After ringing the bell to begin the meeting, President Jerry asked Bret Johnson to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visitors
Philip Holsworth introduced his guest, Brian Bell. Principal Lauren Kelly introduced three BHS students who took part in the Italian Exchange Program as well as the head of the Parent Group.
Invocation
Jerry then invited Marilyn Orr to come forward to present the Thought of the Day. As a very consequential election just took place, she found a number of inspirational thoughts on the subject. One poignant expression was from civil rights leader John Lewis who said, “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”
Membership Chair Al Royse invited our newest member to join him. Lauren Kelly is the principal of Burlingame High School. Al welcomed her and presented her with her pin. She is the latest in a long line of outstanding Burlingame High School principals who have been members of the organization.
Lauren asked the three students to come to the front to share a bit about the Italian Exchange Program. Approximately 20 Italian students from Udine, Italy visited BHS in October of this year. They were hosted by Burlingame families. These young Italian students were treated to a number of activities and sights while they were here.
The group expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club, particularly Marc Friedman, for their support in making the program possible. The parent head of the BHS Boosters presented President Jerry with a check as a thank you for our Club’s involvement.
Foundation Chair Bret Johnson gave a presentation on the “why” and “how” to giving to The Rotary Foundation. November is Foundation month and the goal is 100% participation by our Rotary members. EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) is the mantra. It can be as little as $25. It is simple. Just go to My Rotary and donate with a credit card. The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
This is the link. Either sign in or register so our Club can continue to make a difference.
Marilyn Orr introduced Brandais Roumasset from the Saratoga Wildlife Care Center. She was generous enough to fill in for her boss Ashley Kinney.
The new Saratoga Wildlife Center, which has been operational for over a year, admits over 10,000 animals annually across 160 different species. The facility features expanded programs for large mammals, waterfowl, and raptors, with specialized enclosures including large pools for seabirds and raptor, aviaries up to 100 feet long. The hospital operates seven days a week with veterinary staff including a part-time vet and two registered veterinary technicians. The patients are typically released close to their original location after rehabilitation periods ranging from days for minor injuries to several months for orphaned nestlings.
Brandais presented an overview of the veterinary team's expanded capabilities at the wildlife rehabilitation facility, highlighting new surgical procedures, diagnostic tools, and specialized permits allowing treatment of eagles and falcons. The facility has admitted over 850 waterbirds this year and successfully treated multiple bobcats, with four currently in care.
President Jerry thanked Brandais for her visit and presented her with a certificate noting that, in support of Rotary's effort to rid the world of polio, we would donate ten doses of the vaccine.
