It was a great Rotary day, with lots of guests and two new members inducted on top of that!
Downtown Rotary’s president, Joe Hay, came to check in on his classmate President Pat, and our speaker Amy Travis who is also a member of Downtown.
Way to go, all you BBRCers who brought guests! Erick Bautista and Past President Denise Haynes each brought a guest, and show-off Heath Niemeyer brought TWO guests (new co-workers from CSUB)! And Past President Neil Walker even brought in former club member Ed O’Donnell for a visit!
Program: First 5 Kern
First, 5 Kern Executive Director Amy Travis updated us on her agency’s activities which focus on children up to five because humans experience the most rapid brain development. The goal: getting kids ready for school by the age of five.
Amy reminded us that First 5 Kern is part of a statewide network of agencies, all funded primarily by a tobacco tax passed in 1998. Over the years, the number of smokers in California has decreased dramatically. Great news for the health of our people. Bad news for the bank account of the First 5. Their struggle is to find new funding sources to continue serving nearly 10,000 children a year with services like mobile dental clinics and Family Resource Centers in rural areas of the county.
We can do plenty at home to stimulate our children’s brains. Amy encouraged everyone to simply Talk-Read-Sing to the little ones in our lives. It’s also important to stay aware of developmental milestones. If you know someone concerned about whether their child is meeting the appropriate developmental milestones, have them call 211 for guidance.
BBRC is on the grow!
Two new members were warmly welcomed into the club. Art Esparza (sponsored by yours truly) is a mortgage broker, and Fred Walkover (sponsored by Jeff Haynes) is a career coach. Welcome aboard, guys! 
Happy Spots
Ah, summer vacation time!
The cash was flying, thanks to a bunch of very happy club members! They also brought some exciting gifts for President Pat. Past President Kay Pitts brought him some chili gummi bears from the San Diego Zoo; 
Greg Desme brought some Kansas City goodies from his recent visit with family; MJ Pasek paid a hefty $70 for her seven weeks in Minnesota (and she brought back a Rise & Shine coffee mug and other souvenirs); Robert Provencio took a little trip to Colorado Springs and Santa Fe, and he brought Pat a hefty book called the Story of the Great Operas; Willie Gordon was so worn out from his recent reunion with cousins that he barely made it in time for the new member inductions (but that’s ok because he paid a happy five spot 16-spot); David Perkins came bearing probably President Pat’s most treasured gift…a shot glass (no, not that)…and a bottle of Bourbon. Excellent job, David. 
But that Neil Walker. He tried to get off with a weak $6 spot in recognition of his six weeks on the road (including some travel time with former BBRCer Gerry Starr). After some pressure, the price was bumped to $66, then Neil gave President Pat a bottle filled with smoke from the Canada fires (nice) and some yummy cookies.
Other Important Stuff
Y’all, keep our friend Dale Bender in your thoughts and prayers. He’s recovering from surgery and should be out of the hospital soon. (Update on Dale per his wife Joanne: Dale came home from the hospital on Saturday, August 12th, and “Each day he improves, which is what we have prayed for.”)
Poor Ken Q may stop coming to our meetings. He’s lost the 50-50 drawing TWO WEEKS IN A ROW. Dave Spalinger was the lucky winner of $70. Don’t spend it all in one place, Dave!
Reminders:
- Next week’s meeting: Randy Martin from Covenant Coffee
- August 23rd, very important Club meeting led by President Pat!
- On August 30, our speaker will be from Houchin Blood Bank, and a blood drive will be happening at Seven Oaks…roll up those sleeves!
- Mark your calendar for Wine Place & Show on November 11 at Luigi’s
Go out and do good in the world. Service Above Self!
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