Rotator eNewsletter

If you think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself.

The best index to a person’s character is (a) how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can’t fight back.

Good character is doing the right thing because it is right to do what is right.

Be careful of your thoughts; they become your words
Be careful of your words as they become your actions
Be careful of your actions as they become your habits
Be careful of your habits as they become your Character!

Subbing for our traveling President-elect, Past-president FIROOZ GHAFFARI introduced visiting Rotarians and the five club members with guests. Visiting Rotarian Jonathan Sington presented President CINDY with a banner from his home club in Worcester, England.

Past President BILLY RUSSELL was acknowledged by President CINDY for his return to the club.

Red Badge Five Minute Talk was delivered by MICHAEL MAURIER. To keep within five minutes and avoid “the hook,” Michael read much faster than this note-taker could take notes. Michael hails from Seattle and moved with his family to Palo Alto for his high school years. During these high school years he gained some notoriety for his battles with his teachers at Palo Alto HS. He mentioned that a little later in his life, he had a few issues with the US involvement in SE Asia. Michael earned his Ph.D. in 1976 and currently resides in Los Altos.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:EMILY TAYLOR updated us on the Tsunami Relief efforts and announced that the proceeds from the Red Badge Auction, coming up on April 14^th, will be donated to that very worthwhile cause. Regarding the Red Badge Auction, Emily is still seeking donations to be auctioned during the program.

The Area-level Youth Speech Contest will be held at the Mountain View City Council Chambers at 8:00 AM on April 7^th. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

DENNIS POTTER was called on for a dual role: Microphone Guru and Fine Master. His instructional tip-of-the-day was: “Speak into the microphone and ye shall be heard.” He then proceeded to demonstrate proper technique. Thinking the term “fine-master” was too harsh, he called himself the “opportunity coordinator” for the day and gave various members the opportunity to test their own microphone skills.

Starting with President CINDY, he had members sing or read the song sheets he passed out. Cindy actually received applause for her rendition of Sinatra’s “My Way;” Mike Cabot showed why he “Can’t Get No Satisfaction;” and Dick Henning showed his quick thinking and mic handling skill with a very short “Hound Dog.” Other performers included SANDY BOZICH, JULIE ROSE and MARGE BRUNO. JOHN HAMBLIN continues to show his just-in-time battery changing ability.

STEVE SHEPHERD and JOHN HAMBLIN are seeking Art Show Sponsors. Please contact either one to become a major sponsor for the show.

STEVE SHEPHERD is promoting participation in the Annual Golf Tournament, BBQ and Poker Tournament to be held April 29^th. Golf is at Shoreline and the BBQ and poker are at Steve’s house. Golf is $85.00; BBQ is $40.00; and the poker tournament is a $10.00 buy-in. Email invitations will be sent out shortly but you can call Steve now to reserve your spot. This is a fun event so get your reservations in soon.

President-Elect-Elect SAM PESNER not only showed how well he handles a microphone, he demonstrated his PowerPoint brilliance as well. Sam gave details regarding the District 5170 Conference which will be held the weekend after the Art Show, May 20, 21 & 22. Registration forms are passed out at meetings and all the info is on www.rotary5170.com.

Special Art Show Shirt Announcement from JACK HEIDEMILLER. The blue shirts from years past may be worn for the show and the new tan centennial shirts can also be worn but are not required. Order forms for the tan centennial shirts are available now.

SAM PESNER and Past President STEVE ANDERSON will be Celebrity Bartenders at Maltby’s Restaurant on April 13^th, just prior to the Chef Chu’s dinner. Please stop by and tip heavy.

MONA ARMISTEAD will be honored as a Community Volunteer by the Los Altos Community Foundation at the Awards Dinner, Tuesday, April 5^th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Please contact JOANNE BYRNE for details and tickets.

THE PROGRAM: When the scheduled speaker, Dr. Lorna Pierce, had to cancel at the last minute (illness), President CINDY worked her magic and produced a most informative program highlighting the services available to senior citizens from the local communities of Palo Alto, Mountain View and Los Altos.

Lisa Hendrickson, from Avenidas in Palo Alto, told of the fun services available to seniors, from playing chess to learning French, plus the serious services available to those who need help and probably should be in a nursing home but aren’t, for whatever reason. Anyone interested can call Avenidas for information or check their website: www.Avenidas.org.

Lydia Bernard, Director of the Los Altos Senior Center, discussed the services and needs of her organization, her customer service background and the volunteer opportunities at the Senior Center. She did this in her most delightful Boston accent and judging by her boss’s reaction, Phil Rose was as charmed and entertained as the rest of us. Volunteers are always needed at the monthly events (just a few hours, and April is Volunteer Month). Lydia’s phone number is 650-947-2897.

Mary Mende was from the Health Library & Resource Center, located on the 1^st floor of El Camino Hospital. She spoke of the need for an Advanced Heath Care Directive, especially given the events of the past couple of weeks. Mary emphasized that they truly are a resource center for seniors, and regarding the preparation of an Advanced Heath Care Directive, “They do it all.”

These organizations all need volunteer help to continue providing services and would be glad to hear from any Rotarian with a few hours to spare.