Today’s Actions Are Tomorrow’s Impacts
Building Our Endowment Building Our Future
President Sandra Parnell (aka Evil Queen) called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 AM. Her opening slide reminded us that one of this year’s major club goals is to build the BBRC Endowment — ensuring the good work of BBRC continues for generations to come.
It was also notable that many meeting duties were handled by last‑minute volunteers. Friendly reminder: you can always check upcoming duties at BBRC.org. And remember… if you have a duty, miss it, and don’t get a sub, fines may be in your future (looking at Darin Blunt – Greeter, and Shane Bryan – Invocation).
Meeting Duties & Appreciation
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Greeters: Karen Bonanno, Stephanie Baker (filling in for Darin Blunt)
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Invocation: Stephanie Baker (filling in for Shane Bryan)
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Pledge: Kudos to Tom Burke, who arranged for John Guerard to fulfill the duty — rumor has it they swapped dates
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Visiting Rotarians: Art Esparza was ready to introduce visitors… but we had none
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Song: No official song leader, but Carol Smith stepped up and led us in “You’re a Grand Old Flag”
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Beacon Scribe: Kay Pitts (and loving it!)
A Little Song History
George M. Cohan originally titled the song “You’re a Grand Old Rag” after meeting a Civil War veteran holding a tattered flag. Public objections led him to change the title to the now‑familiar “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Guest Speakers
Health, Longevity & Community
Care
Frank Wooldridge introduced our speakers.
Dr. Gurjit Singh‑Uppal, MD
A nationally recognized cardiac electrophysiologist with the California Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Singh is advancing heart rhythm care in Kern County through academic, clinical, and research leadership.
In 2020, Dr. Singh discovered that iPhone 12 and newer models — due to strong MagSafe magnets — can interfere with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers and ICDs. The interference is temporary and resolves once the phone is moved away, but awareness is crucial.
He shared practical guidance for living a healthier, longer life:
Daily Movement
Evening Habits
Morning Routine
Oral Health
Nutrition & Supplements
Thrive & Purpose Foundation
At this point, Dr. Singh turned the presentation over to Terri Agcaoili, part of the Business Development Team at California Cardiovascular Institute and a volunteer with the Thrive & Purpose Foundation.
Terri shared the Foundation’s mission:
Every senior deserves access to healthcare and essential resources, regardless of income or insurance status.
The Foundation provides:
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Financial relief
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Transportation support
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Healthcare guidance
All funds are raised through community donations, grants, and events — including pickleball tournaments — and 100% stays local.
Inquiries: info@thriveandpurposefoundation.org
BBRC News
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October 8, 9:15 AM – Shoe shopping with Rafer Johnson students at WSS Shoes (Chester & Brundage)
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October 16, 6 PM – Social at Hard Rock Casino Tejon
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December 5 – Gaslight Melodrama Holiday Extravaganza
Endowment Recognition
Congratulations to Ron Nelms, who received the Diamond Level 1 pin for his contributions to the BBRC Foundation Endowment.
Giving Levels:
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Diamond 1 – $1,000
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Diamond 2 – $2,500
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Diamond 3 – $5,000
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Diamond 4 – $10,000
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Diamond 5 – $25,000
Birthdays
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David Lari
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Jackie Maxwell
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Sandra Kesler
Happy Spots
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Bill Black traveled to Monaco, Italy, and beyond. He brought chocolate to Madam President and self‑fined $20.
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Cheryl Scott shared that September 29 would have been Darren Scott’s 59th birthday. The Darren Scott Memorial Scholarship, established in 2023, supports Bakersfield College students in vocational and trade pathways. Thanks to annual fundraising dinners, the two $1,000 scholarships are now fully endowed.
Anniversaries
Club Anniversary
Fines & Recognitions
Raffle
Jacque Alexander won the $55 raffle — congratulations, Jacque!
