Opening Thoughts

You wouldn’t know it from the lingering summer heat, but fall has officially arrived. The darker mornings say otherwise — and so does the triumphant return of Queen Jackie, fresh from her northern adventures.

Meeting Highlights

Greeters: Stephanie Baker and David

Perkins, filling in for Anne Galvez and Troy Fringer

Invocation: Willie Gordon — the only scheduled duty Rotarian who actually showed up.

Flag Salute: Teresa Waller, volunteering for Dennis Scott, who was supposed to sub for John Guerard

Visiting Rotarians & Guests: President Sandra covered for Duncan Harris Scribe: Mindy Wilmot, subbing for Cheryl Scott

Song: The Four-Way Test, led by Carol Smith and selected by Tom Burke

Program — Measure Z & the Future of CALM Zoo

Our speakers were Steve Sanders, Chief of Staff for KCSOS and Downtown Rotarian, and Maddie Janssen, CALM Zoo board member. They presented information about Measure Z, a proposed 0.125% countywide sales tax that would generate $24 million annually to support the maintenance, improvement, and operation of the California Living Museum (CALM).

Why Measure Z Matters

Supports CALM’s long-term Master Plan Expands and improves animal habitats Enhances wildlife rehabilitation efforts Strengthens CALM’s role as a living classroom for Kern County students Preserves a local gem founded in 1983 by educator Michael Hopkins

Upcoming CALM Events

Boo at the Zoo — October 14

Coffee with the Condors — November 7

Holiday Lights — November 28 to January 2

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza featuring Mento Buru — December 31

The presenters encouraged everyone not just to vote YES, but to get loud and share Measure Z with friends and family so CALM can thrive for generations.

Club Announcements

SEAL Center shoe buying event — October 8

Club social at Hard Rock Casino — October 16 at 6 PM

Gaslight Melodrama Holiday Extravaganza — December 5 (contact President Sandra ASAP)

Barcelona 2027 Rotary International Convention
  • A member of Bakersfield East is organizing a pre-conference cruise
  • The Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship is planning a post-conference trip

Family of Rotary

Birthdays

Stephanie Baker — October 4

Denise Haynes — October 5

Jackie Maxwell — October 5

Club Anniversary

Jeff Bell — October 10 (19 years) President Sandra has an AI-generated picture of Jeff “Rotaried out.”

Happy Spots

Queen Jackie — $250 to the Foundation Returned from 2.5 months in Alaska with a birch bowl, display stand, chocolate, and treats from Alaska Berry Products

Denise Haynes — $10 happy For launching her first vendor booth for Runner Chick Prints (“i Run”) at Links for Life

Erick Bautista — $100 to the Foundation After a whirlwind Mexico–Vegas travel adventure; gifted President Sandra a lucky poker chip

Frank Wooldridge — $5 happy Encouraging everyone to attend the Bakersfield Greek Food Festival, where he’ll be cooking

Willie Gordon pledged $1 per new signature collected by new member Adam Klang — and Adam matched it

Opportunity Drawing

Winner: Frank Wooldridge — about $40 He shared his winnings with Mindy Wilmot, who drew the winning ticket. Carol has a photo.