  THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! As the 2020-2021 term comes to an end, what a way to finalize the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club’s outstanding President - David Spalinger with the playing of Rocky Theme “Final Countdown.” President Dave came all decked out in his black tuxedo…ready for presentation of awards and recognitions. Past President Mike O’Doherty provided the invocation and David Perkins lead the club in the Flag Salute! Club “songstress” Chelsea Ashcraft, led us in a rousing rendition of the perfect song for President Dave… “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”! Past President Kay Pitts introduced Visiting Rotarian Past BBRC President Gina Hayden from Colorado, joining by Zoom. Visitors and guests were plentiful! David Lari brought his beautiful wife/aka BBRC Treasurer, Marti. Mary Jo Pasek introduced her hubby Tom. Chelsea Ashcraft brought her lovely daughter Nicole. Pat Thompson brought his guest Jim Bailey, owner of Broken Yolk and Homewood Suites. Darren Scott escorted Past President Cheryl Scott, aka “Podium Queen.” Finally and most importantly, President Dave introduced the “most important person in his life – his wife Melody”. A “big welcome” to all of our visitors!! There were no Birthdays or Rotary Anniversaries to report. Past President Jerry Starr and wife Robin will be celebrating 17 years of marriage on June 27th. They are planning a road trip to Glacier National Park along with a couple of other Rotarians! Leslie VoVilla and Matt are also celebrating 14 years of “bliss” and leaving for Alabama to visit family. |
President Dave missed out on so many things during his most unusual year - traveling to Honolulu for the Rotary International Convention, an in-person District Conference and the BBRC Charter Night. In lieu of presenting awards at Charter Night, Dave classed up his last meeting and recognized recipients, and awarded multiple Paul Harris recognitions. Read more for delightful stories on the awards from the pen (keyboard?) of Carol Smith and Teresa Ramos-Alvarez.
It may have been a year of limited “togetherness,” but BBRC members made up for it at President Dave’s demotion (aka Demo Day)! More than 80 people came together to say Aloha to President Dave Spalinger and to thank him for his strong leadership that resulted in our club emerging from the pandemic as strong as ever!
