Call to Order
President Paul Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:30 in a chilly, but somewhat warmer Shir Hadash. The pledge of allegiance was led by Jean Marc Blanchard. Everyone was happy to see Paul present and healthy, and welcomed him back with a big round of applause.
President Paul Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:30 in a chilly, but somewhat warmer Shir Hadash. The pledge of allegiance was led by Jean Marc Blanchard. Everyone was happy to see Paul present and healthy, and welcomed him back with a big round of applause.
Guests
There were no visiting Rotarians. John Walker introduced his guest Jim Childers who was visiting the club for a second time, and is considering membership.
Kristina Strand also introduced her son, Liam Strand.
There were no visiting Rotarians. John Walker introduced his guest Jim Childers who was visiting the club for a second time, and is considering membership.
Kristina Strand also introduced her son, Liam Strand.
Inspiration
Ryan Rosenburg shared the inspiration.
Ryan had a super interesting story about John Metcalf, a civil engineer (among many other things) during the Regency era in England, in the mid-18th century. This was the beginning of the industrial revolution with life changing technology innovations like railroads and gas lighting just beginning. John Metcalf, who came from humble origins, focused on building modern roads. He designed and oversaw the construction of more than 180 miles of roads. He was ready for any challenge, all the more amazing because he accomplished all of this even though he was blind. He was in the army, and employed as a guide — yes, a guide. He attributed his success in road building to the attention required to all details, in part because he couldn’t just see them. Ryan urged us to reflect on this as we encounter our own daily challenges.
Ryan Rosenburg shared the inspiration.
Ryan had a super interesting story about John Metcalf, a civil engineer (among many other things) during the Regency era in England, in the mid-18th century. This was the beginning of the industrial revolution with life changing technology innovations like railroads and gas lighting just beginning. John Metcalf, who came from humble origins, focused on building modern roads. He designed and oversaw the construction of more than 180 miles of roads. He was ready for any challenge, all the more amazing because he accomplished all of this even though he was blind. He was in the army, and employed as a guide — yes, a guide. He attributed his success in road building to the attention required to all details, in part because he couldn’t just see them. Ryan urged us to reflect on this as we encounter our own daily challenges.
Thanks
Paul thanked Randy and Kathy for the always beautiful and creative St. Lukes eggs!
Paul thanked Randy and Kathy for the always beautiful and creative St. Lukes eggs!
Red Badge Presentation
Kristina Strand, sponsored by Tom Boyce, received her Red Badge. Tom noted that he originally invited Kristina to join Rotary 15 years ago; sometimes, the seeds we plant need a little time to grow ;-)
Blue Badge Bio
Tammy Janosik, sponsee of Elaine Ware, presented her Blue Badge Bio. Tammy was born and raised in the Bay Area and started work in customer service for tech firms after graduating from San Jose State. In her family of origin and her family today, she has always focused on service. She ran across a volunteer opportunity at RotaCare and began with the glamorous work of alphabetizing medicines, then went on to become an employee of RotaCare. She literally had one of her children there — yes, gave birth at RotaCare.
Tammy previously served as Executive Director of RotaCare Bay Area and moved on from that role about 12 years ago. She currently works at Kaiser Permanente. It was through RotaCare that she got to know Rotary. As soon as family obligations allowed, she joined Rotary, first with Los Gatos Morning Rotary, and now she is getting more active again and is excited to join our club, where she perceives lots of energy and opportunity for service. Tammy loves volunteering and signing up her husband too!
Tammy has two children, one on the way to completing a Masters in Library Sciences and the other a budding opera singer. Tammy also loves sports. Tammy left us with the thought: “The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.”
Tammy Janosik, sponsee of Elaine Ware, presented her Blue Badge Bio. Tammy was born and raised in the Bay Area and started work in customer service for tech firms after graduating from San Jose State. In her family of origin and her family today, she has always focused on service. She ran across a volunteer opportunity at RotaCare and began with the glamorous work of alphabetizing medicines, then went on to become an employee of RotaCare. She literally had one of her children there — yes, gave birth at RotaCare.
Tammy previously served as Executive Director of RotaCare Bay Area and moved on from that role about 12 years ago. She currently works at Kaiser Permanente. It was through RotaCare that she got to know Rotary. As soon as family obligations allowed, she joined Rotary, first with Los Gatos Morning Rotary, and now she is getting more active again and is excited to join our club, where she perceives lots of energy and opportunity for service. Tammy loves volunteering and signing up her husband too!
Tammy has two children, one on the way to completing a Masters in Library Sciences and the other a budding opera singer. Tammy also loves sports. Tammy left us with the thought: “The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.”
Speaker’s Report
Ryan Rosenburg gave a mid-year report on the speakers and gave a shout out to the programs committee. Ratings are slightly above the great result of last year, with a 4.6 out of 5 average speaker rating and a 4.5 rating for presentation skills. While Ryan is happy that we are seeing about a one-third response rate to the weekly speaker survey, he would also love to see that even bigger. Thank you, Ryan!
Ryan Rosenburg gave a mid-year report on the speakers and gave a shout out to the programs committee. Ratings are slightly above the great result of last year, with a 4.6 out of 5 average speaker rating and a 4.5 rating for presentation skills. While Ryan is happy that we are seeing about a one-third response rate to the weekly speaker survey, he would also love to see that even bigger. Thank you, Ryan!
Service Follow-up
We were treated to photos from many recent service opportunities.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Town of Los Gatos holiday program.
It was great to see lots of Rotarians at the Holiday Benefit Concert, which included Karen Briones’ Guatemala video. Karen also mentioned that the Spanish language book drive is moving along, but could always use more. We do not yet know the amount of funds raised from the concert.
Barbara Fishman talked about the San Jose-based Santa Maria food program. Please consider “make a wish donations” to Santa Maria, and please donate clothing as well. Marty Fishman is happy to take these donations at his downtown Los Gatos practice.
The club recognized Marty Fishman for a milestone birthday and enjoyed seeing old and new photos of him. Many people enjoyed the chocolate cake that Barbara brought in celebration.
2026/2027 Officer Nomination
Chair Patti van der Berg took the floor and, before asking for votes on the proposed slate of club officials, gave the floor to Ramon Ware, who declined the President Elect role. While this is bad news for the club, it is great news for Ramon as he has accepted a new career position with Fidelity that he is very excited about. The Nominating Committee will return with nominations for President Elect and Treasurer.
The following positions were presented for final consideration:
Vice President — Ryan Rosenberg
Secretary — Elaine Ware
Assistant Secretary — Karen Briones
Assistant Treasurer #1 — Dan Snyder
Assistant Treasurer #2 — Nathan Pendleton
Sergeant at Arms — Gregg Butterfield
Director #1 — John Walker
Director #2 — Lissa Kreisler
Investments Committee Member — Doug Carlen
Scholarship Committee Member — Marie Rector
Secretary — Elaine Ware
Assistant Secretary — Karen Briones
Assistant Treasurer #1 — Dan Snyder
Assistant Treasurer #2 — Nathan Pendleton
Sergeant at Arms — Gregg Butterfield
Director #1 — John Walker
Director #2 — Lissa Kreisler
Investments Committee Member — Doug Carlen
Scholarship Committee Member — Marie Rector
This slate of club officials was unanimously approved via voice vote by those present.
Crabfest 2026
Michelle Strachan and Elaine Ware spoke about Rotary Crabfest 2026. Tickets go on sale December 24. Nathan Pendleton has agreed to serve as volunteer coordinator. There is lots happening with the auction and the event, with more news coming soon. See you there on February 7, 2026!
Member Spotlight
Nicolette introduced the member being spotlighted, Marlon Smith.
Marlon shared that he applied for Rotary at the same time as a friend. His friend was accepted first, and based on his designation, Marlon had to wait a few years to join. Most meaningful to Marlon in his Rotary participation has been serving as a Discussion Group Leader for the Enterprise Leadership Program many times. He loves working with these motivated young people.
Recognition
Paul recognized Michelle Myers Nelson with a “Power of One” pin and thanked her for her big contribution to the beauty and enjoyment of our club.