2 Voices: 2 Visions: Transcending Boundaries Through Country Music

Henry Evans and Nick Tayler have been collaborating online creating beautiful country music since 2021. Henry writes the words; Nick creates the music. Their most popular song in Daisy Jane – a tribute to Henry’s wife Jane. This will be the first time that they are meeting in person Their story was featured on a CBS Morning Segment last August: A robotics activist's remarkable crusade

Rising country artist Nick Tayler is bringing his authentic Southern sound to the West Coast for a very special collaboration and performance that will highlight the beautiful music that can be made when we showcase our true abilities. Born in Nashville with bluegrass roots and gospel inspiration, Nick grew up immersed in music, but also defying the odds. Nick was born completely deaf in his right ear, but he turned what many would see as a limitation into a strength. That challenge shaped a voice that’s raw, emotional, and intentional—delivering songs that cut straight to the soul.


Henry Evans is a dear friend of Rotary with many San Jose Rotary connections, including Randy Zechman who first got Henry to speak to the San Jose Rotary Club in 2015 via a robot. Henry Evans is an enthusiastic world traveler. In the past year, he has visited Vermillion, South Dakota; Sydney, Australia; and Qusar, Azerbaijan. He’s explored halls of the Smithsonian, gone scuba diving in California, and flown over Bora Bora. He is in the midst of finagling a trip to space.
Evans, it should be noted, does all this traveling from his home in Palo Alto, California. Each trip is a technological feat. Quadriplegic after a stroke in 2002, Evans is a pioneer of “tele-tourism.” Using new technology, he is finding ways to travel and experience the bounty of the world.  In 2013, Evans gave the TED Talk “Meet the robots for humanity.” In it, he demonstrated how PR2 robots can be “body surrogates” for the disabled. “I shaved myself for the first time in 10 years,” said Evans of this robot. “I opened my refrigerator on my own.”
 

To submit a proposal, please fill out this form by Friday, November 6.

Before the meeting began, thanks to Bert George there was a wine reception.  
President Tim, clad in a wild Rotary sportscoat, called the 5540th Rotary Club of San Jose meeting to order; he welcomed Rotarians, and their guests. President Tim thanked the International House Committee and co-chairs Mike Fulton and Pat Lucas for their good works and hosting the greeting line today. He also thanked Bert George for the wine served at the premeeting reception, as well as the Spirit Committee who poured.

           

1. Friday October 9 at 5 p.m. International Committee Feast (Bonnie Bamberg made a winning bid for a bottle of single barrel bourbon which was signed by our upcoming Rotary International President, so that will not be auctioned at the Internation Feast.) 
2. Sunday October 11, at 10 a.m., Autumn Bike Ride
3. Thursday, October 15, 5-6:30 p.m. Downtown Happy Hour at Hotel DeAnza
4. Sunday October 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., a working day at Rancho Roben Rescues
5. Wednesday October 21, 6 p.m. at Hammer Theatre, Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists
6. Wednesday, October 28, Sip and Swing 4p.m. to 6p.m, Boulder Ridge Golf Club

 

Dr. Udey Chaudhry is a technology executive with IBM Consulting, specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. He holds multiple patents and has published extensively across technology, business, and corporate governance.

He earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California and studied at Lehigh University and the MIT Sloan School of Management. An MIT alumnus, his interests include emerging technologies, corporate governance, and enhancing board effectiveness.

He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Meriwest Credit Union, where he is committed to advancing effective governance and supporting its mission of serving members and local communities.
Beyond his professional and board responsibilities, he is passionate about giving back, supporting initiatives focused on financial education, microfinance, financial inclusion, and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
 

Sponsored by Hal Hendrickson

Ben Jordan is a lifelong South Bay resident who was born in San Jose and graduated from San Benito High School before earning his Engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Today, he lives in Campbell near his mother, brothers, and sister, and treasures time spent with his four nephews and one niece, who know him affectionately as “Funcle Ben.”
Service to others has been a defining part of Ben’s life. While living in San Luis Obispo, he participated in the Leadership SLO Class XV thru the SLO Chamber of Commerce, gaining insight into community challenges, opportunities for positive civic impact, and friendships that remain some of his closest today. He later served in leadership roles with the San Jose Elks Lodge, including as Club President, and remains active through volunteer work at Valley Medical Center and Elmwood Correctional Facility. Community involvement and helping others are values he strives to live every day, making Rotary a natural fit for his continued service journey.
Outside of volunteering, Ben is an aspiring powerlifter, a determined runner, a cautious motorcycle rider and a distracted student of meditation. When he's not pushing himself with exercise, you'll likely find him embracing his inner beach bum in Santa Cruz splashing around in the ocean and soaking up the sun. Ben is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things ice cream.
Professionally, Ben works as a financial advisor at Merrill in Palo Alto, helping clients pursue their financial goals and build confidence in their future.