WEEKLY BULLETIN • JULY 17, 2025
Thanks to his week's correspondent:
Mike Willis

Bill Lever was appointed invocationist, flag saluteer, song writer and singer.

Lilian, Jefe's new AI assistant - is still not ready  for Prime Time- Jim Damian was shaking his head with, what was it? Confusion, consternation, complacency, complicity? Talk about a poker face.

Good News:

Pat Collins, Making power moves, going so far as to start a new business with a new logo designed by Mike Willis AND becoming President of the CASA board, NEW CASA endowment, "seed" donation, Cynthia Lake Foundation: $700,000+


 

Rotary Club Survey-palooza 

RECAP

Survey Setup

The meeting turned into a feedback fest via QR code—because nothing says fun like 23 questions on your phone.

Anonymity was optional, judging eyes were not.

Topics: expectations, operations, and “Are we philanthropic enough?”

Participation & Process

Honest answers begged for; the first question got the VIP treatment.

Live results = instant drama and debate.

Club Expectations

Members want friends, good programs, and minimal awkward networking.

Some survey questions felt like reruns.

Mission & Philanthropy

Many weren’t sure what the club actually does.

Local scholarships = love. Global causes = polite nod.

“Waterman” fund was name-dropped like a celebrity cameo.

Money Talk

Most agreed the club’s funds are in good shape.

Overheard: A member digging up ancient budget drama for flair.

Give More or Chill?

Mixed opinions: some want to go big, others say we’re good.

Everyone agrees the club is helping—25 scholarships isn’t nothing.

Reflections

We’re doing great—just not great at talking about it.

Camaraderie > trophies.

Suggestion: add a philanthropy blurb to The Spoke, Mike needs more work.

Club & Membership

Attendance and growth still need CPR.

Recruitment questions mysteriously absent.

Wrap-Up

Facilitator thanked everyone for not rioting.

Results heading to the board—buckle up.

Programs like these mean sell-out crowds like this.

Questions like- Does it have to be Hodel's EVERY week— were notably absent.

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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Vin Dang
December 1
 
Dick Porter
December 3
 
Mary Trichell
December 4
 
Shawn P. Kelly
December 9
 
Doug Pierce
December 13
 
Mike "Willieboy" Willis
December 16
 
David Oliver
December 19
 
Bob Allison
December 20
 
John B. Bentley
December 20
 
Kelly Youngstrom
December 21
 
Mark Luque
December 23
 
Patrick Beck
December 23
 
Tamara Johnson
December 27
 
Jerene Battisti
December 29
 
Jacob Frost
December 30
 
Spouse Birthdays
Robin Paggi
December 9
 
Susan McCoy
December 11
 
Pragati Patel
December 15
 
Carrie Leland
December 30
 
Jarred Clowes
December 30
 
Anniversaries
Jon Sampson
Jennifer Sampson
December 18
 
David Oliver
Phyllis Oliver
December 28
 
Join Date
Andrea Hansen
December 1, 2022
3 years
 
Ryan Crowl
December 1, 2022
3 years
 
Shannon LaBare
December 1, 2022
3 years
 
Kurt Wingate
December 2, 1999
26 years
 
Mary Trichell
December 3, 1998
27 years
 
Edward R. Paine
December 5, 1996
29 years
 
Sheryl L. Barbich
December 5, 1987
38 years
 
Samantha Davis
December 19, 2024
1 year
 
Mike Allen
December 28, 1995
30 years
 

Area Meetings

Tuesday @ noon
Bakersfield North

at the Petroleum Club

Wednesday @ noon
Bakersfield West
at the Stockdale Country Club

Wednesday @ 6:45 am
Bakersfield Breakfast

at the Petroleum Club

Wednesday @ 6 pm
Bakersfield Twilight

at The Hungry Hunter

Bakersfield  Downtown
at the Museum of Art

Friday @ noon
Bakersfield East

at Bakersfield Museum of Art

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Rotary Club of South Queensferry, England

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Marta Golding Brown
Rotary Club of Oxnard

Bulletin Editor
Mike "Willieboy" Willis

Rotary Office

P.O. Box 1628, Bakersfield, CA 93302 • (661) 325-0696 • FAX: (661) 322-2311

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