Greeting our fellow Breakfast Rotarians was a scary treat this October morning as we enter the Fall season. On the 12th floor of Stockdale Towers each BBRC attendee was met by our own charming Mary Jo Pasek and Stephanie Baker. We were graced with the morning blessing by Jeff Bell followed by our past president Neil Walker who provided a spirited rendition of the patriotic “Grand ‘ol Flag”. Thank You Darin Blunt for leading us in our Pledge of Allegiance and salute to our country’s flag.  

Yes, word must have gotten out about this being our periodic club assembly because we had no visiting Rotarians or guests. Club Assembly may not hold out to be one of the bigger draws, but it did not prevent us from recognizing Claudia Stepanovich by celebrating her club anniversary. Birthday girls Kay Pitts and Denise Haynes were serenaded by one and all. Shawn Kelly was spanked by President Kay for not following protocol by having his wife present for breakfast so that we could congratulate the both of them for their anniversary. Sandy and Bruce Magley as well as Heather and Paul Ward are celebrating nuptials. Wishing them many happy years ahead!  

The happy spots seemed to appear awfully sports-oriented with a few boasting about the victories of their favorite baseball and football teams. Personally, I am hoping such pride will erupt following the success of our Wine Place and Show event November 4th! Come on Rotarians sell those tickets, get those sponsorships and raffle prizes!!!

Professionally, some of our members shared their involvement in one or more business ventures that added to their resume. Congratulations to Pat Thompson, Heather Ward, and Becky Brooks!
A whooping $875 thank you was received by BBRC for our donation to the victims of the recent Erskine Fire. Rotarians “Service Above Self”.

Denise Haynes urges us to see her to pay $26.50 to Rotary Foundation if you have not already done so. We have a competition here folks with the other district clubs to tally up who can turn in the most before conference. Better yet, let’s make an effort to be the leading club by working to get all members current with dues and foundation pledges. If for no other reason, it just feels good folks.

I am pleased to report that not only did BBRC represent last Saturday at the San Miguel clean up, those that were present said that because of our recent clean-up efforts, the park is requiring less effort to maintain its aesthetic appearance. That is awesome BBRC and something to be really proud of.

Speaking about pride, Mike Stepanovich urges each and every BBRCer to get out there and get those sponsorships and to sell remaining tickets. Our WPS event is quickly approaching! I encourage all of us to ask, ask, ask for the support. You’ll be surprised how easy the support comes when you try. “Fear not rejection, it is only an opportunity to press forward”.  

I invite you to go and welcome Jeff Bell and Stephanie Baker upon receiving their new blue badges. We love those new badge mornings around here. Hey BBRCers lets invite a new potential member next week! We love giving out those blue badges.

Our speakers for club assembly featured Manly Mike George representing Community Service. Wow, Mike has a lot of great events that we can experience together benefiting ours. Those Fall events include an upcoming Pancake Breakfast, Salute to Wounded Heroes November 5th (day after our fundraiser), Food Baskets for Thanksgiving during the 3rd week of November. December includes Christmas Shopping with Kids at Target December 3rd and Wreaths Across America December 17th. Plenty of fun volunteer opportunities here folks!  

Big Ed O’Donnell got us educated with an update of our Youth Services projects. We appear to be in need of volunteers to transport youths from Golden Valley High to decorate floats for the Rose Bowl Parade. Ed is calling you out to host an exchange student. See Ed on both of these opportunities for details. Ed and his crew shared with us all the goings on at Golden Valley, Foothill and Independence High Schools. Rotaract Club is alive and running although may benefit from some mentoring from those in BBRC that are seeking a group to provide some valuable and needed time to. 

RYLA is just around the corner according to Ed, so anticipate more detail to follow. The event is slated for April 2017. 

One BIG giant shout out to Pat Thompson. Pat took the time and expense to create three very smart posters for each of our Interact high schools enabling them to better serve their members and reach their goals. A very, very impressive act Pat!

Denise Haynes discussed our financial state as it pertains to the Rotary Foundation. Such components as the foundation board, how the foundation is funded, how the fund partially assists for many of the programs we provide annually, and how all of the membership plays a very important part in the foundations success. We appreciate Denise’s explanation of the foundation and the trusty stewardship of the fund that is within an interest bearing endowment.  

We have a lot to be proud of at BBRC with an astounding number of Paul Harris Fellows 2nd highest number in Bakersfield. Denise cited 51 BBRC fellows with 13 members holding multiple fellowships. Pete Levoroni holding the most fellowships at more than 9. You ‘Da Man Pete.

 
Ahh yes, the moment we all have been waiting for…lucky numbers go to Sandy Magley, and Greg Desme. Speaking of Paul Harris, Martha Samora receives 100 credits towards her next Paul Harris Award. Only at BBRC where everyone is a winner!

ATTENTION: Next off-site is to be held at Foothill High School 501 Park Drive Oct. 26th.