Los Altos Rotary Club Home of the Annual Rotary Fine Art Show January 10 2013

Something about a new year; new beginnings, new view points, new problems.  Nothing could be truer than with today’s meeting.  President JOHN SYLVESTER, comfortable in presiding over half the year, (this is his 28th meeting) relaxed his grip on the helm a bit too soon. 

While this Rotator will be somewhat short, it would be uncommonly long if his blunders were completely revealed.  But just because I can, here are a few:  PP MONA ARMISTEAD introduced as … as …as … uh, ..er.”.Mona ..uh..PP Mona Armistead”.  How quick we forget. 

Cashier, KAREN GREGURAS was thanked as Helen Greguras.  I don’t think we have one Helen in the club, so not sure where that came from.  Then President John sandbagged PE JACK KELLY by giving him the wrong list for speakers next week.  And so it went.

However, after RON STEFANI preceded the song for the day with a Kate Smith preamble to “God Bless America” that she made famous, (nicely done, by the way) President John sang his own original birthday song to PP SAM PESNER who turned 66.  The theme of the song was all the problems you have when you are that age.  As things quieted down PEN KENDRA GJERSETH pointed out to a now dejected PP SAM, that she would not be on that “Route 66” for another 25 years. 

Now Sam is really feeling sorry for himself.  Myself, I would gladly trade with Sam any day.

We had no visiting Rotarians, but did have one guest.  Well, we had a number of guests who accompanied the speech contestants but more on them later.

Thanks to eagle-eye'd CLYDE NOEL, here is a picture of Mr. Ice Cream himself, JOHN MCALLISTER being sworn in as a new member of Mountain View City Council.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
President JOHN announced that PP STEVE ANDERSON is in the hospital, but plans to be home by the time this Rotator comes out.  Let’s hope so, Steve.  We all wish you well. 

Social Chair KAREN GESSERT sans her son, announced a Bocce Ball social event.  Shortly after the meeting, she sent out an email to the members detailing the event.  But just as a review and for those of you who missed the email:

You are invited to the Indoor Bocce Ball Fellowship Event detailed below. To register for this event, click on "Register Online" below. You can also book family and friends.
Event
Indoor Bocce Ball Fellowship Event
Date
Feb 09, 2013 at 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Fee
$30.00
Location
Campo di Bocce
View Map
565 University Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032


Details
Join your fellow Rotarians for a fun evening of indoor Bocce at Campo di Bocce in downtown Los Gatos. Don't worry if you have never played before, there will be a quick review of how to play and the rules. It's very easy to pick up and a fun game to play!
In addition to Bocce, there will also be appetizers, pizza, and soda provided.
There is a no host bar at the venue that serves beer and wine as well.
Due to space restrictions the event is limited to 60 people so check your calendars and sign up early!
Dress Code:  We have a few dress requirements

• No high-heels on the courts
• We do not allow tank tops or sleeveless shirts for men.
• Bocce is best played in comfortable, casual attire with flat soled shoes
• Cancellation Policy: Due to the nature of the event, a strict cancellation policy will be enforced. No cancellations can be accommodated after February 4th. If you register for the event, you are expected to pay so please double check your calendars.

REGISTER

ANNOUNCEMENTS
STEVE SHEPHERD announced something about a District Golf Tournament, but he rambled so much I gave up trying to follow.  So just look on the District Website.  Then go to the link about the District conference in Napa.  Here is a link to the pdf for the golf tournament portion of that conference.  I assume that is what Steve was talking about. 
BTW, STEVE was offered the “Program of the day” slot, but he reluctantly acceded to the Speech Contest instead.

BARBARA SMALL concisely announced a Silent Auction Fundraiser by the Los Altos High School’s Students for Haiti Solidarity Club to be held on Sunday Jan 27th from 2 to 5 PM at the First and Main Sport Lounge.  See their website for details about the organization called Sopudep, or contact BARBARA SMALL about information on the fundraiser.

PP JACK HELDMILLER announced, again concisely, the annual Sister Cities Dinner celebration to be held from 5:30 to 8 PM on Jan 17th (that’s as you read this, this coming Thursday).  The dinner will be held at the Garden House – you all know where that is, and will be catered by Chef Chu  with entertainment by the Jazz Connection – you all know who they are, so ‘nuf said. 

PP MONA ARMISTEAD concisely informed the members about how MARY MARLEY is doing with her recent bout with cancer.  Mary is currently at Cedar Crest in Sunnyvale.  Their address is 797 E Fremont Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94087 if you want to send a card.   A note of prayer or encouragement will certainly be appreciated.  There are a number of people in Los Altos Rotary, members and past members who can all benefit from your prayers and encouragement.  Please keep them in mind. 

Both PAUL SCHUTZ and MARLIS MCALLISTER concisely made announcements about activities that have already taken place by the time this Rotator gets out. 

VAL CARPENTER concisely announced that the City of Los Altos City Council invites Los Altos residents to apply for appointment to various City Commissions. Commission members serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council and help address a variety of community needs. For a full list of open commissions and an application, click here.  Applications are due by Jan 25th.

THREE MINUTE VOCATIONAL TALK – MARLIS MCALLISTER
Marlis gave a 3 minute “elevator” introduction about her law practice.  Basically she helps resolve disputes about construction, business and real estate issues. Sounded like a great professional to know.  While I don’t currently have issues like that, it is comforting to know someone who is knowledgeable in that area should the need arise.

FINEMASTER – RECOGNITION – potato potato
PP DENNIS YOUNG held court today to catch a large group of people, almost 20 people. Among them were several President’s Club donors, myself being one of them.  Let me reiterate my reason for joining the President’s Club if I may. 

For the past three months my wife and I have been downsizing our living arrangements, and it has been extremely difficult to go from one home to another a third the size.  We still are not completely “in” the new home, but nearly so.  Give it a couple of months and we will be settled.  (You can take that word with both meanings.)  As a consequence, I must say I have been derelict with my responsibility to Rotary, but I am getting better. 

• FRANCIS LA POLL joined the President’s club as well before he could be introduced as a new member.
• PP SAM PESNER added insult to injury and paid $20 for his birthday.  I thought KENDRA GJERSETH would have paid it, but she probably didn’t think Sam would be there on her 66th to repay the favor.
• JACK HIGGINS paid something for being in Hawaii.
• STEVE SHEPHERD paid $20 just so he could talk some more.

• to promote public speaking
• to further the ideals of Rotary
• to provide the opportunity to speak

• 3rd place: Leland Lee, Speaker A, Jr., MVHS, Title: Managing Groceries
• 2nd place: Sonia Tagare, Speaker B, Sr, MVHS, Title: Extraterrestials - Friend or Foe
• 1st place: Leo Patmore-Zarcone, Speaker C, Jr, LAHS, Title: Simple Paradox

THIS THURSDAY'S PROGRAM:

Autumn graduated from Stanford University in 2011, receiving a B.A. in Political Science, concentrating in American Politics and Political Theory. While at Stanford, she served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review and was Vice President of Programming for the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford, a U.S.-China relations organization.

Autumn was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. She enjoys golf, tennis, running, and political thought.