It’s Wednesday morning, October 1^st.  And you know what that means!  Yep, Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club has gathered for their weekly meeting, and this is The Beacon where you can read all about it! 

 

Our greeters today were Michael Turnipseed and Dr. Bahni Singh, Invocation was led by Past President David Spalinger, Flag Salute by Cameron Cerda, and Carol Smith led us in song.

And a great big thank you to the scribe for this week’s newsletter, Cheryl Scott.

 

Queen Jackie is still out “living the dream” (AKA vacationing all about the country) so our President-for-the-Day Karen Bonanno rang in the Month of October and welcomed everyone to BBRC.

 

 

 

 

We had one guest, Breanna.  Welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

Lito Marillo, Director of Kern County Human Services, was our speaker for the day. Lito explained the very broad network he oversees, all with the goal of operating effective social service programs for the citizens of Kern County.

Club members were interested in learning about the programs and were surprised by the large number Lito’s department serves. For example, the Department of Human Services administers the Cal Works program, serving approximately 50,000 people; Cal Fresh (formerly referred to as Food Stamps), serving approximately 215,000 people; Medi-Cal, servicing approximately 440,000 people.  We learned about some of the processes followed by Child Protective Services, and the operation of the Jamison Children’s Center (which cares for children waiting to be placed into foster care).

Lito’s presentation was sobering in many ways, and Mike Turnipseed pointed out that Lito’s job is likely the toughest in Kern County.

 

 

 

 

We also had a Craft Talk today.  Past President Ron Nelms gave a humorous Crap Talk  Craft Talk, explaining just what it is that Land Surveyors do. Ron reminded us that without surveying, there would be no exploration, and also no boundaries. Land surveyors all have their niches, and Ron’s is in the area of smaller projects and parcel maps. For example, he determines a property’s boundary line, based on its legal description. (Remember, good boundaries make good neighbors!) Thanks for the Craft Talk, PP Ron!

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday on Saturday to Stephanie Baker!  By the way, Stephanie is also celebrating the fact that she is 29 years cancer-free, and she made her annual donation of $5 per year, adding up to $145. We celebrate with you, Stephanie!

Erick Bautista is so grateful for this club and for the upcoming baby shower BBRC is holding for him and Bianca that he donated $40!  Then, after basking in the spotlight…in a moment of Land Surveyor kindness… Ron Nelms said he’d cover the fine for Erick.  (BTW, be sure to RSVP for the baby shower to Denise Haynes by Oct. 6!)

In celebration of his upcoming trip to Colorado with his bride, sans kiddos, Willie Gordon tossed 30 bucks into the coffer.

Sandra Parnell called out Art Esparza for his recognition in the newspaper for being a blood and platelet donor at Houchin Blood Bank. Art wasn’t sure it was there, because he hadn’t seen it, but he donated $20 anyway.

Jacque Alexander is so happy her grandson Jake got his driver’s permit that she donated $20 (just before everyone reminded her about the upcoming car insurance premiums)!

 

 

Cheryl Scott reminded everyone that October 19^th will be the Second Annual Scott Family Scholarship dinner, raising money for the BC scholarship in honor of her amazing husband, Darren Scott. Tickets are available for $50 each at this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/scottfamilyscholarshipdonations/event/scottfamilyscholarshipdinner2025/

Tom Burke reminded everyone that sponsor packets are available for Thousand Flags. Packages start at just $500.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marti Sanders reminded us to mark our calendars for the October 11^th clean-up at San Miguel Commemorative Grove. This is near and dear to President Jackie’s heart…let’s not let her down!

 

Willie Gordon won $45 in the drawing. It’s sure to help on his big trip to CO.