Welcome to another Wednesday morning.  It’s February 18^th and this is your weekly Beacon.  The morning began with our usual midweek magic as the Seven Oaks Country Club filled with the laughter and chatter of BBRC members ready to make things happen. Greeters Kristine Hertin and Denise Haynes set the tone with warm welcomes and contagious smiles, proving fellowship is our best fuel.

David Lari opened the meeting with an invocation inspired by the Olympic Spirit—a timely reminder that greatness is found not only in victory, but in striving together for shared goals. John Sabovich led the Flag Salute with his signature enthusiasm, followed by Carol Smith, who brought a festive touch to the day after Mardi Gras with a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In”—a lively prelude to our collective reciting of the Four-Way Test.

Temo Lopez rose to introduce any visiting Rotarians, but after a quick glance around the room, it was clear that today’s guest list consisted exclusively of our familiar faces—home team only!

We welcomed a few guests this morning, adding some welcome fresh energy to the room. It was great to see Cheryl Biggar, a former BBRC member, back among friends—thank you to Kay Pitts for extending the invitation. Bryan Wooster brought along Joel Hernandez as his guest, adding another friendly face to our Wednesday morning crowd. And Char Vega was joined by her sister Denise, who instantly became part of the lively table chatter. We always love seeing new (and familiar) faces among us! 

 

Happy Spots sparkled brighter than Maui sunshine this week! Denise Haynes returned from paradise bringing gifts—a glass chicken ornament for our reigning Queen Jackie—because nothing says “Aloha” quite like poultry. She also arrived behind the wheel of a new Expedition, which translated to a $30 happiness rating.

Sandy Kesler shared that her new window shutters arrived via none other than Cameron Cerda’s company—coordinated (unknowingly) by her daughter! She was $20 happy, though Cameron gallantly offered to pick up the tab.

Jacque Alexander lit up the room announcing that her grandson turned 18 on Valentine’s Day. Love, family, and adulthood all rolled into one celebration!

Jeff Haynes returned from his globe-trotting adventures in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, bearing a manta ray bottle opener/magnet for Queen Jackie and $20 worth of happiness.

Willie Gordon shared joyful time with extended family and was $35 happy about it—proof that family visits can end well and be worth every dollar.

When it came to Fines, Queen Jackie noted there were no reports of mischief, so she invited members to fine themselves. Mindy Wilmot had already done so—$5 for forgetting her Rotary pin. Ken Quarnberg boldly declared, “Fine me whatever!” and promptly chose $20. Not to be outdone, Willie Gordon rose to match the fun, fining himself $50 for both a missing pin and a little self-promotion (don’t forget to vote in Best of Kern!). Inspired, Ken raised his own fine to match—$50 to the endowment. That’s the kind of peer pressure we can all get behind!

 

Next social to be held March 12, 5:50pm-7:30pm at Rosemary’s.

Last push for February project which is for Links for Life. Only items left to purchase are 35 Chemo Relief nasal sprays. Will gather on February 26 to put 100 bags together. Watch for email from Marti Sanders about March project.

Vocational Services Chair Erick Bautista distributed nomination forms for the Above & Beyond Award. Nominees should demonstrate the highest ethical standards in their work, use their profession to serve others, and inspire colleagues to practice their own vocations with integrity. He encouraged members to consider past speakers as potential nominees. Nominations are due April 18.

 

Peace Chair Mindy Wilmot shared that February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Month on the Rotary calendar. She also noted that Monday, February 23, is designated World Understanding and Peace Day, marking the anniversary of Rotary’s founding on February 23, 1905.

 

Denise Haynes reminded members that excuses for avoiding volunteer duty at Thousand Flags over Memorial Day weekend are few and far between. In a playful twist, Queen Jackie pointed out that Denise will be attending the Indy 500 and therefore missing the event herself.

 

Finally, Charter Night photos are now available on the BBRC website for all to enjoy.

 

Our guest speaker, Bill LaManque, has been the Director of Kern County Airports since July 2025 and brought us an insider’s look at the airport we often take for granted as just a place to catch a flight. Bill reminded us that Meadows Field (BFL) is much more—a true community asset and economic engine. The airport supports two commercial carriers and employs more than 30 county staff members, over 30 TSA agents, and another 15–20 air traffic controllers, not to mention the fixed‑base operators who handle fueling, parking, and maintenance. Private planes, law enforcement aircraft, and rental car companies all call BFL home. Even visiting flight crews boost the local economy by spending their layovers in Bakersfield’s hotels and restaurants. And get this—more than 400,000 passengers traveled through BFL in 2025!

Bill also gave us a look at what’s next for the airport, including resurfaced roads, new parking spots and rental car facilities, a fresh baggage system, and even the removal of the long‑tired escalator. As BFL continues to grow, the hope is to see even more destinations added to the lineup. Bill noted he had done his Rotary research and appreciates the Four‑Way Test, adding that integrity and service are central to how he runs the airport. One major milestone on his to‑do list: updating the airport’s Master Plan in the near future.

When asked how we can help, Bill had a clear answer—fly local! Every ticket booked out of BFL drives demand, which leads to more flights and, eventually, lower fares. He also invited Rotarians to partner with the airport for career days, open houses, and community advisory committees, and to engage with BFL on social media. As for fun facts—our most‑requested destinations? The four Hawaiian islands, Las Vegas, and (naturally) the United Kingdom.

 

Wrapping up the morning with a familiar twist of luck, our 50/50 winner was none other than Temo Lopez—again! Temo took home $57, proving lightning can indeed strike twice (or maybe he just has a very lucky seat). Looking ahead, be sure to join us next week as Debbie Omondo presents “Be Finally Free,” a program sure to inspire and uplift. See you next Wednesday!