Hey Rotarians, missing our Rotary meetings? That is no problem. Get your fix with a recap of the Christmas meeting ℅ with Justin Salters.
But before we get to that, I want to thank my wonderful Spoke Correspondents. They made my job as editor a lot easier. So without further adieu, here are your 2024 editors (gold star indicates overachievers):
Spoke Correspondent
Justin Salters is a strategic communications consultant specializing in corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement. He and his wife, Emily, life in southwest Bakersfield with their two daughters, Pierce and Ivy, son, Kip, and rescue dog, Trigger. Justin has been a member of the Rotary Club of Bakersfield since September 2021.
Greeter: Christina Springstead
Roving Mic: Nik Boone
Rotary started off a bit different this week, with an incredible performance by the Bakersfield College Chamber Singers. After their performance, musical director Dr. Jennifer Garrett shared a bit about the group. They have toured internationally and are headed to Carnegie Hall in 2026 to accompany Dr. Garrett, who has been accepted for a conducting residency. She also shared that fundraising has kicked off.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians
- Mike Willis brought Miranda Whitworth from Mission Bank.
- Jeff Gutierrez was joined by Samantha Davis of Diamond IT for what might be her last time as a guest (she just completed Rotary orientation).
- Stan Eschner was accompanied by his wife and best friend, Ginnie.
- Secretary Kat Clowes was joined by her colleague Christina Friedman, Head STEM Consultant at March Consulting.
- Treasurer Sam Newland introduced a special guest, his 2½ year-old son, Preston.
Good News & Announcements
Treasurer Sam Newland spared no time shifting into Good News and Announcements, sharing the Good News that our Club is in a sound financial position. He did, however, note that revenue from Goods News & Announcements and Guests had dipped, encouraging all to help us Make Rotary Good Again… or something like that. Hats and swag have yet to be ordered.
Bill Lever shared that Wreaths for America at Bakersfield National Cemetery was a tremendous success; Secretary Kat Clowes and her daughter participated. Bill also shared that there will be a clean-up event in January.
Andrea Hansen shared that the KDA Creative Corps has completed its 2-year, $4.2 million program from the state and just released its final report. You can read about the impact in
The Bakersfield Californian. She highlighted that their report shows, using actual data, how taxpayer investment in the arts positively impacted the Central Valley’s creative economy and contributed to improved quality of life. (Full Disclosure: KDA Creative Corps is a client of yours truly, and The Spoke might make it to our media recap report).
Clinton Trimmer shared that his wife and fellow staff members were handing out gifts to more than 400 families and let us know about the impact the Salvation Army is having in Kern County this holiday season.
Joe Hay reminded everyone that Fords make great Christmas presents before sharing that Jim Burke Ford Lincoln employees raised $15,000 in 2024 for the Wounded Heroes Fund.
President Kristen Watson shared, lastly, that the Club is making a contribution to the Bakersfield College Chamber Singers and acknowledged Ally Triolo (AKA Ally-Lou-Hou) and The World’s Best Sargeant-at-Arms (and President Elect Nominee) Toni Harper for their work helping plan our Christmas Holiday Celebration.
UPDATE ON SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
Things heated up when it was time to announce results from last week’s Salvation Army Bell Ringing. In total, our club raised $11,027.23 for the Salvation Army, setting a new record.
Great news… but how did the individual teams do?
There were recounts. Allegations. Hanging chads. Election interference. Last minute surprise contributions. But in the end, the totals were:
- In last place, the President’s Bucket: $480.48
- In fourth place, Andrae Gonzalez’s Team 24th Street Café with $903.32
- Taking bronze, John Schuyler’s Team Wells Fargo with $2,873.78
- And, tied for 1st place, Ben Taft’s Team Dagny’s Coffee Shop and Andrea Hansen’s Team Luigi’s, each with a whopping $3,385.11!
Ben Taft does a Bell-Ringing victory lap.
Shortly after the announcement, Ben Taft presented Clinton Trimmer with a $250 check “mailed” to him that didn’t make it by last Friday. After claiming victory, Ben took a celebratory lap around the room, sharing a few recognitions (maybe more than a few) and gave voice to the question we’re all asking: who decided Union Avenue should be four lanes instead of six?
With Bell Ringing Results behind us, President Kristen introduced Past President Jim Damian and Ally Triolo, who emceed a game of Christmas trivia, complete with prizes! Fun was had by all, with only one slightly problematic Christmas song referenced.
President Kristen closed out the meeting, reminding all that we are DARK for the next two weeks and wishing a happy holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
We’ll see you back on January 6, 2025!
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