Invocation: Toni Harper
Flag Salute: Steve Sanders
Greeter: Mark Barnes
Roving Mic: Ken Keller
Guests: Jim Damian
SPOKE GUEST EDITOR PROFILE
Toni Harper
Favorite Quote: "We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us." Catherine McAuley, the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and the sponsoring congregation of Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield.
Good News Announcements:
Jorge Barrientos welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Gianna, on July 5. Baby, mom, and 3-year-old brother are doing wonderfully as they navigate the new game plan of man-to-man defense!
Dr. Patel is excited to invite people every Tuesday evening to a Jazz workshop at the Petroleum Club. The workshop is free and sponsored by Dr. Patel and others.
Dr. Lynette Zelezney is over the moon to announce that our very own Dr. Kristin Beale Watson will be her new Chief of Staff at CSUB. Although this is a giant loss to the Kern Community Foundation, Kristin is sure to be a huge success in this key educational position in our community. Congratulations to you both!
Robin Paggi, President of Twilight Rotary, joined with us today to share 2 small fundraisers they will be doing. The first is August 4, at 5:30 at Four Points Sheraton. This is the MTV Turns 40 Trivia Night. It sounds like a hoot for the bargain price of just $20 per person.
Additionally, the Bakersfield Twilight Rotary will be hosting Yoga with Shonna Shearson, at the BMOA on August 7 at 10:00 AM. This event is $20 per person, and please bring your own mat. Namaste!
We learned Jon Sampson has an incredible headshot (see above) – and he traveled over the 2nd highest peak in the Himalayas, flew a fixed wing aircraft at 19, and still loves his bestie Ken Beurmann.
Jack Gotcher was pinned with another Paul Harris Fellow award. It shows a spirit of dedication we should all follow!
We welcomed new member Tammy Johnson (Tamra Johnson). Tammy was born and raised in Delano and McFarland. She was a member of the Visalia Rotary for years, and we are excited to have her join our club after transferring as the District Manager of Cal Water. In this key position, she manages more than 100 employees. When she is handling all things water, she is enjoying her 2 adult sons, 3 stepdaughters and one-star granddaughter. She loves traveling, her dogs, and she loves our community. Welcome again, Tammy!
Program:
Kern River Conservancy was founded in the summer of 2013 when Los Angeles resident, Gary Ananian decided it was time for someone to stand up and care for the Kern River. After spending many summer adventures with his friends on the Kern, Gary grew impatient and frustrated with all the trash and vandalism that was impacting the river. After several discussions with his close friends and the Forest Service, Kern River Conservancy was born. In 2018, Gary left his job as a nightclub manager and moved to the Kern River Valley, so he could conduct the outreach and services he feels so committed to.
Gary discussed Kern River as one of California’s most pristine watersheds. It stretches over165 miles and is fed by an array of alpine lakes and tributaries of creeks. After receiving the Wild and Scenic designation, there is still much work to be done to ensure this resource can be enjoyed by all into the future. Gary describes one of the goals is to turn the campers who enjoy the areas into stewards and conservationists of the land. This is done through education, advocacy, and social media. The Kern River Conservatory has even developed an app that educates guests and makes their experience include aspects of conservation. Key partners include the US Forest Service (which he admits is overburden and underfunded when it comes to the Kern River), Leave No Trace, California Trout, American Rivers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, NEEF, and the Sierra Nevada Conservatory.
In short, if you attended this program, Gary’s passion and self-taught environmental expertise had to lay a burden on your heart for the health and future of the Kern River. We are extremely lucky to count him now as a Kern County resident and champion for the river we love. Please note that President Justin’s speaker’s gifts this year will be donations to the Kern River Conservancy, and many members donated unsolicited at the end of the meeting.
Please take a moment to
review the website and support this organization if you feel so called. Additionally, spread the word to your friends and family about this organic, impactful organization supporting our community.
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