I paid precious little heed to the fog horns, which had been blaring constantly for the past three weeks, as I raced toward the meeting to perform my vital role of Club Historian-for-a-day!  The sounds of screams and crunching metal, as I shot through traffic, were drowned out by Bob and Doug McKenzie belting out the Twelve Days of Christmas, while cranked up to eleven!  Yes, I was setting the mood – joyously anticipating the Holiday music we would soon hear.

 

I was so excited when I arrived, I scarcely noticed how much our greeters, Scooter Tangeman and Char Vega resemble Jeff and Denise Haynes (who just naturally stepped in for the MIA greeters).

 

Mike Turnipseed gave a very poignant invocation on Peace and Unity.  A perfect message for our current times.

 

The reported sighting of the Star of Bethlehem turned out to be nothing more than the glare off the back of Ken Quarnberg’s head as he stood in for Neil Walker and led the salute to our nation’s flag.

 

Carol Smith led us in singing Jingle Bells.  Unfortunately, this was no Master Chorale quality performance and, try as she might, Carol just couldn’t carry us all.  With a few standout exceptions, Carol didn’t have much to work with.

 

Teresa Waller informed us no visiting Rotarians were present.

 

And then – the time had finally come.  It started quietly as first – steadily building in intensity as one singer after another emerged from the hallway.  The heavenly sound of Carol of the Bells rose to near fever pitch as the BC Chamber Singers entered the room.  Each voice seemingly more powerful and melodic than the previous, until all 14 harmonized in unison – creating a true holiday feast for the ears.  Make no mistake, Dr. Jennifer Garrett and her glorious choir were now in control of the room!  Ron Nelms smiled and told me, “If you close your eyes, it sounds like they’re right here!”  Uh, okay Ron.  If you say so.

 

As the choir belted out one favorite after another, Dr. Garrett encouraged all to join in.  However, since my voice has officially been designated a place where good songs go to die, I decided my best contribution of all would be my silence!

 

Dr. Garrett proudly introduced her singers – many of whom are new to the choir.  She explained the Chamber Singers must audition for their positions and, as a group, they have been invited to sing in New York at Carnegie Hall, June 14^th of 2026!  The choir is currently fundraising with a goal of raising $200,000.00 for the trip.  In the interest of fundraising, the BC Choir will also be hosting a Bingo night on January 31^st at Bakersfield College.

 

The Choir rounded out their performance with several holiday songs, including God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night, Childhood Favorites (a medley of Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Clause is Coming to Town), Bethlehem (an African carol), African Noel, a lively rendition of Jingle Bells and 30 second Merry Christmas.  They then left us with another chorus of Carol of the Bells as they departed the room.  The entire performance was uplifting and inspiring!  As soon as I returned home, I threw out my entire collection of Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas albums.  They suddenly didn’t seem that important to me, anymore.

 

        

 

Our guests this week were John Sabovich, introduced by Donna Schwartz and Marti Lari, introduced by the lesser Lari, David.

 

Queen Jackie proudly announced Teresa Waller is a Paul Harris Fellow, plus six!  Way to set that bar high, Teresa.

 

Our remaining birthdays this month are Mindy Wilmot on Dec. 19^th, Tony Castiglione on the 29^th and Michael Turnipseed on the 30^th.

 

Wedding anniversaries are Erick and Bianca Bautista:  8 years on the 15^th and Cameron and Melissa Cerda:  8 years on the 29^th.

 

 

 

 

 

Our remaining Charter Member, Dennis Scott, is celebrating being a member of BBRC for 46 years!  Take that, newbies!

 

Happy Spots:  David Perkins was $20.00 happy about a trip to Quebec.  Michelle Zdybowicz was $120.00 happy.  One hundred of that was a donation to Dr. Garrett and her singers and $20.00 to the club for having them as our program.  Stephanie Baker proudly announced she is 29 years cancer free and, therefore, is giving $140.00 to the club.  Jacque Alexander made an undisclosed donation (not so much undisclosed as much as I didn’t record it) to the club for her grandson Jacob getting his braces off and her daughter getting a car (no more mom taxi).  Sandra Kessler was $10.00 happy for giving a keyboard performance at the convention center and Willie Gordon made a $20.00 donation to the Snow gods (through the club, of course) for the exciting report of snow coming to the Mammoth area.  In fact, Willie has designated himself the official checker of the snow (which will involve having to personally drive up there and stay a few days to monitor the snowfall).  It’s a tough job, but somebody (with skis and snowboards) has to do it.  Thank you, Willie, for your selflessness.  You inspire us all!

 

Announcements:  Erick Bautista announced an opportunity to build relationships with the community we serve with a pancake breakfast, January 10, 2026, at the Dignity Health Community Center from 6am to noon.  David Lari announced our club’s Charter Night Celebration on February 7, 2026, at Stockdale Country Club.  Mark your calendars, now.  Carol Smith reminded us to fill out our pledge forms for this coming year.  Cameron Cerda mentioned there is still time to support the Kettle Corn Fundraiser during the Christmas Light tour through the Haggin Oaks neighborhoods.  Our club will receive $1.00 per bag sold and the fundraiser has already raised $600.00 for BBRC.  The last few days of the fundraiser will be Friday through Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm.  Denise Haynes thanked everyone for the support of the SEAL Center Christmas party with the Masterworks Chorale participating.  She read three thank you letters from the SEAL Center students.

 

Song of the Day:  Queen Jackie picked a hard one this week.  We all recognized the song; Let It Snow, but no one recognized Lee Greenwood as the singer.  However, in the spirit of Christmas giving, Queen Jackie gave everyone the gift of being fine free for the day.  On a related topic, the BBRC board Christmas bonuses will be a little light this year due to the lack of fines collected.

 

50/50 Drawing: This week’s winner was Michael Turnipseed, who gained $50.00 in Christmas cash, which he donated to the BC Chamber Singers.  Unfortunately, Dr. Garrett and the choir were already gone.  Cheryl Scott, who works at BC, nearly gave Mike a paper cut by violently ripping the cash out…I mean taking possession of the donated funds in such a fashion as to maintain proper chain of custody throughout the totally legal and ethical process.  Thank you, Cheryl.  You’re always there to help make things easier for others.

 

We are dark for the next two weeks to celebrate the holidays and enjoy our families.  Our next meeting will be January 7^th, and our program will be Norma Dunn, the program director of the Women’s Business Center. 

 

Everyone be safe and enjoy the Holidays!!