BBRC Beacon June 2025 (Jun. 20, 2025)

Thank you for a Great Year Pres. Dave!

June 4 Meeting

Thank you to Scribes JoAnne and Dale Bender

The meeting was opened by our Fearless Leader David Lari at 7:00am. The invocation was given by Jeff Haynes & the flag salute was led by Marti Sanders while Carol Smith led us in a patriotic song which was most fitting coming off our 1000 Flags fund raiser over Memorial Day weekend.

Guests included Sandra Kessler (an Aera friend & former co-worker of Jacque Alexander and Kay Pitts.) A very special guest was JoAnne Bender (Dale affectionally calls her Joanne Extraordinaire).

Pete Leveroni introduced the speaker, Amanda Lejeck, Manager of Operations for Kern County Teen Challenge, who gave a riveting testimony of how she overcame all odds with the help of TC and now leads a productive Christ-filled life. TC is a non-profit (free services to participants in B-town) and has numerous outlets which include a Women’s Center located at 301 E. Roberts Ln, a Men’s campus in Shafter, the TC College in South Gate along with Vocational training, job opportunities, etc. Amanda leads by example and helps young, troubled youth get help to overcome addictions of all kinds. Serving food at CALM during special events is the major fund raiser for the organization.

The Happy Birthday song, led by Carol Smith, went out to Ken Quarnberg, Shane Bryan, Scooter Tangeman & Dr. Bani Singh.

Willie Gordon/Nicole Kennedy (3 yrs.) & Jeff/Cheryl Haynes (35 yrs.) received the nod for very Happy Marriage Anniversaries.

Club Anniversaries were celebrated by Tom Burke (8 yrs.), Marlene Heise (19 yrs.), Stephanie Baker (29 yrs.), John Guerard (37 yrs.) & Dale Bender (38 yrs. BBRC & Tehachapi 6 yrs).

Happy Spots included Pat Thompson with a successful left shoulder replacement, Bill Potter being forced to visit Cocoa Beach, FL & see Space X launch (Dave received a cool NASA shirt & surf shop bag), Jeff & Cheryl Haynes announced another adorable grandson named Daniel Ryan, Stephanie Baker’s grandchildren have all launched happily into college, etc., Marlene Heise’s temp home received repairs by Cameron; Willie Gordon shared his success on Channel 17’s Studio 17 Property Pulse spot Thursdays at 1pm & picture in the Bakersfield Magazine.

Announcements in

cluded requests for the designated presidential nominees, along with animated discussion regarding another amazing 1000 Flags fund raiser. The projected net revenue of $30,000 to the BBRC Foundation included lots of fun, food & music (along with $15,000 for three veterans associations). Denise Haynes received a Certificate of Appreciation from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution & announced a lost Swiss Army knife was found if any members are missing it. Shannon Grove presented a proclamation to BBRC on Memorial Day. The Run got a special shout out for great organization, etc. and Dave gave a heart felt thank you to the club for their participation and support during the entire weekend – Brian’s pictures are on the Club Runner website demonstrated how much fun was had by all (a great preview was shown set to music).

Click here for the Thousand Flags Photo Album and the Run Album

Stepdown will be June 14^th in Nipomo, CA for all members who are interested attending - please sign up at District website or contact Dave.

Myah Salinas will be talking about a ‘pitch on launching a product’ next week. The 50/50 drawing was won by Jennifer Henry for $58.

Prez Dave closed the meeting with a quote from JK Rowlings “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life” with the sound of the bell at 7:56am.

June 11 Meeting

Thank you to Robert Provencio and Tom Burke for taking meeting notes. Due to a scheduling complication they both reported on the meeting. The following is a compilation of both of their reports.

Greeters Marlene Heise, Denise Haynes & new member Xavier Canez were seen doing land office business at the entrance to the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club and Casino. Everyone was warmly welcomed. Inspiration was found in our invocation, Pledge of Allegiance to Old G

lory as we anticipate Flag Day, and the singing of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

Soon-to-be-Past President Dave Lari acknowledged visiting Rotarian (and proud member of the Bakersfield Republican Women’s Club) Bill Lever and guests including Jacque Alexander’s guest, Sandy Kessler and the beaming Carol Smith’s No. 4 grandson, Austin Eknoian.

PROGRAM

Dave Perkins introduced the day’s program speaker, BBRC’s very own Myah Salinas (also incoming youth service director) with a fascinating program about finding and following one’s vision, mission, and purpose.

Myah Salinas discussed how she started a cotton candy business at the age of 16.

She began marketing the business through social media. This sparked her interest in social media and thus began her evolution in social media and creating content. She began to garner a public reputation for creating social media and that continued on through college where she refined her social media skills as part of the marketing team for CSUB Student Recreation Center. Her love of social media and passion for business continued beginning at CSUB where she worked for various campus entities on developing their social media presence and going on to develop her own online presence as an influencer supporting and promoting local businesses. She gained customers and an understanding of business networking which helped her to move on to other opportunities. Upon graduating, her first professional employment continued her work in marketing and social media. Her next step was to create her own page and content becoming an influencer.

Myah’s love of coffee brought her to an ah ha moment. One day while in a local store to buy a coffee drink, Myah started looking at the ingredients for her coffee drinks. She was shocked at the lack of natural ingredients in the coffee drinks that she would regularly consume. Thus she began experimenting with coffee drinks augmented by natural ingredients which evolved into the idea of starting a coffee business.

Seeking to treat her coffee addiction, she developed Buzzy Bean, a natural series of coffee-related products guided by best practices and using talent and wisdom gained at a CSUB business development seminar. Though it has taken a year of challenges to go from a completed business plan to physically opening the production plant. Myah announced her hard work will come to fruition with the opening of Buzzy Bean Coffee in August 2025. Myah also acknowledged she got tremendous assistance/coaching from fellow BBRC member Char Vega, the CSUB Accelerator Program and the Kern Women’s Business Conference Power Pitch grant program. Myah’s business plan presentation won the grant competition providing much needed startup capital funding for the new business. The product will be sold in locally owned stores. She even promised to share with club members some of her coffee in the near future!

Another special opportunity arose through the Kern Women’s Business Conference Fast Pitch competition. She was thrilled when she took first place. Not only did she win a $5,000 grant that was sorely needed to continue her business start-up, but the affirmation from the judges that she was on the right path gave her more confidence. “Believe in your vision!” says Myah, clearly a young entrepreneur focused on success.

One can always count on BBRC friends to offer excellent ideas, questions, and support. In this regard, Temo Lopez wondered if there might be any investment ops in the offing. Dave Spalinger raised a caution about product liability insurance and Char Vega added the perspective that with product liability one needs it for both manufacture and transport. Frank Woolridge wondered “Are you still consulting on content creation?” This appears to be developing as a recognized aspect of Myah’s portfolio of businesses.

MEMBER RECOGNITIONS

Jeff Schwartz has a birthday coming on June 13 and is facing the onerous task of selecting the restaurant that will serve the feast.

Club Anniversaries:

Tom Burke 6/7 (8 years)

Xavier Canez 6/9 (new to BBRC after 9 years with Bakersfield North Rotary)

Michelle Zdybowicz 6/15 (also new to BBRC, after 2 years with Ventura South Rotary)

Happy spots were shared as well…

Kay Pitts closed the deal on selling their rental house with the help of Team Gordon (led by our William Gordon)

Jeff Haynes pointed out that the new member roster was missing Shaun Kelly’s name, but John Guerard avoided a fine by having already discovered and “corrected” the error.

Scooter Tangeman was elated because of a successful surgery for a grandchild.

Willie Gordon’s team won recognition for being a top volume seller, no small thing in this tough market. Their group ranked 10^th in state for small real estate groups

Finally, in the Tangled Web We Weave category… Frank Woolridge reported that some ne’er-do-well had absconded with his club badge. He was certain he had put it back in the Badge Box at our last meeting. He asked for an immediate club wide badge check; . Carol Smith then announced she found Franks’ badge in the Badge Box but in the wrong slot. After thorough inquisition. At this point Temo Lopez admitted that he found Frank’s badge and inadvertently put it in in the wrong slot. Jeff Haynes accepted paying Temo’s fine. In the end, this drama ended, and Frank solved the case in a way that would have made Sherlock Holmes proud.

Stephanie Bake

r then proceeded to give the club a brief lesson in how to navigate the Badge Box!

Anne Galvez was awarded a Paul Harris Award, named after the founder of Rotary International, is a recognition given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization and/or their community, often through service and financial contributions. It's a high honor within Rotary, acknowledging individuals who embody the motto "Service Above Self"

NEWS AND REMINDERS

Pay for your BBQ tickets
Marti Sanders will take over Community Service next year and wants our help to set up the program. Please offer ideas and complete the coming survey!
DEMOTION is coming 6/28/25 at 6pm
.
Rotaract training which will include Basic Practical, Relevant Leadership Skills (PRLS) Curriculum is coming up. It will be Rotary Training Sunday 6/29 at Kern Bridges at Location is 1321 Stine Rd. 93309. Breakfast and lunch are included for $25. All Rotarians, especially newer members, are welcome to participate. Thank you Donna Schwartz for assuming the coordination of this event.
District Awards this Sunday (6/15) at Nipomo, 11am to 3pm.
Stephanie Baker shared a picture of the 1000 Flag quilt that Karen Thompson donates to the event every year on the bed of this years winner.
Next week is President Dave’s Swan Song Meeting.
Past Pres. Pat Thompson won the $75 kitty this week—“Don’t tell Karen!”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“ It is unconscionable for people who have a real medical need for coffee to have to wait in line for those to whom coffee is a mere recreational activity.” - Dave Barry

June 18 Meeting

What a WONDERFUL year we have had lead by THE David Lari, President.

Beacon Scribe: Kristine Hergin

To start our day off right, we were met by the wonderful greeters Ron Nelms and Heath Niemeyer- who somehow managed to talk me into only $4 worth of tickets. Great salesman you both are!

We had a very thoughtful invocation lead by Sandra Parnell and a flag salute lead by MJ Pasek.

A rowdy rendition of "Happy Trails" lead by the sweet and soulful voice of Mr. Robert Provencio to send our amazing President off in style.

"Visiting" Rotarians introduced by David Perkins:

The not so stranger to the group and the newest "official" member, Teresa Waller!

Guests: The one and only Brian Pitts and his NEW camera!

President David gave us a look back at our club numbers for the previous 5 years. Our cash and investments account grew by roughly $109K! As PROUD as he is of that, our ultimate goal is $1M! This is done by fundraising, member giving, and investment earnings (Shout out to Mr. Jeff Bell!). Some of the items he would like for us to consider a bit more this next year would be: member contributions! Pledges, in particular, including to Rotary International. He also brought to our attention that we tend to give more to fund our community that we do to Rotary International.

It is important to note what a GIVING district

we are in- a total of $1.2M total given!

President Lari went on to recognize his board and show appreciation for the community leaders they have been this past year. Each person was shown appreciation with sweet words and also a token of appreciation!

Pat Thompson- Planning an AMAZING Charter Night! Although they don't always see eye to eye on things, Pat is always thoughtful. 😊

Carol Smith- What a WONDERFUL Secretary she has been this past year and is always keeping us on task.

Erick Bautista- Thank you for being an AWESOME Treasurer and keeping everything in line WHILE working on your Masters in Accounting.

QUEEN Jackie Maxwell- Thank you for stepping in as President when we needed you and being a WONDERFUL awards chair! [She was also given the SILVER medal for the club for the year]

David Perkins- Thank you for being a great Vocational leader for the club and highlighting our club members!

Freddie Walkover- Although not present, he did a PHENOMENAL job with the International Service!

Char Vega- ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR! Need we say more?? (and Community Service Director!)

Marti Sanders- Thank you for keeping us together and having fun at all the WONDERFUL socials this year!

Willie Gordon- Even though you answered your phone during the President's speech, you were still recognized for all the work you do with Rotaract and the school outreach. Willie also recognized Donna Schwartz and Mindy Wilmot for their hard work, as well!

John Guerard- Although not present, was recognized for ALL the new faces in the club. What an AMAZING growth year we have had!

Sandra Parnell- The woman behind the Fundraising Festivities! Thank you for all you did for the Thousand Flags event!

Cameron Cerda- Sergeant-at-arms extraordinaire! Kept us ALL in line and didn't miss a single week!

Mindy Wilmot- Thank you for ALL the work you did on the Foundation!

Cheryl Scott- She got recognized at the DISTRICT level for leading us to continue being a Peace Building club! [3 YEARS IN A ROW!]

Sally Selby- She was an absolute integral part in coordinating with the City for the Thousand Flags!

Temo Lopez- Audio/Visual EXPERT! Thank you for all you did to make the meetings FUN!

Stephanie Baker- Specifically was recognized for her positivity that we cannot live without! Also shout out to all she did at the district level!

Pete Leveroni- Although he broke his PERFECT ATTENDANCE and was not present, he was recognized for his PHENOMENAL programs throughout the year. He is always finding speakers- industry leaders, not for profits, etc.

Last but certainly NOT least- KAY PITTS! She does SO much for us as a club but also at a district level. She constantly goes above and beyond and

we are so thankful to have her!

All the overachievers, I mean, amazing folks that won "PERFECT ATTENDANCE" was able to get a photo and a pin recognizing their efforts!

President Lari went on to discuss his memorable moments of the year:

-Singapore/Thailand- One reminder that he will always keep is how happy they are with the things they have, even if it's not much

-Rotary is something much bigger than the 4 walls here in Bakersfield. It is absolutely amazing and profound to see

-Enjoyed going to the socials and the All Club Luncheon and bring with everyone

-He is proud of:

-the new members

-incoming leadership

-having fun during the meetings, projects, socials

-to be a Rotarian

HAPPY SPOTS:

-Pat Thompson and family are currently on active baby watch! All thoughts and prayers are with his daughter in law in CO! He is $25 happy now and will be $25 happy when baby is here!

-Denise Haynes made it to Morro Bay and was SO relaxed at their in law's new home that she forgot to pick up a little something for the President! Sooo…a little stop at Blackwell's Corner for crushed garlic pistachios was a MUST!

-Jackie Maxwell is $100 happy for her Alaskan license plate cost and is fully prepared for her 3,744 mile trip ahead! Safe travels!

-Mindy Wilmot is $25 dollars happy for her son who recently got accepted to law school at PEPPERDINE!

-Cheryl Scott is thrilled to see a project finally come to life! The Kern County Covey Cottages will be having a ribbon cutting soon! She has been working on the project for 6-ish years!

ANNIVERSARIES:

-Duncan and Kendra Harris will be celebrating 17 years on 6/20

-Troy and Jodi Fringer will be celebrating 39 years on 6/21

CLUB ANNIVERSARY:

-Jacque Alexander will celebrate her SEVENTH year of BBRC on 6/20! Lucky #7!

*Friendly reminder, if you haven’t done so already- PLEASE PAY FOR YOUR BBQ TICKETS!*

**We are dark next week (6/25) for Demotion!**

Click here for the link to the full set of President Dave's last meeting photos

Jun 25, 2025

Dark for President Dave's Demotion/Stepdown

Jul 02, 2025

Dark for Independence Day week

Jul 09, 2025 6:45 AM

BPD Lieutenant Nicole Anderberg

Homeless Encampments

Jul 16, 2025 6:45 AM

Baker, PItts, Wilmot

Frolicking at RI Convention 2025

View entire list

Rotary International Convention

Stampede Grounds

Jun. 21, 2025 – Jun. 25, 2025

BBRC President's Demotion

Jun. 28, 2025

BBRC Board Meeting

Jul. 15, 2025 5:30 p.m.

BBRC Board Meeting

Aug. 19, 2025 5:30 p.m.

BBRC Board Meeting

Sep. 16, 2025 5:30 p.m.

President

David Lari

President-Elect

Jackie Maxwell

President Elect Nominee

Sandra Parnell

Vice President

Pat Thompson

Secretary

Carol Smith

Club Service Director

Marti Sanders

Treasurer

Erick Bautista

Community Service Director

Char Vega

Fundraising Director

Sandra Parnell

International Service Director

Freddy Walkover

Membership Director

John Guerard

Vocational Service Director

David Perkins

Youth Service Director

Willie Gordon

The Rotary Foundation

Mindy Wilmot

Peace Chair

Cheryl Scott

Sgt-At-Arms

Cameron Cerda

Public Relations

Sally Selby

Immediate Past President

Pat Thompson

Audio Visual

Temo Lopez

Club Dashboard

Stephanie Baker

Programs

Peter Leveroni

Awards Chair

Jackie Maxwell

Meeting Responsibilities

Anne Galvez

Web Master

Kay Pitts

If we lose hope and remain with pessimism, that is the greatest failure. So, in spite of difficulties, remain with optimism - Dalai Lama

Rotary Club of Bakersfield Breakfast