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

Meeting Notes from February 24, 2026

Call to Order
Paul Johnson opened the meeting at 12:30.

Pledge
Judy Rodriguez led us in the flag salute.

Guests
Flavio Diaz, potential new member, just moved here
Meredith Ahearn, visiting Rotarian from New Zealand
Jack Chevrin, former member, and Ellen Slosman

Inspiration
In honor of Presidents Day, Judy Rodriguez talked about Rotarian Jimmy Carter and how he embodied Rotary values for peace, humanitarian work, compassion, and community.

Service Projects

St. Luke’s
Did you know the eggs for the homeless decorated by Randy Cobb and Kathie Benko every week come from their own chickens? Paul Johnson showed a photo of their chicken coop.

Grateful Garment
Lissa Kreisler talked about the one we did last week filling backpacks and how meaningful it is to serve those who have experienced sexual violence. The next opportunity to help is March 14.

JW House
They served a meal last week. We go almost every month. March 31 is the next one.

Meeting Notes from February 17, 2026

Call to Order
Vice President Terri Trotter opened the meeting at 12:30, filling in for Paul Johnson while he is away.

Pledge
Jeff Blum gave the flag salute.

Visitors

Laura, friend of Suzy Deline
Denise, friend of Sue Heller
Eleanor, Dave, and George, friends of Jeff Blum
Loretta from investinmentalhealth.org
Julie, friend of Dan Snyder
Chad, former member

Inspiration
For inspiration, Dan Snyder shared a letter he wrote to a local Los Gatos teacher who was an example to him in service, dedication, and volunteerism.

Blue Badge Bio
Paula Barsamian gave her Blue Badge Bio.

Paula grew up in Southern California, went to Cal Poly, and then the University of San Diego to become a paralegal. She moved to San Francisco to work for a law firm, segued to Yahoo, and then spent most of her career at eBay. She retired last June and has focused on cooking, gardening, and traveling. She wants to be more connected to people and community and looks forward to being part of Rotary. Welcome Paula!

Meeting Notes from February 10, 2026

Call to Order
Paul Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:30pm.

Pledge
Skip Brewster led the pledge.

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

David Freed
Teresa Fiskus
Eric Dunstan
Brad Stahl

Decor
Beautifully decorated Valentine and Olympic eggs by Kathie and Randy for St. Luke’s! Thank you, Kathie.

Inspiration
Judy Rodriguez read a Valentine story called Love in a Salsa Jar about the importance of shared memories.

Club Activities
Pictures were shown of the First Tuesday event at Galli Tasting House.

Donation
Brad Stahl, Ed Stahl’s son, was at the meeting and on behalf of his whole family donated $10,000 to our club that Ed Stahl had bequeathed. He thanked the club for being such an important part of Ed’s life, and Paul thanked him for the generous donation and acknowledged what a valuable member Ed was in our Club.

Meeting Notes from January 27, 2026

Call to Order
Meeting was called to order by President Paul at 12:30.

Pledge
Pledge was led by Dick Konrad, LG Citizen of the month. The LG unhoused brunch we sponsor weekly had eggs decorated in a football theme, and photos wee shared.

Guests
Ricky Bonin, a CPA and friend of Andrew Howard
Julie Klingel, second visit, friend of Suzanne
Mark Scianna, application soon, friend of Brad Strand

Inspiration
Inspiration by Anjana was the story of the polio vaccine, developed by Jonas Salk at University of Pittsburg in 1955. The successful trial was celebrated by the world. He denied patenting it so it could be quickly available to all. Rotary has a goal of eradicating polio.

Service Reminders
Paul reminded all to check Lissa and Jeff’s emails or his weekly recap regarding service opportunities for Hunger at Home, JW House, and Rise Against Hunger. Jeff announced the blood drive is coming 3/21.

El Salvador Service Trip
Mike Norcia announced there is a service trip to El Salvador March 3-9, to tour El Grande Center which we support. See his email for details.