On this beautiful morning we were greeted by the talented writer, Cheryl Scott, and a couple of Past Presidents, Walker & Starr, trying to fill the PP Fund with a 50/50 drawing. You’ll all wish Cheryl had the Beacon scribe duties by the time you get to the end of this.
Past President, Michael O’D, was at the helm this morning flying the RI banner from his 2008-2009 year – Make Dreams Real. O’D was dreaming he could stay at the podium forever! Please hurry back Kay.
The invocation was delivered by Mountain Mary Breckenridge, after a rush to the front from about 15 members that Mike asked to stand in for the ailing Susan Searey. Flag salute duties went to Steven Shayer.
We passed on our morning song, opting for a more pleasant sound that would soon be coming from our program, The Bakersfield College Choir Chamber Singers.
Teresa Waller (not Walker O’D!) introduced our visiting Rotarians. Here to enjoy the Choir were Sandy Foster of Twilight and Mike Chertok of Downtown.
Tony Miranda, Executive Director, of our local Habitat for Humanity was visiting today. If he was a member’s guest, I missed it. Hope he was just visiting because he wanted to see what we all looked like on a cool morning rather than a 104 degree day on a Delano home rooftop. Regardless, it was nice to see you Tony.
On the Anniversary and Birthday scene:
- Charter member Dennis Scott and the Club itself celebrated 34 years as BBRC on December 13th.
- Mike & Claudia Stepanovich celebrated their first Anniversary of marriage on December 11th. When Mike said that paper was the official gift for one year of marriage, Claudia corrected him, pointing out that the appropriate gift for every anniversary is precious gems.
- Jerry Starr was today’s birthday boy. He is proud to be our oldest member. The club members singing the birthday song sounded pretty good with a little help from the BC Choir.
O’D was so excitable at the podium that he sort of passed right over Happy 5 Spots. Instead he fired away at Neil Walker (or is that Waller) for mumbling and then again moments later for refusing to lead the song. Then our PP stand in went after hard working and volunteer extraordinaire, Mike George, for wearing a beautifully laundered and pressed shirt with Agape Mortgage emblazed on it. O’D inquired, “Just what does Agape Mortgage do?” O’D would have made a poor detective. His good judgement did prevail, choosing not to fine the fine Mr. G.
Mr. G reported on the Target Children’s Christmas shopping event. On the already rescheduled day, Target was forced to close its doors do to a do-do problem. But, BBRC’ers still stepped up to meet the Children in the parking lot with Hot Coco, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and gift cards for future shopping. Nice save folks!
Lots of upcoming events, both Social and Service: Christmas Party @ Sandra Quigley’s home, Friday, December 16th. Wreaths Across America at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, Saturday, December 17th. SEAL Christmas party on Friday, December 23rd (contact Denise Haynes for more information). January 28th – RI STEPS Conference. Tuesday, February 7 all Rotary Club Night at the Condors. Saturday, February 25th, BBRC 34th Charter Night at Bakersfield Country Club.
If you would like to donate something to the Past Presidents Raffle for Charter Night please contact Neil, the mumbler, Walker.
Our program was introduced by Mary Jo. The Bakersfield College Choir Chamber Singers swooped in and surrounded us with their beautiful voices. 21 young faces of what their director, Dr. Jennifer Garrett, described as talented, dedicated and kind persons who everyone should get to know.
The first piece was “Caroling Caroling” and “Carol of the Bells” medley. Followed by a lively “Joy to the World.” Next up was the lovely song “This Christmas.”
Then a special treat from Chamber members Mason Edwards and Kelsey Morrow of their cover of a current pop Christmas song “All I Want for Christmas is You.” They sang this song for the annual Culinary and Caroling event at BC. Be sure to look for it next year and try to attend.
Then Dr. Garrett, felt she should include our members, since we didn’t get to sing earlier in the meeting. After three verses of Silent Night from the talented singers, the forth verse added our own “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” group. Then we had a little fun with “Jingle Bells” and the final song “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The performance was certainly full of Christmas cheer and sent us on our merry way with the joy of the season in our hearts.
Director, Jennifer, announced their next concert will be held, March 24th at the beautiful new BC indoor theatre. The concert is entitled “Freedom” and tickets are being sold through Vallitix. Get your tickets early for what will certainly be another great performance by the BC Choir. Please support this fine group of talented young people, as they prepare for a trip to Australia to sing at the Sydney Opera House in July 2018.
The drawing was three fold this week. Mary B walked away with the Mystery Gift Card. PE Denise scored some much needed chocolate. Ken Quarnberg was asked to draw a ticket and O’D said “pick your own out of here.” Ken stated he was not above that and then walked away with 83 bucks. Well, he really didn’t walk away with it, instead he donated it to the BC Choir. See the Christmas spirit is alive at BBRC.
The weekly PHF drawing went to Darin Blunt. You do all know you need to be present to win the drawing and awarding of 100 Paul Harris Points each week, right?
See you next week when we have more beautiful music from the Bakersfield Symphony Quartet. It certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
The Condors have offered Rotarians tickets for the Outdoor Classic game at a discount! The game is at Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, January 7th at 6 pm.
