With little crusts of sleep still in their eyes, Rotarians started filing into the Petroleum Club around 6:30 Wednesday morning.  As they wandered in, each was professionally greeted by our own Mary Jo Pasek, who was administering hearty handshakes, nods of approval, warm and caring hugs as well as flashing a few Rotary gang signs.  After most Rotarians had arrived, Ken Quarnberg showed up – just in time to be seen wearing the “Greeter” badge and getting fully credited for fulfilling his greeter duties. 

 

The invocation was given by Sandra Quigley (and a darn fine one it was), Adoree Roberson led us in the Flag Salute and Neil Walker graciously offered to let John Guerard’s wife Susan (who is a semi-professional singer) lead us in song.  Since this was the first Susan had heard of this wonderful plan, she naturally hesitated and – after the brief, awkward pause – Neil decided to lead us in singing “My Country Tis of Thee”.  I will say, the assist by Susan was a very welcome change.

 

Our guests this week included Susan Guerard, who came to pitch the upcoming concert by the Bakersfield Master Chorale on April 29^{th (}and hear the speaker).  Darin Blunt’s daughter Mallory was present to deliver Girl Scout Cookies and, she just happened to have a few extra boxes on hand for last minute impulse sales.  This kid ain’t no rookie.  She has worked this room before!  Wendy Porter and Julio Torres from Wounded Heroes Fund were present as guests as well.

 

Our lone Visiting Rotarian was none other than Zoot Velasco, Chief Executive Officer of the Kern Pioneer Village Museum and a member of Bakersfield Downtown Rotary.

 

Rotary anniversaries for the week included Mike O’Doherty (20 years), Shaun Kelly (23 years) and Darin Blunt (12 years).  Wedding anniversaries celebrated were Brian and Kay Pitts as well as Jason and Kim Williamson.  This week’s Rotarians celebrating birthdays were Darin Blunt and Jeff Haynes. 

 

President Kay thanked the Past Presidents for their work to make Charter Night a huge success and thanked Michele McClure for photos of the event. 

 

Past President Neil Walker was declared fine-free for the day for his dedication to serving others when it was revealed Neil would be working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make over the bedroom of a seriously ill young man here in Bakersfield.  Sister Judy gave a report on Past President Susan Eaton.  Susan is sounding like she’s feeling better. She is at the MD Anderson clinic in Texas, undergoing treatment and seems to be doing well.  All Rotarians are encouraged to keep her in their prayers.

 

For Happy Five (or however much) Spots, Sandy Magley self-recognized for having received a Paul Harris Fellow at Charter Night as well as for going to Texas for a family gathering.  While there, Sandy was able to play in the Extreme Sand Box where adults get to play in the sand with trucks and earthmovers – Texas style.  In this case, that means they get to play with real trucks and earthmovers.  How fun is that?  I want one!  While gone, a storm blew through Bakersfield and damaged the fence between Sandy’s and her neighbor’s yards.  Her neighbor was kind enough to take care of the fence repair before Sandy even returned (you know how hard it is to find good neighbors).  So, at the meeting, Sandy’s neighbor – Kay Pitts – bestowed upon her a $25.00 fine and a bill for half of a fence repair. 

 

Jerry Starr was proud to the tune of $5 that his daughter had been nominated for a Teacher of the Year award. 

 

Ron Nelms mentioned to Sandy Magley he would give her a no cost survey to assure Kay had not moved the repaired fence off the original property line.  He then spoke of the CSLA Surveyor’s Association conference he attended recently in Bozeman Montana.  Ron self-imposed a fine on $27.23 for his attendance to the event where he was named King Surveyor, or something like that (the acronyms were flying faster than I could record them.  I just remember it sounded important – whatever it was).  Scribe’s note:  I’m certain Ron will employ a much better qualified scribe when he is inducted as President of our club. 

 

Sister Judy gave a “fine free” report of her attendance at the Kegley Institute banquet to award the Wendy Wayne Ethics Award, where Tom Larwood was honored for his many contributions to our community.  Martha Samora proudly announced her youngest son had scored a 98% on his recent medical exam.  Martha quickly calculated the cost of medical school for her son and decided, if she went without lunch for the next nine days, she could afford to be $5 proud. Dan Johnson could hardly contain his excitement as he rounded out the Happy Spots by disclosing his upcoming trip to Hollywood to attend Rock Camp.

 

Next, President Kay handed out a few fines of her own.  The much celebrated Darin Blunt was awarded the trifecta of good fortune fine for having his daughter present, celebrating his birthday and celebrating his Rotary Anniversary – all in the same week!  To top it all off, Darin bragged his family got together and got him tickets to a Metallica Concert on July 20^th!  Nice work Darin!  John Guerard was recognized to the tune of $25.00 for his wife’s enthusiasm in promoting the upcoming Master Chorale concerts.

 

Susan Searey announced there will be a Dress for Success meeting at Imbibe tomorrow night.  Mike Stepanovich and Frank Wooldridge mentioned the success of our fundraiser in generating donations for Wounded Heroes Fund and for the veterans’ service dog training program.  With Wendy Porter and Julio Torres present, BBRC presented two checks in the amount of $10,000 each to the programs. 

 

March is Membership Madness Month at Rotary and all members are encouraged to introduce mad people to Rotary – no, wait – that’s people who are mad about Rotary – or was it – we’re mad at people who aren’t Rotarians?  Heck, I don’t know.  Just talk to people about Rotary and forward any prospective members to Membership Chair Marilee Reagor. If they’re worth getting mad at, the board will handle that. 

 

President Kay mentioned the upcoming 2017 All Club Luncheon and encouraged all interested members to sign up by noon, Friday.

Mike George announced the upcoming April 29^th Pancake Breakfast with Dignity Health.  Details will be forthcoming and Rotarians are encouraged to share their time for this worthy event. 

 

Our Program was the Chief Executive Officer of Kern Pioneer Village, Zoot Velasco.  Zoot, with all the enthusiasm of one who thoroughly loves his job, proudly introduced Rotarians to the new mission statement of Kern Pioneer Village:  Celebrating the culture and history of Kern County.  With a slide presentation, Zoot was able to give us a look into the many changes going on with our local museum.  Kern Pioneer Village sits on 16 acres and is comprised of 57 historic buildings which help tell the story of the history of Kern County –from our people, our industry our resources and our culture.  Zoot mentioned there are 20 new building projects at the museum, 17 of which were introduced at a February open house.  Zoot noted several changes which have already taken place at Kern Pioneer Village, including the new research center, the STEAM projects which the museum has in place as part of their community outreach programs, A Night at the Museum events which will take place on Wednesday nights as well as changes to the Lori Brock Museum.  Some of the upcoming events which Zoot seemed very excited about seeing to fruition are the Workin’ Man Festival slated for April, Summer Camp activities for the children, including several outdoor activities.  There will be a kids’ farm, where youngsters can try their hand at harvesting vegetables as well as a lazy river for kids to play in and a kiddie train which will transport people around the facility grounds.    

 

Since Kern Pioneer Village is no longer a county operated facility, the main sources of funding for Kern Pioneer Village are through grants, programs, admissions and donations as well as funds from County Maintenance.  Zoot mentioned the several levels of sponsorship available to the public and encouraged everyone to become a sponsor. 

 

The drawing which followed, saw Shari George and Cherryl Biggar as the big winners, while Mary Jo Pasek was the winner of the Paul Harris Points.

 

Next week’s meeting will be on Thursday at the All Club Luncheon and the following Wednesday, March 15^th, we will meet at Independence High School.

 

President Kay’s Pithy Quote of the day was from Neil deGrasse Tyson (not the Tyson Chicken People):  “For me, I am driven by two main philosophies:  Know more about the world than I knew yesterday and less on the suffering of others.  You’d be surprised how far that gets you.”

 

On the way to my vehicle, after the meeting, I was excited about all the upcoming enhancements to our museum and the man who clearly is working toward putting those changes into motion.  I was talking to other Rotarians on my way out to my car when Mr. Velasco  exited the building, waved goodbye to everyone, got into the cab of a Ryder moving truck and drove away.

 

Scribes note:  As always, I present the events as I interpret them.  In my unending quest for excellence, I strive to always deliver a minimum of 63% total accuracy.  I think I may have nailed it, once again.