Happy Fall, fellow Rotarians:
It appears that fall is finally here.  Saratoga Rotary had a very eventful summer, completed by some exciting programs in September.  Following Dr Taylor-Mendoza’s informative presentation on the wonderful resource that Saratoga has in West Valley College, Ed Correia of Sagacent Technologies gave a somewhat frightening presentation about cyber security, followed by a sparkling performance by Viena Teng prior to her evening concert at Villa Montalvo.  Viena is a local Redwook – Saratoga High alum and is Nancy Shih’s daughter.
We followed with presentations by Pacific Links Foundation on human trafficking  of Vietnamese, and steps to stop this vile practice.  The month will be concluded by a discussion of best practices with Narcan and the opoid epidemic by a pair of medical practitioners.
Upcoming programs include a discussion about Leadership and Work Life Balance, which many of us can use, a presentation by our own District Governor, Jill Duering, as well as a popular discussion about the Finances of the Wine Industry by Bert George/
We are starting to assign club meeting tasks to members, as we were finding it difficult to get volunteers, and the same Rotarians were serving every week.  This way, all members will have the opportunity to serve their fellow members.  The assigned member should obtain a substitute if he or she is unable to serve that day.  Please keep in mind that this is a club where the members serve one another, as well as the community and the world.
We are also wrapping up a survey about meeting lunches. We had responses from almost one-half of the membership, including most who regularly attend meetings.  The survey shows that members don’t regularly order lunches, that they prefer buffets, and overwhelmingly support hot buffet meals.  Most  Saratoga Rotarians are not willing to pay for “bag” lunches.  We have been supporting brown bag lunches, which the membership is not fond of.  Your leadership team is also exploring bringing hot lunch buffets, as well as  trying out a service that permits the Member to order and pay directly, with their selections delivered to the meeting.  More news to come as it breaks.
Thi Pickleball for Polio event at the Oakland Hills Tennis Club is Saturday – the deadline is past, but interested members should still be able to participate. Also, Avenures of Service will be held at the India Community Center, 525 Los Conches Street in Mil[otas from 8 am to 2 pm on October 19.  If you plan to attend, please contact Renee or me.  This is a very worthy event, and gives a good indication of all the good being performed by our District.  The DistrictClimate Action Council is hosting their Fall Mezcal Meet/Greet Mixer st the Tech Museum from 1:30 to 4:00 pm on October 13.