Rotary All-Club at CTEC!

On March 14th, 2024, Rotary members from all six Bakersfield Clubs met at ROC CTEC (Career & Technical Education Center) for lunch, a presentation by Erik Bartsch, Aera President and CEO and for honoring the work of past club presidents in a project that started in 2019! 
 
The food was prepared by CTEC students in the culinary program (it was very good!).
From their website:
 
"Both the Regional Occupational Center and The Career Technical Education center are an accredited public education career/technical training institutions. We offer a variety of programs to those interested in developing or improving job skills. All courses are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment. Classes at ROC CTEC are open to high school juniors, seniors, and adults.
 
 
Rotary All-Club at CTEC! Sam Hammoudeh 2024-03-17 07:00:00Z 0 Aera,All-Club,CTEC,Rotary Twilight
Casino Royale by Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight! Sam Hammoudeh 2024-02-13 08:00:00Z 0 Bakersfield Museum of Art,Casino Night,Rotary Twilight
Shari Rightmer and Laborer's of the Harvest Sam Hammoudeh 2024-02-07 08:00:00Z 0 Laborer's of the Harvest,Open Harvest,Rotary,Twilight
Kern County Rotary Trivia Championship! Sam Hammoudeh 2024-01-31 08:00:00Z 0 Kern County,Rotary,Trivia,Twilight
Randy Merriman and the Guatemala Project! Sam Hammoudeh 2024-01-10 08:00:00Z 0
Fun at The Gaslight Melodrama! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-12-06 08:00:00Z 0 Arts,Bakersfield,Gaslight Melodrama,Rotary,Twilight
Amy Travis and First 5 Sam Hammoudeh 2023-12-01 08:00:00Z 0 Amy Travis,First 5,Fun,Rotary,Sensorio,Twilight
Dia De Los Muertos and Bakersfield Jazz! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-11-01 07:00:00Z 0 BC Jazz,Dia De Los Muertos,Rotary,Twilight
Bakersfield College's Robotics Program Sam Hammoudeh 2023-10-25 07:00:00Z 0 Automation,Bakersfield College,Research,Robotics,Twilight
Trivia Night! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-10-18 07:00:00Z 0 Pop-Culture,Trivia,Twilight
Socks and Undies Sundaes Ice Cream Fellowship Sam Hammoudeh 2023-09-27 07:00:00Z 0 Social,Twilight
Dustin Contreras - Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking Sam Hammoudeh 2023-09-24 07:00:00Z 0 Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking,Rotary,Twilight
Jim Damian - Chief Economic Development Officer Sam Hammoudeh 2023-09-06 07:00:00Z 0
Mount Vernon Elementary Supply Drive! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-08-24 07:00:00Z 0

Jim Lewis: 20+ year Rotarian and Polio Survivor

On August 16th, Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight welcomed Jim Lewis.  Jim is a Polio survivor and talked about his experience in dealing with the effects of Polio, his missions around the world helping to eradicate the disease as part of Rotary International and the Polio Plus program.   
 
 
 
 
 
Jim Lewis: 20+ year Rotarian and Polio Survivor Sam Hammoudeh 2023-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

Trivia Night at 2nd Phase!

On August 9th, 2023, members of Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight met at 2nd Phase Brewing and took part in their Trivia Night.  It was a great time! 
 
When the dust was settled, the remaining members took 4th!  Not bad Twilight!
 
 
 
 
Trivia Night at 2nd Phase! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-08-09 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight's Got Talent! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-08-05 07:00:00Z 0 Twilight,music,talent
Rotary Twilight welcomes District Governor Marta Brown! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-07-21 07:00:00Z 0 Let's Have Fun,Marta Brown,Rotary,Twilight

First Meeting of the New Year!

We had a great meeting on July 14th, 2023!  Nancy was our Presiding Past President and gave a presentation (created by Robin :).  She introduced all the former presidents and each gave a few words about their presiding year, along with their upcoming presidential month.  We also introduced our new board, discussed our club goals for this year and went over the great impact we had last year.  And...
WE WON SOME ROTARY AWARDS!!!!  Including the Gold Medal Award, which had not been awarded since the 2015-2016 year!!!!!  We're on fire!!!!
 
So this year, let's follow the words of RI President Gordon R. McInally and "Create Hope In the World" and in the words of District Governor Marta Brown, "Let's Have Fun" while doing it!
 
First Meeting of the New Year! Sam Hammoudeh 2023-07-12 07:00:00Z 0 Create Hope in the World,Kern County,Let's Have Fun,Meeting,Rotary,Twilight
Casino Night: June 3rd! Amy Smith 2023-05-22 07:00:00Z 0

February 22, 2023, Meeting with Guest Speaker Megan Person

Guest speaker, Megan Person, spoke to us at our meeting on February 22, 2023, about her job as the News Chief and Legislative Affairs at NASA. There were things that she obviously could not talk about, but she talked about different and very fascinating projects that NASA is currently working on. It was amazing to hear her talk about the type of technology that NASA engineers are working on and how those new technologies will effect our lives in the future.
February 22, 2023, Meeting with Guest Speaker Megan Person Tony Azemika 2023-03-22 07:00:00Z 0

February 1, 2023 Meeting - PDG Frank Ortiz

On February 1, 2023, we had the great pleasure of having Past-District Governor, Frank Ortiz, and his wife join us at our meeting. Mr. Ortiz spoke to us about The Rotary Foundation and what that Foundation stands for and more importantly, what it does around the world in helping make this world a better place. He spoke to us and and showed us pictures of Rotary projects such as "Kick Polio Out of Nigeria".
February 1, 2023 Meeting - PDG Frank Ortiz Tony Azemika 2023-02-03 08:00:00Z 0

Club Service Event

Shonna, Ed, Tony, Alma and Robin showed up early Saturday, January 28, 2023, morning at Camp Okihi to help them lay down dirt and create a walk way that would allow their disabled guests roll down to near the river and enjoy the camp grounds. Twilight Rotary had the most members show up to help compared to other Rotaries. Thanks for representing our club.
 
Club Service Event Tony Azemika 2023-01-28 08:00:00Z 0

Induction of New Member, Stephanie Sanchez

Our club had the pleasure of inducting a new member, Stephanie Sanchez, into our club at our meeting on January 11, 2023. Manuel introduced Stephanie to our club and proceeded to drop her Rotary pin as he was trying to hand it to her. None of us knew that Manuel could move so fast. Welcome Stephanie. We are certain, from your speech after your induction, that you will be a great member of our club.
Induction of New Member, Stephanie Sanchez Tony Azemika 2023-01-11 08:00:00Z 0

November 30, 2022 Meeting - Richard Middlebrook

The speaker at our regular club meeting on November 30, 2022, was the current President of Rotary Club of Bakersfield West, Richard Middlebrook. Richard has been an attorney for decades specializing in DUI defenses. He gave a very entertaining and informative talk to us about our rights as citizens and how inaccurate the science behind alcohol testing and DUI cases can be. He also reminded us that under our great Constitution, we do not have to answer questions from law enforcement just because they ask us questions. He strongly suggested that we stay quite and not say anything. He told us that he has seen so many innocent people get into serious problems because they kept talking to law enforcement thinking that they can't say anything wrong since they are innocent after all. He suggested that we do not agree to take the field-sobriety test since it is up to the officer's subjective interpretation if we pass or fail it. He also suggested that we refuse to do the breathalyzer test since the science behind that test is not flawless. Instead, he suggested that we offer law enforcement officers to give them a sample of our blood that can be tested for blood-alcohol level. Thank you Richard for a very entertaining and informative program.
 
November 30, 2022 Meeting - Richard Middlebrook Tony Azemika 2022-12-02 08:00:00Z 0
News Release - Career Day for Rotary Club Bakersfield Twilight Tony Azemika 2022-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

CAREER DAY at Mt. VERNON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Nov. 15, 2022, Bakersfield, CA — The Rotary Club Bakersfield Twilight over the past several years has sponsored the Mt. Vernon Elementary School in various education projects, and this year they supported the school’s inaugural Career Awareness Day. Organized by the school principal, Mrs. Xochitl Prieto (zoh-chee  pry-eh-toh), and her staff, several Bakersfield Twilight Rotarians gave up their busy Tuesday morning to share their passion for the business occupations they take a part in.
CAREER DAY at Mt. VERNON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL B-RAD Henderson 2022-11-15 08:00:00Z 0

October 5, 2022 Club Meeting - Ralph Bailey

The speaker at our regular club meeting on October 5, 2022, was local TV and radio personality, Ralph Bailey. Ralph gave us a breakdown of his career in radio and TV. He is a product of private schools in Los Angeles where he grew up as a child. He is a huge proponent of private education. All he ever wanted to do was to be a newspaper reporter. He started with The Bakersfield Californian when he would go there to drop off his articles. He was eventually, wrongfully fired by The Californian. He was 32 years old at the time. Overall, he has been fired four times in his career. Ralph got into TV and eventually became a local, weekend anchor. From TV, he got into new radio and now for number of years, he has had his own local radio show where he gets to ask tough questions of his guests. It was very entertaining hearing just a short breakdown of Ralph's career in local newspaper, TV and radio. Thank you Ralph for a very informative and entertaining talk.
 
 
October 5, 2022 Club Meeting - Ralph Bailey Tony Azemika 2022-10-07 07:00:00Z 0
September 14, 2022 Meeting - Honor Flight Jim Bell 2022-09-20 07:00:00Z 0
August 24, 2022 Meeting Tony Azemika 2022-09-02 07:00:00Z 0

Backpacks for Mt. Vernon Elementary School

Our club members all pitched in and we were able to collect over 40 backpacks with school supplies in each of them for the students at Mt. Vernon Elementary School. We will be dropping these off at the school on August 8, 2022.
Backpacks for Mt. Vernon Elementary School Tony Azemika 2022-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

President Donna Bell's First Meeting

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, was President Donna Bell's first meeting as our President for this Rotary year. Mr. Jim Damian, President of Bakersfield Downtown Rotary Club, Ms. Karen Bonanno, President of Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club, Mr. Jeff Barnhard, President of Bakersfield North Rotary Club, and Mr. Aaron Markovitz, President of Bakersfield East Rotary Club, were all in attendance to support President Donna Bell during her first meeting. Our own Kat Clowes presented Past-President, Robin Paggi, and President, Donna Bell, with the three District 5240 Awards that our club received last Rotary year, Bronze Medal Club Award, Vocational Service Award, and Youth Service Award.
 
President Donna Bell's First Meeting Tony Azemika 2022-07-09 07:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - May 18, 2022 Robin Paggi 2022-05-27 07:00:00Z 0
President Paggi Found Rotary Park & Clock While Traveling Robin Paggi 2022-05-27 07:00:00Z 0

Thank You Banners from Mt. Vernon Elementary

Xochitl Prieto (Principal) and Anna Torres Robles (Vice Principal) of Mt. Vernon Elementary School visited our club on May 18 to present us with thank you banners and cards from the students. We love Mt. Vernon Elementary!
 
Thank You Banners from Mt. Vernon Elementary Robin Paggi 2022-05-27 07:00:00Z 0

May Social at The Kitchen

Twilighters and guests at The Kitchen for our May social and Rotary Reach. A big Thank You to Chef Richard Yoshimura for the fun cooking demonstration and wonderful food.
 
May Social at The Kitchen Robin Paggi 2022-05-26 07:00:00Z 0
SLAINTE! (Gaelic for "Health") Donna Bell 2022-05-13 07:00:00Z 0

April Social

Thank you to Amy Smith (with mom Heli and hubby Zane Smith), Anselmo, Collin, Donna, Ian (with SO Kelsey), and Margaret Palmer (with SO Walt) for joining me at Sandrini's last night for our April social. Much fun was had! President Robin Paggi.
 
April Social Robin Paggi 2022-04-28 07:00:00Z 0
April 2022, All Club Community Service Event Robin Paggi 2022-04-28 07:00:00Z 0

April 20, 2022, Meeting

Bob Meadows, Director of Business Development for Shafter, gave a presentation at our April 20th meeting on all the neat development that is happening there.
 
April 20, 2022, Meeting Robin Paggi 2022-04-24 07:00:00Z 0
International Service Project in Africa Robin Paggi 2022-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

Mt. Vernon Assemblies

Thank you Twilighter Susan Barle for attending all of the Mt. Vernon Elementary School assemblies and presenting our Rotary award to selected students.
 
Mt. Vernon Assemblies Robin Paggi 2022-04-16 07:00:00Z 0

April 6, 2022, Meeting

What a great time we had at our April 6, 2022, meeting with Breanne Corely - Bakersfield's Bee Gal. We learned that the female bees do all the work of pollinating and producing honey while the male bees' only job is to mate with the females. Some of our male Rotarians thought that was an attractive arrangement until they learned that the male dies immediately after mating and his corpse drops from the sky to the ground below. For more fun facts about bees, contact Bakersfield's Bee Gal!
 
April 6, 2022, Meeting Robin Paggi 2022-04-16 07:00:00Z 0

Girl Scout Tree & Plant Planting - April 16th

Please come join Rotary Club of Bakersfield East ("East Rotary") members on Saturday, April 16th, at 9:00 a.m. to help Girl Scout Topanga Carroll of Girl Scout Troop 2486 plant plants and trees at the Bakersfield National Cemetery for her "Enhance the Walkway" Girl Scout Gold Award project.
 
Rotary Twilight and Centennial Interact members have been invited to joint East Rotary to support this worthy planting project in honor of our fallen veterans.  
 
This is a great opportunity to support a Girl Scout, honor our veterans, and enjoy some communal outdoor time with your fellow Rotary Club members at a time when we will hopefully have temperate weather.  Please come with your children, grandchildren, and all other interested family members and friends.
Girl Scout Tree & Plant Planting - April 16th Laura Williams 2022-04-05 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Park Visit

Thank you to Billie Sue, Brad, Donna, Ed, Jim, Shonna, and Susan for joining our President Robin at Rotary Park on Wednesday. Everyone learned a lot about this hidden gem on the hill.
 
Rotary Park Visit Robin Paggi 2022-03-30 07:00:00Z 0

March Rotary Reach

Thank you to Nancy, Brad, and Brian (Brad's brother) for joining me at Carousel Drive In for the March Rotary Reach on Friday. From President Robin Paggi.
 
March Rotary Reach Robin Paggi 2022-03-26 07:00:00Z 0
CalCAPA Legislative Days in Sacramento Robin Paggi 2022-03-26 07:00:00Z 0

Message from President - Upcoming Events

Dear Twilighters,
 
First, a shout-out to Jeremy, Ian, and Sam - the masterminds behind our latest FUN-raiser. And raise funds we did - $725! Thank you to all who participated.
 
We're having our first March club social on Wed. March 23 at Rusty's Pizza, 6675 Ming Avenue (at the corner of Ming and Ashe). We've reserved a private room because we have a very important topic to discuss - our main FUN-raiser on May 7. This event is an all-hands-on-deck one because it takes all of us to make it happen. Warning: even if you can't/don't attend the social on March 23, you will be assigned a role at our May 7 fundraiser. As I said, it takes all of us to make it happen.
 
Do you know that Bakersfield has its own marathon? Do you know that it goes right by my house? Do you want to be at my house on Sunday, March 27 at 7:30 am to cheer on the runners as they pass by? If so, let me know because I'll treat you to some food and beverages if you show up.
 
March has five Wednesdays, so that means we have two socials. Our second social on Wed. March 30 is at Rotary Park on Panorama Drive. Come learn how the East Bakersfield Rotary Club created this wonderful little gem on the bluffs while munching on some finger food and enjoying the sunset.
 
Rotary Yoga is back! Come get your Zen on in the beautiful sculpture garden at the Bakersfield Museum of Art on Saturday, April 2 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. This is a FUN-raiser too, so participants are asked to donate $20 each, $10 for students.
 
That's it for now. Thank you for your service and see you soon,
 
Robin
Message from President - Upcoming Events Robin Paggi 2022-03-19 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary Reach at World Records Robin Paggi 2022-02-26 08:00:00Z 0
Game Night at Twilight Rotary Robin Paggi 2022-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
January Rotary Reach Robin Paggi 2022-02-05 08:00:00Z 0

Club Social at ZAMA

 
Thank you to Brad, Donna, Ed, Jeremy, and Jim for joining President Robin at our club social at ZAMA on Jan. 26, 2022. What a great place! Thanks also to North Rotarian Zane Smith and Downtown Rotarian Pat Paggi for crashing our party.
Club Social at ZAMA Robin Paggi 2022-01-27 08:00:00Z 0

January 19th Meeting

Thank you to Twilighter (and club secretary) Manuel Maldonado for the great presentation about Ordiz Melby Architects at our Jan. 19, 2022, meeting. We learned about Building Information Modeling (BIM) and all the great projects the firm has worked on in our community. We'll visit one of those projects - the Career Technical Education Center - on Thursday, March 3, 2022, for our all-club lunch.
 
January 19th Meeting Robin Paggi 2022-01-27 08:00:00Z 0
Cross-Talk News Release B-RAD Henderson 2022-01-10 08:00:00Z 0
December Rotary Reach at Bonnie's Best Robin Paggi 2022-01-03 08:00:00Z 0

December 15 Meeting Featuring Tacky Holiday Sweater Contest

Our December 15, 2021, meeting featured a tacky holiday sweater contest (Shonna Shearson inspired us to change "ugly" to "tacky"). The 3rd place winner was Sam, who received a coupon to Rusty's Pizza for potato wedges (I think the coupon is still valid). The 2nd place winner was Amy, who received a gift card to Wiki's for a free appetizer or dessert. The 1st place winner was Jim, who received a Today's Cleaners gift card with $12.75 still on it. Congratulations!
 
December 15 Meeting Featuring Tacky Holiday Sweater Contest Robin Paggi 2022-01-03 08:00:00Z 0

Clothes Donated for Service Project by East Rotary

Our past-president, Nancy Pollard, organized her CPA firm, Barbich, Hooper, King, Dill and Hoffman employees to donate clothes for Rotary Club of Bakersfield East service project. They took the clothes to the home of the President of the Rotary Club of Bakersfield East to sort and package.
 
 
BHK employees: Sonia, Kay, Patrick J, and Jose with the cart as they waited for us to park the cars at the curb.
Clothes Donated for Service Project by East Rotary Nancy Pollard 2021-12-17 08:00:00Z 0

Meeting at CTEC

What a GREAT meeting we had on December 1, 2021, at our own, Manuel's building (actually, CTEC - but it's Manuel's building to us). Thank you to Alma, Amy, Brad, Donna, Ed, Ian, Laura, Manuel, Margaret, Nancy, Sam, and Shonna for attending and networking with the students. It very appreciated by them. In fact, our President, Robin, received a lovely voicemail from one of the student's grandmothers that she will play for us at our December 15, 2021, meeting. It demonstrates that we have quite an impact on those around us whether we realize it or not.
 
Meeting at CTEC Robin Paggi 2021-12-01 08:00:00Z 0

District Governor Visit

District Governor, Dana Maldovan was our guest at our November 17, 2021, meeting. She congratulated us on winning the Gold Club Award, the RI Citation, Local Service Award for small clubs and Interact achievement last year and noted that many of our club members serve on the District Team including:
PDG Jim Bell  - Vice Governor and District Finance Committee Chair 
Jeremy Swanson - District Parliamentarian
Kat Clowes - District Awards Chair
Amy Smith - President of the District Charitable Foundation
Nancy Pollard - Board member of the District Charitable Foundation
 
She also asked President Robin to extend her thanks to the club members who donated to the TRF at the meeting.
 
District Governor Visit Robin Paggi 2021-11-17 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary Award Winners Robin Paggi 2021-11-08 08:00:00Z 0
District 5240 Conference & Foundation Gala Tony Azemika 2021-11-07 07:00:00Z 0

Mt. Vernon Pumpkin Patch

Our club donated 300 pumpkins to Mt. Vernon Elementary School for their pumpkin patch. Thank you to Pat Paggi (of Daniells, Phillips, Vaughan & Bock, CPAs) for underwriting this event.
 
 
 
 
Mt. Vernon Pumpkin Patch Tony Azemika 2021-11-07 07:00:00Z 0
November Rotary Reach at Russo's Book Robin Paggi 2021-11-06 07:00:00Z 0
Ismael Maldonado Has Arrived Tony Azemika 2021-11-04 07:00:00Z 0
Pumpkin Delivery to Mt. Vernon Elementary School Robin Paggi 2021-11-03 07:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to Our Newest Member Ian

Housing Services Program Manager Ian Sharples
 
Ian Sharples is an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for affordable housing. Ian was the Executive Director of the Income Property Association of Kern, before joining CAPK, and the Founder of Hermit Communications, a housing-focused public affairs firm. His past projects include the California Landlords' Summit on Homelessness, the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative Point-In-Time Count, and media outreach for Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire. Prior to working on housing issues, Ian was involved with swing-seat political campaigns across California and Nevada. He is a graduate of Leadership Bakersfield and holds a degree in political science from Point Loma Nazarene University. 
 
Congratulations to Our Newest Member Ian Robin Paggi 2021-11-03 07:00:00Z 0

Club Social at TloWines

Thank you to Walt (Margaret’s SO), Margaret, Garett, Brad, Noel (visiting Rotarian from Uganda) Jeremy, Nancy, Ian, Julie (Denise’s guest), Denise, Susan, Ed, Nona (visitor), John (Shonna’s SO), and Shonna for attending our Oct. 27 at Tlo Wines.
Club Social at TloWines Tony Azemika 2021-10-27 07:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting on October 20, 2021 Robin Paggi 2021-10-20 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary is More Than Service B-RAD Henderson 2021-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

Club Social at 9/11 Memorial

Alma, Amy, Brad, Donna, Jeremy, Laura, Nancy, Sam, Shonna, Susan and our President, Robin, along with our Interactors attended a club social event at the 9/11 Memorial on the evening of September 22, 2021.
 
 
Club Social at 9/11 Memorial Tony Azemika 2021-09-22 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary Invites You to Rotary Yoga Tony Azemika 2021-09-14 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Reach at Covenant Coffee

Yesterday, September 9, 2021, was Rotary Reach at Covenant Coffee. Rotary Reach is a collaborative program by all Bakersfield Rotary Clubs to pick a local business each month and on a specific day all Rotary members attempt to visit and do business with that local business. It is Bakersfield Rotary Clubs' way to support local businesses through the hardships that the world-wide pandemic, COVID-19, has caused on them. Thank you to Amy, Brad, Collin, Ed, Jim, Margaret, Sister Judy, Shonna and Susan for attending yesterday's Rotary Reach at Covenant Coffee.
Rotary Reach at Covenant Coffee Tony Azemika 2021-09-10 07:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting on September 1, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-09-05 07:00:00Z 0
Club Member's Vacation Pictures Tony Azemika 2021-09-05 07:00:00Z 0
Future Club Meetings and Events Tony Azemika 2021-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

Yoga with Shonna

Our first “Yoga with Shonna” fundraiser at the Bakersfield Museum of Art on Saturday, August 7 was also a great success. Thank you to Shonna for leading our class and to Sam, Nancy, Donna, Bruce and Claudia Keith (from East Rotary) and John Shearson (taking the picture) for attending. Our next “Yoga with Shonna” event is on Saturday, October 2.
 
Yoga with Shonna Robin Paggi 2021-08-09 07:00:00Z 0
Social at Bakersfield Museum of Art Robin Paggi 2021-08-08 07:00:00Z 0

Social Event - The Bakersfield Sound

Every month, we have a social event. This month's social event will take place on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., at Bakersfield Museum of Art. Everyone is welcome to come and see The Bakersfield Sound exhibit.
Social Event - The Bakersfield Sound Tony Azemika 2021-07-26 07:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - The Bakersfield Sound Tony Azemika 2021-07-26 07:00:00Z 0
Yoga Class Tony Azemika 2021-07-26 07:00:00Z 0
MTV Music Television Fundraiser Tony Azemika 2021-07-26 07:00:00Z 0

Monthly "Rotary Reach" Event

Each month, all Rotary clubs in our town pick a local business that we all visit with our Rotary pin, clothing or some other item that identifies us as a Rotary member and we try to buy or do business with that local business. This month's business is "Lemonade Locks Wig & Gift Boutique" located at 1712 "K" Street, Bakersfield, California.
Monthly "Rotary Reach" Event Tony Azemika 2021-07-26 07:00:00Z 0
Club Fundraiser - MTV Trivia Night Tony Azemika 2021-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

Past-President, Li Gibb's Inspirational Moment

Past-President, Li Gibbs, wrote a beautiful inspirational poem for our first in-person meeting of the Rotary year:
 
Measures of a Life*
Time inches away
  from here and now
The seconds tick
As the clock strikes yet
another minute
Life measured in tempos
  a rhythm of the heart
This second counts
   as much as the next
  just as much as the last
Each breath
  Each beat
       we exist
Not in a bubble
    Not a microcosm
But in a big rich space
 Where our existence matter
Where we can make a difference
Where love will grow and prosper
Where the next strike signals
a challenge to be conquered
   A second
        A minute
            tick, tick, tick
          measures of a life....
  ...What will you do with yours?
 
Poems by Li @
Past-President, Li Gibb's Inspirational Moment Tony Azemika 2021-07-11 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - July 7, 2021

We held our first meeting of the Rotary year at our new location, Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield. President Paggi had a full house for her meeting with some people even joining us on Zoom. She recognized number of club members who made last year's club meetings and activities special and effective despite the challenges presented by the world pandemic, COVID-19. She also recognized the wonderful things that were accomplished by our club and Centennial High School Rotaract Club. She also set out her goals for our club and our members for this coming year.
 
Club Meeting - July 7, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-07-07 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight June Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-05-31 07:00:00Z 0

Charter Night Celebration

Charter Night celebration was held in person at the lovely home of Jeremy Swanson and his beautiful family. Kat and Brad were able to join everyone on Zoom. A very special thank you to District Governor, Deb, and District Governor Nominee, Scott, for joining us also via Zoom. A huge thank you to Jeremy and Teresa Swanson for allowing us to use their beautiful home. A thank you also to Sam (soon to be member) coming by to help with the technology even though he could not stay. Despite challenges and strong winds, we made it work with an ingenious idea from Nancy. Huge thank you to Shonna for making it happen and monitoring Zoom. Congratulations to Past President, Sandy Foster, and Past President, Nancy Pollard, for earning Paul Harris Fellow level pins presented by District Governor, Deb. Congrats to Peter Swanson, our newest Paul Harris Fellow. 
 
Charter Night Celebration Anthony Azemika 2021-05-31 07:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting May 12, 2021

Another great program last Wednesday with our RYLA Grads and Interactors. We had a great Zoom turn out. These students never cease to amaze us. They were mature and very eloquent in their responses and they did an outstanding job especially by Interact Board Members, Diego Caceres and Samuel Wisnoff. They had planned a fun informative program complete with great slides and description of Virtual RYLA components. The students had such sincere show of gratitude to us Rotarians. These incredible young people like were President Li Gibb's first Rotary moment and the main reason why she is a Rotarian.
Club Zoom Meeting May 12, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-05-17 07:00:00Z 0
2021 Charter Night! Tony Azemika 2021-05-17 07:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact "Casa Esperanza" Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-05-17 07:00:00Z 0
Global Grant "Fish and Food for Families" Tony Azemika 2021-05-10 07:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-05-10 07:00:00Z 0
Teachers' Appreciation at Mt. Vernon Elementary School Tony Azemika 2021-05-10 07:00:00Z 0
Cinco de Madre Social Tony Azemika 2021-05-10 07:00:00Z 0
District-Wide Community Service Day Tony Azemika 2021-05-02 07:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact May Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-05-02 07:00:00Z 0
Join Us for Cinco De Madre Social Tony Azemika 2021-05-02 07:00:00Z 0
District 5240's First Ever Virtual RYLA Meeting Tony Azemika 2021-04-26 07:00:00Z 0
District-Wide Community Service Day Tony Azemika 2021-04-26 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Meeting for April 21, 2010 Tony Azemika 2021-04-26 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Collaborative Global Grant Tony Azemika 2021-04-19 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Traveler Social Tony Azemika 2021-04-19 07:00:00Z 0
Club Zoom Meeting on April, 14, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-04-19 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Collaborative Global Grant Becoming a Reality Tony Azemika 2021-04-12 07:00:00Z 0
District-Wide Community Service Day Tony Azemika 2021-04-12 07:00:00Z 0

Zoom Club Meeting on April 7, 2021

On April 7, 20221, we had a great program. Mr. Jeff Jones of California Fire Strike Team spoke about our devastating wildfires and the California Fires Strike Team.
Zoom Club Meeting on April 7, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-04-12 07:00:00Z 0
Hydroponic Systems in Nicaragua Update Tony Azemika 2021-03-29 07:00:00Z 0
Uganda Clean Water Project Update Tony Azemika 2021-03-29 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight at Mount Vernon Elementary School Tony Azemika 2021-03-29 07:00:00Z 0
Club Zoom Meeting - March 24, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-03-29 07:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact March Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-03-15 07:00:00Z 0
The Art of Wood Carving Tony Azemika 2021-03-15 07:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting on March 10, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-03-15 07:00:00Z 0
Uganda Clean Water Project Tony Azemika 2021-03-08 08:00:00Z 0
Service Project Benefitting CASA Tony Azemika 2021-03-08 08:00:00Z 0
We Lost a Regular Guest and a Great Man Tony Azemika 2021-03-08 08:00:00Z 0
Kern County Annual All-Club Meeting Tony Azemika 2021-03-08 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact Valentine's Day Cards for Seniors Tony Azemika 2021-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
Valentine's Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
The Best Free Lunch Hour You'll Ever Have! Tony Azemika 2021-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
Zoom Club Meeting - February 17, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
Kern County Rotary All Club Annual Meeting Tony Azemika 2021-02-08 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-02-08 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary Club Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-02-08 08:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting February 3, 2021

We had another great meeting last week. There was so much fascinating information from two very excellent speakers who told us all about native Hawaiian culture and the obstacles to building the world’s largest telescope in Hawaii including the lawsuits and the protests that have been ongoing for years. It was especially nice to see so many of our wonderful Centennial Interact students joining us.
Club Zoom Meeting February 3, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-02-08 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial High Interact Club Project Tony Azemika 2021-01-24 08:00:00Z 0
Update on Global Grant Project Tony Azemika 2021-01-24 08:00:00Z 0
Inspirational Moment by Anselmo Moreno Anthony Azemika 2021-01-24 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Apocalyptic Social Tony Azemika 2021-01-24 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial High Interact Club Project Tony Azemika 2021-01-18 08:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting - January 13, 2021

We had another great program on January 13, 2021, featuring our guest speaker, Kenn McCloud of KUZZ Radio. The program sent President Li down memory lane as her first job in Bakersfield was working in radio for a short time. The Programs Team did another great job bringing us another quality speaker and a fascinating program.
Club Zoom Meeting - January 13, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-01-18 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Holiday Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-01-11 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary International Project in Nicaragua Tony Azemika 2021-01-11 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial Interact Club Service Project Tony Azemika 2021-01-11 08:00:00Z 0

Zoom Club Meeting January 6, 2021

What a great way to start the new year by welcoming the esteemed Past District Governor, Sylvia Whitlock, as our guest speaker at our weekly Zoom meeting on January 6, 2021. Ms. Whitlock was the first, ever female Rotary President. She spoke to us about her history-making venture into the world of Rotary. It was great to have many Centennial High School Interact students who zoomed in with us to listen to Ms. Whitlock, a Rotary treasure who paved the way for women to be able to not only join Rotary but also have the opportunity to make a difference through Rotary and become leaders at every level of Rotary International.
Zoom Club Meeting January 6, 2021 Tony Azemika 2021-01-11 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Christmas for Seniors Tony Azemika 2020-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
Interactors "Teens in Need" Holiday Service Project Tony Azemika 2020-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Holiday Service Project Tony Azemika 2020-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
December 2, 2020, Club Meeting Photo Gallary Tony Azemika 2020-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
November 18, 2020 Club Meeting Photo Gallary Tony Azemika 2020-11-29 08:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary International Project in Nicaragua Tony Azemika 2020-11-24 08:00:00Z 0
4-Way Test Essay Contest Tony Azemika 2020-11-08 08:00:00Z 0

October 21, 2020 Meeting

Our virtual Zoom meeting on October 21, 2020, was SUPER and lively fun for District Governor, Deb Linden’s visit to our club. DG Deb shared a lot of good information with the Board and then afterwards at our Zoom meeting. The attendance great too. We also had in attendance with us 12 Interact Board members who enjoyed seeing their sponsoring Rotarians. We shared a great video clip the students made from last week’s cleanup project downtown. It was a sweet surprise for DG Linden, a huge supporter of our youth. Sadly most Interact Clubs are not very active, if at all, due to school closures. CONGRATULATIONS TO SHONNA SHEARSON, recipient of the “Rotary People of Action Award” presented (much to her surprise and our delight) by our District Governor, Deb Linden. Also Congratulations to Interact PP and Board Advisor, Annum Khan, recipient of the Excellence Award for her service and dedication.
October 21, 2020 Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-10-25 07:00:00Z 0
Pumpkins for Mt. Vernon Elementary School Tony Azemika 2020-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

Sandy Foster Being a Rotarian in Cincinnati

Past President, Sandy Foster, who is staying in Cincinnati for the Fall, took part in October 17th Civic Clean Up Day where she covered Gregory Street in the lovely neighborhood of Mt. Adams. Great job Sandy!
Sandy Foster Being a Rotarian in Cincinnati Tony Azemika 2020-10-17 07:00:00Z 0
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful News Release Tony Azemika 2020-10-17 07:00:00Z 0

October 14, 2020 Meeting

We held another virtual Zoom meeting on our regular meeting day, Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Our guest speaker was Mr. Randy Heard, Director of Bakersfield National Cemetery, who presented a wonderful program during which he
discussed our local National Cemetery, their reaction to COVID as well as the resources he provides. He spoke passionately about his role as an advocate for explaining the benefits that many active military members, veterans and their families are not aware of. Community Service Chair, Laura Williams, shared an update on the Mt. Vernon school project and encouraged all members to get involved in helping pass out pumpkins and sign up to read via zoom to students. Please reach out to Laura to sign up. Amy Smith shared her daughter Charlotte’s recent cover on Kern County Family Magazine.
October 14, 2020 Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-10-14 07:00:00Z 0
Step Up for Polio Information Tony Azemika 2020-10-13 07:00:00Z 0
Join Us On World Polio Day Tony Azemika 2020-10-13 07:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting October 7, 2020

We held our regular club meeting over Zoom on October 7, 2020. This meeting was a bit more relaxed with past Twilight member, Zoot Velasco, as our guest speaker. It was great to see him and catch up on what he’s been up to since he moved away. Pamela Elisha and her husband, Irvin, zoomed in from their Sukkah. They gave us a walking tour through Zoom and explained this beautiful Jewish tradition. Thank you Pam and Irvin for sharing with us and our guests. Congratulations goes out to President Elect, Robin Paggi, and Past President, Kat Clowes, on the pre-release sales of their book on Amazon. On other news, our President Li was chosen to serve on the groundbreaking Kern County Sheriff Department's Community Advisory Council to help bridge communication between our Sheriff Department and our community. She will be serving with other community leaders from throughout Kern County.
Club Zoom Meeting October 7, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-10-12 07:00:00Z 0

Twilight Rotary Zoom Meeting - September 9, 2020

We met for our regular Zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. Our speaker was Past-District Governor, Wade Nomura, the 2020-2021 Technical Coordinator Chair - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene who spoke to us about his work in that role. Thank you Mr. Nomura for giving us a fascinating and informative program. He shared his passion for water sanitation and his mission to identify the needs of a community, which center around health, and the ability to have access to clean water.
Twilight Rotary Zoom Meeting - September 9, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-10-05 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary Dog Days of Summer Tony Azemika 2020-09-10 07:00:00Z 0

African Region Certified Wild Polio-Free

Rotary.org
AFRICAN REGION CERTIFIED WILD POLIO-FREE
Dear Rotarians,

It our pleasure to announce to you that the African region has just been certified wild poliovirus-free.

Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio. We should be proud of all the hard work that we’ve done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world. 

This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus. 

Over the last two decades, countless Rotary members in countries across the African region and around the world have worked together to raise funds, immunize children, advocate with local and national leaders, and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, enabling the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to effectively respond to and stop polio outbreaks. 

This milestone is an incredible public health achievement for Rotary members, the African region, and our GPEI partners, and a huge step forward on the road to global polio eradication. But we still have important work to do in order to eradicate wild polio in the last two endemic countries.

We have faced many challenges in our journey to eradicate polio. But we’ve made remarkable progress, and the polio infrastructure that Rotarians helped build will serve as a lasting legacy that will continue to help protect vulnerable children against other diseases for decades to come.

We are calling on you today to recommit yourselves to ending polio. We need each and every one of you to help finish this fight and continue raising $50 million each year for PolioPlus. The eradication of wild polio in the African region shows us that polio eradication is achievable, and shows how our hard work, partnerships and financial commitment continue to propel us forward, even during a global pandemic.

Thank you for your continued efforts, for achieving a wild polio-free African region, and for remaining committed to fulfilling our promise of a polio-free world.

Sincerely,
Holger Knaack                                                                                         K.R. Ravindran
President, Rotary International                                                           Chair, The Rotary Foundation

Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair Dr. Tunji Funsho congratulate Rotarians on eradicating wild polio in the African Region. Watch here.

CC:
  • RI Board of Directors & Directors-Elects, TRF Board of Trustees + Incoming Trustees
  • District Governors, District Governors-Elect
  • Club Presidents
  • PolioPlus Committees (International PolioPlus Committee, 2020-21 EPN Countdown to History Campaign Committee, Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Forces, PolioPlus National Advocacy Advisors, National PolioPlus Committee Chairs, End Polio Now Zone Coordinators)
  • Regional Leaders (RCs, RPICs, RRFCs, E/MGAs)
  • PRIPs, DRFCs
  • Communications Committee
  • End Polio Now Newsletter Subscribers
African Region Certified Wild Polio-Free Tony Azemika 2020-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor's Message and Step Up for Polio

 
 

DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

 
Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As I finish my first two months visiting clubs virtually, I am blown away by the creativity and adaptability our clubs have demonstrated during these challenging times. Despite the impact of COVID-19, our clubs are continuing to serve their communities, getting creative in their fundraising, and recruiting new members. Rotary truly Opens Opportunities and you should all be immensely proud!
 
District Conference Registration Now Open!
Our District 5240 Virtual District Conference is November 6-8, 2020, and registration is now open. You can find more information and a registration link at http://www.rotary5240dc.com
Here are some highlights:
  • Friday evening opening celebration: Party for Polio! Featuring Jim Messina of Loggins & Messina, Buffalo Springfield, and Poco
  • Saturday and Sunday morning General Sessions with incredible keynote presenters.
  • Saturday Breakout Sessions – choose your own training opportunity.
  • Virtual Project Expo
  • Networking, virtual meetups, and more!
  • Only $25 for Rotarians & guests, $10 for Rotaractors, and free for Interact members or youth under age 18.
Promote your Business!
Did you know that the District has a place where you can promote your business for other members to find? Well, we do! It is our online District 5240 Rotarian Business Network where you can add your business and where members can search for Rotarian-run businesses in our District. Let’s support each other! Go to https://www.rotary5240.biz for more info and to add/find a business.

Community Service Opportunity during COVID:
Are you or your club looking for a community service activity you can do safely even with the COVID restrictions? The California Coastal Commission has an opportunity for you (and you don’t need to live near an ocean!). The Commission has designated every Saturday in September as Coastal Clean Up Day in your own Neighborhood. For safety reasons, there are no large, centrally organized cleanup sites this year. Instead, cleanups will be self-guided and close to home. Cleaning your neighborhoods, local parks, streets, and storm drains helps protect our coast. Trash travels through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach and ocean pollution. Help clean the beach by picking up litter in your community with your household. And if Saturdays don't work for you, don't let that stop you! You can clean up any day, any time. Go to https://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.htmlfor more information, including a “Most Unusual Item” contest.
 
Step Up for Polio!
Don’t forget…we’ve launched our District-wide Step Up for Polio project, a way you can raise funds for PolioPlus through a personal fitness challenge. Click on the Step Up for Polio flyer in this newsletter for more information. Let’s all get moving and Step Up for Polio!

Public Image Grants Still Available:
There are still funds available to clubs for Public Image grants from the District 5240 Charitable Foundation. Have I piqued your interest? Go to https://www.rotarydistrict5240.org/sitepage/district-public-image-grants to learn more.
 
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Past District Governor Loretta Butts’ husband, John Butts, passed away on August 19, 2020, of health complications related to cancer. Loretta was our District Governor in 2014-2015 and John was her "official driver" for her club visits and her #1 cheerleader, not only during her DG year, but throughout their lives together. Loretta and John were married for 25 years and friends for much longer. John was a generous and giving soul and would support and encourage Loretta in whatever she undertook. John’s wish was to be cremated and no services will be held. If you would like to reach out to Loretta with a card or note, you can mail them to her at 7400 Pinal Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
 
Take care and stay safe,
 
Deb Linden
District Governor 2020-21
District Governor's Message and Step Up for Polio Tony Azemika 2020-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

"Back-to-School" Club Social Fun

On August 19, 2020, we were "dark" and didn't have a club meeting. But, we still got together on Zoom to just have a social meeting. Jeremy played a video of his adorable kids teaching us yet again, how to make food popular in Catalonia region, in northeaster Spain. Then, one-by-one, we shared "back-to-school" stories. This was another great social meeting among friends. Great idea for a social meeting Shonna.
 
 
"Back-to-School" Club Social Fun Tony Azemika 2020-08-23 07:00:00Z 0

Help Kick Polio's Butt

Dear Rotarians,
 
Are you ready to help kick Polio's butt?? Do you want to do something to raise funds for Rotary's PolioPlus program even during COVID? 
 
Jump in to the Step Up for Polio project, part of a multi-district Step Up for Rotary effort to raise funds for Rotary causes through personal fitness challenges. Joining is simple:
 
First...Pick your fitness activity and your personal fitness goal for raising funds for Polio Plus;
Second... create a personal fundraising page on the Step Up for Rotary website https://www.stepupforrotary.com/ 
Third...share your fundraising page with friends and family (and anyone else you can think of) asking for donations to support your Polio fundraising. 
 
Want to learn more? 
Let's do this together! Have fun, get fit, and save lives by raising funds for Polio Plus! 
 
Deb Linden, District Governor
Rotary District 5240
https://www.stepupforrotary.com/
Help Kick Polio's Butt Tony Azemika 2020-08-18 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary District 5240 $52.40 Challenge Tony Azemika 2020-08-18 07:00:00Z 0

Community Service Project on Saturday, August 8, 2020

Who says you can't do a service project to help the community with COVID-19 running rampant? Our Communit Service Chair, Laura Williams, and Foundation Chair, Nancy Pollard, helped rally volunteers and donations of socks, underwear, toothpaste, shampoo, and other essentials to be distributed by our club to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter in the coming week. Our club members were able to catch up while practicing social distancing and wearing their face masks. Way to go Bakersfield Twilight. A great start to our service projects for the year.
 
Community Service Project on Saturday, August 8, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-08-10 07:00:00Z 0

August 5, 2020 Zoom Club Meeting

We held another great meeting on the evening of Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Thanks to our own, Jim and Donna Bell, our guest speaker was Mr. Steven G. Lingenbrink, Rotary Coordinator for Zone 27. Mr. Lingenbrink has spent countless hours on Zoom this year and, prior to the lock-downs, spent many miles in the air and on the road speaking to District Assemblies, PETS Training, Governor-Elect and Governor-Nominee training and countless Club meetings over the past three years, all with the purpose of improving membership in Rotary. He discussed with us ways to effectively hold a club meeting over Zoom and then it was followed by a Q & A with our club members. Thank you to Mr. Lingenbrink and his wife, Mrs. Terri Lingenbrink, for joining us.
August 5, 2020 Zoom Club Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-08-10 07:00:00Z 0
July 22, 2020 Social Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-08-04 07:00:00Z 0

Announcing Little Mateo

We welcome a precious addition to our Twilight family! Huge congratulations to our Past President Anselmo, his bride Isabel and little brother. They welcomed beautiful baby boy, Mateo Moreno Anselmo, born on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 9:00 p.m. Mateo weighed eight pounds and four ounces and is 22 inch of bundle of joy. We can’t wait to meet him!
Announcing Little Mateo Tony Azemika 2020-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting - July 8, 2020

Below is the video of our Club's Zoom meeting on July 8, 2020. During our meeting, the board and officers were introduced. The new Rotary theme for this year is Rotary Opens Opportunities. Our President, Li Gibbs' motto for her Rotary year is #WeDoItAtNight. She picked this motto because it is very surprising how there are no other evening club like ours in Rotary. After going over our goals for the year, Jeremy gave us interesting facts about Catalonia where Barcelona is located. We saw some beautiful pictures and answered some cool trivia questions. Who knew that Barcelona did not have any beaches before 1992? Great job Jeremy.
 
 
Club Zoom Meeting - July 8, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-07-15 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary International President Message

Below is a video message from Rotary International President for 2020-2021, Holger Knaack. President Knaack is a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Molln, Germany. Mr. Knaack believes that the People of Action campaign offers new public awareness possibilities for Rotary. "This campaign conveys our global image while still respecting differences in regions and cultures," he says. Mr. Knaack is the CEO of Knaack KG, a real estate company. He was previously a partner and general manager of Knaack Enterprises, a 125 year-old family business. He has been a Rotary member since 1992.
 
 
Rotary International President Message Tony Azemika 2020-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting via Zoom - June 10, 2020

Posted by Tony Azemika
On June 10, 2020, we had another Club meeting via Zoom. Our Past-President, Kat, talked about her greatest challenge being doing some renovations to the club to patch things up as the club was getting older. Some club members moved out of town and we lost some members. Her greatest accomplishment was that the Club took a step into the spotlight. We were one of the youngest club of the district and we had an astronaut come and talk to the club.

Past-President, Jeanne Tunnicliffe, joined us from her new hometown. According to her, her biggest challenge was the growth of the club and changing locations. Her greatest accomplishment during her Presidency was all the individual things that were done to get the presidential citations such as birthday bags and packing meals.

Club Meeting via Zoom - June 10, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-07-06 07:00:00Z 0

Club Zoom Meeting - June 3, 2020

Posted by Tony Azemika
On June 3, 2020, some Centennial High School Interact members joined us along with their advisor, Sheila McLeod, for our Club meeting that took place via Zoom. Laura Williams read a very appropriate quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. as her inspirational moment. We wishes Alma happy birthday which is actually tomorrow. Both Anselmo and Jeremy talked about their experience as past-presidents of the club.
 
Brad reported that we received eight applications for scholarship and we have picked two nominees, Christian Munoz who wants to become a Civil Engineer and attend University of Alabama and Earl Garrovilla who wants to become a doctor like his mother and to attend UCLA. Both of these young people are very impressive.

Club Zoom Meeting - June 3, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-07-06 07:00:00Z 0

Zoom Meeting with Dr. Mary Berge

We had another wonderful Zoom meeting. On May 15th, it is our club's 11th Anniversary. Laura's father, Lawrence, joined us on Zoom as Laura's guest. Our speaker was Dr. Mary Berge, a Rotarian herself and a Clinical Psychologist in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. With the time difference, it was nice of Dr. Berge to get on our Zoom meeting and give us tips to deal with COVID-19 emotional fatigue issues. Her first tip was to limit information allowed in. We are being overwhelmed with information. We should check in on the latest news once in the morning and once at night, but not after 7 p.m. We need at least three hours to psychologically wind down. She also recommended that people stick to normal routine if they are working at home, but leave the computer and the room every couple of hours for 10 minutes each time. We should also write down own fitness, hydration and healthy eating goals and exercise on a regular basis as exercise keeps inflammation low and increases serotonin. She also recommended that we hug our family since intimacy releases oxytocin. Also, we should take five seconds as often as possible to reflect on what we are grateful for since that releases dopamine. We need to smile even if we fake it. Apparently, studies have shown that our brain doesn't know the difference between a fake or real smile so by smiling, we release dopamine. Finally, Dr. Berge taught us that anxiety is the enemy since it can destroy dopamine and oxytocin. Anxiety happens when we live in the future by always thinking "what if ....?" According to Dr. Berge, we may not be able to control situations in life such as COVID-19, but we can control how we handle situations in our lives. Overall, this was a great, informative meeting.
Zoom Meeting with Dr. Mary Berge Tony Azemika 2020-05-13 07:00:00Z 0

Our Rotary Mask Project

State and local governments will ultimately determine when the shelter-in-place orders will be lifted. The City of Bakersfield is encouraging everyone to wear masks to help ease the state government's shelter-in-place order. So, if we want to get back to normal as much as possible and as soon as possible, we need to wear a mask now when we go out into the public. Our own, Robin Paggi, arranged our Rotary Mask Project where we would purchase masks for ourselves as well as to donate them. On May 7, 2020, Robin delivered 50 masks to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. Thank you Robin and everyone in our club who participated.
 
Our Rotary Mask Project Tony Azemika 2020-05-13 07:00:00Z 0

Zoom Meeting - Real Estate & COVID-19

On May 6, 2020, we held out fifth club meeting on Zoom and again we had double digit showing. Ms. Ronda Newport, the President of Bakersfield Association of Realtors, spoke to us about Kern County real estate market and how it has been impacted by COVID-19. Ms. Newport reviewed Mr. Gary Crabtree's report about the state of real estate market in Kern County. It appears that while other places have suffered due to COVID-19, Kern County's real estate market is holding strong. That is partly due to the fact that we have affordable housing in our County compared to other counties in California. About fifty-one percent of our residents can afford to buy a median-priced home in our town compared to other parts of California where as little as thirteen percent of the residents can afford to purchase a median-priced home in their area. Following some announcements, our meeting was adjourned by President, Nancy Pollard. Another great meeting where we got to see out fellow Rotarians. Thank you Past-District Governor, Jim Bell, for arranging another wonderful Zoom meeting for us.
 
Zoom Meeting - Real Estate & COVID-19 Tony Azemika 2020-05-06 07:00:00Z 0

Our Second Zoom Meeting

Our second Zoom meeting was held on April 8, 2020. Another great, fun time was had by 17 of our members who joined our President, Nancy Pollard. We are trying to do our part by staying away and keeping safe while we visit with our Rotarian brothers and sisters. President, Nancy, was clearly in her comfortable clothes ready to lead our Zoom meeting.
Our Second Zoom Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-04-08 07:00:00Z 0

First Twilight Zoom Meeting

On April 1, 2020, our club held its first Zoom meeting thanks to our own Past District Governor, Jim Bell, who arranged the whole Zooming experience for all of us. It was a great and fun Twilight meeting. Over 20 members joined our President, Nancy Pollard, in her first ever Zoom meeting from their own living rooms, basements and kitchens. It was so great being able to see each other and check in. District Governor, Savi Bhim, joined us from her home. We are going to try to stay connected and Zoom again during our regular Wednesday evening meetings at 6:00 p.m. See you Wednesday for the best time of the day, Twilight!
First Twilight Zoom Meeting Tony Azemika 2020-04-06 07:00:00Z 0

All Club Luncheon

On Thursday, March 5th, over 170 Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact Club members from Bakersfield and Shafter met at the Crystal Palace for the 2020 All Club Luncheon. Several District 5240 officers also attended, including the three next-in-line District Governors (Deb Linden, Dana Moldovan, and Scott Phillips) and the District Foundation Grants Sub-Committee Chair, Dave Gore. Because of his work as the District Grants Chair and all of the assistance he gave each of the Bakersfield Clubs, both individually and as a group, Dave was honored with a Paul Harris Fellow which was given in his mother’s name (she recently passed away).
 
The key-note speaker was Davide Di Giorgio. He is a TED talk motivational speaker and the author of Being Unapologetic. He spoke about being “Unapologetic” and “Overcoming Comparanoia” and how that relates to our daily lives and our Rotary experience.
 
It was a great time for Rotarians to socialize; enjoy the company of their club members, as well as members of other clubs; and have a delicious lunch.
 
2019-2020 Bakersfield Club Presidents with Jackie Maxwell, our Group 2 Assistant Governor
 
All Club Luncheon Nancy Pollard 2020-03-23 07:00:00Z 0

Food Delivery to Mt. Vernon Elementary School

Sandy Foster, Jim Bell, Brad Henderson and our President, Nancy Pollard, delivered bagels, donuts, fruit and coffee to Mt. Vernon Elementary school on the morning of February 24, 2020, as a thank you to the teachers at the school and to show them some appreciation. Brad and Nancy were able to take a picture with Mrs. Prieto, the school's principle.
Food Delivery to Mt. Vernon Elementary School Nancy Pollard 2020-02-24 08:00:00Z 0

Third Annual Kern Yes!

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, several Twilight club members and Centennial Interact Club members joined other Rotary and Rotaract Club members to volunteer at the Third Annual KernYES! event. The morning began at 6:00 A.M. at the Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Soccer Complex to prepare for the check in and registration of the high school students. After arriving by bus at the Historic Taft Fort, the students were greeted by the volunteers and escorted to the main meeting room for a delicious breakfast before breaking out into their teams and sessions. Feedback from the students indicated that they had a really enjoyable day. Thank you to our own Li Gibbs for leading the KernYES! Board in their planning and preparations for this wonderful event and for her enthusiasm. Thank you to Twilight club members President Nancy, Alma, Ashli, Brad and Oz for volunteering to help at the event.
Third Annual Kern Yes! Tony Azemika 2020-02-22 08:00:00Z 0

CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner

Ms. Cathy Bennett, 2015 CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee and member of Rotary Club of Bakersfield North, and our own President, Nancy Pollard, at the Cal State University - Bakersfield Alumni Hall of Fame dinner on February 21, 2020.
CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner Tony Azemika 2020-02-21 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - February 19, 2020

On Wednesday evening, February 19, 2020, we gathered at The Mark and had a “picnic in The Park.” The evening was cool, but pleasant. Our guest speaker was Kevin Turner of Logic Films. He provided a summary of how the company was formed, the projects and films that they completed, the awards that their newest film won, and a brief overview of an upcoming project. They conduct open casting calls to anyone who wants to audition and so far, their leading actors have been from Kern County. Their goal is to concentrate on quality productions, not necessarily quantity. We also had our own Andrew Fishkin resigned from our Club due to his military service for the next two years. We will miss him and his wonderful black and white photos of our meetings. Enjoy the last pictures by Andrew.
Club Meeting - February 19, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-02-19 08:00:00Z 0

District Training Assembly

District Training Assembly
 
Training for incoming Club Officers, Secretaries, Treasurers, Avenue of Service Chairs, Board Members, and Club Leaders
 
No Cost to Attend!
 
View the attached class list to see the course options.
 
Register for one of the following Assemblies:
 
Bakersfield
Saturday, March14, 2020, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Santa Barbara Business College, 5300 California Ave.  Bakersfield
To Register for the Bakersfield Assembly
go to this web address https://bit.ly/BakersfieldDTA
 
Oxnard
Saturday, March 21, 2020, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Pacifica High School, 600 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard
To Register for the Oxnard Assembly
 
 
Check in & Continental Breakfast served 8:00 am – 9:00 am
District Training Assembly Tony Azemika 2020-02-19 08:00:00Z 0

Club Social at Great Change Brewing

On February 12th, club members and guests met at Great Change Brewing, located at 4200 Resnick Court, Bakersfield, California, to have a tour of the brewing room, sample some of the beer, and have dinner together. Kim Belmont, one of the owners, gave us a tour and told us why they started the business, how they chose the name, and about opportunities and challenges in the beer brewing business. Her talk certainly showed why she enjoys her job and the pride they have in their products. Thank you to Kim for having us. Thank you to Donna for bringing in our dinner from El Pollo Loco. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a fun evening to visit and socialize.
 
Club Social at Great Change Brewing Tony Azemika 2020-02-12 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - February 5, 2020

On February 5, 2020, we met for our regular weekly meeting at The Mark Restaurant and Bar. We had an excellent presentation by Mary Barlow and her staff from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools about the Kern Education Pledge made by the 47 school districts in Kern County. They have agreed to work together as one system to ensure student success. The Kern Integrated Data System (KIDS) will provide real-time data to assist the teachers, staff, and leaders of the districts to make informed decisions about what is best for students, teachers, and schools. In addition, Brad gave us an overview of the Twilight Scholarship Program. His committee met and drafted some suggested guidelines and selection criteria that club members will want to review and discuss to determine those items which should be officially adopted. We also had Millie Clowes with us to tell us about the Girl Scout cookie sale and her ambitious sales goal. She also told us about how we can donate to have cookies sent to active service members so they can enjoy cookies too.
Club Meeting - February 5, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-02-11 08:00:00Z 0

Kern County Rotaract Fundraiser Event

Our club members showed up in force at the Kern County Rotaract fundraiser event "Love Water" which was held on February 4, 2020, at Bakersfield City Firefighters Hall. It looks like they all did a fantastic job of painting. We had no idea our club had so many talented painters. The only question is where Oz's painting?
Kern County Rotaract Fundraiser Event Tony Azemika 2020-02-05 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - January 29, 2020

We held our regular club meeting on January 29, 2020, at The Mark Restaurant and Bar. A District Award was given to our club and was accepted by our last year's President, Ms. Amy Smith, for our significant donation to International Rotary Polio Plus fundraiser. Li Gibbs again announced that KernYes needs volunteers for their event at The Historic Fort in Taft, California on February 22, 2020. For those interested, you can sign up as volunteers (which they badly need) on the KernYes website. Brad and Andrew jointly inducted Ms. Ashley Diaz into our club as our newest member. Ms. Diaz is a duel member of Roteract club and our Rotary club. Our program was past-President, Ms. Amy Smith, educating us about all the great work that Bakersfield Museum of Art does in and for our community. The Museum has 350 pieces of art in their permanent collection. They have multiple educational programs such as Art Works which focuses on developing and enhancing artistic skills in kids. Art Reach program provides in classroom art lessons to fifth graders. They reach at least 4,000 kids through this one program alone. They also have Extended Learning after-school program; Museum in the Move program (they take art activities outside the museum during the lunch hour); and Art Camps and Workshops during summer, Spring and Fall. They also do group tours, art parties for ages 3-11, and adult art workshops. Overall, the Museum serves over 9,000 kids each year. Thank you Amy for educating us on all the great things that the Museum does in our community.
Club Meeting - January 29, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-01-30 08:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - January 22, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-01-23 08:00:00Z 0

Centennial Interactors' Community Project

The Centennial Interactors joined East High School Interactors and East Bakersfield Rotary Club on Monday January 20, 2020, on a clean up project at David Nelson Park and neighboring areas. A great community service project on this The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is what Rotary and Interact is all about, community service and making the world a better place.
Centennial Interactors' Community Project Tony Azemika 2020-01-20 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - January 15, 2020

Prior to the beginning of our meeting, Kat invited everyone to come out and see her play, Grey Gardens, at Ovation Theater next weekend. She also announced that on March 10th, the Bakersfield Leadership Ethics conference will be held at Hodels and we need five volunteers and people quickly raised their hand. President Nancy is going to come up with an idea for us to do for the teachers at Mt. Vernon Elementary School for Valentine's Day such as taking them cupcakes. Li announced that Kern Yes still needs volunteers. You can go to kernyes.org to sign up. You can sign up for many volunteer jobs such as a counselor or a registrar which they really need. The event will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2020. March 7th will be Pucks for Polio fundraiser that Roteract is organizing to take place at the Condors game. It will be a Star Wars theme. Nancy also recognized Vince and Brad's efforts on behalf of the club by going to the Bakersfield Museum of Arts and bringing all of our stuff still left over there to The Mark to be stored here. Amy announced that Jeremy's band will play for our fundraiser "Concert in Garden" at Bakersfield Museum of Arts. Vince indicated that he has heard Jeremy's band and they are really good. In fact, he said that he purchased two of their albums and he was surprised how great they were. Our even will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2020, in the afternoon. Brad suggested we call it "Ireland in the Garden."
Our speaker was Juanita from Public Safety Professionals Retreat (formerly known as Rotary House Retreat), a program geared specifically to support first responders suffering from a variety of disorders and ailments including PTSD. Also in attendance was the Chairman of PSPR, Steven Gibbs (husband of our President-Elect Li Gibbs).
Club Meeting - January 15, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-01-16 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting on January 8, 2020

On January 8, 2020, we met for our 18th regular Rotary meeting of the Rotary year at our usual meeting place, The Mark Restaurant & Bar. President Nancy had forgotten to assign club duties for this meeting. She randomly picked people to do each duty and as a helpful President, she helped each person to perform his or her duty. She even gave Manuel a printout to read for the Inspirational Moment which was a message from Governor Savi. She also announced that a new memeber, Ashley Diaz, will be joining our club. She encouraged everyone to sign up to read at Mt Vernon Elementary School. Amy announced that the concert fundraiser idea is off the table. After her and Cecil's meeting with Crystal Palace it became apparent that the cost is too much especially for a club of our size. A new idea is being kicked around which will take place at the Bakersfield Museum of Art since that venue is free to us. Thanks Amy. We then played "I spy" about all the things we have done in our club so far this year. Robin won, but we still don't know what she won. President Nancy then went through the goals that were set for our club at the beginning of the Rotary year and we have already met most of our goals. We may be small, but we are mighty. Jeremy then decided to do "sad bucks" instead of "happy bucks." In doing so, he gave us all two pieces of advice: don't play fantasy football and don't bet with a friend. Apparently, he lost to his friend by a very little margin. As a result, he now has to listen to an entire Yoko Ono album and the last track is 17 minutes.
Club Meeting on January 8, 2020 Tony Azemika 2020-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

Centennial Interact Club Winter Board Retreat

Centennial High School's Interact Club held its 2020 Winter Board Retreat by getting away to fresh, crisp air, nature, snow and special bonding at Piute Mountain Ranch. Of course, our own, Li Gibbs, and her wonderful husband, Steven Gibbs, were there too.
 
Centennial Interact Club Winter Board Retreat Tony Azemika 2020-01-05 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - December 18, 2019

We met on the evening of December 18, 2019, as we do every Wednesday at The Mark Restaurant and Bar for our weekly meeting. This weeks speaker was Ms. Dianne Hoover who is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bakersfield.
Club Meeting - December 18, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-12-19 08:00:00Z 0
Centennial High Interact Club's Cat Day Tony Azemika 2019-12-14 08:00:00Z 0

Twilight's Annual Holiday Program at Mt Vernon

On December 4, 2019, our club held its Annual Holiday Program at Mt Vernon Elementary School. We continued our wonderful, annual tradition this year with our members, Centennial Interactors, Kern County Rotaractors and our Rotary Exchange student, Caludia (from Spain). Everyone enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, music, making cards for the troops and we held our ugly Christmas swearter contest. Everyone there enjoyed themselves. 
Twilight's Annual Holiday Program at Mt Vernon Tony Azemika 2019-12-05 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - November 20, 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Nov 20, 2019
At our meeting on November 20, 2019, our President, Nancy Pollard, indicated that our club has won the District membership award due to our club having positive membership numbers instead of losing members. Our speaker was Victoria "Vicci" Brown snyder, BA, MPA, who spoke to us about Family History and Lineage Societies. She started her journey down the road of genealogy looking for her own family history. Her search led her to the Brown family in Illinois. She found her father's family going back to 1600. She was able to have her mother introduced to four cousins she had never met. According to Vicci, looking for your family history all starts with you obviously. Resources to look for your family include internet, newspapers, achives, ancestry.com, findagrave.com and other online resources. Thirty years of researching her own family has led to 71 pages of pedigree chart going back to 1530. She also pointed out that it's important to have citations such as birth marriage and death records, census records, obituaries, headstones, family bible, and newspaper articles. Various people will put down on myheritage.com their belief about their families without any proof and no one ever goes back and corrects them. So, it is very important that people have citations to their family history so that it can be confirmed. Finally, Vicci pointed out something very cool. Apparently, our own, Garrett Colatruglio, is in the Sons of the American Revolution because, on his mother's side, he has family members who served in the Revolutionary War.
Club Meeting - November 20, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-11-20 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - November 13, 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Nov 13, 2019
At our meeting on November 13, 2019, our past-President, Jeremy Swanson, spoke about his job with the District as a District Parliamentarian. His job is to make sure all protocols are followed in the District. He advises on procedural issues. His biggest job is to attend the elections and make sure that it is administered correctly according to the bylaws. His job is to make sure that everyone gets a fair shot in all elections.
 
Speaker Mike Stepanovich is a wine teacher, expert and judge. He is also an adjunct professor at California State University in Bakersfield. He started his journey to becoming a wine expert when he lived and went to college in Sacramento and he would venture to Napa wineries. He eventually became the wine writer for the Californian. In July of 1987, he finally gave in and agreed to be a wine judge. For the last 32 years, he has been judging wine competitions and he explained to all of us how judging works including what foods he likes to eat to keep his pallets fresh and in shape to judge. Contrary to popular belief, he says that they do not actually swallow the wine. He also told us that he created the DNPIM (Do Not Put In Mouth) label for those wines that do not taste good at all when he is judging.
 
Club Meeting - November 13, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-11-13 08:00:00Z 0

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Covey Cottages

The groundbreaking ceremony at Covey Cottages was held on the morning of November 12, 2019.  This is the Kern County Rotary all-Club project that our Club is helping to fund by providing money to build the Common Room. There will be 12 homes (400 sq. ft. each) which will be rented to homeless veterans. The Common Room will have the laundry facilities and a meeting and gathering space. Outside, there will be space for a bar-b-q area and we hope, a community garden. Others who attended the event this morning were organizations and people helping fund the project and others who are providing in-kind services for the construction, landscaping, and furnishings. Several public officials (or their representatives) were there, as well as residents who live in the near-by neighborhood. The Kern County Rotary Club Presidents who attended the event were so pleased to see the 1st step of the construction phase begin.
 
This is the link to the site plan and an article that was in the Bakersfield Californian newspaper in September about this project:
 
 
 
Kern County Rotarians, including Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh (2nd from left, member of Rotary Club of Bakersfield [Downtown]); Assistant Governor Group 2, Jackie Maxwell (4th from the left, member of Rotary Club Bakersfield Breakfast); Bakersfield City Council member, Ward 2 Andrae Gonzales (6th from left/behind me); Rotary District 5240 Governor Savi Bhim (5th from the right, member of Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise)
Groundbreaking Ceremony at Covey Cottages Nancy Pollard 2019-11-12 08:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - November 6, 2019

Posted on Nov 07, 2019
At our regular club meeting on November 6, 2019, Mr. Josh Dhanes from the Kern County Veterans' Services spoke about his time in the military and his military training. He gave us an insight into the services and advocacy that is provided to our Kern County Veterans and their families. Those services are not limited to just Veterans in the Bakersfield area, but they provide services throughout our vast County. They often try to meet with Veterans in the far reaches of our County rather than making them travel to Bakersfield. They try real hard to explain to all Veterans the benefits that they are entitled to and why they are not entitled to certain benefits under the law.
Club Meeting - November 6, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-11-07 08:00:00Z 0

Socks Gloves Beanies Donated to Homeless Shelter

Posted on Oct 31, 2019
Rotary Twilight club members donated socks, gloves, and beanies to the Mt. Vernon Elementary School Socktober event. These will be given to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter by Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
Socks Gloves Beanies Donated to Homeless Shelter Tony Azemika 2019-10-31 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting on October 30, 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 30, 2019
Before the start of our meeting, everyone who showed up early to the meeting pitched in and we put together over 40 birthday bags to give to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. They will give those bags to families with children who have birthdays coming up. Donna Bell gave the inspirational moment by using Audrey Hepburn quotes. It was obvious to everyone that Donna is a huge Audrey Hepburn fan. Number of Centennial Interact Club members joined us. Angelina, one of their Co-Service Project Directors, presented to our club and asked us to help them ring the Salvation Army Bells for the holidays. President Nancy's coworker, Mr. Ron Dill, CPA, was one of our presenters. He talked about what a traditional CPA firm does. They have over 50 employees and thousands of clients some of which are international clients. According to Mr. Dill, security and privacy is a major issue in their industry. Our own Donna Bell of Walter Mortensen Insurance insurance agency was another presenter. Donna has 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. The other presenter was our own, Denise Thomas, who admitted that she passed the first two CPA tests, but never went back to finish the last two. She considers herself an accountant, just not a Certified Public Accountant. For those of us who were in the Breakfast Rotary Club, we remember Denise being the club's accountant and she has done the same for our Club for years now. Finally, Amy and Cecil talked about the sponsorship packages for our fundraiser and, as usual, they did it in a very entertaining fashion.
Club Meeting on October 30, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-10-30 07:00:00Z 0

Centennial Interactors Busy Making a Difference

Posted by Tony Azemika
Centennial Interact Club members, sponsored and mentored by our club, have been busy giving their time to different events around town. They have supported the annual American Heart Association 5K run, our local schools and making our FOX Theater shine even brighter.
 
Centennial Interactors Busy Making a Difference Tony Azemika 2019-10-28 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting on October 23, 2019

Posted on Oct 23, 2019
On October 23, 2019, Anselmo was walking around before our meeting and asking for donations from everyone for a great cause, Polio Eradication Campaign, while coloring every donors’ pinky fingers with a purple pen. On October 24th, World Polio Day, Past Governor, Sandi Schwartz, was schedule to be on her stationary bike going no where for 100 miles. Our club donated $659 to Sandi’s ride. Amy and Cecil talked about our foundation's annual fundraiser. Amy did an amazing job getting our members to commit to getting people or companies to purchase a sponsorship to our event. Steve Gibbs talked about his job with the District as the Rotary District Youth Protection Officer. Steve is the initial contact person for any complaints about adult treatment of children in our District. 
 
Our program was Mr. Mike McCoy, Executive Director of Kern County Museum, who spoke about lessons he learned from his parents and lessons he tried to teach to his own children. His willingness to say "yes" to opportunities that were presented to him has led him from being a teacher to being a photo journalist in West Africa to meeting his wife and moving back to Kern County. The Board at the Museum has nine people on it and one of them has to be a Superintendent of School who is Mike. The Museum has 14 employees. According to Mike, the Museum has failed to represent four major groups in Kern County, the Basque community, the Veterans, American Indians and the Bakersfield sounds. He and the Board members are aiming to change that real soon.
Club Meeting on October 23, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

Our Pinkie Fingers Got Painted Purple For a Great Cause

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 23, 2019
At our regular meeting on October 23, 2019, our club members donated over $650 toward Rotary PolioPlus in support of our Past District Governor, Sandi Schwartz's "Ride To No-Where" fundraiser. She was going to ride 100 miles on her stationery bicycle on Thursday, October 24, 2019, to raise awareness of Rotary's campaign to eradicate polio around the world and in memory of Rotarians who have died while helping in the effort to immunize people around the world. Every member and guest in attendance painted their pinkie finger with purple to show support for the Rotary PolioPlus eradication efforts and to commemorate their donations to the campaign.
Our Pinkie Fingers Got Painted Purple For a Great Cause Tony Azemika 2019-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting on October 16, 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 16, 2019
We held our regular club meeting at The Mark restaurant. Our speaker was Michael Turnipseed, whom some of us know from the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club days. Mike is with Kern County Taxpayers Association. He gave a brief overview of the “disruptive” qualities of the organization and how the members help bring about “more accountable, effective, efficient, and reliable government.” He attributes much of the success of the organization to the dedicated and intelligent members of the organization’s Board. He then welcomed questions from club members including one about efforts to solve the problem of the homelessness of people in our community.
Stephen Penner, the Music Director of the Shafter Symphony Orchestra, gave a short talk about the partnership between the Shafter Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Dance Center and the fund-raising campaign he is leading to have a live orchestra play for the local Nutcracker Ballet.
We had several visitors with us including Guy Veach, a member of the Florence, Oregon club and his friend, Judy, who were on the last leg of a 36 day cross country motorhome trip. We also had Sandy Fosters’ friends, Robert and Nina, visiting from Scottsdale, AZ.  Ashli Diaz joined us also again.
Club Meeting on October 16, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-10-16 07:00:00Z 0

2019 District 5240 Conference

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 11, 2019
Our President, Nancy Pollard, attended the 2019 District 5240 Conference this past weekend in Santa Ynez, California. Here is a picture of Nancy and other Bakersfield Presidents with their club flags about to walk in the District 5240 Parade of Clubs.
2019 District 5240 Conference Tony Azemika 2019-10-11 07:00:00Z 0

Club Social at Portrait of A Warrior Gallery

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 09, 2019
We held our monthly club social event on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, by meeting at the Portrait of A Warrior Gallery on Eye Street in Bakersfield. We were given a very informative tour by Ms. Lili March. This Gallery has so many moving and touching things about it. But, the most moving part was seeing these hand-painted portrait of each soldier who has died since 911 and reading about their lives and who they were and the families that they left behind. If you didn't know the human toll that a war can have on a person or a family, you knew it when you read these individual soldier's stories and the families that they have left behind to deal with a loss of a loved one. To say this was a moving and somber event is an understatement. After being moved by this Gallery, we all walked across the street to Sandrini's and enjoyed dinner, drinks and each other's company. Mr. Robin Paggi (aka Pat Paggi) and Mr. Amy Smith (aka Zane Smith) also joined us.
Club Social at Portrait of A Warrior Gallery Tony Azemika 2019-10-09 07:00:00Z 0

Centennial Interact Club's Support of EmpowHER

Posted by Li Gibbs on Oct 06, 2019
This weekend, Centennial Interact club attended the EmpowerHER breast cancer awareness month event and supported our local warriors. They helped with registration, handed out goody bags and treats and helped with set up and clean up. Great job Interactors who attended.
Centennial Interact Club's Support of EmpowHER Li Gibbs 2019-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

BCSD Partners in Education Breakfast

Posted by Nancy Pollard on Oct 04, 2019
On Friday, October 4, 2019 morning, Robin, Amy, and Nancy attended the Bakersfield City School District Partners in Education Breakfast as guests of Mt. Vernon Elementary School principal, Mrs. Xochitl Prieto. The District, which is the largest elementary school district in California, has expanded its after school programs; students at all of the schools have the opportunity to attend the STEAM Academy classes that are offered during expanded school hours. Later at the school, Mrs. Prieto gave an overview of the Mt. Vernon Elementary School new expanded after school program and provided information about the classes they will have for the students. She also conducted a tour of the school and invited guests to step into some classrooms for a few minutes to see teachers and students in action---teaching, coaching, and learning.
BCSD Partners in Education Breakfast Nancy Pollard 2019-10-04 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting October 2 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Oct 02, 2019
At our meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, Cecil talked about the concert fundraiser at the end of April 2020. We are looking to double the club's profit. We will be the first club putting on a concert. He also made it clear that if we do this, we need to focus first on selling sponsorships before individual sales. Then, out own Twilight club member, Anselmo Moreno, gave an informative and insightful presentation about Identity Theft and Data Breach. According to Anselmo, there are four kinds of data breaches, Credit data breach, IRS ID theft, DMV identity theft and Medical ID theft. Anselmo emphasized keeping your personal information secure, not providing it to others unless absolutely necessary for the service you are requesting, and review your credit reports often.
Club Meeting October 2 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-10-02 07:00:00Z 0

Interact Club at The Park at River Wallk

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 28, 2019
The Centennial Interact Club held its first event of the year, the MADD run! They had a total of 24 volunteers, including lots of brand new faces.
Interact Club at The Park at River Wallk Tony Azemika 2019-09-28 07:00:00Z 0

Kern County Rotaract at Boys & Girls Club

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 26, 2019
Thanks to Mr. Amy Smith(aka, Zane Smith), the Kern County Rotaract Club met at the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County. They learned all about the Boys and Girls Club and even received a tour from Zane. Rotaract Club President, Noah Salinas, and a few lucky members also received beautiful art pieces from the children themselves.
Kern County Rotaract at Boys & Girls Club Tony Azemika 2019-09-26 07:00:00Z 0

Centennial Interact's First Meeting of the Year

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 26, 2019
Centennial Interact Club held its first meeting of the year and they were kind enough to share some photos with us. What a turn out it looked like. At their meeting, they covered what Interact is, they introduced their board members and informed everyone about exciting events coming up like the MADD run this past Saturday and JJ's Legacy Got the Dot program. They had over 100 people in attendance.
Centennial Interact's First Meeting of the Year Tony Azemika 2019-09-26 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting September 25, 2019

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 25, 2019
B-Rad gave us an inspirational moment; Denise helped out with our flag salute; and Manuel was volunteered to lead us in the four-way song.
 
Our speaker was Amy Travis, the Executive Director of CASA. CASA works with abused and neglected foster children. A CASA volunteer is the eyes and ears of the Juvenile Court system. There are thousands of foster children waiting for CASA volunteers. Amy told us that there are three things that everyone can do for CASA that will help their organization. First and most importantly, you can become a CASA volunteer. It is an 18-months commitment. You can give money to their fund. Lastly, you can can tell everyone about CASA and how they can help.
 
Statistically, most foster children are doomed to a life of addiction and homelessness. CASA is trying to change that as much as possible. The solution is citizen volunteers. The idea is to have one volunteer per child. Right now, they have a little over 130 volunteers, but need a lot more. Without an advocate, these children are going to most likely languish in the foster care system.
 
Finally, during our question and answer session of our program, we learned that our own, Vince Zaragoza, was one of the original people who started CASA. It was so interesting to hear Vince tell us about how little their budget was when they first started and what they had to do in order to get CASA going. Way to go Vince. It's impossible to imagine how many children's lives have changed because Vince and a few other people decide to get CASA going. You were a Rotarian years ago and you didn't even know it.
Club Meeting September 25, 2019 Tony Azemika 2019-09-25 07:00:00Z 0

Off Site Meeting at Ronald McDonald House

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 18, 2019
This past Wednesday afternoon's meeting took us to the newly renovated Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House where Scarlet Sabin, the House Director, gave us a tour and discussed its development, its growth, and its mission to provide for families during times of healing. Thank you, Scarlet!
 
Off Site Meeting at Ronald McDonald House Tony Azemika 2019-09-18 07:00:00Z 0

All Club Social at The Blvd

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 12, 2019
What a fun time we had Thursday night at The Blvd. Thank you to all of the Twilight club members, families and Centennial Interact Club members who came. We enjoyed good food, games, bowling, and most of all -- fun socializing. A great time!
 
All Club Social at The Blvd Tony Azemika 2019-09-12 07:00:00Z 0

September 4, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 04, 2019
We had another outstanding and informative presentation at our meeting this past week. Mr. Joe Belli, the Manager of the Panorama Vista Preserve, told us about that non-profit’s mission, gave an overview of its educational programs, and showed us photos of the land, the plants, and some of the animals that have been seen on the Preserve.
 
The Kern River Corridor Endowment and Holding Co. (KRCE, the non-profit which owns the land) is dedicated to:
1) improving wildlife habitat along the Kern River through restoration of its riparian forest and associated grasslands.
2) providing educational and research opportunities. To that end, KRCE has hosted twice-yearly science day camps for local school children.
3) providing low-impact recreational opportunities for our community such as walking, running, bicycling, and horseback riding. Motorcycles, overnight camping, campfires, etc. are not permitted.
 
If you have not been to the Preserve yet, it would make a wonderful family outing.  The Preserve is located east of Manor Drive below the Panorama Bluffs.  You can walk down from the Bluffs or you can park in the Preserve’s parking lot at the east end of the Roberts Lane Extension about ¼ mile east of the Manor Drive/Roberts Lane interchange.
September 4, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-09-04 07:00:00Z 0

August 28, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 01, 2019
Another great meeting at The Mark Restaurant & Bar for our club. Last year's President, Amy Smith, was presented with a Rotary Citation Distinguished Club Award from the District. There to give her the Award was Past District Governor, Sandi Schwartz. Charlotte, Amy's daughter, joined us briefly before she had to go across the street to her acting gig. Li Gibbs' son, Steven and his girlfriend, Kayla, also joined us.
 
Jim Bell filled in for his wife, Donna Bell, and introduced our speaker, Russell Johnson, who has extensive experience in local politics. Many of us know him from Breakfast Rotary Club. Russell has three businesses. He does a lot of consulting. He has saved nine nonprofit organizations from insolvency. He, along with two other people, just bought Valley Ag Voice, an Ag business newspaper.
 
He talked about Associated Builders and Contractors Association, one of his clients, which is a national association that defends and advances principles of the merit shop in the construction industry. That is just one of the things they do. There are four chapters of this Association in California. They have training classes such as welding and electrical. Before 2015, in order to participate in one of those training courses, you had to work for or be sponsored by a member of the Association. After 2015, they formed a 501(c)(3) extension and now they can serve the general public.
 
At the end of our meeting, number of East Bakersfield Rotary Club led by their President, Quon Louey, crashed our meeting with a birthday cake for Past District Governor, Sandi Schwartz's husband, Richard. We all sang happy birthday to Richard and were invited by them to join their party after our meeting for some cake.
August 28, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-09-01 07:00:00Z 0

Twilighters On The Loose

Posted by Tony Azemika on Sep 01, 2019
It looks like some of our members were out and about hanging out and traveling.
Sandy Foster and Sister Judy were seen at the Hollywood Bowl with Penny Fulton of Breakfast Rotary Club and our own President, Nancy Pollard.
 
Past President, Robin Paggi, was spotted in Cleveland pointing out large flower pots with Rotary signs on them all along a large street. According to her, Cleveland rocks.
Twilighters On The Loose Tony Azemika 2019-09-01 07:00:00Z 0

August 21, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 23, 2019
At our meeting on August 21, 2019, we had number of Centennial High School Interact Club members who all introduced themselves at the beginning of the meeting.
 
Li Gibbs introduced our foreign exchange student, Claudia, who is from Spain. Li also introduced our local student, Jed, who is going to Korea as our local exchange student. Jed has been studying Korean for his big trip. Both Claudia and Jed were presented with our club's Rotary flag. Claudia then spoke about where in Spain she comes from, her family and what she likes to do in her free time.
 
Li Gibbs then introduced our speakers, Aleyna Young, Mock Trial participant from Centennial High School, and Brett Dodson, the Centennial teacher who is the Mock Trial coach for that high school. Ms. Young is certainly a very impressive young lady and Mr. Dodson could not make that any clearer. This past summer, she finished second place at the Gladiator Mock Trial Championships. When she "lost" (if you can call finishing second in a nationwide competition a loss), she stood up and clapped for the winner because, according to her, she was truly happy for the winner. Centennial High School has had a competitor in the Gladiator competition each year of its existence. It is one of only two schools that have ever done that. Undoubtedly, it is due to amazing talents like Ms. Young and Mr. Dodson's teaching and leadership. Keep up the great work Mr. Dodson and good luck with your future endeavors Ms. Young.
August 21, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-08-23 07:00:00Z 0

1st Meeting of New Rotaract Club

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 21, 2019
The first meeting of the newly named Kern County Rotaract Club was held and our President, Nancy Pollard, attended the meeting. Pictured below on the patio after the meeting with the new Rotaract Club banner are: Quon Louey; Tim Banks; Cheryl Scott, our own President, Nancy Pollard; the current year Rotaract President, Noah Salinas; and Rotaract President-Elect, Bethany McKanna.
1st Meeting of New Rotaract Club Tony Azemika 2019-08-21 07:00:00Z 0

August 14, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 14, 2019
Our speaker at our regular club meeting on August 14, 2019, was Ms. Renee Goodwin who spoke about the world famous Iditarod Race Adventure.
August 14, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

Welcoming Claudia

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 10, 2019
Li Gibbs and President Nancy Pollard were among the Rotarians that showed up to welcome our delightful foreign exchange student, Claudia, who is from Pamplona, Spain. Two of the three host families and others had to of course take Claudia to Dewars (where else!) Come and meet Claudia at our next meeting on August 21, 2019, at The Mark Restaurant and Bar.
Welcoming Claudia Tony Azemika 2019-08-10 07:00:00Z 0

All Club Dinner at Woolgrowers

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 08, 2019
On Thursday, August 8, 2019, all Rotary Clubs in Bakersfield were invited to dinner at Woolgrowers to honor our District Governor, Savi Bhim.
Club Presidents received a gift from our Governor, Savi Bhim. On the left is East Club's President, Quon Louey, followed by our own President, Nancy Pollard, Breakfast Club's President, Cheryl Scott, and Governor Savi holding gift for Downtown President, Garro Ellis who was unable to attend due to a medical issue. North's President, Patty Keefer is next and kneeling down is Tim Banks President of the West Club.
All Club Dinner at Woolgrowers Tony Azemika 2019-08-08 07:00:00Z 0

CA Veterans Assistance

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 08, 2019
Bakersfield Rotary Club Presidents along with District Governor Savi visited the site of the California Veterans Assistance tiny home projects.
In front, Presidents, Quon, Patty and Cheryl
In the middle, Jill from California Veterans Assistance, District Governor, Savi Bhim, and our own President Nancy Pollard
In back, Group two Assistant District Governor, Jackie Maxwell, and California Veterans Assistance Foundation President and CEO, Deborah Johnson
CA Veterans Assistance Tony Azemika 2019-08-08 07:00:00Z 0
August 7, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

July 31, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jul 31, 2019
Our meeting this week was very hot, hot, hot since the A/C in our meeting room was broken. Nevertheless, everyone there trooped on and stayed for the whole meeting. They may have been worried about being sued if they walked out of the meeting early since our program was the attorneys in our club. The attorneys talked about what it takes to be an attorney and what their job entails. Jeremy gave couple of examples of crazy divorce cases he has handled including one where the parties even listed and priced their toilet rolls.
July 31, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-07-31 07:00:00Z 0

Back to School Fair

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jul 28, 2019
On July 28, 2019, our club participated in the Back to School Fair put on by the Mercy & Memorial Hospitals Learning and Outreach Center at the Bessie E. Owens Primary School. At this fair, backpacks and school supplies were given away to children who were present at the event to receive the supplies. President Nancy Pollard, Oz de Guzman, Donna Bell and Brad Henderson (aka "B-RAD") represented out club at this great event.
Back to School Fair Tony Azemika 2019-07-28 07:00:00Z 0

July 24, 2019 Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jul 24, 2019
William Ryan was our speaker at our meeting on July 24, 2019. William talked to us about today's Boy Scouts of America.
 
July 24, 2019 Meeting Tony Azemika 2019-07-24 07:00:00Z 0

Nancy's First Twilight Rotary Meeting as Our President

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jul 10, 2019
Congrats to Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight President Nancy Pollard on her first meeting of the 2019-20 Rotary year! She’s pictured here with her presidential classmates from the Bakersfield Rotary Clubs, Assistant Governor, Jackie Maxwell, and Kern County Rotaract President-elect Bethany McKanna who were in attendance showing their support to Nancy! All the Presidents showed support towards each other by attending each other's first meeting!
Nancy's First Twilight Rotary Meeting as Our President Tony Azemika 2019-07-10 07:00:00Z 0

Joint Community Service Project

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jul 07, 2019
Our own Li and Oz joined Centennial and East High Schools from Bakersfield, Bakersfield East Rotary Club, Kern County Rotoract and San Luis Obispo Rotoract clubs at the Meadow Park Rotary Garden in order to spruce up the Rotary Garden. These service-minded folks did a fantastic job. And then, it looks like they went to the beach and enjoyed themselves in the beautiful weather while we were are cooking here in Bakersfield.
Joint Community Service Project Tony Azemika 2019-07-07 07:00:00Z 0

Demotion of President Amy

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jun 26, 2019
On Wednesday evening, June 26, 2019, our club met at The Mark Restaurant and Bar to get rid of (I mean demote) our Club President, Amy Smith. Her time has come. She must go. Some of our members took pleasure in making fun of President Amy's OCD and controlling behavior (she wore many hats and performed a lot of tasks throughout the year when she could have delegated). We even had Madonna make an appearance and perform for her. We learned many interesting facts about the year she was born. We saw cute baby pictures of her and some weird 80s hairdo that Ms. Amy and others had back in the 80s. We are not sure if she wanted those pictures to be shown. Since she used to ride horses, the club presented her with a horse and made her rid it up and down the restaurant. Since she says she wants to learn how to fly a plane, our own Past-Governor, Mr. Jim Bell, gave her a flying hat, goggles, pilot scarf, flying instructions book, pictures of airplane cockpits and a membership and pin for the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians, which Jim is a member of. We all had fun at President Amy's expense. It is time for her to go. President Nancy is up next.
 
Demotion of President Amy Tony Azemika 2019-06-26 07:00:00Z 0

District 5240 Dodgers-Giants Game

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jun 20, 2019
Baseball field group photos that were taken of Rotary club members during our District 5240 Dodger/Giants baseball game social event on Thursday, June 20, 2019. Everyone had a great time!
 
District 5240 Dodgers-Giants Game Tony Azemika 2019-06-20 07:00:00Z 0
June 12: Dr. John Heidrick Amy Smith 2019-06-12 07:00:00Z 0

June 8: "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" fundraiser

Bakersfield Twilight Rotary Foundation's fun and festive fundraiser, raising funds to support activities and programs close to the heart of Twilight Rotarians including Mt. Vernon Elementary School, high school scholarships, RYLA, Birthday bags, and KernYES!
 
 
June 8: "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" fundraiser Amy Smith 2019-06-08 07:00:00Z 0

May 29: Andrew's Vocational Presentation

Twilight Rotarian, Andrew Fishkin shared his story of joining the US Army and how crucial decisions made at certain pivotal moments led to his path of Immigration Attorney (and maybe super secret SPY!)
 
We congratulated Troy & Mystie Goodban (along with big sister, Mylie) on their son, Boady Lyle and surprised Pam Zulfa with her 2nd Paul Harris Fellow!  We also had some special guests thanks to Manual Maldonado:   wife, Adriana, and son, Emmanuel!
 
We'll be "dark" next week for the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany, and Twilight's "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" event on June 8.
 
 
 
May 29: Andrew's Vocational Presentation Amy Smith 2019-05-29 07:00:00Z 0

May 22: May is Stroke Awareness Month

Twilighter learned about the signs and symptoms of a stroke from Alison Roomsburg from Dignity Health.  Joining Alison was Bakersfield North's President-Elect, Patty Keefer (who also works for Dignity).  
 
We celebrated both the May and June Birthdays, Anniversaries and Rotary Anniversaries and learned that General Douglas MacArthur was a famous Rotarian.  Our own Past President Cecil Martin shared a little about himself as our Member Spotlight.
 
Don't forget that Luck Be A Lady Tonight is in less than two weeks! 
We need everyone helping to make this event a success.
 
 
 
May 22: May is Stroke Awareness Month Amy Smith 2019-05-22 07:00:00Z 0

All Club Food Packaging Project

Posted on May 18, 2019
Interact club members and some of our club members joint forces with other local Rotary Clubs at the food packaging service project to help end hunger.
 
 
Brad and Sandy hard at work representing our club.
 
Oz at work.
 
Bea (and Bernie) and Alma hard at work.
 
Bethany (Rotaract Club President Elect) in the back left by the window.
 
Fernando (Bakersfield East Club) and members of the Boy Scouts Club working side-by-side.
 
Bethany (Rotaract Club President Elect) in the back by the window; Helia is at the table on the left.
All Club Food Packaging Project Tony Azemika 2019-05-18 07:00:00Z 0

May 15: Beth Pandol - Water Association of Kern Co

President-Elect Nancy ran another meeting (way to go, Nancy!) as President Amy headed to Monterey to see their son, Chris graduate from CSUMB.
 
Beth Pandol from the Water Association was the speaker and shared interesting facts including the California farmers grow more than half of the country's fruit, nuts, and vegetables... on only 3% of U.S. farmland!  Who knew?!?
 
Former President Jimmy Carter was our Famous Rotarian and PP Carol was the Member Spotlight.
 
We also had a special visitor, Principal Xochtil Prieto from Mt. Vernon Elementary stop by with some lovely thank you cards from the students.  We will pass them around for all to see at the May 22 Twilight Meeting.
 
 
 
 
May 15: Beth Pandol - Water Association of Kern Co Amy Smith 2019-05-15 07:00:00Z 0

May 8: Twilight's 10th Anniversary + Charter Night

What a wonderful time Twilighters (and special guests) had celebrating our 10th Anniversary + Charter Night.  We had great food, fellowship, and fun!
 
Cecil provided a lovely invocation, B-RAD shared the history of Twilight Rotary (to be posted on our website shortly!), Jim provided background on Paul Harris and PHF, then DG Sandi and Li awarded a special PHF to Tanveer Dhaliwal, Interactor-extraordinaire!
 
Thank you to Pam Zulfa for coordinating Luigi's, Jim & Donna Bell for surprising everyone with new Rotary badges, Jeremy & Peter Swanson for the great "happy hour" entertainment on the patio, and DG Sandi for joining us in celebration (as well as awarding Tanveer with a Paul Harris Fellow)!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 8: Twilight's 10th Anniversary + Charter Night Amy Smith 2019-05-08 07:00:00Z 0

May 1: Gary Fachin - Contract Law

Twilight was pleased to have past Charter Member (and Past President), Gary Fachin present insights into Contract Law.  We also learned that Herbert Hoover was a Famous Rotarian and our favorite Treasurer, Denise Thomas was the Member Spotlight.
 
Be sure to be selling your "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" tickets... the event is Saturday, June 8 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
 
May 1: Gary Fachin - Contract Law Amy Smith 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

April 24: RYLA Presentations

Once again, the best time of the day is TWILIGHT!
 
Our RYLA Students provided a phenomenal program sharing their experiences at this year's "camp."  Their stories were inspiring and remind us how important this unique opportunity is for our Interactors.
 
An update on our Polio Plus Project was shared and we have SURPASSED our goal ("$33 for 33 years") by nearly doubling it to $62.19 per memberWay to go Twilighters!  ...and the year isn't over yet!  
 
New member Billie Sue Records was our Member Spotlight and we learned that HRH Prince Philip was a "famous Rotarian." 
 
The All Club Meal Packaging Project is Saturday, May 4th - sign up with Robin Paggi and if you want to attend the Dodgers vs. Giants game on June 20 - registration links can be found on our website and on the D5240 website.
 
 
April 24: RYLA Presentations Amy Smith 2019-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

April 17: Scarlett/Ronald McDonald House & Prez Elect Nancy subs in!

President Amy was off cavorting at the "Happiest Place on Earth" (shockingly, NOT busy!) so President-Elect Nancy stepped in to practice running a Twilight Meeting and DID A FAB JOB!  Scarlett Sabin, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House provided an update on their well-deserved (and long awaited) construction and expansion project.  The House originally opened in 2009 provides a place for families of pediatric patients or NICU patients to take a break from the hospital environment.
 
Li Gibbs was our Member Spotlight and Dr. Charles H. Mayo was our Famous Rotarian.  As always, thank you, Andrew Fishkin, for being our Club Photographer!!
 
Our April 24 meeting will be exciting as our RYLA attendees will be sharing their experiences at this year's camp.  You don't want to miss this!!
 
 
 
 
April 17: Scarlett/Ronald McDonald House & Prez Elect Nancy subs in! Amy Smith 2019-04-17 07:00:00Z 0

April 11: Offsite to BC's Renegade Room

Twilighters enjoyed Bakersfield College's Renegade Room dining so much in November, that we decided to go again!  It was a tad smaller group, but just as festive as we dined on "Pacific Rim Cuisine."  Tasty offerings included Thai Beef & Mango Salad, Coconut Jasmine Rice (so good!), Hoisin Sesame Ribs and Teriyaki TriTip.  Guests were split on which was the better dessert: Pineapple Upside Down Cake or Thai Fried Banana with Honey & Sesame.  Thanks to all who attended!
 
April 11: Offsite to BC's Renegade Room Amy Smith 2019-04-11 07:00:00Z 0
April 6: Rotarians at Work Day! Amy Smith 2019-04-06 07:00:00Z 0

April 3: Colleen Bauer - Fairy Godmother Events

Bakersfield Twilight received a visit from Bakersfield's own Fairy Godmother, Colleen Bauer.  Colleen's "Fairy Godmother Company" is a wedding & event planning service.  Although her services have been available for many years, the actual company has been around for a little over a year.  Additionally, Colleen created the Fairy Godmother Foundation that provides a completely free wedding to a deserving couple each year.  Funds are raised through their annual fundraiser.
 
And... speaking of fundraisers - Twilight's Luck Be A Lady Tonight is moving along!  Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th!  Additional details are available on our website.
 
Past Pres Sandy Foster provided a great Member Spotlight and we learned that Orville Wright was a famous Rotarian.
 
Twilight will be OFFSITE on April 10 (actually on Thursday, April 11th at the Renegade Room) but we'll return on April 17 when President-Elect Nancy Pollard will run her first meeting!  Please attend to cheer her on!
 
 
 
 
April 3: Colleen Bauer - Fairy Godmother Events Amy Smith 2019-04-03 07:00:00Z 0

March 27: Fr. Julian Policetti - Mother Teresa Rural Development Society

Twilighters were "back upstairs" at The Mark Restaurant with a presentation by Father Julian Policetti from the Mother Teresa Rural Development Society and his program "A Movement for Dignity, Prosperity & Freedom."  The work that Father Julian and his team is doing in India for it's most vulnerable residents is incredible and we are grateful for the chance to learn about it.  His book is available on Amazon:   http://tinyurl.com/y2sg8kkj .
 
Anselmo Moreno was our Member Spotlight and Orville Wright was the Famous Rotarian of the Week.  Congratulations to Helia Corral for her induction into the CSU Bakersfield Faculty Hall of Fame 2019!
 
Our "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" fundraiser is coming along - be sure to keep on your assignments... June 8 will be here before we know it!
 
We'll be back next week (April 3) at The Mark to hear from Colleen Bauer, Bakersfield's own "Fairy Godmother!"  Stick around afterward for our Club Board Meeting.
 
 
March 27: Fr. Julian Policetti - Mother Teresa Rural Development Society Amy Smith 2019-03-27 07:00:00Z 0

March 20: Ariana Joven - Kern Co Farm Bureau

New CEO of the Kern County Farm Bureau, Ariana Joven provided a wealth of information about our local agriculture interests.  Ariana shared details about water/irrigation, farming, and how Kern County is ranked #1 in Ag production in the State.
 
Twilighters were happy to learn that March 20 was "International Day of Happiness" and Dr. Albert Schweitzer was our "Famous Rotarian" of the week.  
 
So we could provide Robin Paggi with time to discuss our upcoming "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" fundraiser on June 8, we deferred Anselmo's "Member Spotlight" until March 27.
 
March 20: Ariana Joven - Kern Co Farm Bureau Amy Smith 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

Mar 13: Offsite @ Houchin Community Blood Bank

It was the Second Wednesday of the Month, so Twilighters ventured OFFSITE to Houchin Community Blood Bank for a great tour.  A huge thanks to new CEO, Galen Kline for taking time to conduct the tour himself and provide lots of great information including the ongoing need for platelets and plasma.
 
Mar 13: Offsite @ Houchin Community Blood Bank Amy Smith 2019-03-19 07:00:00Z 0

Mar 7: All Club Luncheon

Our regular Wednesday Twilight meeting went "dark" for the week so that members could attend the annual "All Club Luncheon" at the Marriott Downtown on Thursday, March 7.  As always, Twilighters 'represented' well with more than 20 in attendance PLUS 9 Interactors!  
 
Keynote Speaker, Sylvia Whitlock kept everyone engaged as she told her story:
The 1st Female President of a Rotary Club in history.

In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte violated the constitution of Rotary International by admitting women as members, Sylvia Whitlock being the first. As a result of this bold action, the club's membership in Rotary International was terminated.

The club didn't really care and changed their name to the "Ex-Rotary of Duarte." A lawyer in their club researched it and thought they had a good chance to overrule the ruling. From 1983-86, the Duarte Club fought the ruling all the way to the Supreme Court where they prevailed. On May 4, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary Clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender.

Later that year, Sylvia Whitlock became the first female club president in Rotary history. Sylvia considers Rotary to be the best vehicle she knows for humanitarian ventures in service to mankind. Some favorite club projects, while in Duarte, have included sinking water wells in Nigeria, setting up an AIDS Center in Jamaica and supporting an orphanage in Mexico. She continues to be inspired by the many Rotarians who have taken the organization to the edge of tomorrow and is committed to using the opportunity she has been given to further the cause of Rotary, in her community, in her country, and in the world.

Mar 7: All Club Luncheon Amy Smith 2019-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

Feb 27: Fire Chief Anthony Galagaza

Twilighters celebrated the almost end of February (and the 241st day of Amy's Presidency) with a presentation by new Bakersfield Fire Department Chief Anthony Galagaza.  Chief Galagaza shared his vision for the Fire Department and some great information (their busiest station is Brundage & Union). 
 
Feb 27: Fire Chief Anthony Galagaza Amy Smith 2019-02-27 08:00:00Z 0

Feb 20: New Members + Rotary Brand Awareness

Welcome to the "Greatest Club on Earth," where the best time of the day is... TWILIGHT!
 
We reached new heights (upstairs at The Mark) as a Club with two new members officially inducted.  Welcome to Shonna Shearson and Laura Williams!  We are SO GLAD to have you as part of our Rotary family!
 
Donna Bell not only shared a little about her life but gave us fun information about Chinese New Year (Welcome to the Year of the Pig).  Donna's other half, PDG Jim Bell provided a great program about their trip to Edmonton, Canada as the Rotary International Presidential Representative for their District Conference and a presentation he made about Rotary Brand Awareness.  Yay, Twilight for already doing much of the things Jim recommends to Rotary Clubs to attract and sustain members!! 
 
Thanks to PP Carol Smith for this week's photography!  See everyone next week when we have *new* Bakersfield Fire Department Chief Anthony Galagaza sharing about his future plans for the Fire Department.
 
Feb 20: New Members + Rotary Brand Awareness Amy Smith 2019-02-20 08:00:00Z 0

Feb 6: Heart Health Month + Cookies!

Wednesday, February 6 was another fun meeting where we learned even more great stuff about our own "B-RAD ," celebrated February birthdays and anniversaries and a future Rotarian (congrats Manuel & Adriana!).  Our famous Rotarian was Earl Warren and Brandy Johnson, Chest Pain Coordinator at Memorial Hospital shared great info about how to be "Heart Healthy."  Of course, it wouldn't be Twilight without some sweetness - in this case, from Millie Clowes, Daisy/Girl Scout EXTRAORDINAIRE who used her entrepreneurial skills to get almost everyone to buy Girl Scout Cookies!
 
Important Dates:
Sat., February 23: KernYES!
Thurs., March 7: All Club Meeting
Tuesday, March 12: BLE (Business Leadership & Ethics) Conference
Sat., March 16: District Assembly (Bakersfield)
 
 
Feb 6: Heart Health Month + Cookies! Amy Smith 2019-02-19 08:00:00Z 0
Feb 13: Social - Happy (Pre-) Valentine's! Amy Smith 2019-02-13 08:00:00Z 0

Jan 30: Generations in Work and in Rotary

As always, the best time of the day is... TWILIGHT!
 
Past President Carol Smith did a great job running the meeting since Prez Amy had another commitment.  New member Troy Goodban introduced himself more during the Member Spotlight and Robin Paggi educated everyone on the different generations and how to best understand and work with them.
 
Important Upcoming Dates - so mark your calendars!:
  • Wednesday, February 6: Club Board Meeting immediately following the regular Club Meeting.
  • Wednesday, February 13: Twilight Social (Pre-Valentine's Dinner - RSVPs required)
  • Saturday, February 23: Kern YES!  (volunteers needed! https://kernyes.org/volunteers/)
  • Thursday, March 7: All Club Luncheon (RSVPs required)
  • Tuesday, March 12: Business Leadership & Ethics Conference
  • Saturday, March 16: District Assembly (Bakersfield)
  • Thursday, June 20: D5240 Dodger Game!  This is a district-wide event and the Dodger will be playing the Giants.  Sign up now!
  • Saturday, June 29: District Step-Down (will be in Simi Valley)
 
 
 
Jan 30: Generations in Work and in Rotary Amy Smith 2019-02-04 08:00:00Z 0

Jan 23: Bakersfield Music Theatre's 50th Anniversary

Twilight Rotarian, Andrew nailed it with his comment, "...one of the most fun Rotary meetings I've ever attended, with a great program about musical theatre in Bakersfield and a stunning performance by a wonderful singer."  Bruce Saathoff, Artistic Director for Bakersfield Music Theatre/Stars did a great presentation and brought along Jennifer Resolme perform a song from their upcoming show, Mamma Mia!
 
We wished three of our Twilighters, Pamela E., Tony and Pam Z a very "Happy Birthday" month and learned about "Colonel" Harland Sanders, famous Rotarian opened his first restaurant inside of a gas station.  Andrew provided great information about who is "allowed" to salute the flag and Robin shared that she'll be doing "Dancing with the Stars" at BMT/Stars! (more info to come).
 
 
 
 
 
Jan 23: Bakersfield Music Theatre's 50th Anniversary Amy Smith 2019-01-23 08:00:00Z 0

Jan 16: Cheryl Scott / KEDC

Twilighters braved the weather to come together for fellowship & fun!  Presenter Cheryl Scott did a great job highlighting the work of Kern Economic Development Corporation and KEDC's Foundation, which supports STEM programs.  We "surprised" Sandy Foster with a Paul Harris Fellow (see, it's easy to support RI Foundation through a regular monthly donation!) and Centennial Interactor, Tanveer Dhaliwal shared her goal in being "Student of the Year" for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jan 16: Cheryl Scott / KEDC Amy Smith 2019-01-16 08:00:00Z 0

Jan 9: Welcome to 2019!

Twilight welcomed 2019 with our first meeting of the year on January 9th.  We opened the meeting with our famous toast, "To the best time of the day... Twilight!" and learned about seven New Year traditions around the world.
 
Donna Bell provided a lovely inspirational moment and Billie Sue Records led the flag salute.  PP Kat Clowes let everyone in song.  Our Famous Rotarian was Sir Winston Churchill and we had three members who shared their "happiness" with Happy Buck donations.
 
Saturday, April 6 is "Rotarian at Work" Day and PP Robin Paggi would like suggestions for a service project.  We have District Mid-Terms on Saturday, January 26, the All-Club Luncheon on Thursday, March 7 and BLE on Tuesday, March 12, so be sure to mark those on your calendar!
 
There wasn't a formal program/presentation, but instead, Prez Amy provided a bowl of questions that was passed around and answered by everyone.  No worries, though, we'll be back to our 'regularly scheduled program' next week (Jan 16) with Cheryl Scott from KEDC.
 
Jan 9: Welcome to 2019! Amy Smith 2019-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

Nov 13: Twilight visits BC's Renegade Room

Fun Twilight Rotary Club social at the BC Renegade Room.
 
Delicious food, good friends, fascinating conversations and loads of smiles and laughs.
 
Pssst..look who held court at the end of this long table, littlest Moreno.  A memorable evening during the best time of day, Twilight! 
 
Visit us at The Mark on Nov. 28 at 6 pm with guest speaker, Lois Henry and join us in welcoming two new members to our Twilight Rotary family! 
 
 
Nov 13: Twilight visits BC's Renegade Room Amy Smith 2018-11-15 08:00:00Z 0

Oct 24: The Foster Care System & Kern Bridges Youth Homes

Twilight Rotary ventured from The Mark to the Bakersfield Museum of Art for the October 24 meeting.  We had great attendance for our guest speaker Michael O'Doherty with Kern Bridges.  Thanks, Michael for a very eye-opening talk on our local foster children and youth group-home situation and answering all our questions. Our lovable Sandy Foster gave us a glimpse of her life during Member Spotlight.  We loved having our Centennial HS Interactors join us to share their experiences at D5240 Conference along with the presentation of a thank you letter and video to the Club.  President Amy Smith received a special pin. 
 
It's always a great time at the #GreatestClubonEarth! Cheers to the best time of the day... Twilight! 🥂
 
Oct 24: The Foster Care System & Kern Bridges Youth Homes Amy Smith 2018-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

Oct 20: Community Service - 5K/Fun Run & Fall Festival

Twilight Rotarians and Interactors joined the Make Kern No Kill (MKNK) Coalition for a 5K/Fun Run and Fall Festival on Saturday, October 20 at Hart Park.  Volunteers helped with selling raffle tickets, set-up and clean up.  Way to go Rotarians & Interactors!
 
 
Oct 20: Community Service - 5K/Fun Run & Fall Festival Amy Smith 2018-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

Oct 17:  History of Jim Burke Ford

A big thank you to Day Hay, President & General Manager of Jim Burke Ford Lincoln (and Downtown Rotarian) for a great overview of the history of his family and businesses.  Dan exemplifies true leadership, not only in his day to day management of one of the largest Ford dealerships in the state, but he joined our Twilight Greeter, Oz in meeting everyone as they entered the room!  ...and speaking of OZ - he wins the most creative presentation of the Member Spotlight!  Way to go, Oz!
 
Also joining us were fellow Rotarians, Michael O'Doherty (our presenter for Wed., Oct 24!) and Rick Kreiser, who gave us all the chance to formally thank him for generously inviting Twilighters to Guitar Masters as our monthly social on October 10.  Additionally, we had prospective Twilight Members, Billie Sue Records and Troy Goodban in the house!
 
Prez Amy received another set of FAB gifts for our "Travelin' Twilighters" including a bottle of Tequila, Starbucks Octoberfest Mug, Butterfly Scarf, and Mosquito Net HatPhotos may have been taken but have not surfaced as of yet.... thank goodness.
 
Don't forget that the October 24 Club Meeting will be at the Bakersfield Museum of Art!
Oct 17: History of Jim Burke Ford Amy Smith 2018-10-17 07:00:00Z 0

Oct 10: Offsite Social at Guitar Masters!

Twilight Rotarians were IN THE HOUSE at Guitar Masters on October 10.  Thanks to the generosity of Rick Kreiser, more than twenty-five Twilighters and friends enjoyed guitarist Richard Smith along with Brent Mason at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace.  It was an evening filled with great music, food, drink, and festivities.
Oct 10: Offsite Social at Guitar Masters! Amy Smith 2018-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

District 5240 Conference: What Fun!

Rotary District 5240 hosted its annual Rotary and Rotary New Generations District 5240 Conference on the Streets of Bakersfield this weekend. We welcomed dignitaries from our sister districts in South Korea and Mexico, held a “Pints For Polio” fundraiser at Temblor Brewing Company on Friday, a 0k Pajama Fun Run on Saturday morning, an empowering and inspirational Conference for Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors, and conclude the evening with our Rotary Foundation Gala at Bakersfield Museum of Art! In addition to remarkable speakers, Interactors and Rotaractors made over 300 “Dignity Bags” to benefit local nonprofits and families in need.
 
District 5240 Conference: What Fun! Amy Smith 2018-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

Twilight Rotary at The Cat People

On Saturday, September 30, Members of Twilight Rotary, Rotaract and Centennial's Interact helped stage and sort rummage sale items for The Cat People.  Thanks to everyone who came out to help!  
 
We will learn more about The Cat People and how their fundraising efforts are doing at our November 7 meeting.
Twilight Rotary at The Cat People Amy Smith 2018-09-29 07:00:00Z 0

Sept 26: Nick Ortiz - Community Branding Initiative

Greater Bakersfield Chamber CEO Nick Ortiz provided insights to the Community-wide Branding Initiative currently in the works.  Robin gave the quickest Member Spotlight ever (90 seconds!) and Pamela Elisheva filled in with a wonderful Inspirational Moment.  We learned about another Famous Rotarian: Neil Armstrong and Ryan Gosling (starring in "First Man" - opening October 12) made multiple appearances throughout the evening's PowerPoint.
 
Twilight will be "DARK" for the October 3 in anticipation of the District Conference and we will have our Monthly Social on October 10th.
 
Sept 26: Nick Ortiz - Community Branding Initiative Amy Smith 2018-09-26 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary ♥LOVES♥ Community Service! Amy Smith 2018-09-24 07:00:00Z 0

Sept 19: Assemblyman Vince Fong visits Twilight

Home sweet home! #TheGreatestClubOnEarth’s first meeting at our new venue, The Mark Restaurant, was filled with special guests and announcements! With District Governor Sandi Schwartz in attendance, we inducted Donna Bell, wife of Twilighter and Past District Governor Jim Bell, as our newest member. President Amy Smith also announced that Jim and Donna were selected by Rotary International President Barry Rassin as the RI Presidential Representative during District 5370’s District Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Congratulations, Jim and Donna!

Special guest speaker, Assemblyman Vince Fong, delivered an update from Sacramento on items that impact us at the state and local level including affordable living, energy, economic growth and development, and environmental impact. Thank you, Assemblyman Fong!

Cecil and Robin also provided updates and reminders on upcoming service projects for our members, Interactors from Centennial and Miramonte High Schools, and Bakersfield Rotaractors!

Sept 19: Assemblyman Vince Fong visits Twilight Amy Smith 2018-09-24 07:00:00Z 0

Sept 12: Offsite Fun at The Mark

Boy oh boy, did we have a great offsite at The Mark Restaurant.  It was so fantastic, that we decided to move there
 
Yes, that's correct - Twilight Rotary's new home is The Mark Restaurant (1623 19th Street).  Huge thanks to Bryan Oberg, the new owner of The Mark (and East Bakersfield Rotarian)!   Bryan gave us a great overview of his plans for the restaurant (and his other business) as well as a tour of "the Park at the Mark."  ...AND the food was DELISH!  Chopped salad, sausage stuffed mushrooms, spinach & artichoke dip and a HUGE baked potato station!  It's going to be a lot of fun being AT THE MARK weekly.
 
So don't miss our next meeting (September 19) with Assemblyman Vince Fong and a report from Sacramento.  We'll also be inducting a new member (who has been part of the Twilight Rotary Family forever - so it's about time!).  Come join us!
 
 
Sept 12: Offsite Fun at The Mark Amy Smith 2018-09-12 07:00:00Z 0

Sept 5: Unconscious Bias

Twilight Rotary traveled to Worklogic HR for a special presentation by our own, Robin Paggi on "Unconscious Bias."  Robin did a great job of demystifying this timely topic.  Unconscious biases are learned stereotypes that are automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, universal, and able to influence behavior.  Thanks Robin!!
 
We also highlighted Margaret Thatcher, another famous Rotarian as part of our "Did you know?" series and reminded everyone that our Community Service: Hot Dog Feed for the Homeless will be Saturday, September 22nd.
 
September 12 is the 2nd Wednesday of the Month so Twilighters will check out The Mark Restaurant in anticipation of our permanent move there and on September 19, Twilight will welcome Assemblyman Vince Fong for a Report from Sacramento.
 
If you haven't signed up for the District 5240 Conference on October 6th, why not??  It's here in Bakersfield and will be a day (and night) full of Rotary Moments!  
Sept 5: Unconscious Bias Amy Smith 2018-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

Aug 29: The Wonderful Company

On August 29, we enjoyed hearing from Twilight Member, Bee Barmann about her very exciting life.  In fact, it's so exciting that we only got to hear the first half of it!  Bee Barmann "the sequel" will return in a future meeting.  
 
Additionally, we had the opportunity to hear from Kaitlyn Yates of The Wonderful Company.  Kaitlyn is the Community Program Manager of Wonderful Philanthropy.  In addition to the corporate social responsibility that TWC has for growing and distributing high-quality products around the world, their philanthropic investment in California's Central Valley is more than $48 million - in just one year!  They invest and collaborate with communities where their employees live and work with community development, education, and health & wellness programs.  Thanks, Kaitlyn for clearly demonstrating the passion you have for your work in our community!
Aug 29: The Wonderful Company Amy Smith 2018-08-29 07:00:00Z 0

August 22: David Lyman/Visit Bakersfield

David Lyman, Manager of "Visit Bakersfield" did a phenomenal job of quizzing members and guests about interesting things to do in & around Bakersfield.  There were even prizes and fun giveaways for everyone.  Key messaging used includes "...on your way to...?  So are we!"  It was very impressive about all the hard effort made by David and his three-person team to bring visitors to Bakersfield.
 
We also heard from Glen Ephrom from the Golden Empire Gleaners about their programs and how grateful they are to partner with organizations like Twilight Rotary and our Birthday Bag Program.
 
Vince received his official Blue Badge and was also our Member Spotlight of the week - and we learned about a Famous Rotarian - Thomas Edison.
 
Next week's (Aug 28) presenter will be Kaitlyn Yates from The Wonderful Company about their philanthropy in the Central Valley.  Bee will be our Member Spotlight and we'll learn about another Famous Rotarian.  Don't miss out!!Image may contain: one or more people and indoor
August 22: David Lyman/Visit Bakersfield Amy Smith 2018-08-22 07:00:00Z 0

Great Turnout for Intro to PRLS Workshop on 8/18!

Congratulations to our Centennial High School Interactors and Bakersfield Rotaractors who completed this morning’s “Intro to PRLS” class with Past District Governor Wade Nomura! #TheGreatestClubOnEarth (aka Twilight Rotary) was well-represented! New Generations Director, Li Gibbs, helped coordinate and bring the event to Bakersfield. Public Relations Chair, Oz de Guzman, handled registration and check-in. President-Elect and Master PRLS graduate, Nancy Pollard, was also in attendance showing her support for our future Rotarians and Rotaractors! 
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Great Turnout for Intro to PRLS Workshop on 8/18! Amy Smith 2018-08-21 07:00:00Z 0

August 15: Dr. Zelezny - CSUB's New President!

Posted on Aug 15, 2018
At our August 15th meeting, Twilight Rotary was so pleased to have Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, CSUB's New President (as well as Michael Lukens, Director of Public Affairs & Communications) joining us to share about Dr. Zelezny's goals and aspirations for our University.  
 
A product of the CSU system, Dr. Zelezny earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in psychology from Humboldt State University, a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology from Claremont Graduate University and an MBA with distinction from the Craig School of Business at Fresno State. She has also earned professional certificates in management from Harvard University and in executive leadership from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
 
Dr. Zelezny shared that she's a "data-driven” individual who is committed to improving outcomes at CSUB.  She said one of the most important data points is that 74% of all CSUB students are the first in their family to attend college.  She talked about the importance of student athletes and said that the average GPA of all student athletes at CSUB is a 3.0 and that is something to be proud of and build upon.  She wants to “build a collective vision” that must come from the community and its stakeholders.  She will be conducting a series of community forums (aka "Campas Caravans") to get input and feedback on what the vision should be.
 
Two important upcoming events are the ABET accreditation for engineering and CSUB's 50th Anniversary.  Also of note is that her becoming president was groundbreaking in that the CSU system now is the ONLY major educational system to have a majority of its presidents as women.
 
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting and indoor
 
August 15: Dr. Zelezny - CSUB's New President! Amy Smith 2018-08-15 07:00:00Z 0

Program: DG Sandi's Official Visit to Twilight + Birthday Bags!

Posted on Aug 01, 2018
It was another fun & fabulous Twilight Rotary Meeting on August 1st with District Governor Sandi's official visit to our club!  Because we are Twilight (aka Not Your Father's Rotary Club), we planned a special community service activity to coincide with the traditional DG presentation.  Special thanks to both DG Sandi Schwartz, AG Patrick Collins and special visitor, Prez Amy's son - Chris for joining us in making Birthday Bags filled with cake mix, frosting, plates, napkins and other small goodies that will be distributed to agencies like the Gleaners so that all children can celebrate their birthdays in special "Twilight-style!"  Additionally, DG Sandi presented three of our Twilighters with special "People of Action" Awards: Nancy Pollard, Denise Thomas, and Oz DeGuzman!  Congrats on continuing to emulate "Service Above Self!"  Finally, two Paul Harris Fellow Awards were presented tonight to Pamela Zulfa and Oz DeGuzman.
 
Next Week (Aug 8) will be our Social/Offsite at Barry's RV.  Past President Jeanne will be in-charge as Prez Amy is traveling.
  
Program: DG Sandi's Official Visit to Twilight + Birthday Bags! 2018-08-01 07:00:00Z 0

Program: Zane / Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County

Posted on Jul 25, 2018
Zane Smith, Executive Director/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County provided an overview of the multitude of programs available to more than 7,000 children on a daily basis in Kern County (and Barstow!).  These include afterschool programs, day camps, teen programming, a robust nutrition program, a variety of athletic activities, a nationally recognized Performing Arts Team (who kicked off Amy's first meeting as President on July 18) and just wrapped up their Summer Jobs program.
 
Zane also shared details about their popular "Farm to Tableaux" event scheduled for Friday, October 5 with the theme: "Pop! Goes the Warhol"
 
President Amy provided a report of our Club's first Board Meeting, held on July 21st as well as announced upcoming Community Service Projects including the "Hot Dog Feed" on August 25.  
 
We are excited to have District Governor, Sandi Schwartz joining us for our next meeting on August 1st (at the Bakersfield Museum of Art) for her official visit.  We will be doing our popular "Birthday Bags" as a Community Service Project during Sandi's visit too!
Program: Zane / Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Amy Smith 2018-07-25 07:00:00Z 0

President Amy's First Meeting

Posted on Jul 18, 2018
Twilight Rotary's First Meeting of 2018-2018 was a real CIRCUS!
...with performers, cotton candy martinis, fun food and lots of laughs.
 
It's going to be a great year with new Club goals, program enhancements and fun, fun, fun!
 
We heard about the New Generations Retreat that was held on July 7 in SLO where Interacters, Rotoracters, and Rotarians all came together for collaboration, education, mentorship and great friends.
 
A big thank you to BGCKC's Music Fusion Performance Group, our Special Guests, and Rotarian Visitors!
President Amy's First Meeting Amy Smith 2018-07-18 07:00:00Z 0

Demotion Party for our President, Jeanne Tunnicliffe

On Wednesday, June 20, 2018, we celebrated our President, Jeanne Tunnicliffe's demotion at the home of our club members, Tony and Tracy Azemika.
 
A life-long fan of Notre Dame football, she was admitted finally into Notre Dame University but not before she had to sing, in front of our entire club, the University of Southern California's famous "fight song." Tony Azemika, a life-long fan of USC football and one of our hosts, did not care how Jeanne butchered the USC fight song.
 
Nevertheless, we all had a great time demoting Jeanne and we sent off our next president, Amy Smith, to the Rotary International Conference in Toronto, Canada.
 
Demotion Party for our President, Jeanne Tunnicliffe Tony Azemika 2018-06-27 07:00:00Z 0

District Awards

This year's District Awards were held on June 16th and our club was honored with a number of major awards.
 
Our own Li Gibbs was awarded the District Rotarian of the Year. Way to go Li!!
 
Twilight Rotary received the Gold Club of Distinction Award, and the Best Small Club-Youth Service Award.
 
Our Rotaract Club received an Award of Distinction along with the Centennial High School Interact Club.
 
District Awards Tony Azemika 2018-06-18 07:00:00Z 0

Upcoming Service Projects for our Club

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Our Club has two service projects that are forthcoming. On Saturday, April 29, 2018, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we are meeting at Mercy Learning Center, located at 631 E. California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, for the "Hot Dog & Chili Feed" in collaboration with the Dignity Health Learning Center.
 
The other service project is the following Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Jim Burke Ford, located at 2001 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA. This is a multi-club event with Rotaractors and Interactors where we will be creating meal packages to provide meals to the underserved in our community.
 
Join us in providing service above self.
Upcoming Service Projects for our Club Tony Azemika 2018-04-24 07:00:00Z 0
Community Service Project Tony Azemika 2018-04-14 07:00:00Z 0
Pictures of our club members and activities Tony Azemika 2018-04-13 07:00:00Z 0

Another Community Service Project by fun-loving Twilight Rotarians!

We made "Birthday Bags" for our local food bank to distribute to families with all the supplies needed inside for a child's birthday. One hard-working Rotarian even lost his badge for a bit in one of the bags! Kind of like losing an engagement ring in a plate of spaghetti!! No worries though ..... Manual found it!
Another Community Service Project by fun-loving Twilight Rotarians! Tony Azemika 2018-04-13 07:00:00Z 0

Article About Our Own Anselmo Moreno

Be In Bakersfield has done a great article on one of our own and our past president, Angelmo Moreno.
 
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Here is the link to the article: https://www.beinbakersfield.com/read/2018/2/15/anselmo-moreno
Article About Our Own Anselmo Moreno Tony Azemika 2018-04-12 07:00:00Z 0
Tony and Robin welcoming our newest member! Tony Azemika 2018-03-28 07:00:00Z 0

Club Social Event at The Kitchen

Here are some pictures from our really cool SOCIAL on Wednesday!  We even had a visiting Rotarian from La Mesa/San Diego join us.  Amy had run into his wife at the PET!  What a small world!  Thank you to Richard and his assistant Mayra from The Kitchen for giving us an EXCELLENT experience!  We learned a lot and got the opportunity to consume some wonderful appetizers!
 
Club Social Event at The Kitchen Tony Azemika 2018-02-28 08:00:00Z 0
Celebrating Rotary's Anniversary 2018-02-22 08:00:00Z 0
Robin's Rock and Roll Party! 2017-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - 11/15/2017 - Bakersfield Comic-Con! 2017-11-16 08:00:00Z 0

Meeting at Bakersfield Police Department Bomb Squad

Posted by Tony Azemika
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Thanks to our President and her husband, Scott, we held our off-site meeting at the training ground for the Bakersfield Police Department's Bomb Squad. They showed all the cool robots they have including the ones that they got from the U.S. Military and their very cool Bomb Squad van with all kinds of gadgets on-board. They even blew up couple of things for us. For more pictures, click to read the rest of the post.
 
 
Meeting at Bakersfield Police Department Bomb Squad Tony Azemika 2017-09-27 07:00:00Z 0

Bakersfield Youth Financial Literacy

Posted by Tony Azemika
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Our club is proud to be a part of Bakersfield Youth Financial Literacy and we are excited to have given away six new scholarships to some very bright young students on the morning of May 25, 2017.

Learn more about this great organization at www.youthfinancialliteracy.net

All of this was made possible by the tireless work of our club's board and the continued support of our club and the Bakersfield East Rotary Club.

Bakersfield Youth Financial Literacy Tony Azemika 2017-07-27 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Rose Parade Float

Posted by Tony Azemika
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Our former club member and current member of The Rotary E-Club of One World, Barry Rosenfeld, was our feature speaker at our meeting on Wednesday,  July 19, 2017. Barry spoke to us about the award-winning Rotary Rose Parade Float. Our members opened their wallets and contributed their monies to this coming year's Rose Parade Float. If you are interested in learning more about and contributing to The Rotary Rose Parade Float, you can contact Barry at (661) 703 9466 or via his e-mail at brosenfeld1@gmail.com. Thanks Barry for a great presentation and it was good to see you back at our and your former club.
Rotary Rose Parade Float Tony Azemika 2017-07-27 07:00:00Z 0

Invocation Given at Our Club Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on May 03, 2017
Carol Smith gave the Invocation at our meeting this twilight which was the Invocation she had heard when visiting another club. It was so nice that she went and asked the person who gave the Invocation if she can steal it from her. This was the Invocation she gave:
 
"Helping, fixing and serving represent three different ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul." --- Rachel Naomi Remen
Invocation Given at Our Club Meeting Tony Azemika 2017-05-03 07:00:00Z 0
Twilight Rotary Club Representing at District Assembly at Bakersfield College Tony Azemika 2017-03-19 07:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - February 8, 2017

Posted by Tony Azemika
 Gary Fachin's Invocation at our Meeting:
Why do we contribute clothing to the Homeless Center? Why do we work on projects in Mexico? Because . . . It is in every Twilighter's belief to serve the needy and provide relief.
Why do we work on fundraisers? Why do we have a Foundation? Because . . . In Twilighter's lives, works of charity will never be a rarity.
Why do we paint the walls of a Museum? Why do we read to elementary school students? Because . . . It is in each Twilighter's Rotarian act that on the community's welfare there be an impact.
Why do we have social events? Why are we attentive to those of us who suffer? Because . . . Twilighters care for each other as if each were a sister or brother.
And why do we do all the above, because we are Twilighters with faith, hope and love.
Club Meeting - February 8, 2017 Tony Azemika 2017-02-15 08:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - February 1, 2017 Tony Azemika 2017-02-02 08:00:00Z 0
Club Meeting - January 25, 2017 Anthony P. Azemika 2017-01-27 08:00:00Z 0

7 Club Magic Lunch - One Giant Rotary Meeting

Posted on Mar 12, 2016
 
 

The Magic of rotary

On Thursday March 10th, The Rotary Clubs of Bakersfield South, North, East, West, Breakfast, Twilight, and Downtown got together at the Crystal Palace for the annual 7 Club Luncheon. Over 200 Rotarians in attendance!
 
Ron Saylor, magician extraordinaire, fooled the audience many times over with his magic tricks. 
 
If you missed it, the event is nicely summarized by this epic selfie!
 
7 Club Magic Lunch - One Giant Rotary Meeting 2016-03-13 00:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - March 2nd

Posted by Anselmo on Mar 01, 2016

If you build it, they will come.


Welcome to the newest Rotarians in the World! Twilight is proud and excited to welcome Li Gibbs, Pam Zulfa, Karen Vanderhurst, and Becky MacQuarrie. Check out more pictures of this fabulous club meeting here.
Club Meeting - March 2nd Anselmo 2016-03-02 00:00:00Z 0

Scotch Night

Posted on Feb 26, 2016
 

More Scotch Night pictures!

Posted by Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight on Sunday, February 21, 2016
 
Scotch Night 2016-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast

Posted by Anselmo on Jan 31, 2016
After a long hiatus Twilight Rotary returned to the Dignity Health learning center with a wonderful showing of Twilight Rotarians and Mira Monte High School Interacters!! Check out the video of everyone going to work to feed the less fortunate in our community. Twilight Rotary served 270 meals!! Special thanks to everyone who helped!
 
 
Pancake Breakfast Anselmo 2016-02-01 00:00:00Z 0
Marley's Mutts - Special Program! 2015-11-11 00:00:00Z 0
Twilight's Triumphant Music Video 2015-11-04 00:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting - 10/28/2015

Posted by Anselmo on Oct 29, 2015
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Our resident photographer extraordinaire Andrew Fishkin always captures the great moments we have at Twilight Rotary.
Check out some of those moments here!
 
 
Club Meeting - 10/28/2015 Anselmo 2015-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

Twilight Reigns Supreme!

Posted by Anselmo Moreno on Oct 27, 2015
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The 3rd Annual Ethics Competition has ended

and Twilight Rotary has emerged victorious once

again!

 

Twilight Reigns Supreme! Anselmo Moreno 2015-10-28 00:00:00Z 0

Bakersfield Magazine Features Our Club

 Bakersfield Magazine just did an article on Bakersfield Twilight Rotary! Great article President Anselmo and Twlighters! Awesome club for only being 6 years old!
 
 
 
Bakersfield Magazine Features Our Club Tony Azemika 2015-10-17 00:00:00Z 0

Twilighters and Interacters Clean Up Downtown

Posted by Robin Paggi on Sep 27, 2015
Thank you Jeanne, Sandy, Marie, Brad, Louise, Kat, Bethany, Anselmo, and about 13 Interacters for helping clean up downtown in preparation for our District Conference next weekend.  
 
Check out the photos by clicking here!
 
 
See you at the conference!
Twilighters and Interacters Clean Up Downtown Robin Paggi 2015-09-28 00:00:00Z 0

Twilight goes back to High School

Posted by Anselmo Moreno on Sep 01, 2015
Today was Mira Monte High School's Club Rush Day. Representing Twilight Rotary in the Interact Club recruitment efforts was President Anselmo Moreno, President-Elect Kat Clowes, and fellow long time Rotarian Brad Henderson. Interact advisor Luis Valladares, commonly referred to by his students as "Mr. V", is a great ambassador for Interact and Rotary on the Mira Monte Campus.
 
There was a nice breeze that kept knocking down our banners, but as you can see Brad was unwavering and not discouraged in his commitment to show off the banners.
 
Interact is off to a great start, we had a lot of interest from the students and look forward to working with them throughout the year.
 
Check out the rest of the pictures by clicking here.

 

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Twilight goes back to High School Anselmo Moreno 2015-09-02 00:00:00Z 0
Profile of a Twilight Rotarian: Kat Clowes Anselmo Moreno; Brad Henderson 2015-08-26 00:00:00Z 0
Sharing Rotary District 5320's Photo Tony Azemika 2015-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

Our Meeting on August 12, 2015

Posted on Aug 11, 2015

President Anselmo conducting his meeting on August 12, 2015. Besides District Governor, Jim Bell, we were privileged to also have in attendance District Governor Elect, Nick, and District Governor Nominee, John.  All three are pictured below with our President Anselmo.

Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight's photo.
Our Meeting on August 12, 2015 Tony Azemika 2015-08-12 00:00:00Z 0

Our Own District Governor Jim Bell's Visit

Posted on Aug 11, 2015

District Governor Jim Bell was the program tonight at his home club Bakersfield Twilight. Jim was presented with two very personal gifts from our club by President Anselmo!

Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight's photo.
Our Own District Governor Jim Bell's Visit Tony Azemika 2015-08-12 00:00:00Z 0
Proud to be Home Club of District Governor, Jim Bell Tony Azemika 2015-07-29 00:00:00Z 0

Profile of a Twilight Rotarian: Sandy Foster

Posted by Brad Henderson, Anselmo Moreno on Jul 27, 2015
Have you ever wondered what a Twilight Rotarian is all about?
Behold our debut issue of "Profile of a Twilight Rotarian" - a once a month publication that highlights and honors the diverse makeup of Twilight Rotarians. 
 
Download and view the full publication, here. 
 
Profile of a Twilight Rotarian: Sandy Foster Brad Henderson, Anselmo Moreno 2015-07-28 00:00:00Z 0

Many Faces of Our President

Posted on Jul 24, 2015
The many faces of our president, Anselmo Moreno.  The last picture shows President Anselmo searching in his Mary Popins bag for something...guess what...he never found it! Stay tuned!
Many Faces of Our President Tony Azemika 2015-07-25 00:00:00Z 0

July 15 Meeting

Posted on Jul 24, 2015
Some of our members at our July 15th meeting to hear speaker, Nicholas Ortiz the President/CEO of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. From left to right, Brad Henderson, Jeanne Tunnicliffe, Barry Rosenfeld, Jeanne and Ann Dunlap and speaker Nicholas Ortiz.
July 15 Meeting Tony Azemika 2015-07-25 00:00:00Z 0
Who is Twilight Rotary? #WeAreRotary 2015-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

Our Own Jim Bell as the new District Governor

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jun 27, 2015
We are proud to be the home club of the District Governor Jim Bell.  This is a video of the first of many speeches by our Jim Bell. Great job Governor! Bakersfield Twilight Rotary Club is extremely proud of you.
 
 
Our Own Jim Bell as the new District Governor Tony Azemika 2015-06-28 00:00:00Z 0

Our President, Sandy's Demotion Video

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jun 26, 2015
Last night at The Petroleum Club in Bakersfield, California, we thanked our dearest President, Sandy Foster, for an inspired and excellent year as our leader. But, as all good things must come to an end, it is now time for our President To Hit the Road!
 
Our President, Sandy's Demotion Video Tony Azemika 2015-06-27 00:00:00Z 0
Doing Good by Rotary Foundation Tony Azemika 2015-06-27 00:00:00Z 0

Sandy's Last Club Meeting

Posted by Tony Azemika on Jun 26, 2015
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Members of Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club and other guests joined us for our President Sandy's last club meeting. 
Sandy's Last Club Meeting Tony Azemika 2015-06-27 00:00:00Z 0

Quick Get-a-Way

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Members and guests all park their cars for quick get-a-way, according to our own Brad who took this picture.
Quick Get-a-Way Tony Azemika 2015-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

Stroke! Stroke!

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Our guest, Michelle Hartshorn, RN from San Joaquin Community Hospital, spoke to our members about identifying symptoms of a stroke (an interruption of blood flow to the brain), different from the mechanical operation of the heart (the pump).  A stroke is a "brain attack". It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die - causing inabilities controlled by that area of the brain to such functions such as loss of memory, speech and muscle control.
 

Stroke by the Letters

 
 
(Face) Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
(Arms) Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
(Speech) Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
(Time) If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go way, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Stroke! Stroke! Tony Azemika 2015-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

Jamison Center Donations

Posted on Aug 20, 2014

A. Miriam Jamison Children’s Center

Twilight Rotary piled clothing at our President's podium for our contribution to children in need at the A. Miriam Jamison Children's Center. Hopefully we will make a dent in providing needed clothing for the multitude of distressed children accessing this emergency shelter and protective custody facility. Rich Castillo was present to accept the packages of clothing for children who are taken into protective custody by law enforcement agencies or social workers.
We are proposing to revisit this collection collaboration next February/ March 2015, when the donation resources tend to taper-off. The center receives 100-150 children per month passing through their doors.
Jamison Center Donations Tony Azemika 2014-08-21 00:00:00Z 0

President's Ice Challenge

Posted on Aug 20, 2014

The Ice Man Cometh

Before this week’s meeting, President Sandy accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge from her son Chris Foster, who preceded her in ice water drenching by a challenge from our own Nick Mears.
The evening’s fundraising began with a raffle to obtain the right to drench President Sandy with a bucket of ice water. Jeanne Tunnicliffe bought the very last ticket, just before the opportunistic drawing picked her winning stub. Feeling remorseful from the chance charity, Jeanne offered up her mischance for cash.
With cold cash in hand, Sarah Baron (past Charter Member) offered $20.00 to perform the horrific duty of dumping the bucket of ice upon the obligatory President Sandy. All was well, and President Sandy survived the challenge. Ah! But wait!
Seeing how much President Sandy seemed to enjoy her thorough wetting, Lynn Hall offered up another $50.00 to saturate her Rotary President with another dose of dousing. The entire night netted $135.00.
All this attention-getting activity is designed to attract awareness for (ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and its fund-raising possibility. President Sandy has offered to donate to ALS as well as MS (close to her heart) and to Polio Plus (where Bill Gates, already having been doused, will match dollar for dollar to Polio Plus contributions).
 
Now our President has issued her challenge to the following people: Loretta Butts, District 5240 Governor. Jim Bell, District 5240 Governor-Elect. Anne Fonseca, Twilight Club Service Director - for not showing up to our meeting.
President's Ice Challenge Tony Azemika 2014-08-21 00:00:00Z 0

Membership Month

Posted on Aug 20, 2014

Membership Month

 
August is Rotary Membership Month.
 
Rotary members have pushed polio to the brink of eradication, delivered clean water to help needed communities survive. We continue to help improve our local community. And, through our pledges, have provided scholarships to the next generation of peacemakers, and continued support throughout the world.
Membership Month Tony Azemika 2014-08-21 00:00:00Z 0
Say it Loud, Say it Proud! Tony Azemika 2014-08-11 00:00:00Z 0

Community Service Project

Posted by Tony Azemika on Aug 01, 2014
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Upcoming plans for Twilight Rotary involvement were shared by our Community Service Director, Mike Foster.
The immediate project involves collecting new or gently used Toddler clothing for the Jamison Center. Our support this year is focusing on sizes 3T through 6 with an emphasis on size “5.” We’re collecting by August 20th.
Community Service Project Tony Azemika 2014-08-02 00:00:00Z 0

Things You Should Know About Rotary

Symbolic Name – Rotarians began meeting by “rotating” between business offices of its Members. Now it is symbolic, such that any Rotarian may rotate between Clubs as a welcome guest.
Rotary's Wheel Emblem – The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." It is a unique design and exclusive emblem of Rotary [Rotary International], with its 24 cogs (representing the World Time Zones) and 6 spokes (continents upon which Rotary is represented). The “Keyway” was added to include each Rotarian as an important part of its movement.
The Object of Rotary – The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The "ideal of service" is the key phrase in the Object of Rotary. This ideal is an attitude of being a thoughtful and helpful representative in all of one's endeavors.
The 4-Way Test – As one of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world, this simple  philosophy and code of conduct has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways, to reinforce worldwide what Rotarians think, say or do in our business and professional lives.
Rotary Motto – On a continuing basis, Rotarians are giving their time, talents and treasures for humanitarian purposes in all forms and at many levels, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary service. This principle is what Rotarians have adopted in as few words as “Service Above Self.”
Name Badges – From the earliest days of Rotary, members have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members. The characteristic Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom.
The Classification Principle - Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. Its purpose of distinction is to assure a cross section of the business and professional service of the community as a native resource within the Club.
Honorary Membership – This type of membership is the highest distinction a Rotary club can confer and is exercised only in exceptional cases to recognize an individual for unusual service and contributions to Rotary and society. Honorary members cannot propose new members to the club, do not hold office and are exempt from attendance requirements and club dues. This reserved position is for those who have done much to further the ideals of Rotary.
Avenues of Service – This concept has been accepted as a means to describe the five (5) primary areas of activity within the Object of Rotary. The 5 elements of the Object of Rotary include: 1-Club Service, 2-Vocational Service, 3-Community Service, 4-International Service, and in 2010 New Generations was added - to improve the life skills of young people (up to age 30) to ensure they have a better future, while recognizing the diversity of their needs.
International Responsibility - Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold the obligations of citizenship of his or her own country, membership in Rotary enables its members to encourage and foster advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace on a global basis.
Club Invocations – Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. Since each Rotary club is autonomous, the practice of presenting an invocation at club meetings is left entirely to the traditions and customs of the individual club, with the understanding that these meeting rituals always be conducted in a manner which will respect the religious convictions and faiths of all members and visitors. As such, the religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to their convictions.
Member Candidate Sponsorship – Any Member may propose a candidate for membership within Rotary International. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary – in contrast without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian. An active Sponsor serves as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an accustomed to activities of the Club and participation as a “Rotarian.”
Club Banner Exchange – The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary and serves as tangible symbol of our international fellowship. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at "make up" meetings as a token of friendship.
The District Assembly – The purpose of a District Assembly is twofold: 1) to prepare incoming club leaders for their year in office and build their leadership team, and 2) to give the District Governor‐Elect and incoming assistant governors and district committees the opportunity to motivate club leadership teams and build their working relationship.
The District Conference – The purpose of the district conference is to provide opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions of Rotary-related matters - recognizing the service programs, projects, and public relations achievements in the district in order to inspire Rotarians to become more involved in service. The conference should also give Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provide a memorable fellowship experience.
The International Convention – Every year, Rotary International programs a worldwide convention for a date near the end of the Rotary year, in May or June to stimulate, inspire and inform all Rotarians at an international level while advancing the strategic goals of the association. This is a rare opportunity for Rotarians to get together and visit members from other cities, countries and generations, celebrating Rotary fellowship. It is also the annual business meeting of Rotary International. The convention program includes preconvention meetings, plenary sessions, workshops, forums, entertainment, and other meetings.
Things You Should Know About Rotary BHn 2014-07-30 00:00:00Z 0

Club Assembly or “Why Rotarians Meet?”

Posted on Jul 29, 2014
This week was our Club Assembly.
 
This gathering of Rotarians is designed to inform and equip Club Members, whether new to Rotary or veteran participants with the Twilight Bakersfield Rotary Club. It’s for those who would like to learn more about our Club, where it is planned to go within the various avenues of service, as well as gaining further understanding of Rotary International in general. 
President Sandy led us to envision the main Rotary Theme for
the year and her integration of activities planned for the year.
The five (5) Avenue of Service Directors have had an opportunity to explain the upcoming projects and programs our Club will be involved with throughout the year and the Directors are eager for you to share any suggestions you may have in order to make our Rotary club better.
Definition of Rotary
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional person united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.”
Those few words are worth remembering when someone asks, What is a Rotary club?
Club Assembly or “Why Rotarians Meet?” BHn 2014-07-30 00:00:00Z 0

Things You Should Know About Rotary

Symbolic Name – Rotarians began meeting by “rotating” between business offices of its Members. Now it is symbolic, such that any Rotarian may rotate between Clubs as a welcome guest.
Rotary's Wheel Emblem – The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." It is a unique design and exclusive emblem of Rotary [Rotary International], with its 24 cogs (representing the World Time Zones) and 6 spokes (continents upon which Rotary is represented). The “Keyway” was added to include each Rotarian as an important part of its movement.
The Object of Rotary – The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The "ideal of service" is the key phrase in the Object of Rotary. This ideal is an attitude of being a thoughtful and helpful representative in all of one's endeavors.
The 4-Way Test – As one of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world, this simple  philosophy and code of conduct has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways, to reinforce worldwide what Rotarians think, say or do in our business and professional lives.
Rotary Motto – On a continuing basis, Rotarians are giving their time, talents and treasures for humanitarian purposes in all forms and at many levels, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary service. This principle is what Rotarians have adopted in as few words as “Service Above Self.”
Name Badges – From the earliest days of Rotary, members have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members. The characteristic Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom.
The Classification Principle - Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. Its purpose of distinction is to assure a cross section of the business and professional service of the community as a native resource within the Club.
Honorary Membership – This type of membership is the highest distinction a Rotary club can confer and is exercised only in exceptional cases to recognize an individual for unusual service and contributions to Rotary and society. Honorary members cannot propose new members to the club, do not hold office and are exempt from attendance requirements and club dues. This reserved position is for those who have done much to further the ideals of Rotary.
Avenues of Service – This concept has been accepted as a means to describe the five (5) primary areas of activity within the Object of Rotary. The 5 elements of the Object of Rotary include: 1-Club Service, 2-Vocational Service, 3-Community Service, 4-International Service, and in 2010 New Generations was added - to improve the life skills of young people (up to age 30) to ensure they have a better future, while recognizing the diversity of their needs.
International Responsibility - Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold the obligations of citizenship of his or her own country, membership in Rotary enables its members to encourage and foster advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace on a global basis.
Club Invocations – Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. Since each Rotary club is autonomous, the practice of presenting an invocation at club meetings is left entirely to the traditions and customs of the individual club, with the understanding that these meeting rituals always be conducted in a manner which will respect the religious convictions and faiths of all members and visitors. As such, the religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to their convictions.
Member Candidate Sponsorship – Any Member may propose a candidate for membership within Rotary International. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary – in contrast without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian. An active Sponsor serves as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an accustomed to activities of the Club and participation as a “Rotarian.”
Club Banner Exchange The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary and serves as tangible symbol of our international fellowship. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at "make up" meetings as a token of friendship.
The District Assembly – The purpose of a District Assembly is twofold: 1) to prepare incoming club leaders for their year in office and build their leadership team, and 2) to give the District Governor‐Elect and incoming assistant governors and district committees the opportunity to motivate club leadership teams and build their working relationship.
The District Conference – The purpose of the district conference is to provide opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions of Rotary-related matters - recognizing the service programs, projects, and public relations achievements in the district in order to inspire Rotarians to become more involved in service. The conference should also give Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provide a memorable fellowship experience.
The International Convention – Every year, Rotary International programs a worldwide convention for a date near the end of the Rotary year, in May or June to stimulate, inspire and inform all Rotarians at an international level while advancing the strategic goals of the association. This is a rare opportunity for Rotarians to get together and visit members from other cities, countries and generations, celebrating Rotary fellowship. It is also the annual business meeting of Rotary International. The convention program includes preconvention meetings, plenary sessions, workshops, forums, entertainment, and other meetings.
Things You Should Know About Rotary BHn 2014-07-30 00:00:00Z 0

Challenges for the City of Bakersfield

Posted by Dixie King
 

By Anselmo Moreno

         Our city councilman and fellow Rotarian Russell Johnson gave us a firsthand account of the challenges that our city faces on November 2. It was an incredible program, unfiltered and straightforward!

         According to Russell, Sacramento lawmakers in Sacramento can’t seem to get their act together. We got a crash course in the current status of the High Speed Rail Project. Russell reported that the estimated costs to build this transportation system recently doubled. He asked, “Do they not understand what the term “economic recession” means?” Rhetorical question?

In much more positive news, the Hosking Road interchange is on the city’s priority list! In case you are not familiar with that particular side of town, Hosking Road currently goes over Highway 99, and is located south of Panama Lane and north of Taft Hwy. Adding this interchange will ease up on the traffic congestions problems that currently plague the Panama interchange, and making all that empty land located in that area much more attractive to big retailers and manufacturers. One small infrastructure addition can result in a huge economic benefit for our city.

Our thanks to Councilman Johnson for keeping public safety and responsible use of taxpayer funds a top priority in his vision to improve Bakersfield.

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Challenges for the City of Bakersfield Dixie King 0

Commordore Speaks on Inland Water Safety

Posted by Dixie King
 

Following on the heels of Commander Ian Anderson (Navy Top Gun) on August 10, the Coast Guard sailed into Twilight in the person of District Commodore Harry M. Jacobs of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Commodore has been a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for thirty-one-years and is currently serving as the District Commodore, 11th Coast Guard Auxiliary District. He is responsible for the supervision of the internal and external operations of the District, which includes nine Divisions in four States, twenty-one Departments and seventeen Special Appointments.

Harry is a member of the Santa Fe Springs Rotary Club, a Past President of the Whittier Rotary Club [District 5320] and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He has been the guest Speaker at over 330 service clubs, in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura Counties, since 2004.

On August 17, the Commodore spoke about America’s Waterway Watch, a combined effort of the Coast Guard and its Reserve and Auxiliary components. Coast Guard Reserve personnel concentrate on connecting with businesses and government agencies, while Auxiliarists focus on building AWW awareness among the recreational boating public. Image

Commordore Speaks on Inland Water Safety Dixie King 0

Off Site Meeting at Clear Channel Great Fun

Posted by Sarah Baron


The meeting at Clear Channel, hosted by Jim Bell had a large turn out.  All had a great time. 

Jim Bell and staff gave informative tours of the radio stations at Clear Channel where we were able to meet the "Talent".  He provided a full spread of food and drink including wine, water and coffee.  Jim wanted to thank John Vasinda for coming to his rescue early Wednesday morning with several bottles of white wine for the meeting.  Jim didn't ask what John was doing with several bottles of white wine in his car, but he certainly was grateful. 

 

Missed the meeting or just want to read meeting overviews by Gary Fachin? MEETING OVERVIEWS BY GARY 

 

Rotarians went on a behind the scene tour, met great personalities and talent, and even recorded an opener.  Here is President Carol Smith with Mark Montana DJ 98.5 The Fox  and the following photo is of  Amy  Smith recording an opener like a pro.  CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS. 

 

President Carol Smith with Mark Montana DJ 98.5 The Fox
 

Amy Smith Behind the Mic

 

 

Off Site Meeting at Clear Channel Great Fun Sarah Baron 0

September 1st Meeting Notes

Posted by Sarah Baron

Here are some highlights from last weeks meeting, September 1st

Jeanne Tunnicliffe gave her vocational moment after a brief introduction by John Vasinda, Vocational Service Director. Jeanne is Director of Oncology and Orthopedic Services at Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield.  She spoke of her various duties and the many clinics and locations of Mercy Hospital.   She briefly spoke on the Health Care Reform and anticipates changes but does not know the details yet.  Health care is an industry that is going through many changes and is one with high demands.  Sounds like an interesting and rewarding job. 

 

 Welcome to Louise Weber from UniGlobe Travel Agency.  In the photo from Left to Right is Cecil Martin her sponsor, Louise Weber, President Carol Smith and Jeremy Swanson Membership Director.

 

 

  Bee Barmann came back from her holidays and presented a banner to President Carol Smith.

 

 

 

Valley Public Radio Presentation included, Kristina Herrick, Traffic and Music Manager, Mariam Stepanian, General Manager and President and a Spotlight on a young artist.  Kristina Herrick did a brief presentation of music from In the Mode.  To learn more about KVRP Programs go to http://www.kvpr.org/

 

 The name of the young musician who played for us is Brian Liu, son of Dr. and Mrs Liu. Brian is also a prize-winning pianist but we do not have a piano so he played the violin instead. He is a member of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra as a violinist and has  appeared as a piano soloist with the orchestra. He has also  appeared on Young Artist's Spotlight on KVPR/KPFK twice as a soloist and at least once as an accompanist for other students. Amazing young man.

 

 

 

September 1st Meeting Notes Sarah Baron 0

Updates and More

Posted by Sarah Baron
Just a few updates to keep you up to speed.

  • Notice the new link on our main website- "What you missed!"  This website page will be dedicated to notes and yes...maybe small videos from our meetings.  If you missed a meeting and you wonder what did I miss? This website page is for you.
  • Speakers are now updated through October.  You can see what is up and coming. 
Scribes - We will be meeting at 5:15 p.m. this Wednesday, July 28th to go over the small template to help outline your profound thoughts and observations of each meeting.  Don't worry, we don't need a lot of info but just a small overview. 

Finally, the goal is to keep this website up-to-date and fresh. Content is needed, feel free to email small write ups or photos or if you see a mistake....please feel free to contact Sarah Baron.
 
Updates and More Sarah Baron 0

A New Year Begins!

Posted by Carol Smith
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President Carol Smith's Speech -

 

First, I want to say that I am deeply honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as President for the Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight.  The Club that can and will "do great things together."  I know that I have very large, large shoes to fill, both figuratively and literally, coming on (pardon the pun) the heels of Past President Cecil Martin.  He has done a remarkable job this first year - as President.  Thank you again, Cecil.  You are so appreciated!! 

A New Year Begins! Carol Smith 0

Individual Disaster Preparedness

Posted by Sarah Baron

The theme for the month of June began with Disaster Preparedness.  A few weeks ago, President Cecil Martin did an excellent presentation on how to be individually prepared.  He spoke from personal experience, retelling memories from the Northridge Earthquake where his family sat without power for days on end.  He stressed the importance of having a plan, preparing now for "IT".  On each table, there was a white block with "It" painted in black.  Are you prepared?  Do you have enough water and food for 72 hours, small bills, insurance papers?  At the end of presentation, he presented each member with a personalized CD and a brochure with resources to help each person become more prepared. 

Thanks Cecil for giving us the tools to get organized and to become individually prepared. 

Individual Disaster Preparedness Sarah Baron 0

Photo Journals

Posted by Sarah Baron

Check out each the photo journals posted on the right side of the Website, where photos will be uploaded on a weekly basis.

Here are some highlights....

Bea Barmann recieves her Basic PRLS

Jeanne Tunnicliffe joins Twilight Rotary Club

 

 

Photo Journals Sarah Baron 0

Year End Edition

Posted by Dixie King
What a year it has been! (And the it's only half over!) Bakersfield Twilight received its charter, conducted its first big fundraiser ("Moonlight in Paradise") to benefit Goodwill's vocational education program, conducted a number of service projects (including, among others, a Pancake Breakfast for our homeless brethren and a garden
project with the MS Society), and ended the year with a Christmas party at Kern Youth Bridges.
Year End Edition Dixie King 0
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