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.

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

Rotary Club of Alameda: Growing Locally, Connecting Globally

Alameda Rotary has already achieved its annual new-member goal! The club has established an international partnership in Sri Lanka, with a Global Grant in development. Members are also actively engaged in tree planting and workforce development through a jobs and career forum. In January, the club plans to update its bylaws for the first time in 35 years.

Rotary Club of Oakland #3: Historic Club, New Energy!

Oakland #3 is thriving, with 10 new members and nine more prospective members in the pipeline! The club is engaged in five international projects, with active committees and a lively fellowship calendar featuring golf, bowling, picnics, and off-site meetings.

Six Paul Harris recognition pins are scheduled to be presented, and new members are being encouraged to introduce themselves through three-minute speeches. The club enthusiastically supported the October 11 Pickleball for Polio Tournament and will celebrate World Polio Day on October 22. Its speaker calendar is already filled through February 2027!

Rotary Club of Piedmont-Montclair: Peace, Service and Polio Eradication

Piedmont-Montclair Rotary sponsored two nonprofits—COSAS and the Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals—at the District Collaborative Impact Summit.

The club also organized its second annual Pickleball for a Purpose Tournament on October 11, supporting Rotary's PolioPlus program.

Locally, the club helped create a Peace Garden at Cherryland Elementary School, offering students a peaceful space for reflection and conflict resolution. The club is also exploring flexible meeting schedules to encourage greater participation among working members.

Rotary Club of Oakland Uptown: Serving with Heart

Oakland Uptown Rotary supported the Pickleball for Polio Tournament and continues its weekly Tuesday efforts to feed people experiencing hunger. Members also support health and public-service projects in Africa.

Looking ahead, the club is preparing a creative Pies for Purpose Thanksgiving fundraiser, bringing generosity and community spirit together.
 

Michael Jackson
Assistant Governor, Area 1
Rotary International District 5170
2026–2027