Spoke Editor Profile:
Ally Triolo is the Chief Communications Officer for Kern County and former AM newsie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (hook ‘em!) with a broadcast journalism degree and landed her first TV gig coincidentally in grandparents’ hometown. Ally feels their spirit every day, especially at Downtown Rotary meetings, where her grandfather, Walter Condley, served as a member for many years.
Greeter:
Dave Weldon
Invocation:
Steve Rodrigue
Flag Salute:
Aaron Falk
Song:
Yankee Doodle warmed us up before singing Happy Birthday to Jorge Barrientos and Nik Boone!
Roving Mic:
Pat Collins
Good News & Announcements:
Mike McCoy shared fantastic news that Trout’s neon sign, which had been missing since 2017, was finally recovered in Tuolumne County. Even better – it’s making national headlines, drawing more eyes to Kern County.
Dave Weldon highlighted the importance of signing up for bell-ringing this season as the Salvation Army needs volunteers.
Don Bynam invited our club to Temblor Brewing’s “Fest, Fest” which took place over the weekend. It is Kern County’s only local multi-genre festival, featuring everything from live music to poetry readings.
Nik Boone encouraged our club to attend his “Ascend Turns 10!” party on Saturday, Dec. 7, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his successful business. Don’t forget – its masquerade! Register now at
https://ascendbakersfield.com/10years
President Kristen Watson reminded our club about an upcoming happy hour at The Botanist on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m.
Program:
This week’s program continued November’s theme of revitalizing downtown Bakersfield, as we listened to Emily and Sherod Waite champion their renovation project of the historic Woolworth’s building.
This 44,000-square-foot landmark was built in 1949 and remains the last standing operational luncheonette in the United States.
The Waites are restoring the Woolworth’s building back to its glory with an elevated diner, community space and bar, Moneywise business offices, and potential penthouse apartments.
As our club soaked in dazzling renderings of the space’s planned finishes, the Waites beamed with pride while talking about their “love letter to Bakersfield,” located on the corner of “history and hope.”
The Woolworth’s building has been under construction for the last three years and is expected to be open to the public in April of 2025.
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