The Beacon — August 19, 2026
Morning Warm‑Up
Greeters Ron Nelms and Mary Jo Pasek welcomed us with smiles — and in MJP’s case, a fire‑sale on raffle tickets. At 8 for $5, economists would call that “market disruption.” Rotarians call it “Mary Jo being Mary Jo.”
Inside, President Sandra Parnell appeared… slightly off. Rumors of a chocolate dependency remain unconfirmed, but the evidence is mounting: Kit‑Kat coffee stir sticks, a hip flask of Hershey’s syrup, and a whispered plea from the ladies’ room: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who loves chocolate most of all?” With a discreet sip and a ring of the bell, the meeting began.
Invocation, Flag, & Song
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Invocation: Stephanie Baker, stepping in for Dave Perkins
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Flag Salute: Bill Black, covering for the elusive Kay Pitts
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Song: Carol Smith led a Rotary‑flavored “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” The whistle was audible. The energy was real.
Guests & Visiting Rotarians
After a spirited (and slightly foggy) report from Ken Quarnberg, it was determined we had no visiting Rotarians.
Guests of Jeff & Donna Schwartz:
Program — Theo Dues, Mercy House / Brundage Lane Navigation Center
Theo Dues shared an in‑depth look at the Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC), operated by Mercy House.
About BLNC
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Opened October 2020
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300 beds — largest homeless facility in Bakersfield
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$8 million budget, primarily Measure N
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Foundational principle: Every person is created in the image of God and deserves dignity
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National Council on Homelessness called BLNC one of the best facilities of its kind in the nation
Operational Philosophy
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Low Barrier — no mandates for entry
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Trauma Informed — all staff trained
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Housing First — permanent housing is the top priority
Amenities
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Quality beds (no stacked bunks)
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Great food
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Shuttle transportation
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Pet‑friendly — kennels for 50 dogs, plus spay/neuter & microchipping
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Couples’ dorms
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On‑site medical care
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Therapists
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10‑week culinary job training program
Impact
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647 clients placed in permanent housing in six years
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But for every 1 person housed, 2 more become homeless
During Q&A, Willie Gordon asked Theo if he might be interested in “a few new listings,” possibly including a charming cottage on the ninth green. Business cards were deployed.
In lieu of a mug, President Sandra announced a $50 donation to End Polio Now in Theo’s honor — along with chocolates infused with… chocolate. The situation is escalating.
Savannah Rising — Native Trees for Education
Guests Peter Donovan and Magdalena Munoz introduced Savannah Rising, an organization establishing native tree nurseries in Ghanaian and Chilean schools.
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Produces 20,000+ seedlings per year
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Teaches students the cultural and ecological value of indigenous trees
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Seedlings generate funding for essential school needs: supplies, wells, computer centers
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New projects launching in Patagonia, Chile
A future Rotary partnership seems promising.
Club Business
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Little Libraries: Donations collected; first library funded, second underway
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Club Social: Firehouse Pizza, White Lane — August 27, 5:30–8:30 PM. RSVP to Char Vega
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2027 Charter Night: Saturday, February 27 — details TBA
Celebrations
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Happy Spots
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Mary Jo Pasek — $30 happy after a month in the Midwest
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Mindy Wilmot — $100 happy for 100 pounds lost in 14 months — incredible!
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Jeff Haynes — $20 happy after a trip to Alaska (possibly scouting for Jackie Maxwell)
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President Sandra shared last week’s postcards — keep them coming!
Next Week’s Program
Peter Vainauskas — DEA
Please check your pockets twice before attending. If he brings a dog, tell President Sandra it’s a chocolate‑sniffing dog and watch what happens.
Mega Drawing
Winner: Willie Gordon Prize: $45 Outcome: Donated to the endowment — intentionally or not.
Public Service Announcement
If you or someone you know suffers from chocolate addiction, help is available 24/7 through Chocoholics Anonymous. Visit: www.iwouldkillforchocolate.org Take back your life, one truffle at a time.
