Author: Tom Boylan

With 27 people in attendance, we heard the bell ring at 7:30. President Bill Bolster took over the chat-fest and asked us how many exercised moderation in their Thanksgiving feast. He let us know it is his favorite holiday.

Carol Martin led us in a pledge of allegiance. 

We were offered inspiration by Barbara McChesney who shared a quote from, “The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size but in the depth of commitment to the lives of others.” 

After warning Michael Juric to mute everyone we were allowed to sing along with Heather Cullen who reminded us it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Somehow everyone didn’t quite get muted, but it was an enthusiastic try.

Heather Cullen had a guest, Laurel Green from Windsor Middle School. JB Leep introduced our guest and speaker Ruben Scott.

Sue Nelson gave us an introduction to an old Rotary friend Jo Timmsen, who has a history that included 10 years with our club. Welcome back!

The Rotarian of the month is energetic and committed Barbara McChesney, who has jumped into our club and the organization. Nice call president Bill.

Glenn Sugden shared that Kiwanis has been knocking on the door to ask for our assistance in gathering toys for their annual toy drive. Donate toys, or food, or both. We were reminded that we can hold onto our toys until our Holiday social. You were assigned a name and your challenge is to find a toy that matches the personality of the name you drew.

There will be wrapping toys and sorting food need for volunteers. The volunteers can help pre wrapping, or you can get in on the event for the December 19th hand out. Two-hour time slots are offered and the environment requires a safe COVID environment and all volunteers need to sign up. 

Our Board is planning to donate $1000 toward the program and Glenn is planning to match that amount, which then caught Diane Brabitz to offer $1000, which brought another offer of $1000 from Renee Hyde and multiple whistles from Brian Ling. Applauded by all in attendance, which has grown to 37 present. 

President Bill shared Ken Moulton’s efforts to continue to promote our support for the teacher of Windsor. Ken asked Pam Moulton to read a wonderful letter that will be going out to each of the teachers in the community for their service to all the children in Windsor. Doug Williams was recognized for his efforts to lead the effort to get a gift card prepared by Tom Boylan to accompany the letter. Pam Moulton recited the letter to the club. Every teacher will receive a $5 gift card to Cafe Noto. 

We are reminded by Diane Brabitz that today is giving Tuesday and there are many ways you can open your hearts and wallets to the Rotary Foundation, the Windsor Rotary Fund, the John Lewis Community fund. To keep it easy Carol Martin let us know there is a new feature on the Windsorrotary.org website that will allow you to make a donation online. You can ask to direct your donation to a specific need.

See Diane Brabitz’s COVID report at the bottom of the bulletin 

The Dick Bishop Memorial Bell Ringing campaign is in need to have more ringers. If you can offer your hand wringing… ringing… please get a hold of Mike Merrill, or president Bill. Remember that Santa’s helpers wear masks these days. 

The Rotary Holiday Social requires you to have some fun prior to the event by shopping for a toy that you think best represents the character of the person whose name you have been sent by Rene Hyde. Know that she and Paul Peloso will have a Santa Mobile ready to roll and pick up the toys from your home.

There is a clipboard with a few opportunities to be active in the club. The following has been promoted by Pres. Bill. 

• Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing needs a few ding a lings. Contact Mike Merrill at            mpmerr42@gmail.com, or call 707-484-0310
• Fundraisers – Need volunteers
•  Santa Tim Gift Wrapping – Contact Glenn Sugden at glenn@thirdworkshop.com  / 707-696-9906    
•  February Valentine’s Day Tri Tip – Contact Carol Martin at cm@marleep.com / 707-403-8200    
•  “Ladies on Line” on Wednesday, December 16th at 5:30 contact Pam Moulton at pmoult@comcast.net / 707-328-0026

 Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund – Fires.

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

www.rotary5130.org/district-disaster-response-plan

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

Program:

JB introduced our speaker, Ruben Scott, president of the Sonoma Chapter of the NAACP. Ruben moved to Sonoma County as a youngster attending Santa Rosa schools including SRJC and eventually went on to graduate from Penn State.  He took on the role of the President of Sonoma NAACP a little over a year ago.

According to Ruben, the association has been growing dramatically over the past two years more than doubling. He pointed out that their work includes working for all people and not just those who are people of color. 

He shared a list of demands that align with the efforts of Rotary in so many ways including demanding that the city and state recognize the elements of our community that can assist people, all people, benefit from a robust and open community which includes schools, and community facilities and services. 

An interesting perspective was shared how he grew up in Sonoma County and didn’t easily recognize a difference, but his work with NAACP has shown a home that there are problems that need to be addressed to have equality and fair treatment for all people and that complaints received from the community can be addressed, by his organization. He found an agreement between the police and city officials that there is a need for addressing inherent problems in the treatment of people of color. 

We learned that we need to walk in our life as role models and Ruben found out that we walk a little earlier than some.  He suggested that we need to step out of our norm to have an opportunity to learn more about our communities and the problems, along with the good in our communities. 

Through all the difficulties our Sonoma County residents have been through, we have an opportunity to focus on the elements that we all share.  In order to live together, we need to recognize we need each other to survive and that we need to open a dialogue. 

COVID update:

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

 ONE AMERICAN /MINUTE IS DYING OF COVID IN THE USA CURRENTLY!    

 Total Cases:        12,319  (last week 11,608)

 New Cases:            Fri 80                 THIS IS 319  (last week 292)    NEW CASES OVER THE WEEKEND (within only 3 days, not 4) AND THE LARGEST SURGE TO DATE!  Sat stats not avail. Sun 118 Mon 121 

Deaths:  157     (last week 155)

Hospitalized:    31 confirmed and 3 suspected    (last week 30 confirmed and 2 suspected)    Statewide, the number of hospitalizations has doubled since last month!     

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

 We have tested a Total of 297,943 and 10,010 recovered   (last week 283,276 in our county with 9625 people recovered)  

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (70% and whites are only 23%); cases are coming from close community spread or close contact and largest industry testing positive is services and sales. (this is not health care workers)    2nd largest group of cases are still in people not working and are probably cases caught from a family member!  10% are healthcare workers.

Governor Newsom has issued a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am and also a one-month limited STAY AT HOME for non-essential personnel.  It has been recommended by Governor and the CDC that all travel be halted and that we not leave the Bay Area.    (they were previously saying Sonoma County but so many travels for work)   The issue with travel is not being on a plane but the time being in airports which is a closed, contained space.  The CDC has issued a NO Travel warning into Mexico and some states here in the US have implemented a 2 week quarantine period.

 Public Health and most infectious disease Physicians are worried about the increase in cases we will see because people did not stay at home and did travel; as well as had dinners locally with more than their own household bubble.   We also have Christmas coming and again it is being stressed to not travel, stay at home and limit your contact as much as possible.  If you traveled at all and got together with others, the experts are advising you to get tested.   The experts are also seeing it is taking up to 4 weeks, not just 2 weeks to see new cases or new positives because of symptoms not being reported, not seeking MD visits, and then getting test results back.   By the time a Case Worker or Contact Tracer gets involved, it could be weeks.

Signs and Symptoms to report are fever, runny nose, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, nausea and or diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell.   All of these could also be indicative of a cold or the flu.    Have you gotten your flu shot?????  

Please each and everyone does your part in controlling this disease and keep your guard up until the vaccine is available to the general public.   We are probably looking at 6 months and summer before we have enough immunity to see normal life again.   It is up to each of us!

 Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN and on this Giving Tuesday, show kindness.  The life you save could be someone you love!

 Thanks, Di 

Diane Brabetz

Administrator – Owner

At Home Nursing

We began gathering and sharing some holiday banter and just generally enjoying each other’s company.  President Bill Bolster let us know the meeting was on time when he rang the opening bell at 7:30… “Good Morning President Bill,” was the chorus of 36 in attendance.

We received a little review of the last meeting. It was a memory test. 

Alison Huber came back from Chicago to share a pledge of allegiance.

Barbara McChesney offered a quote by author Leo Buscaglia, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which has the potential to turn a life around.”

John How had a simple task and that was to get us to sing a song for Rudolph the Rotary President, No simple task at all.

No visiting Rotarians, but we had a few other guests. JB Leep introduced our speaker Jeff Davidson, to the program for today.  Heather Cullen introduced her children as guests for the day, welcome Autumn, Spring, and Ephraim. 

Barbara McChesney has only been a member of the Windsor Rotary for the past eight months, but she has risen to a higher level of service which is recognized by Pres Bill as he credits her with Rotarian of the Month for December.

The events we have coming up still need a few volunteers and Carol Martin asked us to consider volunteering wither our own time or others that we know to take part.

Windsor Middle School this past weekend had several Rotarians sharing in a drive-thru food drive that saw a lot of Windsor teens participating. 

Carol says she has enough boxes to package toy donations, but keep the toys coming.

Michael Merrill let us know there are still a few openings for bell ringers to carry on the Dick Bishop Holiday Bell Ringing. We need a few bodies for December 19th. Please let Mike know of your availability. Doug Williams stepped up and one more would make it a full schedule for the ringalings.

Sandie Krutz reminded us that we have been placed on teams that are being asked to adopt a family.  Each team is being asked to purchase gift cards and deliver these to Sandie’s home on Sunday, December 13th. Gift cards are preferred over gifts due to COVID complications. 

Doug Williams shared us know that we are prepared to hand off the gift cards for teachers. Each teacher in Windsor received a thank you letter and a $5 gift card for Cafe Noto. Thanks, Ken Moulton for your letter, thanks to Tom Boylan for developing the collateral, and a special thanks to Doug Williams for coordinating this project… and thank you to Sandie Krutz for the suggestion of plying our teachers with a caffeine drink.

We are reminded that we have a virtual Holiday Social slated for December 12th at the Club ZOOM Room starting at 6 PM. For those who need a pick up for their toys, connect with Renee Hyde and Paul who will be driving the Santa Mobile to pick up toys on Sunday the 13th, or you can drop the toys off at Carol Martin’s home.  The toys are slated to be handed off on December 19th at the Windsor Middle School under the guidance of the Windsor Fire Department and other non-profit groups from Windsor.

Clipboard info:

• Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing needs one more ding a ling. Contact Mike Merrill at mpmerr42@gmail.com, or call 707-484-0310
• Fundraisers – Need volunteers;   Food Drop Off, Santa Tim Gift Wrapping & Gifting –
  • Gift  Wrapping 7 Food Sorting  Till Dec 19
  •  Gift & Food Distribution         Dec 19 – Sign Up:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e49afa72ca5fa7-windsor1
• Boys & Girls Club “Families in Need” (8) Christmas Gift Cards
  •  Join in your group and help the family you have been assigned
  •  Questions – Your Group Leader or Sandie Krutz – sekrutz@aol.com  (650) 339-0953              
• February Valentine’s Day Tri-Tip – Contact Carol Martin at cm@marleep.com / 707-403-8200    
• “Ladies on Line” on Wednesday, December 16th at 5:30 contact Pam Moulton at pmoult@comcast.net / 707-328-0026
• Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund – Fires.
  • They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life!
  • www.rotary5130.org/district-disaster-response-plan
  • Mail your donation to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer, 1315 Fourth Street, Eureka, Ca 95501

Next week is our ugly Christmas sweater contest… It sounds like there is going to be a prize, but we will have to tune in to see who wins the car… or maybe I got that wrong 

See Diane Brabitz’s COVID report at the bottom of the bulletin.

Program:

JB Leep let our speaker Jeff Davidson, former fire chief, and home builder know that we have 40 Rotarians in the house. Jeff let us know that he would hang around after our meeting ends to answer any questions that might come up.

Jeff is talking to us about his trek along the Camino de Santiago. His talk is titled the Journey is the Destination. We heard about his past as a fire chief and his work in Mexico building homes for the underserved. Jeff is also a current instructor with Santa Rosa JC’s Windsor Fire Academy.

The trip is a 500-mile walk, which has been a pilgrimage for many to arrive at the tomb of Apostle James. Over 20 million people have taken the trek. The journey starts in France and terminates in the Northwest of Spain. A comparison of what the distance might be in California. If you walked from Novato, Jeff’s hometown, to Disneyland, you would still have 30 more miles to go to equal the journey.

Jeff let us know he budgeted a certain number of miles each day. His budget was 20 miles a day for 25 days, and that is what it wound up being. He shared a photo of his passport sheet with multiple stamps commemorating his journey. As an avid hiker with time on his hands, he found a unique opportunity to head to Europe where his wife had a month-long assignment and she went to Italy and he started walking. 

For those who want to break in their walking shoes, Jeff shared a lot of the resources available to those who would like to walk the Camino. He also shared a photo of the items he did and didn’t need on his walk.  His recommendation is that you can lighten your load and it might get you a little farther down the road. 

The journey gave him an ability to connect through a Facebook, blog to keep his friends and family apprised of his experiences. Hostels were a regular sleeping area. Food was plentiful along the way, including meals offered at the Hostels.  It turned out to be a great way to enjoy the local delicacies to make it a highlight of the trip. 

The Camino allows you to walk on paths that still have the stones that were originally laid by Romans. There is a variety of art that can also be found on the paths. There was always some excitement to see a big city, but the noise increase became noticeable and that gave appreciation for the quiet time on the trail. 

Although this was a solo walk, Jeff met many others along the way and wound up seeing them often on the trek. He remains in touch with many of the friends he made along the way. 

Buen Camino!

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

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

Total Cases: 13,439  (last week 12,319)

New Cases:  Fri 175   THIS IS 516  (last week 319)    NEW CASES OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE LARGEST SURGE TO DATE!

 Sat 183, Sun 88, Mon 70, deaths:  160     (last week 157)

Hospitalized:   41 confirmed and 1 suspected    (last week 31 confirmed and32 suspected)    Statewide, the number of hospitalizations continue to rise has doubled since last month!  We have only 4 ICU beds left for care in Sonoma County for any kind of emergency

 We continue with 19% of our cases in the 25-34-year-olds and 17% in the 35-44-year-olds. We have tested a Total of 315,727 and 10,707 recovered   (last week 297,943 in our county with 10,010 people recovered)  

Still seeing the largest number of cases in the Latinos (70% and whites are only 23%) ; cases are coming from close community spread or close contact and largest industry testing positive is services and sales. (this is not health care workers)    2nd largest group of cases are still in people not working and are probably cases caught from a family member!  10% are healthcare workers.

Governor Newsom has issued a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am and also a one-month limited STAY AT HOME for non-essential personnel.  It has been recommended by Governor and the CDC that all travel be halted and that we not leave the Bay Area.    (they were previously saying Sonoma County but so many travels for work)   The issue with travel is not being on a plane but the time being in airports which is a closed, contained space.  The CDC has issued a NO Travel warning into Mexico and some states here in the US have implemented a 2 week quarantine period.

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

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

Please each and everyone do your part in controlling this disease and keeps your guard up until the vaccine is available to the general public.   We are probably looking at 6 months and summer before we have enough immunity to see normal life again.   It is up to each of us!  We have issued a policy at our office that no one will be granted time off for vacation or travel.    

Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN and concentrate on taking precautions, sacrificing now so that we can have future holidays with our loved ones!

Thanks, Di

Rotarians were gathering prior to that official bell being rung by President Bill Bolster. By 7:30 we were 25 in attendance. Pres Bill opened the meeting with a sad notice. Past member Laura Griswold-Hurley lost her husband Glen Hurley. You can contact her at 4865 Londonberry Drive, Santa Rosa, CA  95403

Cell number is: 707-322-4506 / Email – leslie@ersawyer.com

There were a couple of nice words shared regarding last week’s Craft-Talk speakers, our own Mike Merrill, and JB Leep. 

The inspiration came from Amy Grant via Barbara McChesney, “Thanksgiving day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and to just giving.”

John How took the club down memory lane with a rousing round of Twinkle Twinkle… Rotary.  An interesting play on words!

No visiting Rotarians, but Sue Nelson let us know our former member Jo Timmsen will be coming back to the club. We were reminded that the younger version of Jo was into parachuting, and along with rejoining the club, she is jumping out of airplanes again. I think an updated Craft talk will be forthcoming. 

Our guest today happens to be our speaker as well, Mimi Enright a Master Gardner

Tom Boylan, the resident scribe was recognized for all the kind words he has provided with his current role as Rotarian of the Month… the scribe thanks Bill and the rest of the club.

Our resident COVID nurse, Diane Brabitz shared a few of her thoughts on the silent killer that is so deeply set in our communities, locally, nationally, and globally. We heard how she has assigned more than 13 of her homecare nurses to the local hospitals to assist in the fight.

According to Diane, we have lost 150 people in Sonoma County alone and the number is expected to go up. Traveling is not a healthy decision, but staying aware of what you can do in our community and our homes become a potentially life-saving opportunity.

We are reminded that just because a vaccine is underway, plan for six more months of being on guard to stay healthy. 

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

ONE AMERICAN /MINUTE IS DYING OF COVID IN THE USA CURRENTLY!

Total Cases: 11,608  (last week 11,055), New Cases: Fri 47, THIS IS 292  (last week 223)  

NEW CASES OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE LARGEST SURGE TO DATE!

Sat 65, Sun 58, Mon 122

Deaths:  155     (last week 150)

Hospitalized: 30 confirmed and 2 suspected    (last week 19 confirmed and 5 suspected) statewide, the number of hospitalizations has doubled since last month!     

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

We have tested a Total of 283,276 and 9625 recovered   (last week 226,144 in our county with 9163 people recovered)  

The largest number of cases in the Latinos, cases are showing coming from close community spread or close contact and largest industry testing positive is services and sales. (this is not health care workers)    2nd largest group of cases are in people not working and are probably cases caught from a family member!

Governor Newsom has issued a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am and also a one-month limited STAY AT HOME for non-essential personnel.  It has been recommended by Governor and the CDC that all travel be halted and that we not leave the Bay Area, (they were previously saying Sonoma County but so many travels for work). The issue with travel is not being on a plane but the time being in airports which is a closed, contained space.

Public Health and most infectious disease Physicians are asking that WE CANCEL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS/DINNERS and KEEP DINNERS TO YOUR OWN HOUSEHOLD!  It is just too dangerous to have dinners with groups of people outside of your own household and do it safely.   If we want to be able to celebrate next year and have our loved ones there, then the sacrifice needs to happen now.   This virus is deadly, unseen, and can strike anyone.   Do not take chances with those you love or yourselves.   Stay home, stay in your bubble, and Zoom.   Do not get together …  As the MD’s are saying, “if you invite someone outside of your household, even a family member, to dinner for Thanksgiving, then you could be planning their funeral in December!”

 Please do your part in controlling this disease and keep your guard up until the vaccine is available to the general public.   We are probably looking at 6 months and summer before we have enough immunity to see normal life again.   It is up to each of us!

Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN.  I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving, and hope you do it on Zoom!

President Bill suggests we go ZOOM for this year’s Thanksgiving.

Barbara McChesney shared the following info to join the Petaluma Sunrise Rotary environment committee for “Movie Night!” when they will be showing “Climate Restoration Solutions” from the 2nd Annual Global Climate Restoration Forum – with time 4 discussion/questions afterward. Share this info and be sure to bring your own popcorn. The date is Saturday 11-28-2020, 7-9 PM.  COME FIND OUT HOW LEAVING A WORLD WE’RE PROUD OF FOR OUR CHILDREN IS POSSIBLE!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 896 4987 0033

Glenn Sugden got a shout out for his generosity in a donation to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation in the past year. Brian Ling reminded some of us that SCHBC, Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon event, was jump-started by John Lewis, our official founder of Windsor Rotary Club. Brian went on to explain that John’s interest in model trains made the train whistle an appropriate recognition for when members make a donation. Once you have donated $1000 you become a John Lewis Fellow, currently, our club has 32 current Fellows. We are reminded that we have the endowment fund and a “local projects fund.” Every dollar you donate is tax-deductible.

We found out from JB that we now have a payment portal available on the WindsorRotary.org website. Easy to use and every donation is accounted for. 

Contact Mike Merrill to get your name on the bucket that stands next to a Rotarian as they ringadabell. 

We heard we had an amazing season of giving for our Food Drives. Heather Cullen thanked all for their participation.

We are promoting Rotary Socials

Toy Drive for the holiday social has a fun spin. You will get an invite and you are asked to purchase a toy that reminds you of a fellow club member. The holiday social is set for December 12th, 6 pm via Zoom. Look for your email invite to arrive shortly.

There is a clipboard with a few opportunities to be active in the club. The following has been promoted by Pres. Bill. 

• Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing needs a few ding a lings. Contact Mike Merrill at            mpmerr42@gmail.com, or call 707-484-0310

Fundraisers – Need volunteers

•  Santa Tim Gift Wrapping – Contact Glenn Sugden at glenn@thirdworkshop.com  / 707-696-9906    
•  February Valentine’s Day Tri-Tip – Contact Carol Martin at cm@marleep.com / 707-403-8200    
• “Boys with Bandwidth” on December 3rd at 7 PM contact Michael Juric at michaelj7@comcast.net /707-478-7527
•  “Ladies on Line” on Wednesday, December 16th at 5:30 contact Pam Moulton at pmoult@comcast.net / 707-328-0026

 Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund – Fires.

• They will work hard to make sure every dollar donated will make a difference in someone’s life!
• www.rotary5130.org/district-disaster-response-plan
•  Mail your donation to: Ashliegh Diehl, District 5130 Treasurer, 1315 Fourth Street, Eureka, Ca 95501

Advice to Grow By…

JB did an introduction of today’s speaker Mimi Enright, Program Manager for the UC Master Gardner, which sounds a lot more fun than her professional past with IBM. She became planted in Luther Burbank country and works on several projects that deal with food waste. 

Who knew that Abraham Lincoln was integral to the development of the Master’s Gardner program.  We all do now.  1972 became the startup year for the Master Gardner program to start in Washington State, California finally grew up in 1982 to start their first MG program. In 2019 the organization donated more than 20,000 hours to helping gardeners.  The road to becoming a badge holder includes 16 weeks of training, and the hours required to maintain the MG rating continues after your being awarded the title.

The MG program is focused on non-commercial homeowners in Sonoma County. The group spends time working on a variety of problems that gardeners face, from soil to pests and beyond. They are also promoting water conservation through sustainable gardening techniques.  You can find their booth at the Farmers Market to get additional information.  Or you can head to the website to get your education growing: http://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/.  If you have a specific question you are invited to email the program at mgsonoma@ucanr.edu. 

President Bill thanked Mimi for educating us. He also suggests that we leave our work behind this week but that we do something Rotarian for those who need help. Happy Thanksgiving. 

Bell ringing started at 7:31 and President Bill Bolster reminded us of last week’s program offered by Elizabeth Gore regarding Ask Alice.

Michael Juric shared the news that Ken Moulton has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig ’s disease. He is off on a road trip today and he is experiencing this life-changing event in typical Ken fashion.)

Renee Hyde offered a pledge to the flag and although we offered it willingly, we also did it in some somber tones.

Doug Williams was called on to share the Four-Way Test, and that’s the truth. 

Be inspired; “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait for a single moment to improve the world.” according to Ann Frank and recited by Barbara McChesney.

JB Leep sang a little Yeah, Yeah, Yeah along with a few other lyrics offered by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

Wally Krutz shared the basics of where the Rotary four-way test got its start, the Aluminum Company was trying to turn around its bottom line and came up with a test that when his people followed, they wound up bringing their company back into the profit column. Rotary adopted the test in an effort to promote the basic tenets of the way to model life.

No visitors of any kind but 35 of us were in attendance.

The scribe, Tom Boylan, got a shout out for being the Rotarian of the Month.

Glenn Sugden let us know our first official Rotary Virtual Bingo went over well with lots of friendship and a few cocktails. Sandi Krutz let us know that the ultimate winner drove away with a Ferrari. 

Dick Bishop Memorial Bell Ringing

• We need a coordinator for the Dick Bishop Memorial Bell Ringing sign-ups. Let President Bill know if you can help. We found out that Dianne Brabitz keeps a kettle in her office to promote donations, and Dianne is planning to match the contents of the kettle and make it a donation to the Windsor Rotary Foundation. Those who sign up to assist with the bell ringing need to work either solo or as a couple, so partners are welcome to ring in some cheer and dollars. Before this scribe could finish this thought, the bell ringing coordinator slot was filled by Mike Merrill.
• Mike and Bill are in need of some company! Sign up and help us ring the bell by calling Mike Merrill 707-484-0310

Heather Cullen says this is the last week of the food drive. She is hoping we can muster a few Thanksgiving dinners to feed those less fortunate. 

Renee Hyde is working on a Virtual Holiday Social. She says we need to look around for a toy that reminds us of one of our fellow Rotarians. An idea to purchase a cash register toy that would represent Ed Turner. The event is slated for December 19th and there was a straw poll showing that most of us like the idea. There will be more info to come from Rene as things develop.   Carol Martin started a poll to see what times people were willing to attend. It appears 6 PM to 8 PM is looking festive.

Susan Cole reminded us there is a possibility to adopt a family for the holidays, in addition to our toy drive. 

December third is when Boys with Bandwidth meets. Let Michael Juric know you are interested in attending.

President Bill is reminding everyone that scribes and bell ringers are needed. Send your volunteer email to info@windsorrotary.co.

COVID CORNER

Diane Brabitz, our COVID nurse sent the following chat notice:

Public Health and most infectious disease docs are recommending we cancel big family dinners and only do with your household members.  it is the only way we will stand a chance of containing this virus until the vaccine can be distributed.” Di.

In addition, she sent the latest in her COVID reports:

Total Cases:        11,055  (last week 10,455)

New Cases:            Fri 68

Sat 98

Sun 125

Mon 85

THIS IS 223 NEW CASES OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE LARGEST SURGE TO DATE!

Deaths:  150     (last week 146)

Hospitalized:     19 confirmed and 5 suspected

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

We have tested a Total of 226,144 and 9163 recovered   (last week 222,291 in our county with 8534 people recovered)   Total negative tests 215,689

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

Sonoma County is still on the strictest Tier of Lockdown  (the Purple Tier – this is one time that being purple is not good!!!)    Because we have been unable to stop the surge of new cases.  The Tiers are based on 3 metrics …… new daily cases per 100,000 residents, the overall percentage of positive tests, and the test positivity rates in the county’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.  Our Public Health Officer is trying to get the State to include data from the private labs that are testing but are not reporting data to the State because it would bring Sonoma County down to the required numbers.  However, we are seeing many of the counties that moved forward falling back into the stricter tiers because of the resurgence of positive cases.

Public Health and the CDC are very worried about an increase in numbers all over the USA from the celebrations in the Streets and in Washington DC from the elections, various Halloween celebrations, and continuous large gatherings that are occurring in Sonoma county.    Again, I emphasize – “We have got to get people who have symptoms to stop, isolate, and get tested!”    (this is like stop, cover, and roll with an earthquake people, but related to our coronavirus!)   This could save hundreds of lives if people would be more cautious and think of others.  

Please, please if you listen to anything, RETHINK YOUR PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAYS OF THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS!   I know most of us would like to be with family and are COVID fatigued, but the life you save could be yours or that of another family member.    Do not take the risk;   just because they are family members does not mean that spread of this virus cannot happen.   If you want a holiday festival or dinner then only 3 separate households, a total of 12 people or less and if someone is coming from out of our county, have them quarantined for 14 days and be tested before they come.   This is the only way we are going to contain this deadly disease!

Help to control this awful, deadly disease so we can hug one again, socialize and support businesses.   It is up to each of us!

Let’s really become SONOMA COUNTY STRONG AGAIN.  Thanks, Di

Announcements

Leslie Lewis decided to return as a fine-master and picked off the easy ones that thought they were celebrating their birthday in a low key manner. Susan Cole thought her dinner at Coppola’s was chilly enough to offer a healthy donation to the Rotary Foundation. 

Doug Williams tried to make us feel sorry for him because he spent his birthday in a board meeting. Doug shared he got a great birthday present in the form of a Medicare card and made a donation to the John Lewis Foundation and that’s when Brian Ling blew the whistle. 

Leslie then went after our president and asked him to share his anniversary of 51 years celebration. He must not have left a tip at Cabianca in Santa Rosa, because he made a generous donation to the Foundation.  

Joan Mora made a donation for the welcoming of Isabella Vida La Rosa, her granddaughter.  Doug Williams decided to offer a donation on behalf of John Nelson who is concluding 17 years as a Fire Board member. 

Program

Craft talks were introduced by JB, who offered to allow Maureen Merrill the honors for introducing Mike Merrill, who then went on to introduce himself…. and this from a man who needs no introduction.

Mike started this journey in the world as a native of San Francisco living in the shadow of Coit Tower. At an early age, his family made the move to Nevada City, California. Ironically when he was a kid in SF he played cowboy and when he moved to Nevada City he became one. 

Growing up in Nevada City was more akin to growing up in the American Graffiti style of life, but that changed when he made the move back to San Francisco and attended the University of San Francisco where he eventually graduated with his Law degree. We had an opportunity to see a photo of Mike the athlete in a soccer uniform. 

In 1963 he went off to OCS for the Marine Corp and wound up with more legal training and eventually went to Vietnam as a Judge Advocate. 

He became active in Rotary after moving to Santa Rosa where he tried to join the Santa Rosa Club and found they were not too receptive, so he went off and formed a club called Santa Rosa West Rotary Club. He eventually became the president and eventually went on to serve as a District Governor. The best thing he found in Santa Rosa was a young woman who became Mrs. Merrill…

Mike shared his passion for flying was only matched by his concern for the Humane Society of Sonoma County and other groups. One of his many committees included the founding of the Sonoma County Airport Committee in 2005. That group receives the credit for bringing commercial aviation back to Santa Rosa. Mike gave a lot of credit to his partner and our fellow Rotarian, Bill Arnone for his work at bringing airlines into Sonoma County. 

We were fortunate to have our new member share that the work at the airport is still moving on.

JB Leep did his own introduction and we shared a dramatic “JB!” on the screen. He let us know that he was born in Stanford Hospital, which is a reverse coincidence since he went on to graduate from Stanford University. 

He shared a series of images showing a handsome young man getting into Ham Radio and other activities. Eventually, that young man went off to an East Coast prep school, with one drawback… it was all boys. We had a chance to see a photo of JB as a football player, but he shared that it was a fortunate injury that ended his sports career and saved him from having to play additional games. It was no game that he won an award for mathematics and science when he graduated and that helped open the door to his education at Stanford University.

JB let us know that an MG can actually make it cross country. He hobnobbed with people like Harry Hamlin of TV fame who also was a British car enthusiast. 

We found out that JB’s dad was a Navy man until he left the service and began a home building company, Leep Homes. JB spent a lot of time learning the trades from the shovel up.

World travel included time in Italy where he learned the language to better fit in. His world travels became a love of his, having spent time throughout the middle east and around the world. After his travels brought him home he wound up graduating from Stanford. 

The wanderlust returned when he went off to Europe to drive a VW van across the continent. We heard of many adventures prior to his return to America where he sought out a past love who became his wife and partner in many ways, including in the clothing business. Tragically his wife was lost in a freak accident on the couple’s property and shortly afterward he opted to leave the clothing business, which happened to be called JB Harper. The moniker he uses today was found when he was all of 35 years old. 

We concluded the meeting with a Go Bears theme and the CAL cheer. In honor of our own Ken Moulton; Go Bears, Go Bears! 

Our president Bill Bolster signaled for the  virtual opening bell to ring at 7:30 with 30 members present.

Susan Cole gave us a little Mahatma Gandhi to inspire: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Leah Hanson had to work a little overtime to get the crew to join her in a rendition of “9 to 5.” What a way to make a living.

Scribe duties were performed by Tom Boylan and the lovely photos of today and last Tuesday were provided by Sue Nelson. The fig gathering was a mini project offered by Pam Moulton to help a neighbor in need of some harvesting.

The magnificent ZOOM master is Michael Juric... next slide please.

Visiting Rotarians:

Our speaker for the day is PDG Igor who brought his lovely wife Norma to critique his program and grace the screen. Igor introduced many of his Rotary friends who also wanted to hear about the topic today. My apologies but the language barrier and the lack of a speedy typist means I can only relay that we had many of his friends and fellow Rotarians from Mexico, and Venezuela.

Guests of Rotarians:

President Bill let us know his sister and her husband were in the meeting today, Irene and Lamar Burgess from Burlington Vermont.

Diane Brabetz daughter Melissa McClintok, the club’s first outgoing former exchange student, and her sister malinda.

Announcements:

Our Zoomaster Michael Juric has earned the September Rotarian of the Month status for his efforts to raise funds for the club and for making Pres Bill’s meetings look seamless.

Heather Cullen gave us an update on the Food Drive. She and Barbara McChesney have found some wonderful support, including a $5000 donation from Sonoma County Resource Recovery.

Sandi Krutz let us know that past member Dennis Marks dropped by her place and donated $150 towards ending hunger in Windsor.

Susan Cole let us know that Polio is no more on the African continent. Nigeria was the third to the last country in the world to have the virus. They are no longer in that column. Let’s turn our attention to Afghanistan and Pakistan to finally end polio now.  Susan thanked us all for contributing to the polio fund.

Beth Smith gave us a report on the future of our exchange program , including news of her daughter Kate’s impending trip to Germany. The program is alive and well even in these difficult times.

Help Wanted:

You can let any of the members know how you can help by going to info@windsorrotary.com and mentioning your interest. Or reach out directly.

• Leah needs a few more song leaders to help us stay in harmony.
• Tom Boylan is looking for a few good writers to help take these notes for future meetings. So far Pam Moulton has volunteered along with Pegi Ball. The more the merrier.
• We still need a few robotic supporters for Glenn Sugden and company. Work with kids and have some fun with tech.
• Contact Sue Nelson to take part in the Vineyard Academy mentoring interviews.

Announcements:

You can make a donation to the District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund by going to the district website: Rotary5130.org

District Foundation Leaders Summit on POLIO happens September 3rd.

We lost a few good people, they are alive and well, but they have moved away. President Bill suggests we ought to be on the lookout for a few more good people. It’s not easy in the time of COVID, but just let them know they can be a part of the good things we are doing in the community through the pandemic and beyond.

Break Out:

Michael Juric asked us to let a small breakout group know what drew us to Rotary. He would also like to know what we think Windsor Rotary should be known for on the other side of the COVID.

Progam:

Diane Brabetz introduced her friend and her family member PDG Igor Peniche, He and his wife have five daughters. Igor has been a member of several clubs in Mexico having served as president with both clubs and eventually as a district Governor for his Rotary District. Diane shared how she met Igor at the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen, where she had the opportunity to sit alongside Igor and provided an impromptu translation service for the meeting.

After a technical pause we were invited to watch a video  that gave us a front row seat to see what the effects of a hurricane had on the Playa del Carmen region.

Diane was featured in the video talking about how Les woke up one morning and realized he was ill and through her Rotary connection with Igor and others an ambulance came to the rescue of Les. who was having a heart problem.

Igor shared the mutual appreciation for the community that Diane and Les brought to Mexico and his appreciation for all that Rotary has provided for his community and his country.  He shared a screen where we saw his promoting Windsor Rotary Club for saving many live in Mexico. The meeting of the two country’s Rotary clubs and districts was remarkiable. Diane received a well deserved accolade for her efforts to help and her ability to bridge the two districts.

We heard about a Dream Project to help prevent underground water contamination. Working with our club they were able to fund sewer hookups for many of the families in that region.  The project raised more than $25,000 to help more than 700 people .

Igor gave credit to his participation in our fundraising efforts through the Cioppino Feed to meeting so many of our Windsor Rotarians and the near immediate connection he made with so many of our members.

Projects we have helped with include the Drinking water project, a Day of the Child program, and a COVID-19 project that is currently underway.  These projects saved lives and Windsor Rotary is extremely appreciated for its work to make these projects happen.

Igor shared his sentiment that Rotary is family and we should all emphasize to our family that Rotary can bind us together.

Diane Brabetz COVID report:

Here is the latest information on COVID from your Rotary nurse:

Total Cases: 5800 / New cases Fri 119, Sat  66, Sun 64, Mon 82

Deaths 80    (65 out of the 80 have been seniors in facilities)

2 new deaths on Sunday were also seniors in a facility

Hospitalized 44

37% of our cases remain in the 25-44 year olds

Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital has an outbreak currently with 17 employees infected in one unit

The other cases continue in our senior facilities, family outings, gatherings and travel (all considered community spread)

Governor Newsom has instituted a new Plan – 4 Tiers that a county would be assigned to based on case rates /100,000 population and other factors.   Once you are in a Tier, must wait for 3 weeks to move to another Tier based on the same criteria.   Sonoma County is unfortunately in the most restrictive Tier because of our number of cases and not moving out of this Tier any time soon.

Help us help Sonoma County – educate your friends and neighbors that this is real, it is not going away any time soon and it is up to every one of us to do our part to stop it until we get a widely spread vaccine available.    This is not political, not a hoax and there are “super spreader events” going on as we speak…..   even political rallies which just should not be happening.   Stay social distanced – wash your hands – wear your mask – stay home or in your “household bubble” as much as possible to help decrease this spread.   Most of our spread is from asymptomatic people who do not know they have it.   Stay healthy, stay well and help to stop the spread! Thanks, Di

With 28 in the room we got our opportunity to see President Bill Bolster share a screen or two with Michael Juric at the ZOOM controls.

Catherine Hanron gave us a rousing rendition of the Four way test

Susan Cole gave us some inspiration: “When you can’t control what is happening, control yourself to how you respond.”

Dave Ruprecht gave us a Happy Trails to You to recognize that he is planning to move to Novato, where he will be leading the song for the Rotary Club of Novato. He must have gotten tired of our being out of tune, but he was a true performer to keep singing regardless.

The scribe for the day is still Tom Boylan. The images are still courtesy of Sue Nelson. 

Guests of Rotarians:

Scholarship winner Nancy Hernandez Rocha is on hand.

Our speakers for today’s program were introduced, Town of Windsor water specialists Sandi Porter and Elizabeth Cargay.

Announcements:

The July Rotarian (s) of the month continues to be the Rotary Board of Directors:

• Bill Bolster –President
• Maureen Merrill –Past President
• Pam Moulton –President Elect
• Leah Hansen –Secretary
• Ed Turner -Treasurer
• Glenn Sugden –Community; President-elect designate
• Carol Martin –Community
• Sandie Krutz –Youth
• Doug Williams –Vocational
• Ken Moulton (John Hackenburg) –International
• Renee Hyde –Membership
• Alison Huber –Director at large

Carol Martin let us know that we raised $900 last week for the food drive. Totals are $8182 that we have provided to our community food pantries.

Carol Martin and JB Leep helped to raise $65,000 through the Senator McGuire Boots, Beans and Brews drive-through fundraiser last weekend.

Scribe needed: 

If you would like to have a say in how we write about our club meetings, become a scribe. The pay is negotiable and the perks are that no one gets to edit your words. Seriously looking for a volunteer, or two, or three. Let Tom know (info@windsorrotary.co) if you have a want to become a columnist for Rotary. 

The Rotary Club of Windsor needs a Social Media manager. We are looking for someone that can post to a new platform and have our notes appear in several social media. The platform allows you to create posts once a month and set a schedule to appear in Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This is a guaranteed fun job and the pay will none. Contact Chris Landwher (info@windsorrotary.co)  if you are interested, or just post it online. 

Glenn Sugden is looking for more volunteers to help kids learn about the world of robotics. Shoot an email to Glenn at info@windsorrotary.co. 

Windsor High School Vineyard Academy is still in need of Rotarians to provide some understanding to the High School students as to what your vocation requires to succeed. Get hold of Sue Nelson (info@windsorrotary.co) to sign up to spend only an hour over the course of three weeks in mid to late September.  There is no preparation required; just talk about yourself and what you think is needed to succeed in your profession. This is a virtual internship that would make a difference. Look at the bottom of this bulletin for more information.

There is a whole lot coming up for future meetings and you want to be sure to see what’s coming up by reading JB Leep’s weekly email notices.

Be sure to watch the following music video on YouTube featuring our own Carol Martin and JB Leep. https://youtu.be/UTtZnkQjnY0

Leslie Lewis is back throwing out some recognition and asking for those who are mentioned to make their check payable to the Windsor Rotary Club, be sure to write in the memo where you want your dollars directed to so we can put the dollars where you want them to go.

Daniel Myers shared a spoiling opportunity with his birthday celebration. He made a donation to the Windsor Rotary Foundation for birthdays and anniversary.

Brian Ling got tagged for celebrating a 35th wedding anniversary and his birthday celebration. A donation was made to Rotary International.

Sue Nelson went to dinner on the lawn at John Ash to celebrate 43 years with John Nelson.

Robin Resendez is celebrating her second anniversary with her husband’s first wife coming to dinner. COVID brings out the best of us!

Overcoming Obstacles Scholarship recipient Nancy Hernandez Rocha was recognized by Maureen Merrill for her exceptional work in her studies at Windsor High. She let us know that she is currently working and is planning to start college at California University Santa Cruz in October. Nancy shared some frustration she has dealt with regarding the misconception of many, including her own family of a “women’s place.” She is planning to major in Community Studies so that she can have an impact on the future.

Program:

JB Leep introduced this week’s speakers, including Elizabeth Cargay and Sandi Potter, both from the Town of Windsor Public Works department.  They want to let us know about how the geology, wells, area watersheds, drainage, and other factors affect the sustainability of groundwater in our area.

Various regulations concerning local well certification are coming into effect, but the availability of water is important to all of us. We had a picture shared of the declining water tables with more than 4.8 feet of the ground collapsing in the Central Valley due to the loss of groundwater. The sustainable groundwater management act was enacted to deal with the problems we face in Sonoma County with a continued reduction of groundwater. Windsor is within the Santa Rosa Plain.

Elizabeth let us know that California was the last of the western states to enact a law to deal with groundwater use. There is a new agency that was created to make decisions regarding groundwater. A committee with a diverse swath of different interests, including rural residential, agriculture and others are working on the direction the new agency will take with regard to regulations on groundwater and wells in general. The goal is to move toward developing a groundwater sustainability plan by January 31, 2022.  Once the plan is in place, California law is requiring that the Santa Rosa Plain achieve sustainability by 2042. For a better understanding of the topic please visit: srcity.org/857/Groundwater

Sandi came back to tell us a little about the cost for the program and how so far we have taken advantage of more than 2 million in State grants. It would appear that we are also going to be funding this by paying a fee of $19.90 per acre-ft of groundwater pumped. A rural homeowner is going to be paying approximately $9.95 annually.  Even more, information can be found at: www.santarosaplaingroundwater.org

Our weekly COVID report by Diane Brabetz:

• Total Cases – 4465 / Deaths – 57 (50 out of 57 in seniors)
• 19% 25-34 yr old and 18% 35-44
• New Cases    Sat 136, Sun 84, Mon 88,  1/3 of new cases in last 2 wks
• Hospitalized 50

Most transmissions are in senior facilities, but the County is seeing new and increased transmission through social gatherings and travel.  It has been suggested by those in the know for COVID, that if you travel to a COVID hot spot or out of the area, you should plan to isolate for 10 days.

Help us keep this virus at bay – wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay in your “bubble”.

Windsor High School Vineyard Academy Vocational Program – Virtual Internships

The Program

Marie Ganister in the Vineyard Academy is requesting the participation of Windsor Rotarians to serve as panelists in a Vocational Program for Seniors this fall. The program will address careers in each of the following areas:

• Financial
• Legal
• HR/Administrative/Banking
• Hair/Nails/Personal Services
• Construction
• Small Business
• Fire/Police/Public Safety
• Physical Fitness

Time Commitment   

Participants will serve on a total of 2 or 3-panel discussions with approximately 15 students for a period of about 1 hour.  Panel discussions will occur via Zoom and the program is scheduled for the latter half of September.

Sign Up

Additional details will be provided for all those who are interested – Please reply to:

Sue Nelson        (info@windsorrotary.co)    (707) 838-6964

Please indicate your particular career area and provide your contact information.  Also, please feel free to suggest the name (with contact information) of a colleague, spouse or friend who might also be a good panelist.

A nice group of 28 gathered to hear the ring of the bell at 7:30… President Bill Bolster gave us a chance to reminisce on the past meetings and the number of attendees gained to 38

A pledge of allegiance was offered by Catherine Hanron.

Alison Huber offered a quote from Anne Frank, How wonderful it is that no one needs to wait a single moment to change the world.”

JB Leep let us know that he studies Karaoke and it inspired him to rewrite the lyrics to Foggy Day… I believe more were muted than turned on by the performance. But what the heck… the sun was shining by the end.

Tom Boylan was back to offering words for the day.

Michael Juric has offered his services as Zoom master, which means we are moving our address from Glenn Sugden’s Zoom to a dedicated Rotary Zoom. Keep an eye out on your emails for the new address.

Visiting Rotarians:

None to be seen.

Guests of Rotarians:

Our featured speaker for the meeting Mark Scott, Exe. Dir. of North Bay Animal Services.

Announcements:

Rotarian of the month is JB Leep.

Leslie Lewis took on the role of recognition master (finemaster), and immediately offered Michael Juric an opportunity to share a picture of Alison May, his newest granddaughter.

Leslie found a doubleheader with Alison Huber who is celebrating her birthday and her anniversary.

We are reminded that there is an $80 charge for our annual membership and if you didn’t pay it on the annual bill, you can make it happen during the year.

Tom Hassur is vacationing in Eagle Lake and will wait until next year to be recognized for his birthday.

Maureen and Mike Merrill took a trip down the Russian River and opted to pay $32 toward their fines, to match the number of years they have been in wedded bliss, but Maureen offered that she and Mike would increase the dollars.

Sandie and Wally Krutz took a drive out to the coast and celebrated their 51 years of marriage. We found out they spent more time necking in the front seat, possibly the back seat was a little uncomfortable. They kept the fine evenly split down the middle.

Steve Klick celebrated 20 years married to the best cake maker in the West, Mapi Klick, and went on an adventure to Charlie’s for a getaway. He offered that he will be depositing dollars monthly into the John Lewis Fund.

Carol Martin offered a donation to the Windsor Rotary Community Project Fund, because she is celebrating a second retirement!

We heard there is a continuing effort to promote the food security drive. Pres. Bill let us know we have some exciting meetings coming up, including a candidates forum, a visit from James Gore, and District Governor Doug Johnson.

Alison Huber put out a call for volunteers for 2021. She would like us to keep the ball rolling as the committee prepares for another special night for 2021 graduates. The committee meets every third Thursday of the month and you can contact Alison to learn more of the contact.

Diane Brabetz brought us to Mexico and Playa del Carmen where the need for assistance with medical clinics is great.

Community Projects are underway and Heather Cullen had a chance to send money to the Food Pantry, along with food. Glenn Sugden filled us in on the Cali cal meca robotics team, by purchasing robotic kits, but he really wants to find volunteers ready to learn robotics. There is a need for up to 10 Rotarian volunteers. In addition there is a District Grant application in the works to work with our parks. Redwood Food Bank is looking for volunteers from Rotary as well.

Participation Opportunities:

Robotics Mentoring

1. We plan to support the Robotics Club at Cali Calmecac again this year with our District Matching Grant.  We were so impressed with Mark Galli’s presentation about what the club accomplished this last year using virtual robots.  We’d like to help him expand the club to bring in more kids, but to do that he needs more adult mentors!
2. Our solution:
   1. We offer Rotarians the opportunity to learn about robotics and coding with Virtual Robotics Toolkit so they can be mentors.  Learn more here:  https://www.virtualroboticstoolkit.com/
   2. We offer any left-over licenses to Mark Galli for interested parents or to teachers at WHS/WMS for either parents or students – for the same purpose.
   3. Through their teachers, we encourage some WHS STEM students to do their senior projects utilizing some phase of helping younger kids in the Robotics Club.
   4. We turn our Rotarian mentors into an awesome, extremely talented coding cadre – and we help Mark however we can.
   5. Glenn provides technical support and encouragement to the group and all!
3. Here’s the plan:
   1. WRCF will purchase 10 Perpetual licenses for the Virtual Robotics Toolkit at a discounted group price of $40.00 each.
   2. Each person will need a computer to participate.
   3. We are asking members to pay $40 for their individual license so they will have skin in the game and be motivated to keep going.  District matching grants do NOT allow for ‘train the trainer’ funds, so we need to cover these costs separately from the grant.
   4. This will be a self-directed effort, meaning you will be learning on your own – in your own home, on your own computer.  Glenn will do a kickoff session to get us going, but he will NOT be doing classes.
   5. Given the COVID situation, we are not sure what the eventual mentoring will look like, but we are going to learn these new skills so we can be ready when the opportunity pops up.
4. How to get started:
   1. Send an email to Carol at cm@marleep.com – and say “Count me in for the Robotics Mentor Team”.  We will eventually come up with an appropriate name, but we can do that as a group.
   2. Write a check payable to “WRCF” for $40 and write “Robotics Mentor” in the memo section.  Send the check to Ed Turner at Airport Business Center, 414 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
   3. We are ordering the licenses and will send you a link and all the information you need to get started.
   4. We will plan to have a kickoff ZOOM meeting in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned for details.  We will arrange this for a time when everyone is available.

Volunteer with Redwood Empire Food Bank

REFB is in URGENT NEED of volunteers to help at their main location and also at distribution sites throughout the area.  To find out more, go to this link https://refb.org/ and click the “Volunteer” button at the top to see the opportunities available.

Windsor Middle School – Landscaping Support

Heather Cullen is organizing a group to help out at Windsor Middle School.  She says…

I need 8 people to help me with a service project at Windsor Middle School THIS SATURDAY (7/25/20) from 8am to 12pm.  We need a couple people to lay ground cloth on the dirt in the island on the parking lot under the solar panels, 2 people to shovel mulch into the wheelbarrows, 2 people to wheel the mulch to the island and dump onto the ground cloth and 2 people to rake it flat.

Please bring wheel barrows, rakes and shovels with you.  We’ll take more helpers if we can..but I think this will work too.

Project Grad – Seeking volunteers for committees & the Board

Alison Huber told us this morning that Project Grad was definitely cancelled for the 2020 grads.  But they are already planning for next year – and they are looking for volunteers.  Find out more information here https://www.windsorhighprojectgrad.org/ about how you could get involved.

Program:

JB Leep introduced our speaker for the day, Mark Scott, Exe. Dir. of North Bay Animal Services. He is a senior animal control officer with experience around the county. He has been instrumental in the Tubbs fire animal rescue efforts.

Mark let us know that the facility is located in Petaluma 7622267. Their mission is to help people keep their animals in their homes versus surrendering the animals to the shelter. The goal is to help families understand the importance of keeping their pets, and keeping them healthy. The goal is compassion, community  and connection. North Bay animal; services works with a wide variety of cities, including Windsor, Calistoga, Petaluma, Cloverdale, and Healdsburg, where they provide animal control services, but no sheltering.

Paid staff is eleven people, but they rely heavily on the volunteers that become dedicated, especially during disasters. They also provide the “Cuddle Shuttle,” which is an adoption van that shows up around the county offering pets and if you are interested, you might be able to make arrangements to have it appear at your business.

The innovation of the program has helped them to continue their outreach to children through an online introduction via ZOOM. We were told that any teacher can ask to have the program introduced to their students. We got an opportunity to see firsthand Safe to Pet, or not Safe to Pet.

Safe to Pet, or not Safe to Pet takes the children on a visual tour that includes a variety of pets in daily activities and asks them the question about making contact. Understanding the various times when not to pet will minimize a traumatic event. The program looks to be a success with children and families.

For anyone interested in being spayed or neutered, the service is available through North Bay Animal Services. The cost is pretty affordable too. They stay pretty busy, so be sure to call ahead.

In addition to their animal control and services they also have been busy donating food to families in need. Mark shared that his team is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Door Dash team, especially during the COVID times.

We found out that the Town of Windsor has a dedicated animal control officer who is on hand to administer to the various problems that might occur, including bite reports and safety calls for both the animal and the community members.

President Bill says “Excellence is a habit,” according to an old friend named Aristotle. Then we heard the bell ring