The Speaker for October 28th: Rick Young

"How the Plastic Industry has Used Recycling to Sell More Plastic"

Rick Young is an investigative producer working with the PBS documentary series FRONTLINE since the early 90’s.  In 2009, he launched a partnership between FRONTLINE and the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University that has produced a dozen FRONTLINE documentaries, including the most recent, “Plastic Wars,” a collaboration with NPR. He was a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford in 2007-08.  Before turning to journalism, he spent six years as an investigator for the U.S. House of Representatives.
 

The Meeting Summary for October 21, 2020

Rotarian Andrew Bales sent a musical Cuban piece, Danzón No. 2, to President Fernando who played it and then called the 5272st Rotary meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Rotarians and guests were welcomed.  President Fernando recognized the October birthdays of Rotarians. 

Rotarian Gary Giannini gave a heartfelt eulogy for Bill Del Biaggio. Bill was born, reared and educated in San Jose before attending college in Oregon where he played football. He was Gary’s roommate in college. Bill was honored throughout his life for his philanthropy, efforts to improve our community and service on numerous nonprofit boards. Bill’s careers included beer distribution and banking. Bill’s lovely wife Helen predeceased him. Bill is survived by two sons and five grandchildren. Bill, in the Jesuit tradition, was a “Man for Others.” 

Following the eulogy, Rotarian Jeremy Harris played Auld Lang Syne.  Rotarian Catherine Tompkison gave an update on the many activities that Military Care Committee have done to support our veterans. Catherine and Dave Sylva are co-chairs of this vibrant committee. 

Rotarian Karen Philbrick sponsored new member Irma Garcia who was born and reared in San Jose. Irma’s parents were hard-working immigrants who taught her the value of money. She graduated from Oak Grove High School and San Jose State University. She has an M.A. in English. Irma currently serves as the communication and Operations Manager at the Mineta Transportation Institute.  Irma is an avid reader and runner. 
    
President Fernando presented Julia Casto with her Blue Badge. Her sponsor was Randy Zechman.  President Fernando made the following announcements:
1.    World Polio Day is this Saturday October 24.
2.    Thanksgiving program will feature Rotarians who describe that for which they are thankful. Please contact Lenoir Kieve if you would like to participate.
3.    Fine Opportunities will come up next week; contact Gay Crawford if you have news to share.
4.    The Emerging Artists program from last week is now on YouTube just click on this link.
5.    Cub Scout Popcorn sales are online this year. www.trails-end.com/store. Look for "Search for a Scout" and enter Alex Pizarro and ZIP Code 95112 or use code CDG8ETGZ before you check out. The order will be shipped directly to your house.
6.    Friday noon is Zoom Chat n’ Chew lead by Rotarians Linda Gold and Dave Sandretto. The Zoom meeting ID is 835 1560 0036 and the passcode is 921440

Rotarian Rod Diridon introduced our speaker Carl Guardino who spoke on “Building our Future in Broken Times.” He started with his theme - stretch goals, build bridges with each other and lift others up. He explained that California Needs to address THEE - Transportation, Housing, Education and the Environment.

Transportation – Our problems may be worse coming out of COVID unless we think of carpooling, public transportation, and other alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle. Mindset matters and we need to rid ourselves of a “can-not-do” attitude. Caltrain should triple ridership post COVID. 
Housing and Homelessness – We have not met California housing needs in 3 decades. We need to address the needs of homeless, renters and buyers. 
Education and the workforce – He described the Community College to Career Initiative. 
Energy and the Environment – We must be better stewards of our environment. We need clean energy, affordable to everyone. With less traffic during COVID, we see the improvement in air quality.

The club had more questions of Carl than there was time to answer them. 

A donation was made to Our City Forest in honor of our informative speaker. Carl then said that he and 
his wife would purchase 10 additional City Forest trees. 

Next week’s speaker is Rick Young who will talk about “How the Plastic Industry has Used Recycling to Sell More Plastic.”

The meeting was adjourned at 1:14 p.m. but left open for those who wanted to stay and socialize.  

Please click here to view this week’s broadcast.

Respectfully submitted, Karyn Sinunu-Towery, Meeting Summaries Committee.
 

Join the Planning Meeting for Gala 2021

Here’s your chance to help plan our biggest party/fundraiser of the year, with the proceeds helping to fund our work in the community.
President Fernando has chosen the fun theme Fiesta de Gala Rotaria, and we’re looking for people to help with sponsor recruitment, event planning, the auction, and event logistics.
The first meeting for the Gala Committee will be Wednesday, November 4, 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
If you’re interested in joining the energetic group that is planning for this entertaining and COVID-safe event, please contact event chairpersons Mauricio Cordova or Sarah Janigian.
 

Rotary Global Grant Scholarship

ROTARY GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLARSHIP APPLY TODAY!
Apply for the Rotary International annual Scholarship: A $30,000 Rotary Global Grant Scholarship will be awarded in the 2021-2022 school year for graduate-level coursework or research outside of the United States

The scholarship support is for graduate level overseas study to further international understanding, peace, promote goodwill, learn another culture and/or language, and share one’s own culture.

March 1, 2021 is the deadline for submission (Interviews will be April 3, 2021).  
Application and more information can be found here: https://rotarydistrict5170.org/sitepage/scholarships/.

October Birthdays