Wednesday morning, March 25, dawned bright and early as Bakersfield Breakfast Rotarians shuffled in, coffee in hand and sleep still in their eyes. Our dynamic greeting duo, Stephanie Baker and Neil Walker, were stationed at the door, offering smiles, hugs, and just enough enthusiasm to convince everyone it really was a good idea to be up at this hour. Teresa Waller got us centered with a warm invocation, followed by a spirited flag salute led by Sandy Kesler, who made sure we all remembered which hand goes over the heart. Carol Smith then stepped up to lead us in song, and we did our best rendition of “You’re A Grand Ole Flag,” hitting at least some of the right notes. Membership guru and announcer-in-chief Frank Wooldridge let us know we had no visiting Rotarians this week.   We were lucky enough to have one visitor with us this morning.  Bryan Wooster brought his lovely niece. 

 

     

 

Rotarians were treated to a fascinating and candid talk this week from Gus Matrammal, Director of Advantage Testing of Silicon Valley and author of A Is for Average. With more than 22 years in education, Gus shared how his early life in St. Louis—where graduation rates were low but family support and a Jesuit school scholarship made all the difference—sparked his lifelong interest in how kids learn and what truly drives success in education.

 

Gus took on a big question: does spending more money always lead to better outcomes in schools? The data, he said, tell a more complicated story. States like California spend heavily yet still turn in disappointing results, while places like Idaho and Utah achieve strong student performance on much less. He highlighted the Bakersfield City School District as an example, noting that about 75% of students aren’t meeting reading standards and math scores are even weaker.

 

He also traced how teaching methods and political decisions have shaped today’s results. California’s uneven approach to phonics instruction, along with shifts in math standards that moved away from memorization and procedure, have left many students behind. On top of that, new grading policies meant to promote “equity” sometimes remove real-world accountability for effort and deadlines—skills students will absolutely need beyond the classroom.

 

Despite the challenges, Gus offered some hopeful ideas. He believes smaller classes, higher pay, and meaningful merit bonuses for teachers—especially in tougher districts—can make a big difference. He also encouraged everyone to stay involved locally, from voting for the state superintendent to attending school board meetings. “If communities show up and stay informed,” he said, “real change in education is possible.”

 

A big happy birthday to our fabulous March babies: Willie Gordon, Myah Salinas, and Cheryl Scott, who all share a March 20th birthday (there must’ve been something in the water that day!), and Frank Wooldrige, who celebrated on March 29th. We hope each of you enjoyed your special day! 

 

Cheers also go out to Scooter and Suzanne Tangeman, who toasted another year of marriage this week—congratulations to you both!

 

And finally, a round of applause for our club anniversaries: Myah Salinas and Tony Castiglione, celebrating their first year as Rotarians, and Erick Bautista, Myrna Arias, and Duncan Harris, who just hit the four-year mark. Thank you all for your service and the joy you bring to our club! 💙💛

 

💰 Happy Spots Shine Bright!

With no fines this week, our Happy Spot donations stole the show—and brought plenty of laughs along the way!

First up, Ron Nelms generously declared he’d be $100 worth of happy if our very own Queen Jackie would don a gigantic 49ers necklace he brought back from Scottsdale (because apparently, nothing says ‘Go Niners!’ like jewelry you could spot from the end zone.). Ever the good sport, Jackie slipped it on... but before the Dodger-loving Queen could break out in hives, Sandra Parnell swooped in with a $150 rescue offer to have her take it off—saving Jackie from what would’ve surely been a medical emergency involving way too much red and gold.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Bryan Wooster shared that his niece had recently moved back to Bakersfield and was on the job hunt. He sweetened the search with a $500 “foundation donation” for anyone who could help her land work. Enter Erick Bautista, who casually mentioned he happened to be looking for a front desk receptionist. And just like that, Rotary matchmaking magic struck again—proof that service above self includes career connections, too!

 

 

Sandy Kesler leveled up today—from red badge apprentice to full-fledged blue badge Rotarian! She’s completed every quest, slain every checklist dragon, and retired that red badge of shame to the archives where it belongs.

 

                                       

Luck was smiling on Marti Sanders, who snagged the 50/50 drawing and walked away $47 richer—proof that it does pay to show up!

 

A friendly reminder: we’re DARK next week for Easter. If you forget and show up anyway, beware—Queen Jackie could choose to fine any rogue Rotarians who wander in. Save yourself the dollars (and the embarrassment) and enjoy that extra slice of ham instead!