September 27th was another lovely morning in the garden spot of California, and it started off right with another great turnout of members and guests!
Greeting arrivals in typical BBRC fashion (which always includes your money if you are so inclined) was Yours Truly (filling in for Art Esparza, who just happened to be out of the country) and Ken Quarnberg. Jeffrey Schwartz led the invocation. Following the flag salute by Donna Schwartz, Robert Provencio led us in song.
Doing double duty this morning, Cheryl introduced a Visiting Rotarian from the Niles/Fremont Rotary Club - Past President Chuck Canada (always great to see Chuck). Chuck also thanked Past President David Spalinger and Prez Pat Thompson for a very lovely Italian Dinner complete with some wonderful wines (won at Wine Place and Show) on Saturday night.
Guests Susan Guerard (celebrating 45 years of wedded bliss with our John G.), Brenna Ardwon (who learned about us on the Rotary website!), and Gilbert LeRoque from Jason’s Retreat. Welcome!
Four Year Degrees at Bakersfield College? Yes!
Tony Cordova and James McGarrah from Bakersfield College told us about the two baccalaureate programs. Yes! Students can earn a bachelor’s degree at a community college price!
The flagship baccalaureate program at BC is the Industrial Automation Program, which was introduced after state legislation paved the way for four-year programs in 2016. This program prepares students for careers in oil & gas, Boeing, or any position that requires technical skills, including automotive. New grads can expect to earn about $70k per year!
This year, a second baccalaureate program was introduced: Research Laboratory Technician. Some Rotarians may even be looking into the opportunity, as interest seemed relatively high when we learned that CSI-type careers call for the analysis skills students learn in the program!
Students entering the baccalaureate programs must first have their associate degree and then apply for the baccalaureate.
Special Days:Happy Birthday to Queen Jackie and David Lari; Happy Anniversary to Sean and Leann Kelly; and Happy Anniversary to Denise and Scott Haynes.
We are happy, oh so Happy!
- Willie Gordon brought President Pat a trivet from his trip to Colorado Springs and added $10 for being Happy.
- David Perkins was $25 Happy as a CSUB supporter.
- Stephanie Baker was $10 Happy for being invited as a “fill-in” at the Italian Dinner.
- Chuck Canada brought President Pat a gift of COVID from our own Carol Smith (just kidding, that did NOT happen!). Get better soon, Carol!
- Yours truly (Cheryl Scott) is honoring Darren’s memory on his birthday Friday with a $10 gift to BBRC and a $100+ donation to the Scott Family Scholarship at Bakersfield College (and everyone was invited to raise a glass to Darren at Lengthwise on his birthday, Friday). The club social was then moved TO Lengthwise and, in the end, more than 40 people participated in the evening!
- Jeff Haynes gave the Pres a hard time for not having one of the “A Rotarian Lives Here” signs in his yard. That cost Prez Pat $40, and then he fined Jeff $10.
BBRC Sick Ward:
We are sending get well wishes to Dale Bender (we want you back, Dale!), Bill Potter (shoulder surgery), and New Member Maria Theresa (Tess) Rosen (recouping from surgery).
Get Your Tickets:
Rotary District Conference—October 20 & 21
Wine Place & Show--November 11
Community Service Update:
Great work, everyone who helped make up the new beds at The Mission of Kern County and those who helped with shoe shopping for 30 SEAL kids!
David Perkins won a family pack to the Kern County Fair, and Yours Truly won $60 in the drawing (to be promptly added to Darren’s scholarship fund!).
.png)
