“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
Club News


Call to Order

President Paul Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:30. Great flexibility was demonstrated by all as our A/V system wasn’t available, Ryan scrambled to get a sound system from his band, and Paul began by just quieting us down and speaking very loudly.
Pledge of Allegiance
Karen Briones led the pledge of allegiance.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
(Not possible to hear everyone’s names)
Rotarians
  • The President Elect from Saratoga Rotary visited. She invited us to join them at the Saratoga Art Festival this weekend.
  • The President Elect from Campbell also visited. Campbell is a small club; and she is interested in learning more about how our club runs.
  • Nancy from Saratoga Rotary; she is co-chair of the membership committee.
  • Isabel from Saratoga Rotary; she is Red Badge member visiting as part of her Rotary learning journey.
Other Guests
  • Luis from Grande Center El Salvador.
  • Art Rabitz introduced his son Greg Rabbitz.
  • Skip Brewster brought his daughter Susie.
  • John Pencer introduced Chuck, a long time friend and town resident.
  • Dan Snyder introduced Ajay who is visiting our club for the second time.
  • Jeff Blum introduced George who is also on his way to becoming a club member.




Blue Badge Presentation

Suzy Deline Blue Badge Presentation
Without slides, mic, or apologies, Suzy did a great job of giving us headlines about her life. (This performance was a great ad for her consulting business, https://www.digitalartisans.biz)


Call to Order

Club President Paul Johnson opened the meeting.
Visitors
  • Doug Carlen introduced Ken
  • Dan Snyder introduced his friend from his University of Chicago days
  • Mike Norcia introduced Flavio who is in process to become a member of our club
  • Mike Norcia also introduced Chris the Union Middle School orchestra teacher who brought students to play for us today
Inspiration
Jenna Mittelman talked about how the LGUSD has a program that encourages ALL staff to engage in conversations with students and community, the concept of a trusted adult with a badge.

She shared a story of a janitor who knew the kids by name. He noticed a kid having a hard time and went out of his way to help, paying attention and connecting with his specific needs. It’s service above self.
PolioPlus
Rachelle reminded us that April is the time to donate to our Polio Plus campaign. Countless volunteers, health workers, and aid workers are out there on the ground trying to vaccinate children and save lives. They are in often dangerous and hard to reach areas, carrying coolers with life saving vaccines. Let’s help those helpers.


Call to Order

Meeting called to order by President Paul Johnson at 12:30pm.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clare Vickers led the pledge of allegiance.
Inspiration
Elaine Ware recited a poem: Builder or Wrecker? It asks the question of which role the author has played: a builder who works with care, or a wrecker content with the labor of tearing down.
Visitors
  • Louisa Roberts, Rotarian from Cupertino
  • Eleana and Dave Yick, visitors of Ryan Rosenberg



Decor

Decorated eggs St. Lukes Pantry—Busy as a bee!
Thank you, Kathie, and Randy!
Announcements
  • World Immunization Week: In 1985, Rotary decided to completely eradicate polio around the world. Today, we are so close to the finish line; but it takes all of us…together we end polio. Please sign up to donate.
  • Photos from the April social at the Heritage Pub and Chop House.


Pledge

The pledge was led by Judy Rodriguez.
Inspiration
Inspiration was by Jeff Barnett. He outlined many ways of appreciating nature, how the wilderness can heal, and the importance of ecology. He also notes the environment is the most recently added 7th pillar of Rotary’s areas of focus.
Tina noted Paul Johnson was just named Los Gatan of the year by the Chamber of Commerce at their annual gala, and he subsequently got a standing ovation.
Tina announced the Richard King District speech contest for today’s program, thanking Debbie and Mark who chaired it at the district level.

 

May 2026

S
M
T
W
T
F
S
17
18 19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13

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

Upcoming Events
 
 
​ ​
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Centennial Video
Our club is celebrating 100 years of service in our community. Check this out to see what we've been up to!
Weekly Meeting/Speaker Schedule
Barbara and Mark Beck
May 19, 2026
Nestldown
Louis Powell, Executive Director, Santa Maria
May 26, 2026
Food pantry and neighborhood resource
Marty Fishman
Jun 09, 2026
"Seeing Again Guatemala"
Pam Klaus, Executive Director, Cancer CAREpoint
Jun 16, 2026
Challenges of cancer and how Cancer CAREpoint is meeting them
Charles Pasternak, Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Jun 23, 2026
Update on Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Jacob Kuykendall, Native American and Engineer
Aug 11, 2026
From reservation to worldwide engineer
County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga
Aug 18, 2026
Update on Santa Clara county and review of current funding impacts
Professor Bob Sarrafan, SJ State
Sep 08, 2026
Film and video production
Our Service to the Community!
We regularly volunteer with Hunger at Home, assembling and passing out bags of groceries to those in need.
We serve Thanksgiving Lunch at Live Oak Senior Center
 
We packaged 22,000 meals at our most recent Rise Against Hunger event.
 
We feed families burdened by extended hospital stays at JW House on a regular basis
 
We assembled hygiene kits for the Catholic Charities Shower of Hope Mobile Van bringing hot showers to the unhoused population in East San Jose.
 
Each Fall, we stuff back packs full of essential back-to-school supplies for underprivileged kids.
 
We assembled activity kits for isolation patients at El Camino Hospital 
 
 
Choose a Rotary Cause & Donate here