Escondido Sunrise Rotary; Meeting to Serve our Community in Person and
“Sgt. Chris Lesso and the EPD Explorer Program”
September 14, 2023
As we all try to conduct our professional pursuits in new ways, it’s appropriate to remind ourselves of who we are as a Serving Organization… Our accomplishments, our fellowship and the reminder of our many successes is valuable as we seek new opportunities to serve…
We met again in person at the Chamber of Commerce… Great to enjoy the fellowship again and see all your smiling faces…Thank you past President Rich Agnew for filling in today!!
As a Club, Sgt. Chris Lesso led us as we honored our nation with a salute to our Flag and, an invocation was offered by past President Jack Anderson.….
Guests & Visitors:
The EPD Explorer Program cadets with Sgt. Chris Lesso
Travis Catania – prospective new member
Lorraine Page – 9/8
High 5 and Announcements:
See flyer for Jiu Jitsu Fight that is coming up with Mayor Dane White sparring with our City Treasurer Doug Schultz. This event raises funds Goldstar Families and Bikes for Kids. The event is taking place on Thursday 10/12 at North County MMA, doors open at 5:30pm and it will start at 6pm
Mark You Calendars!!
Rotarian’s Having Fun!!! A picture is worth a thousand words!!
Past President Jeff Johnson and his beautiful wife Cathy enjoyed a catamaran wine cruise
Gerry Fay officiated his daughter's wedding, so wonderful!!
Past President George Beitner enjoyed watching the Aztecs play UCLA with his family
John Schwab had a great time watching his grandson who is 16 play varsity tackle football at his high school in Chino Hills
Past Presidents Jack Anderson & Joe Holtz enjoyed a relaxing time eating lobster tails
And they brought back a poker chip as a gift
Past President Barry Baker and his lovely wife Lee enjoyed some very happy moments in Utah getting to know their new grandson Braxton........but then this happened
Sweet Lee had a heart attack and had to have open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass. Prayers for you Lee and your family. We hope to see your smiling face very soon!!
5K Update:
Program:
Guest Speaker: EPD Sgt Chris Lesso
Topic: The EPD Explorer Program
Escondido Sunrise Rotary Member, EPD Sgt Chris Lesso, gave an update on the success of the Police Explorer Program that has richly impacted many young lives, and positively enriched the Escondido
community and Police Department. Chris believes the program has provided the Escondido youth the ability for personal growth through teamwork, positive mind set, striving to complete tasks that once felt
impossible to achieve, and create a desire to service their community. Essentially, to make them successful in life.
Chris credits the ESRC for making it possible to have every cadet interested in the program attend the Explorer Academy. It used to be four out of twenty cadets that could attend the academy, and now,
because of the ESRC’s generous contributions, every single student gets to attend the weeklong academy, all expenses paid.
With Chris were Explorer Cadets Sgt Stephanie Leon and Sgt. Ortega.
Stephanie shared that she has been in the program four years. She described the program as being life changing. Prior to joining the program, Stephanie described herself as being shy and introverted. Since
joining the program, her confidence has soared and her leadership skills have greatly improved. Her goal is to join EPD once she completes her AA degrees in Administration of Justice and Social and Behavioral
Science.
Sgt Ortega expressed gratitude for the life changing experience the program has offered. Attending the Police Academy physically and mentally pushed him beyond what he ever thought he could accomplish.
His desire is to be an influence to others and encourages young adults between 16 and 21 years of age to join the program to reach and exceed their expectations, and serve their community.
The ESR enjoyed viewing a 5-minute video that highlighted the Police Academy experience. The cadets enter as individuals and leave as a team. Some come in insecure and unsure of themselves, but all leave
confident and proud. Chris stated that this life changing experience that builds character is something that they take with them and apply to every area of their life. They are completely transformed, and ready to serve. Many return to join the Escondido Police Department as sworn officers.
We thank you all for you service!
Next Week’s Meeting:
Closing: President Mark Maus announced that we will be meeting in person at the Chamber of Commerce at 7:30 AM on September 21st………………..
Thanks for Attending Today’s Meeting….
Support for our Escondido Community …
Our great community and the success of its businesses is all of our responsibilities… Support the businesses that are doing all they can to survive this trying economy…….
The ‘Giving Arch’ on Grand Avenue and Centre City Parkway reminds us that Escondido is a caring, giving community…
To all; be safe and be well…. God Bless those men and women that carry the load at our medical facilities, and God Bless our first responders… May our governmental leaders be wise, thoughtful and smart as they navigate these times that have been difficult…..
The meetings will be technically managed by Past President Richard Agnew… Thanks for that Richard… And, Richard is prepared to support all of our attempts at joining the on-line meetings if needed….
SEE YOU SOON…… In Person … Next meeting; September 21st, 7:30 AM at the Chamber of Commerce…
Check President Mark’s email for the reminder…
