- The Program:
- This week's speaker was Janelle Capra. She has been the President and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber since January, 2024. The Chamber is celebrating 70 years. For more information on the Chamber see Bakochamber.org.
- Beautiful Bakersfield 2025 nominations are open.
- A Chamber goal is to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued.
Click "More" for Family of Rotary news
Editor's Note - there will be photos in this section next week. Thank you to the BBRC photographers for taking the photos.
David Perkins has returned from a relaxing trip to Hawaii. Given all his activities and responsibilities it was needed. He brought back special macadamia nut cookies to President David to let him know that even though he missed a meeting he was thinking of Rotary.
Donna and Jeff Schwartz just returned from the East Coast where they had a wonderful visit with their son and the his family. They also made it to one or more of the Smithsonian Museums (presumably in Washington DC) and to that most historic of states, Virginia. They had searched high and low for the perfect gift for our president and decided a bag of potato chips were perfect. They may have said something about alcohol that didn't make it home.
BBRC Tradition Explainer: When members return from travel, they may bring a small gift representative of their travels to the President. Some presidents let the members know that they have a gift category preference (wine, beer, shot glasses, etc.) This is TOTALLY optional, and just a fun thing. As the 2026-17 BBRC president I still cherish the memories of the club member's travels.
Karen Bonanno shared that her son's bands (The Habits and The Disassociates) recently won two awards at the Bakersfield Music Awards. Congratulations to all!
We are all celebrating with Sally Selby that she has a new job that will keep her very active in our community (on top of all she does for BBRC.) She is the new Public Affairs and Communication Director for the Bakersfield Police Department. Sally is handling Public Relations for BBRC this year.
BBRC Tradition Explainer: Fines from the president are for recognition of your accomplishments. Most of the time the President asks what you would like to contribute to make sure you are comfortable with the fine. The funds go to the budget line items like like Charter Night, Christmas Party, etc. that are not associated with the BBRC foundation.
Bill Potter and his wife Denise are celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. Denise promised to attend a meeting or event during their anniversary month next year. Our meetings are a little too early for her.
BBRC Tradition Explainer: During a relationship celebration month (such as an anniversary) the BBRC member's partner attends a club meeting OR a club service project OR club social OR anything else. We just want to celebrate with you!
Jeff Bell and his wife Amy continue to recover from their car accident. Stephanie Baker reported that Jeff, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, is working a couple of hours each day. His band and back are both slowly mending. Amy is well on the way to full recovery.
Brandon Phipps has had to resign from the club due to time conflicts with his other activities. We look forward to welcoming him back when his schedule allows it. We all saw Brandon and his son's passion for helping the homeless and community service.
Paul Harris Fellowship Awarded!
Congratulations to David Perkins on receiving his second Paul Harris Fellowship! Thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation! There will be more information on Paul Harris Fellowships - the history, the why, and the how in a future Beacon.