Meeting called to order by President Meghan Burton at 12:30pm.
Randy Cobb led the pledge of allegiance.
Jean-Marc Blanchard gave our inspirational message:
A delivery man in China was riding his bike across a bridge when he was stopped by a traffic jam and heard a woman yelling, who had jumped into the river to end her life. He jumped 30 ft, feet first into the river to save the drowning woman; helped her to safety where police arrived and loaded her onto a speedboat. He proceeded to deliver his goods even though he was soaking wet. Later he learned that he had cracked his spine from the impact of the water and had to be hospitalized. He was deemed a hero and awarded as such. An inspirational act of “if you see something, do something”.
Our Rotarian in the Wild this week is Dan Synder enjoying a day at the lake.
Decorated eggs St. Lukes Pantry: Beautiful Thanksgiving theme.
Announcements:
- The Live Oak Thanksgiving Luncheon was well attended with volunteers having to be turned away.
- December 3 is our sold-out President’s Brunch. Harry Vitkovich reminded everyone that we will be collecting new unwrapped toys, ages 3-15 for Toys for Tots at the brunch this Sunday.
- Nominating Committee update: If you are interested in any of the leadership positions, please contact Patti or any other committee members this week.
- Rebuilding Together Video was presented and produced by Suzanne Boxer-Gassman and organized by Kirsten Bridges. Volunteers painted a mobile home in Campbell, partnering with the LG morning rotary. Thanks to everyone who made this a very successful event!
- Club Photo: We will be taking a club photo after the December 12th meeting.
- December 2nd: Los Gatos Holiday Parade begins at 11:00am and we are entry #41. The location will be available this Thursday via e-mail.
- Giving Tuesday: Every Rotarian Every Year. How do I give? Club credit card (Patti) or google form (Dan Synder).
- December 5: First Tuesday Happy Hour/Holiday Party: Devonne and John Penser have graciously opened their home to us for the Christmas holiday. Please bring an appetizer and wine (red wine will be provided) or beverage of your choice. John’s address is 1705 Husted Av. San Jose
Red Badge Bio:
Stefka Bonev was born in Communist Bulgaria where her father was forced to become a member of the Communist party. She grew up with Communist propaganda so never learned about crimes and other truths in her country. Every summer she went to Military training camp.Stefka wanted to become a doctor, it was her dream, but it was not meant to be. If she became a doctor, there was a 10-year commitment to go wherever the government decided you would go in the country. If she became a software engineer, she would be sent to other countries to work; so, with her mother urging her not to become a doctor, Stefka reluctantly gave up her dream and became a software engineer.
Her husband began working for a company in Sunnyvale, so Stefka left everything behind to join him. She worked from home for a semiconductor company so she could take care of her children. She showed a picture of herself on the cover of a European semiconductor magazine and told us her husband noted she was a “covergirl”.
In her free time Stefka enjoys crafts and showed us her beautiful drawings. She also enjoys skiing with family. She joined the rotary to continue to help others and feels very welcomed by all.
Donna Brewster was born in San Jose in the mid-1950s, youngest of four children. She shares a birthday with her oldest sibling with nine years separating the two. She shared that her great-great grandmother was a true “49er” in that she traveled from Illinois to California in 1849 and outlived 4 or 5 husbands. She is buried in San Juan Baustista.Growing up, Donna has many wonderful memories of traveling places like Canada in the family travel trailer. She went to elementary school in San Jose and Los Gatos, Los Gatos High School, and UC Santa Barbara.
Donna had several transformative experiences; one was spending time in a small villa in Mexico in high school and the second was time spent in Sao Paulo Brazil. Language became a big part of her life and pursuit in college. After college her first job was as a claims adjustor for Liberty Mutual, where she met her husband on the first day of training. It was on the 22nd floor of the old world trade center. She stayed home for six years to care for her son and daughter. In 1996 she joined a high-tech sales firm selling batteries to Mexico; then delving into medical devices throughout 18 years to end with Tesla (and yes, she met Elon Musk).
Donna teaches ESL, is a transcendental meditation and yoga practitioner, enjoys walking and spending time with family. She has a positive attitude and outlook on life and wants to continue to provide community service.
Guest Speaker:
Skip Brewster presenting the Peace Corps Over Age 50 Program
After 41 years in insurance, having good health and a supportive family, Skip embarked on an unexpected journey.
In 2011, there were 18,000 applications for 4,000 positions.
At 63 years old, Skip filled out an application to join the Peace Corps on a lark, with little expectation of receiving an invitation to serve. He was surprised when the Peace Corps called and said: “What about Armenia?” He said yes and went to a map wondering “where is Armenia”? After his acceptance, his wife had to sign a waiver indicating he wasn’t running away from home.
- President Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961.
- 240,000 people have served in the Peace Corps in 142 countries.
- 45% have served in Africa. Host countries must invite the Peace Corps to serve.
- More women (63%) than men have served of all Peace Corps volunteers, past and present.
- 2007—the over “50” program was initiated.
- 301 Peace Corps volunteers have died while serving with motor vehicle accidents being the number 1 cause of death.
First six months of service:
- Three-day orientation in Philadelphia.
- 90-day language and culture training while living in a small Armenian village with a host family.
- Sworn into service by the U.S. Ambassador after three months.
- Assigned to work in the mayor’s office in Jermuk.
- Lived with second host family for four months.
- Peace corps required submission of detailed monthly reports on contacts, plans, and goals.
- Strict security rules enforced. No travel outside of village was allowed.
- Lived on $300/month stipend for housing, food, phone and transportation.
- “Go bag” was always packed and ready.
- At the time, there was ongoing war with Turkey including snipers at the borders. Skip’s first assignment was in a mountain town called Jermuk and his last in a town named Noyemberyan.
Peace Corps Mission:
- To help countries interested in meeting their need for trained people.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans via the people served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other people and cultures via the Americans who serve.
No lunch meeting next week. First Tuesday at the Pencer’s.