MEETING OF JULY 1, 2004
By Steve L. Yarbrough
Editor, Dick Blanding
LOOKOUT!
It’s the Invasion of the Cheeseheads!
(Note from the Rotator writer: I don’t know if Cheesehead is one word or two. It may depend on the context of its use. However, in the interest of “Having Fun” in Rotary – President Cindy’s theme for the year – I will use Cheesehead as one word in all contexts.)
President Cindy rang the bell on the Centennial year of Rotary International this afternoon at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Balloons were festively affixed to the tables. Party favors and poppers placed conveniently to Celebrate Rotary – the Rotary International theme for the year.
Past President Al Traficante led us in a rousing pledge and song master John McDonnell led all Rotarians in “She’ll be Driving Six White Horses When She Comes.” Yee ha! President Cindy is riding the range.
President Elect Marlene Cowan introduced Rotarians with guests.
Past President Mary Prochnow thanked Ellen Flannagan, Joanne Byrne and Lee Lynch for an outstanding kick-out party and announced that not everyone has paid for the event. Treasurer Sandi Whipple is sending out statements, so send in your payment ASAP.
Marlene passed out new membership supplements with photographs of the 20 new members brought in during President Al’s year. She also announced that the August 19 meeting will NOT be at the regular location at Shoup Park, but rather will be hosted at Foothill College, so plan ahead.
Larry Chu reminded everyone that the Rotary softball season’s first pitch is July 12 at 8 p.m. at the park on Middlefield Road. Anyone interested in playing or watching is invited.
Kailas Chidambaram returned from Sydney, Australia after having visited the Rotary of the Central Business District, an evening club. Kailas' son is now working in Australia as an investment banker. Kailas presented President Cindy with a banner from that club.
Bella Berlly announced that the next Friday social will be held at President Cindy’s house. Announcements will be out soon. She is looking for host houses, so if you would like to host an evening social, contact Bella.
Past President Mary announced that the Relay for Life event raised more than $218,000 last weekend, thanks to the many contributors to this first-time event.
Past President Al presented Jerry Moison with the Guy Shoup memorial clock as the Rotarian of the Year. The protocol was for a standing ovation. There may have been a tear in Jerry’s eye.
Jack Heidmiller, in charge of the upcoming Art and Wine Festival booth, is seeking volunteers to help set up. Please lend a hand.
ROTARY MOMENT:
A new, year-long feature of the centennial year’s meetings will be the “Rotary Moment.” President Cindy has invited past presidents to speak “for a moment” about Rotary and its history. The first participant was Bob Adams, president 1996-97. Bob told of the history of the Red Badge Club and the reasons for its implementation in 1996 as a way to integrate new members into the activities of this club. The first Red Badge fundraiser was a Superbowl party which raised $3,500. Bob invited all new members to “get involved.”
Past President Firooz Ghaffari, playing his accordion, serenaded President Cindy and Bob Adams for their birthday song – June 29 is both of their birthdays.
President Cindy introduced fine master Rick Glaze. Rick, taking advantage of President Cindy’s birthday song, fined her $100. This, of course, made her a “Big Cheese” enabling her to don the Cheesehead. Bob Adams was the first member to pay $100 to become a Cheesehead. However, Rick managed to takes $5 to $10 from Larry Chu, Marge Bruno, Will Corkern, Mike Harrigan, Dennis Young, Joanne Byrne and Steve Shepherd for participating in a financial quiz.
CLUB ASSEMBLY:
President Cindy introduced her new board of directors and asked each one to put on the Cheesehead, then speak to the club about their plans for the next Rotary year.
President Elect Marlene, in charge of programs, presented a plethora of exciting new planned programs. Coming soon will be speakers from the Director of the Commonwealth Club to experts on the exploding new economic market in China. Marlene plans a Cinco de Mayo celebration, a veterans honor program and many great speakers. She wants us to invite guests!
The Cheesehead was passed next to Ellen Flanagan, director of fellowship, who said California cheese is better than Wisconsin cheese – the debate begins. Ellen said the Friday night socials will continue, poker night is planned, a tour of the Stanford museum and many other social events will be forthcoming. Ellen introduced the members of her committee.
Tracie Murray claimed the Cheesehead was sexy and quipped, “If it falls off, I’ll be topless.” Tracy is in charge of the Community Service committee. The main focus will be the Rotacare Clinic, but also will include partnering with other community organizations for community service projects. She announced that in April, Rotarians will be expected to donate 10 hours each of their time for community service and the club expects 100 percent participation. Go Tracie!
Membership Chair Larry Chu wants his effort to reflect that this club is the best club in the district. He will focus on attendance, membership recruitment and participation. He also wants to assimilate members into the club and get them involved. Marion Tavener will serve as chair of the Red Badgers for the second year. Marlis McAllister will serve as chair of the attendance committee. Roy Jones will continue his third year as classification guru. Julie Rose will handle new member orientation. Lem Summey will remain as 5-minute talk coordinator. Shoshanna Zimmerman will chair committee participation.
The next Cheesehead was Baidra Murphy, director of youth and vocational service. Baidra announced a new focus on vocation. She said we just need to maintain youth activities at the current outstanding level, but wants to increase our vocational service. One idea she proffered was to partner with the community colleges to mentor students in our respective professions. Baidra asked the members to provide her with other ideas on how we can better this area of service.
The final Cheesehead was Sam Pesner, director of international service. Sam seeks to expand our focus. His goal is “service without borders.” Joe Coral and Jean Mordo will head up the world community service committee. Dick Henning will lead the GSE team. Cindy Day will take charge of youth exchange. Shiv Shastri will lead the ambassadorial scholars. Ginny Lear, Roy Jones and Bob Adams will focus on Rotary Foundation activities.
Rotary Foundation treasurer Wyatt Allen presented President Cindy with a three sapphire pin – Paul Harris Fellow times three! Cindy said she wanted to set an example of the level of giving that she wants during her Rotary year. The bar is set high, so be prepared to continue to the Rotary Foundation. If not now, in Rotary’s 100th year, when? Start writing those checks.
We now know that the rumors are true – President Cindy worked in a cheese factory in her home state of Wisconsin. She wears the Cheesehead with pride. We’re proud to be led by a true Cheesehead during Rotary’s centennial year.
Congratulations to President Cindy on a great start to the new year.
Mike Harrigan will be taking headshots for the Rotary Directory at the meetings on 7/15, 7/22 and 7/29 from 11:30 until 12:30. Any member
who wants a new photo and anyone who does not have a photo in the current directory are welcome to have their picture taken.
Programs and EventsJuly
July 8 - Gloria Duffy, Weapons of Mass Destruction?
July 15 - Don McDonald, History of Los Altos
July 22 - Sam Bishop, Rotary Flying Fellowship
July 29 - Rick Salazar, Therapy Pets
August
August 5 - Bernadine Fong, New Developments at Foothill College
August 12 -
August 19 - Steve Gruber, Rotary on the Web, at Foothill College’s Krause Center for Innovation (not at Garden House)
August 26 - Ron Sekkel, District Governor’s Visit
September
Sept. 2 - Richard Walker, Expanding Market in China
Sept. 9 -
Sept. 16 - Mary Alice Rathbun, RotaPlast
Sept. 23 - David Sloss, West Bay Opera in our Community
Sept. 30 - Larry Rinsky, Operation Rainbow in Nicaragua
OTHER ROTARY CLUB MEETING PLACES
On-line Meeting: www.rotaryeclubone.org
MONDAY
Palo Alto: Rickey's Hyatt House, 12:15 p.m.
TUESDAY
Sunnyvale: Ramada Inn, 12:15 p.m.
Mountain View: Adobe House, Moffett & Central, Mountain View, 12:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Menlo Park: Menlo Park Recreation Center, Menlo Park, noon.
Woodside/Portola: Woodside Village Church, Woodside, 7:30 a.m.
Sunnyvale Sunrise: Wild Woodys Grill, Sunken Gardens Golf Course, 7 a.m.
Cupertino: Quinlan Community Center, 12:15 p.m.
East Palo Alto Bayshore: Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula, 2031 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto, 12:15 p.m.
FRIDAY
Palo Alto University: Sheraton, El Camino, Palo Alto, 7:30 a.m.
"Information in this newsletter is intended for the exclusive use of the members of the Rotary Club of Los Altos to facilitate the work of the club and to promote club fellowship. It is not to be used for any commercial or outside, unrelated, non-profit purposes. No publication of material in this newsletter should occur without the express permission of the club President or the Editor of the Rotator."Copyright 2004 The Los Altos Rotary Club