Happy New Rotary Year, BBRCers!
What a wonderful show of support for new president, Cheryl Scott, as she took to the podium with songs of friendship playing in the background. Special visitors filled the room including the Scott family (Cheryl’s father, husband, and two sons), and the presidents from the five other Bakersfield Rotaries and our Assistant District Governor, our own Queen Jackie Maxwell (attending each other’s first meetings – that’s adorable!). Jerry Starr continued this theme during his invocation when he asked for blessings for the coming year with our new leadership. Denise Haynes lead us in singing what is probably the most appropriate song ever: “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.”
With those vocal cords warmed up, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Kathy Anderson (July 3), Leigh Ann Cook (July 3), and Tom Burke (July 9). Also, BIG congratulations to Craig and Carole Holland on 49 years of marriage (July 4).
Leigh Ann Cook, who is Chief of Staff for Kern County Supervisor Mick Gleason, reported on the damage caused by the 
recent earthquakes in Ridgecrest and Trona. Please keep the people in these co
mmunities in your 
prayers. A special service project may be forthcoming so stay tuned.
This year’s Rotary International theme is Rotary Connects the World. During each meeting, there will be a moment dedicated to member’s connection stories, big and small. Please consider sharing how connections through Rotary have enriched your life. Send a few lines to Cheryl when you can. To get the ball rolling, two such stories were presented. The first, Jerry Starr, talked about the MANY incredible people he has encountered as a charter member of BBRC. The second was newbie Mindy Wilmot who attended a meeting at Rotary Club of Dublin Central while on a recent trip to Ireland. Rotary does indeed Connect the World.
First meeting; first new inductee! Welcome to Heath Niemeyer, Director of Development at Cal State University, Bakersfield. During his remarks, Heath mentioned that one reason he chose BBRC is because “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” The Image Committee may borrow this slogan!
President Cheryl introduced her leadership team and laid out her plan for the coming year. Of course, it all began with her thanking our immediate past president, Ron Nelms. Bravo, Ron; what a great leader!!
This year, the club will concentrate on ‘Five Areas of Focus.” (1) Member Retention – retain 90% of current members; (2) New Members – 10 new members; (3) Proud to be Rotarians – instill pride; communication; image; (4) Service Above Self Culture – participation; what matters to you; (5) Next Generation – show appreciation; share the impact.
With the themes of connection and friendship that will be prevalent throughout the year (and certainly was in this first meeting), it seemed appropriate that we were introduced to the greatest buddies of all time, Woody and Buzz. And we can’t forget Jessie!
Cheryl also gave us a teaser of the video testimonials recorded of members that will heighten awareness and instill pride in our organization. Bree Goodmon beautifully articulated how her participation in Rotary has allowed her to follow her passion with working with youth. “Plug in your passion,” advises Bree. More testimonials to come.
Other items of note:
- If you have ideas for community service and/or club service, send those to Kathy Anderson and Michele McClure, respectively.
- Please watch the website and The Beacon for upcoming events. The weekly duty roster is on the website now!
- If you don’t already, follow our Facebook page. Be sure to tag, share, comment, etc.
- We are now on Twitter (@BBRC1982) and LinkedIn. If we want to connect to the world, we have to, umm, connect to the world!
Meeting was concluded with Pat Thompson winning $79!
Thanks to Frank for allowing me to fill in this wee
k. 
