Pledge: Marty Fishman
Marty led the pledge.
Inspiration: Suzanne Boxer-Gassman
Suzanne read an inspirational poem related to the coronavirus.
Announcements
Great Social Distancing Race: Mike Norcia
Mike announced that given that the Great Race is cancelled, it will now be virtual. Just do a 4 mile run/walk before May 1st and register it on the Great Race website! There is even a dog division and stroller division. Also, Suzanne pointed out that we can even invite friends and family who don't live locally to join in this year's virtual race.
Shelter in Place: Marty Fishman
Marty reviewed our current shelter-in-place requirements and its purpose. He also offered ideas for how to spend our time in this new environment.
Rotary Exchange Students: Tina Orsi-Hartigan
Tina introduced our exchange students, Amos and Andreu, who were on the call with us and will be returning to their home countries due to the coronavirus. Amos will be returning to Taiwan and Andreu to Spain.
Los Gatos Rotary Buddies: Carol Abela
Carol reminded us to be sure to check in with our fellow rotarians to determine whether anyone needs food, medicine, etc. He has a long list on individual rotarians who are willing to help.
Service opportunities include:
- West Valley Services has provided us with their needs. Please go to the organization's website for details.
- We are continuing to supply St. Luke's with food for the soup kitchen. Tina will keep us up to date with what is needed on an ongoing basis.
- Alex Hult is feeding seniors in the community. Go to #feedtheneed for more details.
- Second Harvest is giving away food this week. See their website for volunteer details.
- Rotary district is planning to help Red Cross to identify blood donation venues as blood donations have been significantly impacted with the shelter in place orders.
- House of Hope needs drivers to deliver needed items for those in the community that they service. See Amy Potts if you can help. House of Hope also needs people to bag groceries at their facility. See their website for details on this additional volunteer activity.
Club Meetings: Marty Fishman
- We will continue Zoom club meetings. Over 50 people participated today.
- We will still include speakers in these virtual meetings. Let Greg Smith know if you have speaker ideas.
- Perhaps a rotary book group could be initiated. Let Marty know if you are interested.
- Tina is having a virtual rotary happy hour on Zoom this coming Thursday for all club members.
Philanthropy Progress: Marty Fishman
We will be giving over $200,000 this year in grants.
Polio Plus: Marty Fishman
- Polio Plus is shifting efforts to needs related to coronavirus.
- Avis LaGrone and Dan Snyder will be soliciting donations soon for this effort.
Other: Marty Fishman
- Marty described how other clubs are managing in the new environment.
- Marty also showed an 8 minute video on the coronavirus. He also shared a slide from Yale summarizing appropriate coronavirus policies and practices. Click here to see the video
- Julian Rodriguez suggested that we give some funding to those who serve our meals and others who work at the lodge (perhaps the funds that we otherwise contribute for our individual lunches). Michelle Myers-Nelson will spearhead this effort.
- Doug Brent remains happy to help anyone still having issues with Zoom.
- Henry Vitkovich is doing well post-hip surgery.
Adjournment
-The meeting was adjourned at 1:40pm.