The day’s activity started on a wonderful note when the two efficient Greeters, Temo Lopez and Past President Ron Nelms, insisted that this dutiful scribe purchase the “Special” of the day: 7 opportunity tickets for 5 bucks. I tried to beg off because I NEVER seem to win ANYTHING. (President-Elect David Spalinger will attest to that fact!) This scribe relented to the enormous pressure from Lopez and Nelms and pulled an Alexander Hamilton from my wallet. Little did I suspect that that well-meaning five-dollar investment in BBRC would net $53 at the end of the meeting. Go figger!
President Cheryl Scott was absent from her duties, but Past President “Queen” Jackie Maxwell conducted the meeting with her usual efficient aplomb. The members were ecstatic with Jackie being at the helm but, alas, the honeymoon was short-lived when she reincarnated the singing chimp. Our newest member, Frank Tripicchio, seemed to be grimacing uncomfortably as he received his birthday serenade from Jackie’s mottled moppet! Fortunately, two other birthday boys, Dennis Scott and Frank Wooldridge, were not in attendance and were spared their monkey moment!
Doctor Joe Nunez offered a heartfelt invocation. Sally Selby guided us flawlessly through the pledge to Ol’ Glory. Past President Denise Haynes led the BBRC Troubadours in some good old Americana music. Past President Jerry Starr stood and strongly announced, “No Rotary visitors, Queen Jackie!”
Guests Vickie Guinn and Chris (sorry, missed a last name) were welcomed. Past President Craig Holland introduced his wife and “driver”, Carol. We were all glad to see Craig making another triumphant return from his most recent surgery. What a show of resilience and strength. Must be that U.S. Air Force background!
Teresa Waller’s 6th BBRC anniversary was recognized with her in absentia.
Membership Chair Pat Thompson stepped to the podium to perform his official duty of inducting our newest BBRCer, Mr. Frank Tripicchio. Frank is a long-time Rotarian who has transferred membership from the former Bakersfield South Rotary Club where he was twice President, 5-time Paul Harris Fellow and Rotarian of the Year. His other Rotary credentials and activities are too long to list, but Frank promised to share them as time goes along.
The Super Bowl party is at Connie Bensusen’s on February 2nd. Log onto your account at www.BBRC.org and register. If you are uncertain of your login information, contact Past President Kay Pitts, kpitts@bak.rr.com. The party is a BYOB affair; however, our resident Brew Mistress, Sandra Parnell, has graciously offered to provide some suds from her establishment, Dionysus Brewing located in southwest Bakersfield at 6201 Schirra Ct. Sandra was overheard saying, “Gee, it’s the yeast I can do so I pray that everyone hops over to the party!”
Charter Night is February 29 at Bakersfield Country Club. Please RSVP or send regrets to PP Jackie Maxwell, jackiem304@gmail.com. This is a grand occasion honoring our Club’s charter date. We will recognize new Paul Harris Fellows. Remember, there is no charge for the member and guest.
Above and Beyond Recognition. Do you know of a non-Rotarian who does great things in the community? If so, get his/her nomination in by February 12th to Sandra Parnell, Sandraq@bak.rr.com.