Dear Colleen Noll, Good evening, Attached is a recap of our meeting today. 36 guests visited the American Legion hall this afternoon to hear our guest speaker discuss the nation's gold reserve at Fort Knox. It was a fascinating discussion. Thanks, Andy, for scheduling another great speaker. Our speaker next week is John Nanni, who is an active polio fighter. John uses his own personal situation growing up with polio as a living object lesson for ending the horrific disease once and for all. His unsurpassed passion for eradicating the disease primarily benefits children in the developing world. Next week promises to be an educational and inspiring presentation. Please see the recap for additional information regarding club volunteer needs. Links are provided in the recap for further information and action. Thanks, Bill Bill Kelly President Rotary Club of Santa Clara |
President Bill Kelly
October 14, 2021
Attendance is rising, as we had 36 attendees this week. Thanks, everyone for attending and for bringing a guest or two. The sugar-free mocha cake was delicious, to say the least. We recapped the parade event with Parade President, Ana Vargas Smith, and acknowledged our club participants. A recap of last night’s board meeting was also provided. A fantastic speaker presented information about Fort Knox, and the country’s gold reserve. It was a wonderful presentation.
Meeting Highlights
Pledge: This week, the Pledge was led by Past President Andy Ratermann. Thanks, Andy for using your extensive Rotary and Scouting experience to help the club properly address the flag.
Inspiration: This week, our inspiration was provided by Ted Moorhead, who quoted Mother Teresa. Ted cited her poem called, “The Final Analysis”, in which she describes the need to continue to display positive character traits despite opposition - because it’s the right thing to do. These words of wisdom are helpful when we analyze what is truly important in life. Thanks, Ted for the inspiration today.
Rotary Anniversaries: A couple of Rotarians completed another year in our club, including, John Elwood and Frank Walsh, who both joined on October 14. Happy Rotary Anniversary!
We Care: No new reports from Don Skinner this week.
Upcoming events:
Steps for Success is scheduled on Friday October 29, which is Halloween weekend. Contact Youth Services Director Dan Winter for additional details or see the links below to sign up and volunteer.
A virtual BINGO event on October 22nd from 7-8:30 pm. Our club received an invitation from the Rotary Club of East San Jose/Evergreen and the Rotary Club San Jose/Silicon Valley who are jointly sponsoring this event. If you would like to help them raise funds and have fun, click here to register.
Interactor Fall Leadership Conference, November 7th from 9-3 pm at Independence High School. Adult volunteers needed. Contact President Elect Tressa Williams to register.
Rotary Day at the Earthquakes is November 7.
The Rotary International Foundation fundraising drive continues. Contact Sandy Allen for more details.
President’s Report:
The Board of Directors held a meeting last night, and took to following actions:
Approved the expenditure of $2,500 in support of a community Holiday drive-thru fundraising event, to be held right after the December Christmas for Kids event. Past President Colleen Noll is leading the team that will assemble a holiday light display. More details to follow as the event draws closer.
The Board acknowledged the need to expand membership to enrich our club and to enhance the level of support we can provide our community. A formal membership development plan is in the works and will be presented to the club beginning October 28.
The Rotary International Foundation fundraising drive is in full swing, with Director Sandy Allen already receiving some donations. The goal this year is for every Rotarian to participate, if possible, with a donation of at least $25. The club goal is around $6,300 total, which would be an average of $100 per member. Those who donate at the “double-sustainer” level of $200 will be eligible for the drawing of a $100 gift card at the conclusion of the fundraising drive. Checks and credit cards are accepted. Contact Sandy Allen for more details.
President-elect Tressa Williams advised the club of the need for adult volunteers to assist at the November 7th Interactor Fall Conference, to be held at Independence High School from 9 am-3 pm. The Interactors provide a valuable service to our club and help us extend our reach in the community through their volunteer efforts. Please contact Tressa and offer a hand to support our youth.
The upcoming Steps for Success event has two opportunities for volunteers, Thursday, October 28, and Friday, October 29. This event is one of the most impactful youth events in which our club participates. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
To volunteer, please click on the link below:
Thursday Set-Up https://volunteersignup.org/H37XL
Friday Event Day Volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/JX8RC
or contact youth Services Director Dan Winter for more information.
The club will begin increasing our public relations activities to improve community outreach. A public relations subcommittee will identify best practices in advertising to increase knowledge of our Rotary club and community services activities. This will prove helpful in membership recruitment and community awareness.