I must admit that it was nice to attend a Rotary meeting sans shoes! That, and watching Darin Blunt drive to work and greet BBRC’ers as they entered the meeting are just some of the perks of being on Zoom.
Our meeting began with Kathy Berry delivering a beautiful invocation. Dale Bender led us in the Pledge of Allegiance with an assist from Mary Jo Pasek whose shirt was emblazoned with a large American flag. Alas, since we were virtual, there was no song. (It was sweet of Dave to promise Chelsea A
shcraft she would not have to sing a solo).
shcraft she would not have to sing a solo).Before heading into our program, President Dave Spalinger thanked those who volunteered for the pancake breakfast held September 26, especially Kathy Berry who began the preparations at 4 a.m. In all, 215 breakfasts were served. Great job!
Program
Assistant District Governor, Amy Smith (of Bakersfield Twilight) introduced the Governor of District 5240, Deb Linden. Deb first commented on what a lively and fun crew we are, especially for so early in the morning (she really needs to see us live and in person!)
Deb reminded us that in this time of pandemic, Rotary and BBRC are more relevant than ever. Imagine what Bakersfield would be like if we didn’t exist? Think of the gap there would be in our community. Keeping this year’s theme in mind, Rotary Opens Opportunities, we must continue to think of ways to adhere to the three areas of district focus. Which are:
- M
embership- There has been a decline in membership locally and in North America. How can we attract new members and retain current members?
- New Types of Clubs - different types of clubs are encouraged, including satellites, cause-based, virtual/hybrid, or demographic.
- Service - we can attract and retain members through service projects. Regardless of big or small, we can still serve locally and globally while social distancing.
- Member Care - we can offer value to our existing members and take care of one another.
- Enhancing the Rotary Brand
- Focus on the meeting experience for members and visitors. Are we welcoming? (Kudos to us because we are a friendly bunch!)
- Branding our activities, including service projects.
- Sharing the Rotary experience with the public via videos available at brandcenter.rotary.org.
- Supporting the Foundation
- $52.40 Challenge! Clubs who meet the challenge will receive district recognition. To meet the challenge, two things need to happen:
- E
very active member of the club donates any amount to the TRF Annual Fund by December 31, 2020; AND - The per capita donation for the club is at least $52.40 (the average amount donated is $52.40 or more).
- E
- Peace Builder program For more information see https://www.rotarydistrict5240.org/sitepage/peace-page-1
- Continue to support Polio Plus (As a side note, remember that part of your annual pledge can go towards Polio Plus).
- $52.40 Challenge! Clubs who meet the challenge will receive district recognition. To meet the challenge, two things need to happen:
Which led to … let’s play Polio Jeopardy! The category is: By the Numbers (these will make you feel good)
2.5 billion - the number of children around the world immunized against polio
$1.8 billion - the amount of money raised / donated by Rotarians for polio eradication
2 - the numbers of countries where polio is endemic (Afghanistan and Pakistan)
17.4 million - the number of people paralyzed if not for our efforts
As a postscript, Nigeria was recently announced polio free which means that the entire continent of Africa is polio free!
Other Rotary announcements:
Jennifer Jones is slated to become the first female president of Rotary International in 2022-23.
There is now a seventh Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment. Grant applications for related projects will be available July 1, 2021.
The District Conference will be virtual. It will be held November 6-8 and costs $25. https://rotarydistrict5240.org/sitepage/district-conference/ to register.
Deb left us with a Call to Action.
Be a Rotary Superhero! Step up and do what you can.Be creative. We can still be vital within our community; we just need to find a way.
Be kind.
Finally, Deb has been giving a People of Action Award to a deserving member of the club she is visiting. The BBRC member chosen was our fantastic newsletter writer, Frank Wooldridge. Congratulations Frank!
Back to the meeting
A very happy birthday to David Lari (Sept. 30) who had to endure a hilarious online singing of the birthday song.
Congratulations to Mary Jo Pasek who celebrated her 24th Rotary anniversary on Sept. 30. She must be having a grand time because she thought she had only been in 19 years!
And now it is time for the Phrase that Pays (the Club)! Who read the newsletter??
First victim… I mean, member. Pat Thompson admitted that he is not a Rotary Hero, but a Rotary Zero (his words) because not only did he not read the newsletter, he did not attend the breakfast. And because he really is a Rotary Hero, he forewent the usual $10 fine and pledged $52.40 for each offense.
Mary Jo Pasek, another Rotary Hero, admitted she had not read the newsletter for she was busy finding a reader (that once belonged to former member, Bob Nelson) a new home at Rosewood, but she fined herself $20.
Connie Bensusen - $10 fine for not knowing the phrase and Denise Haynes - another $10.
See - it REALLY is the Phrase that Pays (the Club)!!
FINALLY, Kay Pitts and another who was quieter knew the phrase was our blood drive being held October 3.
While there were no happy spots, we do have announcements:
Blood Drive is October 3 at Broken Yolk Cafe from 9am -1pm.
Everyone should have received an email invite for our Social / Fundraiser being held October 25 at Queen Jackie’s house from 2pm-6pm. Tickets are $25 and includes dinner and 2 beverages of your choice
(WARNING: PREPARE FOR THE SECRET PHRASE FOR THE NEXT MEETING!!!) There will also be a 50/50 drawing with proceeds benefiting the Bakersfield Angels. Tickets will be 1 ticket = $10, 6 tickets = $50, 13 tickets = $100. (THIS WAS THE SECRET PHRASE!!)
And before we closed out a wonderful meeting, Michael O’Doherty stated that he would donate $52.40 toward TRF if Mindy Wilmot showed off her ukulele skills at the next meeting. Mindy has taken a whopping three lessons: you have all been warned!
Stay healthy, all. Frank should be back for the next newsletter.