A Look Back at January 26th, 2012
This is the gift that Rotary brings to each of us. To touch the lives of others, especially to those whose only offense was being born into a life of hopelessness and despair. How blessed we are to be put into a position where we have an opportunity to help improve the human condition so every human being on this earth will have the God given right to live a life of hope and happiness!
Lidia Blair has been a Rotarian for seven months and has graciously taken the position of Club Photographer. She is the owner of Pizza Party in Santa Clara and we are delighted to have her as a member of Santa Clara Rotary. However, she introduced us as, “The Greatest Rotary Club in Santa Clara?” Lidia was very close to a “mucho fine-o” but was allowed a reprieve. Lidia impressed us with great words to live by.
District Governor-Nominee, Angie Hassler led the club in the pledge and also made a
presentation on the District Conference, which will be held, June 01-03 at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Olympic Village, Lake Tahoe. The Keynote Speaker at the Saturday evening dinner will be Olympic Gold Medalist, Jonny Moseley. Royal Coach Tours will be providing transportation to and from Squaw Creek. More details will follow in the coming months.
Past District Governor, Roger Hassler gave an update on the End Polio Now campaign. Roger reported that Rotary has raised an additional $200 million in response to the $355 million Challenge Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Because Rotary has met it’s goal, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation granted an additional $50 million to help rid polio from the planet. If you would like to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation in the name of Polio please contact Bill Carver.
George has provided an article from the last issue of The Economist, which is towards the end of this update. Thank you George.
Shawn announced she was appointed as a Commissioner for the Historical and Landmarks Committee for the City of Santa Clara! Congratulations Shawn and that will be $25 to the Rotary Building Fund.
President-Elect Stewart made an announcement for the Valentine dinner, which will occur on Saturday, February 18 at the Capitol Club!
In lieu of Happy Birthday being sung to Stewart he opted out for a $50 fine to our Club Foundation.
Mike Moul made a quick announcement about his email being hacked and apologized in advance if anyone receives inappropriate spam from his folder. I wonder what kind of spam he’s talking about?
Lorenzo would like to announce a General Meeting for 2012 on Friday, February 24 at the Oakland Yacht Club. Please call or email Lorenzo for more information.
Believe it or not we ran out of time for announcements of birthdays and anniversaries.
Gerry was picked in the Jokers Wild but did not pull the Joker out! Sorry Gerry…loser!
Before Lou Ann introduced Anabel and Isabel to the club, she spoke about her daughter Claire who was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Lou Ann shared a very poignant video about what life is like at home and giving us all a lesson in unconditional love and the blessing of good health. Here is the link to Lou Ann’s video:
http://www.cff.org/great_strides/dsp_donationPage.cfm?registeringwalkid=7452&idUser=124124
Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel provided all of us in attendance a life lesson in overcoming unimaginable odds and teaching all of us that, “Life is not the breath you take but the moments that take your breath away.” They shared with us their story, The Power of Two – A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis. It was an absolute honor and privilege to hear their courageous and compelling story, one in which we will not forget.
Thank you Lou Ann for an outstanding program!
Important Upcoming Dates:
February 01, District Cabinet Meeting at the DoubleTree beginning at 5:30 p.m.
February 18, Valentines Dinner at Capitol Club. Stewart and Leslie are hosting.
This week we will hear from Maureen Jones. Maureen will speak on Citizens for Safe Drinking Water and our host will be Andy.