On a frosty morning with Santa Claus a mere 4 days from our rooftops, Dennis Scott appeared at the Greeter station alone with grit in his jaw, determined and non-waivable. Dennis was out to prove to the world that retirement has not dulled his abilities. With a wave of his hand, he shunned all offers of help to replace his missing-in-action greeting partner, Ira Stoker. Instead, he deftly greeted, shook hands and distributed opportunity tickets to members exiting the elevators with remaining shards of ice melting from their eyebrows raining unceremoniously to form small ponds on the tile. Adding to his business-only acumen, Dennis commanded several “Wet Floor” cones from the staff to keep the soles of everyone’s Florsheims pointed south.
President Kay Pitts, following her latest sojourn, this time to the Lone Star State, returned to her rightful place at the podium. She heard several pleas to never again, at all costs, turn the meeting reins over to PP Michael O’Doherty. To wit, many bloodied members dragged themselves to today’s meeting following last week’s pummeling from the podium. Most notably, this scribe, who was simply trying to help the standing-in prez by vocalizing several very good suggestions during Mike’s meeting. Seems, however, the past president took umbrage! Go figure!!
A holiday themed invocation by Athena Collup prompted all of us to continue to “do good”. Athena and her hubby, Steve, will celebrate 30 years of marriage on December 27. Later in the program during the “Happy Spot” segment, Athena enriched the BBRC coffers by 30 dollars saying “I’m a dollar happy for each year with my wonderful husband!” A word to Steve - - keep your bride happy for another 30 years and BBRC’s finances surely will allow us to eliminate our fund-raising efforts!!!!
Stephanie Baker led the flag salute with a firm command of the audience. The scribe’s keen ears, recently adorned with VA-issued hearing aids, took note of PP Mike Stepanovich’s recitation of the pledge as Mike clearly, loudly and correctly did not pause in the middle of the line “one nation under God”.
Sergeant-At-Arms, Dan Johnson, had Burl Ives queued up on the Victrola and when the baton waived, the members tunefully sang along with Mr. Ives’ famous rendition of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.”
Former member and now Columbus, Ohio resident, Joe Schoenstein, added to the holiday spirit as he made time to visit the club on his way to visit family in the Bay Area.
Mary Jo Pasek and Mike George sang the praises of BBRC because of the many members who volunteered their time and efforts at the Target Christmas shopping spree with the kids and the Wreath Laying ceremony at Bakersfield National Cemetery. Help is requested to pick up the wreaths on January 10th. Sandra Quigley was recognized and thanked for hosting the Club’s Christmas party at her home on December 16th. President-Elect Denise Haynes reminded the club of the December 23rd Christmas party at the SEAL Center. It is noteworthy that Oilfield Service Co., the employer of Denise’s husband, Scott, graciously has provided $1,000 toward this event that always places big smiles on many small faces.
The aforementioned, Dennis Scott, happily announced that his oldest son was recently married in Seattle.
President Kay announced the upcoming event, Rotary Night at the Condors to be held on Tuesday, February 7th.
Dr. Jeff Haynes was called to the podium to receive another Paul Harris Fellow Award. Congratulations to Kern County’s best chiropractor.
The Texas-themed raffle prizes (coffee and wine) were won by Susan Searey and Shari George. Because Pat Thompson and John Guerard were not present to win, the Paul Harris drawing for 200 points went to the 3rd name out of the hat - Treasurer Martha Samora.
THE PROGRAM
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians Nicole Barnett (violin) and Sandra Caudel (viola) graced the members by playing several beautiful Christmas songs. Nicole has played in the BSO for five and a half years, Sandra ten years.
The BSO plays six subscription concerts per year with various special concerts like the recent “Home for the Holidays” concert at the Fox Theater where the orchestra was accompanied by the Bakersfield College Choir. The BSO will hold its annual fund-raising Gala on March 3rd, again at the Epic Flight Center at Meadows Field Airport.
BBRC has two members who serve on the BSO Board of Directors, PP Pat Paggi and PP Neil Walker.
For information on BSO, see www.bsonow.org.
