While members continued to fill their plates, President Doug rang the bell (sort of), calling the meeting to order.
At the conclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance, Doug invited Marilyn Orr to deliver the invocation. She reprised one given by her husband, Rich, to his Club in San Mateo. She recounted Jacinda Ardern's leadership insights from her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, emphasizing how perceived flaws can become strengths.
Rotary Club Updates and Insights
Delia Montano reported on her son's recent discharge from ICU after a two-year hospitalization.
Jeff Krolik read a letter from BHS instructor Michael Zozos who expressed appreciation for Rotary's involvement in the AVID program mock interviews.
Jeff, subbing for wife Christine Krolik, asked for Rotarians willing to participating in the Hillsborough Memorial Day celebration by walking in the parade and staying to man a table afterward.
Susan Baker highlighted an upcoming Chamber event, the Sip & Stroll. Stroll down Broadway and enjoy wine tastings at participating businesses, live entertainment, and a beautiful evening in Burlingame. Discover new wines and explore local shops.
Community Service Donation
Jennifer introduced Molly Kaplan from Burlingame Parks & Rec. Molly accepted our $2000 donation for scholarships to Camp Burlingame. She then gave a short presentation and overview of this summer program for Burlingame youth.
Program
Susan Baker introduced our speaker, Christina Youn, Vice President of External Affairs at Xona Space Systems. Christina presented on the company's development of a new constellation of dedicated PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) satellites. She explained how Xona's low Earth orbit satellites will provide significantly greater precision and signal strength compared to GPS, with plans to deploy 250 satellites versus GPS's 30 satellites. The company has raised $285 million in funding and employs 117 people, with 100 located locally in Burlingame where they operate a factory.
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She discussed technical aspects including satellite altitude, regulatory frameworks through the International Telecommunications Union, and competitive landscape with Chinese state-sponsored companies.
After many thoughtful questions, President Doug thanked Christina and presented er with our Polio Plus certificate.
For decades, the sprawling resorts of the Catskills were a place of magic, music, and the kind of whirlwind romances that only happen under a mountain sunset. Dirty Dancing wasn't unrealistic in depicting these resorts as being crucial spaces for people to explore love and sexuality at a pivotal time in how men and women related to one another. Come hear about Bart's latest novel - your place at the resort is waiting for you!
