Mindy's Musings

Here we are again, BBRC. Due to stay-at-home orders, we are once again in Zoom-land for our last meeting of 2020. Probably the best sight ever was logging in and seeing Craig Holland’s smiling face. Please keep him in your thoughts as he faces his 10th surgery on December 17. As we were waiting for the meeting to begin, we were treated with a 1978 picture of the O’Doherty family when they were on Family Feud. And because it is the season of sharing, here’s the link to their episode https://youtu.be/KfdktNeweD4 You’re welcome! And thanks for Past-President Cheryl Scott for getting the ball rolling.
 
None other than Santa himself led our meeting. Despite the pandemic, he is jolly and full of holiday cheer, but instead of milk, he is requesting Milkshake Dreams from Dionysus. Mike O’Doherty led us in our flag salute while Athena Collup gave us an emotional invocation. David Lari’s wife, Marti, joined us with grand-pup, Coco. Chelsea Ashcraft brought Felisa Gutierrez as a guest, who we hope will join us permanently.
 
We went straight to our program where we learned about Bako Box from Kami Paulsen. We learned how Kami sources local goodies for these beautiful tastes of home. She showcased the holiday box that was pre-filled with Bakersfield goodness. She has since sold out, so I recommend you get on the mailing list at www.bakobox.com These boxes will make great gifts to welcome a new neighbor or to wax nostalgic for someone who has moved out of the area. And way to go Pat Thompson for asking Kami about joining BBRC as a member.
Announcements
 
Happy Birthday to Mindy Wilmot (Dec. 19) and Mike Turnipseed (Dec. 30). Happy Anniversary to Athena and Steve Collup (Dec. 27). Happy Rotary Anniversary to Dennis Scott (Dec. 13). Speaking of December 13, that is the day in 1982 when Bakersfield Breakfast was chartered. Happy Charter Day to BBRC!!
 
The BBRC Board has decided to give all members a gift of a dues free December! Thank you!
 
COVID won’t keep us from our services projects! Here’s what’s coming up!
  • Holiday shopping at East Hills Target, Saturday, December 12 beginning at 6am. All gifts will go to the Capistrano Community for Women, the women's recovery center of Jason's Retreat. ( Six moms and 21 children will have a great Christmas thanks in part to our shopping. Thanks to Dan “The Man” Johnson for setting everything up.
  • Bell ringing for Salvation Army at Hobby Lobby on December 16 from 9am-7pm. Denise Haynes has the schedule of volunteers.
  •  
  • Book packing for the United Way on January 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We may also purchase books for donation.
A date for Charter Night, typically held in February is not set and options are being considered.  In case you were wondering, why BBRC has usually has Charter Night in February (when our club's charter date is in December 13, 1982) is that we honor the date Rotary was initially formed by Paul Harris.  There's your clue! The Rotary Club of Chicago formed February 23, 1905. 
 
One of my favorite parts of the meeting is to see how many people get stumped with the “phrase that pays.” Pat Thompson and Darin Blunt simply told Santa to take their money. But Carol Smith knew that the hidden clue was how many people do not have a picture on Club Runner. By the way, that number has decreased from 33 so keep adding your picture!
 
Happy Spots/Fines
 
  • Proud new papa Pat Thompson was $20 happy for the birth of his grandson, Louis V.
  • Will Duerksen was $45 happy on the college graduation of his daughter.
  • Ron Nelms fined himself $45 to get off the Naughty List. It should be noted that he isn't really sure how he got on that list, or at least that is what HE says.
  • Michael O’Doherty fined himself $20 for not showing up at the Portrait of A Warrior Gallery gathering on Sunday.
The club is still looking for a permanent home which is really difficult in this time of pandemic. Keep an eye for where our next meeting will be held.
 
Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday. Stay safe, Friends.