The April 8, 2026, Rotary meeting began in true Rotary fashion — with warm smiles, friendly greetings, and plenty of fellowship. Our morning greeters, Ken Quarnberg, Stephanie Baker, and Tony Castiglioni, welcomed members as Denise Haynes offered a thoughtful invocation. Frank Wooldridge led the flag salute, followed by Carol E. Smith leading everyone in a spirited rendition of “This Land Is Your Land,” setting a cheerful tone for the meeting ahead.

 

                                          

 

 

At this week’s meeting, members welcomed Amy Smith, Capital Campaign Director for the Open Door Network, who shared exciting news about one of Kern County’s most transformative community projects. The Open Door Network—created by the merger of the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault—is leading a $45 million capital campaign to build a new, consolidated campus designed to expand essential services for women, children, and families in crisis. This unified campus represents a long-term commitment to trauma-informed care and programs that help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope.

Amy explained that the current sites are aging and overcrowded, with demand for services continuing to rise due to increasing rates of poverty, abuse, and homelessness. The new facility, currently under construction near the Department of Human Services, will house four purpose-built buildings offering everything from emergency shelter and counseling to childcare, workforce training, and health services. Unique features include a family-centered shelter with private rooms, a children’s enrichment center, a safe haven for youth and trafficking survivors, a transitional wellness unit, and even plans for pet-friendly areas and reflective outdoor gardens.

Once complete, the campus is expected to serve nearly 4,000 individuals annually—a 40% growth in capacity—and create both temporary construction positions and more than 80 permanent jobs. With $32.5 million in funding already secured, the network continues to seek community partners to help close the remaining gap by year’s end. As Amy emphasized, this “once-in-a-generation” project reflects not only a significant investment in infrastructure but also in human potential, empowering families to find safety and independence under one roof.

Rotarians and community members are invited to get involved through “dusty shoe” construction tours, donations, sponsorships, and upcoming fundraising events like the annual Reimagine celebration. Amy’s presentation reminded everyone that lasting community change begins with open doors—and it’s clear the Open Door Network is building more than shelter; it’s building hope that will ripple across Kern County for decades to come.

 

       

 

 

A big happy birthday to Dale Bender whose birthday is today 4/8.  Dale wasn’t able to make it to the meeting, but Queen Jackie put up a lovely picture of Dale and his wife Joanne. We assume they are off celebrating somewhere.

We also gave a round of applause to two of our club members who are celebrating club anniversaries: Jeff Haynes with 32 years and David Perkins with 7 years. Thank you all for your service and the joy you bring to our club! 💙💛

                 

Our Happy Spots were shining bright this week!

Kay Pitts kicked things off with $50 of happiness after an adventurous journey through Cleveland, Niagara Falls, and even a sweet stop at the Texas Collins Street Bakery.

Denise Haynes shared $20 worth of high-altitude joy from her ski trip to Mammoth Lakes, complete with fresh-baked delights from Schat’s Bakery and savory treats from Mahogany Meats.

Marlene Heise is happily settled into life at Shell Beach and celebrated with a $50 contribution.

Jeff Haynes dove right in—literally—with $20 from his scuba adventures in the Cayman Islands.

And finally, Teresa Waller gave $100 shout-out for successfully adding the “Donate” button to the top right corner of bbrc.org—a simple click now opens the door to one-time or monthly gifts supporting our Rotary Foundation Endowment.

 

                         

 

 

 

Luck was smiling on Teresa Waller, who snagged the 50/50 drawing and walked away $67 richer— Congrats!!