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Mark your calendar for the 65th Rotary Art Show, May 4 & 5, 2024!  In addition to our 2-day art show with beautiful art, entertainment, food trucks, beer and wine, nonprofit showcase, and activities for children, we will be having our first 5K run/walk for a cause!

Roger Darwin Austin, a devoted member of the Saratoga Rotary Club for over fifty years, passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 1932, to James and Lorraine Austin, Roger's journey through life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to service, community, and fellowship.

In the 1960s, Roger relocated to California, where he found his second home and a community of kindred spirits within the Saratoga Rotary Club. Joining during the presidency of Don Gerth (1970-1971), Roger quickly became an integral part of the club's fabric. According to our former club historian, Warren Heid, Roger was among a cohort of new Rotarians that included Clark Bassett, Harry Cuddy, Clancy Ferrell, Frank Godfry, Bob Barbatti, Glenn McNicholas, Earl Hinrichs, and Art Palermo.

Throughout his tenure, Roger served the club in various capacities, including Club President from 1989 to 1990, Art Show Chairman, and a dedicated member of the Foundation Board. His commitment to Rotary was surpassed only by his love for travel and his unwavering dedication to serving others. For Roger, Rotary provided a platform where his passions intersected harmoniously, allowing him to forge deep connections with fellow members who shared his zeal for making a difference.

As a testament to his enduring impact, Roger will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, kindness, and camaraderie will continue to inspire future generations of Rotarians.

Roger Austin leaves behind a cherished legacy of service and friendship. He will be deeply missed by his Rotary family and all who were fortunate enough to call him friend.

The picture below is from the 1993 Rotary Ski Invitational which took place at Alpine Meadows where Roger won a plaque for being the fastest skier. In the picture are Larry Grace to the left and Roger in the middle. Also included is a snapshot of parts of the entry from historian Warren Heid regarding Roger’s year as club President.

For the photo here is a list of who’s in it from left to right:

Larry Grace, Mel Tuscher, Dick Mount, Roger Austin, Phil Hitchings, Mark Pierce

In the tapestry of life, a soul shines bright, 
Sesh's spirit, a beacon of light.
Kindness and generosity, a guiding star, 
A true volunteer, near and far.
 
In service, his calling was true, 
A commitment to others, a purpose he knew.
With hands that offered, a heart that cared,
A legacy of love, beautifully shared.
 
From community events to someone in need,
He sowed seeds of goodwill, in every good deed.
In the threads of his actions, a colorful blend,
A tapestry of kindness that knew no end.
 
A multicultural heart, a bridge he became, 
Uniting our souls, to become the same.
With open arms and a welcoming smile, 
He made every interaction worthwhile.
 
His generosity flowed like a river,
Touching lives, an incredible giver.
Sesh's journey, was lined with grace,
Leaving footprints of kindness in every space.
 
Humble in deeds, never asking for praise,
Helping all he encountered, in so many ways.
Leaving a mosaic of memories for all to share,
A friend to all, beyond compare.
 
A listener, a leader, a pillar so tall,
A caring friend who stood for all.
The depth of his kindness showed on his face,
Let's honor his spirit with every embrace.
 
May his spirit find peace in eternity's glow,
As his legacy of love continues to grow.
In the echoes of service, his presence will stay, 
A devote father, husband, and friend, lighting our way.
 
 
With love,
Helen
This past Saturday{December 9th} morning, we celebrated what we think is the 38th annual Breakfast with Santa with Washington Elementary School in San Jose!   I want to share with you some of the photos and videos (thanks Sheeba and Maria) so you can share in the joy!
 
 
 
Whether you helped pack the gifts on Friday, were one of the 30 Rotarians at the event, or are one of our members who kept the tradition going in past years,  thank you so very much!  Special thanks to Santa Ray and Mrs. Claus Kookie who brought so much joy and hope to the children.  Maria gave each child a framed photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Thanks to Sheeba for preparing a play list so we sounded much better than past years, and to Lee Ann who led our caroling, including some truly inspired choreography to Jingle Bells!  As you can see in the photos, there are so many more people to thank.  Don't miss the videos in the first link if you need some more joy this holiday season.
 
Also this year we had so many teenagers with so much energy!  Once again Dave and Angela brought students from Cambrian Academy and we had for the first time, about 15 Prospect High students attend!  With about 90 Kindergarten and 1st graders in attendance, the morning was magical!
 
Thanks for supporting this project through the Art Show and the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation!  Don't miss this event next year!
 
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
Cathie
Community Service Update - Family Giving Tree - Holiday Wish List
 
The Bay Area ranks as one of the world’s most affluent areas, yet more than 800,000 Bay Area residents
live at or below the poverty line, and one out of every five children here lives in poverty. These statistics
are even more startling because it’s greater than the national average. This year the Family Giving Tree
goal is to provide 44,000 gifts to fulfill the wish of a child, adult, or senior in need.
 
Thank you for providing 65 gifts and 60 plus toothbrushes and toothpaste.
 
 
International Service Projects
  • Kenya and India 2020-2021
    • Deliver easy access to potable water for the villages of Kaikol and Nkudet in Turkana County, Kenya. It will serve a total population of approx. 5000
    • Provide four ventilators to a COVID hospital in Bangalore, India.
  • USA 2020-2021
    • Refrigerated truck for Martha’s Kitchen
    • Sensorimotor room for children with special needs at Franklin-McKinley School 
West Valley Community Service Projects
  • Mobile Pantry/ Park-It Market at Saratoga Fellowship Plaza
    • On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Tuesday of the Month from 10:15 AM to Noon
 
Operation Care and Comfort Projects
  • Packing supplies for troops in October for the holiday season
 
Youth Service Events
  • Mentoring Interact Club of local high schools 
  • Enterprise Leadership Conference (ELC) for high school students
  • Scholarships for elementary, middle, high school and Community college students 
  • Speech Contest for the high school students
  • Rotary Youth Exchange Programs
                                                Read more .......
Fellowship Events
  • Super Bowl Chili and Corn Bread Cook Off
  • Fun at Bocce Ball Court
  • Halloween Spirit
  • Christmas Party
  • Annual Dessert Bake Off

Dates to Remember

Donate

Doing Good Together

1) TRF (The Rotary Foundation): Show your generosity and dedication to Service Above Self. Your dollars impact globally

2) SRCF (Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation) : Your dollars impact locally.

Fellowship

Indian Persian Spring Celebration
March 22, 2024
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 

 

 

Volunteer

2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesday (10am to Noon)  - Food Distribution to Seniors with West Valley Community Services.
 
Please click on this link for more information
Saratoga Rotary

Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online
Fridays at 12:30 PM
Saratoga Community Center
19655 Allendale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
United States of America
Upcoming Speakers
Ladoris Hazzard Cordell
Mar 22, 2024
Judge and author of "Her Honor"
Dark
Mar 29, 2024
Ruth Darlene
Apr 05, 2024
WomenSV , IT, wealth and domestic abuse.
Past Speakers
Horace Hines
Mar 15, 2024
Western Geology – What produced the major geological structures from the Pacific Ocean to the Rockie
Kyle Santoro
Mar 08, 2024
Documentary Filmaking
Adam Dorsey
Mar 01, 2024
The Science of Happiness
Save the Date
May 4 - 5, 2024
Upcoming Events