Author: Tom Boylan

With 27 people at the ring of the bell, President Bill reminded us of last week and the Windsor Rotary first of David Stankas doing his craft talk from behind the wheel of his truck.

Patrick Dunn was tagged to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Pres Bill reflected on the cost of freedom by reciting the history of Americans lost after paying the ultimate price with their lives.

Mike Merrill gave us some inspiration shared by his fellow Marine officers. Credit Walt Whitman for the words of the losses of the civil war. 

“Young at Heart” was the song choice for JB Leep to share, along with his vocal partner Carol Martin.

Words for today’s meeting were provided by Tom Boylan, and since a picture is worth a thousand words… photos were provided by Sue Nelson.

No visiting Rotarians, but the headcount is up to 35.

Guests of Rotarians:

Arlene Miller was introduced by JB Leep as our speaker for the day.

Announcements:

Pres Bill opted to recognize the entire Fundraising Committee for their work to bring in more than $26,000 to the coffers.

We are still working on that elusive live meeting… more to follow.

Barbara McChesney got called out because of her accomplishments in the Rotary Leadership Academy. Few in the entire district made the grade, but Barbara’s efforts were exceptional.

Beth Smith let us know there is still a need for volunteers for the Class of 2021 after-school bash. We also had a chance to see the banners Rotary helped fund that recognize the graduating class participants.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448ABA62BABF94-done 

The report on the club first social held at KC’s Grill on the Town Green was a success, thanks to David Culley and crew. 

There is a request for participants to help prune the trails at Foothill Regional Park Saturday, June 5 from 9 AM to Noon.  Maureen Merrill reminded us that this work is made possible due to a grant provided by Kaiser Permanente. 

Sandie Krutz reminded us of all the opportunities to donate to either Rotary International or our John Lewis Fellowship.  All proceeds will make the world we live in a better place for all. 

We were introduced to Fractured Fairy Tales, a new program element presented by Pres Bill.  His journey to Ireland brought him closer to the Bolster name. His options for learning more about the family name brought him to the local pub where he found out there are more than 3000 Bolsters around Cork, but still only one here in Sonoma County. 

Fine Mistress Lewis Lewis tagged Carol Martin to share her birthday celebration, which included a zip-lining adventure.  John How shared his grandson bouncing on his lap and a story of his birthday trailer activities in Idaho. Renee Hyde let us know her “double nickel” birthday was a little laid back with no pole dancing. Chris Landwher spent his most recent birthday in Yosemite. Ken Moulton had a special birthday and Pam Moulton shared that he has a special day coming up where Ken will award the first scholarship from the Kenneth Moulton Scholarship fund. Pegi Ball is off to lunch with Maureen Merrill to kick off her new year around the sun. 

MEMORIAL

Sandie shared that Leah Hansen is planning a memorial for her daughter to be held in about a month. Our hearts go out to Leah and her family for their loss. This will be published in the Press Democrat. 

Social

Our best shot party

Board retreat

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Program:

JB introduced us to Arlene Miller, The Grammar Diva, who is currently living in Wimauma,  Florida after spending many years at SRJC, and College of Marin. 

Arlene gave us the knowledge there are two rules of grammar; prescriptionist and the descriptionist. We learned how the phrase “No ifs, ands, or buts” is a grammar reminder. We also got the lowdown on who and whom. In 2025 it is rumored that the Whom will no longer be used. 

Most people have a vocabulary of 15,000 words, compared to Shakespeare whose vocabulary hovered around 30,000. we took a tour of a variety of phobias, I would list them but I have a phobia about lists.

It turns out that English has no rule keeper, unlike many of the other languages in the world. We did manage to pick up a few pointers on how not to use a comma, or how to use a comma. While still in diapers, my mother remarried. 

Arlene shared the following information for all those who are looking to stay on top of their grammar. 

• I can be found at http://www.TheGrammarDiva.com  (the signup for the blog is on the site)
• TheGrammarDiva on Facebook
• @TheGrammarDiva on Twitter
• TheGrammarDiva on LinkedIn
• https://www.amazon.com/Arlene-Miller/e/B003NCQX26/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 

We took a list of questions to test the knowledge of the club members.

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6/01/21   OMG – it is June already!       Please be aware that I did not send any COVID info last week as I was attending our State Home Care Association Conference via Zoom……   so the “last week” numbers I show will actually be from 2 weeks ago!

COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        30,336  (last week 30,071)           Recovered:    29,679    (last week  29,490)             Active Cases:                342

New Cases:            Fri    29

                                Sat    35

                                Sun     3

   Mon    0   (Holiday)

This is a total for 4 days of 67  (last week for 4 days was 38) –  we will need to watch the number of new cases as we have 59% of our residents fully vaccinated but are seeing “break- through cases”.    Fully vaccinated people who are testing positive and are sick.   And the county has diagnosed some new variants of COVID.  This increase in new cases could be more people deciding to get tested because travel is up or it could mean we are seeing a surge in cases….. only time will tell.

Deaths:  315     (last week 314)       Here is Sonoma County, we have seen over 58% of our deaths in whites, 30% in Hispanics and 2% in African Americans and American Indians.   53% of deaths occurred in SNF’s and the remaining from community spread.

Hospitalized:  9 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 5 confirmed and 1 suspected)      again, is the number of hospitalized up from new cases or break-through?

The largest number of cases is in those unemployed or not working 22% (probably more non-social distancing and large groups exposed by those who are working), healthcare makes up 8.9%  and Service and sales has dropped to 16% with home care (my industry) at 1.8%.

                We continue to see the last percentages of our community hesitant to get vaccinated.    It is reported that there are probably 15% who will not get vaccinated and another 12-15% that are in a “wait and see” mode or so hesitant / on the fence.  59% of our population are fully vaccinated, with another 12% who have gotten at least 1 shot but frustrating is the 29% of our county who have not been vaccinated.   It means continuing to wear our mask and being careful not to expose these people.   How do we know who is vaccinated and who is not?  And as one expert recently stated “those who have chosen not to get vaccinated will get COVID and will get really sick or die”.   How do we negotiate with these folks to see the importance of protecting them and others from this terrible virus???????

Vaccines were begun….  As of May 31st,  548,203  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 512,488).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 57% and adults with at least one vaccine dose is now at 15%  (last week was 53%  and adults with at least one vaccine dose 16.     Because there seems to less requests for vaccine, many of our clinics that just a while ago it was difficult to get appointment to, are now closing.   More smaller clinics in specific areas are being provided as well as mobile clinics where the unvaccinated live.

                The CDC announced new guidance allowing masks to be removed and although many have cheered it has set up mask confusion for Sonoma County.    The CDC makes decisions on a Federal level that are guidelines; it is then up to States and Counties to take that advise and develop their own regulations.   Governor Newsom has decided to keep our mask mandates and other regulations on groups, etc in place until June 15^th.    I realize it is cautious but given the new cases being seen in fully vaccinated, maybe it is not so bad to be cautious……………..????

Please continue to be cautious while you are enjoying our new freedoms of getting out, socializing and feeling like we can live again.   Remember not all people are vaccinated and unless you know the people you are with have been vaccinated, wear your mask to protect others that may not be.     We want to see this over but still need to be careful.

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Bad news to start the meeting, President Bill Bolster shared that Leah Hanson’s daughter passed away. 

Remembering last week was the first test of the day. 

Patrick Dunn shared he is moved by the 4-way test and recited it for all.

Mike Merrill shared Nelson Mandela’s quote: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

Pres Bill brought us a message from the Rolling Stones as he led us in singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want… “

We continue to do more with less and still trying to have fun!

No visiting Rotarians or guests.

Rotarians of the month include Tom Hassur and Daniel Meyers for their exceptional work with Windsor students for scholarships and recognition.

The light at the end of the tunnel is a train… Charlie’s Restaurant is stalling the reopening of our live meeting that was scheduled for next week. 

Rules for our first hybrid meeting coming soon:

These are state-mandated rules that exist now

• Show vaccination card or covid test 3 days or less old at the entrance
• Make a reservation to attend
• You will be assigned a table
• Masked required when not eating or drinking
• No group gatherings larger than 3 away from the tables

     Rules are rules but it still will be FUN to see everyone!!!

Alison Huber gave us a report on her new position with a new company in Nevada and she is making the move. An exciting new challenge as a direct competitor to the filtration company she had been working for over the last 20 years. Although she is heading to work in Nevada, she is planning to commute because her son is just starting his sophomore year at Windsor High. She will need to have a hiatus from Rotary and as Pres Bill said, “We will miss you.”

event details

Rotary Club of Healdsburg Golf Tournament – May 20

Rotary Social – May 27th

• Thanks to David Culley who is offering his restaurant for our first social event at KC’s Grill on May 27th, at 5:30 PM. There is a vaccination required for participants.

Adopt A Road Cleanup – May 29

• Saturday Pleasant Hill Rd. and Shiloh Road clean up from 10 am to noon, with a barbecue after at the same place you need to start from, 6500 Faught Rd, that is Pres Bill’s home. 
• 

Project Grad Volunteers – June 4 – Signup

• – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448aba62babf94-done
• Project Grad is looking for some volunteers for the June 4th overnight extravaganza. Beth Smith is the person to talk with to find yourself surrounded by young energy. If you have a truck you can help them bring the stash of games to the high school. 
• 

Soroptimist of Windsor Lobster Feed – Sat, June 19 

• Joan Mora let us know that her other service group is planning a Father’s Day lobster dinner… they cook it and you pick it up. Order through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/154295599291) for pick up on June 19th from 10 AM to Noon. 

Pam Moulton held a retreat with her new board last weekend and shared it was a successful hybrid event and is setting the course for the next three years. Having the future presidents coordinating their efforts will bring a lot of continuity for the club as we go forward. 

Vineyard Academy pick-up party

• There was a Vineyard Academy pick-up party and Sandy Krutz gave us the report on how the students at Windsor High made their wine in coordination with Taft Street Winery. 90% of the proceeds went to the viticulture program. A great Zinfandel goes for around $25 and according to Sandy… well worth the cost.
• 

Fine mistress Leslie Lewis took aim at the scribe for a recent birthday, she then turned her attention on Alison Huber to get one more fine in before she heads out to Nevada. David Stankas learned what the recognition fees are for his involvement… as he said, “What’s this about fines?” John Hackenberg was anxious for some recognition and opted to share his plans for a future road trip with Leslie. He is paying in advance for the 52nd anniversary and wanted to be sure he could send $522 dollars to the Ken Moulton Scholarship Fund. JB Leep and Carol Martin took a trip south and it will take another week to get the value of that trip squared away.

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craft talks

JB then introduced our new member Patrick Dunn, originally born in Maine and grew up in West Gardiner Maine, where he learned how to speak with a noticeable accent. He has spent time in his adult life moving around and shared that his daughter who lives in Georgia, will be visiting Windsor soon. Interesting that he and his daughter are adoptees.

Patrick has a lot of likes, from bicycling to lighthouses, and a lot of hockey in between. Possibly his love of college hockey came from the years he spent on the inside of a Bear Mascot costume for the University of Maine (Bananas T. Bear). We have to wonder if his professional run as a park ranger was in part due to his fascination with the bear mascot… only you can prevent… 

A lifelong believer in providing service to others began at the age of 14 when he volunteered at a Veteran’s Hospital. His connections with service-based organizations play like a best-of list, which requires each of us to have a personal conversation to learn more 10041 Starr Road is the place for his 60th birthday party on June 19th, from 3 pm until it is over. The event is a Jimmy Buffet theme. If you drop in you will activate a commitment to pay $10 per Rotarian that shows up. Email him and let him know you’ll be there relocatedbear@outlook.com. 

David Stankas is also a new member who is a sheet metal contractor who claims to be a quiet guy. His company is in its 32nd year. When not working he spends time coaching baseball and enjoying his sons and grandchildren. He shared that his upbringing was economically challenged and when he realized he could earn money working… he took off and started a variety of businesses in pursuit of financial success. He let us know that he spent time working with Susan Cole at the Windsor Winery. 

His company installs all sorts of materials for gutters, and he is pleased that his company now can claim a very successful maintenance business keeping gutters functioning. NorCal Maintenance is lean and strong and built on customer service.

A versatile person with multiple hobbies, including hiking, painting, and gardening. Somehow he also enjoys fishing, when time allows and so far time has been a premium. Someday in the future, he will hand off the company reigns to his son and he will find that time to do more. 

David shared that he is looking forward to giving back to the community through Rotary. 

Pres Bill welcomed both our speakers once more for joining the club. We are reminded that we should reach out to Leah Hansen and offer some condolences. He challenged us all to be better people and go out and do something Rotarian. 

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President Bill Bolster rang us in at 7:30 and shared a reminder of the past week, or “That Was the Week That Was.” 

David Stankas was requested to recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Mike Merrill Gave us some presidential inspirational messaging.

• From former president Lyndon Banes Johnson, “I am a free man a U.S. senator, and a Democrat.”  President John Fitzgerald Kennedy said in 1962, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”

Songstress Heather Cullen brought back Woodie Guthrie reminding us that This Land is Your Land. 

Guests and Visiting Rotarians: 

• No visiting Rotarians and our guest speaker was not available… yet.

Announcements:

We were reminded that Tom Hassur and Daniel Myers continue to share the title of Rotarian of the Month. Both have been deeply involved in working with our local youth.

According to Pres Bill, Covid is being kicked down the road, but there are rules that are in place for our upcoming live/hybrid meeting at Charlie’s Restaurant. We need to be sure to follow the State mandated rules that Charlie’s needs to follow. We can finally get together around the table and hang in small groups of three to discuss the rules.

Have you completed your Windsor Rotary Club annual survey? Maureen Merrill spent some time creating the final draft and made sure it was passed along with hopes that everyone will participate. The info we provide will be used by the incoming board to develop future plans.

Carol Martin introduced us to the Brooks Scholar Garden, and since Pres Bill was there, he gave the report. They are looking at a new drip irrigation system and will be awaiting the next phase, watching the plants grow. Former Windsor Rotary Exchange Student’s mom, Sue McQuiddy was the lead for the school’s project.

We are adopting a road on May 29th, 10-Noon is the cleanup and the crew will be invited to attend a barbecue at Pres Bill’s home once the work is done.

Diane Brabetz is willing to give you a shot if you haven’t been vaccinated yet. 

Check out what’s going on down the road for our club:

We took a side tour of break-out rooms to talk about “Live/Hybrid” meetings and discussed the fundraiser event. There was a slight hiccup that could have been the lead conversation for the pitfalls of the hybrid meeting. All was good in the end and suggestions were shared for a blended reality for the future. 

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Program:

JB Leep introduced us to our speaker Alexis Wichowski, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Innovation in the City of New York.  Her talk is about the unchecked rise of tech giants like Facebook, Google, Amazon, and on and on, and how it affects our country.  

According to Alexis, we are all hearing about the tech industry, but we rarely get a look behind the scenes, which is what she is doing through her book, The Information Trade. She shared that in 2007 we saw the introduction of the iPhone, which gave us the ability to transform the way we communicate and opened the doors to our current world of information technology. That introduction in 2007 was a game-changer for our online future.

Go forward 10 years and the drama of tech started focusing on Cyberspace as a new battlefield. Microsoft chief suggested that his company would become the first responder for the security of Cyberspace. This was a non-governmental decision by a private sector company.

The 2017 hurricane in Puerto Rico started a plea through bi tech to ask for help from Elon Musk, Tesla giant, to aid Puerto Rico with supplies of solar panels and infrastructure help, while Microsoft used balloons to give internet connectivity. The private sector was taking over the responsibilities typically associated with the government.

Tech companies since 2019 have grown in economic strength to compete with governments with billion-dollar revenues matching and overreaching government GDPs.

Why should we care that technology has ingrained its footprint into the daily lives of people all around the world? The power of tech is growing and fewer options are available for fair competition and free access across the world. Due to the size of tech, they become an imagined country in the eyes of the people of the world. 

The fix for the problems associated with big tech is not going to be easy, but we need to be committed to seek out those fixes and reevaluate the disparity of power associated with so few. Recognizing that the people that run the tech companies have major power to change the population, yet they are not serving the people as representatives voted into office. 

Alexis closed with a challenge to explore the impact tech has on our lives and to pursue change to benefit the whole of humanity. She shared a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt:

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works.”

Alexis’s recent book entitled:  “The Information Trade: How Big Tech Conquers Countries, Challenges Our Rights, and Transforms Our World,” is available on Amazonsmile.com

Pres Bill shared that one man built the Ark, but it took a whole lot of people to build the Titanic.  

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COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:

• 30,071  (last week 30,002)

Recovered:

• 29,490    (last week  29,490)

Active Cases:

• 297

New Cases:

• Fri    19
• Sat      4
• Sun   11
• Mon   4

This is a total of 4 days of 38  (last week for 4 days was 51) –  we are seeing fewer cases, fewer people getting tested, more travel, more people out and about, and a general feeling that this is over.   We hope that this becomes the case and new surges do not occur.   However, there have been 60 new cases of COVID in our county in fully vaccinated individuals so on the part of the County it is hoped that people will continue to be careful and vigilant.  It does prove that the vaccines work to keep people from getting really ill or dying but also proves that variants exist and despite being fully vaccinated we are able to still get COVID.

Deaths:

• 314     (last week 312)

Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 58% of our deaths in whites, 30% in Hispanics, and 2% in African Americans and American Indians.   53% of deaths occurred in SNF’s and the remaining from the community spread.

Hospitalized:

• 5 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 11 confirmed and 4 suspected)

We have tested a Total of 692,238 and 29,490   (last week 681,016 in our county with 29,490 people recovered)

The largest number of cases is in those unemployed or not working 26% (probably more non-social distancing and large groups exposed by those who are working), healthcare makes up 10.6%  and Service and sales have dropped to 15.6% with home care (my industry) at 1.8%.

We continue to see the last percentages of our community hesitant to get vaccinated.    It is reported that there are probably 15% who will not get vaccinated and another 12-15% that are in a “wait and see” mode or so hesitant / on the fence.   Medical professionals are now being quoted that we may not ever be able to get to herd immunity and with new variants of the virus being reported that we may always have COVID but be able to prevent deaths and lessen illness, not rid us of it.    There are still “conspiracy theories” going around and people who still believe this pandemic is not real and made-up media information for other reasons.    We continue to see “breakthrough” in some people fully vaccinated which is concerning.    People totally vaccinated but testing positive.   Testing is a way of staying ahead of new infections from nonsick individuals or from those of us vaccinated but recently exposed.

We need to continue to identify those people who for reasons of age, medical conditions, isolation, etc need help to obtain an appointment and get their vaccinations.   We also need to continue to educate those who we can get to listen to the reasons for vaccination.    We all need to get this message out and try and decrease the spread of variants and help to make people understand how important getting a vaccine is to the wellbeing, health, and staying alive of our community.

Vaccines were begun….  As of May 16th,  512,488  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 485,274).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 57% and adults with at least one vaccine dose are now at 15%  (last week was 53%  and adults with at least one vaccine dose 16.   Our current issue continues to be getting those that are vaccine-hesitant convinced to obtain a vaccine plus our vaccination sites are seeing people not returning for their 2^nd dose.   J and J have now been re-released for use.    Seeing residents seek J and J out for vaccinations will be interesting as people will weigh risk vs. reward.    The CDC has now approved Pfizer vaccine safe for children 12-15 years of age, so are now able to offer vaccinations to age 12 and up.

                The CDC announced new guidance allowing masks to be removed and although many have cheered it has set up mask confusion for Sonoma County.    The CDC makes decisions on a Federal level that are guidelines; it is then up to States and Counties to take that advice and develop their own regulations.   Governor Newsom has decided to keep our mask mandates and other regulations on groups, etc in place until June 15^th.    I realize it is cautious but given the new cases being seen in fully vaccinated, maybe it is not so bad to be cautious……………..????

 Please help us to educate others on the need to get vaccinated.     We especially need to look at how we reach the culturally and diverse groups who are still afraid of the vaccine.   These unvaccinated parts of our population continue to be difficult to get, require real outreach and education on why it is important for our community.   The concern right now is a large number of appointments available for a vaccine that are going unclaimed and trying to be creative at these vaccination sites to not waste vaccine once a vial is opened.    As a Rotarian and fellow community member, help us get our remaining population vaccinated.

Thanks

Di

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President Bill Bolster rang the bell at 7:30, followed by a quick review of last week”s meeting.

• Pledge of Allegiance at 7:31 by Lemar Collins
• Inspiration: Glenn Sugden
  • by Paul Harris in his “Report of the President,” which was for the 1012 Rotary Convention, in Duluth, Minnesota, said: “Friendship is a natural and willing servant ….There is no reason…. why the great the power of friendship should not be harnessed to do its part in the world’s work.” 
• Song: Heather Cullen – Happy by Pharell Williams

At: 8:00, we had 53 joining us!

Rotary Club Of Windsor

• Doing More! with Less and Having Fun

Visiting Rotarians: 

• John Youmans – Davis Sunrise Rise Rotary 
• Chris Philbric – South Ukiah Rotary 
• Phillip Paskel – Petaluma Sunrise Rotary
• Justina Vege -Davis Sunrise Rotary
• Francis McChesney -David Sunrise Rotary

Guest of Rotarians

• Doris McChesney
• David Doht
• Shara Morphis
• Jennifer Morphis
• Steve and Kathleen Staudenmeyer
• Jake Rubenstein – Speaker
• Beverly McChesney

Rotarian of the Month

• Sue Nelson 

Paul Harris + 7

• John LeCave

“Our Best Shot” – A Virtual Fundraiser – Saturday, May 8, 2021

Major Fundraiser Update

Michael Juric gave info on the Auction. Materials will be out soon.

Fundraiser Website

• www.yourshotwindsor.com

SCORECARD GOAL		GOAL
Sponsorship	2,000	$20,000
Donations	0	$2,500
Live Auction Items	4	of 10
Silent Auction Items	7	of 50
Wine Cellar	19	of 48
VIP Reception	0	open-ended
Registered	0	7,423

Sonoma County Adopt a Road

• Rotary Club of Windsor’s 1st (6 signs with “Rotary Club od Windsor”)
• Pleasant Ave and Faught Rd.
• Do you have a road you would like to Adopt? 

How to give $$ to Windsor Rotary

Checks payable to Windsor Rotary Community Foundation

Mailed to PO Box 2295, Windsor, Ca 95492

Memo on check Endowment Fund (long term growth), Current Year 

Projects, Ken Moulton Scholarship Fund, or a specific project like “Toy/Food Drive”

Pat online: windsorrotary.org/Donate/

Annual club dues & the $80.00 in fines

Checks payable to Rotary Club of Windsor 

Mailed to PO Box 819, Windsor, CA 95492

Memo on the check “Dues for Sam” of “fines for Sam.”

Or pay online windsorrotary.org – on front page- > then

 Club Payments – Dues – Fines

Where/How to send $$ for Rotary 

Rotary International – including Polio

Do NOT send a check to the club – Make your donation

https://my.rotary.org/en/login.

Sign in, then click on TAKE ACTION, then Give, then the way you want to give.

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Upcoming Club Stuff!

• Tuesday, April 6 – Windsor Town Council, Zoom Link is:
  • https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86030059008
• Tuesday, April 13 – Anastasia Prior – Conservation Corps of North Bay
• Friday & Sat., April 16 & 17 – District 5130 Virtual Training
• Tuesday, April 27 – Alexis Wichowski – The Information Trade: Big Tech Challenges the Nation-State
• Saturday, May 8, – Rotary Club of Windsor Virtual Fundraiser
• Saturday thru Wednesday, June 12 -16, Rotary International Virtual Convention

Windsor Rotary Clip Board

• Song Leader – Chris Landwehr
• Scribes – Catherine Hanron 
• ZOOM Meetings -Video Editing and WRC Website – JB Leep needs HELP
• Call/email them or go to:/ info@windsorrotary.co
• Vaccine Registration – Diane Brabetz
• Adopt a Road – Bill Bolster
• Bee Friendly Gardens – Native Wildflowers Seeds – Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise – Jay Beckwith 707-479-2554

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Guest Speaker – Jake Rubenstein – introduction by Barbara McChesney

Campaign Coordinator of The Great Global Cleanup

The primary thing learned is “Plastic Never Breaks down completely.

Bill Bolster closed at 8:33 – Resourcefulness has nothing to do with access to resources. 

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COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        29219  (last week 29,006)

New Cases:            Fri      32

                                Sat     47

                                Sun    30

                                Mon   20

This is a total for 4 days of 129  (last week for 4 days was 124)

Deaths:  308     (last week 308)      Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 55% of our deaths coming from SNF’s and the remaining from the community.

Hospitalized:  17 confirmed and 2 suspected    (last week 17 confirmed and 2 suspected)

• 17 Available ICU beds so we are seeing fewer hospitalized patients with COVID.   Because we are seeing fewer people hospitalized and new cases down, we are also seeing unsafe practices.   People are traveling despite our health experts asking us not to – Spring Break in other States and in Mexico will cause another surge in cases and with other variants to have our health experts worried about what we will see in another 2 weeks or sooner.

We have tested a total of 601,309 with a 5% positivity rate and 27,019 recovered   (last week 589,089 in our county with 27,019 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (65%  with them only being 27.3% of the populations and whites are only 27% with them being 62.9% of the population )

Still seeing the largest level of positivity in Service and sales (18.8%),  then those unemployed and home care (my industry) at 2.2%.

All medical experts are encouraging all of us to continue to get tested even if you have had both of your shots.   It helps to determine new variants, exposure and will help to decrease our numbers with higher testing so that we can move out of the purple tier.   The head of the CDC is frightened of the possible surge that is coming and feels “doom” coming as she said emotionally in an interview yesterday.  Because we are getting people vaccinated, the weather is nice and we are seeing fewer people hospitalized, the general population is acting like we are over this.    WE ARE NOT AND CASES AND DEATHS CONTINUE!  Please do your part to hold off a bit longer with social interactions and especially travel.    Stay home – you have no idea what you may be exposed to and bring back to Sonoma County.   Even if you are vaccinated, you could become a carrier.   Until we have herd immunity, we still need to be careful.    Please listen to the health experts – we realize there are great deals out there for travel but our health experts are asking us to wait until the end of summer.    Just a bit longer to then keep us all much safer!

Vaccines were begun….  As of Mar. 28th, 282,785  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 238,867).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 25.7%  and adults with at least one vaccine dose is at 18.8%.   Only 16% of Latinos (27% of our population and most at risk for COVID) have been vaccinated.  We continue to have issues with vaccine availability to our County and no real rollout by Blue Shield yet that we can see.  What doses received here really have been used for 2^nd doses with a push to finish agricultural workers and teachers.

 As of Monday, April 15^th the Federal Government has declared all persons 16 and above eligible for vaccines.   However, with the shortage of vaccines and the other issues with people crowding the lines or showing up without appointments like has happened, it will be difficult to know if we are able to handle all those now qualified.  Another vaccine is in the works to get approved and there is hope that the President increasing production that we may finally get the doses needed to vaccinate our population faster.  Sonoma County is not getting the vaccine amounts they need as the vaccine is being sent to zip codes with the highest rates of infection.   We have none of those zip codes and no control over what is allocated for our county.

Remember, the County continues to ask that we stay home and practice the 3 W’s – wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance.   The CDC has announced that socialization with vaccinated people in small groups is safe, but both parties must have received both of their vaccinations and it should be at least 2 weeks post 2^nd vaccine.   The CDC and Public Health continue to request we not travel where we can become exposed at restaurants, restrooms, hotels even if it is outside activities.   There are many other variants of this virus that have now been identified and until we have enough immunity, it is best for all of us if we stay home, predicting that we will reach some percentage of herd immunity by summer.     It is hoped that our residents will continue to be careful and that we will not need to close back down as people get out more and more.

Please help us to educate others on the risks, the need to really consider getting the vaccine, the need to stay home but venture out slowly with other vaccinated individuals, but curb travel.   Variants of this virus are continuing to appear and we need to stay home – another surge of this pandemic will only task our resources and could kill many people.   We want to strive for “herd immunity”.    Once you have had both vaccines you can begin to socialize with other people who have also had both vaccines and can add those people to one of your safe “bubbles”.      Please become a believer – the life you save could be someone dear to you!    We continue to see deaths in our fellow Rotarians in Mexico as they are not fortunate enough to have access to PPE, vaccines, and even good medical treatment.   Treat those you care about with loving consideration!

Thanks

Di

President Bill Bolster rang the bell at 7:30, followed by a quick review of last week’s meeting.

• Pledge of Allegiance at 7:31 by Heather Cullen
• Inspiration: Glen Sugden
  • “Man has affinity for his fellow man, regardless of race, creed, or politics, and the greater the variety, the more the zest. All friendliness needs is a sporting chance; it will take care of itself in any company.”
    • by Paul P. Harris — A Road I Have Travelled, THE ROTARIAN, February 1934
• Song: JB Leep – When Irish Eyes are Smiling by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr 1912. 

At: 7:30, we had 25 joining us!

Visiting Rotarians: None

Guest of Rotarians

Susan Preston – founded Professional Program Insurance Brokerage.

Rotarian of the Month

• Sue Nelson 

District 5130 Rotary Earth Day Happening!

• Heather Cullen informed us that we would have a speaker from ESRAG
  • March 20th – clean up on Russian River in Northern CA hosted by South Ukiah Rotary Club.
  • Garden Project: Garberville Rotary
  • Pollinator Project: Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise
  • Planting Natives: Rotary Club of Kelseyville Sunrise
  • Laguna De Santa Rosa clean up: Rotary Club of Santa Rose Sunrise
  • March 30th, “40Ocean” presentation at our club meeting 

Covid Vaccination Access Program

Sue Nelson presented a check from the Windsor Rotary on March 10th for $5,000 to Alliance Medical Center (Joan Churchill, CEO) for Huerta Gym and one for $2500 to Circuit Rider (Che Casul, CEO) – Windsor Wheels. 

Diane Brabetz informed us that Six hundred copies of the flyer “Covid Vaccinations for Mobile Home Park Residents in Windsor” were handed out. This flyer tells residents how we will help them get an appointment and transportation for their vaccination.

Unfortunately, a Rotary friend of hers (Past President) in Playa del Carmen (Mexico) died from Covid-19.

Vaccinations

JB and Carol Leep, Joan and Bill Bolster, Susan and Ken Cole now have had their 2nd Shot!

Windsor Easter Parade

• It’s an Easter Parade for the whole town of Windsor and YOU can be in it! Decorate your vehicle and join the fun.
• PDF Available here: 2021-03 Windsor Easter Parade Flyer
• Saturday, March 27th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM (this gives you time to decorate your cars in the morning)

Sonoma County Adopt a Road – Bill Bolster

• Rotary Club of Windsor’s 1st (6 signs with “Rotary Club of Windsor”)
• Pleasant Ave and Faught Rd.
• Do you have a road you would like to Adopt? 

“Our Best Shot” Major Fundraiser Update

Michael Juric updated us on the Auction. Materials will be out soon.

1. Promote Sponsorship
2. Broadcast Even
3. Wine to Joan Mora
4. Silent and Live Auction Items

Joan Mora will pick up wine from members who a donating.

Sandi, Wally, Joan, Beth, and Catherine cleaned up the storage unit.

Contact – Sandi, Art, or Beth for pick-up of items donated.

Dictionary Project – JB Leep

Craig Curreri handed out Three hundred dictionaries to the 3rd-grade students.

WHS BUILD Academy

• Wally Krutz teaches BUILD class on ZOOM 

Upcoming Club Stuff!

Saturday, March 20th -Russian River Cleanup – Sign up on line

Tuesday, March 23rd – Youth Exchange Students Visit Us. (Sato, Vittoria & Kani)

Saturday, March 27th – 3:00 – 5:00 PM – Easter Parade around Windsor – Decorate your Car – Best wins a trophy.

Friday & Sat., April 16 & 17 – District 5130 Virtual Training

Saturday, May 8th, – Rotary Club of Windsor Virtual Fundraiser

Saturday thru Wednesday, June 12 -16, Rotary International Virtual Convention

Windsor Rotary Clipboard

• Song Leader – Chris Landwehr
• Scribes – Catherine Hanron
• Video Editing and WRC Website – JB Leep needs HELP
• Call/email them or go to:/ info@windsorrotary.co
• Vaccine Registration – Diane Brabetz
  • A good collection of online registration sites: https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fsocoemergency.org%2femergency%2fnovel-coronavirus%2fvaccine-information%2fclinics%2f&c=E,1,mkk8Z_awmaTSZCMLWyKp4T-p1UXWIsrl2ZEbYx44OPRpSEycri7v0amqUpo_nrLxKztJnRBGajIrdsSMSysN3H4HkatM50ibvoub6n03zo4F27XDB3rVDro1&typo=1
• Bee Friendly Gardens – Native Wildflower Seeds – Bee Local Campaign 2-20
  •  Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise – Jay Beckwith 479-2554
  • Website is https://www.facebook.com/groups/healdsburgpollinators

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Guest Speaker introduced by JB Leep.

Susan Preston – Profession Program Insurance Brokerage

Insurance can be “Glamorous and Interesting”

In 2017 she was inducted into the Insurance Industry Hall of Fame.

Serves on the board of The Luther Burbank Center.

Her talk was both informative and funny!  It was an incredible half-hour,

8: 30 Bill Bolster closed with a quote from John Wooden – “Make every day your masterpiece”.

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COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        28,753  (last week 28,504)

New Cases:            Fri      44

                                Sat     44

                                Sun    40

                                Mon   N/A

This is a total for 3 days of 128  (last week for 4 days was 223 and the week before was 209)

Deaths:  308     (last week 306)   – these most recent deaths were in the community; one being someone between 65-70 and the other between 60-65.   Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 55% of our deaths coming from SNF’s and the remaining from the community.

Hospitalized:  23 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 20 confirmed and 1 suspected)      17 Available ICU beds so we are seeing fewer hospitalized patients with COVID.   Unfortunately, we continue to see COVID fatigue and behaviors being practiced that are unsafe.   Health care professionals are quite worried about a new surge in cases because of all of the individuals traveling and taking vacations out of our county.   There are new variants of the virus that have been identified and in other States, there have been mask mandates dropped and beachgoers completely without any social distancing and safe practices.   With schools out, Spring Break is quite worrisome……. Stay home please and wait on your vacations for later this summer when they are predicting we will be either at or close to herd immunity.    Do not take your kids or yourselves now and go………………

We have tested a total of 573,591 with a 5% positivity rate and 27,019 recovered   (last week 559,651 in our county with 26,345 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (65%  with them only being 27.3% of the populations and whites are only 27% with them being 62.9% of the population )

Still seeing the largest level of positivity in Service and sales (18.4%),  then those unemployed and home care (my industry) at 2.3%.

Close contact (meaning close family or friend spread) is still a great risk as with household exposure and unknown being high.  We are seeing in our own employees’ positivity in our Latinos/Hispanics exposed by family members working in other industries or ignoring travel or gathering warnings.

All medical experts are encouraging all of us to continue to get tested even if you have had both of your shots.   It helps to determine new variants, exposure and will help to decrease our numbers with higher testing so that we can move out of the purple tier.  They are also asking us to curb travel for vacations and get-aways as they are afraid of the surge of new cases with people traveling.

Vaccines were begun….  As of Mar. 14th, 197,319  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 161,809).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 64,166 which is 16% (last week 11.51%) and adults with at least one vaccine dose is at 17% (last week at 27.85%).   Only 16% of Latinos (27% of our population and most at risk for COVID) have been vaccinated.  Vaccination rollout has come to a real halt as we await the rollout of Blue Shield taking over and a slow-down in obtaining vaccines.  The County and others are trying desperately to save enough doses to be able to give the 2^nd shot to those already begun.   In addition, when a new vaccine arrives they have tried quietly to get the word out among those providers like our Agency who still has vulnerable seniors and employees waiting for an appointment.   However, a person (that will remain unnamed)  in Windsor published the links to those clinics last week on the Windsor Facebook page and created a firestorm of people showing up, appointments having to be canceled, and the links now being shut down and controlled by the county.   This has really hurt our attempts to get the right people vaccinated who so desperately need them.

As of Monday, March 15^th the Federal Government has declared all persons 16 and above with physical disabilities or medical conditions eligible for vaccines.   However, with the shortage of vaccines and the other issues with people crowding the lines or showing up without appointments like has happened, it will be difficult to know if we are able to handle all those now qualified.

Remember, the County continues to ask that we stay home and practice the 3 W’s – wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance.   The CDC has announced that socialization with vaccinated people in small groups is safe, but both parties must have received both of their vaccinations and it should be at least 2 weeks post 2^nd vaccine.   The CDC and Public Health continue to request we not travel where we can become exposed at restaurants, restrooms, hotels even if it is outside activities.   There are many other variants of this virus that have now been identified and until we have enough immunity, it is best for all of us if we stay home, predicting that we will reach some percentage of herd immunity by summer.  Sunday, March 13^th, Sonoma County did transition into the Red Tier that has allowed a small percentage of indoor dining, breweries, and wineries to open as well as gyms, movie theaters, and then grocery stores to open at full capacity. It is hoped that our residents will continue to be careful and that we will not need to close back down as people get out more and more.

Please do not let your guard down; even receiving the vaccine means until we have the majority of our community vaccinated we need to practice safe habits and stay in our bubbles.   Remember it does take time for any antibodies to form and only one vaccine only promises about 40% efficacy.   Efficacy is greatly increased with the second dose and we need to strive for “herd immunity”.    Once you have had both vaccines you can begin to socialize with other people who have also had both vaccines and can add those people to one of your safe “bubbles”.    But, do not let COVID fatigue get to you and get sloppy in protecting yourself and those that you love.   And do not think this is still not serious.   Please become a believer – the life you save could be someone dear to you!    We continue to see deaths in our fellow Rotarians in Mexico as they are not fortunate enough to have access to PPE, vaccines, and even good medical treatment.   Treat those you care about with loving consideration!

Thanks

Di

Let the bell open the meeting at 7:30 with President Bill Bolster in command.

Diane Brabitz gave us the pledge of allegiance

Chris Landwehr shared some inspiration credited to Thomas Edison; “Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” 

JB Leep and his fellow vocalist Carol Martin gave us a few notes to follow with a rousing rendition of “Do-Re-Mi.” 

Visiting Rotarians… Nada

Guests of Rotarians

• JB introduced Ed Bogas and Desiree Goyette our speakers for the day.
• Kate Smith, daughter of Beth Smith was on hand. 

Tom Hassur and Daniel Myers are recognized as the Rotarians of the month. Tom’s work on our scholarship program is exceptional and Daniel’s work with the various core groups of Windsor High has introduced us to numerous of the best of the best in students.

We learned that Alison Huber will be departing the Windsor club to move to a new home in Nevada.

Wally Krutz shared that Warren Parker’s planned surgery has been postponed, but keep the good wishes rolling in for a fellow Rotarian.

Wally also gave us a report on John LeCave’s rebuilding project to repair his home that caught on fire.

Sandy Krutz let us know that Kate Smith might not have been able to attend an in-person RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, but she did get the opportunity to break new ground with a RYLA online meeting. It turned out to be a lot of fun for our exchange student with no country. Interesting that the RYLA experience might have been Zoom, but the attendees went for a new term for a breakout room. They called the room a cabin and that made it even more personal for the seven youth in the cabin. Sandy let us know that Kate is on her way to graduating from Windsor High at the end of the month. According to Kate, her newly acquired bi-lingual abilities can open the door to travel and the possibility of attending college in a foreign country. 

Tom Hassur gave us a report on his team’s work on the scholarship committee. This year’s focus was on students who had to overcome obstacles beyond the classroom. Each student had to send a letter detailing the struggles they had outside of school to win a scholarship. We can look forward to a future meeting to be introduced to some of our winners. 

Beth Smith gave us a rundown on Windsor High School’s Project Grad, which will be allowed to have a live bash, socially distanced, but LIVE! The committee managed to raise some good donations for money, services, and food. Rotary has stepped up to provide some games, a new roof, and banners for display around the Town of Windsor. Friday, June 4th is a day of catching up to normal for graduates.

“Our Best Shot” was a success for the club and the leadership of Michael Juric. He gave thanks to his team and the club participants. It looks like we are going to Net over $18K for the club and our activities. 

We have a workday planned at Brooks Elementary School, Saturday, May 15th, 9 AM – 12 PM. We have some improvements to make to the Scholar Garden. Bring your gloves and get those dirty!

There are a few events coming up, be sure to keep your calendar up to date. 

---

PROGRAM SPEAKERS:

JB Leep introduced Desiree Goyette and Ed Bogas, two composers whose music has been recognized worldwide. Ed’s notoriety and acclaim include the Charles Shultz Peanuts soundtrack, but his first song to share was the “Monkey Island” song he wrote after visiting the San Francisco Zoo and seeing the enjoyment of the people watching. 

Ed Bogas [BOW-gus], is a Grammy-nominated American composer and songwriter who has written and performed hundreds of songs for film, radio, television, video games, and stage. He is best known for his work in Charlie Brown and Garfield the Cat specials.  But, in addition, he is also a mathematician and has dedicated years to developing innovative ways to teach math through music and animation.

Désirée Goyette, who happens to be married to Ed, also is a composer, arranger, vocalist, inspirational speaker, and voice-over actor.  She is best known for her work on the Garfield and Peanuts animated television shows and has been featured in numerous television specials including Movie Blockbusters, The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, Evening Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, and the legendary “Romance of Betty Boop”.

Ed shared that he and Desiree attended a Rotary meeting recently that caused him to reflect on many of the people in the music business, including an opportunity to coach Rip Torn who was not a good singer but needed to play country music singer. Everybody has a gift and you need to find what you are gifted at and then inspire others to find and use their gift. 

Desiree let us know that music has always been a part of her life, from her earliest days. Her goal was to be a new Judy Garland, but there was a change and she wound up following the path that opened along the way, which included her chance meeting with the Shultz family as a contestant with the California Junior Miss program. She had an opportunity to become a co-host of a TV program, that gave her a chance to travel to Australia, where a payphone call opened a new door to join a songwriting team, that happened to include Ed. The work they did became a joy in the world offering the soundtrack to Peanuts.

Desiree took advantage of an opportunity during one of her TV episodes to audition for the voice of Betty Boop. A familiar rendition was offered complete with the Boop-Boop-Be-Doo. 

This was a fun program with two amazingly talented people. 

We closed it out with a Rotary inspiration from President Bill. 

Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all others. 

---

COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:

• 30,002  (last week 29,897)

Recovered:

• 29,490    (last week  29,323)

New Cases:

• Fri    15
• Sat     9
• Sun    9
• Mon  18

This is a total of 4 days of 51  (last week for 4 days was 65) –  we are seeing fewer cases, fewer people getting tested, more travel, more people out and about, and a general feeling that this is over.   We hope that this becomes the case and new surges do not occur.

Deaths:

• 312     (last week 312)

Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 58% of our deaths in whites, 30% in Hispanics, and 2% in African Americans and American Indians.   53% of deaths occurred in SNF’s and the remaining from the community spread.

Hospitalized:

• 11 confirmed and 4 suspected    (last week 10 confirmed and 2 suspected)

We have tested a Total of 681,016 and 29,490   (last week 668,842 in our county with 29,323 people recovered)

The largest number of cases is in those unemployed or not working 26% (probably more non-social distancing and large groups exposed by those who are working), healthcare makes up 10.6%  and Service and sales have dropped to 2% with home care (my industry) at 2.2%.

                We continue to see the last percentages of our community hesitant to get vaccinated.    It is reported that there are probably 15% who will not get vaccinated and another 12-15% that are in a “wait and see” mode or so hesitant / on the fence.   Medical professionals are now being quoted that we may not ever be able to get to herd immunity and with new variants of the virus being reported that we may always have COVID but be able to prevent deaths and lessen illness, not rid us of it.    There are still “conspiracy theories” going around and people who still believe this pandemic is not real and made-up media information for other reasons.    We continue to see “breakthroughs” in some people fully vaccinated which is concerning.    People totally vaccinated but testing positive.   Testing is a way of staying ahead of new infections from nonstick individuals or from those of us vaccinated but recently exposed.

We need to continue to identify those people who for reasons of age, medical conditions, isolation, etc need help to obtain an appointment and get their vaccinations.   We also need to continue to educate those who we can get to listen to the reasons for vaccination.    We all need to get this message out and try and decrease the spread of variants and help to make people understand how important getting a vaccine is to the wellbeing, health, and staying alive of our community.

Vaccines were begun….  As of May 9th,  485,274  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 462,758).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 53% and adults with at least one vaccine dose is now at 16%  (last week was 48.9%  and adults with at least one vaccine dose 17.8%).   Only 21% of Latinos (27% of our population and most at risk for COVID) have been vaccinated, compared to 72% of white, non-Hispanic races vaccinated.   Only 1% of Black/African Americans have been vaccinated.   Our current issue seems to be getting those that are vaccine hesitant convinced to obtain a vaccine plus our vaccination sites are seeing people not returning for their 2^nd dose.   J and J have now been re-released for use.    Seeing residents seek J and J out for vaccinations will be interesting as people will weigh risk vs. reward.    The issue with blood clots is so minimal vs. the reward of “one and done”, but will the public understand that???  The CDC has now approved Pfizer vaccine safe for children 12-15 years of age, so are now able to offer vaccinations to age 12 and up.

 Please help us to educate others on the need to get vaccinated.     We especially need to look at how we reach the culturally and diverse groups who are still afraid of the vaccine.   These unvaccinated parts of our population continue to be difficult to get, require real outreach and education on why it is important for our community.   The concern right now is the large number of appointments available for vaccines that are going unclaimed and trying to be creative at these vaccination sites to not waste vaccines once a vial is opened.    As a Rotarian and fellow community member, help us get our remaining population vaccinated.

Thanks

Di

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President Bill Bolster rang the bell at 7:30, followed by a quick review of last week”s meeting.

• 4 WAY Test at 7:31 by Maureen Merrill
• Inspiration: Glenn Sugden- by Paul Harris– “One’s nativity is not of his own choosing, but whatever it may be, it is entitled to respect; and all nations have an honorable place in the world’s family.”
• Song: John How – Happy Wanderer (Rotarian)

At: 7:56, we had 40 joining us!

Rotary Club Of Windsor

Doing More! with Less and Having Fun

Visiting Rotarians:

None

Guest of Rotarians

Katie and Emma Smith and Beth Smith’s husband

Satoshi Murayama – Former exchange student from Paraguay

Vittoria Castelli – Former exchange student from Italy

Claira Pattou – Former (2007) exchange student from France

Rotarian of the Month

• Sue Nelson 

Membership – Everyone!!!

Rotarians at Work and Play

Bill Bolster – Green Hair at St. Patty’s Day Parade

Beth Smith and her husband – Painting the Auction Item Picture Wall

Barbara, Heather Cullen and Bill Bolster – Cleaning The 

Rotary Earth Day Happenings! 

• Barbara McChesney – spoke about upcoming events. 
• Tom Boylan told us if we wanted to see an excellent film go to:
  • Rotary5130.org: Film – Cooling of the Planet 7 – 9 PM 
• March 20th –
  • Cleaned upon the Russian River in Northern CA
• Garden Project: Garberville Rotary
• Pollinator Project: Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise
• Laguna De Santa Rosa clean up: Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Sunrise
• March 27th – 7-9 PM Movie night with Petaluma Sunrise -register in advance for this meeting :
  • https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkf-6oqDksHNIL93zfPxls7Z4uyquF9hoH
• March 30th:
  • Jake Runbenstein, Earthday.org, Plastic Pollution 

Windsor Easter Parade

• Bill Bolster and Heather Cullen informed us of the parade.
• A flyer will be available about putting a number on your car, and a link sent out.
• 2021-03 Windsor Easter Parade Flyer

Upcoming Club Stuff!

• Saturday, March 27th – 3:00 – 5:00 PM – Easter Parade around Windsor – Decorate your Car – Best wins a trophy.
• Friday & Sat., April 16 & 17 – District 5130 Virtual Training
• Saturday, May 8th, – Rotary Club of Windsor Virtual Fundraiser
• Saturday thru Wednesday, June 12 -16, Rotary International Virtual Convention

Sonoma County Adopt a Road

• Rotary Club of Windsor’s 1st (6 signs with “Rotary Club of Windsor”)
• Pleasant Ave and Faught Rd.
• Do you have a road you would like to Adopt?

“Our Best Shot” A virtual Fundraiser, Saturday, May 2021

Major Fundraiser Update

Michael Juric gave info on the Auction. Materials will be out soon.

Team members meet every Wednesday night (recording).

1. Promote Sponsorship
2. Broadcast Event
3. Wine to Joan Mora
4. Live and Silent Auction

SCORECARD GOAL

Sponsorships 0 $20,000 

Donations 0 $2,500 

Live Auction Items 2 of 10

Silent Auction Items 7 of 50

Wine Cellar 0 of 48

VIP Reception 0 Open-ended

Registered 0 7,423

Diane Brabetz donated a “Trip to Paradise”. 

Covid Vaccination Access Project

• Windsor seniors – vaccination application and appointments
• Financial support of Alliance Medical Center’s vaccination clinic
• Onsite mobile vaccination clinics
• Rides for Seniors to sites

Diane Brabetz said it’s been slow getting appointments as they are low on the vaccine.

Barbaras McChesney gave information on filming the project

WHS Band Says Thank You!

Windsor Rotary raised $12,000 two years ago at the Lobster Fest and bought instruments for the band. The band put together a music video thanking the rotary.

Windsor Rotary Clip Board: Call/email them or go to:/ info@windsorrotary.co

• Song Leader – Chris Landwehr
• Scribes – Tom Boylan
• Video Editing and WRC Website – JB Leep needs HELP
• Vaccine Registration – Diane Brabetz

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Guest Speakers 

Sastoshi Murayama – A former exchange student from Paraguay

Victoria Castelli – A former exchange student from Italy 

Claire Pattou – A former exchange student (2007) from France

Maureen Merrill introduced Satoshi Murayama.

Sato told us what he had done in the past year and what was happening with COVID there. Unfortunately, his great-grandmother died from COVID, and our love and prayers go out to him.

Sandi Krutz introduced Victoria Castelli. 

She spoke of the challenges she faced dealing with COVID lockdowns while schooling eight hours a day on video. 

Joan Mora introduced Claire Pattou. 

She told us that practically everything has shut down again. We also got to meet her three-week-old son. Both Victoria and Claire believe that they may not receive the vaccine (in their age group) until 2022 or 2023.

8: 28 Bill Bolster Closed the meeting with a quote by Paul “Bear” Bryant.

“It’s not the will to win. It’s the will to prepare to win.”

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COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        29,006  (last week 28,753)

New Cases:

• Fri      32
• Sat     29
• Sun    38
• Mon   25

This is a total for 4 days of 124  (last week for 3 days was 128)

Deaths:  308     (last week 308)

• Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 55% of our deaths coming from SNF’s and the remaining from the community.

Hospitalized:

• 17 confirmed and 2 suspected    (last week 23 confirmed and 1 suspected)
• 17 Available ICU beds so we are seeing fewer hospitalized patients with COVID.   Because we are seeing fewer people hospitalized and new cases down, we are also seeing unsafe practices.   People are traveling despite our health experts asking us not to – Spring Break in other States and in Mexico will cause another surge in cases and with other variants to have our health experts worried about what we will see in another 2 weeks or sooner.

We have tested a total of 589,089 with a 5% positivity rate and 27,019 recovered   (last week 573,591 in our county with 26,345 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (65%  with them only being 27.3% of the populations and whites are only 27% with them being 62.9% of the population )

Still seeing the largest level of positivity in Service and sales (18.5%),  then those unemployed and home care (my industry) at 2.2%.

All medical experts are encouraging all of us to continue to get tested even if you have had both of your shots.   It helps to determine new variants, exposure and will help to decrease our numbers with higher testing so that we can move out of the purple tier.  They are also continuing to ask us and warn us to curb travel for vacations and get-aways as they are afraid of a surge of new cases with people traveling and the Spring Break Super Spreader events they are seeing. Despite this, our community continues to take vacations and travel outside of our county. Please listen to the health experts – we realize there are great deals out there for travel but our health experts are asking us to wait until the end of summer.    Just a bit longer to then keep us all much safer!

Vaccines were begun….  As of Mar. 21st, 238,867  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 197,319).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 64,166 which is 21.2% (last week 11.51%) and adults with at least one vaccine dose are at 16.9%.   Only 16% of Latinos (27% of our population and most at risk for COVID) have been vaccinated.  We continue to have issues with vaccine availability to our County and no real rollout by Blue Shield yet that we can see.   What doses received here really have been used for 2^nd doses with a push to finish agricultural workers and teachers.

As of Monday, March 15^th the Federal Government has declared all persons 16 and above with physical disabilities or medical conditions eligible for vaccines.   However, with the shortage of vaccines and the other issues with people crowding the lines or showing up without appointments like has happened, it will be difficult to know if we are able to handle all those now qualified.  Another vaccine is in the works to get approved and there is hope that the President increasing production that we may finally get the doses needed to vaccinate our population faster.

Remember, the County continues to ask that we stay home and practice the 3 W’s – wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance.   The CDC has announced that socialization with vaccinated people in small groups is safe, but both parties must have received both of their vaccinations and it should be at least 2 weeks post 2^nd vaccine.   The CDC and Public Health continue to request we not travel where we can become exposed at restaurants, restrooms, hotels even if it is outside activities.   There are many other variants of this virus that have now been identified and until we have enough immunity, it is best for all of us if we stay home, predicting that we will reach some percentage of herd immunity by summer.     It is hoped that our residents will continue to be careful and that we will not need to close back down as people get out more and more.

Please help us to educate others on the risks, the need to really consider getting the vaccine, the need to stay home but venture out slowly with other vaccinated individuals, but curb travel.   Variants of this virus are continuing to appear and we need to stay home – another surge of this pandemic will only task our resources and could kill many people.   We want to strive for “herd immunity”.    Once you have had both vaccines you can begin to socialize with other people who have also had both vaccines and can add those people to one of your safe “bubbles”.      Please become a believer – the life you save could be someone dear to you!    We continue to see deaths in our fellow Rotarians in Mexico as they are not fortunate enough to have access to PPE, vaccines, and even good medical treatment.   Treat those you care about with loving consideration!

Thanks

Di

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President Bill Bolster made some noise with a ring of the bell at 7:30 with 29 in attendance.

We were reminded that people really want to talk with our club and that we had our last speaker wake at 2 am in the morning, in Micronesia, to listen to the ring of the bell.

A pledge was made by Jo Timmsen, our returning Rotarian. 

Another inspirational message was offered by Glenn Sugden, who told us that Arch Klumph borrowed a few quotes rather than writing them:   “My goal is to be a candle.  A candle not only provides light, but it can also light many new candles – and even some torches.~  Unknown

Without a volunteer songstress, we had the leader Pres Bill share some information about Glen Campbell and that turned out to be pretty Gentle on My Mind. More than a few left their mute on rather than compete with the singer. Leslie Lewis threw in a fine for the President using technology versus having all members un-muted

Guests of Rotarians include our speaker Veronica Siwy and Sandra Potter with the Town of Windsor Water Dept.

Sue Nelson continues her March Rotarian of the month role. Photos and vaccinations are her passion these days.

We were treated to an introduction by Diane Brabitz of Brian Ling in honor of his receiving his Paul Harris plus-4 pin. Each $1000 donation to the Rotary Foundation goes toward the recognition. 

Barbara McChesney reminded us that Rotary’s seventh area of focus is on the environment. She and Heather Cullen are working on a project for our club to become a part of the ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group).  She let us know that our efforts these days are focused on the Vaccination project, but there are other clubs that are doing a lot of cleanup of waterways and many other clubs will appreciate your volunteering to lend them a hand. Get outside and appreciate the effort to clean Sonoma County waterways.  Heather said getting a little dirty to make things clean is healthy for everyone, especially those with dirty hands. 

Pres Bill shared that Sonoma County has a program to adopt a road, which we should consider because we can get a sign posted promoting the Rotary Club of Windsor for keeping it clean. 

There are more than 400 flyers in circulation in Windsor in English and Spanish. and we are presenting checks to  Alliance Medical Center in Healdsburg and to Circuit Riders to cover the cost of transportation needed to move seniors to and from the vaccination opportunities. Sue Nelson and Diane Brabitz are the ring leaders and are asking that we all work on sponsors and donations for our fundraiser to continue to support our COVID vaccination efforts.

If you have been vaccinated let Pres Bill know because we are now allowed to gather in small groups as long as everyone has been fully vaccinated.  The scribe is getting his second dose of Moderna this weekend. 

Michael Juric gave a report on the status of our annual fundraiser, which now has a logo and numerous commitments from various members to keep the ball rolling. Sandi Krutz, Chris Landwheir are gathering items to store in Glenda Sales donated warehouse. More is better when it comes to auction items. If you have time to do a little clean-up in the warehouse, let Sandi or Chris know. We also need to consider donating two bottles of wine with a $25 value each would be appreciated. Maureen Merrill let us know that we are going to be graced with the auctioneer prowess of Senator Mike McGuire.

All donations go through the community foundation.  Please send to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation with a designation in the memo section “Kenneth Moulton Scholarship Fund”. The Rotary Club of Windsor Community Foundation Post Office 2294 Windsor, California 95492

For those who are making a donation to Rotary, Glenn Sugden shared this informative link: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4553

There were a few fines, but Jason Black threw in a little more than the fine mistress asked for… because it is not every day you get a hole-in-one. Heather Cullen must have heard the news and sat down at a local piano to play a song, and that cost her as well. This all brought up a flurry of activity which included a photo of the Windsor Connection cover models, Pam and Ken Moulton. More for the Paul Harris donation. Glenn Sugden was betting against a political character and won, so he is sharing his winnings with  Ken Moulton’s Education Foundation and the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation. Somehow we found out that Doug Williams is related in some way to the displaced Royal couple known as Harry & Meghan. That will cost you!

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Program:

JB Leep gave us the introduction to the day’s speakers Veronica Siwy and Sandi Potter with the Windsor Water  Program. Windsor Clean Water and Reclamation, with Veronica Siwy, Environmental Program Manager for the Town of Windsor.

There is an interesting background on Windsor Water. We might have thought it was easy to just get a glass of water, but then someone started arguing about the ownership of water and who gets the rights to water. Primary concerns for water include drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. Newer water considerations include Recycled water use. The biggest challenge for recycled water is infrastructure, but the Town of Windsor is at the forefront of infrastructure and the use of recycled water. The newest area of concern is tied to groundwater, who has the rights and who gets to use it and how much do they use. 

The target for the water project is to provide clean water for all, including human consumption and the environment. The regulations have changed over the years with the first water act started in 1948 and the more recent 2014 water act.  We learned that the Town of Windsor has its wastewater treatment plant right in the center of town, and that is a testament to the fact that not everyone knows the location because there is no tell-tale aroma. The treatment plant is fragile in some ways and we are reminded that flushing hard products, including diapers, can cause problems for us all. The largest purpose of the plant is to process raw sewage and there is a fragile balance between the microbes that eat away the waste and help to convert it to the water that is used on many of our park areas and other agricultural uses.

Windsor does an advanced filtration and disinfectant process that separates the water into layers that improve the quality of the water for its eventual use back in the environment. Our treated water is held in holding ponds, where the water is then discharged into Town uses and some also go to the Geyser facilities which turns the water into steam and that steam produces electricity. A nice circle of life. 

The bio-solids produced from the plant are trucked to operations that can turn the solids into fertilizers that will also help the environment. 

Be sure not to flush anything not meant to be disposed of in the wastewater treatment, including drugs, paints, and chemicals. Households’ aren’t the only ones being tasked to keep the wastewater moving. There is a series of regulations that are in place for commercial businesses, including wineries. 

Pres Bill closed with 34 in attendance and gave shared a sentiment provided by Steve Jobs in his closing days. There is no reason not to follow your heart. 

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Here is the latest update on COVID information from your Rotary Nurse…..

3/9/21

COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        28,504  (last week 28,134)

New Cases:            Fri      45

                                Sat     70

                                Sun    52

                                Mon   56                       This is a total for 4 days of 223  (last week was 209 and the week before was 271)

Deaths:  303     (last week 298)   – seeing more deaths in the general population and not necessarily in facilities – most of our vulnerable seniors in facilities have been vaccinated.   Here in Sonoma County, we have seen over 55% of our deaths coming from SNF’s and the remaining from the community.

Hospitalized:  20 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 29 confirmed and 1 suspected)      16 Available ICU beds so we are seeing fewer hospitalized patients with COVID.  This is quite a drop in hospitalized individuals and the number of available ICU beds, but we do continue to see people practice unsafe habits.  Unfortunately, we continue to see COVID fatigue and behaviors being practiced as unsafe as well as the vaccinated individuals thinking that masks can be removed, they can hug others and begin to socialize or travel.  (all non-essential travel is still not recommended please!)  Remember obtaining the vaccine, even 2 doses do not mean you cannot transmit the virus or still come down with it; however, it will prevent real illness and the possible need for hospitalization and death.    Until 85% of our population is vaccinated, we do not have herd immunity and we continue to have several other stronger strains of the virus that has been detected here in the US.   And we continue with a percentage of our population that are anti-vaccines.

We have tested a total of 559,651 with a 5% positivity rate and 26,345 recovered   (last week 545,084 in our county with 25,791 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (65%  with them only being 27.3% of the populations and whites are only 12% with them being 62.9% of the population )

Still seeing the largest level of positivity in Service and sales (18.3%),  then those unemployed and home care (my industry) at 2.4%.

Close contact (meaning close family or friend spread) is still a great risk as with household exposure and unknown being high.  We are seeing in our own employee’s positivity in our Latinos/Hispanics and being exposed by family members working in other industries or ignoring travel or gathering warnings.

                All medical experts are encouraging all of us to continue to get tested even if you have had both of your shots.   It helps to determine new variants, exposure and will help to decrease our numbers with

                Higher testing so that we can move out of the purple tier.  They are also asking us to curb travel for vacations and get-aways as they are afraid of a surge of new cases with people traveling.

Vaccines were begun….  As of Mar. 8th, 161,809  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 146,196).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 11.51% (last week 9.5%) and adults with at least one vaccine dose is at 27.85% (last week at 26.05%).   Vaccination rollout really came to an abrupt halt as the severe weather stopped the delivery of vaccine and then our allotment seemed to shrink.   Add to that the priority seems to be southern California, not our area, and lastly that the Governor signed a contract with Blue Shield for them to take over the rollout of vaccinations.   The County will not be running clinics any longer and has kept enough doses to ensure that people could get their 2^nd dose but canceled all first-time vaccines.    I continue to work with Public Health and as the new system with Blue Shield begins I hope to be able to access and continue to help people obtain appointments.  We have received word that vaccines will be limited to hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Clinics and Optum Serve is what Blue shield plans to work with.

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!  The County continues to ask that we stay home and practice the 3 W’s – wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance.   The CDC has announced that socialization with vaccinated people in small groups is safe, but both parties must have received both of their vaccinations and it should be at least 2 weeks post 2^nd vaccine.   The CDC and Public Health continue to request we not travel where we can become exposed at restaurants, restrooms, hotels even if it is outside activities.   There are many other variants of this virus that have now been identified and until we have enough immunity, it is best for all of us if we stay home.

Please do not let your guard down; even receiving the vaccine means until we have the majority of our community vaccinated we need to practice safe habits and stay in our bubbles.   Remember it does take time for any antibodies to form and only one vaccine only promises about 40% efficacy.   Efficacy is greatly increased with the second dose and we need to strive for “herd immunity”.    Once you have had both vaccines you can begin to socialize with other people who have also had both vaccines and can add those people to one of your safe “bubbles”.    But, do not let COVID fatigue get to you and get sloppy in protecting yourself and those that you love.   And do not think this is still not serious.   Please become a believer – the life you save could be someone dear to you!

Thanks

Di

President Bill Bolster rang the ball at 7:30, following some fun-filled conversation.

• Pledge of Allegiances at 7:32 by Michael Ragsdale
• Inspiration provided by Doug Williams  shareda Quote from Martin Luther King:
• Song: Bill Bolster

Lead us in song with “Baby Girl,” originally sung by Sugarland

At: 7:35, we had 32 joining us!

Visiting Rotarians:None

Guest of Rotarians:

•  Isabella Uricoechea – 8th Grader at Windsor Middle School
• Evian Gordon – Brain Boosting

Heather Cullenintroduced Isabella Uricoechea.

 Isabella is a survivor of “TBI,” Traumatic Brain Injury. She started a” Covid Relief Program,”   which supplies food and clothing to those in need. 

 Suggested Interact could help or a grant. 

ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH:  Diane Brabetz,the club chair for the Windsor Rotary Club International Foundation.

The Future

Sandra Kutz announced our future officers

        2023 – 2024 Brian Ling -President

        2023 – 2024 Tom Boylan -District Governor 

        2024 – 2025 Doug Williams – President

Major Projects Evaluation Team

Carol Martin spoke on Grant applications which, are due by 02/19/2021, and informed us that help is needed to evaluate them. Want to get involved? Email Carol at cm@marleep.com

Michael Juricupdated us on the April Auction. He has a List of current helpers.

Sue Nelson and Dian Brabetz gave information on the Covid Vaccine Access Project. Alliance Health Service needs help during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. Anyone interested in volunteering to become a Covid application processor, please contact Sue Nelson at jsnelson@comcast.net

Covid-19 Vaccination Scorecard

And Why Do You Want to Be Vaccinated?

Answer:We go back to Charlie’s and Hug!

Vaccinated                                Kind of

Diane Brabetz                         Glen Sugden

Leslie Lewis                            Allison Huber

John Hackenburg                  Chris Landwehr

Barbara McChesney             Catherine Hanron

Bill Arnone

Not on this list and vaccinated or had Covid. Please let us know.

Rotary Socials

Wednesday, Feb 10, 6:00 PM – Ladies on Line

Windsor Rotary Clipboard

Stimulation Windsor – Glen Sugden 

Song Leaders – Chris Landwehr

Scribes – Tom Boylan

Call/email them or go to: 

info@windsortotary.org

Upcoming Club Stuff!

. Wednesday, Feb 10 -Ladies on Line

. Tuesday, Feb 16 – Chris Austria –”Travel and Photography in Africa” 

. Friday, Feb 19 – 2021 Grant Application Deadline

. Friday & Sat, April 16 & 17 – District 5130 Virtual Training

Guest Speaker

Evian Gordon –Boosting YOUR Memory 

1. What is Memory
2. How Do You Boost It: Chunk, Associate, Calm
3. How to generate Memory Boosting Habit

Questions at 08:25.

Meeting Closedat 8:30

Bill Bolster quoted, Money isn’t everything but, it keeps the kids in touch.

President Bill Bolster rang the bell at 7:30, followed by a quick review of last week”s meeting.

• Pledge of Allegiance at 7:31 by Catherine Hanron
• Inspiration: Doug Williams – 2 quotes by Booker T Washington

“The happiest people are those who do the most for others. The most miserable are those who do the least.

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

Song: JB Leep – Blowin in the Wind. Written by Bob Dylan.

The scribe today is Catherine Hanron.

At: 7:30, we had 31 joining us!

Visiting Rotarians: None

Guest of Rotarians

Michael Freeman: Interested in joining our Rotary Club

Mathew McWhorter: Interested in joining our Rotary Club

Rotarian of the Month

Diane Brabetz: Club chair for Windsor Rotary International Foundation

Membership – Everyone!!!

Windsor Rotary Clipboard

• Song Leader – Chris Landwehr
• Scribes – Tom Boylan 
• Vaccine Sites – Link in Bulletin – online registration sites
  •  https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fsocoemergency.org%2femergency%2fnovel-coronavirus%2fvaccine-information%2fclinics%2f&c=E,1,mkk8Z_awmaTSZCMLWyKp4T-p1UXWIsrl2ZEbYx44OPRpSEycri7v0amqUpo_nrLxKztJnRBGajIrdsSMSysN3H4HkatM50ibvoub6n03zo4F27XDB3rVDro1&typo=1
• Santa Rosa Sunrise – Raffle – 10- day Luxury European River Cruise
  • Call/email them or go to – info@windsorrotary.co

Bee Friendly Gardens

Native Wildflower Seeds – Flyer attached!!! – Bee Local Campaign 2-20

Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise – Jay Beck with 479-2554   Website is https://www.facebook.com/groups/healdsburgpollinators

Upcoming Club Stuff

• Thursday, Feb. 25th; 5:30 PM – Cloverdale SCARC – Beijing Antique Car Race for  Cloverdale February
• Tuesday, Mar. 2nd – Nick Zoa – “Life Stranded in Micronesia.”
• Saturday, Mar. 20th -Russian River Cleanup – Sign up on line
• Friday & Sat., April 16 & 17 – District 5130 Virtual Training
• Saturday, May 8th, – Rotary Club of Windsor Virtual Fundraiser
• Saturday thru Wednesday, June 12 -16, Rotary International Virtual Convention

Major Projects

Michael Juric updated us on the Auction.

Mike McGuire will be the Auctioneer. Anyone can watch Mike McGuire in visual action at the WE foundation dinner this Thursday at 5:30 PM. https://windsored2021.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

Leaders Needed: Promotion, Program, Gathering Items for Silent – Live Auction

Pegi Ball is in charge of Promotion for the event.

Wally Krutz and Carol Martin. Build Project

Wally Krutz informed us logos are now on buckets that students will bring tools home in.

Heather Cullen discussed the project Isabella Uricoechea is working on in the Middle school.

Also, Redwood Empire is looking to do a one-time Food event with our club. We will pick a date if we get enough responses. They will also be at the Farmers Market @ LBC collecting donations on Feb. 27th, 8:30–1 PM. Redwood Empire Food needs people all the time. You may sign up at JustServe.org.

Covid Vaccination Scorecard

Why do you want to be Vaccinated?

Answer: We go back to Charlie’s and Hug!

Vaccinated

• Diane Brabetz        
• Carol Martin 
• Leslie Lewis            
• JB Leep        
• John Hackenburg               
• Barbara McChesney   
• Michael Juric        
• Wally Krutz       
• Pam & Ken Moulton
• Susan Cole
• Bill Arnone            
• Bill Bolster
• Sandie Krutz

Kind of

• Glenn Sugden
• Catherine Hanron
• Tom Boylan
• Allison Huber
• Chris Landwehr

At: 8:00 AM – 47 people were joining us.

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Guest Speaker 

Students at Windsor High School

Jaelynn Pinero -President – Black Student Union

TJ Collins – Vice President – Black Student Union

Haley Carranza

Melina Ceja

Ashley Chau

Aliyah Collins

Ava Hamelburg

Kaylana Khamvongsa

Ashely Knott

Jaycie Levas

Ashlyn Rogers

Riley Zwetsloot

 Lamar Collins discussed Black History Month and the Black Student Union at Windsor High School. Aleah Collins was introduced and sang the “Black National Anthem.” PJ Collins recited the ABCs of education. Aleah Collins, Ashley Knott, Riley Zwetsloot, Haley Carranza, and Ahylyn Rogers spoke on Tuskegee Airmen and what they did during World War II. The students then answered questions regarding Black History and the Black Student Union.

Amazing Windsor Students!

Video available:  https://youtu.be/9yU7ok80fIY

8: 27 Bill Bolster Closed the meeting with a quote from Martin Luther King.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent questions is: ‘What are you doing for others?”

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COVID UPDATE

Total Cases:        27,774  (last week 27,361)

New Cases:            Fri      69

Sat     64

Sun    70

Mon   68                       This is a total for 4 days of 271  (last week was 361 and week before was 479)

Deaths:  295     (last week 287)   – we are no longer seeing the deaths in senior facilities as most have been vaccinated.   However, we are seeing a greater number of fatalities in people at home and even younger – this relates to greater widespread transmission.  Here is Sonoma County, we have had 2 deaths in the 35-44 age group, 20 in the 45-54 group, 33 in the 55-64 age group, 55 in the 65-74 group and  185 in the 75 and higher ages.      But, please be aware that we have actually had under age 5 year olds hospitalized.

Hospitalized:   37 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 48 confirmed and 1 suspected)      13 Available ICU beds so we are seeing less hospitalized patients with COVID.  This is quite a drop in hospitalized individuals and number of available ICU beds, but we do continue to see people practice unsafe habits.  Unfortunately we continue to see COVID fatigue and behaviors being practiced as unsafe as well as the vaccinated individuals thinking that masks can be removed, they can hug others and begin to socialize or travel.   Remember obtaining the vaccine, even 2 doses does not mean you cannot transmit the virus or still come down with it; however it will prevent real illness and possible death.    Until 85% of our population is vaccinated, we do not have herd immunity and we continue to have several other stronger strains of the virus that has been detected here in the US.

We have tested a Total of 530,887 and 24,065 recovered   (last week 514,892 in our county with 24,065 people recovered)

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (65%  with them only being 27% of the populations and whites are only 27% with them being 63% of the population )

Still seeing the largest level of positivity in Service and sales (18.4%),  then those unemployed and home care (my industry) at 2.5%.

Close contact (meaning close family or friend spread) is still a great risk as with household exposure and unknown being high.  We are seeing in our own employees positivity in our Latinos/Hispanics and being exposed by family members working in other industries or ignoring travel or gathering warnings.

Vaccines were begun….  As of Feb. 21st, 118,641  residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (last week 92,196).    Fully vaccinated individuals now at 6.39% and adults with at least one vaccine dose is at 22.47%.   Vaccination roll out continues to be slow and chaotic and disorganized plus as of late Friday the online registration system was shut down and continues to be.   Vaccine delivery has been delayed because of the severe weather experience in the Mid-West and vaccine has not gotten to us.  Once the vaccine is delivered the county is looking at adding clinics and extending hours to make up for time lost.  The county also expanded those eligible for vaccine to 65 and up, education and child care, food service workers, grocery workers and agricultural employees.     In addition, the registration form has gotten more difficult to complete and difficult to find.   Seniors continue to have many issues finding and scheduling of appointments because of lack of computer skills, poor vision, decreased mental / cognitive skills and even if they obtain an appointment, many need transportation to get there at the same time we experienced vaccine delays.

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!  The County continues to ask that we stay home and practice the 3 W’s – wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your distance.    And, they continue to request we not travel where we can become exposed at restaurants, restrooms, hotels even if it is outside activities.   There are many other variants of this virus that have now been identified and until we have enough immunity, it is best for all of us if we stay home.

Please do not let your guard down; even receiving the vaccine means until we have the majority of our community vaccinated we need to practice safe habits and stay in our bubbles.   Remember it does take time for any antibodies to form and only one vaccine only promises about 40% efficacy.   Efficacy is greatly increased with the second dose and we need to strive for “herd immunity”.    Once you have had both vaccines you can begin to socialize with other people who have also had both vaccines.    But, do not let COVID fatigue get to you and get sloppy in protecting yourself and those that you love.   And do not think this is still not serious.   Please become a believer – the life you safe could be someone dear to you!

Thanks

VACCINE INFO

From Your Rotary Nurse:

The County has notified me of a shortage of vaccine due to weather / transportation and some on production.   Right now they are trying to use the vaccine they have to be able to give to people who need their 2^nd dose.    The County will be notifying me as soon as they are able to open up the schedule again for new, 1^st time doses.     If you or any senior you know are having difficulty obtaining an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact me.   I really do not mind being the contact or registering people.

Michael was kind enough to help me take the information I need to register someone and make me a fillable form – if you contact me I can send that for you or your family/friend to provide me the info either on the form or just send it.   Once I have appointments again, I will be happy to help everyone I can.    The eligibility is now 65 and older, health care workers, patients in senior facilities, home care workers, child care, education, food service and agricultural workers.    If someone fits into a category, I can help.   When I register them for the 1^st dose, they are now giving a date for the 2^nd dose to ensure that everyone is accounted for in getting their 2^nd dose.

Please consider getting the vaccination.   We want our economy kick started, people not to die and I just want to hug someone…….if you have fears or concerns, I am more than happy to answer your questions or get answers from the experts.

Thanks so much