Attached is a recap of our July 8th meeting, the first meeting of the new Rotary year!
This meeting was a club assembly, where our new Board members were introduced. Each new Board member provided a quick briefing on their areas of responsibility and of the important activities that are planned for the coming year.
I take this opportunity to thank Bob Ricks for providing the recap for the past several year. Bob's charming personality was incorporated into each of his reviews, and his sense of humor was priceless. My notes pale in comparison, but I thought that I would send this recap along for your reading pleasure.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Beginning next week, we're changing our meeting location to: the American Legion Post 419, which is located at 958 Homestead Road near Lafayette Street in Santa Clara. With their limited parking lot, those who enjoy a short walk are encouraged to park on the street or in the parking lot across Homestead Road at Commerce Plaza. That way, we can leave ample parking for those who may need to park close up to the venue.
Thanks for a great start of the new Rotary Year.
See you Thursday at the American Legion hall.
Bill
Bill Kelly
President
Rotary Club of Santa Clara
Weekly RecapPresident Bill Kelly
July 8, 2021
Note: Our thanks go out to Bob Ricks, our Club’s, “Ever Humble Scribe” for sharing his wit and wisdom each week during his meeting recaps. Now in Texas, Bob has retired from this weekly column. Thanks for your service, Bob. You made our Presidents and our members look good, while gently poking fun where needed. Until another Rotarian takes up the mantle of Humble Scribe, I’ll be sending the weekly recap. If you’re interested in helping with this report, please let me know.
The July 8 meeting was the first meeting of the new Rotary year, which was a Club Assembly meeting. The new board was introduced to the club, with each member providing a status report on their activities. Thanks to those Rotarians and guests who joined us for our hybrid meeting on Zoom. Glad you could make it.
Meeting Highlights
During this Rotary year, we will celebrate our 85th anniversary of continuous service to our community.
Pledge: Patti Smith, recently retired board member, led us in the pledge. Thanks, Patti for your two years of dedicated service as Community Service Director.
Inspiration: Rod Stafford stepped up to the plate to be our first greeter of the new Rotary year. Rod’s inspiration included well-wishes for success to the new President and Board as they begin their duties.
Guests of Rotarians: There were no visiting Rotarians this week, but we did welcome Bassam Musaffar, who recently went through Rotary information on his way to becoming a member. Thanks, Bassam for attending.
Birthdays: Nick Streit celebrated his birthday on July 8th, while Jan Eric Nordmo celebrates on Friday July 9.
Anniversaries: Rotarians celebrating a wedding anniversary includes Ted Moorhead & Laurie Stricklin (1 year); Heath and Heidi Hannich July 3 (5 years); Phil Auger and Barbara Dolbec July 1 (26 years), and Miten & Smita Marfatia July 10 (35 Years). Congratulations to all!
Upcoming events:
- District 5170 Conference next Saturday July 17th at Gilroy Gardens. Register here.
- Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Golf Tournament, August 9th at Pasatiempo Golf Course
- Celebrate Santa Clara, August 21
- Board Meeting next Wednesday
Club Assembly announcements:
This was President Bill’s first meeting and first club assembly. The President was new to the club agenda format and took a few items out of order, but the spirited crowd was kind to him. The audience found a new respect for Past President Mike Sellers and his flawless performance during this past year.
The City of Santa Clara approached the Rotary Foundation with an opportunity to serve beer and wine at an event called, Celebrate Santa Clara, to be held at the Central Park Pavilion area on Saturday, August 21 from 1-5 p.m. A band will be performing on stage from 3:30 – 5 pm. This four-hour event is a scaled down festival event for our community, yet offers our club the opportunity to engage the public while raising funds for the Foundation. More information to follow at our next meeting.
Club Financials: CJ Grewal reviewed the club financials as we start a new Rotary year. We are in good shape, especially considering that we are recovering from a year of Covid, when our meetings were virtual and fundraising was challenged.
Club Secretary: Heath Hannich starts his second year on the Board. Heath briefed the club on his role in keeping accurate records and meeting notes, which keeps our club running smoothly.
International Service Director – Harbir Bhatia discussed Project Hope, an effort in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. The goal of the project is to train and empower young women to be self-sufficient and inspire them for further education. Funding provides for sewing machines, computers and internet hotspots.
Club Service Director – Stella Kemp was on vacation, so the President provided a report on planned activities for this upcoming year, which includes, a San Jose Earthquakes Match, Christmas and President’s Dinner, Bocce Ball tournament, and perhaps an evening cooking event for families and friends.
Youth Services Director – Dan Winter, who is new to the board this year, briefed the club on his areas of responsibility for the upcoming year, which includes, Interact Club, Youth Exchange program, Youth Protection, Steps for Success, the annual Speech Contest in January, RYLA, and the Enterprise Leadership Conference.
Community Services Director – Tom Brown, our current Sergeant Arms, begins his role on the board as Director of Community Services. Tom briefed the club on several high impact activities planned for the club, including, the resumption of the JW House monthly dinners, support for
the Parade of Champions, potential involvement with the Wreaths Across America campaign, as well as expanding efforts to increase children’s literacy.
President Elect – Tressa Williams enthusiastically addressed the club by explaining her goals for the coming term. Tressa has served our club as Interact Director, and has been involved in several important club activities, including Steps for Success, RYLA, and public relations. Tressa discussed a goal of increasing our reach in our community through PR, social media, and photo ops. This will be helpful as we celebrate our 85 years of service. She also led a poll regarding options for the President’s Dinner, which involves sailing on a yacht in San Francisco Bay. Stay tuned for updates on this fun activity…
President Bill Kelly wrapped up the club assembly by presenting our goals for the upcoming year, and talking about the special opportunities available in celebrating our club’s 85th anniversary. Having fun along the way is important, as we look this year to increase our reach and impact in our community, building and supporting our membership, and continuing with our club social activities. Special thanks were expressed for the role Andy Ratermann plays in scheduling our speakers each week, and to Sandy Allen for her role as RI Foundation director. President Bill also shared his appreciation to Miten Marfatia for lending his guidance and advice during the next year.
Next Week: We are meeting in a new location for at least the next couple of weeks. Beginning with our July 15 meeting, we will meet at:
American Legion post 419,
958 Homestead Rd,
Santa Clara, CA 95050
About 20 parking spots are available at the venue, with supplemental parking located across the street in the Commerce Plaza parking lot and on the city streets. Lorenzo asked for clarification of the address of the new venue and was reminded that is located just across the street from the Traffic Court building – a landmark that may be familiar to some of us.
Our guest speaker is Quentin Kopp, who promises to be another dynamic presenter. Thanks, Andy.
See everyone next week, July 15th at the new location!