El Hefe Alan Turner opened the meeting with our traditional recitation of the 4 Way Test. He thanked our volunteers: Photographer Bill Brehm, Johanna Mullin for the Inspirational Message, Judy Lutticken as Greeter and John O’Neill serving as ascribe.

President Alan had the pleasure of welcoming two new members, a duty that every president enjoys. A big Rotary welcome to Wendy Rodriguez and Mike Schiraldi, Rotary’s newest members!!

Terri Hunter announced that we are kicking off our annual Pajama Drive. Please take some time and buy some PJ’s for children in need. Bring them to any meeting between November 12th and December 18th and give them to the event coordinator, Terri Hunter.
Gary Saks informed us that the Ronald McDonald House dinner service would be held on November 17th. Volunteers will be needed, so contact Gary directly at 858.735.6853 to confirm your willingness to help out.

Judy Luticken announced that the annual Abraxas high school fundraiser will be held this Saturday, November 5th.

Immediate Past President, Alex Robertson, informed us that the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo’s first ever Global Grant which it has ever applied for from the beginning, for a sum of over $30,000 that will provide supplementary education for over 700 children of migrant (field) workers in Imperial Valley, has been APPROVED! The majority of the workers, who are US Citizens or Legal Residents, move from area to area to work on the fields and as a result their children have to change schools as well.  Their annual graduation rates are less than 40%. The grant provides on-line US Department of Education approved syllabuses from Learning Upgrade via smartphones, tablets and computers. The grant was two years in the making and the three person committee consisting of Alex as Chair, Pat Chaffee as Treasurer and longtime past Secretary Jeanne Hawkins.  Jeanne specifically spent six months working with Alex refining the grant application, which could not have been done without her. There is a great celebration in Imperial Valley right now where 700 children, their parents and the community will have an opportunity for this life changing education.

John O’Neill handled family of Rotary. He reported our beloved fellow member, Arills St.Laurent, has encountered some recent setbacks.  She is being treated for an infection and is trying to heal a sore on her leg, Get better and come back soon Arilla!!. John then took over as finemaster. He tried to fine Bill Brehm, but Bill pleaded for mercy, claiming he failed to bring his wallet. Yeah, sure……. John then asked all Rotarians to stand and sit down if they were wearing a Rotary pin. There were several left standing, including Jim Hyldahl and Benita Page, and all were dunned $10 fines.

Our speaker was Jordan Beck. He is Managing Producer of theatrical productions for the Escondido Center for Performing Arts. Some of the events are performed in the courtyard and each has a musical theme or featured group or star. Some of the shows have been Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and the world premier of Witnesses. Mr. Beck has been doing this kind of work for decades, with more than 200 such events under his belt.

Our calls to action include:

* Order your poinsettias
* Bring those kids pajamas
* Nov 5th -  Abraxas fundraiser
* Nov 18th -- Community Foundation luncheon
* Nov.20th – Poway Symphony Orchestra
* Dec 3rd – Mexico House build
Next meeting – Nov 10th with our speaker, Dr. Robert Schoenberger, from the La Jolla Institute