President Rachel called the meeting to order at 12:30.
Pledge
With all of us getting off to a bit of a rough start, Charlie Goss successfully led the pledge of allegiance.Inspiration — Suzanne Boxer Gassman
Suzanne’s inspiration focused on the idea of planting seeds: we can dare to grow, or hold back because we’re afraid of what that growth might bring.Visitors
- Visiting Rotarians included Dave from Willow Glen Rotary and Kent from the Almaden Valley club.
- Other guests included Martha’s son and Rob, a third-generation Los Gatan introduced by Ron Cassel.
Club Activities
Rachel reviewed a number of recent club activities, including the Club BBQ, First Tuesday at Anjana’s house, the Bike Rodeo and our Blood Drive, which had a great turnout.The third Supper Club was held last week with a full house of 18 people. More than 40 people have now participated in the first three dinners. Good food and fun — which seems to be exactly what Supper Club was intended to produce.
There is plenty more coming up, including another Bike Rodeo, Community and Culture Nights, the Rotary Collaborative Impact Summit, Rise Against Hunger, and a First Tuesday social at Enoteca. Please see the communications both from Rachelle and Lissa for dates, details and sign-up information.
District Summit and Leadership Opportunities
The upcoming District Summit will include hands-on activities, service projects actually performed at the meeting, networking opportunities and speakers. Attendees are also encouraged to bring unused prescription eyeglasses which will be donated.District Governor nominations are now open. There will also be a September 12 meeting to review the various District leadership opportunities, with more information to come from Rachelle.
The Great Race
Mike reviewed the status of the Great Race and asked every Rotarian to reach out to friends and family with the goal of bringing three new attendees. So, everyone: find three people!Recognition
Randy Cobb, our 2025–26 Rotarian of the Year, finally received his ROY jacket — ordered in May and delivered this week.The final recognition from the 2025–26 year went to Jenna Middleton. Despite her relatively short time in the club, Jenna has already made significant contributions, including serving for two years as Co-Chair of the Great Race.
Our club was also recognized by Rotary International as an outstanding club for meeting all of our stated goals. Paul received a virtual certificate. ;-)
Rachelle reminded us that September 8 is International Literacy Day. Literacy is one of the seven areas of focus supported by Rotary Foundation giving, and our annual Foundation giving season will begin in about a month.
30-for-30
- Jeff Blum thanked everyone who participated in our recent Blood Drive, and specifically recognized Martha Sterne, Dick Konrad and Doug Brent.
- Marty Fishman reported that he went to see Ryan and Ryan perform at the Coffee Roasters, and donated $100 to the Charities Foundation from himself and Barbara.
- With the anniversary of 9/11 approaching, Randy recalled how Los Gatos chose to play a football game following the attacks as a way of bringing the community together.
- Andrew Howard noted that Clovis will be coming to Los Gatos for a home football game on September 11, providing another opportunity to commemorate 9/11 as a community.