July was a month of momentum for the Rotary Club of Menlo Park—full of service, fellowship, and new beginnings. From packing backpacks to supporting youth leadership, gathering in gardens to welcoming new members, we showed once again that Rotary’s impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. As our new President officially took the helm, we hit the ground running with laughter, energy, and heart.
We kicked things off with a reminder of what binds us as Rotarians: shared values of freedom, opportunity, and community. In the spirit of Independence Day, we reflected on how Service Above Self aligns with the ideals our country was founded on and how we live those values every day through action.
At our July 9 meeting, we heard from HIP Housing, a remarkable nonprofit that’s helped San Mateo County residents live self-sufficient, independent lives for over 50 years. Their low-cost housing programs offer not just a roof, but dignity and opportunity.
Later in the month, Francesca Cohn joined us to share how UC Berkeley researchers are using genetics to protect coral reefs. Her talk reminded us that Rotary’s mission isn’t just local, it’s global, and scientific innovation has a powerful role to play in creating a more resilient planet.
We also got our hands dirty (in the best way) with a hands-on service project: packing backpacks for students at Haven House. Instead of a guest speaker, we turned our July 30 meeting into a working lunch, assembling school supplies for local families. It was joyful, productive, and a great reminder that sometimes the most meaningful meetings don’t require a microphone.
Mid-month, we came together for two events that embodied the spirit of Rotary fellowship. First, TGIW at Maya's home offered an oasis of calm and connection in her beautiful Menlo Park garden. Then, we gathered at Barebottle Brewing for a New Member Happy Hour, where members, friends, and prospective Rotarians shared great conversations over local brews and appetizers. (We even picked up a few future members!)
And speaking of new members—we officially welcomed Eric to our club! A long-time Menlo Park resident and passionate community leader, Eric brings a deep commitment to service and we’re thrilled to have him onboard.
We also rolled up our sleeves for CoolineKids, helping pack and store classroom supplies after the summer program wrapped. Special thanks to Rob, Steve, and Amy, whose coordination and leadership made the day smooth and successful. These seemingly small moments are the heartbeat of Rotary service - quiet, essential, and lasting.
Meanwhile, our club proudly supported the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), sponsoring a group of promising students to attend camp and build leadership skills. Even better, our own Steve volunteered on-site, helping mentor and guide future changemakers. Thank you, Steve, for showing up with your full heart.
As July came to a close, we also launched our EREY Campaign—Every Rotarian Every Year—encouraging each member to give what they can. A $25 donation earns a raffle ticket, but the real reward is knowing you’re helping fund Rotary’s life-changing work around the world.
If July is any sign of what’s ahead, we’re in for a powerful year of purpose, partnership, and play. Here’s to showing up, serving boldly, and enjoying every moment together. 💙🙌🌟