Wednesday, January the 20th of 2021 will certainly go down in history as a day attendees of the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club Zoom meeting may not soon forget. Without one pol
itical word from our members, it was the day of a new President, Vice-President and Congress. In the name of America may we as Rotarians maintain a demeanor of professionalism and goodwill to all. We represent the best of what our country has to offer our communities. It is my hope that in the coming months we as a club will find opportunities to share with our community what we do for those who are often forgotten. Let us pray our government can replicate such endeavors for the common good of all Americans. As Rotarians let us pave the way.
itical word from our members, it was the day of a new President, Vice-President and Congress. In the name of America may we as Rotarians maintain a demeanor of professionalism and goodwill to all. We represent the best of what our country has to offer our communities. It is my hope that in the coming months we as a club will find opportunities to share with our community what we do for those who are often forgotten. Let us pray our government can replicate such endeavors for the common good of all Americans. As Rotarians let us pave the way.**Featured Program**
Pete Le
veroni reminds me of that guy I used to see at the beginning of a rock concert who would come out on stage to introduce the main act. Without fail, Pete once again presented a big act featuring Amy Thelen, vice president of Bitwise. Home-grown Amy in 6th grade probably did not have her sights set on becoming involved with a tech firm. With college degrees in criminal justice and public administration, one would think she would be suited to be our next Chief of Police. No, not this lady, she rolled into jobs that eventually led her to finding a home with Bitwise.
veroni reminds me of that guy I used to see at the beginning of a rock concert who would come out on stage to introduce the main act. Without fail, Pete once again presented a big act featuring Amy Thelen, vice president of Bitwise. Home-grown Amy in 6th grade probably did not have her sights set on becoming involved with a tech firm. With college degrees in criminal justice and public administration, one would think she would be suited to be our next Chief of Police. No, not this lady, she rolled into jobs that eventually led her to finding a home with Bitwise.Amy, who is very passionate about her privilege to serve Bitwise and her hometown, touts the founder of Bitwise Irma Olguin Jr. and Ms Olguin’s vision to create a way to bring those who would otherwise not consider attaining a post-high school education a means to do so. Amy said her boss’s dream did not stop there. She said Irma wanted to prepare persons often marginalized, or those who never considered expanding their career potential to secure meaningful jobs. What followed was the birth of Bitwise.
Amy cited personal development coach and author, Simon Sinek, who advocates that those who seek a deeper appreciation of what they do for themselves and others must understand their personal “WHY” - why they commit their time and effort for anything. Through that commitment a passion grows to achieve rewards and success. It is this ideal Bitwise embraces because they too want success. Amy best describes the “WHY” to us in this way. WHY does Bitwise matter for Kern County?
Firstly, Education is a cornerstone of what the company is doing by providing training to their students in an array of skills needed in the field of computer technologies. Does computer coding tickle your fancy? Well, if it does, Bitwise is the place to be. At a minimal cost, Bitwise is suited to help their student’s dreams come true. Moreover, Bitwise is busy developing relationships with local corporations and our college campuses, so that when students complete their training Bitwise can help them transition into fantastic jobs that can become life time careers.
Second
ly, Developing inner city blighted commercial business space is another one of Bitwise’s character traits. By increasing their presence in urban locations where there is a need for community development, it also serves the purpose of making tech education centrally located. This benefits the city by bringing value to the downtown business landscape. Amy said you do not even have to be a student to enjoy the confines of Bitwise. The facility actually rents out office space at a nominal cost, giving small start-ups a place to call home and expand. To the pleasure of leisure, Bitwise will have space dedicated to a beer “tap room” and a coffee bar.
ly, Developing inner city blighted commercial business space is another one of Bitwise’s character traits. By increasing their presence in urban locations where there is a need for community development, it also serves the purpose of making tech education centrally located. This benefits the city by bringing value to the downtown business landscape. Amy said you do not even have to be a student to enjoy the confines of Bitwise. The facility actually rents out office space at a nominal cost, giving small start-ups a place to call home and expand. To the pleasure of leisure, Bitwise will have space dedicated to a beer “tap room” and a coffee bar.Thirdly, it is the Vision of Bitwise founders to produce students who, after six weeks of training, will be aligned with jobs that best suit their new skills. These “apprentices” will have attained all they need to develop computer software and will be known as software developers. Currently, Bitwise has their aim on changing 60 of their students from student status to career status upon completion of their schooling.
Amy shared that students enrolled in Bitwise core courses may find themselves right at home with other students that reflect many of the same traits they themselves display. Whether students are veterans, underserved, formerly incarcerated, what all these student’s desire is to acquire a new skill set that will enable them to a career development path that will last a lifetime. This is Bitwise’s vision for the students and our community. Essentially, just like the story of Bitwise founder, Irma, the daughter of a family of farm workers who never considered anything more than continuing in her family’s vocation, she chose to respond to a calling - a new path. Amy told us that this is what how the Bitwise plan is remarkably unique.
For more details of the opportunities that await Bitwise future students contact Amy through the Bitwise website. She told us grants are also available for tuition. She exclaimed, “if a student has the desire to change their life through education, Bitwise will find a way to get the student enrolled”. https://bitwiseindustries.com/
Thanks again Amy for visiting with us at Breakfast Rotary. Who knows, perhaps you and your team at Bitwise will fulfill the needs of the next generation employers for Kern County. If there was ever a time we need you, it is now.
**Announcements**
I like it when our Prez is happy. What makes him happy…makin’ money! And he makes money through fines. President David Spalinger is so enjoying The Beacon as a regular source of club income he has called upon the membership each week to inquire if they know The Beacon Clue for the week. Without hesitation The Prez aimed his trusty laser gun at Heath Niemeyer. Heath instantly acknowledged that he was stumped and gladly add $10 to club coffers. Smooth Past President Neil Walker was chosen next and with his trademark Cheshire Cat grin pulled it all together to correctly answer the clue by stating Charlotte’s Web and Green Eggs and Ham.
The Birthday Bunch is made up of Ron Nelms, Frank Tripicchio and Dennis Scott. Ahh, another year wiser! Happy Birthday to one and all.
Dear Teresa Waller is celebrating yet another Rotary anniversary. Congratulations Teresa, as each year passes, so does our friendships and creation of memories. Let’s do more. We are fortunate to have you and all you do with us.
President Dave recently sent a survey to all members regarding the preference of in-person meetings vs. Zoom. Following a recent Board of Directors meeting where the tally of respondents was counted, The Prez said the majority of members desire to meet in person. Currently, the board is planning on meeting via Zoom with hybrid zoom and in-person meetings at Skyline Cabinet 800 Mt. Vernon Avenue every other week during this time of COVID. There is a lot involved in providing in-person meetings that are as safe as possible for the members. The Spalingers and David and Marti Lari will be providing a light breakfast and beverage. If anyone would like to provide support making this a success, contact President Dave. The Prez also reported the board decided that because of the reduced cost of meals, dues will be temporarily reduced to $40 per month. If one elects to maintain the $80 monthly, the balance will be directed to The BBRC Foundation.
Past President Denise Haynes would like to thank one and all for their contribution of human energy and love towards the United Way Book Project. She said the program was a complete success. She would especially like to thank Past President Kay Pitts for creating, printing and sticking labels in each book BBRC donated.
Denise and her cohort Michele McClure added that our next Dictionary Distribution for our Fremont Elementary School 3rd graders will be held in Mid-February.
I know that some of you exude fine art talent beyond belief and one of those talents are in the joys painting. You will soon have your day…or night actually, as Denise is introducing a brand-new opportunity. A Social Paint Night will be held Friday January 29th to benefit senior living community residents confined due to COVID. BBRC artists (and non-artists) will assemble to test their talents by painting Gnomes. Not real Gnomes, wooden ones! Denise tells us the artful social can be conducted through Zoom if you choose, or you can join Denise in-person as she will host a group at her home complete with refreshments. If anyone else is interested in hosting too, give a shout out. The cost for Gnomes and supplies is $40. Denise sent out an email to the membership on how to sign-up last week. Because of the deadline to sign-up was Friday January 22nd, you may want to contact Denise if you have questions. The sign-up link was: https://www.bbeaselevents.com/calendar-c18i0/VIRTUAL-LIVE-ZTREAM-EVENT-Valentine-Gnomes-PICKUP-DELIVERY-DATE-Friday-January-29th-12-2pm-or-Lockbox-Pickup-VIRTUAL-LIVE-ZTREAM-EVENT-Friday-January-29th-at-7-00-pm-p284404138
**Happy Spots**
Neil Walker, a sight for sore eyes, joined us again from the sanctuary of his lovely home. Securely from behind his desktop computer Neil acclaimed that he had recently purchased not only a new heavy duty GMC truck, but also a 5th wheel trailer (not particularly in that order). Neil was fined accordingly. Next week’s Beacon Clue is who in last week’s meeting was a “sight for sore eyes”.
Past President Cheryl Scott had a day…or two at the beach with her family. It was a rare opportunity for the Scotts to get together as Cheryl’s eldest son J
ake is rumored to have found true love in Germany. Cheryl is $20 happy. We are happy for you Cheryl. We are even more happy for us, as perhaps the membership can start making early reservations for Octoberfest?
ake is rumored to have found true love in Germany. Cheryl is $20 happy. We are happy for you Cheryl. We are even more happy for us, as perhaps the membership can start making early reservations for Octoberfest? Set an intention for your day, and make it Rotary!
By: Frank Wooldridge
Beacon Writer