Another beautiful Wednesday morning at Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club. We were greeted by Kay Pitts and John Sabovich, who did a fine job and gave everyone that extra spring in the heel.

Stephanie Baker opened with an invocation filled with gratitude for nature, Rotary, kindness, and the many blessings that surround us. David Perkins led the flag salute and, as always, did a marvelous job.

Carol Smith led us in God Bless America, and the club responded with enthusiasm, confidence, and not a missed beat.

 

 

We had no visiting Rotarians and, surprisingly, no guests either, but Queen Jackie was more than ready for the challenge of keeping the room lively despite the lighter crowd.

 

 

Our speaker, Emily Waite, shared the story behind the newly completed Woolworth building project in downtown Bakersfield. Emily has been with Moneywise since 2020 and has led the Woolworth rehabilitation effort since 2021.

 

Emily’s background is as impressive as it is varied. She is a BYU graduate, photographer, artist, musician with albums released in 2023 and 2025, trainer, Wind Wolves volunteer, and former elementary school teacher.

She explained that the vision for the project was not to modernize the building, but to restore and refresh it while preserving its nostalgic character. The team brought back the original black-and-white exterior colors, restored the curved glass and original spaces, uncovered and refinished the terrazzo flooring, and refurbished vintage fixtures throughout the building.

The project even preserved the original grill at the lunch counter, though the hood had to be replaced to satisfy inspection requirements. Today the building houses Moneywise offices, a fully restored lunch counter and dining area for 131 guests, and a downstairs beer-and-wine venue with seating for 125 and room for up to 300 for larger gatherings.

Emily noted that Woolworth’s was once the five-and-dime store of its day — a place for shopping, lunch, and community gathering, much like the modern blend of convenience and social connection people still seek today. She also shared that the Bakersfield location is now the only fully restored Woolworth building in the country.

Members clearly appreciated the presentation. Sandy Kesler called the project a timeless work of art and noted the broader energy of downtown revitalization. Willie Gordon was happy to have attended the grand opening and celebrated the urban renewal taking place.

John Sabovich joked that the building sounded like a money pit, and Emily agreed that the project was driven more by passion, nostalgia, and the arts than by profit. The dream, she said, was worth pursuing for its own sake.

Denise Haynes asked whether the Woolworth name came from the founding family, and Emily confirmed that it did, with the first store established in New York City. Queen Jackie thanked Emily for a wonderful presentation, presented her with a coffee mug, and let her know that Rotary would make a Polio Plus donation in her honor.

We had two birthdays to celebrate, though both honorees were away traveling and missed the song. Happy birthday to Bani Singh and Scooter Tangeman.

Club anniversaries were especially impressive this week. Dale Bender celebrated 39 years on June 1, John Guerard marked 38 years on June 1, and Stephanie Baker celebrated 30 years on June 3 — a combined 107 years of Rotary service.

On the wedding anniversary front, Jeff and Cheryl Haynes celebrated 36 years of marriage. Congratulations to them both.

 

   

Denise Haynes was $10 happy for attending the 110th Indy 500 and another $10 happy for Temo’s help operating the projector. She also presented Jackie with a commemorative koozie honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary and a photo of the famous pagoda kissed by the race winner.

Ron Nelms was $20 happy after attending a Land Surveyor’s convention with Marta and making time to visit Stone Mountain and other spots around Atlanta. He also brought Jackie a refrigerator magnet with bling, though he admitted the trip may require a return visit since he did not kiss the wall.

Bryan Wooster was $20 happy for a trip to Disneyland and presented Queen Jackie with a wine glass.

Jackie Alexander was $20 happy for a house full of visiting family in San Luis Obispo and time spent frolicking in the ocean.

Stephanie Baker was $20 happy to be part of an event where eight Highway Patrol cadets handled parking lot duty. She praised them as trustworthy and impressive, and she fed them lunch as well.

The song of the day was Beers and Sunshine by Darius Rucker.

 

     

Queen Jackie’s demotion is just around the corner, so stay tuned for more details. Help is still needed, and anyone wanting to assist should contact David Lari.

Marti Sanders reminded members about the community service project supporting household needs, including gently used or new pots and pans, towels, silverware, and similar items. Members may bring donations to the next meeting for transfer in the parking lot, or contact Marti directly for pickup.

 

                               

There were no fines related to the 1000 Flags event. Dennis Scott briefly found himself in the hot seat, but his generous contribution earned a full exoneration — a fine Rotary reminder that participation can come through time, talent, or treasure.

 

There was, however, one official fine: Donna Schwartz was assessed $10 for a ringing phone.

Jeff Schwartz was the winner of the $52 50/50 drawing, an especially nice pot given the smaller crowd.

 

                                

 

Next week’s program will feature John Sabovitch, who promises to deliver a presentation full of insight and enthusiasm. It sounds like one not to miss.