The meeting was called to order promptly 7:01 and 38 seconds… but who really notices that stuff?. 

 

Bobbi Hake gave a lovely invocation, and Gina Hayden reminded us all exactly what our flag stands for before we all Saluted, then Pledged.  In school I was taught the pledge read “one nation under God”…. But most people, including about 1/2 of Rotary, read it as “one nation…(pause)….under God”.  I guess it doesn’t really matter… just one of the many things I wonder about… Like, “why do we park in the Driveway but drive on the Parkway?”. And, “if a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled”? Oh, and here’s one I’ll never figure out, “If people from Poland are called "Poles," why aren't people from Holland called Holes?" Hmmm?

 Mary Jo chose the song today, and she never disappoints, as BBRC’s very own Little Miss Sunshine…She chose her theme song… you guessed it… “You are my sunshine”.  We had a shout out to Gail Braze who is back from leave. Welcome back Gail!

 

Ma’dam president acknowledged and thanked Will Duerkson and John Guerard who were our greeters today.  It isn’t possible to have a bad day when you get off the elevator and see those smiling faces. They smile…. They hug you… and all is right in the world again.  

 

There were 2 Rotary anniversaries, Jackie Maxwell (20 years) and Cherryl Biggar (19 years).  This week’s humble scribe looks forward to her 20 or 30 year anniversary someday.  I may be a walker toting, Depends wearing, Rotarian by the time I get there… but I plan on being there!  And yes!, I’ll probably be wearing my “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” button

Jeff Haynes was asked if we had any visiting Rotarians.   When Jeff declared yes, we had one, I got a little whiplash as I quickly scanned the room for the visitor I must have missed.  HEAD FAKE, it was our speaker, Zoot Velasco.   Zoot is from The Downtown club, or as he likes to call it THE Rotary Club of Bakersfield. 😊

 

Michelle McClure did the business blast.  In short, she’s helping tons of local businesses grow by giving them lots of money.  I’m not sure where the lines form…. But we should all line up for her help.  This tireless Rotarian pulled triple duty today by filling in as treasurer as well as taking newsletter photos.  You know…. You’re basic over achiever! (we’re so lucky to have her!)

 

There were happy five spots all over the room.  Jackie Maxwell went to Montana and lived to tell about Custer’s Last Stand.  Dr. Haynes son proposed to his girlfriend (just to be clear, his SON’S girlfriend) and his son-in-law is coming home from Afghanistan. Craig Holland made us all jealous when he talked about his 17 nights in Central and So America.  The George’s went to Hawaii.  Yep, still jealous! 

Michele Cooper was fined for being Sales Person of The Year at San Joaquin Valley Mortgage, and Dan Johnson reminded us the Sales People, especially those “of the year”, make bank…and tried to get the fine increased.  Alas, Michele came away $20 lighter than she arrived.  Harry Bryant was fined $20 for refusing the rat on the Rotarian that he had asked to fill in for his duty the previous week. Hey… Harry ain’t no stinkin’ rat!!

 

Our program today was Zoot Velasco, who shared the history of Paul Harris, and all he did for Rotary.  I’m not gonna lie here….. I was so enthralled and I found it so interesting, that I forgot to take notes for the newsletter.   I remember something about his initial resistance to coming to a meeting, and live chickens and rubber chickens (you’d have to be there).  Then he told us how he went to a meeting and drank the Kool-Aid.  That Kool-Aid drinking stuff didn’t work out too well for the people of Jonestown, but it sure did for Zoot.  Zoot spent about 30 minutes telling us the history of Paul Harris and Rotary, and of the good works that were being done for a small group of determined men, it was awe inspiring.    He told us the very first community service project was building a public restroom in Chicago, and how much recognition they received.  He went on to say they were all “flush with pride”.  Yeah… Zoot’s got jokes!  He promised to come back next year and do another presentation on Rotary and Paul Harris.   For anyone who missed this program, I strongly suggest you come when he speaks again.  Or, at the very least, ask your President to ask someone else to be the scribe so you’re more informed.

There were drawings in the end.  Shari George won the Paul Harris points, and a gift bag that looked like it may have had wine in it.  And, Marilee Reagor won that cute T-shirt with a funny saying on it.

 

We closed the meeting promptly at 8:04 and 47 seconds