The Speaker for June 10th: Lisa Mallette

Lisa Mallette has worked for countless theater companies throughout the Western United States as an actor, director, and manager. She became Managing Director of City Lights Theater Company of San José in 2001, and Executive Artistic Director in 2004. She has since led City Lights through more than a decade of unprecedented artistic and administrative growth, winning widespread public and industry acclaim, and closing the past 16 consecutive years in the black.

A graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California, and the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, Lisa is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.

For City Lights, she has appeared in and directed over two dozen classical and contemporary works, including several regional and world premieres. A San Francisco native, Lisa has been a member of Theatre Bay Area for more than two decades, has sat on the TBA Theatre Services Committee for ten years (the past six as chair), and chaired the TBA Board of Directors from 2016-2018. She is a graduate of San Jose’s Community Leadership San Jose and was a 2014 Silicon Valley Creates Artist Laureate.

Join Us For a Week Long Virtual Gala

Pants Schmants Virtual Gala

The Meeting Summary for June 3, 2020

Our latest virtual meeting opened with Sean O’Kane, in the garden with Paul Harris, giving us a little update on life during shelter-in-place. Sean said he’s gotten a new job at a new startup, the Michael Scott Paper Co. and the president says if it folds, they’ll just open another one, and another one and another one. “At least that’s what he said,” Sean said with a phrase fans of “The Office” should understand.

We then got a look at what life has been like for President Karyn Sinunu Towery and husband Jim Towery, with Jim getting his dinner served on a tray -- and then pitched into a room like he’s serving 20 at Sing-Sing. President Karyn said you can go one of two ways during shelter-in-place, eating too much or working out a lot, and showed off a photo of Jim’s new bod that might have involved some Photoshop.

But there was good news, as Joe Sweeney’s blue badge has finally been found. Looks like Paul Harris was holding on to it, and an exasperated Joe -- sporting long hair and a beard -- came by to pick it up in the garden.

Noting that our spring barbecue would have been held that day, President Karyn gave a shout out to the executive chefs for their work keeping us well fed and to Bert George for his much-appreciated “boozemobile.” President Karyn showed her appreciation by taking a spirited chug from a bottle of The Botanist gin.

President Karyn talked next about the Book Club committee, which has been led by Jerry Hanson, who is stepping down after about 20 years as chair. Their next book is “Rising out of Hatred” by Eli Saslow.

Next, we were treated to a bit of a preview for our online gala, which takes place June 13-20. Raffle tickets are $10 each, or $50 for six, and sponsors and ticketholders who did not request a refund will get a bottle of fine wine from Joseph George as well as 10 raffle tickets. The big prize is a four-bedroom Tahoe House near Donner Lake that sleeps 14.

We’re putting together a book about Bob Kieve for the club to present to his daughter, Lenoir, and anyone who has contributions should send them in. Carl Cilker has combed through the photo archives to find several good pictures of Bob over the years.

The PAWS committee has kept busy, donating pet supplies to Home First that will be distributed to previously homeless residents who need them. And Jon Ball is one of the jurors for the Urban Confluence Silicon Valley landmark project, which has the deadline for its ideas competition coming up July 1.

Last week’s Mystery Rotarian was Catherine Cook, and Kathleen Thomas was the one who responded first with the answer. Take a look at the video for this week’s Mystery Rotarian, whose stylish mask practically gives away the secret. First person to email President Karyn with the answer wins an equally stylish Rotary cap.

If you’ve ever wanted to attend the Rotary International Conference, now’s your chance. Originally, this year’s event was going to be in Hawaii, but now it’s gone virtual and it’s free. Go to riconvention.org for more details.

You should also check out the virtual introduction of new member Joseph Sanchez, and see if Elaine Curran managed to suss out the “false fact” about his life. Next week, we’ll have a “live” Zoom meeting with our member Lisa Mallette, executive artistic director of City Lights Theater Company.

And we closed with a photo of Karen Fox’s pooch wearing a Rotary cap and looking like the top dog in the neighborhood.

Click here to watch this week's broadcast.
Click here to watch the virtual introduction of new member Joseph Sanchez.
Summary submitted by Sal Pizarro, Rotary Meeting Summaries Committee

2020 Rotary Virtual Convention

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Canceled Due to COVID-19

New Member Joseph Sanchez

Joseph Sanchez’s passion for serving his local community can be traced back to his days in college. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Joseph incorporates the Jesuit philosophy towards his personal and professional life. His visionary prospective has earned him opportunities where he can have the most impact on people’s lives. Joseph began a career in San Jose City Hall working as a Land Use Policy Advisor. He examined and initiated policies of land use, housing, transportation, and economic development. Shortly thereafter, Joseph was recruited to work for The Santa Clara & San Benito Building and Construction Trades Council where he was instrumental in negotiating labor contracts in collaboration with local government agencies, general contractors, and with some of the largest real estate development companies in the industry. Today, Joseph is an accomplished Realtor with Keller Williams Bay Area Estates and truly enjoys helping families achieve their real estate goals.