Meeting called to order by President Mehan Burton at 12:30
Meghan called on John Pencer to lead the pledge of allegiance.
Doug Brent provided the inspiration today.
Doug noted that the inspiring act we observe - winning a medal or a perfect performance - is the result of all of the work and dedication that went into it. In talking about hard work and commitment, he drew on a web site that supports disabled students at the University of Washington, and how they viewed the extra work they most often have to do to match their able colleagues, and seeing the advantages for them in that hard work. Some closing quotes from the students: “Never give up. Do not pity yourself for the cards you have been dealt. It happened…now move on.” (University of Washington disabled student site available here.)
Introduction of guests
Richard Bobis introduced his guest Michael, who is visiting the club for the second time.
Nicholas Welzenbach introduced his Darling & Fischer colleague, Cary Wilson, who is also visiting the club for the second time.
Recognition and other business
Meghan showed a picture of some pretty happy fishermen, and lots of coho salmon! In the photo were John Colwell, John Pencer and Paul Christensen, among several others.
We also got to applaud Eric Eberle and Wendy, who finished first out of eight teams in a Capitola/Aptos Rotary sponsored pickle ball contest.
The St. Luke’s eggs this week - courtesy of Kathie and Randy as always - were Halloween and fall themed…with a pretty scary crow.
Meghan reminded us that first Tuesday next week is at the Colwell home. (Details will be provided in her weekly email.) Red wine will be served, but please bring any other beverage you like, as well as an appetizer.
Everyone is welcome!
Meghan noted that our club’s Rotary Foundation giving is tracking well but we want to beat our $40K goal. The committee will be contacting people that have not yet donated.
Jean Marc - in his highly amusing Napoleon costume - announced that today is the last day of onsite sales of movie tickets for the fall fundraiser. BUT, you still can use online ordering (available here), or reach out by email to Jean Marc or Tina Orsi-Hartigan for tickets. Seating will be first come first served, and the upstairs seats are going fast! Jean Marc also reminded us that if we eat at Willow Street Pizza on that same day - November 11 - the restaurant will match 20% of what you spend. Jean Marc encouraged us to eat and drink a lot! (The opportunity is good for both dine-in and take-out.)
Meghan recognized Michelle Myers Nelson and her husband who came to Shir Hadash yesterday to do the decorations on each table. And, awarded the decorations of potted plants, squash and mini-pumpkins to attendees. Really fun, and thank you Michelle!
For those present at the meeting, we had an opportunity to augment a Los Gatos High Interact project to write holiday cards to veterans. Mike took all the cards to a veterans group that same day.
Henry talked about the President’s Brunch. Expect a great event! There are 65 people already signed up. Of course, we’d like to see everyone join! Order online here or contact Henry Vitkovich. We will also be collecting toys for toys for tots at this event. The Marines considered this to be a big success last year. If you know you won’t be present at the brunch, you can still donate toys, by bringing them to the club meeting on November 14 or 21.
Jeff Blum talking about a planned Red Cross blood drive. Jeff is trying to get Rotarians involved, and find someone take the lead on working with Red Cross. They haven’t yet settled on a location or date. Greg Gentile said he might be interested in helping, and Meghan will include this item in her weekly email.
Ron Cassel talked about the printed roster project. Due to the way name and title fields were handled in the printing process, titles like “Mr.” or “Dr.” are included in the printed name, if those titles are present in ClubRunner.
Ron also noted that Ed Stahl is in the hospital, and expects to get out today.
Mike Norcia talked about the 100-year celebration, and some of the historical club documents he has collected thus far. He has enjoyed going through the archive. Mike showed a document from July 1964 where the club decided to paint crosswalks in Los Gatos. They had a birthday committee, in 1964 that provided a birthday cake at each meeting where there was a birthday - and spent $10 on the cake (real money then)! And, Mike humorously noted, that on August 11, 1988 Marlin Smith (a financial expert) was fined $50 for saying “I don’t know what the market is doing today.”
30 for 30
Andrew Howard recognized his late uncle who passed away recently.
Jeff Blum, donated $50 as a thank you to the membership committee, who has been participating at a high level and had good ideas about increasing club membership.
Tom Boyce talked about his experience at Rebuilding Together the past Saturday. When Tom got dizzy, Art Rabitz caught Tom as he was falling. Thanks to Art, and Tom is doing well now.
Mike Frangadakis talked about his return from his tour in Viet Nam on October 31 1969. He wanted to surprise his parents by showing up at their house unannounced, so hitchhiked down 101 from the airport. Given the social situation at the time, he had some trepidation as a car stopped for him. What might happen? But the driver was a World War 2 veteran who offered to take him anywhere he wanted to go. Mike is now trying to pay that forward.
$60 from Judy Rodriguez to thank various Rotarians for visiting with her husband Julian. Judy noted that Julian is an outstanding person and was an outstanding LG Rotary president. She thanked Gregg Butterfield, Marlon Smith, Ron Cassel for a recent visit. Ron brought a DVD of Julian’s debunking. There was a prior visit from Gregg, Suzanne Boxer-Gassman and Art Rabitz. Suzanne brought cookies, and Art brought home made cake!
Sue Heller announced that the Fun Time singers will be having their concert in mid-December. Paul and Marie are members of the choir. Talk to Sue about tickets if you are interested.
Avis committed $65 - no $100 - to recognize the 65th year of marriage to David. She also had a beautiful experience with a young woman at In-n-out yesterday; the woman who politely held the door open for Avis and David to take some time to get inside, also on-the-spot gave Avis a $25 gift certificate to buy lunch for David and her.
Program - Los Gatos High School Music Boosters
Ramon introduced our speakers Sasha Shkolnik and Simona Freeman, co-presidents of Los Gatos High School Music Boosters. The music program has more than 12 different classes and 250 involved families at the school.
The co-presidents noted that their own children have participated in music, in activities like marching band, orchestra and more.
Why Music? Why is it important? It really is an integral part of daily life. It brings people together and is good for the soul. Participation in music programs is also linked to higher achievement, and things like higher SAT scores.
The orchestra was selected to go to Carnegie Hall last year. The band leads the Los Gatos Holiday parade. Their choir was qualified as a national honor choir. And, the band qualified to march at Disneyland next week.
The Boosters were founded in 2018 as a parent support organization to provide funding and other support for all of the Los Gatos High School music programs.
Teacher salaries are paid for by the district, and the district also pays for about 5% of their roughly $250,000 expense budget for things like uniforms, transportation, instrument repair, etc. The Wildcat Foundation (an LGHS nonprofit) provides about 20-25% of operating funding, with the rest coming from the Music Boosters. Music Booster funds comes from parent donations, fundraising and grants.
The Boosters thanked us for grant support, as well as making them the cause in our Fall fundraiser.
