The newly crowned “Chinese Chicken Salad King” Joe Sweeney had a little trouble distinguishing our club from the also ran’s and nearly joined the $50.00 club, but he got it right and welcomed the members.  Joe inspired us by sharing some famous quotes from the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan.
 
Past President, Dr. Rangarajan from District 3201 in India visited Santa Clara Rotary and exchanged flags with the president and shared a little about his club.
 

 
 
The Art & Wine Festival and Chinese Chicken Salad sales were a great success this past weekend due to the leadership of Joe and a contingent of volunteers from our club and our local Interact clubs. Joe did it all this past weekend making it a weekend of fun and fellowship for all who chipped in and helped raise a record $6,000 for our club.  Thank you Joe and all who stepped up and volunteered.
 
The Soccer Committee met before the regular meeting and next year the club will build on what is already the premier Class 3 Tournament in Northern California.  Great to see Nick S. at the meeting and he was acknowledged for all his efforts towards the Rotary Cup.
 
Mike B. is Stepping-up and is still looking for volunteers to help out on Saturday, October 01 and October 08.  Over 600 kids are being treated to a new pair of shoes to kick off their school year.  Please see Mike.
 
Colleen is looking for gift cards from Macys, Coach, Nordstrom, Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, SF Giants and 49ers, Sharks, Earthquakes, bottles of wine, perhaps something from your business or in any way you can help with the Scotch Tasting event on October 22 would be greatly appreciated.  The proceeds will benefit RYLA.
 
Keep in mind November 19 for Rotary Day at Golden Gate Fields.
 
On November 19 at the Mission City Community Fund Dinner, Dave Delozier will be recognized for the George Burdick Business Award!  George was a member of our club and was a founding member of MCCF.  Dave is the newest member of the $50 Club and also has given generously to our Club Foundation in RYLA’s name in the amount of $200.  Thank you Dave and congratulations!
 
Laurel was recognized for her 29th birthday and looking fabulous.   Miten was away but had a birthday on the 5th.  Larry celebrated his birthday on the 16th by helping the club on Saturday and Sunday with the Chinese Chicken Salad sales and our graduate of West Point, Dale celebrated his birthday as well on the 16th.
Tressa and Ken celebrated 13 years of bliss together on the 5th and Bob and Carol celebrated 4 years of marriage on the 15th.
 
The Past President’s Moment was from Ken Rowell in which he delivered in his upbeat and smiling kind of way.  Ken did not have it in his heart to fine a member from his presidency so he fined himself $25.  Did you know that Ken will be playing the lead in “Bells Are Ringing” at Pioneer High School on October 20, 21 and 22?  Well in support of Ken the club is circulating a sign-up sheet for his performance on Friday night. An email should be out soon explaining the event.  Congratulations Ken and welcome to the $50 Club and we look forward to seeing you emulate Dean Martin!
 
Still no winner in the Joker’s Wild so the pot continues to grow!
 
Bob Ricks introduced to us three dynamic members of our club who gave their bio’s to the club.  Colleen, Laurel and Joe are a great addition to our club and we are stronger because they are Santa Clara Rotarians!  We always find inspiration from our newest members!
 
This week we will hear from Mike Burns who is the GM for the Valley Transportation Authority.
 
Important upcoming dates: 
 
October 01 & October 08, Steps For Success.  See Mike Beck.
October 20, Avenues of Service. 
October 22, Scotch Tasting.  See Colleen Noll.
 
All the best,
Daniel W. Holder
Rotary Club of Santa Clara
President 2011-2012
(408) 839-7716