The Club started congregating early to chat and enjoy some pre-meeting antics.  President Bill Bolster rang us at 7:30… a cacophony of Good Morning President Bill followed shortly.  For those who might have forgotten, President Bill reminded us that we had a great party… virtually… last Saturday night. He shared a few photos of the ZOOM variety including a couple of photos of Santa and his helper

Karen Ricketts offered a pledge and we all joined in.

Barbara McChesney offered an inspiration first shared by Reverand Martin Luther King Jr., “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”  

Tom Boylan felt inspired to be the scribe for the day!

Heather Cullen took us on a trip to a Winter Wonderland with the Heather Cullen Quartet. Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is a new bird! This mute thing works very well!  

There were no visiting Rotarians or guests of Rotarians, so we were on our own.

Barbara McChesney got a shout out for her well-deserved recognition for all that she does in our Rotary world. That is why she is the December Rotarian of the Month.

Santa Rosa West is looking for recipes to add to their fundraising cookbook.  The idea is to share a recipe that has helped get you through the COVID experience, but incoming president Mae Heagerty -Matos is open to all sorts of recipes. If you don’t cook, send in your favorite cocktail recipe, or just a note on how you coped with COVID. An entry into the book will cost you $20, but you will be immortalized. You can contact Mae directly at (650) 773-6418 or email her at mae-matos@yahoo.com. 

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Carol Martin shared that we have a slew of toys and food donations for our annual Holiday food and toy drive. She let us know there is a need for volunteers to help pack food wrap toys and more. She reminds us that this is a safe spot for volunteers to avoid COVID. 

Who: Windsor Kiwanis, Windsor Rotary, Windsor Presbyterian Church Pantry, Windsor Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Oddfellows, Windsor Lions Club, Santa Tim, and more.

What: Drive-Thru Food and Toy Giveaway, photos with Santa Tim

Where: Windsor Middle School

Volunteer 2-Hour Slots – (masks + socially distanced):  

• Pre-Event Slots – gift wrapping, food sorting (thru Dec 18)
• Day of Event – Saturday, Dec 19 (10am to 4pm)
• Sign Up:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e49afa72ca5fa7-windsor1 

Mike Merrill let us know there was a lot of ringing in the ears of the community and the Dick Bishop Memorial Bell Ringing team. He and his helpers will be out again this weekend and could use a little help in ringing da bell. Sign Up By calling or emailing: Bill Bolster (707-843-6453 billbolster@eoc-inc.com) or Mike Merrill (707-484-0310 mpmerrr42@gmail.com)

Windsor Rotarians were amazing when it comes to adopting families in the Town of Windsor. The Boys and Girls Club was in awe of the donations we made to eleven families to have a special Holiday with gift certificates for food, fun, and more.  The power of Rotary even added a couple of bicycles with a donation from the Windsor Bike Shop. Another community gem was Castaneda’s market which offered gift certificates emblazoned with our Windsor Rotary logo.  Sandy Krutz was on the edge of emotional tears in describing the generosity of our club members. Kudos to Sandy for coordinating this event.

We found out that Amazon Smile gave back over $3000 to the club because people chose to use the Smile versus the general Amazon sign in.  Signup at Smile.Amazon.com and be sure that you add Windsor Rotary Foundation for the charitable organization. 

Doug Williams handed out a lot of caffeine notices to the teachers in Windsor with our teacher appreciation coupons that were then handed out to the Windsor School District last week.  Ken Moulton, Tom Boylan, and Sandy Krutz received some extra credit from Doug for their efforts to keep teachers caffeinated and appreciated. 

Tomorrow there will be ladies gathering online

• Tuesday 6 PM get a glass of wine or other beverage and get online to our special meeting. Don’t miss it because there will be a special guest.

Leslie Lewis took the lead on recognitions and immediately invited Karen Ricketts to pony up for her birthday dinner at her mom’s house with Amy. Karen opted to throw a donation to whatever Leslie decides is worthy. 

We heard from Tom Hassur that Brenda has undergone some fusion on her back and he has taken to wearing a nurse’s outfit. The Hassur’s have recently celebrated 30 years of marriage… and after a litany of great rewards he and Brenda have shared she went after Tom for a donation and he opted to pay off a few fines since he had no money left after buying a 2.5 lb Lobster for his bride.

Heather and Reg Cullen celebrated 17 years of wedded bliss and Heather opted to make a donation to the Rotary Club of Windsor’s Foundation.

Art Diaz was in the building… wherever that building is, but Art was offered a lot of accolades for being such a nice guy with immense talents and a commitment to family. Leslie suggested there is a price to pay for being such a nice guy. He offered a donation to the John Lewis Fund. 

After 17 years on the board of directors for the Windsor Fire District, John Nelson is stepping down. In Leslie’s special way she asked Sue Nelson to pony up payment for his freedom. 

The program turned to silence as our Zoom Master was having difficulty with his Mike (sic). Michael Juric having a problem with a microphone?  JB Leep stepped up and relayed what we were supposed to do as we entered into breakout rooms. 

President Bill suggested fruit cake is not a gift he is looking forward to receiving this year.  See you on December 22nd at 6 PM. 

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The Night Before Christmas

Adapted from Clement Clarke Moore

A gift for the Rotary Club of Windsor, California

As written by Michael R. Juric

December 15th, 2020

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the town, Not a person was stirring, going back to locked down;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Fauci soon would be there;

The townsfolk were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of hugging friends danced in their heads;

Mom and I both, were wearing our gaiters, We sanitized again, not waiting for later;

Then out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I grabbed a new mask to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Yelling “six feet please”, I threw up the sash.

The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the lustre of lysol to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But an Amazon delivery, I was hoping for beer,

Ah the little old driver, so lively, not grouchy, I knew in a moment it must be St. Fauci.

More rapid than eagles the injections they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Pfizer! Moderna! Now, GlaxoSmithKline! On Merck and Sanofi!  A vaccine to find!

Six feet from the porch! The delivery, hands-free!  Let’s get the job done and then time to flee!”

Our community is strong, we’ve done this before, We’ll beat this darn virus, and settle that score,

Up to the house-top the doc and team flew, With the van full of shots – and St. Fauci too.

And then in a twinkling I heard in the town The prancing and party with everyone ‘round.

As I drew in my head, and was turning away, Down the chimney St. Fauci, with something to say.

He was dressed in a lab coat from his head to his toe, And his clothes were well worn, with wrinkles you know;

A bundle of shots he had flung on his back, And he looked like a godsend just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled! his thoughts ever clear! His comments spot on, he calms away fear;

His mask had a sports team I won’t mention or post, As we all are so proud of the ones on our coast.

The list of our heroes he held tight in his hand, With trials and hard work they give all that they can;

He had a strong face and no sign of a belly He smiled, when he spoke, as we’ve seen on the telly.

He reminded today there was no time to stop; We must keep up our guard, our resolve not to drop.

Washing our hands and remaining apart, He taught me to know I had hope in my heart;

Our heroes don’t stop, their care is the best, And I knew I would listen because they don’t rest.

Then, laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose

He sprang to his van, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;

I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, ‘Healthy New Year to all, and to all a good-night!’

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This leads to the perfect segue… Our weekly COVID report from Nurse Diane Brabitz:

We are in a crisis situation in Sonoma County with our hospitals impacted, our nursing homes with no beds to put patients in, and home care starting to see our employees testing positive!

TWO AMERICANS /MINUTE IS DYING OF COVID IN THE USA CURRENTLY!     (This is doubled from 2 weeks ago…..sigh)

Total Cases:        14,859  (last week 13,439)

New Cases:    Fri 114  THIS IS 691  (last week 516)    NEW CASES OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE LARGEST SURGE TO DATE!  Sat 193, Sun 230, Mon 154, Deaths:  164     (last week 160)

Hospitalized:   70 confirmed and 10 suspected    (last week 41 confirmed and 1 suspected)    Statewide, the number of hospitalizations continue to rise has doubled since last month!    

Our hospital beds are impacted and nursing homes will not admit someone with COVID.    We tried to find a bed for a client who tested positive and the closest bed available was Fresno!

 We continue with 19% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 17% in the 35-44-year-olds 

We have tested a Total of 334,774 and 11,350 recovered   (last week 315,727 in our county with 10,707 people recovered)  

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (68% and whites are only 25%)    The biggest concern right now is the surge being seen from Thanksgiving and that most cases are coming from close community spread or close contact.    It is not so much work-related as it is family and events.

Public Health Officer Mase issued a county shut down on Friday night in an effort to slow down the number of positive cases and need for admission to facilities and to stop the spread.   

Public Health, the CDC, and most infectious disease Physicians are worried about the increase in cases (a surge on a surge!)   we will see because people did not stay at home and did travel; as well as the family /friend dinners that occurred locally with more than their own household bubble.   We are already seeing some of the Thanksgiving surges.

With Christmas coming, it is again being stressed to not travel, stay at home and limit your contact as much as possible.  If you traveled at all and got together with others, the experts are advising you to get tested.   The experts are also seeing it is taking up to 4 weeks, not just 2 weeks to see new cases or new positives because of symptoms not being reported, not seeking MD visits, and then getting test results back.   By the time a Case Worker or Contact Tracer gets involved, it could be weeks.  Public Health is working nonstop trying to contain this virus but it will take every citizen to do their part.

Vaccines are coming or have arrived in Sonoma County and will be used in our acute care hospitals to treat health care staff first.    Mase says she expects weekly delivery of the vaccine and will be given to other health care workers and support staff as it is received before going to the general public.  Our in-home care is expected to be in the second tier of those offered it.  

Stay safe please and practice avoiding crowds, staying home, wearing your mask even when taking walks (or at least have it with you to put on), and staying in your household bubble.   Outside family members are not part of your bubble and unless they have been tested and isolated for 10-14 days before being with you and you the same, it can be risky.   And if you see others from outside our county, have them and you quarantine for 10-14 days after.    We cannot be too careful!

Please each and everyone do your part in controlling this disease and keeps your guard up until the vaccine is available to the general public.   Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN and concentrate on taking precautions, sacrificing now so that we can have future holidays with our loved ones!

Thanks, Di

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Bolster at 6:07 pm

Our surprise guest was our very own District Governor Doug Johnson

President Bill congratulated the club for “knocking it out of the park these last few weekends” helping people who needed help:  The Dick Bishop Memorial Bell ringing, the Windsor Community Food and Toy Giveaway, the adopt a family program through the Boys and Girls Club, and Gift certificates to all the Windsor Teachers. 

 Sue Nelson commented that it’s an amazing feat for a club that hasn’t been physically together for most of the year to have accomplished so much.  She said the leadership our club has shown for each project is what made the results so amazing.  “The Miracle of Christmas” will be on Christmas morning when all the families we have helped are blessed with toys for the kids, a meal, and gift cards that will make their lives better.  Sue went on to honor President Bill for holding us together and keeping us moving in the right direction.  

President Bill then introduced our special guest.  An elf sent by Santa… District Governor Doug Johnson.  

DG Doug:  “It’s amazing across our district that Rotarians are finding ways to make an impact in their communities even during the COVID situation, and in the next day or so there will be a DG message going out to that effect. 

The preview is in the theme for the year… “Be a Gift to the World.”  He believes Rotarians give gifts, but Rotary understands the reality is that “You are the Gift”.  You give Service above Self.  Thank you, Windsor Rotarians, for what you are doing. “ 

DG Doug said “Tonight we are here to celebrate a Windsor Rotary gift to our district.  The gift is our DG designate for the Rotary year 2023-2024; Tom Boylan.  Cheers to Tom, and thank you for stepping up.”

“Normally we try to introduce the dignitaries like our past DGs, and a lot of them are here tonight.  I am going to put all my past DGs to a test.  I am going to recognize one ZOOM square (containing at least one past DG) and then you move on and recognize someone else and so on till we are out of past DGs.”

DG Doug shared that Windsor Rotary collects DGs like he collects baseball cards, and then chose Mike Merrill and Maureen Merrill, both past DGs and both members of the Windsor club to start a round of recognition with the following sequence:

Maureen recognized Michael Juric.  

Michael recognized Ken Moulton who wasn’t present, so he went on to recognize Helaine Campbell.

• Helaine recognized Terri Clark.  
• Terri recognized Dustin Littlefield.  
• Dustin recognized Kathy Flamson.  
• Kathy recognized Del Raby.  
• Doug, on Del’s behalf, recognized Bob Rogers.  
• Bob recognized Kevin Eisenberg.  
• Kevin recognized Bruce Campbell.  
• Bruce recognized Mike Merrill.  
• Tom Boylan recognized Jennifer Strong and Jennifer recognized Jim Flamson.  

Doug told Tom he is joining quite a crowd…find your passion and run with it.  “Welcome Tom”.   

Tom let us know he is truly honored and gave credit to Ken Moulton for getting him started working at the District level. Over the many years since Ken’s year as DG, Tom had an opportunity to work with numerous DGs and other District leaders and suggested he is looking forward to leaning on those individuals to find solutions we will need for the future.  

According to Tom, “There are a variety of problems that Rotary will face in the near future, but with creative ideas and collaboration, we can turn any problem into a positive solution. As we come out of all of this pandemic it is imperative to focus on how we can grow Rotary.  It’s going to call for a lot of innovation. Thank you to each of the people that took the time to join this meeting and especially to my fellow club members and to Melody.”

Tom shared that when he told Melody he was considering running for DG, she said “Oh Great,” because her father (Mel Montero), who had Sonoma Joe’s restaurant, was a Rotarian and he would complain because his club would meet at Sonoma Joe’s for their weekly meetings, but every time it came for a holiday party or something like that, they went off to some other restaurant.  So, over the years all he could say was “Damn Rotary”.  Tom said he has since won Mel over by talking about all the good Rotary has done since the old days of Sonoma Joe’s and Mel is delighted that  Tom put his hat in the ring.  

President Bill proposed a toast…Congratulations to Tom Boylan…here, here!  Tom will become the fifth DG to come from our club, which puts us one ahead of the Calistoga club and their four DGs!

Tom was also recognized by PDG Bob Rogers for the role he played in this past September training focused on Polio Plus which he promoted throughout the two Big West Rotary Zones.  

DG Doug said he heard the other day that an expert can share for one hour on a topic, but a past DG can share for four hours on nothing!  

JB Leep acknowledged Tom for the weekly duties as Scribe for the club and teased him about taking notes tonight.  Leah Hansen let Tom know he was off the hook for this evening’s Scribe activities.  

Maureen suggested we let the club know what a DG does at one of our meetings.  

President Bill closed the meeting jingling bells and wishing all a Merry Christmas!

The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm

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Here is the latest COVID update from your Rotary Club nurse:

We continue to be in a crisis situation in Sonoma County with our hospitals impacted, our nursing homes with no beds to put patients in, and home care starting to see our employees testing positive!  We are seeing more and more asymptomatic people who are testing positive all of which means more exposure in our community if people are not staying home, not traveling, and wearing masks.   This is real, not political, not a hoax, and is so personal to those who have lost loved ones.   My best friend lost her sister over the weekend that an ICU could not save.    Please help educate people to take this seriously and do their part!

Total Cases:        16,706  (last week 14,859)

New Cases:            Fri 169                 THIS IS 682 over 3 days!  (last week 691 – this was over 4 days)

                                Sat 302

                                Sun 211

                                Mon  not reported

Deaths:  174     (last week 164)

Hospitalized:   66 confirmed and 3 suspected    (last week 70 confirmed and 10 suspected)    Statewide, the number of hospitalizations continues to rise and is at a crisis level.    Hospitals are not able to handle the surge and are worried about a “surge on surge” with Christmas this week.

We have tested a Total of 359,276 and 12,351 recovered   (last week 3134,774 in our county with 11,350 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (67% and whites are only 27% )    Service and sales continue to be the highest level of new positivity, then those unemployed and home care (my industry) keeping it at 3%.  Close contact (meaning close family or friend spread) is at 47% and 45% is still being determined.

Public Health Officer Mase issued a county shutdown on Dec. 12th in an effort to slow down the number of positive cases and need for admission to facilities and to stop the spread.

Despite this, we continue to see people not taking this seriously and out Christmas shopping, planning travel, and Christmas gatherings.

Vaccines have arrived in Sonoma County and will be used in our acute care hospitals to treat health care staff first.    Mase says she expects weekly delivery of the vaccine and will be given to other health care workers and support staff as it is received before going to the general public.  Our in-home care is expected to be in the second tier of those offered it.   However, until the majority of us are vaccinated with 2 injections, we must continue to wash our hands, wear our masks, stay home (not travel), and social distance.

Remember, outside family members or close friends are not part of your bubble and unless they have been tested and isolated for 10-14 days before being with you and you the same, it can be risky.   And if you see others from outside our county, have them and you quarantine for 10-14 days after.    We cannot be too careful!

Please each and everyone do your part in controlling this disease and keeps your guard up until the vaccine is available to the general public.   Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN and concentrate on taking precautions, sacrificing now so that we can have future holidays with our loved ones!

Thanks

Di

Videos

Full version of President Bill Bolster welcoming about 10 Past and Present District Governors from Rotary District 5130 gathered to announce that Tom Boylan, Windsor Rotary Past President will serve as District Governor in 2023-2024. Includes additional comments and joking around!

//youtube.com/embed/luYLPI0srzU

Short version includes only PDG and Tom’s comments.  No joking….

//youtube.com/embed/NJ1rzsSA-vU

Ringing the Bell:  

Club President Bill Bolster opened the Zoom meeting at 7:31 am. Bill announced to  the Club that the grandson of Pegi Ball had suddenly passed away over the weekend.  Pegi is visiting her daughter, Nicole, and encouraged the Club to keep Pegi in their  thoughts and to send condolences if possible.

Pledge Allegiance was led by Karen Ricketts.  

Inspiration was provided by Susan Cole. “Keep pace always with the sunshine and the  shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

Song was led by Heather Cullen as she led “Accentuate the Positive” as we prepared  for Election Day and whatever it may bring.

Guests of Rotarians:

• Guests of Rotarians included past member Jo Timmson introduced by Sue Nelson. Jo  expressed interest in returning to the Club which was meet with a round of applause.

Rotarian Guests: None

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Announcements: 

Rotarian of the Month  

• The Rotarian for the Month of November was announced. Congratulations to our own  Tom Boylan for the many ways he contributes to the Club. Tom is responsible for our  newsletter, maintenance of our web site and a variety of tasks at the District and Zone  level.

Help Wanted:  

• We are operating with a Rotary Clipboard that list the various needs of the club when it comes to volunteers. Identify the various needs and let members know they should either send an email to info@windsorrotary.co, or contact the person heading up the project in need of volunteers.

Covid 19  

A special shout out to Allison Huber and Glenn Sugden who are both recuperating from the Covid 19 viral infection.

Total Cases:        10,236  (last week 9778)

New Cases:            Fri 45

                                Sat 40

                                Sun 103

                                Mon 77

Deaths:  142     (last week 136)

Hospitalized:     26 confirmed and 6 suspected

There are now 19% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 17% in the 35-44 year olds

We have tested a Total of 222,291 and 8211 recovered   (last week 213,129 in our county with 7404 people recovered)   Total negative tests 212,055

                (unfortunately, this number does reflect people who have tested more than once and our health care workers are testing monthly)

Sonoma County is still on the strictest Tier of Lockdown  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)    because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  Our Transmission rate is still above the required 8% or lower, so it does not meet the State guideline in order to move into a less restrictive tier.    Sonoma County is the only Bay Area county still in the purple tier.

Sonoma county had 27 new cases of COVID that tested positive before the fires and had to evacuate and another 22 who were infected during the fires and evacuations.

Public Health and the CDC are very worried about an increase in numbers all over the USA from the Halloween celebrations and large gatherings which even here in Sonoma county took place.   Fines have been handed out to 2 such parties here in Sonoma County over the weekend that may have put all of us at risk.  We have got to get people who have symptoms to stop, isolate, and get tested.    (this is like stop, cover, and roll with an earthquake people, but related to our coronavirus!)   This could save hundreds of lives if people would be more cautious and think of others.

Again, I cannot stress enough to rethink your plans for the holidays.   I know most of us would like to be with family and are COVID fatigued, but the life you save could be yours or that of another family member.    Do not take the risk;   just because they are family members does not mean that spread of this virus cannot happen.   If you want a holiday festival or dinner then only 3 separate households, a total of 10 people or less and if someone is coming from out of our county, have them quarantined for 14 days and be tested before they come.   This is the only way we are going to contain this deadly disease!

I ask each and every one of you to believe in the reality of what is happening; this is not political, not a hoax nor is it media hype  – we have had over 200,000 deaths in the US!  Each one of these represents someone’s family member that cannot be at the table at Thanksgiving or Christmas even if they lived in the same household.    Do not let the political divide that has been occurring cloud the fact that we are in a real pandemic with real people dying who do not deserve to.   Help to control this awful, deadly disease so we can hug one again, socialize and support businesses.   It is up to each of us!

Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN.

Thanks

Di

Virtual District Conference 

• The District 5130 Conference was held on October 24, 2020. At that time, two  Windsor Rotarians who passed away this past year were honored for their service.  A moment of silence would be appropriate to honor long standing Rotarians Dick  Bishop and Carl Wiuff.  

Rotary Zone Institute  

• The Virtual Rotary Zone 26-27 Institute will be held on November 12-14, 2020. All  members are encourage to attend some of the sessions for great speakers and new  ideas.

CLIPBOARD:

• BINGO Night, Nov 12 – email Barbara McChesney with the number of  cards you want – barbsmcc@gmail.com
• Gassaku Ramen Night, Nov 6 – WHS Vineyard Academy. Sign up &  pay at https://m.bpt.me/event/4785396
• Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing See Bill Bolster if you can assist in  the organization of the event to be conducted at Walmart on December 12 and 19  from 10:00 – 1:00pm. A giant kettle will be provided by the Salvation Army on  Saturday November 21 to accommodate drive by donations.

Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund – Fires. They will  work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in  someone’s life!  

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer

1315 Fourth Street

Eureka, Ca 95501

District Disaster Relief Fund

Fine master:

• No recognitions for this week. President Bill Bolster avoided the bullet by not acknowledging  his own anniversary on November 1!

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Program:  

SPEAKER; David Schreibman -”WHAT IS GEOCACHING?”  

David Schreibman is a past president of the Rotary Club of Sebastopol and an enthusiastic  advocate for geocaching. Geocaching is the practice of both hiding and searching for  “caches” that are hidden all over the world. These caches come in all sizes, types and are  hidden in a variety of locations. The hints to find these locations can be accessed by going to  your smart phone or going to the website geocaching.com. These hints allow you to find  caches hidden all over the world.

The size and value of the caches depend on the location and how they are hidden. They can  be hidden in trees, buried and/or using magnets and tape. The are categorized as  traditional, mystery, virtual, mule and earth caches. The caches are ranked in difficulty to  find on a range of 1-5. Using a GPS will usually get you within 10 feet of the hidden cache. It is up to you to find the “hidden treasure”.

David Schreibman has personally found over 400 caches and hidden over 300 during his  involvement in geocaching. Each cache uncovered needs to be “logged in” on the computer  and carefully returned to its original location. The simple rule for participating in geocaching  is “Cash-in Trash-out”. There are many sites to be discovered in both Windsor and Santa Rosa.  Geocaching is an enjoyable hobby. The search allows for both adventure and creativity in the  hiding and the finding. David encourages all to give it a try.

Closing:

Bill Bolster closed the meeting with a reminder to vote and to go out and do something  “Rotarian today.

Club President Bill Bolster opened the Zoom meeting at 7:31 am.  

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Leah Hansen.  

The inspiration was provided Barbara MeChesney. “Plant the seeds of happiness, Love, and  Hope and they will following you anywhere.”  

“Good Day Sunshine” was led by Leah Hansen.

Salute to Veterans  

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, President Bill Bolster honored the Rotary  Veterans that were in the audience. A huge thank you and well-deserved salute to the following veterans.

• Bill Bolster – Navy  
• Tom Boylan – Army  
• John Hackenburg Navy Pilot  
• Mike Merrill – Marine Corp  

Guests of Rotarians  

Our Guest speaker Elizabeth Gore will be. Joining us in a few minutes. 

Rotarian Guests  

None  

Announcements  

Rotarian of the Month 

• The Rotarian for the Month of November was again recognized. Congratulations to our own Tom Boylan for the many ways he contributes to the Club. Tom is responsible for our newsletter, maintenance of our website and a variety of tasks at the District and  Zone level. 

Zone 26-27 Institute  

• The Zone 26-27 Institute will be virtually held this weekend November 12-14. Tom  Boylan, a recent guest, and presenter on Public Image, shared his impressions of attending this conference. Tom talked about the great speakers and training sessions that would be available to those attending. In the past, the Zone Institute was only open to District Governors and special guests. Recently it has been open to all  Rotarians. Tom encourages all members to try to attend at least one of the three days to get a better understanding of Rotary as an international organization. The cost is only  $49 for any or all of the sessions.  

Michael Juric: International Man of Mystery  

• Michael Juric was highlighted for his many contributions to Rotary International at the district, Zone, and international levels. Michael has served as both a presenter and curriculum chair at several Zone Conferences. He is a trainer for leadership with the  Rotary International Board of Directors and will be presenting February at the  International Assembly made up of the over 500 sitting District governors in the world.  A special shout out to our no longer “International Man of Mystery”.  

Windsor High School Build Academy  

• Carol Martin reported out on the progress of the WHS BUILD Construction Academy. The storage unit purchased with Rotary funds was delivered this past weekend under the watchful eyes of Marie Ganister, Grace Curin-Fiano and Carol Martin. This storage unit will be used to house the tools that will be purchased through a Rotary District Grant in order to kick off the BUILD Academy after the first of the year.

Help Wanted:  

We are operating with a Rotary Clipboard that lists the various needs of the club when it comes to volunteers. Identify the various needs and let members know they should either send an email to info@windsorrotary.co or contact the person heading up the project in need of volunteers. 

CLIPBOARD 

Gassaku Ramen Night, November 6 – WHS Vineyard Academy.  

• Sandy Krutz reported out that the Gassaku fundraiser served over 300 meals and provided a tasty and savory meal for all participants. Bill Bolster did not fully appreciate the meal as he forgot to add the broth…the noodles were a little dry stated the perplexed Bill!  

Valentines Day Tri-Tip Fundraiser  

• Barbara Mc Chesney announced that there will be a mini fundraiser on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Windsor Rotary will again partner with the Culinary Arts department of  WHS to raise money to support the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation. Contact  Carol Martin (707-403-8200 ) cm@marleep.com<mailto:cm@marleep.com>  

BINGO Night  

• A reminder that November 12 is the bingo night for the Rotary Club of Windsor.  Please email Barbara McChesney with the number of cards you want to order at barbsmcc@gmail.com

Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing 

• See Bill Bolster if you can assist in the organization of the event to be conducted at  Walmart on December 12 and 19 from 10:00 – 1:00 pm. A giant kettle will be provided by the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 21 to accommodate drive-by donations. Sign -Up with Bill Bolster.

HOLIDAY PARTY – December 12  

• Holiday Party is being arranged and will be coordinated by Joan Mora. Contact Joan  Mora (707-326-8152)
• joan@windsorgymnastics.com<mailto:joan@windsorgymnastics.com>

Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund – Fires. They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life!  

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer                                   

1315 Fourth Street 

Eureka, Ca 95501 

District Disaster Relief Fund

Fine master  

No recognitions for this week. President Bill Bolster avoided the bullet by not acknowledging his own anniversary on November 1! 

Covid Corner

Total Cases:        10,236  (last week 9778)

New Cases:            Fri 45

Sat 40

Sun 103

Mon 77

Deaths:  142     (last week 136)

Hospitalized:     26 confirmed and 6 suspected

There are now 19% of our cases in the 25-34 year olds and 17% in the 35-44 year olds

We have tested a Total of 222,291 and 8211 recovered   (last week 213,129 in our county with 7404 people recovered)   Total negative tests 212,055

(unfortunately this number does reflect people who have tested more than once and our health care workers are testing monthly)

Sonoma county is still on the strictest Tier of Lock down  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)    because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  Our Transmission rate is still above the required 8% or lower, so it does not meet the State guideline in order to move into a less restrictive tier.    Sonoma County is the only Bay Area county still in the purple tier.

Sonoma county had 27 new cases of COVID that tested positive before the fires and had to evacuate and another 22 who were infected during the fires and evacuations.

Public Health and the CDC are very worried about an increase in numbers all over the USA from the Halloween celebrations and large gatherings which even here in Sonoma county took place.   Fines have been handed out to 2 such parties here in Sonoma county over the weekend that may have put all of us at risk.  We have got to get people who have symptoms to stop, isolate and get tested.    (this is like stop, cover and roll with an earthquake people, but related to our coronavirus!)   This could save hundreds of lives if people would be more cautious and think of others.

Again , I cannot stress enough to rethink your plans for the holidays.   I know most of us would like to be with family and are COVID fatigued, but the life you save could be yours or that of another family member.    Do not take the risk;   just because they are family members does not mean that spread of this virus cannot happen.   If you want a holiday festival or dinner then only 3 separate households, a total of 10 people or less and if someone is coming from out of our county, have them quarantine for 14 days and be tested before they come.   This is the only way we are going to contain this deadly disease!

I ask each and every one of you to believe in the reality of what is happening; this is not political, not a hoax nor is it media hype  – we have had over 200,000 deaths in the US!  Each one of these represents someone’s family member that cannot be at the table at Thanksgiving or Christmas even if they lived in the same household.    Do not let the political divide that has been occurring cloud the fact that we are in a real pandemic with real people dying who do not deserve to.   Help to control this awful, deadly disease so we can hug one again, socialize and support businesses.   It is up to each of us!

Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN.

Thanks

Di

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Program:  

SPEAKER; Elizabeth Gore – “Hello Alice”  

Elizabeth Gore is an articulate, bright woman that has been involved in promoting small business development after relocating to Sonoma County over a decade ago. Elizabeth has a  BA in Animal Services and an MA in Business Development. Prior to moving to Sonoma County, she was involved in the Peace Corps where she met supervisor James Gore. Elizabeth also worked for the United Nations in the area of Global Health while in Washington. She is the founder of “Hello Alice”, a non-profit organization designed to provide business advice for small start-up businesses run by women.  

Hello Alice is a nonprofit organization designed to access business funding for small entrepreneurs. It provides small businesses with speakers, mentors, and sources for acquiring business assets. Their motto is to “Survive and Thrive” which accounts for the resilience of many small businesses in Sonoma County. Hello Alice focus on women and minority start-up businesses and data and technology for being successful in the business world. In addition, It provides emotional support since health, depression, and anxiety are often the number one barriers to business success.  

In closing, Elizabeth shared that the name “Hello Alice” comes from Alice in Wonderland where Alice completes a mystical and entrepreneurial journey. Hello Alice is allowing many women in Sonoma County to complete this journey.  

Closing  

Bill Bolster closed the meeting with a reminder to vote and to go out and do something  “Rotarian today.

Bill Bolster thanked Elizabeth and closed the meeting at 8:31.

Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin.  Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY, October 6, 2020.

President Bill rang the bell at 7:30, following about 15 minutes of “catching up on the latest” amongst the members on Zoom. It was great having some chat time and seeing the faces of fellow Rotarians.

Sue Nelson led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

The weekly Inspiration was presented by Susan Cole who quoted 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate:  Leymah Gbowee

“Don’t wait for a Gandhi. 

 Don’t wait for a King

Don’t wait for a Mandela.

You are your own Mandela. 

You are your own Gandhi.

You are your own King.”

At 7:35, we had 34 joining us!

Normally we are a singing club; President Bill spared us this morning and passed over the song. 

 We had No VISITING ROTARIANS today

Guests of Rotarians:  Our Guest Speaker Matt Stevens

Announcements

• Heather Cullen was announced as our October Rotarian of the Month.  You will find Heather involved in numerous Rotarian activities. Heather has spearheaded and continues to work tirelessly on our weekly Food Security Drive.  Heather is also involved with our Students, Schools & Community.  She runs the Odyssey of the Mind Program in Windsor, Student Choir, Puts on Student Plays, and Community Talent Show.  

Carol Martin announced  Build Construction at Windsor High School

Ground Breaking next week-end for the 20’ storage container – for storing tools and equipment

We received approval on our District Matching Grant which will provide:

1. Basic Tools for 30 Students
2. Materials for the first student project.

October 13:  Marie Ganister from Windsor High School will be our speaker

 with program update and details  

Rotary Socials with Social Distancing:

October 8th: 5:30pm Just Drinking at Bill Bolster’s home;  6500 Fraught Rd SR                                           

Bring your own chair, blanket, jacket, and wine glass if you don’t want plastic. Comfortable Shoes for the country recommended, Air Hugs Only.We are limited to 15 people, so please sign up early by sending a message to Pam Moulton at pmoult@comcast.net

October 14th: Ladies on line – Pam Moulton

October 28th: Boys on Bandwidth – Michael Juric  

November 12th: Bingo Night!

Pam Moulton recalled when we did “take a Rotarian to lunch” and how much it was enjoyed; this could be a good social distancing contact: in person or zoom, getting the opportunity to get acquainted or refresh your friendship with a fellow Rotarian.  President Bill would like to see a social once a month suggestions welcome. 

District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund

They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life! 

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer       1315 Fourth Street       Eureka, Ca 95501

District Disaster Relief Fund

COVID CORNER:

 Total Cases:        8101    (7412 last week)

                New cases             Fri  84

                                                Sat  47

                                                Sun 62

                                                Mon 79                            

Deaths:  122     (last week 122 – stable although hospitalizations are up)

Hospitalized:      31 confirmed and 8 suspected           

We continue to see 19% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 17% in the 35-44-year-olds

We have tested a total of 182,113 in our county and have 6408 people recovered

Sonoma County is still on the strictest Tier of Lockdown because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases and hospitalizations.  Public Health feels this could still be from social outings during Labor Day and of course the evacuations from our recent several fires.  We cannot encourage enough the need for everyone to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.   We do not need an epidemic of flu on top of COVID.   It would devastate our County residents.  Even if you do not feel you need it, you are protecting others by getting yours.

This is my personal observations and not meant to be taken in any sense Political…..   Please practice responsible behavior and follow the 3 W’s (wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance!!!!)    Our President being part of super spreader events and getting COVID has not helped educate the general public when he makes statements “that getting COVID is no big thing and you can fight it!”    He was given medications and treatments that are not available to any of us, had the very best medical care, and then demonstrates irresponsible behavior that will not help the spread of this disease.  He is also being treated with steroids that make you feel great, powerful, but weaning off them is a big come down.   The medical communities who are trying to save lives are livid and rightfully so – this was irresponsible and harmful.

Remember your “bubble or pod” are those that you live with; not extended family and friends.   Wear your masks, wash your hands, and social distance. do not share communal food.  thanks

Di

Help Wanted:

• Tom Boylan is still looking for scribes.  Thank you Pam for your great work in September, Pegi is doing October & Ken November.  
• Robotics is being delayed due to the unfortunate situation of President Nominee Glenn Sugden being exposed to COVID on his return trip home.   Our thoughts are with Glenn and wishing him a speedy recovery.
• For anyone interested in being District Governor, information is on the District website

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• October 8th – Cocktails at President Bill’s – limit to 15 people
• October 10th – Alzheimer’s Association walk to End Alzheimer’s   
• October 13th – Marie Gannister from WHS Vineyard Academy
• October 24th – PDG Kathy Flamsen’s virtual District Conference

Fine master:

Leslie Lewis was not with us today again Ken Moulton took over, although no fines were imposed  Ken reminded us that when the Rotary Club of Windsor first formed in 1987 there was not much in Windsor, it was an unincorporated part of Sonoma County.  The Rotary Club of Windsor started their meetings in the bar of the Windsor Bowling Allery, and it was the first year women were allowed to join Rotary.  Ken ask charter members what they remembered about those beginning days and what attracted them to join Rotary. 

Charter member, Past President Bill Arnone stated he had only been in Santa Rosa one month, when his partner’s, then-girlfriend, Maureen Merrill, invited him to a Rotary meeting, he first thought it would be a good way to meet people in a new community, the rest is history.

Charter member Diane Brabetz said Rotary saved her husband’s life, Les  had a heart attack while at their home in Mexico and it was the Rotarians there that assisted them in getting medical attention and provided emotional support

Charter member past president & PDG Maureen Merrill reflected on how our club founder John Lewis was supportive of women in Rotary, even though the feeling was not as positive in other Rotary Clubs.  The Windsor Rotary Club was started with 56 members, 19-20 of them women.

Charter member past president was intrigued by a group meeting in a bar, doing self-introductions; Sue did not start out thinking it would be a 33-year membership.

Charter member past president Ed Turner said he was working for the Press Democrat at the time John Lewis was forming the Rotary Club of Windsor,  John invited former PD Publisher John Weeks, who declined but passed the invitation on to Ed Turner. 

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Today’s Program:  

Matt Stevens Community and Media Relations Manager for Smart introduced by Doug Williams

When Matt is not working for Smart he enjoys traveling, hiking & biking, he is a partner in a Fishing Ranch in Idaho and has two children, his Son is a paramedic-firefighter in Santa Rosa.

The Smart Train celebrated a 3 year anniversary in August, a lot has happened since our last Smart Train update three years ago.  In the past 3 years, the Smart Train has carried over 1.9 million passengers, carried 7,000 wheelchairs, & 192,000 bicycles.

Two new stations were opened in December 2019, one at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal &Downtown Novato.

Smart Board of Directors placed a measure on the March 2020 Ballot to extend the current ¼ cent sales tax for an additional 20 years.

The existing ¼ cent sales tax has produced $289 million in revenues through the Fiscal year 2018.  Smart leveraged that revenue to secure an additional $323 million in funding – effectively doubling the sales tax income. 

Extending the sales tax would have enabled SMART to save $12.2 annually by restructuring debt payments and reducing debt costs annually from $18 million to $6 million.    Ballot Measure 1 failed.

Post Measure 1 SMART reduced expenses:

Cut twelve staff positions

Reduced service schedule   (38 to 16 trips a day & no weekend service)

Eliminated onboard WiFi 

Brought customer service in-house   

Riders down 90% since March – COVID-19  

Doing more with less 

Post Measure 1 Opportunity

On September 2, 2020, the SMART Board of Directors launched a community-wide Listening Tour across Sonoma and Marin counties, hosted on Zoom, to bring community members together to exchange ideas on how to best position SMART for the future.

Due to COVID-19, SMART is taking advantage of historically low-interest rates and doing a small “refi” that will save $3million.

When Sonoma County Health Officers issued a shelter in place orders due to COVID, SMART, rose to the occasion by implementing thorough cleaning and social distancing protocols in accordance with the Center for Disease Control guidelines.  

SMART has not had any COVID outbreaks.

Windsor extension construction started December 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2022.

Q&A

1. Tom Boylan: How SMART has gotten so far off the mark on completing the train to Cloverdale?
2. Matt responded that in 2008 the sales tax measure was approved, however, in 2009-10, the recession hit, revenue was lower than anticipated and the Board of Directors of SMART froze projects, fast forward & SMART has accomplished a lot in addition, doubled the sales tax, completed the stations in San Rafael, Larkspur, Novato,  SR Airport and now working on Windsor.  They do not have a date for completion to Cloverdale, challenges of rail at the bridge in Healdsburg.

Doug Williams stated if felt the SMART has been beneficial removing cars off the road and removing trucks will be better.

Matt stated SMART has been in communication with Senator Mike McGuire concerning the Great Redwood trail in Willits South.  SMART will be managing freight route,  (parts of the conversation got past me, however, I understood SMART will be managing business freight route in the future).

Wally Krutz compared Sonoma County public transportation to Australia & other European countries, where public transportation was better connected, bus, ferries. 

Matt responded previously to COVID, SMART had connections with Golden Gate Transit & the Ferry, however, connections have been lost since COVID, Matt stated Golden Gate Transit ridership is down to 1% of pre-COVID, & The Ferry 15% of pre-COVID. 

Michael Juic stated he supports public transportation and ask what we could do to support public transportation?

Matt agreed it will take a change in the norm, we all need to think of new ways of travel.  

Post Note:  Lamar Collins did NOT lose his house to fire, suffered smoke damage but grateful to have a home and for all the well wishes.

President Bill thanked Matt for coming to the club today and closed with 

“If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans “

In 2020 God would be laughing in the aisles watching all of us grabble with plans that look like they have been assaulted with an ugly stick. For me, laughing is better than crying, so I am staying positive and remaining thankful for the healthy friends and families we can still embrace. It feels tragic, for sure but if you think about it, it is so crazy it is laughable.

Respectfully submitted,

Pegi Ball 

President Bill rang the bell at 7:30, following about 15 minutes of “catching up on the latest” amongst the members on Zoom. It was great having some chat time and seeing the faces of fellow Rotarians.

Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Barbara Mc Chesney  

The weekly Inspiration was presented by Susan Cole

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” — Muhammad Ali

At 7:45 we had 46 joining us!

JB Leep, led the club in a rousing version of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, 

VISITING ROTARIANS:  Our very own Glenda Sales was present today, great to see her.  We also had a special visitor; Paul Bayley from the Rotary Club of Windsor England, most Rotary meetings are being conducted on Zoom, Paul has visited four Windsor Rotary Meetings: Windsor Canada, Windsor Australia, and two others that he could not remember.  Paul was asked the difference or similarity of clubs, he stated our club was much jollier than his, most likely because our members were much younger than members of his club, but he said we were similar in our community spirit.  He enjoyed being a part of our club.  Paul was invited to visit again, however, our meeting starts at 3 am England time, probably won’t happen too often. 

Guests of Rotarians: 

• Ken MacNab: City Manager Town of Windsor
• Lori MacNab, Debra Fudge: Windsor Town Council Member
• Ester Lemus: Windsor Vice Mayor
• Jon Davis: Windsor Parks & Recreation Department
• Jessica Jones: Windsor Community Development Director
• Maria de O Town Clerk
• John Jaeger: Interim Public Works Director,   

Heather Cullen: Rotarian of the Month 

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Clip Board: 

District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund

They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life! 

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer       1315 Fourth Street       Eureka, Ca 9550                                                                                                  https://www.rotary5130.org/district-disaster-response-plan/

Wally Krutz & the 4 Way Test – Published in the HB Tribune – Get a copy from Wally Krutz

World Polio Day – https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day  – Share with friends

District Governor Nominee – Past Presidents interested – B Bolster

Call/email them or go to: info@windsorrotary.co 

 Help Wanted:

• Tom Boylan is still looking for scribes.  Thank you Pam for your great work in September, Pegi is doing October & Ken November.  

Our Foundation Chair: Diane Brabetz leads by example; Diane has given a lot to the Rotary Foundation including $5,000.00 to a project conducted by a Rotary Club in Mexico.  Diane said it was an honor to serve as Club Foundation chair and to be a Paul Harris fellow along with men like Jimmy Carter & Jonas Salk.  Diane announced she had the pleasure today of presenting two Paul Harris Fellow awards to two Rotarians, Bill Bolster & Glenda Sales.  Bill Bolster: Paul Harris + 4, having donated a total of $5,000.00 and Glenda Sales: Paul Harris + 8, donating a total of $9,000.00.   Glenda acknowledged Renee Hyde got her started on direct deposit, (monthly automatic deduction to the Rotary Foundation).  Glenda recalled she had asked Renee how much she should donate.  Renee said any amount that is comfortable for you, and suggested maybe what she spent at Starbucks in a month, Glenda said it was easy, it just happens every month, she reminded us that she started a long time ago and it adds up.   Glenda has not been able to attend our Rotary Meetings for a couple of years due to a health condition; she said her contribution to the Rotary Foundation helps her to feel connected to Rotary, and support all that Rotary does. 

Michael Juric gave a presentation on Windsor Rotary Fundraising and Event planning

The engine that powers our Mission to Serve our Community and the World 

($816K to the community over 20 years)

Primary Focus:

• Legacy Programs
• New Programs  
• Dictionaries      
• Food Security    
• Scholarships      
• Robotics    
• Other      

Secondary Focus:

• International Fundraising 
• Polio Fundraising Foundation Fundraising
• Community Fundraising 

Two Groups for Planning:

Steering Committee 

• Co-chaired by the President-Elect and the President Nominee with members at large
• Ensures consistency with our goals
• Ensures continuity
• Recommends budget and approval
• Coordinates with Board
• Historic data over time
• Utilizes are fundraising database

Event Committees 

• Standalone efforts that implement plans and provide feedback to improve club efforts

The team focuses on two methods in 2020 – 2021:

• Major Fundraisers defined as whole club efforts that have goals and potential to warrant that effort.
• Mini/Supplemental Fundraisers 

Opportunities for smaller groups to raise funds

Michael announced we will have a major fundraiser on April 24, 2021.  We will assess in February or March if this fundraiser will be in person or virtual. The committee is looking for some hot ticket items for auction.   

Barbara McChesney is taking the lead on mini/supplemental fundraisers, she is looking for ideas that will inspire & excite folks, possible ideas:                                

• virtual Duck Race
• Mask Contest
• Virtual Wine Tasting

Contact Barbara with ideas or interested in participating in the committee barbsmcc@gmail.com

Barbara McChesney contacted Philip Paskal of Petaluma Sunrise in response to his request for our club to get involved with the Climate Restoration project.  For more information on the project review the following website:   www.foundationforclimaterestoration.org/resourses

Phil Paskal invites you to a scheduled Zoom Meeting on October 24th 7 pm 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83846862457                              Meeting ID: 838 4686 2457

Opportunity to see environmental videos of urgent importance with time for discussion, comments & questions

For those interested: the next committee meeting will be November 9th. Details coming, Contact: Barbara McChesney barbsmcc@gmail.com

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Rotary Socials with Social Distancing:

Pam Moulton reported the Ladies on Line, attended by 9 ladies, successful & Fun, this social will be repeated on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, Pam will provide additional information. It also sparked the possibility of a limited, in person, wine tasting with Diane Brabetz, more information to come.

John How reported the Poem & Book gathering at his home was also a success, several poems read and Bill Bolster stated he received some education in literature  

Up-Coming Club Stuff:

• Saturday, Oct 24 – District Virtual Conference
• Saturday, Oct 24 – World Polio Day
• Tuesday, Oct 27 – Hayley Bly, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
• Thursday, Oct 29 – Boys with Bandwidth
• Tuesday, Nov 3 – David Schreibman, Sebastopol Rotary – Geocaching 
• Thursday, Nov 12 – BINGO Night!!!!
• Nov 12 – 14 – Rotary Big West Zone Institute 
• Saturday, Dec 12 – Windsor Rotary Virtual Christmas Party

VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD

KEN MacNab    Town Manager

Awarded for Excellence in Professional Service and Commitment to the Town of Windsor

Doug Williams introduced and presented the vocational service award to Ken, in his introduction Doug stated he admired Ken’s work with the town, his promotion of the concept of honor, and his continuous mission to bring the community together. 

Ken accepted his award stating it was humbling to be selected by an organization that shares the value of community.  Ken stated he and his executive team have exciting projects started, and although due to the covid crisis needing to focus on the present, those projects are still in the works and he is looking forward to the community.  Ken thanked the town council members, his executive team and a Big Thank You to his wife Lori.

Ester Lemus Windsor vice mayor said she was not going to miss this award presentation, she stated from the first interview with Ken she had no doubts about his performance. She exclaimed Ken possesses true leadership, is respected and goes above and beyond for the town.

Debra Fudge council member thanked Ken’s wife Lori, acknowledging all the hours Ken has spent away from her to attend to the Town.  Deb said Ken has done an amazing job since he stepped into the job, he has to lead the town through the fires and pandemic.  

President Bill Bolster thanked the Town members and Ken for running a Great Town.

COVID UP-DATE:             

Here is the latest update on COVID from your Rotary Nurse!

Total Case 9215  (last week 8532) 

New Cases:         Fri 33                Sat 93   Sun 48                 Mon 76

Deaths:  129     (last week 128)

Hospitalized:     23 confirmed and 2 suspected           

There are now 16% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 21% in the 35-44-year-olds (this is a change – seeing more now in this group)

 We have tested a Total of 202,675 and 7404 recovered   (last week 191,326 in our county with 6891 people recovered)   Total negative tests 193,460

 Sonoma County is still on the strictest Tier of Lockdown  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)    because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  Our Transmission rate of 10.6 new /100,000 of the population does not meet the State guideline of 8% or less in order to move into a less restrictive tier.    Unlike most of the other counties around us, we continue to have a high positivity rate.   Latinos now represent 54% of call COVID cases yet they only comprise 26% of our population.  (500,000 in the county) 

Public Health is recommending a $16 Mil. Health Plan around COVID – vouchers for hotels for positive residents, one time stipends, partnering with businesses to go out and do testing, more outreach to Latino neighborhoods with education and testing to address our numbers.   

 Public Health has issued guidelines for Halloween and Day of the Dead celebration in the hopes that there will not be social gatherings, parties, celebrations, festivals, live audience entertainment, indoor haunted houses, and any unsafe gatherings.

 Again, they are stressing the need for all of us to get our flu shots so we will not have an increase in COVID when the Flu season begins.    

Holiday recommendations are for very strict adherence to not socially having dinners unless you can be outside or keep your parties to only 3 households.    If a family member is traveling to join you for the holidays they need to quarantine for 2 weeks before coming.   In addition, food should not be communal.   Appoint one person with masks and gloves to make up plates and serve.   Do not allow the sharing of pots or plates of food.   Social distance if your dinner is inside and makes the social occasion short in duration.    Remember that just because someone if the family does not meet they are in your “bubble or pod” and you should be having social events.

 Practice the 3 W’s:     Wear your masks, wash your hands, and watch your distance.   Unless we practice these Public Health things, our surge will continue and we will see untimely and increased deaths…………… 

Thanks, Di

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Magic Breakout Rooms!

Michael Juric broke the club into different breakout rooms with 4-5 members in each group with a list of 5 questions the group needed to discuss and answer.

1. How Many presidents have led the club, including Bill?  
2. Name one from the 1980s and 2 from each subsequent decade 
3. Identify four meeting locations we’ve used.
4. Identify 3 members who live outside of Windsor.
5. Who, in your group has the most children?

This was a great segment, I would expect nothing less from Michael he is amazing.  It was an opportunity to see and communicate with a small number of members, my group, as I am sure all groups had fun recalling past years and coming up with different answers.  I believe the only questions that would have exact correct answers was #1 & #3, although Michael said the correct answer to #1, is 31, true to our fabulous club, there was still some friendly debate.  

President Bill thanked the Town members, Ken & Lori, & Paul for visiting.

Closing remark

Thomas Edison was once asked by a reporter how it felt to fail 700 times in the creation of the light bulb. His response: “I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”

All people fail, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  It is how we learn.  We do not learn from our successes but from our failures.  

If you are not failing, you are not trying (learning)!

So go out and try, fail, learn, adapt, try again……                

And go do something Rotarian!!!

Respectfully submitted,

Pegi Ball 

President Bill rang the bell at 7:30, following about 15 minutes of Rotarians warmly welcoming fellow Rotarians joining the meeting: Susan Cole you make my day!  President Bill thanked all that helped with putting together our award presentation last week to town manager Ken McNab and shared the thank you note he sent to the club.

Alison Huber lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The weekly Inspiration was presented by Susan Cole; she is not sure where the quote originated but something she shares in classes she presents:

“Thoughts are things

Choose Good Ones”

John How led us in a Rotary version of You Are My Sunshine  

No VISITING ROTARIANS this morning  

GUEST OF ROTARIANS:   Michelle Edwards Executive VP  Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Marin, and Special Events Manager Hayley Bly. 

Announcements:

District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund

They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life!

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer
1315 Fourth Street
Eureka, Ca 95501

District Disaster Relief Fund

HELP WANTED:

• Tom Boylan is still looking for scribes.  Thank you Pam for your great work in September, Pegi is doing October & Ken November.

Michael Juric is looking for a few people that would like to assist in Zoom meetings.

WHS Vineyard Academy Gassku Ramen Night:  Marie is looking for 2 fabulous volunteers for the front circle to check-in cars, relay info to the kitchen, and hand the bags through the windows of cars from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 2 more volunteers from 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm for the same jobs.  Friday Nov. 6th,  All PPE Safety codes will be observed. mganister@wusd.org

UPCOMING CLUB STUFF:

• Tuesday, Nov 3 – David Schreibman, Sebasopol
  • Rotary – Geocaching 
• Friday, Nov 6 – WHS Vineyard Academy Gassku Ramen Night
  • Sign up & pay at  https://m.bpt.me/event/4785396
• Thursday, Nov 12 – BINGO Night!!!!  RSVP by Nov 6th,  Barbara McChesney
  • barbsmcc@gmail.com
  • let Barbara know how many cards you will need
  • Check in: 6:30 pm    Game begins 7pm.
• Nov 12 – 14 – Rotary Big West Zone Institute 
• Saturday, Dec 12 – Windsor Rotary Virtual Christmas Party
• District Governor Nominees – Bill Bolster
  • Need to be a Past President Deadline for nominees Nov. 7th.

Heather Cullen Rotarian of the Month

I am hoping our club photographer captured a picture of Heather this morning, during the meeting she was putting on her face to celebrate Day of the Dead with her class immediately following our club meeting.  What an exciting experience it must be to be a student in Mrs. Cullen class.

Glenn Sugden, gratefully, has recovered from COVID and returned to meetings.  Glenn stated he had a fever and headache 4 days after he traveled on a full flight, he did test positive, Glenn said he began to feel better about 4 days later but experienced fatigue and brain fog for several weeks.  He did comment everyone has different symptoms.  Glenn said folks on the plane were wearing mask except when eating and drinking.  Glenn was tested after being ill for the antibody, which he did have and will participate in donating plasma.  Glenn was told the antibody could remain in his body for 3-5 months; however, someone could be re-infected, as there are 6 different strains. Glenn encouraged everyone get tested and wear a mask.

President Bill, Ken & Pam Moulton all joined the Virtual District Conference & Foundation Celebration, it was agreed by all  PDG Kathy Flamson did a great job.  The usual 3 day Conference was well presented in a 2 hour Virtual presentation. Good speakers and good presentation of projects & programs done in our district.  It was announced Foundation giving for our district 5130 was $890,000.00; Sebastopol Rotary $141,000.00 & Windsor Rotary $55,000.00 our own Glenn Sugden was recognized as a Major Donor.  THANK YOU GLENN!

Fine Master:  Ken Moulton

Craig Curreri celebrated his Birthday October 15th, but must still be celebrating have to catch him later

Bill and Joan Bolster – Will celebrate their 31st Wedding Anniversary Nov. 1st, but Bill said he did not know what the plan was and will report next meeting.

Michael Juric has been a member of Rotary Club of Windsor since 10/24/92, he has been our club president twice and is presently involved with the Zone Institution and Rotary International, as well as our ZOOM Master.  Michael is looking for a couple of members interested in assisting with our ZOOM meeting and is offering to donate $10.00 for every interested call or email he receives.

President Bill inquired what members had planned for Halloween, evidently we are not too exciting:  Alison displayed her programmable mask that lights up and Michael Juric said he will have Grandchildren in his car taking them to family homes to trick or treat.

COVID UP-DATE:

Total Case 9778  (last week 9215)

New Cases:

• Fri 64
• Sat 82
• Sun 67
• Mon 90

Deaths:  136     (last week 129)

Hospitalized:     25 confirmed and 3 suspected

There are now 19% of our cases in the 25-34 year olds and 17% in the 35-44 year olds

We have tested a Total of 213,129 and 7770 recovered   (last week 202,675 in our county with 7404 people recovered)   Total negative tests 203,351

Sonoma county is still on the strictest Tier of Lock down  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)    because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  Our Transmission rate is now 10.8 new /100,000 of population (it was 10.6 last week) and because it is not going down and is not 8% or less, it does not meet the State guideline in order to move into a less restrictive tier.    Unlike most of the other counties around us we continue to have a high positivity rate.   We are a community with low income people who get infected and continue to go to work instead of isolating at home.    They cannot afford to stay home and many live in crowded housing with extended family because of the high cost of rents.

A personal story that highlights this – one of my Home Care Aides whose husband (another industry) and family were all sick and had been tested, she got symptoms, never reported it to us, went to work and exposed 2 clients and another home care worker before she got her positive test results back.   It also turns out she is Latino, lives in a multi- family housing and her mother had just returned from Mexico.   (my friends in Mexico tell me it is worse there as their President still believes this is a “hoax” and nothing more than the flu – in addition they do not have needed equipment and do not force wearing of masks)   This is someone in the health care field, not young and someone we have educated and educated on not doing this; we provide masks and harp on the 3 W’s!   (wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance)

Public Health is recommending a $16 Mil. Health Plan around COVID – vouchers for hotels for positive residents, one time stipends, partnering with businesses to go out and do testing, more outreach to Latino neighborhoods with education and testing to address our numbers.

Public Health is trying to do more education, get out into the Latino communities with bilingual staff and ensure that the message of wearing your mask, staying home when you are sick and getting tested gets out there.   In addition they are trying to ensure that there are not celebrations for Halloween and Day of the Dead and to promote getting their flu shots.

I know none of us like the Holiday recommendations of very strict adherence to not having dinners.   But there is a serious 2nd wave or 3rd wave depending on what country we live in of outbreak and some countries in Europe have instituted serious lockdowns including no incoming or outgoing flights.    We have to take this seriously and realize something as nice as getting together for the holidays for a family dinner could spread this virus and cause death.   So, heed the recommendations of no dinners unless you can be outside or keep your parties to only 3 households.    If a family member is traveling to join you for the holidays they need to quarantine for 2 weeks before coming.   In addition, food should not be communal.   Appoint one person with mask and gloves to make up plates and serve.   Do not allow sharing of pots or plates of food.   Social distance if your dinner is inside and make the social occasion short in duration.    Remember that just because someone if family does not meet they are in your “bubble or pod” and you should be having social events.

Here is Sonoma County we will not be opening up soon and have to take this seriously and do our part so that we can safely open schools and be able to hug one another again.

Thanks

Di

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Program:  Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin

JB reminded us we have had a long time relationship with the Boys and Girls Club, our own Leslie Lewis was the Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Windsor for Four years, and several of our members served on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors.  Mike Merrill is presently active on the Board of Directors.

JB introduced Michelle Edwards, Executive VP Boys and Girls Club Sonoma-Marin for nine years and Haley Bly, Boys and Girls Club Special Events Manager.

Michelle & Haley were visiting to give us an update on the Boys and Girls Club and to report the impact COVID is having on our Children.

The first Boys and Girls Club in Sonoma County was in 1946 in Healdsburg – the Boxing Club.  They now have 42 Club locations in 12 communities, serving 10,000 youth per year.  They are also are involved in serving meals and serve 350K per year.

Their Mission  

• We inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

$10,000,000.00 yearly budget served 10,000 youth   (pre covid)                                 Reduced yearly budget to $7,000 by reducing administration staff

Clubs were forced to shut down in March due to COVID, reopened in April to serve meals.

Distance Learning Clubs:   

• Open 8am-5:30 for learning pods of 12 students at 13 locations.
• Extended hours by 183% to serve kids DURING & after school
• Full support to attend school daily via apps & zoom with individualized tutoring

Current Reality:

3,500 Club spaces dropped to 396 in Distance Learning model

81% of current Club Members are low income or extremely low income & can’t afford current program

73% are English Learners & need additional academic support

Pre COVID Comparison:

                    School partner     Pre Covid clubs    current reality

Funded Enrollment (per location)          400-600                   100-250          24-48

School Year Club Locations                            42              13

Cost Per Kid per school year                        $2,000          $8,000

The cost to serve each youth has increased 3X due to protocol mandated by COVID

Program cost has gone from $75.00 per week to $225.00 per week for program that runs until 3pm, families can pay an additional $75.00 per week for children to stay until 5:30pm.

Scholarships are available for low income families, however, middle income families usually do not qualify and cannot afford additional cost.

There are no part time students allowed only full time

Q&A

Q: JB ask about the average family presently attending program?

A: 81% low income county wide, Windsor is exception, more diverse 65% low income, 35% middle and high income.  Good diversity for students

Q: Wally ask if sustainable and how long they could sustain?

A: Michelle felt, because they partner with 15 school districts they would be good through the school year.

Q: Bill Arnone ask how the situation in Sonoma County mirrored across the country?

A: Depends on the COVID climate of area,  many are open some remain closed, county wide decision,

Q:  President Bill ask how can Rotary help?

A:  Financial support can be donated to Windsor specifically.  Michelle said they are doing a special Holiday campaign; they have identified and adopted 8 families in need.  They will be providing Gift Cards and Gifts for each family and welcome our support

medwards@bgsonoma-marin.org

Haley also informed us of their Virtual Wine Auction in November, “Healdsburg Crush” they will be offering local Pinot, Chardonnay and Sparkling Wines. Auction runs November 11-14, 2020

www.healdsburgcrush.com

Closing remark                                                                                                            

President Bill thanked Michelle and Haley for presenting to us and for all the work they do for our youth.

He also reminded us that our meeting next Tuesday is also Election Day…  VOTE

With baseball season coming to end, he is using a couple of quotes from Yogi Berra:

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it”

“Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical”

“Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours”

Respectfully submitted,

Pegi Ball

President Bill rang the bell at 7:30, following about 15 minutes of warm greetings and virtual Hugs. President Bill shared how much he enjoyed the pleasant smell of rain, even if minute while attending the Ground Breaking of the BUILD Construction Academy at Windsor High School.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ed Turner 

The weekly Inspiration was presented by Mike Merrill, the daily prayer of the Plains Indians:

“Give me knowledge so I may have Kindness for All” 

At 7:35, we had 36 attending the meeting

Our Song was expertly performed by Leah Hansen:  I Think I Love You 

No visiting Rotarians today

Guests of Rotarians:  Carol Martin introduced our guest speaker Marie Ganister, Marie a longtime friend of Rotary celebrated a birthday Sunday, belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY Marie. 

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Announcements:

• Heather Cullen was announced as our October Rotarian of the Month.    President Bill appropriately summed Heather up in one word:  ENERGETIC! 
• Environmental Committee – Heather Cullen – tyrdnhappy@yahoo.com District Governor Nominees – Bill Bolster Need to be a Past President

ZOOM FEATURES:  Michael Juric has been our ZOOM Guru and continues to explore new ways to make our zoom meetings feel more like our in-person meetings, to this end, Michael has asked we all upgrade to the latest zoom update: 5.3.1.  Michael also recommends when joining our zoom meeting we open Participant and Chat Box, as well as, in View Options, check “side by side”.  Michael is working on a “spotlight” feature that will allow pulling people together on the screen, to create groups and or groups of panelists.  I am confident the Rotary Club of Windsor will have one of the coolest Zoom Meeting created!  

Diane Brabetz: Life as a Health Service Provider during a pandemic:

First Diane thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers; they did have trees uprooted, branches everywhere, and lots of sand blown up from the shore but NO major damage to her home in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Diane said as far as operating her At Home Care business it has become a 24-7 job since the shelter in place order was announced.  Even with all her experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner, it has been very frustrating with all the rapid changes.  Diane is grateful for Sonoma County Public Health Service and their guidance.  Workers are frightened, and due to the $600.00 unemployment incentive were choosing to stay at home.   Diane had some forewarning of a possible pandemic and had obtained a good supply of gowns & gloves; thanks to Barbara Mc Chesney she was able to obtain proper masks.  At Home Care has only had 1 positive test out of 350, and that positive was from family exposure.  

Diane stated people recovering from COVID and returning home can test positive for 90 days but are not contagious, this, however, is adding additional fear to the caretakers.  Diane conceded it has been tough operating her business during the lockdown.  The Sonoma County Public Health Service has requested Nurses from her staffing company to change the normal operation of her business. 

EACH ONE BRING ONE:      

Membership is about us, it is normal to periodically lose a club member; President Bill reminded us it is important to invite someone to our meeting, Even though conducting our meetings on Zoom our enthusiasm, passion, and mission comes through loud and clear. 

Rotary Socials & Clip Board:

The Social at President Bill’s home last Thursday was wonderful, we stayed within all protocol: 9-12 folks, everyone wore a mask and we kept our distance.  It was great being able to visit, catch up, and enjoy a beverage and the great outdoors.  Thank you, Bill & Joanie

Wednesday, Oct 14:  

Ladies on Line – Pam Moulton pmoulton@comcast.com 

 Thursday, Oct 15:      

Book and Poetry reading:    John How   rsvp: jdhinvco@aol.com 

4 pm,  9951 Troon Court, Windsor

Nibbles provided, bring your own beverage 

Saturday, Oct 24:

PDG Kathy Flamsen’s virtual District Conference

Great Speakers, FREE

Wednesday, Oct 28:   

Boys on Bandwidth – Michael Juric   michaelj7@comcast.net 

Thursday, November 12th:

Bingo Night! 

November 12 – 14: 

Rotary Big West Zone Institute 

Saturday, December 12: 

Windsor Rotary Virtual Christmas Party

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President Bill announced he was approached by Petaluma Sunrise Rotary Club to help form Environmental Committee focused on Climate Restoration. 

Create a partnership with other clubs for collaboration in order to make the most difference to all people in our district.      

Work in conjunction with the “Foundation for Climate Restoration”

Heather Cullen and Barbara Mc Chesney both expressed interest in this project.  THANK YOU! 

Carol Martin reported she attended the groundbreaking for  Build Construction Academy at Windsor High School.  The first symbolic shovels of ground were performed by Windsor Rotary President: Bill Bolster, Windsor Mayor: Dominic Foppoli, Windsor HS Principal: Lamar Collins, & Windsor Unified School Board Member: Rich Carnation.  Carol was excited not only for the Building groundbreaking but to see the Rotary Club of Windsor, Windsor Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Unified School District and members of the community come together in a shared project that will benefit our students and community. 

   We received approval on our District Matching Grant which will provide:

1. Basic Tools for 30 Students
2. Materials for the first student project.

District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund

They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life! 

Mail to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer       1315 Fourth Street       Eureka, Ca 95501

District Disaster Relief Fund

COVID CORNER:

Total Cases:        8532    (8101 last week)

                New cases             Fri:  115

                                                Sat 82

                                                Sun 70

                                                Mon 78                            

Deaths:  128     (last week 122)

Hospitalized:     26 confirmed and 5 suspected           

We continue to see 19% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 17% in the 35-44-year-olds

We have tested a Total of 191,326 and 6891 recovered   (last week 182,113 in our county with 6408 people recovered)

Sonoma County is still on the strictest Tier of Lockdown  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)   because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  Our Case rate of 10.8 new /100,000 of the population does not meet the State guideline of 8% or less in order to move into a less restrictive tier.    Unlike most of the other counties around us, we continue to have a high positivity rate.  Public Health is putting a plan together to address this and one of the goals they have shared is to do more testing.  There is a high rate of positivity in the disadvantaged communities and the Latino communities and Public Health is striving to do more education.   

Public Health has issued guidelines for Halloween and Day of the Dead celebration in the hopes that there will not be social gatherings, parties, celebrations, festivals, live audience entertainment, indoor haunted houses, and any unsafe gatherings.

Again, they are stressing the need for all of us to get our flu shots so we will not have an increase in COVID when the Flu season begins.    

 All of us in the medical professional and any of us with a Public Health background is frustrated with our President’s downplaying of his contracting the coronavirus and his continued participation in super spreader events.  This is so irresponsible and harmful.    This is giving out the wrong message and undoing all of the education and progress our country was seeing.   Remember that our President has been given steroids that make him irrational, feeling all-powerful and strong.   We ask all of you to please practice responsible behavior and follow the 3 W’s (wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance!!!!)    and help to get this message out to everyone you care about.

Remember your “bubble or pod” are those that you live with; not extended family and friends.   Wear your masks, wash your hands, and social distance. and do not share communal food. 

Thanks

Di

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Help Wanted:

• Tom Boylan is still looking for scribes.  Thank you Pam for your great work in September, Pegi is doing October & Ken November.  
• Robotics is being delayed due to the unfortunate situation of President Nominee Glenn Sugden being exposed to COVID on his return trip home.   Our thoughts are with Glenn and wishing him a speedy recovery.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Tuesday, Oct 20:  Michaels’s Magic Breakout Rooms 

Tuesday, Oct 27:  Hayley Bly, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin 

Fine master:

Ken Moulton is doing a wonderful job filling in for Leslie Lewis, Ken reminded us we can choose to donate to Rotary International Foundation: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate,  

Polio Plus:    www.endpolionow.org

Windsor Rotary Club Foundation:   Contact Ed Turner

Club Fines:   Contact Ed Turner  eturner@airportbusinesscenter.com 

BIRTHDAYS:                                                                                                                                         

Barbara Mc Chesney 10/11, enjoyed an outdoor lunch (despite the rain) with children and Sister. Will make a contribution to Polio Plus 

Joan Mora 10/14, spent a beautiful day over the weekend in Bodega, she said she will pay her fines as she has a bigger announcement coming up that will most likely cost her more, 

ANNIVERSARY’S:    

Doug & Jodie Williams 10/17 will celebrate 28 years of marriage, did not disclose his plans, but was married in a church, and will make a contribution to Polio Plus

CLUB ANNIVERSARY’S 

JB & Carol Martin have been with the club for 4 years, and what assets they have been to the club, right from the beginning.  To add to their monthly contributions to the Rotary Foundation & Polio Plus, they are making a $50.00 contribution to The Rotary Community Foundation.

John How must have gotten distracted, as he interrupted the “recognition segment” to confirm we got the announcement of his book & poetry reading,  Acting Fine Master Ken fine him for the interruption. 

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Today’s Program:  

Lamar Collins introduced Marie Ganister stating it was an honor to introduce someone that embodies the true meaning of Leadership; he continued to define the quality of leadership as one that makes things happen and influences others to make things happen.

Marie started her presentation by saying she wished we were all at Charlie’s with a cup of coffee; Marie attended the SF Culinary Institute and worked as a Chef in SF for 20 years before returning to school to become an English teacher. 

Marie found her way to Windsor and was on the ground level of starting the culinary academy at Windsor High School in 2001.  In 2003 Marie founded Vineyard Academy and they became a part of California Partnership Academy.  Vineyard Academy not only offers students instructions in English & History to prepare for college but the opportunity to explore careers in Hospitality and cuisine.  

Vineyard Academy History:

2003:   California Partnership academy grant awarded    

2009:  Jack London Award for Academic Excellence from the CSU system    

2010:  Vineyard Academy SOL 9-10 addition    

2013:  Lighthouse Academy Designation    

2018:  Middle School Foundation Academies grant 5th grade to 8th-grade addition

2019:  Distinguished Academy Award        

Fall 2019:  Middle School Culinary pathway began    

Today:  Fully Virtual, 6 teachers in 11-12,  5 teachers in 9-10,  1 teacher at the Middle School

Vineyard Academy Currently:

5th grade at Brooks Elementary: Vineyard VITIS        

6th to 8th grade at Windsor Middle School:  Vineyard Harvest        

9th and 10th grade at Windsor High School:  Vineyard SOL      

11th and 12th grade at Windsor High School:  Vineyard Academy 

Started in 2003 has served over 5,000 students in Windsor Unified School District is one or all of these programs “College and Career readiness” is our motto at all levels of VA. 

Marie has worked with Windsor Rotary on various catered projects for the last 18 years. ( I might add: The Town of Windsor and every other organization in Windsor).  

Marie stated everything is different during COVID, she is especially sad for seniors, missing all the traditional socials and events.  

Distance learning began after March 13.  New technology, new ways of reaching students, teaching lessons, and engagement 

Marie loves being invited, virtually, into student homes, mainly the kitchen as students prepare assigned recipes in their own homes.  Vital Learning Management System hosts classes and is the landing spot for all lessons.  Everything is housed in Google Classrooms. 

ZOOM in Vineyard Academy students joins in one session with adults and students, discussing topics.  Then break out to our different classes, this gathering together and modeling conversation seems to draw students out of their shells, and increase engagement.   Marie is grateful to the Rotarians that have volunteered to participate in this project.  

BUILD CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY 

Received a grant from the state to create a construction academy 

Community Support for Build 

Windsor Rotary                                                                                                                                       

Bodean Rock Quarry            

AAction Rents Equipment Rental  

North Coast Builders Exchange                

Letitia Hanke Director of the Lime Foundation          

Build Advisory Board          

California Dept. of ED Grant: CPA

10th Grade        Introduction to Construction Technology

Safety – Site, Self and Signage,

10 hour OSHA certification (hand and power tools),

material handling, lifting, stacking, tie-offs, hand signals 

measurement tools, estimation

conversion between standard and metric,

application of geometry and trigonometry, area, volume

development of material lists,

introduction to hand and power tools, machines, fasteners,

research specific career fields 

11th GRADE                     Construction Skills Practice 

Trends in the field: financial, technical, environmental, labor. 

Technical drawings and specs.

pipe offsets, rooflines,

checking for square,

carpentry,

drywall,

visit job sites,

Suppliers

Mentor Project

12th GRADE

Sustainable Future

12th grade – Capstone Course

Project Based Learning, 30 hours +

Internship in industry

Specialized focus plumbing/electrical 

Jessy Bodean will be the instructor                      

Courses approved by School Board

Four OSHA Certificates      

Two internships: Electrical & Plumbing        

Job Ready!

President Bill thanked Marie Ganister for her presentation, and all her efforts at Windsor High School,                                                                                                  

Closed the meeting with a quote from John Wooden:

“Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out”

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 am

Gassaku: translates to shared work.                    

An Equity Project by:

Nueva and Vineyard working together to create a POP UP drive through Ramen experience.                                                                                                                      

Funds raised will provide consumable materials for culinary and art student                 Date: Nov 6                                                                                                                       

Time: 4:00 to 7:00                                                                                                          

Cost: $15.00                                                                                                                          

Slow-cooked Chintan (authentic Chinese slow-cooked chicken broth)                      

Artisan noodles,                                                                                                               

Bok choy, egg, tare, fresh herbs and spices

Marie will send a link to purchase tickets through the brown bag. 

Respectfully submitted,

Pegi Ball

BUILD ACADEMY