Weekly Recap
President Bill Kelly
January 27, 2022
We conducted our meeting again at the American Legion Hall this week and listened to a terrific speaker while enjoying some commaraderie with our fellow members. Due to an aircraft incident yesterday that required our speaker to cut short his trip to Santa Clara, our presenter was not able to attend in person as orginally planned. Thanks to the availabillty of modern technology, we were able to listen to the speaker via Zoom from his location in an airport conference room. President-elect Tressa Williams briefed the club on the upcoming President’s Dinner, which is now scheuled for Saturday, March 26, and the club reviewed the results of our recent Club COVID Safety survey. We welcomed 5 guests to our meeting, which was nice.
Meeting Highlights
Pledge: This week, the Pledge was led by Thomas Silvas, who started the meeting on the right note. Thanks, Thomas.
Inspiration: This week, our inspiration was provided John Bertolotti, who provided a brief history of the role of the club inspiration, and how it has changed over time. What began as a traditional Christian prayer, the inspiration evolved into what it is today, which is a general statement of inspiration. John talked about our unique American culture and how it has traditionally recognized that there is a higher being, a higher purpose than simply the desires of the individual. COVID has provided an opportunity to focus on its impact to each and every individual. John expressed his desire that after the pandemic, we can all focus once again on what is important, including our common humanity and the need to serve a higher purpose in life. Thanks, John for this truly inspiring message.
We Care: Walt Marwitz passed along some news about Sandy Allen, who is recovering from a recent injury. Sandy appreciates the kindness and concern expressed by her fellow Rotary members.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Rotary Anniversaries: There were no birthday or anniversary dates this week. The time to celebrate these events seems to be early in the month of January each year. There will be more significant dates to celebrate next month.
Upcoming events:
Area Speech Contest – February 3, 2022, at the American Legion Hall
President’s Dinner Cruise, March 26, 2022. This event was moved from its original date on Valentine’s Day weekend.
President’s Report:
President-elect Tressa Williams advised that the annual President’s Dinner Cruise event has been rescheduled to Saturday March 26, 2022. This event will now occur during the evening before sunset, as the new date is after we set our clocks ahead for Daylight’s Saving Time.
The club will travel on a luxury bus provided by Rotarian Sandy Allen and then board the ship in time for the sun to set behind the Golden Gate. This will be a wonderful way to celebrate our 85 years of club service to our community.
Look for a flyer soon with additional information, including how to register for the event, sign up for the bus ride, and how to be a designated event sponsor. Join your fellow Rotarians for a very fun evening!
The club received a briefing from the President regarding the implementation of COVID safety protocols, after 34 members submitted a response to a recent survey. The Board held a special meeting on Monday, January 24, 2022, to review survey results and member input, and to develop a prudent protocol for indoor gatherings and club events. The Board decided to take the following actions:
The Club will comply with up-to-date health orders as published by the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and will adjust protocols as necessary to remain in compliance with published orders.
There will be a reduced number of guests seated at each lunch table, and guests will be seated further apart from each other to increase social distancing.
Mask wearing during meetings will be reinforced to comply with current health orders, which require mask wearing indoors except when actively eating or drinking.
Hand sanitizer and masks will be made available to all guests in attendance at indoor events.
The Board did not vote to institute a vaccine mandate protocol at this time for all members, speakers, and guests.
The Club will host an Area 5 Speech Contest on March 3, 2022, at the American Legion Hall. Please attend this event to help support the youth in our community and our Area 5 Rotary clubs.