Meeting Recap July 5, 2011

Posted by Anita Grossman

President Anita called her first meeting of the best club ever to order at 12:30 p.m.

Barry led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an inspirational reading by Hal about freedom and the men and women in military service.

We joined Phil for a patriotic song (can’t remember title – Chuck, do you know?)

Tom thanked the kick-out committee for their Emmy-worthy performances in “Sandy’s Kick-Out” and cited Alan fabulous direction, as well as Bruce’s convincing portrayal of “Sandi” on McDonough Airlines.

The Club said a fond farewell and good luck to Phoebe whose work is taking her to San Francisco.

President Anita made the following announcements:

· The Club has agreed to pledge $5,000 toward the renovation and improvements at RotaCare, with individual members donating $130 directly or participating in a fun football pool. More details to follow!

· District Governor Arley Marley will convene the first District Cabinet on Wednesday, July 6 at the Doubletree in San Jose. The meeting will feature one of the youth programs that our club sponsors – Fresh Lifelines for Youth. All red badgers are encouraged to attend. The meeting will feature one of the youth programs that our club sponsors – Fresh Lifelines for Youth. The meeting will be held at the San Jose Doubletree; the cost is $30 for food and parking and $5 if you prefer not to eat.

· 2010-11 District Governor Roger Hassler will be “roasted” at the Annual Roast and Toast BBQ at Saratoga Springs on Thursday, July 14.

· Let the fellowship begin! Secretary Chuck is getting tickets for the San Jose Giants game on July 30^.^{BBQ & game ticket is $25 for adults, $15 for kids under 14..}

· We are looking for volunteers to help with the weekly bulletin, serve on the Membership Committee and be the liaison with Jack Kelly of the Los Altos Club for the Speech Contest.

· To keep us out of the red, the cost for lunch will go up to $20 in August.

Finemaster: Bruce has graciously agreed to reprise his “fine” performance at the kick-out by serving as our Finemaster this year. President Anita fined herself $20 for asking Bruce to take this on and $20 for his agreeing to do it! Bill was fined $20 for his recent travel adventures, Ken, Tom and Alan joined the Presidents Club. Special congrats to Ken on his new grandbaby!

A New Rotary Year – President Anita asked former club presidents for advice, counsel and lessons learned during their year as president. Responses ranged from “It’s a lot of work, but worth it!” and “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes” to “Relax and have fun.” Thank you all!

The 2011-12 Board were introduced and given a very cool pin with this year’s Rotary International theme, “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.” Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee’s inspirational letter to all Rotarian’s is featured on page 1 of the July issue, The Rotarian.

Some of the Board’s goals and plans for the year include:

1) Growing our membership from 38 to 45

2) Refreshing our membership orientation packet and creating a new recruitment brochure with lots of photos

3) Continuing to get the word out about the great work that our Club is doing

4) Jazzing up our speaker series by offering a monthly “menu” that includes an external speaker, a Rotary program or project, a talk by one of our own, and a purely social evening meeting

5) Achieving 100% participation in the Rotary Foundation and reaching our $6,000 goal

6) Continuing our partnership with the Los Altos Club in support of the International Children’s AIDS Prevention Project

7) Strengthening our partnerships with our community service grant recipients through additional volunteer opportunities

8) Having fun, fellowship, and more fun and fellowship!

Next Week: Our speaker is Shari Bookstaff who wrote “When Life Throws You Lemons, Make Cranberry Juice.”

Heather will be our greeter and have the Thought for the Day.

Any volunteers for writing up the July bulletins?