Meeting called to order by President Meghan Burton at 12:30pm.
Ramon Ware led the pledge of allegiance.
Dan Snyder gave our inspirational message: Dan led us on a journey of how wanting to get into better shape by swimming connected him to one person who inspired him to get involved in community events. Which then led to other opportunities to serve, such as working on a parcel tax, being a trustee for school service, Rotary, providing food service for those with cancer, and many more. Dan was inspired by many people and inspired us to do the same.
Visitors:
- Peter Morris was introduced as a previous Rotarian and new director of The Terraces, Los Gatos.
- Paul Christensen introduced Damir and Ava Herman; Ava designed the logo for the Great Race.
- Dan Synder introduced his daughter Allison, who is home from college.
Our Rotarian in the Wild this week is Marty Fishman, visiting the pyramids in Egypt.
Decorated eggs St. Luke's Pantry: Happy Spring!
Announcements:
- Red Cross Blood Drive was a great success with ~38 donors.
- First Tuesday Happy Hour April 2, 2024 at Chez Phillippe, LG; 5:30 to 7:30
- Rise Against Hunger Community Service Event: Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 9:00-1:30 at Saratoga High School
- Dick Konrad—Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Wine Walk, Saturday April 20, 2024, 1:00-4:00pm STROLL, SIP, SAVOR. Volunteers needed: contact Dick Konrad
- Paul Christensen—Great Race Logo Design winner: out of 87 logos submitted, Ava Herman was the winner and was presented with a check for $100.00. Congratulations to Ava!
- Sign-ups for The Great Race at Vasona Park, April 14, 2024 will be coming soon.
- Mike Norcia—Mark your calendars for the Centennial Celebration at the Mountain Winery, Tuesday May 7, 2024. Cocktails at 6pm, Dinner at 7pm.
- $175 per person.
30 For 30:
Our own resident poet laureate, Jeff Blum read two poems from the heart: the first one was about our Red Cross Blood Drive this past weekend; and the second one was to Lissa and their twelve years of being together.
$30.00 to each one.
Paul Christensen—on the many places he has been, including ski trips to Whistler and Big Sky; and a trip to the Grand Canyon. $50.00 for each.
Blue Badge Bio:
Sergio Michel — born in a little town in Mexico and grew up in a small town in Northern California. He joined the army and got his training at Fort Knox, KY.
After his stint in the Army, Sergio began working at Raytheon where there wasn’t much to do; so, he began to watch cooking shows on TV and ventured into cooking, where he learned he was good at it. A friend of his suggested he should become a chef. At first Sergio thought he didn’t want to get burned in the kitchen and cook over a hot fire…but, after some thought, he enrolled at CCSF, became a chef and interned at the French Laundry. When he applied for a position there, they said no; but, later, asked him to return, working with pastries (that’s hard work), so he did. He worked very long hours, 5am to 8pm.
At a point in his career, Sergio and his girlfriend (now wife Margaret) went to France to study at Le Cordon Bleu. Margaret is also a chef. Back in the states, Sergio worked in the catering business with Fry’s Electronics and a golf course in Morgan Hill; then owned his own catering business in 2017 until COVID shut down his business. Now, Sergio is a Mortgage Loan Officer.
They have 2 children and are teaching them the importance of giving back. They love hiking, fishing, camping and the outdoors. Sergio is also the “Chef” for the French Cooking Class and dinner next month that was part of the Los Gatos Rotary Auction event. Miam! Sergio looks forward to many more opportunities to contribute to the Rotary.
Anjana Bose — Lydia Norcia presented Anjana with her blue badge, welcoming her back to Rotary.
Guest Speaker:
Angie Warren and Debbie Michels from Jewish Family Services SV
JFS has been serving vulnerable individuals and families regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, age, country of origin or ability to pay for 46 years. Their mission is to empower individuals and families facing life’s challenges by providing quality human services inspired by Jewish values.
JFS has 43 employees and serves over 1000+ refugees. They went from a 2 million budget to a 12 million budget. They’re also in a new office with more space and better security.
All refugees are vetted and approved prior to coming to the US to rebuild their lives. Many are from countries such as Afghanistan that helped US troops and are now in danger of losing their lives.
Project NOAH—"no one abandoned here”. Provides case management, emergency food assistance and connection to resources to vulnerable individuals and families in the community facing a crisis or ongoing challenge. The program also provides backpacks in their “equipped to learn Back-to-School Drive”; and provides essential things in their “Embrace-A-Family Holiday Wish Program”.
JFS is looking for volunteers to support their programs and is always in need of toiletries and laundry detergent.
Angie discussed the importance of building a JFS SV center for older adults:
--older adults 85+ are the fastest growing population in the US
--1.3 million older adults live in nursing homes
--$12,000/month for a private room
--Poor coordinated care in Santa Clara County
JFS has been providing care management and support to older adults for 46 years, has expertise in care management and 25 years expertise in caregiver recruitment and retention. They provide many services: case management, food assistance, support groups, friendly visitor volunteers, paid homecare services and occupation therapy. They are the only provider to serve Holocaust survivors. They also have a Kosher food pantry, the only one in the county.
JFS supports a diverse community and will continue to make a positive impact in our community. If you want to partner with JFS, contact Debbie Michels, debbiem@jfssv.org or (408)507-1282.