INVOCATION: Mike McCoy was replaced by Jim Damian
FLAG: Ron Eaves
SONG: God Bless America was replaced by Don't Stop Believin' by Journey led by Joe Gregory
Jim Damian stood in for President Ray this week. President Ray was greatly missed... well, maybe not "greatly".
President Ray paid a visit via satellite, expressing his confidence that Jim would maintain the traditional decorum of our Rotary club.
Luckily he couldn't observe the non-traditional Hodel's lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. And that was just the beginning.
Good News & Announcements
Steve Sanders announced that the 16th annual Holiday Lights at CALM is open for visits. And a reminder that Thursday, December 13th is our Rotary Christmas party out there.
Dave Wheldon gave a reminder that our annual bell-ringing day is coming up Friday, December 7th. There are still some spots open with Rogers Brandon's group and Ben Taft's group. Keep in mind, we are, above all else, a service organization!
Sheryl Barbich invited people to her pop-up Rotarian party at her house, Tuesday, December 11th. RSVP to Sheryl at
sheryl@barbich.com.
Louis Gill thanked us again for our visit to the Homeless Shelter.
Jim then played a game of SOBs (Sharing of Business Shirts) Ben Stinson came loaded with swag. Stinson's sweatshirts were awarded to Joe Hay, President Jim... err... Jim Damian and Mike Willis. Joe reciprocated with a Ford shirt for Ben.
Jim Damian brought his mom, MJ to today's meeting, proving to her, he really is a big shot around town.
The Program
Jon Sampson introduced our guest Tim Terrio from Beurmann Physical Therapy... errr....
Terrio Physical Therapy, sorry Ken Buermann just pretends he owns the company.
According to the California Verterans Assistance (CVAF) Foundation, there are currently 98 homeless veterans in Bakersfield.
Tim was the founder of
League of Dreams, a free program for young athletes with disabilities.
The Veteran's Village will consist of 13 Tiny Homes, with a common area and even a dog park. It will be located at 604 Covey Road in Oildale.
The veterans chosen will be qualified by various conditions by the CVAF and won't live there for free. They get housing vouchers they can use to pay a small rent per month. Those that can't do that can earn their home through sweat equity. As long as they follow the rules and keep up their home they can liver there in perpetuity.
Tim emphasized he is just the inspiration and ringleader behind the project. The ownership and day to day operations will be carried out by the California Verterans Assistance Foundation.
The village will be built with private funds, sponsorship money, and in-kind labor. For instance, the solar panel covered BBQ area benches were fabricated by students in the ROC program.
Each unit will be fully furnished, down to plates and utensils. The 450 sq. foot homes can be occupied by a single person or a couple.
Centennial High Scool architecture students did the renderings for the project. John Balfanz will be one of the builders involved.
