Big Shout Out To:

Correspondent & Sgt. at Arms & Greeter:
Jean-Luc Slagle

Spoke Editor Profile:

Jean-Luc Slagle is the founder and creative director of Scope Studios, a creative communications firm that helps businesses and organizations shape important ideas into clear, compelling campaigns and creative work. In addition to his professional work, Jean-Luc mentors emerging artists and creatives throughout Kern County. He lives in Bakersfield with his wife, Haley, their son, Rylo, and their sheepdog mix, Toulouse.

Opening Ceremonies:

Pinning of the President: Jeff Gutierrez
Invocation: Clinton Trimmer
Flag Salute: Juan Bustamante
Song: “Sweet Caroline” (ba ba ba), led by Isabella Lugo of Amy Adams’ Rising Stars
Greeter: Jean-Luc Slagle

Guests:

Ira LaBare, guest of Shannon LaBare
Jessica Turrubiates, guest of Toni Harper
Martha Leon, guest of Toni Harper
Harry Starkey, guest of Toni Harper
Susan Hopkins, guest of Toni Harper
Ralph Garcia-Pacheco, guest of Toni Harper

Visiting Rotarians:

Douglass Carothers, District 5240 Assistant (to the) Governor

Good News, Fines & Announcements

Kurt Wingate introduced us to the idea of the “Toni Tax,” under which our incoming president, like an Aztec warlord with a ClubRunner login, demands that traveling Rotarians procure a gift for her during any trip beyond her jurisdiction.

Charlie Moe was the first to offer tribute: tchotchkes from the gift shop at Glacier National Park. The empire was pleased.

Jordan Kaufman followed suit with a commemorative coin from the U.S. Mint, though it had no monetary value.

Ryan Crowl announced his candidacy for City Council, Ward 4.

Ashley Vorhees announced a backpack drive benefiting children in Kern County foster care through CASA.

Ken Burman and Pat Collins were the first mutineers to skirt the Toni Tax during their recent trip to San Diego. Each was fined $100.

Pat also announced a dinner at Eureka!, where proceeds will benefit CASA of Kern County.

Toni cracked down on Alex Balfour after his recent appearance in a Jim Burke Ford advertisement. His lack of Rotary accoutrement earned him a steep $200 fine.

Meanwhile, Nik claimed that Rotary was mentioned in his recent magazine feature, earning him a waived missed meeting fee. Will someone please follow up and determine whether he is telling the truth?

In what she called a “Toni Tax Return,” Toni gifted the traitorous Ken Burman a bottle of mezcal for his birthday.

Finally, Mike Willis received special recognition for his endless contributions to the club through The Spoke, including the heroic task of making the rest of us appear coherent.

Program

Bringing some much needed decorum and class to downtown, Toni and Sgt. at Arms Jean-Luc kicked things off with a polished looking PowerPoint presentation outlining this year’s theme: Create Lasting Impact.

It turns out Rotary’s handprints can be found throughout history, from polio vaccination efforts to the formation of the United Nations, and, judging by the presentation, possibly several other major accomplishments for which we have not yet taken credit.

President Toni also gave us a peek into her career and life: her love of travel, her giant dog, and her perfectly acceptable husband.

Board of Directors

Toni Harper, President
Justin Salters, President Elect
Jorge Barrientos, President Elect Nominee
Sam Newland, Treasurer
Kat Clowes, Secretary
Jean-Luc Slagle, Sgt. at Arms
Jeff Gutierrez, Past President

2025 to 2027

Jon Sampson
Bill Lever
Jacob Frost
Kelly Youngstrom

2026 to 2028

Ryan Crowl
Ken Carter
Duane Keathly
Amy Travis, Programs

This year’s speaker gift, finally a non-offensive $100, will benefit the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California, helmed by Harry Starkey.

Justin Salters reminded us that the club has 134 members but must continue recruiting as existing members age out, move away, or mysteriously vanish.

Toni also introduced two recurring agenda items: Waterman Foundation Updates and Rotary’s Most Wanted.

As part of the Waterman Foundation Update, we learned about Independence Through Grace, a local nonprofit that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow in independence through faith based programs. These programs empower participants to see themselves as valuable contributors to their community, and many participants pursue entrepreneurial work throughout Kern County.

Our first “wanted” Rotarian is none other than Joe Gregory. Anyone who locates Joe and successfully brings him to a meeting will receive a reward of three waived missed meeting fees. Proof of life may be required.

Finally, the club gained two new members: Leslie Friend, sponsored by Jim Damian, and Sindhuja Pavuluru, sponsored by Toni Harper. They have been welcomed before anyone had the chance to warn them.

A pretty eventful kickoff for President Toni.