Hey there, Rotary Club Members!
Welcome to our weekly Beacon newsletter, your dose of updates, inspiration, and pure fun! Let’s dive into the highlights of our recent meeting on August 30th.
1. President Pat Thompson took the stage at 7 a.m., ringing the bell and setting the tone for a special gathering. We started the meeting with a prayer by PP Jeff Haynes that mentioned biscuits (yum!)
2. Attention, flag salute aficionados! Here's a challenge for you: Be the first to email Shane Bryan with the name of the person who led the flag salute, and you'll score a $5 Starbucks gift card. Let the challenge begin! (Hint…you will find Shane Bryan’s email address on your CR icon.)
3. Following the flag salute (see #2 above), music leader Carol Smith led us in a lively rendition of the "Bakersfield Breakfast Greeting Song." Let the good vibes roll!
4. There were no visiting Rotarians with us today, but David Spalinger introduced Troy Fringer from Jim Burke Ford as his guest, and Sandra Parnell introduced her husband Jon (come to find out, he also came to give blood for the BBRC/Houchin Blood Drive)
5. Our guest speaker, Gina Lidgett from Houchin Blood Bank, delivered an impactful presentation on the importance of blood donation. With each donation potentially saving three lives, Gina emphasized the need to raise awareness and increase participation, as only 3% of the eligible population donates, and a mere 1% in Kern County. Let's support Houchin Blood Bank and carry our donor cards proudly.
6. Let's celebrate some incredible moments:
- Happy birthday, Mary Jo Pasek! May your day be filled with joy and laughter.
- Cheers to Sally Selby and Stephanie Baker on their club anniversaries. Thank you for your dedication!
- Congratulations to David Spalinger, Bill Potter, Greg Desme, and Tom Burke on their wedding anniversaries. Love is in the air!
7. Drumroll, please! Give it up for Robert Provencio, who has shed a jaw-dropping 102lbs. He's transforming into a young Fabio right before our eyes. Keep rocking those healthy habits, Robert!
8. In a thrilling twist, Dave emerged as our big-money winner, though the crowd couldn't help but playfully boo. Way to go, Dave! Enjoy your $60 winnings. (Mr. Bryan, which Dave was the big money winner? You do know we have three Daves in our club) Co-Editor note: Two different Daves have won the opportunity drawing two meetings in a row!! What’s up with that?
9. Other club members who were either “very happy” or were “fined” by our President Pat:Ron Nelms - $10; Karen Bonanno - $20; Temo Lopez - $20; Will Duerksen - $50; Carol Smith - $10; David Spalinger - $10; MJ Pasek - $10; Jeff Haynes - $10; Jeff Schwartz - $40 and President Pat a self-imposed fine of $10.
Important Announcements:
1) We're on the lookout for sponsors for the upcoming Wine, Place, and Show fundraiser. Mark your calendars for the next committee meeting on September 7th at 5:30 p.m. at On the Vine. Let's make this event a showstopper!
2) Get ready to show off our Rotary Club's spirit! The District Conference is coming to Bakersfield on October 21st and 22nd. Frank Wooldridge needs volunteers for the Sgt of Arms duties. Let's bring the energy and make this conference unforgettable!
3) Rotary Yard Signs are up for grabs! Don't miss out on the chance to jazz up your yard with Rotary pride. Get yours before PP Jeff Haynes shows up at your doorstep, ready to put a sign in your yard while sporting a Speedo. Act now, and let's make our neighborhoods Rotary-tastic!
Other BBRC Information – The following BBRC members stayed to donate blood: PP Karen Bonanno, PP Jeff Haynes, PP Jackie Maxwell, Sandra Parnell, and hubby Jon, PP Kay Pitts, Robert Provencio, Ken Quarnberg, and Frank Wooldridge. Thank you so much for “giving the gift of life”!
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