Meeting at Shir Hadash was called to order at 12:30.
 
Hybrid attendees included Assistant DG Sesh Ramaswami, Saratoga Rotary President Sangita Seshadri, members Rob, Wes, Chris, Avis, Sue, and Hal.
 
Pledge was led by David Wells.
 
Inspiration was led by Suzanne Boxer-Gassman. She showed a fun video of last week’s club BBQ, and noted if you missed it, you missed a good one! Many thanks to Tina, Andrew and committee for all the work to put it on.
 
This week’s song was played: “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, submitted by Barbara Fishman, because she doesn’t like to be told what to do. And Marty concurred. Ha!
 
President Nicholas thanked Shir Hadash for all the efforts to give us a comfortable meeting spot. Note at end of meeting we are to put trash items in Panera boxes and stack boxes at the room exit tables.
 
Visitors included
  • Randy Cobb’s guest Kathie the Egg Lady, who made colorful beachball themed eggs for St Lukes homeless this week
  • Art’s guest Gus (?), who is considering membership
  • Paul Johnson’s guest Teresa McNamee, LGUSD CFO
  • Don McCleve’s guest Holly
  • Paul Yeadon
  • Ray Azzi
 
President Nicholas showed an inspiring video of Rotary International’s projects.
 
Marty announced the club is collecting pledges for Shelter Box relief to Haiti. Today is last day to pledge, and many generous donations have come in.
 
New red badge members were announced: Ramon Ware (sponsor Jeff Blum) and Nancy Consentino (sponsor Lydia Norcia).
 
Nancy gave her red badge bio via a recorded interview from Lydia. We learned of her close connection to the Norcia family, and her extensive background in philanthropy, including running the non-profit Books Aloud and numerous other fundraising and leadership roles. Welcome Ramon and Nancy!
 
This week’s social media spotlight was on long-standing member Ed Stahl. Rotary anniversaries and birthdays were celebrated, including Don’s wonderful birthday song on piano.
 
Rachelle announced the Rebuild Together event is Saturday Oct 23, and will include exterior painting on a family-in-need’s house in Campbell. Help Rotary to help the local community. Rachelle is looking for painters, and also 3 leads that will help us stay organized at the site. Save the date!
 
Jeff Blum is leading the effort for the Sept 4 Town celebration, where Rotary will run a tent selling wine 1-8 pm at the Town Plaza, with music and food options. Many thanks to this committee of mostly brand new members, including Ramon who got all the wine donated!
 
 
Today’s speaker was our own David Wells, former Netflix CFO. President Nicholas noted we are indeed fortunate to have members with such business acumen, and that David is board member and helping steer many non-profit and for-profit companies. David’s topic was on the entertainment industry’s streaming wars, and how it is evolving of late. He notes we will see more bundling and re-branding of providers, and that with so many providers it’s a good time to be a content creator. There were many questions and much interest. Thanks David!
 

Note next Tuesday Sept 7 there is no lunch meeting.

Instead we will hold our monthly first Tuesday event at Double D’s in Los Gatos 5:30-7:30. This is a no-host event. Come share a drink or a bite and enjoy our very social club.