B3K: A Better Bakersfield and Boundless Kern
Justin Salter, the Interim Executive Director for B3K depressed us with the current financial status of Kern County residents before he shared the progress B3K has made. The organization formed in 2020 “To bring our region together to imagine, engineer, and build the next era of success, where all people prosper and businesses thrive.”
Their big goal is the creation of 100,000 new quality jobs and pathways to access the jobs by 2031. He noted that Kern County doesn’t have enough good “promising” jobs to achieve self-sufficiency at the current time.
Family of Rotary
- Past President and Honorary Member Carl Leech suffered a stroke. Carl was known as the BBRC bartender extraordinaire at events and fundraisers. He, with Paul Cooper, mixed a mean hurricane at the Evening in New Orleans fundraisers.
- Jeff Bell is feeling better and would love calls and texts from his BBRC tribe. His cell number is 661-319-9264. He is recovering, albeit slowly.
Anniversaries
Karen Bonanno brought her sweetheart, Tony Bonanno in recognition of their 36 years of marriage on July 30. Whew, the pressure is off for Karen to allow us to enjoy Tony’s company during their anniversary month.Hopefully the following celebrants come with their spouses to the August 14 Ice Cream Social! It is always fun to get to know our Rotary families better.
Mindy and Don Wilmot celebrated their silver 25th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
Dennis and Frances Scott celebrated their golden 50th anniversary on August 3. I am sure they had a very special day. Dennis and Frances have the honor of being the second longest married in the club.
Let’s raise a glass of champagne to the longest married in our Rotary family:
Mary Jo and Tom Pasek celebrated 52 years on July 29. Congratulations!
Recognitions
Duncan Harris – where are you? We miss you!
Heath Niemeyer – Thank you for playing “what is in the Beacon”. We are happy to see you.
Pat Thompson is back for a vacation to Colorado where he spent time doing home improvement projects on his son’s home. You are good parent and because you are a good BBRC member, we are assembling a list of projects you can help with on our homes. Pat did a make up in Littleton BUT we don’t see a banner from that club from you.
Banner explainer: When you visit a club, BBRC has little banners you can take to exchange with the club. Apparently, this tradition goes way back. Rotary International (RI) event has a write up on line.
David Perkins was awarded kudos by Denise Haynes for the pictures and articles on Thousand Flags in his publication formerly known as Seven Oaks Living now called Stroll Magazine.
Mary Jo Pasek is back from a visit to her hometown in Minnesota. Did she leave Tom at home? If so, is that part of the secret to a long, happy marriage?
Ron Nelms and his sweetie Marta just returned from the Oregon dunes and the Carolinas where allegedly they saw Sasquatch. Need more proof of that.
David Perkins is
back from Eugene, Oregon where he met his GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER. She is four months old. Dave is in love with the littlest member of his family.
back from Eugene, Oregon where he met his GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER. She is four months old. Dave is in love with the littlest member of his family.Jacque Alexander is floating on air after her daughter, Bridget, son-in-law and four-month-old granddaughter Delilah Rose visited from the home in the northeast USA. Jacque’s smile lit up the room.
Erick Bautista is home from Mammoth Lakes. Since the slopes aren’t open they amused themselves by playing in the Indian Casino in that area.
Cameron and Melissa Cerda have completed their second adoption. They have added twins to their family. Congratulations! President Dave – are we passing the hat for the children’s education fund this week?
New child in a family explainer: a collection is made among the members at the meeting for the future education of the family’s newcomer. The Rotarian parent is expected to open an account and match the amount collected.