The Meeting Summary for November 13, 2024
Following the wonderful slide show representing the past week of our Rotary Club’s activity, President Heather welcomed Club members and guests to the 5,460th meeting of the San Jose Rotary Club, and thanked Jeff Pohle (“Piano Man”) and the Greeting Line participants from our Club’s “Service to Seniors” committee, chaired by Kelly Dippel.
Red Badgers Amelia Capsuto and Ardi Arian carried today’s traveling microphones, welcoming our many guests and visiting Rotarians.
Bert George delivered a heartfelt eulogy for recently deceased club member Gary Silver, noting so many of Doctor Gary’s numerous contributions to our club and to the Gift of Life program he founded. Bert shared stories of Doctor Gary’s generosity, compassion and commitment to saving the lives of others globally who otherwise had no access to life-saving healthcare. Rest in Peace, Doctor Gary.
Next, Rod Diridon introduced our newest club member, Edesa Bitbadal. You can read more about Edesa’s impressive achievements and life journey in her New Member profile.
Matt Roben and Janikke Klem enthusiastically invited us to the SJSU Tailgate Party, 11/29, the day after Thanksgiving. At 4-0, the Spartans are “Bowl Eligible” and playing Stanford that day. Tickets are $25 for Rotarians and include the Tailgate Party from 11am-1pm, tacos & burritos, 2 drinks, and general admission to the game. Kid’s tickets are $15. Go Spartans!
Past-President Cindy Faulkner encouraged us to buy our tickets to Snow Fest 2024—the club’s Annual Holiday Luncheon, which will be held on December 11 from 11:30-1:30. The luncheon promises to be a “sparkling celebration” with champagne, delicious lunch, and entertainment. Tickets are $85 only until Friday, 11/15—after that, tickets will be $90 each. Seating is limited, so make sure and get your tickets today!
We will also be collecting cereal, granola bars, and nuts for SJSU Cares.
President Heather used her President’s Time to give out “Fun Fines.” Club members spotted in photos not wearing their Rotary pin (Steve Ellenberg & Sarju Naran in Mexico, Rod Diridon & Gloria Duffy on the cover of Los Gatos Living magazine), and “piano man” Jeff Pohle for pandering to our guest speaker with Sharks memorabilia.
Bunny Laden introduced today’s speaker, Ahmad Thomas, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) for the past 4-1/2 years. Ahmad began with a brief summary of his impressive background, followed by his take on how the recent presidential election may impact our region and CA specifically with respect to AI (Artificial Intelligence) policies going forward. Ahmad spoke of the criticality of our region driving creation of a modernized infrastructure (harnessing clean energy, power, smart grids to support faster data centers) and policies that encompass human oversight, guard rails, recognize workforce challenges. His position is that we need to lead the charge addressing AI with market-driven solutions, and not wait for DC to set forth policy in isolation. Increasing the power and influence of our region on formulating AI policy, Ahmad spoke of the potential merger between SVLG and the Bay Area Council. A spirited Q&A followed Ahmad’s presentation.
President Heather thanked Ahmad for today’s program, and honored him with a Rotary contribution to The Dancing Cat. She also gave a heartfelt shout out to the Military Care committee for their perseverance standing in the rain for 2 hours to make our Veterans Day celebration a success.
Next week is the return of the club’s annual favorite, Bob Kieve’s Thanksgiving Program now produced by Bob’s daughter and our own club member, Lenoir Kieve.
President Heather concluded the meeting at 1:15.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Gold, Rotary Meeting Summaries committee.
To see all pictures, click
here, thanks to Jeff Faulkner, Photography Committee.
Video is available
here, thanks to John Duhring.