The official weekly publication of The Rotary Club of Bakersfield Breakfast
for October 25, 2023
by Shane Bryan
Reporter for the week: Shane Bryan
Pictures by: David Perkins
Dear Rotary Club Members, Get ready for a fun-filled edition of the Weekly Beacon, packed with exciting moments from our World Series-themed meeting! President Pat kicked off the meeting dressed as Tommy Lasorda in his Dodger blue, setting the tone for a lively gathering. Mindy Wilmot led us in a moving prayer, and Robert Provencio and the Kazoo Band had us all singing along to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Dave Perkins then led us in the flag salute, displaying our patriotic spirit—a big shoutout to our fantastic greeters, Frank Wooldridge and Art Esparza, for their warm welcome.
We also enjoyed welcoming Raymond Brown and Chris Munoz from Kern Bridges as our special guests.
Guest Speaker Spotlight: Our guest speaker was Chelsea Roberts from the Kern County Fair. Her informative and engaging presentation left us with a deeper appreciation for the fair's rich history and its significant contributions to our community. Chelsea took us on a journey through time, sharing the origins of the Kern County Fair dating back to 1918 when it was held off Chester Avenue, where our museum now stands. It was fascinating to learn that the fair moved to its current location in 1952, covering an impressive 168 acres. This year, the fair attracted a staggering 350,000 visitors over 12 days, showcasing its enduring popularity. Beyond its entertainment value, the Kern County Fair has played a vital role in supporting our community during challenging times. Chelsea highlighted how the fairgrounds served as a COVID testing site, hospital, and vaccine site, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of our community. Chelsea shared heartwarming initiatives like the Feed The Need drive, which donates 30,000 pounds of canned food to CAPK, helping to combat hunger in our area. The fair's Reading Round-Up program partners with local schools, providing 2,400 free tickets to students with 200 minutes of reading. Additionally, their Pint for Pass collaboration with Houchin Blood Bank rewards blood donors with two free, fair tickets, resulting in an impressive 3,300 blood donations and potentially saving 10,000 lives. Chelsea Roberts' presentation reminded us of the tremendous impact the Kern County Fair has on our community.
The highlight of the meeting was the entertaining banter between Heath Niemeyer and President Pat, which led to a Past Presidents debate. It's always a joy to see our leaders engage in friendly exchanges.
Let's not forget our $5 Happy spots, where members share their moments of happiness.
Shaun Kelly gifted Pat some authentic Costa Rica rum, while Dave Spalinger was $100 happy about his recent trips to San Francisco and Colorado Springs. Pat received a flask from Colorado and a 49ers teddy bear to hold tight during the Dodgers playoffs. Char Vega was $50 happy after attending her 50th high school reunion in her hometown of New York and brought back a special Halloween cookie from a local bakery. Monsignor Pat forgave Jeff Bell's Bora Bora confession with a penance of only $40. Lastly, Greg Desme encouraged everyone to prioritize their health by visiting the dermatologist, sharing his own experience with melanoma, and being $10 happy for taking action.
Before we wrap up, here are the final announcements:
We have a special event this Saturday, October 28th. We will gather at Casa Munoz to bid farewell to our beloved Past President, Michael O’Dougherty, as he embarks on a new chapter in Spokane, WA, to be closer to his family. Mike has made a significant impact on our club and community, and his presence will be greatly missed by many. Let’s come together to celebrate his contributions and wish him all the best!
Don't miss out on the Wine Place and Show event! Secure your tickets now for an evening of delightful wine tasting.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the next edition of the Weekly Beacon!
Dear Rotary Club Members, Get ready for a fun-filled edition of the Weekly Beacon, packed with exciting moments from our World Series-themed meeting! President Pat kicked off the meeting dressed as Tommy Lasorda in his Dodger blue, setting the tone for a lively gathering. Mindy Wilmot led us in a moving prayer, and Robert Provencio and the Kazoo Band had us all singing along to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Dave Perkins then led us in the flag salute, displaying our patriotic spirit—a big shoutout to our fantastic greeters, Frank Wooldridge and Art Esparza, for their warm welcome.
Guest Speaker Spotlight: Our guest speaker was Chelsea Roberts from the Kern County Fair. Her informative and engaging presentation left us with a deeper appreciation for the fair's rich history and its significant contributions to our community. Chelsea took us on a journey through time, sharing the origins of the Kern County Fair dating back to 1918 when it was held off Chester Avenue, where our museum now stands. It was fascinating to learn that the fair moved to its current location in 1952, covering an impressive 168 acres. This year, the fair attracted a staggering 350,000 visitors over 12 days, showcasing its enduring popularity. Beyond its entertainment value, the Kern County Fair has played a vital role in supporting our community during challenging times. Chelsea highlighted how the fairgrounds served as a COVID testing site, hospital, and vaccine site, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of our community. Chelsea shared heartwarming initiatives like the Feed The Need drive, which donates 30,000 pounds of canned food to CAPK, helping to combat hunger in our area. The fair's Reading Round-Up program partners with local schools, providing 2,400 free tickets to students with 200 minutes of reading. Additionally, their Pint for Pass collaboration with Houchin Blood Bank rewards blood donors with two free, fair tickets, resulting in an impressive 3,300 blood donations and potentially saving 10,000 lives. Chelsea Roberts' presentation reminded us of the tremendous impact the Kern County Fair has on our community.
The highlight of the meeting was the entertaining banter between Heath Niemeyer and President Pat, which led to a Past Presidents debate. It's always a joy to see our leaders engage in friendly exchanges.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the next edition of the Weekly Beacon!
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