Welcome to another issue of The Beacon!  The Beacon is the weekly newsletter for Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club.  It’s where you will get all the latest information on what is happening in the club.  A great big “thank you” to our greeters, Myah Salinas and Marti Sanders, who arrived early to welcome everyone with a smile and a cheerful “hello”! 

 

 

 

President Jackie Maxwell, AKA “Queen Jackie” kicked off the meeting with an invocation by Kay Pitts, followed by Stephanie Baker who led us in the salute to our flag.   Songstress Carol E Smith led us in singing The Four Way Test song.

 

Thanks also to Sandra Parnell who was this week’s “scribe”, taking down all the important information for our weekly bulletin. 

We celebrated Rotary service anniversaries of two fantastic Rotarians. Frank Wooldridge has been with BBRC for 17 years, and Ken Quarnberg for 27 years.  Way to go fellas!  Ken Quarnberg announced that we had no guests today, so seeing no guests we proceeded to our scheduled program.

 

 

 

Today’s meeting looked a little different than most. We took a moment to reflect on our accomplishments as a club and to plan ahead for the year. We heard from several of our board members. First up was our treasurer, Cameron Cerda. He provided a riveting view of our financial status. Ok, not riveting, but important, nonetheless. Club finances are in order, and in excellent hands with Cameron. (One important thing to note, Queen Jackie is lagging on fines, so I strongly suggest you wear your Rotary pins! If you don’t, it may cost you!)

 

Erick Bautista was up next.  Erick gave us an update on vocational activities. We will continue featuring “vocational moments” and are always looking for members to give a five-minute summary of what their job or business. Erick also plans to set up a career panel and host resume and interview workshops to help our Rotaract students explore career options.   

 

International Director Jeff Schwartz was up next, Jeff showed us a video on a program in Romania that several other clubs in our district are supporting. The program will help provide technological training to underserved children in the country. Marti Sanders is our Community Services Director and gave us a breakdown of what she has planned for the entire year. She’s got lots of exciting things on the calendar, so keep your eye out for details. Remember “Service Above Self”.  Marti and Jackie are truly committed to our motto.  The next activity for the club is a cleanup at San Miguel on October 11.

 

Up next was, Jennifer Henry, our Social Director, who let us know what she has planned. On October 9 we have a baby shower planned for Erick Bautista and his wife. Then we will be celebrating Oktoberfest at Jackie’s beautiful farm on October 24. (Trust me, if you haven’t made the trip to Jackie’s, it’s amazingly beautiful and well worth the drive.)

Myah Salinas is working with our students to drum up interest for RYLA and will soon be updating us on a clean-up project with Golden Valley students. And last, but not least, Tom Burke updated us on Thousand Flags. I can sum it up simply by saying volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! No skills required! Keep an eye out for sponsor packets for the event. Packets will be coming out soon.

 

 

 

 

We wrapped up our State of the Club meeting with the 50/50 drawing.  Jeff Haynes had apparently dozed off and almost missed out on his big win.  But just as Queen Jackie prepared to draw another ticket, Jeff awoke and claimed his prize.

 

 

 

 

Next week’s program: Betsy McGovern Garcia, Self Help Enterprises

 

We look forward to seeing everyone next Wednesday!