Rise and shine, fellow early birds! While the rest of Bakersfield is still searching for their snooze button, we’re already changing the world one breakfast meeting at a time. Let’s get cracking on another great Rotary morning! Here is how we kicked off the day.
Cheerful greetings awaited us from
Neil Walker and
Bill Black as we
arrived, tickets in hand for the ever-popular opportunity drawing.
Stephanie Baker set a thoughtful tone with a heartfelt invocation, followed by
Erick Bautista leading a proud salute to our flag. To top it off,
Carol Smith chose the spirited tune
“You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and the room filled with voices singing in true Rotary harmony.
Thank you to this week’s scribe – Tony Castiglione!
We were honored to have Sandy as a visitor today. Sandy was hosted by Jacque Alexander.
RECOGNITION:
Each week brings new reasons to celebrate the spirit of fellowship within our Rotary
family.
We send heartfelt birthday wishes to Char Vega and Xavier Canez and extend warm congratulations to Pete and Michelle Leveroni (40 years of marriage) and Jennifer and Matt Henry (28 years).
Special thanks to Jeff Bell, whose 16 years of Rotary service and Kirstin Hertin with one year of Rotary service. You both continue to inspire us all. Your dedication, compassion, and example embody the heart of “Service Above Self.”
HAPPY SPOTS & FINES:
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the good things happening in our Rotary family and beyond. From personal triumphs and community involvement to family milestones and upcoming travels — your happy spots make our mornings brighter. Don’t forget to share your news (big or small) and keep the spirit of fellowship alive.
- Queen Jackie gave Ron a stuffed Moose and Bottle opener from her trip
- Denise Hayes – Return from Hawaii gave Queen Jackie a stuffed State Bird “Wild Chicken” - $10 Happy
- John Guerard – Return from Canadian Rockies gave Queen Jackie a playing deck of Cards “Unmarked” - $20 Happy
- Ron Nelms – Happy for the Downtown Streets of Bakersfield Charity Car Show this past weekend that Tony Castiglione puts on - $10 Happy
It wouldn’t be a Queen Jackie meeting without a fine or two.
- Teresa Waller – Fined herself for providing incorrect date of BBRC’s charter. Teresa was off by 5 yrs - $50 Fine
- Ron Nelms – Fined for an image found online (sporting a “deer in the headlights” look) of him at what is believed to be a Condor’s game. - $20
- Neil Walker – Fine $40 – for being Neil Walker.
- Char Vega was recognized for 15 seconds of fame for appearing on Channel 23 News – but suffered no fine.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Oktoberfest is coming!
Queen Jackie will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration at her ranch. An email went out asking for RSVPs. Please bring your favorite desert. Food, beverages, games, and polka music will be provided. No Charge! If you have some lederhosen or Dirndl don them and set the mood!
BBRC has two opportunities to engage in Community Service. We hope to see many of you there!
- San Miquel Commemorative Grove – October 25th (8-11am)
- Seal Show Shopping – October 29th )9:30am) @ WSS Shoes California & Brundage
TODAY’S SPEAKER:
Today’s guest speaker was
Lauren Marty from the
Bakersfield Museum of Art, who shared the fascinating story behind one of our community’s most cherished cultural institutions. The museum’s roots reach back to
1956, when it was founded as the
Cunningham Memorial Art Gallery in honor of local artist
Marion Osborn
Cunningham, known for her dreamlike prints and mastery of color harmony. Marion studied under Ruth Emerson at Kern County Union High School (now Bakersfield High), and her legacy continues to inspire the museum’s creative spirit. Since
1991, the museum has held accreditation from the
American Alliance of Museums, marking it as one of the region’s premier cultural centers.
Lauren went on to describe the museum’s guiding mission: to engage and inspire diverse audiences through visual arts experiences. The BMoA strives to make art accessible to everyone, fostering learning, creativity, and community connection through its exhibitions, classes, and outreach programs. Its core values—integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, collaboration, community, and outreach—guide every initiative and program.
Education stands at the heart of the museum’s work. BMoA partners with Bakersfield City Schools, encouraging fifth graders to create original works displayed as a special art wall in the museum each year. The museum also brings art directly to the public through signature community events like Via Arte, a lively chalk art festival held each October at The Marketplace parking lot. More than 100 artists compete for prizes, transforming the pavement into a kaleidoscope of color before the artwork is washed away by midweek. Additional programs, such as art workshops and the Summer Art Camp, further strengthen local engagement.
The museum’s impact is far-reaching. In the past year, it reached more than 14,000 children, welcomed over 9,000 annual visitors, and hosted around 10,000 attendees during Via Arte. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, 1,400 members, and a dedicated staff of 23, the Bakersfield Museum of Art continues to enrich Kern County’s cultural life—one brushstroke, chalk line, and inspired visitor at a time.
WRAPPING UP:
Today’s 50/50 winner was Neil Walker (AGAIN!) This week Neil walked out with $40.
Please join us next week when our program will be CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER DISTRIC 32– STAN ELLIS
