Author: Envira Gallery

CLICK HERE TO SEE DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE LATEST CLUB MEETING

President Maureen Merrill was on time and got the meeting started at 7:30

There was a volunteer song Meister in Joe Deacon as he led us in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

The scribe, who was a few minutes late to the meeting, is Tom Boylan.

The photographer of the day is Sue Nelson.

Guests of Rotarians:

Brian Ling introduced Windsor High School principal Lamar Collins.

Carol Martin Introduced Marie Bannister with the Windsor High Vineyard Academy.

Announcements:

Maureen reminded us that the Foundation Dinner is November 2nd, and we have a table, with room for more. Let Maureen know if you can join the Windsor table to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments for our Rotary District.

Leah Hansenreminded us the Veteran’s Day lunch is November 7th, and there are 15 people signed up to attend the lunch.

Bill Bolster gave us a few tips on Rotary Youth Exchange. We currently have two programs, short term and long-range. Our short-range person can spend as little as 6-weeks, and the long-range is for a full year. We are looking for candidates for both. Ideally, the Junior and Senior school person is short-range, and the sophomores are for the long-range. Contact Bill if you know of someone who would benefit from Rotary’s program.

Bill shared a few comments from a letter that Caden Hulett sent us from Holland. Read the entire letter below.

Jose Diego was given his new blue badge. It goes along with his dancing lessons as he gets ready to compete with Dancing with the Stars, a fundraiser for the Veteran’s Resource Center.

Carol Martin gave a shoutout to Bill Conklin, David Culley, and Marie Bannister along with others who made Tri-Tip Tuesday a success. Check out the graphics at the end of this bulletin to get all the details on what made the event a success… 180 meals were sold!

Marie Bannister, director of Windsor High School Vineyard Academy, was asked to join Maureen and David Culley as they presented the Vineyard Academy a check for $3119. An excellent kick-off to our efforts at community engagement.

If you have an announcement you would like to have brought to our attention, be sure to send it to Maureen for inclusion.

Program:

Craft talks were the theme of the day, and Pegi Ball kicked off the round.

Pegi Ball

Pegi was born in Palo Alto and raised in the South Bay. She moved to Sonoma County in 1986. Pegi has four children, seven grandchildren, and a slew of adopted grandchildren who have shared a couple of great-grandchildren to the crew.

Her move to Sonoma County began with her having a position with a dinner house. Eventually, she transitioned to a full time catering person, Pegi Ball Catering was born. She met Maureen, Chris Parr, and Janet Codding, among many others during one of her catering events. Her connections put her in touch with the Windsor Bowling Alley and their cafe. This is where she found Rotary, and in 1996 she was sponsored by Maureen to join the Rotary Club.

Pegi’s life went up, up, and away when she became a Rotarian and wound up working the Hot Air Balloon Festival. She appreciates the success she has found through her association with Rotary friends.

Her plan to retire was sidetracked by her becoming the Original Certified Santa Rosa Farmer’s Market manager. There went the retirement, but it has given her a chance to explore a lot of healthful foods. Today she is happy to report her interest in food, and the benefits of good food have allowed her to share those benefits with a much larger audience.

Bill Rash 

Bill took the mic and let us know he is a San Francisco native with roots to the neighborhood around The famed Cow Palace. He worked with his dad at an earlier time and then went off to the phone company. He shared that he was fired, but it turned out to be the best thing to happen to him because he was rehired by someone else in the organization and made the boss of the man who fired him… a fun turn around, but it turns out that he treated that person with a good spirit.

Bill went rogue, and his first client happened to be the phone company. Today he is working in fiber optics, phone systems, and as a sound man for a local church. He is proud to share that his grandchildren and his children are working with him.

Most of his work is with municipalities, including the San Francisco Airport. He shared that if you stick around long enough, you wind up working with a lot of familiar people… oh yes… he also shared that he is married to Earleen for 50+ years. He is a member of Windsor Rotary because his wife, a past president, suggested he should join. He followed her footsteps and has had quite an impact on the club and the community. E Clampus Vitus is his secret society, which is not all that secret.

Larry Wasem

Larry is a charter member and the club’s 2nd president. He went off on a significant spin-off to let us know there were commonalities between Pegi, Bill’s, and his stories. Larry also shared that he has an exciting adventure back to Germany to share some time with his family and a special wedding.

Count Von Hingle Heim (He didn’t spell it out, so forgive the scribe for overindulging in the German pronunciation and be glad he wasn’t going to Hawaii) had 12 sons that were all farmers… His father moved to Idaho in the late 1800s. And the point of the story was to share that his entire family has a history that centered on farming.

Larry told us he was the first member of the family to attend college and probably the first to move away.

Born in Idaho, he shared that the location was “not exactly the middle of the Universe, but more like the middle of nowhere.” His family farm in Idaho was around 800 acres. His brother now runs the farm, and according to Larry, “it is a great life but not a great way to make a living.” Keeping with the family tradition, it looks like his brother’s oldest son has suggested he will carry on the farming tradition at the family farm.

Larry graduated in 1972 from a high school with all of 800 students. Logging used to be the most prominent industry when he was growing up, and there were four lumber mills, which are all gone today. A graduate in Economics from College of Idaho Larry shared that one of the benefits of a small college is the lifelong connections he maintains today. After college, he went to Washington, DC, in 1976, where he became quick to the ways of a major city. He wound up working for Steve Simm, the congressman who wound up becoming a Senator, who Larry maintains a connection with to this day. On his return to Idaho, he met his wife.

Larry went on to Stanford law school and eventually met up with an old classmate, Rich Coombs, and the Airport Business Center reflects what you can do with the right partner. Although he talks highly of his business, his real passion comes from a job that doesn’t pay well in dollars but pays a huge dividend to the heart. Larry is the first official neonatal intensive care baby hugger. He does this as a volunteer, but he would pay to do the job. Opioid addiction is the major problem that these babies are trying to overcome one hug at a time.

Caden Hulett

Windsor Youth Exchange

2019 – 20

The Netherlands

10/20/19

Bill! 

I had my presentation for the club last Monday, and then it was nonstop school, but now it’s the fall break. Let’s see, impressions… 

Many Dutch stereotypes are wrong, although they do love their dairy products here, cheese in particular. People smoke a lot more, although from what I’ve heard, that’s typical for Europe. 

My host family’s been great, they’re traveling to visit my host mom’s host mom since her host dad passed away recently. I’ve made lots of good friends, and I’m actually staying at a friend/host parent’s family friend’s house for the week. 

The deltaworks are amazing, just this incredible feat of engineering on such a large scale. The hunnebeds are also amazing, gravestones that have been preserved for over 5,000 years. Granted, some have been griefed, but people have been able to preserve them pretty well overall.

Dutch is a rough language to learn, the grammar rules are way less consistent than English and Spanish. My accent’s good, so I just need to build up my vocabulary. Lekker is one of the most important words in Dutch, it literally just means “tasty” but people use it for literally everything. Lekker weer – nice weather, that kind of thing.

The food’s been great, my host dad cooks as a hobby so I’ve gotten an amazing dinner almost every day. There’s also a burger place that actually has burgers on par if not better than back home.

I’m still traveling around the Netherlands. We got to go to Giethoorn during the DOC, and that was beautiful, plus sailing’s fun. I also got to visit the Hunnebed museum and Bourtange one weekend, which was quite a few awesome moments sprinkled in between long walks. I’m going to Rotterdam this Tuesday, where I’ll also get to to Spijkenisse, where someone decided to actually build the bridges that are depicted on the Euro banknotes. Thursday and Friday we’re going to Volendam, a Dutch folk town. I’m going back to Bourtange on Saturday for a steampunk festival, I’ve been putting together a costume for that over the past few weeks. The closest thing I’ll get to Halloween while I’m here.

Calendar Items:

Date	Event	Info	Contact / comments
11/2, Sat., 9 – 12	Annual Foundation Seminar	Finley Center, Santa Rosa Registration link at www. Rotary5130.org	Contact Foundation Chair John LeCave 707.280.5236, jlecave@ sonic.net
11/2, Sat, 5:30 PM	Annual Foundation Dinner	Doubletree, Rohnert Park Reception 5:30, Dinner 6:30, $70 per person Registration link at www. Rotary5130.org	https://www. rotary5130.org /calendar/   Windsor Rotary table! Contact Pres. Maureen
11/4, Monday, 5-6:15	Monthly Club Board Meeting	Maureen’s office, 145 Wikiup (N side of street) off ORH, in “South Windsor”	Special topics: Fundraising decisions and Project direction
11/4, 5:30 & 7	Rotary at Symphony	Green Center, see more info: google Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary	Marty Behr, behr@ Whidbey.com; 206.391.3427
11/7, Thursday 11:30 – 1:30	Rotary Annual Veterans Lunch	Vets Memorial, SR	Leah Hansen, 292.5173, lmhansen1@ sbcglobal.net
11/9, Sat., 9 AM – 10 or 10:15	2nd Saturdays Rotary Hiking & Dog Walking Club	Meet at Foothill Park, Arata Entrance	Just show up!
12/7, evening	HOLIDAY PARTY!	Home of Sue & John Nelson – watch for more info	Bev Graham, Coordinator
5/15 – 5/16/2020	Annual District Conference	Fortuna River Walk Lodge in Humboldt County	Get rooms now! Ask Maureen for more info

Click here to see documents relating to the latest Club Meeting

President Maureen Merrill rang the bell at 7:30

Your scribe, Tom Boylan, was asked to lead the flag salute

Our inspiration came to us by way of Allison Huber, who claimed to be channeling Susan Cole

Bill Arnone sprang up and led us in a rousing chorus of “God Bless America”

Photography provided by Sue Nelson

Guests of Rotarians include Justin Anderkenny (please excuse any misspelling of the last name) who works with Robin Resendez for an interior design company

Announcements:

Rene Hyde was once again recognized as the Powerhouse Rotarian for the month of September

Good thoughts for Ed Turner and John Hackenburg’s better half, Jean Hackenburg. Both are recovering from some surgical procedures. 

Carol Martin and JB Leep were mentioned as people who like to take a vacation.

The October 7th Windsor Rotary Board meeting will be held at Charlie’s. The evening will include appetizers and more conversation on fundraising among other topics. 

The Rotary District 5130 Foundation South dinner is to be held on November 2nd at the Doubletree ion Rohnert Park. Let’s see how many we can muster to sit at our own table.

Bill Conklin gave us an update on the Tri-Tip Tuesday fundraiser with funds going to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation and The Windsor High Vineyard Academy. Great food at a great price. $50 gets you dinner for 4, $25 gets you Tri-Tip for four. We hope to have 200 dinners requested and are currently at the 1/3rd of that. Let people know they can always make a donation and Bill says he will deliver those donations by way of meals to Catholic Charities.  

Pres. Maureen recapped the last meeting with Windsor High principal Lamar Collins. It sounds like there are plenty of opportunities to become partners with the school.

Rene Hyde joined Heather Cullen as she was inducted to the club by Pres. Maureen. According to Heather, “Morning meetings won me over.” Glad to have her on board for breakfast!

Michael Juric and Brian Ling are moving forward as community liaisons for the club and its activities. The dynamic duo wants to engage businesses within Windsor to find out what they think is needed to make our community better and how Rotary can help make that happen. 

Program:

Pam Moulton facilitated our discussion on Fundraising and worthwhile projects. We broke out into smaller groups to discuss fundraising and the projects it benefits. Much discussion and a variety of good ideas were shared.  More to follow…

Click here to see documents relating to the latest Club Meeting

President Maureen Merrill rang the bell at 7:30

Alison Huber offered a few words of inspiration

David Ruprecht just got back from a movie filming and offered a rousing version of California Here I Come. 

Scribe duties were offered by Tom Boylan

Guests of Rotarians

Bill Bolster introduced Windsor resident Weylon Pigg

Beth Emery with the Mark West Chamber dropped in

Merideth Rennie was introduced by Brian Ling. She is a Windsor Parks Commissioner and with Mengali Accounting

Announcements:

Carol Martin and Bill Conklin teamed up to announce the current status of Tri-Tip Tuesday, October 8th. It is time to order up to go online at windsorrotary.org. Bill says the money raised will be going toward the Windsor Rotary Foundation and the Windsor Vineyard Academy. Even if you don’t plan to eat tri-tip that evening, you can still buy a meal and have Bill take it to Catholic Charities. Our goal is to raise $10,000 and we are currently at $6400.  

Pres Maureen let us know the Powerhouse Rotarian for October is none other than Bill Conklin.

Please remember to drop any comments or concerns about our club in the brown paper bag that doubles as a centerpiece on our tables.

Our speaker for the day… Supervisor James Gore… was delayed at home, so we took the time to have a little social time with our table mates. 

Windsor Police Chief Ruben Martinez and the ever artful Heather Cullen were asked to allow the rest of the club the opportunity to extend a hearty handclasp and officially welcome them into the club.

Recognition:

Leslie Lewis had an opportunity to allow for members to catch up on their recognition.

Michael (Rags) Ragsdale let us know he just celebrated a birthday and is now trying to get the heavy equipment out of the way so he can hold a wedding for his son Zach in the coming weeks. 

Tom Hassur was asked to share a Shark moment.

Bill Arnone opted to provide a donation for a cousin.

Rich Mucci went to another organizations fundraiser and spent time with an old friend who originally came from Kenya only to spend time in Santa Rosa for high school and then on to UCLA for law school before heading back to Kenya to start a non-profit foundation.

Dennis Wilkinson was targeted, recognized, for a 16th club anniversary and then went on to catch us up on his adventures, including finishing in 7th place for a national pool competition in Vegas, then off to DeMoine, Iowa (for business), then off to North Dakota where he got to join a group of motorcycle enthusiasts known as the Mongrels. He also shared some time together with Brian Ling for their annual golf tournament in Tahoe… which eventually led us to the announcement of his new granddaughter, Mia. Next week he is heading to Hawaii so he should just plan to pay for recognition on a monthly basis. 

Program:

Supervisor James Gore arrived and let us know he is a father first and a supervisor second and that is why he was running late. Something about his daughter’s announcement that she forgot her backpack and he had to reroute back home before heading to Rotary.

Sue Nelson introduced our supervisor and shared that he has been on an amazing journey that took him from our district to the jungles of South America where he participated as a Peace Corps volunteer and eventually to a position with the Obama administration in Washington, DC. We also found out he is an occasional Bingo caller.

In a back and forth interview he shared some opinions and information on fire and police services from a county perspective. Problems with mental health and prisoners in our local jail were discussed. It was Supervisor Gore’s opinion that the crisis we are dealing with was due to a realignment of the prison system several years ago that redirected criminals from State prisons to local jurisdiction. Our jails are crowded and dealing with the problem of limited staffing for officers to prisoner ratios. 

It was recognized that upstream solutions are needed to deal with the drug and mental health issues that the homeless face and that opens problems from a budgetary perspective on the County’s part. He also shared that there are no savings to be found when our hospitals are still dealing with mental health issues through their emergency services, which are being used more frequently.   

He discussed that there was a disparity that had to be dealt with at the State level with regard to support for rural communities over the cities, which is where Governor Gavin Newsome is focused. 

We discussed fires and the rolling blackouts in our future. He shared that a visit with a district in San Diego gave some hope that there are solutions we have yet to explore, but knowing there are solutions is good for our area. There is a concern that PG&E needs to step up their efforts for fire prevention and blackout prevention, although it was noted that the circumstances of the 2017 fires were more of an oddity based on extreme conditions aligning.

On the County side, he is working to assure the citizens that new measures are being rolled out and discussions regarding the early warning systems failures are ongoing.  We learn from our mistakes. 

One of the problems we deal with like a 95% privately owned county is with our vegetation control program. Jim shared that he became aggressive in comments to landowners who failed to comply with keeping their property mowed and wound up getting heat from The Press Democrat. In the end, he felt that the exposure did some good and sometimes the message has to be harsh to get a response, so the messaging had a positive effect.

When asked to comment on the newly formed fire district, Jim was quick to single out club member and past Windsor Fire Chief Doug Williams. Doug’s efforts prior to the newly formed district were the building blocks for the move. The consolidating of districts gave an opportunity to hire 19 new firefighters. Most important is the development of an alert system that is improving daily, which benefits us all. 

Sue gave special recognition to the Windsor Police for their wanting to be a part of Rotary and for their protection of our community. Chief Martinez and Mike Rousch were thanked.

Although the meeting drew to a close, Supervisor Gore stuck around to answer any questions that were not covered in his short time with us. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE LATEST CLUB MEETING

A landmark contribution – the meeting of October 8.

By Susan Cole

Glenn Sudgen came forward and shared his feelings about our Rotary Club.  He said he is totally energized every time he leaves a meeting. That this Rotary Club is so community-oriented and so effective in what it provides to our schools and community, that he is blown away by what we all do.  He has been learning more about our Windsor Rotary Community Foundation, the John Lewis Fund. It was originally started as a savings account which would be grown to $1 million, at which time we would use the interest-only (similar to the Rotary Foundation funds) to support scholarships and giving to our local community.  The amount of core savings at which we would begin to draw off interest to support our giving has since been reduced to a more realistic $500,000. The fund currently stands at about $357,000. Glenn said he was now donating $143,000 to the WRCF to bring it to the $500,000 mark.  

The entire Rotary Club of Windsor stood as one, giving Glenn a standing ovation, some of us with tears in our eyes.  Is this the single largest donation to our Club funds since our inception? Charter members are invited to fact check the answer.

Calendar Items:

Date	Event	Info	Contact?
10/15, Sat.,  9 AM t 10 or 10:15	Rotary Hiking & Dog Walking Club – friendly and healthy!	Meet at Foothill Park, Arata Entrance	Just show up!  Regulars include Bill B, Joe D, and Pres. Maureen
11/2, Sat.,  9 – 12	Annual Foundation Seminar	Finley Center, Santa Rosa Registration link at www. Rotary5130.org	Contact Foundation Chair John LeCave 707.280.5236, jlecave@ sonic.net
11/2, Sat, 5:30 PM	Annual Foundation Dinner	Doubletree, Rohnert Park Reception 5:30, Dinner 6:30, $70 per person Registration link at www. Rotary5130.org	https://www. rotary5130.org /calendar/ Windsor Rotary table! Contact Pres. Maureen
11/4, Monday, 5-6:15	MONTHLY WRC BOARD MEETING	Maureen’s office, 145 Wikiup Drive off ORH,, “South Windsor”	Special topics: Fundraising decisions and Project direction
11/4, 5:30 & 7	Rotary at Symphony! Honoring Rotarian Yale Abrams	Green Center, see more info: google Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary	Marty Behr, behr@ Whidbey.com; 206.391.3427
11/7, Monday 11:30 – 1:30	Rotary Annual Veterans Lunch	Vets Memorial, SR	Leah Hansen, 292.5173, lmhansen1@ sbcglobal.net
12/7, evening	HOLIDAY PARTY!	Home of Sue & John Nelson – watch for more info	Bev Graham, Coordinator

Notes from the meeting of October 8, 2019

President Maureen led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Susan Cole offered an inspiration from Kahlil Gibran: “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”

Visiting Rotarian:  Marty Behr, President of Santa Rosa Rotary Club

Visitors:  George Walker, former Rotarian from Healdsburg

Vittoria, our Rotary youth exchange daughter from Italy (and volleyball star!)

Steve Klick gave an update on the power shutoff by PG&E

Happy Birthdays go out to:

Glenn Sudgen – October 12

Leslie Lewis – October 5

Joan Mora – October 14

Craig Curreri – October 23

There will be a walk in Foothill Park on Saturday.  Both 2-legged and 4-legged friends invited to join.

Thanks to all who purchased and supported Tri-Tip Tuesday.  

Our Club’s Board met last night.  Several non-Board members attended, and the discussion was lively and productive.  One thing stood out: our mini-fundraisers are very popular. President Maureen announced a new approach to enriching our Scholarship program to make it more relationship-based and to appeal to students who do not traditionally apply for scholarships and those who we can help realize their dreams for good work and a financially secure future – as well as continuing education.  More announcements to come.  

Announcements:

Marty Behr, President of Santa Rosa Sunrise, announced two upcoming events sponsored by the five Santa Rosa Rotary Clubs:  November 7 is a luncheon honoring America’s Veterans, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa.  Leah Hansen can provide more information and tickets for Club members who are interested. November 4, 5:30 PM is a Tribute to Yale Abrams at the Santa Rosa Symphony, Green Music Center.  Marty will stay after the meeting to provide tickets for those interested.

The Rotary Foundation Dinner (south) will be held Saturday, November 2.  President Maureen has a table for all Club members who want to attend. And, she’ll reserve a second table if we need more!

Our Club is looking for nominees for President in 2022-23, following Pam Moulton.  John LeCave is heading up the effort to search for candidates.

Speaker:  Craft Talk by Heather Cullen, our newest member

JB Leap introduced Heather Cullen, who teaches music, choir, performing arts, and after-school activities.

Heather gave an inspiring and emotional presentation about her life.   She was born in Concord, California, and educated as a chemist. She worked for Dow Chemical in Concord in soil and water chemistry.  She has four children: Autumn, Spring, Ben, and Efraim. She described a life of homeschooling up to 18 kids (including her own) as she and her husband drove across the country with their family looking for work.  She describes that time (where she learned how to do “poor” really well) as a grand adventure that drew their family together. Theirs is a really strong family, non-materialistic, with a strong belief in community service.  Windsor ended up being their oasis – their safety net. A town with great schools, worth their respect, love, and attention.

Heather started with the choir, which the kids loved, and said it changed their lives.  From there she has created the Windsor Talent Show, which has auditions in January for a March 6, 2020 show, which includes whole families and is sold out every year.

Heather is a force to be reckoned with – lookout for her energy and power!

Joe Deacon announced that he will serve on the Windsor High School Construction Trade Academy advisory board, with the first-class beginning August 2020.  

President Maureen discussed the Club’s different emphasis in giving scholarships.  We are re-imagining how we give those scholarships. We want to locate past recipients, have them as our guests and recognize, celebrate and contribute to a greater life impact on recipients of our contribution to their education, in whatever direction the students desire to use that education.   Wally Krutz gave an impassioned message about the importance of different ways for kids to see their future after high school, with college not necessarily the only direction.  

President Maureen closed the meeting by asking Susan Cole to offer the opening inspiration by Kahlil Gibran once again:    “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. “ 

Meeting adjourned in honor of Glenn Sudgen.

Click here to see documents relating to the latest Club Meeting

09-17-19 Rotary Meeting

President Maureen Merrill opened the meeting at  7:30

We had Officer Mike Rausch lead us in the pledge and then he asked us to do a little exercise. Raise your hands said the Windsor Police Officer… and we complied.

Visiting Rotarians: Glenda Sales introduced past Windsor Rotarian and now Kalamazoo Rotarian Dennis Harris. Dennis is the Kalamazoo president-elect and according to Glenda a known “Pet trafficker.”

Scribe for the day: Tom Boylan

Guests of Rotarians:

Marie Bannister Windsor High Vineyard academy introduced by Carol Martin

JB Leep introduced Windsor High School principal, Lamar Collins and his wife Rose

Pres Maureen brought up Vittoria, our newest exchange daughter from Italy

Pres Maureen also asked for all the past presidents to participate in handing off an official  Past-President pin to Sandie Krutz.

Look for an email invite to the Rotary District 5130 Foundation South dinner in November.

Bill Conklin let us know we can pick up and drive home with a great Tri-Tip dinner on October 8th. The proceeds are going to benefit the Windsor High Vineyard Academy and the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation. 

SCARC is set for September 26th at the Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club. 

John LeCave is looking for the newest presidential recruit. Let him know who you think would be the best candidate.

We were reminded there is a suggestion box in the disguise of a brown paper bag on the table.

Brent Kidder was found among the crowd and was introduced as another guest. Brent let us know he is standing in for Chief Ruben Martinez.

Glenn Sugden let us know we are supporting the Windsor Robotics program. Our role this year is to become an incubator for others to join the competition. Tom Hassur wants to know how he can compete. Glenn assured him there is a “senior” competition.

Dennis Harris was asked to give an update on his Rotary efforts in Kalamazoo. It is going to be one heck of a Memorial Day parade. 

Sandie Krutz updated our efforts for the Global Grant we secured for San Jose, Brazil. A hospital is benefitting from our club members generosity. We helped to build a new surgical center and it is being well received by the citizens of the city. Sandie is going to be on hand when the grand opening happens.

JB introduced our speaker Lamar Collins, principal of Windsor High School. 

Lamar introduced Bianca and Daisy, students of the Vineyard Academy who had an opportunity to work with Bill Conklin to provide Tri-Tip fundraising for Windsor. He then went on to share some of his past, which included his time in the Army, as a football coach, as a motivational speaker.  We were introduced to his lovely wife and his family. Amazing talents don’t fall far from the tree.

His major focus for Windsor High School is safety, success, and that the school has systems in place. He feels the school needs to be at the forefront of safety. He is finding ways to reach out to those students who are isolated from others to put an adult in touch with them. Building relationships will increase safety on the campus.

Success is measured in a variety of ways and his philosophy is to help steer students to the best program available for the talents they possess. Not every student is destined for college and he is supporting moving students into the trades, or the military, or whatever excites them and gives them an opportunity to make a fair living in their future.

Lamar is a believer of systems. Policy, processes, and procedures have a place in education and it helps to build a stronger bond between teachers and students. He shared that when he landed in Windsor, he landed in a gold mine. He gives tremendous credit to the staff that has embraced him and share their knowledge of how the school works. “We are set up for greatness,” he shared and went on to ask, “Why can’t we be the best school in the State?”

This is a principal who is not afraid of hard work and he has the enthusiasm for making Windsor High a beacon to guide others who want the same level of success.   

Click here to see documents relating to the latest Club Meeting

Laura Buhrer led us in reciting Rotary’s 4-Way Test.

Inspiration by Susan Cole was from the 17^th century writer, Francois de la Rochefoucauld: “Perfect valor is to behave, without witnesses, as one would act were all the world watching.”

Dave Ruprect led us in a rousing rendition of “California Here I Come!”

President Maureen opened our meeting with the happy news that we were inducting a new member into our Club this morning: Ruben Martinez, Chief of Police of the Town of Windsor. Windsor Police Services has a corporate membership in our Rotary Club, and Ruben and his entire staff are welcomed to enjoy breakfast with us anytime. The entire Club lined up to shake his hand and welcome him to our morning meetings.

Photos of a very successful de-bunking of Past President Sandie were shown. It was a typical rousing Rotary party to show our thanks to Sandie Krutz for serving as our Club President for the year 2018-2019. Special thanks to Steve and Mapi Klick for hosting the party at their home, and to Steve for cooking a delicious kahlua pork.

Our Powerhouse Rotarian of the Month, Renee Hyde, reported that we had our last night at the Rotary Bar on the Town Green last Thursday, where we “boogied to the Beattles”. Numbers are not yet finalized, but it looks like we grossed about $22,000 at Hyde’s Bar this year. Hooray and cheers from the Club!

President Maureen praised her Rotary Board and gave an overview of what issues were raised at last night’s board meeting. This is a very creative, resourceful and imaginative Board. Our Club is facing lots of decisions and turning points this year, including making decisions about upcoming activities and fundraising possibilities. Everyone in the Club is offered the opportunity to make any comments they wish and put them “in the bag” which is on their table, and Madame President promises to read them all.

We received a lovely thank you note from one of our Windsor High School scholarship recipients, which President Maureen shared on a slide for all of us. What we are looking for as a Club is to create relationships, engagement, and make a lasting impact on people’s lives, not just write checks. Our relationships in the Windsor school district are significant and on-going.

The SCARC event (Sonoma County Association of Rotary Clubs) is in Sebastopol this month – September 26, and President Maureen recommends attending this one – it’s about awards!

Carol Martin called our attention to Tri-Tip Tuesday coming up on October 8. This is a fundraiser supporting our own WRCF and the Windsor High School Vineyard Academy. Bill Conklin will be doing the barbecue work with help from Oliver’s Market in Windsor and Dave Culley of KC’s on the Green. Carol says “WE NEED YOU!” That’s all of us to purchase a complete Tuesday night dinner. Our goal is to sell 200 dinners. Send the word out to all your friends and family. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, Twatter, Instagram, Kodachrome or shout it from your rooftop, but let’s all make this a successful fundraiser. There are cookies, too!

Paws for a Walk will take place at 9AM, Saturday, September 14 at Foothill Park. Both 2-footed and 4-footed guests are welcome to take a hike.

John LeCave is serving as Nomination Coordinator searching for a good candidate for our Club Presidency for the year 2022-23. Our current line-up is: Bill Bolster, followed by Pam Moulton.

Our speaker next week will be Lamar Collins, Windsor High School Principal.

Guests today include Alyssa Schulz and her Father, Alex, introduced by Bill Bolster. Alyssa was our short-term (three weeks) youth exchange student this year. She traveled to Barcelona, Spain, and reports that this was her first time on an airplane alone, first time traveling internationally, and she found it quite challenging, particularly her first night in a new home. But she had 10 years of Spanish under her belt and her host family told her that her Spanish was perfect. They took her lots of places – famous churches, beaches (oh, she loved going to those beaches), and also spent a day in France. The biggest cultural differences that Alyssa noted between Spain and home was 1) smoking and 2) the very positive attitudes of the people – they didn’t seem to focus negatively on themselves. Alyssa is looking forward to college where she intends to study film and psychology.

Alyssa’s Dad, Alex, spoke briefly about hosting Adriana from Spain, adding another daughter to his home. This was a direct exchange where each family “traded” daughters for the 3-week exchange.

As JB Leep (our computer guru) readied a short film by our guest speaker, President Maureen introduced Barbara McChesney, Burt’s sister, who organizes “Dancing with the Stars and Stripes”. Barbara tells us this is the fifth year of the program which is the primary fundraiser for Veterans Resource Center. And, she’s looking for a few more men . . .

Our guest speakers today were Burt McChesney, Board Member of Veterans Resource Center, Chris Johnson, President and CEO of VRC, and Joe Milsap, Marketing and Community Relations for the Windsor Veterans Resource Center.

After a short and very moving video about VRC, Joe Milsap introduced us to the VHDC, which is the housing side of Veterans Resource Center. The Windsor Veterans Village broke ground in late July and is scheduled to be complete in 2020. It will be a 60-unit apartment community for low-income veterans and their families, located within walking distance of the Windsor Town Green.

VRC says that our Rotary Club can be involved, first of all, by inviting folks to breakfast, so they will be connected to the local Rotary Club. This is in addition to financial assistance, which is always needed and welcomed.

Click here to see documents relating to the latest Club Meeting

President Maureen Merrill kicked off the meeting at 7:30 A Flag salute was led by Jose Diego We were inspired by Susan Cole who didn’t need a microphone to get her words to be heard and appreciated… Change for the better of everyone. David Ruprecht led us in singing “It’s a Grand Old Flag”

Scribe for the day was Tom Boylan

Guests

Jose Diego introduced his guest, Gabe Velasquez. Announcements

Wally Krutz says that we are joining the Windsor High School’s program titled “Learning Through Interest.”   On September 5, a few members will join in the MET Academy’s Career Day.  Bev Graham was recognized for her knees. Nice to have her back. Our Powerhouse Rotarian of the Month is Renee Hyde!  She follows Carol Martin (July) and JB Leep (August) Steve Klick and John LeCave are working on making it easy to donate to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation through automatic recurring transactions.  It is already quite easy to do this for The Rotary Foundation through the myrotary function. Please ask Steve or John LeCave if you need help with this. This coming Saturday, September 7th will be the debunking of Past President Sandie Krutz. We gather at Steve and Mapi Klick’s home,  220 Mark West Station Road, 5 PM. Paws for a Walk — take a walk with Rotary friends and Human’s Best Friends at Foothill Park on Saturday, Sept. 14 and 28.  September 15, Thursday, Live Theatre — “NUTS” — a courtroom drama play at Left Edge Theatre. A mini-fundraiser benefiting club operations.   Leslie Lewis gave us some insight into the world of arthritic thumbs and she showed off her purple cast… same cast next week. David Culley says he has a rotator cuff in repair and the matching slings were amazing. Rene Hyde says this is the last week to be a Beatles fan on the Town Green. The last of our bar is good news, especially when we consider the amount of money we have raised to promote our international efforts. The Hyde Bar was a huge success in 2019. Tri-Tip Tuesday is scheduled for October 8th. We can eat our way to raise funds for the Windsor High School. Bill Conklin gave us an invitation to get a Tri-Tip dinner or to help prepare as many as 400 dinners that will be sold in an effort to gain around $4000 for our Community Foundation. The meals will be prepared in advance at the Windsor High School, which is being converted into the community’s largest Drive-Thru restaurant. Give Bill a nod if you can be one of the assistants at the event.

Program

Carol Martin got up and got us up and ready to discuss where we are spending our dollars to make the world and our community better through Rotary’s efforts, whether giving money or time. My rotary.org is a gateway to understanding the ways you can provide support to the projects Rotary International. We were treated to a great graphic that explains the difference between dollars raised by our  Rotary Club of Windsor and the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation. 

Related documents and the entire slide deck from the meeting are available on the website, or you may request them from President Maureen@maureenmerrill.com  / 484.0320.

Donations to the Community Foundation can be designated funds to either the operating expenses or the Endowment Fund.

The club then broke into smaller groups to discuss options to touch the hearts o the community. Youth, Seniors, Veterans, and the homeless and underprivileged were within the discussion at the Scribe table. We then heard from the various tables about the projects that would get Rotarians involved and committed to helping. A strong request from throughout the room:  this discussion should be continued.

Late-breaking news:  in response to this request, a continued Club Conversation is scheduled for our meeting of September 24.