This Thursday's Program: 
Club Talent Show

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Precisely at 12:15 p.m. Pooh Bah, Sam Pesner pounded his hammer down to start the May 10, 2007 gathering of LARC.  He then gave towering Dick Duhring the nod to lead the group in the patriotic mantra.

PAUL NYBERG reminded singers of what was in the top 20 tunes in 1947 – then led us in “Four-Leaf Clover”.

Jeanne MacVicar presented the Thought for the Day with a message from John Gardner on the benefits of community.

Greeters were Allart Ligtenberg, Scott Fleming and Lem Summey, greeting, BAIDRA and Sean Murphy, and PP JOE RENATI.

John Moss was in Australia welcoming a new grandchild, so President Sam introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, of which there were many.

Allart Ligtenberg reported on his recent visit to Nepal checking on the status of the Solar cooking Project in many Nepalese villages.  Allart reported than many people are using the devices and many are in production in consort with several Rotary clubs in Nepal.  Allart’s slide presentation showed how the solar cookers are appearing in remote, cold climates throughout the country and are really making a difference.  Allart said he made a 10-day trek and saw the cookers sprouting up everywhere! 

Katie Nutter and MICHAEL STADLEN reported on the status of the Art Show and asked for volunteers to fill a few vacant shifts.  Go to our website to either look at your assignment for this weekend, or to sign up for an extra job. 

Next week is the Club Talent Show!  “Anyone who still wants to sign up and be part of the program still can”, says Pooh Bah.

JuliA Rose invited club members to the first State of the City Luncheon on Friday, June 1, 2007 at the Fremont Hills Country Club for both Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Steve Shepherd announced the annual Rotary golf tournament on June 8, 2007.  Dinner, golf and poker are planned.  Dinner is $35.  Golf is $75 and poker is $10.  The after golf party is set for Mel and Mady Kahn’s house.  Call Steve to get signed up.

Sandy Bozich reminded members about the Relay for Life survivor’s lap and asked for those who have recovered from cancer to participate.

Bella Berlly announced that the Los Altos Rotary Club Endowment Fund board of directors election will be held soon.  The current slate of nominees are; JEAN MORDO, HERB MARSHALL, GAEL KNIGHT, STEVE GRUBER, RICK GLAZE and JOANNE BYRNE.  Advise Bella if you are interested in running for a vacant board seat.

Kendra Gjerseth, Chair of the Young at Art Committee, with Marlis McAllister, Hugh Riddell, Baidra Murphy, Shelly Potvin, Jerry Tomanek, Sam Harding, and Karen Owen, announced the winners for 2007:

Winners not present included:

• Pinewood School: First Place Marina Loeb; Second place, Kate Fiedelman
• St. Francis: First Place, Gar-Yun Ho; Second Place, Sezer Aydin
• Mountain View: First Place, Justin Jiang (Also Best of Show), Second place, Ju Jin

Winner, present:

• Los Altos High: First Place, Jocelyn Lau; Second Place, Neggin Tawana
• Achieve Kids: David Ries, Second Place, Sebastian Poitier
• CSMA/Alta Vista: First Place, Michael Merritt Hutchins (CSMA); Second Place, Phillip Perez (Alta Vista)

Best of Show was awarded $200, First Place winners received $150 and second place was awarded $100.  Each winner received a Certificate of Honor.  All art was displayed around the room during the meeting and will be displayed in the gazebo at the art show this coming weekend.

Joanna Medin introduced the speaker for the meeting,  Susan Schwartz of Youwhobranding.com, otherwise known as SuWho.  Susan is a communications consultant who explained the importance of a snappy introduction when meeting new people so that you will be remembered. 

Susan explained that having an instant “elevator speech” which is short, concise, and compelling that says how you solve problems, what your solutions are and who you are is an easy way for people to want to know more about you.  She said it is important to say just enough to capture people’s attention – 15-30 seconds.  An example for President Sam was “I’m the president of the Los Altos Rotary Club.  See me, if you want to see me.”

Susan said that when you introduce yourself, you should give people a reason to listen to you for as long as possible.  She advised that we should speak to others as though they are the most important people in the room. 

She advised that we should identify a pain or problem in our listener’s life, ratchet up the pain to hook their attention, then, tell how you can solve the problem or ease their pain, tell how you will fulfill the promise and they tell who you are.  She practiced on Kendra Gjerseth who, as a fast learner, said, “I’m a wedding specialist, I make your wedding as special as you are.”

Susan was a spirited and entertaining speaker. It was a pleasure to have her visit our club.  She is planning a three-day seminar June 20-27 and July 11 in Menlo Park.  If you are interested in learning more, check her website at www.youwhobranding.com.

Sam concluded the meeting with another chuckle from his repertoire which does not deserve repeating.

But nevertheless:

A married couple was in a terrible accident where the man's face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn't graft any skin from his body because he was too skinny. So the wife offered to donate some of her own skin. However, the only skin on her body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from her buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and they requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the man's new face. He looked more handsome than he ever had before! All his friends and relatives just went on and on about his youthful beauty. One day he was alone with his wife, and he was overcome with emotion at her sacrifice.  He said, "Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?" "My darling," she replied, "I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on my cheek."