Greeting me this morning as I stepped off the elevator were Samy Abiaoui and Jason Williamson.

President Kay started the meeting promptly at 7:00am. Samy did double duty in providing a fitting invocation.  Flag Salute was led by our song master, Past President Neil Walker. Speaking of song master,  Past President Neil led us in a resounding version of Auld Lang Syne.  Two tables were given the “best voices” award including the table yours truly was seated at. Jeff Bell introduced our one visiting Rotarian (and speaker), John Nilon.  Guests included Teresa Ramos, Ryan Shultz and Eric Shoemake.

Susan Seary and Pat Thompson both celebrate their second anniversary in Rotary on January 7^th.  Happy Birthday wishes go to Sister Judy Morasci on January 6^th.

Happy Spots were many.  Dave Spalinger eagerly announced that graduation of his daughter from Clemson University.  Dave and Harry Bryant had a bet going regarding the Clemson vs. Alabama game. I didn’t follow the line of discussion but, bottom line, Harry “happily” paid $25.  Cheryl Scott announced she has added a new role to her resume, Executive Director of the KEDC Foundation.  More responsibility with no increase in pay but worth $25 none the less.   Greg Desme was $20 happy about his purchase of a new truck.  Past President Michael O’D was $5 happy for attending the Rose Bowl game and scoring a USC lanyard for President Kay.  President proudly displayed her USC tee shirt.  Past President Neil was $5 happy that he found an antique Rotary hat pin for President Kay while bumping around an antique store in Arroyo Grande.  Leslie VoVilla was $25 thrilled about the birth of her first grandson.  Mike George was $17 happy that Mrs. G. agreed to marry him 17 years ago, on New Year’s Day.  Samy Abiaoui was $15 happy after taking his family to Newport Beach and Legoland.  Past President Mike Stepanovich was $10 happy to have his voice back.

Mr. & Mrs. G. are looking for judges for the numerous upcoming Kern County Robotic events.  Contact  them if you are willing to help.

Mary Jo Pasek announced that nearly 5,000 wreaths were placed on grave sites at the National Cemetery on December 17^th. The wreaths will be removed beginning at 9 AM on January 10^th.  Volunteers to assist in the removal would be appreciated.

Bill Black announced the next Diners Club social will be January 31^st at Noriega’s.  RSVP to Bill Black.

Our past presidents are requesting contributions for raffle items at Charter Night. Baskets and event tickets would be great.  Contact Past Presidents Neil Walker, Michael O’D.  or Pat Paggi if you can help.

Rotary Night at the Condors will be February 7^th.  Ticket orders must be received by Martha Samora or President Kay by January 27^th.

President Elect Denise Haynes introduced our speaker, John Nilon, retired County Administrative Officer. The introduction could have been a program all into itself as Mr. Nilon’s bio was twelve pages long! Mr. Nilon has spent nearly 32 years in a variety of county leadership roles including ETR Executive Director, Child Support Director, Public Health Director, Interim CEO Kern Medical Center, and CAO.  Mr. Nilon made several great points on how to be successful which included: always work harder and smarter than the person next to you, volunteer for everything, treat each assignment as a final exam.

He provided many leadership pearls of wisdom such as: surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and let them feel comfortable debating issues and determining the best answer.

Mr. Nilon spoke of the many struggles of County Government: diffused leadership due to the five very different individuals on the Board of Supervisors, ultra-sensitivity to media, the three or four people who step up the microphone creating an imbalance of opinion.  Greater public participation is much needed.   Challenges are many.  A 65% reduction in the price of oil over the past few years translates to a $81 million loss of tax revenue to the County.  Kern’s oil related companies have lost over 3,600 jobs with over 3,000 layoffs during this same period of time. This translates to a $45 million General Fund deficit and a $12 million Fire Fund deficit in addition to other financial realities. 

A Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee has been established to help make Kern County more cost effective.  Governance of the committee will be comprised of two members of the Board of Supervisors (Chairman Mick Gleason and Vice Chairman David Couch) and three members of the public (representative of business, a representative of CSUB, a representative of a local citizen’s association). The four preliminary initiatives are: Strategic Financial Plan, contracted audits, financial improvement teams and disseminated Lean Six Sigma.  Many opportunities and much work to be done.

Ed O’Donnell and Past President Mike Stepanovich were the raffle winners.  Sandra Quigley’s name was drawn for the 100 PHF points.

President Kay left us with these words….you know you are getting old when “getting a little action” means your prune juice is working

 

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