker (Oct 4th), Past President Denise Haynes and Past Pres. Kay Pitts (Oct. 5th) and Chelsea Ashcraft (Oct. 8th). Happy birthday sisters of Breakfast Rotary! Have the best of celebrations.
Rotary Anniversaries belong to Pete “The” Leveroni 35 years, Past President and honorary member Steve Shayer 26 years, Jeff Bell 11 years, Teresa Ramos-Alvarez 17 years and honorary member Yuki Kobayashi-Takeuchi 12 years. Your years of service have made a difference in lives of many and have built friendships that will last a lifetime.
Jeff Haynes announced that a Foundation Challenge of $52.40, which is a pun on our area district number, has been presented to the membership. If you would like to participate, see Jeff or Mindy Wilmot. Our club has a reputation for being a district leader with our members contributing to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. To continue that tradition, Jeff is challenging us to have 100% club participation in pledging a total of $250 to the Breakfast Rotary Foundation and The Rotary Foundation. Jef
f will be happy to accept your checks made payable to Rotary International.
f will be happy to accept your checks made payable to Rotary International.
I’ve known Past President Mike O’Doherty since I became a member of BBRC. I remember the first time I met him. Through all the years I have never seen him win a bet. Wednesday’s meeting was no exception. Mike errored in making a bet with Mindy Wilmot that she would not, or could not, perform with a ukulele before the membership. With just three lessons Mindy demonstrated her talent by performing “You are my Sunshine”. She did such a fine job, guitarist Dan 
Johnson commended Mindy on her talent. Mike donated $52.40 to the foundation for yet another miscalculation on his part. Next meeting’s Beacon Clue is the name of the song Mindy played at this meeting.
Johnson commended Mindy on her talent. Mike donated $52.40 to the foundation for yet another miscalculation on his part. Next meeting’s Beacon Clue is the name of the song Mindy played at this meeting.Just so you know folks, next week we are DARK. That means, we don’t meet. Someone please tell Darin Blunt. Darin had the privilege of serving as the sole greeter at the last meeting we were DARK. Yes, all by himself. Hint: Read The BEACON. Poor Darin was not let off the hook by The Prez, as The Prez asked Darin if he knew this week’s Beacon Clue. Well Darin didn’t have a CLUE. That will be $10. Next up, Karen Bonanno who correctly gave the weekly clue. Well done Karen!
Denise Haynes reminded us of our October 25th social and 50/50 fundraiser for The Bakersfield Angels at Jackie Maxwell’s home from 2pm to 6pm. See Denise for the 50/50 tickets which cost $10 for 1 ticket $50 for and $100 for 13 tickets.
For the past several weeks The Prez has generously awarded wine to club members who demonstrated their COVID mask creativity. We have witnessed real competition, but this week Harry Bryant outdid himself by wearing a University of Alabama Crimson Tide polo shirt and matching mask. Harry happily accepted the bottle of wine presented by President Dave. Be that as it may, Harry cannot be called ungrateful as he presented President Dave, a loyal Clemson Tiger fan, with an Alabama mask.
Until n
ext meeting, Service Before Self,
ext meeting, Service Before Self,Writer, Frank Wooldridge