As the Christmas holidays approach, BBRC Rotarians are staying busy as witnessed at Wednesday’s meeting. Members were welcomed by Rotarians Anne Galvez and Myah Salinas. President Jackie started the meeting promptly at 7 a.m. and Marti Sanders led us in an invocation, followed by Donna Schwartz who led the flag salute. To ensure we get in the Christmas mood, Denise Haynes led the singing of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” and Jeffrey Schwartz announced there were no visiting Rotarians.

 

 

 

 

 

Pete Leveroni then introduced our guest speaker, Evette Roldan, Assistant Water Director with the City of Bakersfield Water Department. Evette led a very informational review of the City’s wastewater history, current infrastructure concerns and challenges, and an overview of the multiple options for repair/maintenance, and proposed rate structure options that have been submitted to the City Council. Evette answered many questions as well, and helped Rotarians better understand the challenges we face going forward. A full review of the treatment plant challenges, proposed rate increases and funding options, can be found at  https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/1226/Understanding-Our-Sewer-System-Rates Our own Michael Turnipseed, Executive Director at Kern County Taxpayers Association, shared that a counter-proposal will be introduced to the City Council very soon…stay tuned as this important discussion continues to evolve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Jackie returned to the helm to continue the meeting. While there were no birthdays to celebrate, she did recognize the wedding anniversary (35 years) of David and Marti Lari. There were also three Club anniversaries, all whom joined on the same date, December 1, 1995; congratulations to Neil Walker, Pete Leveroni and David Lari.

 

 

                             

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie then followed tradition and “passed the hat” for our newest Club baby, Rio Batista. Erick said he was grateful to return to the Club and that he and his family have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve felt from fellow Rotarians. Four hundred dollars was collected for Baby Rio’s college fund!

 

                                

 

 

The president did some “collecting” of her own, with Bill Black presenting “Navy Pride” challenge coins, Dennis Scott delivering pineapple chews and Hawaiian coffee from Las Vegas (?), and Willie Gordon gifting the Queen artwork depicting a squirrel riding a roadrunner from Cabo. You can’t make this stuff up!

 

 

Jackie also shared a photo from the archives of a beautiful, young Pam Walker, with a strange-looking mustached gent…hmm. The mystery man was not present, so he possibly dodged a fine…or not; what say you Queen Jackie?

 

 

Announcements included a reminder from Jennifer about the upcoming Club Holiday party on Saturday. Denise Haynes shared the SEAL Christmas party is on Friday, December 12^th at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to attend and show the kids our support. Denise embroidered the children’s names on plush blankets (paid for by our Foundation), and is asking for help to wrap the gifts.

 

Tom Burke reminded everyone how important it is for EVERYONE to be selling Thousand Flags sponsorships, as this is the Club’s one and only fundraiser. And Cameron informed us that a kettle corn business will donate $1 for each bag sold this month to all enjoying the lights in the Haggin Oaks neighborhood each Friday and Saturday night…please tell your friends and family to support the effort.

 

 

 

As the meeting came to a close, the illustrious Frank Wooldridge pulled the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing; Mindy Wilmot went home with the $35 prize. And a final $25 fine was issued to Mr. Turnipseed, as his phone rang during the meeting…a big No-No in Queen Jackie’s court!