BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALMADEN VALLEY P.O. BOX 20543, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95160

Web Page – www.almadenvalleyrotary.org CHARTERED May 9, 1969

G r a p e v i n e

CLUB OFFICERS GRAPEVINE EDITORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENDOWMENT BOARD President Mel Bandanza Editor-in-Chief Bruce Curley Club Service I Jerry Gibson Chairman Roger Bier President Elect Joe Pileggi Editors Walt D’Ardenne Club Service II Roger Hassler Vice Chair Paul Venezio Secretary Angie Hassler John Guisto Community Service Paul Uenaka Joanne Bengiveno Treasurer Gary Exberger Angie Hassler Vocational Service Ken Tavernier Paul Consentino Sgt-at Arms John Guisto International Service Paul Consentino Shirley MacDougall Rotary Foundation John Baker Social Director Rich Flynn Treasurer Gary Exberger* Public Relations* Jeff Rosen* Secretary Jim Guido* Fin Advr Ken Tavernier*

* Non voting members MEET FRIDAY NOON AT THE THREE FLAMES RESTAURANT, 1547 MERIDIAN, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

VOLUME 38 NUMBER 47 MAY 25, 2007

Today’s Program Ray Lester

President’s Leaf by

Mel Bandanza, President, Almaden Valley Rotary Club

Mel

I mentioned in an early September Grapevine how great that time of the year was. Well, this

time of the year ain’t so bad either. Our Club has just finished a great Kid’s Fishing Days

event, a wonderful Charter Party, and three fine days at Harrah’s south shore. Next

Thursday at noon we are having a joint meeting with Willow Glen and, I believe, San Jose

West, to hear a member of the House of Representatives of the United States, The Honorable

Mike Honda. The following week, firefighter Mike Venezio will talk. The 15th is still open,

and then comes awards night on the 22nd. I’m guessing there will be a meeting on the 29th.

I’m trying to decide whether I want to come. However, if Presidents have survived this

meeting since 1969, I guess I can as well.

A reminder to the present Board of Directors of the meeting at my home on June 12, at 6:30

p.m.

To Joe and Louise Pileggi and Roger and Angie Hassler, a bon voyage. It is our wish that

you have a great time in Salt Lake City at the R.I. convention.

To Michael Gardner, best wishes on your new assignment. You have been a good Rotarian

and an asset to the Almaden Valley Rotary Club. We will miss you.

Yours in Rotary

Grapevine for May25, 2007 It was a noisy start for a calm MM

tried to gain control in the Sardine room at the Flames. “Settle down Folks”

Pledge, invocation and thought for the day by Johnny G.

Visiting Rotarians included Jeanie Neill from the downtown club and Don Waterley from Sunnyvale Sunrise. There were no Guests of Rotary.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Mel offered his apologies for not

asking a past president to fill in for him last Friday. Joanne took control as leader, provided a meeting report and then submits the lunch bill.

2. Mel reported that the Tahoe Board Meeting was successful and thanks Paul Consentino for his hospitality.

3. Mel has some info for the International convention in Salt Lake. A club from Turkey has 5 room available 8 blocks from the International convention.

4. Mel asks if there is a club volunteer to be a representative in the District’s Singles Companion Club.

5. Bert Raefal request an Area 9 for

international service. 6. Mel announces that Michael

Gardner is leaving the club to accept a General Manager position at the Burnham wood Golf club in Monticello.

7. Mel shows a District Youth Protection certificate for the Almaden Valley Rotary club.

8. There will be a seminar on conducting an effective meeting at the Santa Clara Marriott on Thursday June 7, 2007.

9. The District Governor Roast will be held on Thursday July 12 at Saratoga Springs Resort.

10. Don Waterly from Sunnyvale Sunrise approaches the club concerning Pre Natal care for premature babies. He is requesting funding assistance to purchase of an incubator.

11. Roger Hassler reports the proceeds from the raffle = $24,300. Special thanks to Paul Consentino for selling 50 tickets and Jean Luc Renson for his contribution. Roger then handed out wine to those who bought the 10th ticket and thank the club for its success.

12. Paul then presented a $1000 donation to our endowment from the Raffle grand winner Genevieve Rolla.

13. Kenny T. sends around a sign-up list for “A Day at the A’s Saturday August 4th, 2007 against the Los

Angles Angels. Seat prices vary. 14. Joanne B. We celebrated

Michael leaving and had too much fun.

Mel is fined $20 for not reading Michael resignation letter at the Charter Party.

John is fined $20 for not arranging last Friday Meeting.

Roger Hassler is fined $20 for forgetting the projector.

15. John Baker thanks Roger Bier chairing the Kids Fishing Day.

16. Jerry thanks the team for the presentation at the Charter Party.

17. Jerry Fines Bruce Bondelie $10 for winning without cheating the Black Jack Tournament.

18. Jean Luc wants everyone to send in their All-American Football donations.

Kathy’s Fines 1. John Fishing Day I a

vegetarian was assigned Wienies duty. $10

2. Jerry G. Forgot to tell me where the Charter party was located. $10

3. Kathy $10 for not knowing how to enter the Football banquet.

UPCOMING EVENTS THURSDAY MAY 31 JOINT

MEETING WITH WILLOW GLEN TO HEAR RERPRESENTATIVE MIKE HONDA.

Regular meetings for June 8th and June 15th

THE EVENING OF JUNE 22 IS AWARDS NIGHT

TODAY’S PROGRAM Mel introduces Ray Lester to speak on

his and his family’s history in Santa Clara Valley. The Lester family came to Napa after the gold rush and then moved to San Jose to farm. They acquired additional property and became successful farmers.

Ray’s family in 1907 touring Yosemite

in their SUV.

Ray in his sailors suit with mom.

Ray pruning his orchard.

Thank you Ray for an interest

program. Respectfully submitted Johnny G