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
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.
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.
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.
2026 Philanthropy
Mike announced the 2026 Philanthropy deadline is coming up Feb 28. Doug Brent will send an email soon with a link to the e-form application, and instructions on how to attach supporting info. New members encouraged to also submit requests for their favorite charity after reading guidelines on the form.
Once submitted, they will be placed in one of three buckets: International, Local Grants, and Local Service Projects. In March these three committees will discuss and decide on amounts. These meetings are open to every member and are usually held via Zoom. Checks are typically distributed by end of April.
Social Event
The Feb 3 social is at Gali Vineyards tasting room downtown from 5:30–7:30.
The Feb 3 social is at Gali Vineyards tasting room downtown from 5:30–7:30.
Member Spotlight #1
Gae La Torre, a member for 18 years, is a retired special needs teacher and currently leads our First Tuesday socials. When choosing a service club, she popped into a Rotary Lodge meeting and loved that this was the group that gave her students a fun fall day of train rides and pumpkin carving. She also loved that President Dom, Mike’s dad, told a joke. She was hooked.
She likes that the club allows her flexibility for family time, world travel, dancing, pickleball, and other activities.
Member Spotlight #2
Dan Snyder was spotlighted, and sponsor Tina noted that he has a heart for service. He ran the LGEF campaign when Tina, on the school board, roped him in. He recently stepped up to be Treasurer. He likes that the members are active participants in the broader community. Paul noted that we sometimes appreciate his sailor’s mouth.
30 for 30
Mike announced his son Nick is engaged.
Clair Vickers announced Paul is retiring as Superintendent this summer and honored his immense contributions. Many others wanted to chime in, so a paper was passed and 37 others pledged $30 in Paul’s honor. He received a standing ovation and promptly teared up.
Crab Fest
Crab Fest is Feb 7. At meeting time, only 15 seats remained. The San Jose Fire Fighters Burn Foundation is the recipient of Fund the Need this year. A presentation was given to explain the summer camp that burn victims ages 5–18 can attend. Elaine highlighted some fun auction items and encouraged bidding.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned.
Meeting was adjourned.