Doug Brent began the meeting at 12:30
Pledge: Andrew Howard
Recited the Four Way Test
Inspiration: Ramon Ware apologized for missing his turn at inspiration last month. He hilariously told us that to confuse the months of August and February takes a lot of dedication, distraction and denial. He went on to say to make the most of every opportunity we have, and do not let anything stop us from pursuing our passion. We move forward as a club, not just with the intention to lead, but also with hearts to forgive, learn, and inspire.
Guests: Goutam Mehta and Santosh Mehta visitors and Rotarians from India. Derrick Du, a prospective member. Dan Spalding introduced Bob Gloye, who is a Rotarian with the Almaden-Willow Glen Club.
St. Luke’s eggs were fantastic again. The theme was Play Ball!
2023-2024: Our Club received a citation for the great work we did during this year to help create hope in the world. Thank you to Meghan Burton for her leadership!
Thank you letters were received from the Grateful Garment Organization and Skyland Church for our donations to their programs.
.
RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards: Jeffrey Barnett spoke about our RYLA 5 day program in the Santa Cruz Mountains where high school students learn about ethics, conflict resolution, self-esteem and other leadership skills. We usually send 2 students from Los Gatos High School and 2 from Leigh High School. This year we were able to send one extra student. Jeffrey shared slides from 2 students about their favorite parts of the week.
Greg Gentile: Recapped the July Rotary Board meeting. 13 Rotary goals were discussed including social activities, service opportunities, membership, youth activities, media presence, etc. 2024-2025 operating budget was discussed and approved. There were committee reports in each area; all things are running smoothly. After the meeting the Charities Board met and approved this year’s budget.
Announcements: Tina Orsi-Hartigan spoke about the BBQ next Tuesday, August 27 at 5pm in Oak Meadow Park. Please RSVP if you have not already. Tina still needs people to help with set up and clean up. No regular meeting that day.
There is a new approach for collecting community service project ideas. Doug will send the link in his weekly letter.
September 3 is our First Tuesday at Marie Rector’s House, from 5:30-7:30pm. Her address is 236 Harding Ave. LG. Please bring an appetizer to share, desserts will be provided by the committee.
Rotary Recognition: Randy Cobb recognized Eric Eberle for his contributions to our Club, especially his organization of the Steve Mariucci Bocce Ball tournament for charity.
Our Rotary Family Pictures: Ane Troger and Fabio Giannetti’s picture will be shared at the next meeting.
30 for 30:
Jenny Athena Wong for her book and participation in a seminar last week.
Patti van der Burg for sharing about her fundraiser for Peninsula Food Runners.
Jeff Blum donated $50 in gratitude for his daughter’s new boyfriend.
Nicholas Welzenbach who bought $500 worth of raffle tickets at a Cancer Care Point Fundraiser and his wife won a pair of earrings worth $5000.
John Pencer for his dermatology appointment.
Guest Speaker: Dan Rusanowsky
Lissa Kreisler introduced Dan Rusanowsky, the Sharks announcer since 1991. Dan went to St. Lawrence University and got his MBA at Clarkson.
He is an Eagle Scout, loves baseball and auto racing and obviously Hockey.
In 2013 was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in the sports category.
2015 won the Boy Scouts Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.
2023 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and is the 1st person with the Shark’s organization to be in the Hall of Fame.
Dan became interested in announcing when his uncle took him to a hockey game at Madison Square Garden when he was 10. From that point forward he knew this would be his career path. He never played hockey until he was 16 but always wanted to announce.
He chose St. Lawrence University in New York because they had a division 1-hockey team and a radio station, as well as a well-rounded place to receive an education. When he was on campus for his tour he went into the radio station booth and told the announcer
that he wanted to work there. He started broadcasting with his first on air interview when he was a new student and began traveling with the team and announcing after that experience.
Dan was broadcasting every game by the end of his college career. After graduation he got a job in New Haven, Connecticut with their hockey team and then came to join the Sharks organization in 1991 and has been with them ever since.
He talked about the letters he has received from fans and especially one from a prisoner in San Quentin on death row. Taught him to always respond nicely to fans!
He talked about the amazing years with the Sharks. The first year at SAP Center was the best year for the Sharks. 1998-2019 the Sharks missed the playoffs only twice.
Since 2019 they have had their struggles and have spent time rebuilding the team. The Sharks will have 10-12 new players this year.
This year they are very excited about building a new team with two new core players, and looking forward to a great season.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:30pm.