John Guerard and Will Duerksen ably greeted Rotarians and guests upon their arrival and dispensed tickets for the drawing.  Bobbie Hake offered us peace and tranquility with a thoughtful invocation.  Mary Breckenridge led us very partriotically in the salute to our flag.  Neil Walker, once again totally rocked it with a song - we are actually sounding not bad!  Occupants of the table formerly known as "men only" each won an extra drawing ticket.  They were definitely the song stars this week.

 

Gina Hayden introduced visiting Rotarians, while our guests were introduced by their hosts.  Unfortunately, I lost my list with our visiting Rotarians and our many wonderful guests, so have mercy on me as I try to remember.

Visiting Rotarians - We had a fine showing from Bakersfield East - Sandra Larson, District Governor Elect Nominee Sandi Schwartz, and President-Elect Christy Swatzell were present.  Stephanie Baker and Jeff Bell of former South Rotary enjoyed breakfast with us also.

With respect to visitors I recall that Athena Collup, Realtor with Miramar International was with us again, Denise Burns, Catering Manager at Bakersfield Marriott was my guest; Debbie Hankins, who I am sure I have served on community service committees with sometime in the past joined us for breakfast.  We were also fortunate to have former member Adam Chase join us for breakfast. Adam recently took on the job of Vice President and General Manager of KERO. Congrats Adam! I don't think it is a coincidence that he visited just after the Star Furniture ads on TV went off the air.  I recall that he told us, when he was sales manager at another station, he signed the contract for those iconic, annoying commercials.

 

Gina Hayden and I both celebrated our 16 year anniversary with Rotary on July 26.  Time really flies when you are having fun!  Heather Ward celebrated her one year anniversary.  It has definitely been a busy and involved one year for her! 

Mary Jo and Tom Pasek celebrated their 44th Wedding Anniversary on July 29.  MJ happily reported that Tom's recovery from back surgery to alleviate has been phenomenal. Congratulations you crazy kids!

Our birthday boy at this meeting was Neil Walker.  His birthday was also on July 29. Happy Birthday!

 

Happy Spots - Jeff Haynes attended a Rotary Club meeting in Lahaina while on vacation and swapped trading banners.  He said the talk was OUTSTANDING. Perhaps we can get that speaker to our meeting too? Cheryl Scott finally made it home from Mexico.  She brought me two of my favorite vices - chocolate and a Mexican shot glass.  I am assuming I can use it for more than tequila, but I do have a nice assortment of anejo tequilas in the cupboard. Bill Black brought a patriotic challenge coin to me commemorating his ascent of Mt. Whitney. The coin is awesome, but did you forget I'm a geologist? Congratulations on the ascent! While we are talking about Bill I need to give him props.  He stood in for Sargent at arms today on literally 10 seconds notice.  He is a trooper and put up with chasing across the room with the mic.  I was just trying to help him limber up after his hike!

The first social of the year, coordinated by our social event mavens - Bill and Jan Black, was held at Rosemary's Ice Cream Parlor.  A good time was had by all.  If you can imagine some people even had DINNER at Rosemary's before their ice cream.  I am in awe of their restraint.  Thank you to all that attended and to Bill and Jan for coordinating.

 

Member induction - we had the great honor of inducting a new member into Breakfast Rotary.  Jeff Bell selected BBRC as his new Rotary home after our parent club, Bakersfield South, shuttered their doors on June 30.  Membership Chair Marilee Reagor and District Governor Nick Frankle welcomed Jeff to the club.  Welcome Jeff!

 

Program - District Governor Nick Frankle offered insights into Rotary, The Rotary Foundation (did you know this is the Rotary Foundation 100th year?) and his plan for his governorship.  Nick and his wife Heather are experienced and devoted Rotarians.  DG Nick and the District, in honor of the 100th anniversary, honored two of our members who contribute their time and talents both in and outside of the club with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Past President Jerry Starr accepted the first PHF for Honorary Member Carl Leech who could not be with us. This is Carl's seventh PHF.  As we all know, Carl is generous of his time, his talents and his store inventory to our club and to the community.  Carl is going to close out 20 years with the Kern High School District Business Leadership and Ethics Conference.  Maggie Leon is in training with Carl this year as our liaison to that event.  Our club's newest Paul Harris Fellow is Mary Breckenridge.  Her enthusiasm, work on the San Miguel Grove and taking women on horseback across the mountains to help them learn about themselves and what they can accomplish made her a standout for the second PHF offered by the District.  In DG Nick's honor, Leslie VoVilla was awarded 400 PHF recognition points by the Club in acknowledgement of stepping up as a relatively new member and taking on Program Chair.  Only 600 more points and you will have your first Paul Harris Fellow Leslie! 

The drawing was won by Dennis Scott.  I must admit, I am a little hurt in that Dennis, who is the chef at his house, hadn't even looked in the bag to see that he had won a Crystal Palace apron by the time I saw him at the supermarket after the meeting.  I am sure he is treasuring it and using it now.  The Paul Harris Fellowship points drawing for 200 points was won by Jeff Haynes.  Hey Jeff - you only need to contribute $100 to The Rotary Foundation to get your next Paul Harris!  Just saying.....

 

Respectfully submitted, 

Pres Kay

 

2015-16 District Awards! Thank you Denise Haynes for sewing them on the banner!