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. Songst
ress 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.
ress 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, 190
5), 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!
5), 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!Our program:
It is quite the treat to have our fabulous ADG, Amy Smith from Twilight Club, in the house, but it is even more special to hear her talk about the local gem that is Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA). Amy has served as the Executive Director of BMoA since 2016. BMoA was founded in 1956 as the Cunningham Memorial Art Gallery in honor of Marion Osborn Cunningham, an artist who is known for her beautiful serigraphs of San Francisco landscapes and landmarks. We were told she is to thank for saving
the famed cable cars (you neo visit the BMoA and ask Amy for the rest of the story!) The museum was overseen by the Bakersfield Art Association and the city-appointed Art Commission until 1986 when the Bakersfield Art Foundation was established, and the name later changed to BMoA. Cunningham’s art is still on display in the museum.
the famed cable cars (you neo visit the BMoA and ask Amy for the rest of the story!) The museum was overseen by the Bakersfield Art Association and the city-appointed Art Commission until 1986 when the Bakersfield Art Foundation was established, and the name later changed to BMoA. Cunningham’s art is still on display in the museum.Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, BMoA is one of 1,070 accredited by the American Alliance of Museums…the highest honor bestowed to the nation’s museums. I was surprised to learn that museums act as economic engines. The total financial impact that museums have on the economy in California is $6.55 billion and contributes 8% of the state’s GDP!
Sadly, the pandemic has closed BMoA multiple times and they have been closed to the public since November. They were able to hold their annual event, Via Arte, 
which was wildly successful at The Marketplace even with the social distancing. Other programs they offer include art education for students, Art After Dark, Yoga at the Museum, and BMoA’s Lecture Series during Second Saturday.
which was wildly successful at The Marketplace even with the social distancing. Other programs they offer include art education for students, Art After Dark, Yoga at the Museum, and BMoA’s Lecture Series during Second Saturday.The museum collects and curates exhibitions that focus on California art and artists from the 20th Century to the present. Current exhibits include “The Bakersfield Sound: Roll Out the Red Carpet,” “Color & Figure: Linda Christensen,” and “New Works by Art Sherwyn” which will all run through August 28, 2021. One is able to “stroll” through these winter exhibitions online at https://www.bmoa.org/
General meeting:
Happy Birthday to Teresa Waller and Darin Blunt. Happy 40th anniversary to Brian and Kay Pitts (they are looking forward to a special post-pandemic trip to celebrate.) Happy Rotary anniversary to Mike O’Doherty who is celebrating his 24 years in Rotary in Hawaii (I see a fine in his future).
Jeff Haynes asked President Dave when he is going to make himself a proper podium. From Zoom, I can hear the machinery in the shop. Surely, someone can help our president out!
Breakfast Rotary Foundation Treasurer Mindy Wilmot reminded everyone about pledges. If you have not submitted your pledge and would like to, contact Mindy or Jeff Haynes.
Mary Jo Pasek shared a heartfelt thank you note from Jason’s Retreat for the gifts donated by the club during the holidays. Big shout out again to Char and Dan Johnson for organizing this very special service project.
President Dave presented immediate past president Cheryl Scott with a certificate from RI recognizing BBRC for participating in the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign in 2019-2020.
And now for my favorite part of the meeting: the phrase that pays! Who read it, who didn’t, who owes the club $10. Teresa Waller was first and basically replie
d with “Just take my money.” Stephanie Baker up next. There is a swing and a miss; another $10. And we have Bill Black who hit the homerun knowing that the clue had to do with the length of Harry Bryant’s new trailer.
d with “Just take my money.” Stephanie Baker up next. There is a swing and a miss; another $10. And we have Bill Black who hit the homerun knowing that the clue had to do with the length of Harry Bryant’s new trailer.Speaking of trailers, lots of new trailers and RVs being acquired by BBRCers. Road Trip! President Dave says he was inspired to renovate his trailer. The newest trailer was acquired by past president Ron Nelms in celebration of Rotary’s anniversary and Terminalia (the festival to honor Terminus, the Roman god who protected boundary markers) both on February 23. Since the purchase was halved with Marta, Ron volunteered a mere $40 as a Happy Spot. Queen Jackie Maxwell suggested that $116 was more appropriate, so Ron settled on $60.
Michele McClur
e thanked Queen Jackie with a bag full of goodies and a $25 Happy Spot to the club to thank Her Highness for hosting a wonderful Super Bowl gathering.
e thanked Queen Jackie with a bag full of goodies and a $25 Happy Spot to the club to thank Her Highness for hosting a wonderful Super Bowl gathering.ADG Amy Smith won a great bottle of wine for her Rotary facemask. Queen Jackie is $45 richer thanks to the drawing, and Harry Bryant won a membership to the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
Announcement:
In lieu of next week’s meeting, please plan to attend the all-club meeting on Thursday, March 4 at noon featuring Craig Needham. His talk centers around being raised by a mother afflicted with polio and living in an iron lung. You do not want to miss it! The all-club meeting will be held online; look for the email from President Dave with the link. Click HERE for link to this meeting
I thank the wonderful Frank Wooldridge for allowing me to write this week’s newsletter.
Stay warm, stay safe, and do good in the world.