Flag salute and introduction of guests was led by David Wells.
 
Guests: Russell was introduced by Jack Chevlen. Russell is interested in joining our club.
 
Tom Boyce introduced his wife Carol. As a former teacher Carol is very interested in today’s program.
 
Our speaker, Superintendent of the LGUSD Paul Johnson introduced the people he brought with him:
  • Michelle Strachan (Administrative Assistant)
  • Marla Rodriguez (Assistant Superintendent)
  • Ryan Rosenberg (2018 District Volunteer of the Year)
  • Debbie Johnson (wife)
  • Karen Briones (Communication Specialist)
Dan Snyder inspired us by asking why are these three numbers make for a great Saturday. The numbers are: 80, 90, and 10,000. The answer, last Saturday we had 80 volunteers who took 90 minutes to pack 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Dan said it was so inspiring to see everyone working together to make the world a better place. He especially enjoyed seeing all the students, high school and younger. He thanked Tina Orsi-Hartigan for organizing the event. 
 
Dan also reminded us about the annual Rotary Foundation campaign. Marty said we are at about $21,000 in pledges for the year. Our goal is every Rotarian donate, total contributions $25,000. Do you think we could reach $35,000?
 
Announcements:
  • Marty thanked Mike Frangadakis and Marshall Smith for helping at the Reveille Car Show at the VA on Saturday.
  • Marty showed a video from Saturday’s Rise Against Hunger. Tina brought samples of the food for us to try.
  • Gae LaTorre Uplift has a need for various home items. She explained to us that Uplift now has hard to place foster children living on the former Ming Quong site in Los Gatos. These students need furniture and everyday household items. Please see Gae for more information.
  • Time is running out to sign up for Rebuilding Together Oct. 19. Still lots of volunteers needed. This will be a great project. The home is in LG on Oka Road. See Suzanne Boxer-Gassman or Doug Brent with questions. 
  • Volunteers needed for the Castle Rock State Park Grand Re-Opening on Sept. 27&28. See their website for more info.
  • Red to Blue Badge requirements have been updated. See Henry Vitkovich or David Karwowski if you need help.
  • Membership categories have been expanded. Become a Rotary family or business!
  • RotaCare Bay Area is having their 30th Anniversary Gala/Auction Sept. 19 at Filoli. 
  • Gilroy After Hours Rotary Club is having their Charter Night Sept 20 from 5:30-7:30. 
  • Rotary Business Expo is being held Oct. 5 from 12:00-5:00 at Ohlone College of Newark. Call Daniel Mai at 510.828.9376 for more info.
  • Next week’s speaker is Barbara Spector, Los Gatos Town Council.
 
Jeffrey Barnett gave his Red Badge bio. He is a San Jose native. Jeffrey practiced law in the area for 45 years and retired in 2019. Now that he is retired he enjoys taking classes, spending time with his family and all things French. He shared some beautiful pictures of his family and travels to France. In addition to joining Rotary he is on the Town of Los Gatos PD Study Committee and the General Plan Advisory Committee. We enjoyed getting to know you Jeffrey.
 
 
Our speaker was Paul Johnson Superintendent of LGUSD. He gave us an overview of the district and school funding. He presented Strategic Planning for 2025. He asked us questions about what we thought were key areas for the district. It was an interesting discussion and gave us a chance to provide input for the future of the district.