Dear Rotarians,

Alyssa and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this summer and decided to take a trip to California later in the year to escape the heat from mid-July temperatures. We headed to San Diego for a week (where it's usually upper in the 70s) and then to the wine regions of CA for a week where it's typically even cooler. Little did we know they would be experiencing record temps in those regions when we got there! Highs in the upper 80s and 90s both weeks. All we could do was laugh and have a great time! Most of the fire damage we saw was on the outskirts of the vineyards and wineries of Sonoma and Napa even though we did hear of some that were effected. However, the destruction we did see was horrific and caused us to weep. What were complete neighborhoods are now rubble with only chimneys and destroyed cars remaining. Like all disasters, our hearts go out to them and we pray they will rebound and rebuild. Everyone was happy we still came and asked us to get the word out: They are open for business!

I want to say thank you to the board and the leadership they continue to exhibit. I'm especially appreciative that while in my absence, I know that everything is in great hands and leave with confidence knowing the club is lacking in nothing. Let me just add my appreciation for VP Gale Williams in leading the meetings while I've been gone.

Thanks also to Jim Glass for his program last week. I regret missing it but I know that it was great! This week we will hear from Morning Pointe's Franklin Farrow. I'm sure he will share with us news about how Morning Pointe is addressing the growing need of housing and care for our aging community. I'm looking forward to his time with us.

Lastly, next week is Veteran's Day celebration. If you want to invite a guest please make sure to let Roseanne Apyan know so we will have an accurate count for lunch.

Todd's announcements:

• Pictures for Directory - We are very appreciative that Rotarian Earl Story will have one of his Lifetouch photographers at our club meetings on November 15 for our directory. We are wanting the directory to have a professional look to it so take advantage of one of these two days to have your photo taken by these skilled photographers.
• November is Rotary Foundation month. Our club is encouraging Rotarians who have not yet achieved their first Paul Harris Fellow with a 1:1 match. Your contribution by March 31, 2018 will be matched 1:1 with points towards your Paul Harris Fellowship. You can find your total contributions on MyRotary.org.
  • Kevin Beirne will also have a printout of your contributions total as of June 30, 2017 at our club meeting.