On the last Thursday of summer 2026, Los Altos Rotarians joined together inside the Garden House at Shoup Park, and online, for another purposeful meeting of the Los Altos Rotary Club.
CALL TO ORDER
President FRANK ELMER captured the attention of the crowd by ringing the
meeting to order at 12:15 pm and then immediately called upon JEANNINE ANTYPAS to lead the gathered group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
TODAY’S WORDS OF THANKS FROM PRESIDENT FRANK
President FRANK then thanked those who helped make the meeting a success, including:
Greeters: JEANNINE ANTYPAS, TAMI MULCAHY, and STEVE POMEROY
Thought of the Day: MANDY BACH
Cookie Monster: JANET and PP SAM HARDING
Recognition: JEANINE VALADEZ
Sergeants at Arms: MARY JO LOMAX and ERIC WALUKIEWICZ
Rotator Writer: PP HARRY PRICE
Photographer: JOHN HAMMERSCHMIDT
Publisher: ANNIE JU
Editor: PP CYNTHIA LUEDTKE
Today’s Tech Team: LEE CODDING and MIKE KERR
WEBSITE and SITE: All of this is while the website continues to be managed by STEVE POMEROY and DAVID GREEN.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
President FRANK then called upon MANDY BACH, who (prior to having a cable delivered to the podium so that she could move in for her repeated announcements of the day) shared a quote from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama:
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
MEMBERS ON ZOOM:
President FRANK then welcomed those members joining on Zoom, who were:
ANNE KEARNS;
PP CYNTHIA LUEDTKE;
LAURA FAY; and
LYNN WILSON ROBERTS
VISITORS
President FRANK then tapped LONNIE GARY to ask if there were any
visiting Rotarians, who handled the assignment with aplomb, as there were none.
With even greater self-confidence, LONNIE GARY then called out for Rotarians with guests and heard from:
MARY JO LOMAX, who introduced Anu Thurbager as a guest of the club, and this was her first visit;
LIZ NYBERG, who introduced friends Toby Emerson, a retired scientist, as a guest of the club, and this was her first visit;
KRIS OLSON, who introduced David Paul, a guest of the club for the first time and an individual running as a candidate for the LASD school board;
PP WYATT ALLEN introduced his wife, Alisanne Allen;
PP CHUCK LINDAUER introduced his wife, Ilona Lindauer; and
BENNY LOEBNER introduced Lori Tannen as a guest of the club, whose children played AYSO with BENNY’S children.
Lastly, LONNIE GARY reminded everyone of next week’s guest speaker, Dr. Rick Lanman, who will take us on a walk down memory lane when speaking about how “Once Upon a Time Los Altans Fly Fished Adobe Creek.” I’ll be there, as I’m already hooked!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President-Elect JOE EYRE explained how our Club has received an 
embarrassment of riches. First, he provided information about the Los Altos Rotary Endowment Fund (LAREF) “Impact Fund,” what it is, why we have it, and historic amounts that have been raised in the past. Then, PE JOE EYRE explained the importance of Legacy Gifts by individuals who remember to name LAREF as a planned legacy in their wills and estate planning documents.
But the stunner was the announcement of a significant bequest provided by the estate of PP DICK HENNING: over 1,000 shares of Apple stock (that fruit company in California, as was explained by Forrest Gump in his autobiographical movie), resulting in a donation of over $336,000.00. That proved to be a launching pad for PE JOE EYRE to provide not only some historical background on PP DICK HENNING’s role with the Club, but also how that generous gift will support more local and global programs and projects.
Then PE JOE EYRE gave a shameless plug for how, learning from the example of PP DICK HENNING, each of the members (read: YOU) can become a Legacy Member supporting the Impact Fund. PE JOE EYRE closed by identifying and thanking each of the members of the Club who are already Legacy Members supporting the Impact Fund.
NATALIE ULLMAN then talked about upcoming Fellowship and social events in the 2026-27 Rotary year. Those include:
Holiday Party to take place on Dec. 5, 2026 at Fremont Hills Country Club with a reduced rate compared to past years;
Progressive Dinners to be unveiled in the Spring of 2027;
Annual Lunar New Year Dinner on February 6, 2027 at Chef Chu’s;
Dine Arounds – the popular, recently introduced small gathering dinners;
And the beloved Wine and Cheese socials.
Speaking of Wine and Cheese Socials, MANDY BACH then retook the spotlight and tightened her grip on the microphone to invite everyone to her home. She showed everyone a detailed map and walked us through how to make the convoluted drive to her home in order to attend the Wine & Cheese at her home on Friday, September 25th. Remember, she lives at 12121 Foothill Lane, and whatever you do, don’t leave Elena Road until you hit Foothill Lane; and don’t go down La Barranca Road to park, because if you park there, the walk is all uphill from there! Also, don’t get fooled by the neighbor’s address…for reasons that are not suitable to print. By the time you get there, you’ll be ready for a drink!
LEE CODDING then conducted a spot survey – taking the spot at the podium (or should I say lectern?). Acting like Dr. AARON NEUFELD’S pupil (pun intended), LEE CODDING boldly conducted an eye test using that fun game “Can you read me now?” to test the optimum font size for future in-room PowerPoint presentations. The survey results favored a minimum of 48-point font. LEE CODDING thanked everyone, explaining that he “got the point”.
MANDY BACH then commandeered the stage in order to promote the “Networking Night at the Museum” at the Los Altos History Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 23rd from 5-7 p.m. This is our annual “co-sponsored” event with the Kiwanis Club, Los Altos Village Association, and the Los Altos History Museum. Please contact MANDY if you are able to help that day. It’ll be a scene, so be sure to attend and be seen! Please register online so plans can be made for food and drink, at:
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4000/Events/networking-night-at-the-museum
JACK HIGGINS announced that there will not be a CHAP meeting today.
Speaking of Dine Around Socials, President FRANK then reminded everyone that the next one is set for Sept. 29th at Urfa Bistro, thanks to hosts ELLY WYATT and MADELEINE FACKLER, and that everyone should set their speed-dial outgoing emails for Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. in order to sign up in time... seats sell out fast!
President FRANK then reminded the multitudes of an upcoming jointly sponsored event in Palo Alto, featuring former Ambassador Michael McFaul, who has previously spoken to our Club. At Mitchell Park on Sept. 28th, from Noon to 1:30 pm., his presentation is jointly sponsored with the Rotary Club of Palo Alto. Registration in advance is required, and seating is limited – so, act today!
President FRANK reminded all present of two upcoming meetings for those wishing to attend: a World Community Service committee meeting via Zoom on September 22; and a Satellite member meeting, to be held on September 23, 6-8 pm.
RECOGNITION:
JEANINE VALADEZ was then called upon to run recognition…supported by her duck bucket assistant, PP MARY PROCHNOW. Before turning to her planned theme, she asked for volunteers, of which there were seven.
SUSIE MIELKE honoring GAEANN SPENCE, for securing a second Starbucks Neighborhood Grant of $1,000 to benefit student veterans at Foothill College. She explained that since GAEANN and the Main Street Starbucks started working together 3 years ago, they've donated in kind more than $8,000 worth of merchandise to veterans at Foothill College;
SUSIE went on to commend the great work of RON LABETICH and the Veteran’s Resource Committee in raising funds for vets, raising gifts from foundations, and we’re now at $75,000.00 in grants this year. In honor of both GAEANN and the committee, consisting of 20 members, she agreed to donate $200, or $10 apiece, to thank the members of the committee for spreading the wealth. By definition, she has now joined the President’s Club!
KRIS OLSON thanked those who attended the Live Well, Age Well Health Expo yesterday, and encouraged everyone to attend the Club 55 social event the following Friday night. For that, she donated a healthy $20.00.
MARLENE COWAN, International Education, reminded everyone that she is the archivist, and that the storage of historic information for our Club is maintained in the LAMVCF building. She invited anyone seeking a view to let her know, but also asked for some help lugging heavy boxes there after the meeting. For that, she donated $20.00.
ALEX GLEW proudly exclaimed that he is the proud owner of a new golden retriever puppy from a kennel in Tennessee, and that the dog is already a ribbon winner. The competition in Washington state was highlighted by the dog winning all three consecutive days, and for that, he donated $20.00.
JACK HIGGINS announced that he will be leaving for five weeks, going to Kenya and Rwanda for his Global Telehealth Network, visiting governors in six counties. He thanked those who support his organization’s efforts in making a difference, and donated $20.00.
TAMI MULCAHY invited everyone to her home on Oct. 3rd for a concert in the backyard. And she gave a shout-out to Laura Fay for helping convince the local municipal Parks, Arts, Rec and Cultural (PARC) commission to insist, when upgrading playground facilities, on using engineered wood fibers instead of rubber at the playgrounds at Grant Park and Shoup Park, and to demonstrate her gratitude, she donated $20.00.
MARY ANN PETERS explained that, after working for a year with the University of California, she has set up an endowed chair for canine cancer research in her mother’s name, and for that she fed $20.00 into the collection bowl.
JEANINE VALADEZ, having exhausted the line of volunteers, then turned to her theme for questions about individuals who never appear to get exhausted, asking: Are you familiar with the Bay Area Women’s Sport world? She then proceeded to call upon:
MANDY BACH, who needed an assist to answer “What is the name of the Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team? Both MANDY and the club learned that it is Bay FC, which was a $20.00 exercise;
JEANINE ANTYPAS was asked to name a Bay Area women’s professional basketball team, and quickly responded – the Valkyries. For that correct answer, she was penalized $20.00.
BERNADINE FONG was challenged to name the Bay Area Women’s baseball team. After fouling out, she learned that it is the SF Firebells, an error that cost her $30.00.
LONNIE GARY was on the receiving end of the question: Can you name a Bay Area women’s professional tackle football team? After a missed attempt, he learned the identity of the Golden State Storm, who play in Oakland, which set him back $30.00.
TODAY’S FEATURED SPEAKER
KAREN DRUKER was called to the podium to introduce our featured speaker for the day, Barbara St. Clair. Ms. St. CLAIR addressed the topic: “Mental Health for All.”
Barbara began by explaining just how prevalent the issue is – with one in five people suffering from some type of emotional illness. The numbers in Santa Clara County are astounding, especially when considering that it typically takes eleven years from onset to receiving 
care.
Based upon her many years of working with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., in Santa Clara County, Ms. St. CLAIR shared tips and insights on how to assist individuals coping with the disease. One large hurdle, of course, is the stigma associated with the disease. In a “good news/bad news” story, she explained that Foothill College is launching a therapeutic school for Bay Area teens, saying, “That's how bad it is out there.”
In order to combat the stigma issues, her organization promotes research, provides education, and outreach within the community. She gave a number of examples of how to combat stigma and speak with those in need. Her objective: We want mental and physical health, and the response to any kind of distress, to be addressed equally. For example, people talk openly about being afflicted with cancer, a physical ailment; but are secretive about a mental ailment, as if the subject should be hushed. The need to cope with stress is an important component of everyday living, and some people need assistance. There are wellness strategies to employ, even when the illness is manifesting in an extremely debilitating fashion.
Surprisingly, mental illness is more common than heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. It's chronic. And since there is no cure, it needs to be managed. There are no simple solutions for some. And how we speak to, and care for an individual who is stricken can impact how our message is received. For instance, instead of “you” statements, such as “you make me worried,” it would be better stated to say, “I feel worried when I don't hear from you. I want to know that you're okay and safe.”
In explaining that recovery is a journey, not an event, Ms. St. Clair reminded members of the suicide prevention hotline, 988 (instead of 911), and discussed the impact of mental illness on the homelessness issue. Training, mentoring, and support groups are critical in providing assistance. For many patients, the issues are understandably frustrating. The lack of safe and secure housing can compound the problems. Ms. St. Clair provided many anecdotal examples of how the illness manifests. She ended her presentation by promoting empathy, starting with encouraging others to change how we think about, and how we talk about, mental health.
After opening up the floor to questions, she was asked:
By MARY ANN PETERS – Should we change vocabulary, to replace the word mental? The speaker replied that while that is something to be considered, it may be better to combine the terms physical and mental health and just call it “health.”
By GAEANN SPENCE – Is bipolar hereditary? The speaker stated that while there are genetic components, a person may have a predisposition to such an illness that can be triggered by reacting negatively to a product (such as marijuana).
Then she was asked why it is that medication only lasts for a certain amount of time. Ms. St. Clair talked about how the field of pharmacology is evolving, and that her group just received a grant to promote long-acting injectables, which would last from 2 weeks to 48 weeks.
By DENNIS YOUNG – how are you funded? Through grants and personal donations, and a large amount comes from Santa Clara County.
By BONNIE BURDETT WALKER, who asked to address suicides in high school: What is being done in the high schools? The speaker explained that NAMI is involved in both the middle schools and high schools, actively talking to and working with students and faculty;
By JEANINE ANTYPAS inquired about issues of representation and equity, and collaborating with police enforcement in partnering with the Trust Program, which works with law enforcement. Ms. St. Clair explained crisis intervention team training; having individuals tell their story of recovery to police officers; and that NAMI is a regular presenter for training. She further explained that 988 phone calls are divided into 3 groups, one of which is the Trust Group, for when it is not an immediate crisis. On those occasions, a social worker and a peer specialist, rather than a uniformed law enforcement officer, will respond.
By FRANK VERLOT-after explaining that no family is immune, asked: Is it more prevalent now in the modern age? The speaker expressed the opinion that mental health conditions have always been with us; but that since electronic communications are more prevalent and accessible, with the availability of screens on a 24/7 basis, it may seem that is the case…, but the problems have always been out there. There is a concern that the brains of youth are being impacted negatively, only increasing problems.
By ANNE ARJANI, who inquired if there are any programs available for long-term caregivers. Ms. St. Clair responded: Yes. Training is key, and there are problems not only in English, but also in Spanish and other languages. Her organization is currently doing outreach within both the Korean and the Chinese communities.
This week, the BooksPlus/Linden Tree partnership curated the book titled “The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar,” by Sonido Reyes, in honor of our Guest Speaker. President FRANK ended the meeting, noting that our guest speaker has signed the book to be donated, and members of our BooksPlus committee delivered the book to a local school library.
President FRANK then closed the meeting, expressing his belief that “Our best days are ahead of us” and to go out and “Create a Lasting Impact.”
