July 17, 2008

Rotary names Elaine Luksus Rotarian of the Year

Outgoing President Dr. Peter Gregor recently named Almaden resident Elaine Luksus Rotarian of the Year for 2007-2008 at the Rotary Club of San Jose Sunrise.

This honor is awarded each year to the Rotarian who demonstrates leadership, involvement and support of club and community service projects during the year. Current President Richard Martinez stated that Luksus received this annual award in recognition of her significant leadership and exemplary service to the club.

District 5170 Gov. Gary Citti, President Richard Martinez, Elaine Luksus, Lt. Gov. of Administration Angie Hassler and District 5170 Assistant Gov. Bob Pfahnl.

“Elaine was the point person for our first annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner to honor the faculty of Bachrodt Academy, as visioning chair she leads the effort for our new five-year strategic plan, and continues as membership chair for the club,” said Martinez.

On July 3, Rotary District 5170 Governor Gary Citti and Lt. District Governor of Administration Angie Hassler (a member of the Almaden Rotary Club) attended the first meeting of the new Rotary year to commend Luksus for the prestigious award.

Rotary’s projects have global impact. PolioPlus, Rotary’s commitment to eradicate polio worldwide, began in 1988 resulting in the reduction of reported cases in all but four countries. Wheelchairs are distributed for the disabled in developing countries. Burn units in South America, fresh water in Africa and medical care in underserved areas around the world are examples of Rotarians in action.

This year, the Rotary Club of San Jose Sunrise was the premier cash contributor for new heart monitoring equipment at a hospital in Djibouti, Africa, where the poorest of the country, many ravaged with AIDS, receive free medical care with compassion and respect.

“The international work of Rotary is well known. Our local club has completed many important community and international projects. I am particularly proud of our new involvement with Bachrodt Academy, a recently named charter elementary school just north of downtown San Jose, in which we will provide funding and hands-on involvement for campus beautification, science camp scholarships, teacher grants and a media center reading area. I have long been interested in education, so this project is near and dear to my heart. The school has a high percentage of non-English speaking students, so there is a huge need for the type of support our club can provide. And we’re a fun club - we describe ourselves as, “The Best Darn Morning Club in San Jose…Period,” Luksus said.

The Rotary Club of San Jose Sunrise, chartered in 1985, meets at 7:30 Thursday mornings at Bay 101 Club, 1801 Bering Drive, in San Jose. Guests are welcome. For more information about Rotary, please contact Elaine Luksus, membership chair, at 268-1866, or visit www.sanjosesunrise.org.