Ben Franklin conducts an experiment with a kite during a thunderstorm to collect an electrical charge in a “Leyden jar,” demonstrating the connection between lightning and electricity. From there, Franklin coined such terms as conductor, battery, charge, and more. Not bad for someone whose formal education ended at 10 years old. Side note: He authored under the pseudonym “Richard Saunders,” not to be confused with our newest Rotary member Randy Saunders (see below)

 

 

Also, President Ellis added, John Wayne died on this day. And this correspondent will add that it’s fitting during these times to acknowledge, condemn, and always remember his racist views. In fact, it was Wayne who famously said: “I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.” Oh, and this gem regarding Native Americans: “There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves.”

 

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Invocation: Win Eaton, with background materials that scream, “Life, liberty, and justice for all.”

 

Flag Salute: Jon Sampson, looking ready for the PGA Tour.

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Happy birthday Rogers Brandon! Wherever you are (you're $50 pooer). Jim Black’s birthday is June 12.

 

President Ellis define reported, after being asked, that a strategic plan was in the works to present to Kern County Public Health regarding future Rotary in-person meetings at Hodel’s. We’re eyeing a July 9 target date. Please stay tuned for more from incoming President Ken Beurmann and Director of Public Health Services Matt Constantine (presenting next week). 

 

Ray Watson reported the “demotion” of President Ellis will take place during the June 25 meeting. All are encouraged to attend.

 

Mike Willis reported that the annual Bakersfield Museum of Art fundraiser, ARTMIX, is under way. Visit the website to buy some art for a good cause.

We learned a little more about , who was born in Manhattan, NY, but grew up in Santa Fe. He moved to California for higher learning, and graduated from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo with a degree in industrial technology. Jordan is married with four kids, 3 boys and 1 girl. The oldest step-son has recently been promoted to Captain in the U.S. Army. The other two sons are in college: Cal Poly and Fresno State. And his daughter is 11. He met his wife Kristen many years ago at the County of Kern, where he’s been for 25 years.

 

Please welcome Randy Saunders, Scout Executive at Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America, where he’s been since April 15 of this year. Quick facts: He went to school at North Carolina State, enjoys backpacking, and has been a Rotary member in Florida.

 

Jordan introduced Jim Zervis, Chief Operating Officer from Kern County's Administrative Office, who started on that role on March 16, the day the County of Kern declared a local emergency. His second day on the job was spent in an office where 80 percent of employees home. He’s originally from the Seattle area but has been in Bakersfield for 20 years.

 

Zervis reported on the county’s forgivable loan program for businesses affected by COVID-19, titled “Kern Recovers.” He gave us a sneak peek at a new interactive tool anyone can use to see which businesses have benefited from the program, which will be available very soon.

 

For more details go to:
kerncounty.com/government/kern-recovers. You can also reach him with any questions at zervisj@kerncounty.com, (661) 868-3135.

Join us next week as Matt Constantine presents, and as President Ellis gives his “Rotarian of the Year” award, and “President’s Award.”