Welcome to February, the second month of the year, and the last month of winter. Hopefully by the time you read this, we will have had some much-needed rain.
During January, we had some informative programs starting with the State of the Union of our Saratoga Union School District, followed by a primer on how to save the planet in our own spare time. Then an engaging introduction to artificial intelligence by our own Mona Hrapkowicz culminating with an instructive overview of West Valley College’s Democracy Institute.
The weather has been chilly, but since February is the last month of winter, hopefully we will be able to look forward to warmer weather in the coming months.
Nationally, we now have a new president, and hopefully, a lot of the recent political acrimony will calm down, and we can go forward as a unified people.
Some upcoming District 5170 events are on the horizon:
Our auxiliary, Inner Wheel, is having its Founder’s Day Brunch at Saratoga Country Club. Inner Wheel’s major project is the provision of myoelectric limbs for children. Please support this wonderful organization if you are interested.
District 5170 will have its International Women’s Day conference in Fremont, later in March.
Looking forward, we can anticipate a program by two speakers from the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians, who have been flying around the world and speaking to Rotary Clubs in support of Rotary’s End Polio campaign.
We can also look forward to programs about pollinator conservation as well as the latest in Alzheimer's and dementia research.
Due to popular demand, our lunch program has been restored. We had a successful trial with WeBox, where we were able to order our lunches individually from a variety of restaurants. They look to be a dependable backup source. We are working with our trusted Jose and Dexter who will be providing upcoming buffet lunches. Please support them, as they cannot support us if we do not use their services.
Please continue to attend our club meetings and have a wonderful end to winter
Annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show A Community Event and Fundraiser
First Weekend in May, 2025 Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd & 4th, 2025 10AM to 5PM
You're Invited to the 66th Annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show with Wine and Beer Tasting!
Spend Saturday and/or Sunday on the beautiful grounds of West Valley Community College in Saratoga. Fine Artists and Craftsmen from around the country showcase their works in a show. You'll find something for everyone with our wide variety of fine art: paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography, glassworks, woodworks and mixed media.
Bring the family, enjoy the activities at the Kids corner, also enjoy wine and beer tasting from superb local wineries, a large selection of food and entertainment for all ages. Admission, parking and Kids Corner are free.
Whether you are an artist, an art lover, or just want a nice way to spend a the weekend, we look forward to seeing you! Best of all, you will be contributing to the local community. All net proceeds benefit the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation (SRCF). SRCF has returned over $2.5 million to local non-profit organizations through its grant program and supports our Rotary Club’s community and youth services programs.
From Barry Bronson: Volunteer Opportunity: Helping 800 Students at our Santa Clara Valley Science Fair
The Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages the annual science fair in Santa Clara County, known as the Synopsys Science & Technology Championship, for students in grades 6 through 12.
When I was in college, Jay Sebring, the men’s hair stylist to Hollywood celebrities ran classes to teach barbers his craft. They needed heads with hair. I had a lot of it back then.
The Rotary Foundation and the Power of Giving Back
By Sangita Seshadri
In the world of philanthropy, few organizations allow donations to come full-circle, returning in ways that benefit the very people who contribute. One notable exception is The Rotary Foundation (TRF), a global powerhouse of goodwill and service.
As British science author Bill Bryson writes: “it’s probably not a good idea to take too personal an interest in your own microbes. Louis Pasteur, the great French chemist and bacteriologist, became so preoccupied with his that that he took to peering critically at every dish placed before him with a magnifying glass, a habit that presumably did not win him many repeat invitations to dinner.”
Rotary Club of Saratoga: Fighting Hunger with Rise Against Hunger
For over five years, the Rotary Club of Saratoga has been actively engaged in combating hunger through a hands-on community service project in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. This initiative brings together club members, families, and community volunteers to pack nutritious meals that are distributed to those in need around the world.
Long time Rotarian and Past President Bill Comport passed away November 5. The Bulletin, with Mary Ellen's permission, is re-posting Bill's obituary which recently appeared in the San Jose Mercury News.
Dr. William "Bill" Comport, a gentle and compassionate soul, dedicated his life to serving others. As a beloved dentist in the community for nearly 50 years, Bill's legacy of kindness extended far beyond his practice. For his extraordinary service to under-served children, Bill was recognized as a Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush, named a 1998 Volunteer by The Junior league of San Jose, and honored as UCSF Alumni of the Year in 2004.he also served as President of the Saratoga Rotary Club and the Santa Clara County Dental Society., always leading with humility and a generous heart.
Born in Los Angeles to Frances and Raymond Comport, Bill pursued his passion for dentistry at UCLA and UCSF Dental School, where he was recognized as Outstanding General Dentist (1969). Bill was not only dedicated to his profession, but also to his community sand family. He found joy in running, traveling, attending live theater, and creating treasured memories with those he loved.
Bill's love and devotion to his family were unwavering. he is survived by Mary Ellen, his wife of 60 years, his son Christopher, his daughter Megan (Brad Beals) and his brother Steve. he also leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces, who adored him.
A celebration of Bill's remarkable life and enduring impact will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hearts and Minds Activity Program (2380 Enborg Lane, San Jose, 95128), Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation (PO Box 2244, Saratoga, CA 95070); SCCDS Foundation (1485 Park Avenue, San Jose, 95126).
Bill will be remembered for his kindness, his selfless service, and the countless lives he touched. He truly made the world a better place, one smile at a time.
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