The meeting was called to order by President Meghan Burton.
The pledge was led by Michelle Myers Nelson.
Inspiration by Doug Brent. This week Doug talked about what makes us want to be altruistic? In his book, The Theory of Moral Sentiment, Adam Smith proposes that the way humans relate socially is a better guide than reason to understanding how morals develop. He considers how justice, altruism, and charity are social values. Doug ended with a quote from Smith, “Man desires not just to be loved but to be lovely.”
Visiting Rotarians:
- Imgard Lafrentz from Cupertino Rotary.
Visitors:
- Nava Fathi introduced two guests: Bliss Zin and Scott Morgan.
- Erika Buck introduced Robin O’Hern.
- Richard Bobis introduced Michael Butcher.
Rotarian in the Wild:
Henry Vitkovich looking like he had a great time in beautiful Norway.
Announcements:
- There was concern about the pass-the-hat we did for the movie Fentanyl High. Meghan briefly addressed these concerns: Because I heard some concerns about the pass-the-hat we did for the fentanyl film two weeks ago, I wanted to provide some clarification. We are fully aware of the Club's policy to request our speakers to not ask for donations and that we have a champion form procedure in place. This was not a decision the Board made on a whim. We put a lot of thought and consideration into it. And, because this was a time sensitive issue and an important service to our community we decided to move forward with the pass-the-hat process. Thank you to everyone that donated. We raised over $2500 for this very important project. We are still accepting donations in support of the film Fentanyl High. Please contact Patti van der Burg, (408) 348-1497, if you would like to donate.
- Jean Marc Blanchard and Tina Orsi-Hartigan reminded us about our Fall Fundraiser on November 11. We will be screening The Marvels at the Los Gatos Theater at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available at losgatosrotary.ticketleap.com/2023-los-gatos-rotary-movie-night, at our meeting on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 or by contacting Jean Marc or Tina. New this year, after the movie (or even if you aren’t able to join us) if you bring the flyer to Willow Street Los Gatos 20% of your food purchase will go to our fundraiser. All funds will benefit Los Gatos Music Boosters. This is good for lunch or dinner, dine in or takeout (delivery does not qualify).
- Marty Fishman updated us on The Rotary Foundation drive. So far, we have raised $30,000 from 57 members. We’d like to beat last year’s total of $38,000. Marty shared a video about Rotary’s promise to eradicate polio. End Polio Now is just one of the projects funded by TRF. Please donate if you can. No amount is too small.
- We had the faculty advisor and four students from Reality Check at LGHS. Reality Check is one of the projects we support through our grant process. We were thanked for our continued support and each of the student staff members read comments from LGHS students about what Reality Check means to them.
Red Badge Bios:
- Paul Brennan was born in Rhode Island but moved around growing up since his dad was in the Navy. He was raised in North Monterey County and Concord. His first job was being a swim instructor in Monterey County and he discovered he really enjoyed teaching and sharing the skills he had. He continued teaching swimming when he moved to Concord. He still loves the water and Monterey County, surfing near Moss Landing is his happy place. Paul attended SFSU and got his teaching credential there. Paul and his wife, Jeanette, have two children. He has been at Fisher ten years and is currently the assistant principal. He looks forward to working with Rotary to help others. Welcome Paul. Paul Johnson presented him with his Blue Badge.
- Martha Sterne is originally from Canada. She attended high school in Connecticut and decided then that she would like to return to the U.S. someday. She attended university and got both her undergraduate and Master’s degree in Canada. After doing an immersion language program in France she got a job at IBM in Sweden. While in Sweden she became very involved with The Stockholm Players appearing in many productions. In 1997 IBM closed their business there and she returned to the U.S. with her future husband. Martha has three children. Her mother is still in Canada and she visits her frequently. Among Martha’s current interests are long distance running. She coaches 50+ year old people who would like to begin running. She has done a few marathons and now has a goal of doing one in each state. She is also on the Vestry at St. Luke’s. Martha has lots of family members who are Rotarians, but she is the first woman in her family to join a club. She thinks Rotarians are the friendliest people. So glad you joined us, Martha. Terri Trotter presented her with her Blue Badge.
Presentation:
Our speaker today was Supervisor Joe Simitian, introduced by Mike Norcia. Mike made a point to thank Mr. Simitian for his help with the Great Race.
Supervisor Simitian has held many elected positions including California State Assembly and State Senate prior to being elected to the County Board of Supervisors.
We were all enthralled by his story of trying to help Rick Walker, a man who was wrongly convicted of murder and held for 12 years. Mr. Walker was entitled to compensation for his wrongful incarceration. The story illustrated how difficult things can be when we are so divided and we use the division to make decisions. We could sense his frustration, and his relief when the bill he sponsored was passed to allow Mr. Walker to be compensated in 2003, rather than having to wait another year. Here’s what then Assembly Member Simitian learned from that experience:
- Give hope, appeal to the better angels of people’s nature.
- It’s hard to work with people if you talk trash about them all the time. Bite your tongue.
- Elected officials respond to what they are rewarded for. Reward people for doing the right thing when they are called upon to do it. If you reward people for good behavior, you’ll see more of it.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, although people stayed after to ask the Supervisor questions.