As we step into the month of March, I am delighted to recap the exciting happenings and insightful guest speakers we had throughout February within our vibrant Rotary community.
Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting a diverse array of guest speakers who enlightened and inspired us with their expertise and insights. From Sara Fashandi, author of "Messages in a Matchbox," to Stanford Professor Asad L. Asad discussing "Engage and Evade: How Latino Immigrant Families Manage Surveillance in Everyday Life," and Jan Lefevre from Inner Wheel, each presentation added depth and richness to our meetings. Additionally, we were privileged to welcome back former Saratoga Rotary President Dave Eshleman, who explored the theme "Is It The Truth? How Science Helps Us Decide."
In the spirit of fellowship, we joined together to celebrate Lunar New Year at Hong's Restaurant, strengthening bonds and embracing cultural diversity within our club. Furthermore, we've integrated the Rotary 4 Way Test into each meeting, reaffirming our commitment to ethical conduct and service above self.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events and initiatives planned for the month of March. We are thrilled to participate in Read Across America and celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday at Latimer Elementary School, marking our tenth year of involvement in this cherished tradition. Additionally, we'll be taking part in the Saratoga Blossom Festival and Rise Against Hunger at Saratoga High School, furthering our commitment to serving our local and global communities.
As we continue our journey of service and fellowship, we eagerly anticipate upcoming guest speakers who will share their knowledge and experiences with us. Our March lineup, so far, includes:
- March 1: Adam Dorsey, Licensed Psychologist and Podcaster, discussing "The Science of Happiness."
- March 8: Kyle Santoro from Los Gatos High School, sharing insights on documentary filmmaking.
- March 15: Bill Sanderson, Superintendent of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District, providing updates and insights into education in our community.
We encourage all members to mark these dates on your calendars and join us for what promises to be a series of engaging and enlightening discussions.
As always, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication to the ideals of Rotary. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the world.
Yours in service,
Renée Kazemipour Paquier, Ed.D
President, Saratoga Rotary Club
2023/2024
P.S. Don't forget to check our website and social media channels for the latest updates and news from our club. Together, we can imagine hope and make it a reality.
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!
You will be contacted shortly about job assignments for the show and 5K. We thank all those who have already put in much time as part of the committee. Participating in this fundraising is one of the only requirements of being a Saratoga Rotarian so we hope we can count on all of you who are able. If you absolutely cannot be in Saratoga May 3, 4 and 5, please let Sheree Williams and Marcia Hansen (Art Show Schedulers) know immediately. They will find alternative employment for you.
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:
I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and love, words that seem too small to express the immense depth of appreciation I feel for each and every one of you. In the face of unimaginable loss, your unwavering support, prayers, and love have been a beacon of light guiding me through the darkest of times.
Thank you all for your support, prayers, and love these past few months. I never would have imagined heading into 2024 that I would lose my best friend and life partner but what I do know is I have all of you, my Rotary family. My family and I are forever indebted to all of you for everything you have done and do for us. Thank you for being there for me, Dhruv, and my in-laws. Your thoughtfulness, laughter, camaraderie, and company have been a source of joy and comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you are always welcome in our home, just as you have always been. You are not just friends; you are family, and I cherish each and every one of you dearly.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being there for me and my family. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives.
Here is the quote from Carl Sagan which I[Dave Eshelman] read today[February 9, 2024]:
“The values of science and the values of democracy are concordant, in many cases indistinguishable. Science thrives on the free exchange of ideas. Its values are antithetical to secrecy. Both encourage unconventional opinion and vigorous debate, adequate reason, coherent argument, and rigorous standards of evidence and honesty. Science is a way to call the bluff of those who only pretend to knowledge. It is a bulwark against mysticism, superstition, and religion applied where it has no business being. If we’re true to its values, we can tell when we’re being lied to. It provides a mid-course correction to our mistakes.
Finding the occasional straw of truth awash in a great ocean of confusion and bamboozle requires vigilance, dedication, and courage. But if we don’t practice these tough habits of thought, we cannot hope to solve the serious problems that face us – and we risk becoming a nation of suckers, up for grabs by the next charlatan who saunters along.”
(A poem by Pablo Neruda [1914-1973] who was born Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, and adopted his pen name legally in 1946. Under that name he has become one one of the most famous poets of all time. From the 1940s on, his works reflected the political struggle of the left and the socio-historical developments in South America. He was also very famous for his love poems. Neruda's Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair (1924) have sold over a million copies since it first appeared.)
I want you to know one thing.
You know how this is: if I look at the crystal moon, at the red branch of the slow autumn at my window, if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash or the wrinkled body of the log, everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, light, metals, were little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me.
Well, now, if little by little you stop loving me I shall stop loving you little by little.
If suddenly you forget me do not look for me, for I shall already have forgotten you.
If you think it long and mad, the wind of banners that passes through my life, and you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have roots, remember that on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my arms and my roots will set off to seek another land.
But if each day, each hour, you feel that you are destined for me with implacable sweetness, if each day a flower climbs up to your lips to seek me, ah my love, ah my own, in me all that fire is repeated, in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten, my love feeds on your love, beloved, and as long as you live it will be in your arms without leaving mine.
Did you know that, as far as we know, the Blue Whale is the largest animal that has ever existed on Earth? Bigger than even the biggest dinosaur? Did also know that humans managed to kill 95 per cent of the world’s Blue Whales before whaling was outlawed?
1. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn , the more places you’ll go.
2. A person’s a person no matter how small.
3. You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
4. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
5. Think left & think right & think low & think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!
6. You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
7. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
8. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.
9. You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.
10. Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.
11. I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.
12. It’s better to know how to learn than learn how to know.
13. Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.
14. To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.
15. I meant what I said & I said what I meant.
16. You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in.
17. Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.
18. Be who you are & say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.
19. Step with care & great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act.
20. You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!
By Jo Toy
Friday January 19, 2024
Two quotes from Morgan Freeman:
Life isn't easy, but every day you get a chance to make a difference. Be thankful for what you already have, and work hard for the things you want, because every breath you take is a blessing.
Your life journey is a special one.
Cherish every single day of your life, because if you don't, who will?
Time flies so quickly, and every day is a blessing. Don't take it for granted.
As you wake up every day, put your heart into every breath of yours.
Be grateful to be able to dream, love, and have fun.
By Barry Bronson
Fridat January 12, 2024
Barry’s Quatrains
for a Time of Sadness
When someone leaves us
We picture their face
For in our memories
There’s always a place
Remember friends
Who are no longer with us
How they changed our lives
How they made us better
An end comes for all of us
And to all whom we know
Cherish those you know
And remember those you knew
Let the good deeds of others
Who brought hope to the world
Inspire us by their actions
To do more of the same
What will be your legacy?
Is it one that will last?
Will it make the world better?
Or just fade into the past?
Life seems long when you’re young
Short when you’re old
Be the best that you can
Before your story gets told
Only so many minutes
Before our clocks stop forever
Don’t waste those minutes
Make all of them count
We all have a future
We all have a past
Make the best of your future
To make your future last
Nine months to create
One last heartbeat to end
Share your heartbeats
With the ones that you love
There comes a time
When forgetting the past
To focus on the future
Should be your main task
When sadness finds us
In unexpected ways
Seek comfort in knowing
That in time it will pass
New year’s resolutions
They come most every year
So quickly they’re forgotten
Maybe not so fast this year?
We can’t save the world
The best we can do
Is make it a little better
With good deeds by you
There are those who have plenty
And there those who have none
Reduce your plenty
So that others have some
Happiness comes
In unexpected ways
Sharing it with others
Can bring more of it to you
We’re at the top of the food chain
So, how does that feel?
We all could be rabbits
Doing the bunny hop for real
When life gets you down
And there’s no one around
Pound on a wall
And give it your all!
Rotarians are generous
Rotarians are kind
So, thank you so much
For sharing your time
By Terrie Creamer
Friday January 5, 2024
Helping Others
Today is National Bird Day- January 5
I once watched a bird gather string to make a nest. The bird acted on instinct not reasoning. I watched as the bird made several attempts to gather the string. She would pick up one end of the string in her beak and fly upward, but the string would fall, and she would try again. This went on for several minutes. What made it fascinating was that the string was attached to a boat on a boat trailer.
I thought of the bird’s PERSISTENCE in her efforts. No matter how many times she failed, the bird kept trying. How often do I show this kind of persistence?
I thought of the bird’s FOCUS on the string. She was oblivious to the fact that the string was attached to an immovable object. All she saw was the string, and she went for it. How often do I keep a singular focus on a particular goal?
I thought the bird had great CONFIDENCE. Her intention was to get the string. She was not deterred by the fact that a large boat was in her way.
So we need to be persistent, focused, and confident in our efforts and endeavors.
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