Dear fellow Rotarians: now hear this! The clue for this newsletter will be in BOLDED RED ALL CAPITAL LETTERS(as it was last time). You’re welcome!
Thank you to Stephanie Baker for greeting members at the in-person gathering and Darin Blunt for greeting those on Zoom. Dale Bender delivered a beautiful invocation, and Connie Bensusen led us in the flag salute. Songstress Denise Haynes directed us in a chorus or two of Woody Guthrie’s American folk song, “This Land is Your Land.” Even on Zoom, I could see Michele McClure bebopping along.
Welcome to our guest, Jan, accompanying husband Bill Black. It was good to see them both as Bill is back to working in Bakersfield again.
It is wonderful to start a meeting with not one, but TWO inductions! Membership Director Pat Thompson invited the dynamic duo of Jeff and Donna Schwartz and their sponsor Marilee Reagor front and center. President Dave Spalinger and our Assistant District Governor, Amy Smith (who happened to be our program presenter) were nearby to welcome our two newest members.
As Pat said, despite the pandemic, “We persevere, thrive, and grow.” In recognizing the 116th anniversary of Rotary International (started February 23, 1905), Pat gave us some wonderful history including how our mottos “He Profits who Serves Best” and “Service Above Self” were approved at the Portland convention in 1911 and became official at the Detroit convention in 1950. He also mentioned (here it comes, people…the clue) that ROTARY’S POLIO ERADICATION EFFORTS BEGAN IN THE PHILLIPINES(in 1979). In her comments, Donna mentioned that it was nice to join the club after 10 years of attending events. We welcome both Donna and Jeff to BBRC!
