This Thursday we observe Veterans Day, expressing our gratitude to all who have served in our nation's armed forces.  A special and heartfelt "Thank you!" to our fellow Rotarians who are Veterans.  Thank you for your service and the freedoms you have made possible.  As Thucydides observed long ago, "The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."  

With thanks to Melissa Platt, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County, for her excellent overview of the mental health challenges confronting our community.  The Rotary Club of San Mateo has been a strong supporter of the Mental Health Association in the past.  This year's Community Service Committee will allocate all its funds to support local mental health initiatives in memory of Kristin Jensen.

At our November 4th meeting John de Russy provided an informative and engaging overview of Rotary Haciendas and Floritas, the two low income senior housing facilities created and operated by the San Mateo Rotary Foundation.  Haciendas came first - in 1988 - and, thanks to its success, Floritas followed in 2005. Together, both buildings house 165 occupants in 132 units with rents varying between $670 to $1800 per month, depending on the resident's income.  San Mateo Rotary would love to build another facility so if you have ideas about possible sites, please contact John.  As Will Rogers noted, "Buy land.  They're not making it anymore."