We race for charity - Annual Rotary Great Race

We award college scholarships

We mentor youth - Annual Rotary Enterprise Leadership Conference

We crack crab to raise funds for local and international grants - Annual Rotary Crab Fest

We volunteer in our community

We have fun together

We celebrate 100 years of service in the community

“Together, we see a world where people unite & take action to create lasting change -

across the globe, in our communities, & in ourselves.”

Follow & tag us on social media: @losgatosrotary

Saturday, September 26th!
CLICK HERE to register!

Meeting Notes from August 18, 2026

Call to Order

Doug Brent - Designated President since Rachelle couldn’t be there

Flag Salute

Doug Brent

Visiting Guests

Michele Myers Nelson introduced Thuy Luc
Sue Keller brought Babette Ito
Suzanne brought Dan Deguara, who is applying for membership
Doug Carlen brought his wife Karla
Ellen Slosman was a visitor
Eleanor Yick brought her husband David

Inspiration

Jean-Marc Blanchard explained Kendo - The Way of the Sword, and how it was a hobby of today’s speaker

What’s Going On

Last Tuesday social was at Tasting House and photos were shared
Avis talked about National Night out in her neighborhood - Collecting backpacks for children in apts in the Pioneer School neighborhood. In addition to back packs, 12 bikes were given to children, face painting and free dinner for all
Hunger at Home last Monday - Great turn out of Rotarians

Meeting Notes from August 11, 2026

Guests

Nihi and her husband
DG (District Governor) Geeta

Inspiration was by Andrew Howard

Reflecting on 20 years of membership: gratitude for fellowship, mentorship, laughs, service opportunities, and community connections
A worldwide family of like-minded people, met across many different places — but the ideals of Rotary unite everyone regardless of location
Despite busy duties, jobs, and families, members make time to show up
Overall theme: "an ordinary man given extraordinary opportunities" — gratitude for membership and the opportunities it brings

The Great Race

Registrations are still in progress
Coffee cards available to help with registration; donations welcome for those who can't attend or run
A walk version is being offered for those who can't run
Mike and Lisa will send out a volunteer sign-up link

Upcoming Opportunities & Events

Aug 22 — Blood donation at St. Luke's
Aug 25 — Oak Meadow BBQ, 5–8pm
Sep 1 — First Tuesday event at Anjana's house
Sep 16 — Rotary Collaborative Impact Summit or volunteer at Taste of Los Gatos (details via email from Lissa)

Meeting Notes from July 28, 2026

President's Opening
President Rachelle announced that our beloved Tom Boyce lost his wife Carol of many years. Many of us knew her well and all were shocked and saddened. Cards would be appreciated.

Inspiration
John Pencer shared several wise quotes about life.

Guests

Karla Carlen, Doug’s wife, visiting for the second time
Saeed, introduced by Jeff Blum, from London, wants to join
David Dury, third meeting and submitted an application for membership

Upcoming Opportunities

Tuesday, Aug. 4: First Tuesday Social at Tasting House, 368 Village Lane
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Annual Summer Barbecue at Oak Meadow Park, 5:00pm, $55 per person. Sign up for setup or cleanup. See Tina.
Saturday, Sept. 19: Volunteer at our Rotary Booth at Taste of Los Gatos or Rotary Collaborative Impact Summit
West Valley Services Back to School Shopping Event is coming up. See email for details.

A photo was shared from the recent Pacific Clinic backpack event where our club members packed 1000 backpacks.

A photo was shared of the monthly St Luke’s decorated eggs.

Donate Blood
Donate Blood Aug. 22. Save a life.

Great Race
Great Race Sept. 26. Register now. A sheet was passed to make registration or sponsoring as easy as checking a box. Mike announced the big push is to get registrants.

Meeting Notes from July 21, 2026

Inspiration
John Pencer highlighted the importance of not checking your phone and scrolling negative headlines. Instead, take a walk, enjoy nature, and surround yourself with positive people, for example at this Rotary meeting.

Visitors

Ron Cassel introduced his CPA daughter Deb from Tehachapi and his registered nurse granddaughter Kim.
The Fishman's introduced their sister-in-law from San Francisco, Helane Rappaport.
Doug Carlen introduced his wife, Karla Carlen.
Carol Abela introduced his guest and Planning Commissioner Susan Burnett.
Michelle Strachan introduced the new LGUSD Superintendent Dan Deguara, a likely new member.
Avis introduced David Dury for his second meeting, another likely new member.

Social Opportunities

August 4: First Tuesday at Tasting House, 5:30pm
August 6: Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Much Ado About Nothing in the bluff-side outdoor theater. It is Rotary night and there is a discount.
August 25: Oak Meadow BBQ

Service Opportunities
See Lissa’s email for all the details. Many service items are available!

Coming Soon

District Conference and Avenues of Service, September 19
Great Race, September 26. Remember each club member should register at least three runners or walkers.

Lunch Changes

Cindy Gentile is stepping down as Lunch Lady since she has taken on the President-Elect role. She is being replaced by the Terri, Tina, and Marjorie team.
Doug was recruited to explain the new lunch ordering system beginning August 11.
The club will be sent a weekly link to order directly from Specialty’s Café, with all instructions included. Watch for an email.

August 2026

We meet most Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30PM at
Shir Hadash
20 Cherry Blossom Lane
Los Gatos CA 95032

First Tuesday
The home of Anjana and Sabyasachi Bose

Sep. 01, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Rotary of Los Gatos Great Race
Vasona Park

Sep. 26, 2026 8:30 p.m.