Date: June 5, 2024
InvocationAs the members settled into their seats, Bill Black stood up, his voice steady and warm. He began the invocation, his words weaving a sense of unity and purpose among the Rotarians.
Greeters
At the entrance, Art Esparza and David Perkins greeted everyone with firm handshakes and welcoming smiles. Their enthusiasm set a positive tone for the meeting; each greeting was punctuated with laughter and familiar nods.
Flag Salute
Frank Wooldridge took his place beside the flag, his hand over his heart. The room echoed with the sound of patriotism as members joined him in the flag salute, their voices strong and clear.
Song
"God Bless America" filled the room at the request of Jerry Starr, a charter member. His choice of song resonated deeply, with members joining in, their voices harmonizing in a heartfelt rendition.
Guest SpeakerJim Damian, Kern County’s newly appointed Chief Economic Development Officer, took the stage with a confident stride. His presence commanded attention as he spoke about his role and vision.
"We're focusing on regional diversification," Jim began, his eyes sweeping the room. "Our goal is to attract and retain new business ventures, creating quality jobs for our community."
He elaborated on his strategies, describing efforts to attract businesses in sectors like retail, entertainment, logistics, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. His passion was evident as he emphasized the importance of fostering a business-friendly culture within the county.
"We must ensure Kern County remains competitive," Jim continued, his voice full of determination. "Our internal culture will prioritize high performance in key areas like code compliance, permitting, and public communications."
Wedding Anniversaries
Jeff Schwartz stood up with a broad smile. "It's been 34 wonderful years," he announced, drawing applause and cheers from the audience.
Happy Birthday
Dr. Scott Tangeman and Dr. Bani Singh were both presented with a birthday surprise – a chorus of "Happy Birthday" sung with gusto by their fellow Rotarians, making the moment joyous and memorable.
Club Anniversaries
John Guerad, Dale Bender, Stephanie Baker, and Tom Burke were acknowledged for their years of dedication to the club. Each name was met with applause, celebrating their commitment and service.
Congratulations
Neal Walker was called to the front to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship. The room buzzed with pride and admiration as Neal accepted his award, his face beaming with gratitude.
Happy Spots
David Spalinger shared tales of his trip to the Florida Keys, his excitement infectious as he recounted the vibrant sunsets and serene beaches. Kay Pitts spoke about her adventures in North Carolina and Virginia, her stories painting vivid pictures of her travels.
Jacquie Alexander couldn’t hide her pride as she spoke about her grandson Jake's success in high school swimming, the joy in her voice resonating with everyone. William Gordon, with a wide smile, announced his team's success in real estate, earning accolades for another successful year.
Fines
Coach Shane Bryan faced a hefty fine of $250 for his missed beacon and failure to get a substitute. He took it in stride, however, sharing his happiness for his new role as Varsity Football Office Coordinator for Garces Memorial HS. His upcoming trips to Boston, Florida, and Georgia softened the blow, and his enthusiasm was evident despite the penalty.
50/50 Big Winner
The meeting concluded with Sandra Parnell’s name being drawn as the 50/50 big winner. Her surprise and delight were met with hearty applause, ending the meeting on a high note.
Substitution was the word of the day as quite a few BBRCers filled in for others (including me as today’s Beacon writer). Bill Black led us in the flag salute (Heath Niemeyer as flag bearer) while Troy Fringer and Jeff Haynes stepped in as greeters for absent club members. Michael Turnipseed, who didn’t need a substitute, provided the morning’s inspirational invocation. Songstress Carol Smith had us sing a rousing rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag'' to get us in the mood for Thousand Flags and Memorial Day. 
.png)
