The meeting was called to order at 12:15 by President Lee Brockett.

Ken Kaisch presented the invocation.

Gary Swank then led Rotarians in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Nissa Newton, serving as song master, led the group in a rendition of “America” followed by Smile with appropriate greetings.

Club Announcements:

A special Rosh Hashanah remembrance and prayer was offered by Nate Kvetny.

Rick Crane announced that information on nominations and applications for Endowment Grants are now being accepted by the foundation.

Joe Lins reminded the club that in two weeks, we will be meeting at the Erickson’s Center at St. Jude Medical Center for a special multi club meeting. The program that day will include a presentation by St. Jude CEO Lee Penrose. Parking in the Val Mesa building, however carpooling is encouraged. Sign-up sheets are available as the Medical Center will need to know how many to accommodate.

Dan Ouwleleen spoke again about the Clubs’ Jog-a-thon next Saturday. Over 1200 students have signed up. The club increased the commitment by approximately $9000 last week. Thank you. Those who have pledged $250 or more please send logos for inclusion in the materials. Fire engines, the original bat mobile and more will be on hand to entertain the guests.

Howard Minkley circulated a signup sheet for those interested in assisting at the Jog-a-thon

Sandy Hayes is coordinating fellowship lunches. She is designing groups for lunches. Sign-ups will continue for one more week.

Introductions of our visitors and guests were made by Greg Hickman – An abundance of guests were introduced, but somehow the list has vanished. I assure you all guests were welcomed warmly by our club.

Zoot is back! The Joker was pulled in his absence last week, so we start again today. The winner was David Slomovik, Joe Lins’ guest . As there were no cards from which to choose, Zoot tossed a Rotary Coin for heads or tails, David called heads but it was tails so the pool continues to grow.

Dan Kiernan officiated as recognition master. As such, Bill Peloquin was recognized for 16years of wedded bliss to Wilma who was present for the occasion and was encouraged to contributed $20.

Thad Sandford was reminded of his 44 year anniversary - $5.

Dan Kiernan recognized the club’s participation in the success of the Boys & Girls Club auction. $2 each for all those who participated; $3 for those who didn’t have a chance.

Suzy Churry & Patty Highland presented a wonderfully informative program on Guide Dogs for the Blind. This presentation has been made to approximately 115 Rotary Clubs over the past 6 years.

Suzy told old the story of how she and her daughter got into puppy raising as volunteers for the organization. She and her family raised five dogs for the program and she is now a breeder-custodian and breeder-keeper.

A brief history of the organization and the breeds they select for the program was presented. Suzy explained that ideal breed is a cross breed of a lab and a retriever. She had with her one member of her first litter of pups who is now in training for Guide dogs for the Blind.

Guide Dogs operates has two campuses –one in San Rafael and the second in Oregon outside Portland.

Suzy explained how through the Guide Dogs program she taught her family how to give back through the training they provided. The program that provides dogs to blind individuals in the United States and Canada is non-profit and provides the service at no cost to those receiving the dogs.

The program was adjourned by Lee Brocket at 12:25

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