It is certainly a little darker and a little chillier on this end of October morning.
We started our day greeted by Donna Schwartz and Sally Selby. Jeff Schwartz, in his invocation, asked that God take a look at the world. There were a lot of heads nodding in agreement with that statement. Temo Lopez led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Denise Haynes had us singing “America.”
We welcomed two guests today: Jeff Flores from Mike Maggard’s office (introduced by Ron Nelms), and from Bakersfield Bytes’ office manager -- sorry, didn’t catch his name -- (introduced by Temo Lopez).
Our program today was presented by Sean McNally, President and CEO of Houchin Community Blood Bank. While preparing to hand the mic to Program Director Pete Leveroni, President Jeff asked Sean if it was a requirement for the blood drive President to be from Santa Carla (nicely placed Halloween and ‘80s reference to the movie The Lost Boys). McNally has a vast array of experience as a past executive for KBA Engineering and Grimmway Farms, with his extensive community involvement. Cheryl Scott may have had the beer wrong, but she was right on the money in saying McNally could easily be the world’s most interesting man.
We are all familiar with the blood bank’s slogan: When people give, people live! Unlike blood donated through the Red Cross, local blood donations stay local. Blood donations have been very low. Houchin is doing what it can to incentivize giving. Students can usually receive extra credit at school (I have a recent high schooler; I can vouch for this). There are all kinds of giveaways! A low blood supply impacts procedures, especially those that are elective.
Sean also gave us a very interesting tutorial on workforce shortages. There is a marked decrease in people both qualified and willing to work.
It was suggested, especially since local Rotary clubs sponsored the beautiful mobile donation bus, that clubs band together and coordinate blood drives.
Happy Halloween Birthday to Carol Smith.
Happy wedding anniversary to Teresa Ramos-Alvarez and husband, Nick
President-Elect Karen Bonanno presented a vocational moment, sharing her journey to owning her own HR consultant firm. Karen once worked for BC Laboratories (not affiliated with Bakersfield College). The business needed someone to perform HR duties and Karen volunteered. She sought out the advice of longtime HR consultant Holly Culhane, and Holly became Karen’s mentor. When Holly retired, she sold PAS Associates to Karen. What an amazing story!
Karen also reminded the club that Foundation pledges are due. The suggested annual donation is $250 ($100 goes to The Rotary (International) Foundation; $150 goes to our club’s foundation. Please see Karen or Mindy to submit pledge and payment.
President Jeff walked us through more of BBRC’s parade of presidents. Susan Eaton served 2001-2002 when the Bakersfield Rotary clubs worked together to purchase the Houchin Blood Donation Bus. Harley Pinson served 2002-2003. We were able to hear from Neil Walker who assisted in procuring the mobile shredder for BARC. He was blessed to have led “The Greatest Club in the World!” This week’s clue is how much is the suggested donation?
And here we go...how much money will be made from those who did not know the clue from last week’s Beacon? Dale Bender? Nope. Dan Johnson? Pass, but no fine for him. Red Badge member Robert Provencio? Nope (But Pat Thompson will pay his fine). Mike O’D? Nope. FINALLY! Will Duerksen knew that the new Rotary Peace Pole at Bakersfield College says “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.
Denise Haynes and the Wine Place and Show crew wanted to remind us BUY AND SELL TICKETS, SOLICIT SPONSORS, ATTEND WITH FRIENDS. You can pay for tickets and sponsorships on our website BBRC.org
Happiness abounded: Jackie Maxwell is very happy that she and Tom have closed escrow on a condo in Anchorage. It should be noted that they have not seen it in person. We recommend during Iditarod in the winter to really experience Anchorage. Jackie took a chance on the wheel and was rewarded with a $25 fine. She is such a good sport that she offered to give more than that.
Grandpa Greg Desme shared that his fifth grand
child, Thomas Scott, was born October 9. That makes five grandchildren under the age of three! Congratulations to you and your family Greg! Not to be outdone, Grandpa Pat Thompson went to Denver to granddog sit. When he returned home he went to Paso Robles to celebrate his grandson's birthday. He offered up $25, a spiffy CO mug, Holiday Inn Express blueberry muffins and a custom tote bag (see photo for the bag.)
child, Thomas Scott, was born October 9. That makes five grandchildren under the age of three! Congratulations to you and your family Greg! Not to be outdone, Grandpa Pat Thompson went to Denver to granddog sit. When he returned home he went to Paso Robles to celebrate his grandson's birthday. He offered up $25, a spiffy CO mug, Holiday Inn Express blueberry muffins and a custom tote bag (see photo for the bag.)
Denise Haynes had the opportunity to work the boat race at Lake Ming. They had 94 boats - the most ever! She gratefully reported that Temo Lopez saved the boat race when the computer that calculates things like results died. Temo made an office visit to the lake and fixed it. Denise was $25 happy that the race had so many boats and more importantly that Temo went above and beyond on a weekend to get the computer system running again.
See you all tomorrow at 6:45 am! It will be a great program with Melanie Farmer, Dixie Brewer & Cassie Bittle on the very successful Downtown Block to Block Program.
Guess who received the money this week? (This is not the clue).