Professionals Sharing Their Knowledge

The event will feature speakers representing a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

Participating professionals include:

• Evan Shelan – Fintech

• Barry Mew – Cybersecurity

• Richard Pledereder – AI in Business / Software Engineering

• Richard Wilkinson – Digital Marketing / President, Pleasanton Rotary Club

• Mark Tanis – Cybersecurity

• Dr. Ranjana Saxena – Physician

• Dr. Sonia Salwan – Veterinarian

Each speaker will deliver a brief presentation highlighting their profession, including its challenges and rewards. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session, encouraging meaningful conversations about their future careers.

A District-Wide Commitment to Youth Development

Led by Sonia Salwan, Rotary District 5170 Vocation Chair, the initiative invites Rotary clubs throughout the district to participate in empowering young people through career education and mentorship.

Rotary clubs and professionals are encouraged to volunteer, share their expertise, and help students discover possibilities beyond the classroom.

Participating volunteers are asked to prepare a three- to five-minute presentation, arrive 20 minutes early, and bring their club banner or sign to represent their Rotary club.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Rotary District 5170 welcomes Rotarians and professionals who are passionate about inspiring students and supporting future Rotary Career Day events in 2027.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 12:40–1:40 PM
Location: Amador Valley High School – MPR Room
1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Volunteer Contact: rotaryforsonia@gmail.com
Website: www.rotarydistrict5170.org

Through vocational service, mentorship, and community collaboration, Rotary continues to demonstrate how sharing professional knowledge can create lasting opportunities for young people.

Together, we inspire tomorrow’s leaders today!

Tickets

$100 per person through December 19, 2026
$125 per person thereafter

Seating is limited. Your early registration will help us plan a welcoming evening for everyone.

Register here or scan the QR code on the event flyer. Please complete payment through the checkout link provided after registration. Tickets are confirmed once payment is received.

Support the Evening

Help make this gathering possible by sponsoring the event or a guest. Sponsorship payments are not deductible as charitable contributions.

For sponsorship opportunities or assistance with registration, contact Jyotika (Jo) RoyC at joroyc.paur@gmail.com.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Palo Alto/University, Friday Morning Mavericks.

The RISE Leadership Program was an inspiring and empowering experience that strengthened my confidence, expanded my leadership skills, and reminded me of the importance of leading with purpose and authenticity. I walked away feeling energized, more connected to Rotary, and excited to make a meaningful difference in my club and community.” Michelle Dixon 

This dynamic program centers on self-reflection and rich discussion, ensuring every participant walks away with personalized insights. You'll dive into inspiring topics like active listening, self-awareness, inverting the leadership pyramid, coaching your colleagues, conceptualizing, stewardship, and finding deep motivation.

Because Rotary is powered by volunteers with no traditional "bosses," leadership here is wonderfully unique—and our goal is to help you grow into the exact kind of leader you want to be!

Click here to apply and take the next step in your leadership journey

Special recognition goes to Hon, Jennifer C., and Rob, who went above and beyond by volunteering for two major service projects in October: the Rebuilding Together project and the H4U Hygiene Kit Project.

These efforts reflect what Rotary is truly about—going beyond financial contributions and taking an active role in making a difference.

October will be remembered as a month when volunteers rolled up their sleeves, worked side by side, and turned compassion into action.

Thank you to everyone who participated and demonstrated Rotary's enduring motto, Service Above Self.

Together, we are creating lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time.

Zoom login information can be found below.

Questions can be directed to District Youth Service Chair, Chris Miller, at camillerlg@aol.com.

We look forward to seeing you on January 11, 2027!

Topic: District 5170 Youth Service Mid-Year Meeting

Time: Jan 11, 2027 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85449416631?pwd=w0Rhic3VKad9SDRtkVpqaRz5cc5HYO.1

Meeting ID: 854 4941 6631

Passcode: 5170
 

Yours in service,

Chris Miller, District Youth Service Chair

Hear from inspiring speakers and environmental leaders, including Jonathan Foley, Brad Adams, Karl Danz, David Cain, Debra Alexander, Carl Nettleton, Chloe Dubois, and Tami Mulcahy.

Registration:
In Person: $30
Zoom: $15
Snacks provided for in-person attendees

Please bring your reusable water bottle!

 Register Today:
https://tinyurl.com/Climate-Action-Summit-2027

Together, we can turn awareness into action and create lasting environmental impact!

The time for action is NOW!

Under DG Herb's leadership, and through the collective efforts of Rotarians across District 5170, we continue to demonstrate that peace begins with action through Peace Poles, meaningful partnerships, community service, and programs that foster understanding across cultures.

Peace is more than a goal. It is a commitment we live through Service Above Self.

Congratulations to DG Herb Ritter and the entire District 5170 team for this remarkable achievement!

Lead with Vision. Serve with Heart. Leave Your Mark.

Ticket Options

• General Seating: $55

• Premium Dome Car: $85 (40 seats available)

• Premium Parlor Car: $85 (30 seats available)

Premium seating is limited, so reserve your spot early!

Tickets & Information: llorenz63@gmail.com

Celebrate the season, create cherished memories, and make a difference—all aboard one magical holiday train!

Join Rotary District 5170 for an enchanting holiday adventure where every ticket helps spread the spirit of giving.

The Rotary Foundation supports humanitarian programs that advance peace, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, strengthen education, support local economies, and improve lives around the world. In his new role, Brad will help guide this vital work and expand what is possible for Rotary's global family.

The District 5170 Rotarians also extend its warmest congratulations to Brad's wife, Marcia, whose partnership and support have been an important part of his journey.

Rotary District 5170 Veterans Day Celebration
Honor. Recognize. Celebrate.

Join us for an evening of gratitude, fellowship, and celebration as we honor the veterans and active duty service members who have served our country.

The evening will feature a special program with guest speakers Matt and Loreen Gibbons, sharing an extraordinary story of survival, loss, resilience, and hope. Matt, a San Juan Bautista Rotarian, survived a 1978 plane crash in the Bering Sea, where the surviving crew was rescued by a Soviet fishing vessel. Loreen, whose first husband was the pilot who died in the crash, wrote about the tragic loss of her husband, the pilot of Matt’s plane, and then later found love again with Matt. Come hear their remarkable story of humanity transcending international tensions while enjoying an evening of community,

You'll also discover how local Rotary clubs support our veterans and active duty service members. And you'll enjoy delicious tacos, included with your registration, and your favorite drinks from our no-host bar as we celebrate service, community, and those who serve our country!

Let’s come together to honor those who serve and celebrate the connections that unite us all.

Matt and Loreen Gibbons — A Story of Survival, Resilience, and Second Chances

Matt and Loreen Gibbons share an extraordinary story of courage, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.

In October 1978, Matt was a crew member aboard a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion patrol aircraft conducting a Cold War mission near the Soviet coast when an emergency forced the plane into the frigid waters of the North Pacific. After the aircraft sank, the surviving crew battled freezing temperatures and violent seas before being rescued by a Soviet fishing vessel in an extraordinary international rescue effort.

Loreen was the wife of the aircraft’s pilot, Lieutenant Commander Jerry Grigsby, who died in the disaster. In her moving memoir, All Eternity Lies Before Me: Hope, Faith, and Love After the Loss of Navy Alfa Foxtrot 586, she recounts both the harrowing events at sea and the anguish experienced by the families waiting for news at home. Her story also explores healing, resilience, and finding love again: Loreen and Matt, one of the survivors, eventually married.

Today, Matt brings the perspective of a survivor of this historic event, while Loreen preserves its human story through her writing. Together, they offer a powerful reminder of courage under extraordinary circumstances, the bonds forged through adversity, and the possibility of hope after profound loss. 

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia affect millions of individuals and families. By coming together, we can demonstrate our support for those living with these conditions, honor loved ones, and help advance research toward better treatments, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.

How You Can Help:

• Join Team Rotary on the Run and participate in the walk.

• Make a donation to support the Alzheimer's Association.

• Share the event with friends, family, and fellow Rotarians to help raise awareness.

Join the Team or Donate:

http://act.alz.org/goto/Rotary-on-the-Run-for-Alzheimer-Walk

October 24 Is Also World Polio Day!

This year's Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place on World Polio Day, making the occasion even more meaningful for Rotary members.

To recognize both causes, Coach Joe plans to wear his End Polio Now shirt during the walk, showing support for Rotary's global commitment to eradicating polio.

Fellow Rotarians are encouraged to wear their End Polio Now shirts or other Rotary gear to help raise awareness of this important mission.

Those who wish to support polio eradication can also contribute to Rotary's End Polio Now efforts.

Learn More About World Polio Day:

https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/12GifIRtq1iGbBjHKaBDcv5KzCXiRr

Rotarians may be asked to sign in using their Rotary International account.

Two Important Causes. One Shared Commitment to Service.

By supporting the Alzheimer's Association and Rotary's End Polio Now initiative, participants and donors can help advance medical research, public awareness, immunization programs, and disease prevention efforts.

Whether you walk, donate, or help spread the word, every act of support makes a difference.

A Personal Invitation from Coach Joe

"My mom suffered from dementia. That is why I am walking in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. I hope you will join my team or consider making a donation. Your support would mean so much to me and to the families facing these diseases."— Coach Joe Goralka

Together, we can make a difference. Join Rotary on the Run on October 24 and help bring hope to families affected by Alzheimer's while supporting Rotary's mission to end polio.

Join or Donate Today:

http://act.alz.org/goto/Rotary-on-the-Run-for-Alzheimer-Walk

R

FUN Rotary Club: Growing Membership and Sharing Rotary's Story

The FUN Rotary Club expanded its outreach with the launch of a new club podcast, creating an engaging platform to highlight Rotary's mission, community service, and fellowship.

The club also celebrated encouraging membership milestones:

• Two new members joined the club.

• Two prospective members submitted membership applications.

• Four guest speakers participated in meetings since mid-July.

These achievements reflect the club's dedication to building a welcoming, active, and service-focused Rotary community.

Watch the club video: https://youtu.be/71JtVXllcxM

Silicon Valley Chinese Rotary Club: Service Through Action

The Silicon Valley Chinese Rotary Club continued its commitment to community service through several meaningful initiatives.

In August, the club organized yard sales to raise funds for Nepal disaster relief.

In September, members participated in a beach cleanup to promote environmental stewardship and hosted a financial education seminar to share valuable knowledge with local residents.

Through these activities, the club combined fundraising, environmental responsibility, and education with the spirit of Rotary fellowship.

Fremont Rotary Club: Inspiring Learning, Leadership, and Fellowship

The Fremont Rotary Club hosted a series of engaging programs celebrating lifelong learning, international friendship, youth leadership, and health awareness.

July 23 – A Life Well Lived

Rotarian Gordon C. MacLeod shared reflections on the evolution of medical care over the past 150 years, along with memorable stories from his childhood.

July 29 – Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and International Fellowship

Niles Rotarian Margo Hood delivered an educational presentation about multiple sclerosis. The club also welcomed visiting Rotarian Dr. Pramod Hanamgond from India for a banner exchange with President Jim Bell.

August 5 – Celebrating Youth Leadership

The club welcomed a visiting Rotary Club President from India's Lucknow Baradari Club for a banner exchange. Student leaders from American High School's Interact Club and two RYLA campers also shared their leadership experiences and appreciation for Rotary's support.

August 27 – Stroke Awareness and Education

Maria Nunes and Kayla Gupta from Washington Hospital presented valuable information on stroke prevention, risk factors, and treatment options, emphasizing the importance of health education and timely medical care.

Together, We Make a Difference

From supporting disaster-affected communities in Nepal to helping local students, protecting the environment, developing future leaders, and raising health awareness, Area 3 Rotary clubs continue to turn compassion into action.

Every project, partnership, and act of service reflects Rotary's enduring commitment to creating positive change—locally and around the world.

Discover how you can make a difference. Connect with a Rotary club in District 5170 and become part of a community dedicated to Service Above Self.

Description

The committee has streamlined operations to ensure that participating is easier than ever for both students and clubs. To make that happen, we have expanded our team from our existing dynamic duo of Debi Pavlecic-Bischoff and Mark Linsky to add Bill Swartz and Char Montemayor, along with adding the new roles of Club Liaison.

At the summit, we debuted our new "Contest in a Box" approach.  We have overhauled our marketing materials, simplified the judging and hosting guidelines, and created a centralized suite of tools that gives every Rotary club exactly what they need to host a local contest effortlessly. Our goal is simple: get the contest's benefits to more students and have more clubs hosting.
 

To assist the clubs, the role of DYSC Club Liaison has been added to the team with Martha Martinez and Mike Sanchez signing up for Areas 8 and 9.  The Committee needs more Rotarians in the Liaison positions. If you are passionate about the Speech Contest and would like to share that passion with Rotary clubs in your community, please let us know. You, too, could be celebrating the success of every D5170 Club participating in the speech contest in some way.

How Rotarians Can Support the Contest
The District 5170 Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest offers high school students a chance to build real-world public speaking skills, network with community leaders, and compete for a share of over $24,000 in district-wide cash prizes and over $4100 total for the winner of the District Final. 

Here is how you and your club can get involved right now:

• Any of District 5170's clubs can host a contest; it only takes one meeting (morning, afternoon, or evening), a small team, and a handful of students.
• Club registration is officially open. Secure your club's spot by submitting the Club Registration Form before the January 24 deadline.
• Start connecting with local high school teachers, principals, and Interact clubs to let them know the contest is coming.
   

Over the next several months, we will be sharing a steady stream of stories and communications about the upcoming speech contest season. Keep an eye out for updates, and let’s work together to help the youth of District 5170 have their voices be heard. For more information, check out the DYSC website.

The Impact Companion Club provides an opportunity for these individuals to maintain their Rotary membership, stay connected to a worldwide network of service-minded leaders, and continue making a difference with greater flexibility.

Our goal isn't just to attract new members—it's to retain great Rotarians who still believe in Rotary's mission but need a different way to participate.

District 5170 encourages club presidents and membership chairs to identify Rotarians who may be considering leaving their clubs, as well as former members who might welcome an opportunity to reconnect.

Together, we're building a stronger, more inclusive Rotary—one member at a time!

Rotary District 5170 — As PDG Herb Ritter always says, "Lead with Vision. Serve with Heart. Leave Your Mark."

• paid off its $400,000 debt
• became profitable
• paid substantial dividends to shareholders
• and dramatically increased its net worth.

• political beliefs
• religions
• professions
• cultures
• countries
• economic backgrounds
• generations

• Tell the truth.
• Be fair.
• Be nice.
• Do good.

Capitola-Aptos Rotary is proud to have played a significant role in funding the new Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park, Capitola’s first fully inclusive playground—a place where children of all abilities can play, explore, and have fun together. Rotary members were delighted to participate in the ribbon-cutting celebration on August 25, 2026.

Treasure Cove was developed through a partnership between the City of Capitola and County Park Friends, which worked with the local community to raise more than $1 million in private funding to help make the playground a reality.

Capitola-Aptos Rotary made the largest community fundraising contribution to the campaign, with support coming from club fundraisers as well as generous personal donations from individual Rotary members.

Designed with inclusion at its heart, Treasure Cove removes many of the barriers children with disabilities encounter at traditional playgrounds, creating a welcoming space where children of all abilities can play side by side.

Treasure Cove is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision. Capitola-Aptos Rotary is especially proud of the generosity of our members and supporters who embraced this project and helped transform the dream of a truly inclusive community playground into a place that children and families can enjoy for generations to come.

Empowering Mobility. Changing Lives.

Each $150 donation funds one wheelchair, and 100% of funds raised go directly toward the purchase and distribution of wheelchairs. All donations are tax-deductible.

“Our goal is simple,” said Governor Herb Ritter. “We want to put hope in motion. When someone receives a wheelchair, it’s not just equipment — it’s freedom, opportunity, dignity, and independence.”

The Mission Experience

The project includes two meaningful components:

Part 1 – Service:
Rotarians will personally deliver wheelchairs to recipients and meet the families whose lives are being transformed.

Part 2 – Fellowship:
Participants will celebrate the impact of service together at an all-inclusive resort, sharing fellowship and live music in true Rock ’N Roll style.

Event Details

• Project Target Dates: TBD 2027 or 2028

• Fundraising Goal: $50,000 (matched for doubled impact)

• Beneficiary Partner: Wheelchair Foundation

How the Community Can Help

Rotarians, friends, and business sponsors are invited to support the campaign. Whether funding one wheelchair or sponsoring multiple, every gift moves someone forward in every sense of the word.

Businesses and community partners are encouraged to join as sponsors and help amplify the impact throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Donate Today

Contributions can be made through Rotary District 5170’s official campaign page. Together, the district aims to make this one of the most meaningful service projects of the 2025–26 Rotary year.

When Rotary leads with vision and serves with heart, lives are changed — and mobility becomes possibility.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or participating in the Mexico mission, visit Rotary District 5170 online.

•  Club-Sponsored: Is submitted on behalf of a specific Rotary Club (not by an individual).
•  Community-Focused: Highlights events that invite community members to join in or encourage other clubs to participate.
•  Approved Content: Is suitable for posting on Facebook, Instagram, the District website, and other social media platforms.
•  Event Type: Must be a Club-sponsored event or fundraiser, or one for which the Club has a significant role.

• Clubs are the content creators.
• The District is the amplifier, sharing your great stories across wider platforms for visibility and impact.

Whether it’s a signature service project, a community partnership, or an innovative idea that extends beyond your club, the Club News Spotlight ensures that your efforts reach a wider audience—both within Rotary and the public at large.

District 5170 invites all clubs to create and submit an ezStory today and be part of amplifying the message of Rotary: service above self, leadership in action, and unity for the greater good.

Currently your Club officers (Club President, Secretary or Treasurer) can take the lead to authorize members of their board or designate to create and publish ezStories.  For more questions please and how to contact your Area Governors or any of the following district Leaders on how to get access to create an ezStory in DACdb:  

Attached is the "SHARE" Button that needs to be clicked to send it to the District for Publication.  Please submit prior to the 14th of every month.   

Ask about how the Team can help with Add ons: 

• Ez Giving Module add on 
• Ez Dues Module add on 
• Finance Module add on  (Replaces QuickBooks)
• Word Press Plug in Module or ezWeb for your Club’s Existing Website add on