Category: 2019 Jan-Jun

Rotary June 18, 2019

President Sandie is just getting the ring of things as her year is ending… she rang the bell at 7:30 and got the meeting off to a raucous start.

Karen Ricketts pledged to the flag and all were accompanying her efforts

If you weren’t inspired by Tom Hassur’s inspiration… you must have not been there

It could have been a duet with John How and E. Marie Coakley singing songs of Oklahoma, but the club went full choir and burst into a rousing chorus of “Oh what a beautiful morning”

The scribe for the day was not here, but Tom Boylan managed to convince John Hackenburg to scratch out a few details.

There were no visiting Rotarians, but a few visitors, including Lady Abigail, Jose the shadow of Art Diaz, and our speaker for the day, Nicole Myers- Lim with the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center.

Announcements

Once again Jack’s Bar on the Town Green provided an opportunity to socialize and generate some good dollars for our International projects.

Oh No… Sato don’t go… but if you must, we must make it a point to celebrate your being with us for a wonderful year. Don’t miss the chance to say goodbye on July 5^th at Maureen Merrill’s home… more details to follow.

Steve Klick reported that the H2O project in Peru is funding a water tank move, otherwise, it is a tankless job

(The following information was cryptically offered by one John Hackenburg who readily agreed to take shorthand notes and relay them to today’s scribe… me. If you find any of the information confusing, please address your complaints to John. Thank you on behalf of the management)

Finemaster Karen Ricketts was taking no prisoners but was willing to let people throw a little bail money her way, but she was nice enough to allow herself to be one of the chosen donors. Michael Juric stepped in and made a donation for what can only be described as… Dr. Father? Bill Arnone paid the piper, but didn’t understand. John Hackenburg made a donation based on his fifty years of marital bliss. Jack Hyde is going out as a gentleman… like he is anyway, and he offered $100 to John Lewis for the great party the club threw for him last week. Leslie Lewis threw in her 2 cents… OK maybe a little more, for her and Nirmal’s 31^st wedding anniversary. Renee Hyde’s name appeared in the notes. Jason Black’s son turned 50 and finally won a baseball championship!

Program

(The scribe wishes to apologize for not being present during the actual meeting, but I have taken some creative license to share some of what I discovered at cimcc.org. Please plan to visit the museum located at 5250 Aero Dr., Santa Rosa and is open Mon – Fri 9 am to 5 pm and weekends.)

Nicole Myers-Lim is the Executive Director of the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, and a member of the Pomo tribe. The purpose of the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center is to culturally enrich and benefit the people of California and the general public. The goals of the Museum and Cultural Center are to educate the public about California Indian history and cultures, to showcase California Indian cultures, to enhance and facilitate these cultures and traditions through educational and cultural activities, to preserve and protect California Indian cultural and intellectual properties, and to develop relationships with other indigenous groups.

The Museum provides California Indians and the public with a first-class museum facility in which to portray California Indian history and culture from an Indian perspective. In addition, the museum showcases and encourages the present-day renaissance of California Indian culture, affirming its survival and continued vitality in the face of extreme adversity. Finally, the museum provides opportunities for Native Americans to receive training and experience in a variety of fields such as museum direction, curation, design, and interpretation.

The Museum was developed by the National Indian Justice Center (NIJC), a 100% Indian owned and operated nonprofit corporation. Originally founded in 1983 as a resource for tribal courts, the NIJC has steadily expanded its mission and is now known as a major force for improving the quality of life and the quality of justice in Indian country.

The meeting concluded with a memorable and appropriate quote offered by Pres. Sandie:

“Real museums are places where time is transformed into space.” __Orhan Pamuk

June 4, 2019

Inspiration-Glenn

Song- Allen, Take Me out to the Ball Game!!

No visiting Rotarians

Guests/Visitors: Baby Abigail, Baby Adler Juric.

Jose/mentor: Art Diez

Youth exchange students, Mia Figaro-from previous years exchange, Beth, Don and Kate Smith-exchange in yr. 2021

Project Grad results! from Alison:

Thanks go to all the Rotarians that helped with project grad-it looked like they were still recovering!!

Glenn-Windsor Robotics-

some of the great items that were made into some kind of robotic:

Ferris Wheel, with lights, made out of balsa wood and cardboard

Gauss-project, mobile, made out of metal

Hydraulics project-Hydraulic motor made out of cardboard

Robotic capacitor-cardboard

Doppler-sound and acoustics, sound wave travel

Shout out to Bev Graham-surgery was perfect and she is doing great!! Thanks, Sue Cole for the update

Jack’s Bar has gotten off to a great start for the season, pulling in $1138!! It was a little on the “chilly side”, but that didn’t stop the folk’s from visiting our Bar!! Let’s hope we can continue to pull in numbers like that after Jack leaves! Let’s make him proud!!

Fines-Jim Ruppert:

    Pegi-paid a nice fine for her birthday, and for her daughter’s finally moved into their new homes in Paradise!!

    Sandi-had a birthday, that is continuing on…..thanks for the $$ by paying off your fines!

Short talks from Caden, Emma, and a wrap up from Sato.

Caden is doing a short exchange for July/August, (sorry I didn’t get where he was going for the short visit) He will be leaving for the Netherlands on August 15th. He is working on learning Dutch, and raising funds for his year away. There will be an event on Sunday, June 9th at Kaiser Park. He said there will be entertainment of all kinds, so it should be interesting!

He will also let us know when his Go Fund Me page is up and running!

Mina, our exchange student from 2 years ago(?) let us know that she has been accepted to Lewis and Clark Univ. and will start in the fall.

Sato did a great slide show about his year with us here in Windsor:

Alcatraz with JB and Carol, ate the “Biggest Burger”!

Halloween-dressed up and had a great time!

Flying w/Bill Conkin

Multiple Giants games with Bill Bolster

CAL games with Ken Moulton

Prom, couldn’t miss it, had a great time!

Maureen and Mike Merrill-Maureen was a great cook, and he got to try all kinds of vegan, and Loved it!!

Ft. Bragg with a large group of exchange students.

Went to Hollywood and walked the famous sidewalk of the stars.

Snow trips, Warriors Game, Art with Renee, Ice Skating

Was so excited to meet our own Senator Mike McGuire!!

His most favorite thing to do was work out at the local CrossFit. The owner Alex gave Sato a free membership, and that meant the world to Sato. He loved going and working on “getting buff” and toned. Our club also presented Alex with a special plaque for this wonderful donation.

Sato also got to see what it felt like to compete in some track meets, and was able to place 2nd in a special meet in Oakland!!

Sato will have a going away party at the Merrill’s the 1st Friday in July, but Maureen will give more info as the date gets closer!

Flag Salute Bill Bolster led the flag salute

Inspiration Larry Wasem was channeled by Ed Turner who focused on the foibles of taxation.

“The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.” Will Rodgers

“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Winston Churchill

“Death, taxes, and childbirth! There’s never any convenient time for any of them.” Margret Mitchell

“We have what it takes to take what you have” Suggest IRS Motto

“What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin.” – Mark Twain

Song:

Allen Christensen lead a rousing rendition of “Happy days are here again” that took very liberal “artistic liberties with the words to include Rotary and spring training! You had to be there.

Introduction of Visiting Rotarians:

Bill Carson was introduced as a returning Rotarian to promote the SYMETRA LPGA Tour and a search for host families for the lady competitors.  For more information contact Damion Reddy via email  Demian@windsorgolf.com.

Introduction of Guests of Rotarians: 

Alison Huber introduced Project Grad Spokesperson Holly Schmidt. Holly gave a great overview of the “Project Grad” night.  She also asked us to save the date June 1st. They need volunteers especially for the “Late Shift” 12:30 to 04:30 AM.

No particular skills needed to help, however, artist and “tarot card readers” are in short supply (training will be provided).

Also, there is a need to sponsor some students to encourage participation the cost is $60 and contributions are accepted at the link below

For more info………www.windsorhighprojectgrad.org/

To Volunteer…………..https://www.windsorhighprojectgrad.org/volunteer–please–

Announcements:

SNAP (Special Needs Activities Program) Art Diaz described the benefits of this program and its origins in Rotary. He asked Rotarians to see him for volunteer opportunities.

Maureen Merrill gave the club some feedback from PETS (President Elect Training Sessions). She described how it was insightful even with all of her experience.  Maureen went on to explain that the 400 plus incoming presidents from our region were charged up. Also, there were kudos for the contribution of Windsor Rotary’s own Michael Juric who lead the team to develop new curriculum.

Recognitions/Fines: 

Brian Ling was the Fine Master. He did some recognition of several marital milestones like Rich Mucci, himself and Ken and Pam Moulton at 30 years.

We learned that Ed Turner has another grandchild and that Louise was ecstatic with another baby to fuss over.

Joan Mora “threw herself under the bus” with the news of a successful program on Human Trafficking. It is helping grow the awareness to both sex trafficking, as well as, labor trafficking.

Speaker

Rising from the Ashes was the theme for the day. It was a focus on the members who lost homes in the fires two years ago. It was very uplifting with President Sandie showing some pictures Kurt Mitchler supplied along with some comments about his timeline for the house being extended and progress on the barn which was shown being framed.

–Leah Hansen showed us real progress on their home. She explained some of the terms they learned in the process and the decisions they needed to make on every aspect of the build. Her photos helped us remember the devastation so many experienced and the progress that is being made.

–Dave Culley Started his story with advice to everyone. “Do Not be underinsured”! He had pictures that helped bring more of the tragedy into perspective, but he too is “making lemonade” with pictures depicting some of the hurdles he and Kathy have had to clear, but also gave us an insight into things that will be better, stronger and more user-friendly.

All in all, it was good to see how well they are coping with this challenge.

Which lead into President Sandie’s closing remarks.

“The real heroes are those who rebuild their lives using adversity as a stepping stone to greatness in the midst of the chaos life has thrown at them.”

Rotary Club of Windsor

May 7, 2019

Teacher Appreciation Day

Flag salute led by Joan Mora

Mike Rasch:  Shared his gratitude for the inspiration he received from his Teachers & Coaches in School.

JB warmed us up with an interactive version of the song ABC’s

Art Diaz introduced his protégé’ Jose Diego,  Jose attends, North Bay Met Academy, works at a job in Healdsburg and shadows Art twice a week, including Arts weekly commitment to Rotary,  way to go Jose, and what a great example you are Art, thank you.

President Sandy introduced her daughter Kathy, who is volunteering and sharing her Art talents at the North Bay Met Academy.

President Sandy thanked all the Windsor Rotarians that once again successfully guided our Rotary Balloon thru the streets of downtown Windsor, for the Windsor Parade.  They were joined by the French RFE team riding bicycles in the parade as well.

Gratitude was also expressed by President Sandy to those that hosted the French RFE team and the Moulton’s for hosting the wonderful social Friday evening, lots of great food and friendship.

Ken Moulton opened our Teacher Appreciation Day program by expressing his appreciation and gratitude to all the educators for their dedication to our youth.

The teacher appreciation day program was the brainchild of Kens in 2003, he has successfully orchestrated this day of recognition, with the assistance of fellow Rotarians for 17years.

Ken introduced our visiting dignitaries that joined us in presenting the Recipients with their awards.  Debra Fudge; Vice Mayor, Town of Windsor,  Jenny Chamberlain; District Director Representing James Gore Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, District 4,    Laurel Green; Representative for State Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood,  Brandon Krueger; Superintendent Windsor Unified School District.

Recipients were introduced by the Principal of their respected schools and presented with certificates of recognition by visiting dignitaries.

The following teachers have given “Service Above Self” in their schools and in the Windsor community.

Alissa Dockter:  Mattie Washburn Elementary

Abigail Wilson: Windsor Creek Elementary

Ryan Cameron:  Brooks Elementary School

Patricia Chadwick:  Cali Calmécac Language Academy

Kathryn Coursey:  Windsor Middle School

Heather Kristensen:  North Bay Met Academy  (WUSD alternative education program)

Mary Aalborg:  North County Consortium Preschool Speech and Language Program

John Brito:  Windsor High School

Ken concluded the program once again thanking all the educators, their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness towards youth is an inspiration to all of us.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Pledge:  Laura Buhrer

Inspiration:  Daniel Myers, King Solomon “Fools error is

Warmup:  John LeCave, hug your neighbors, at least 3

Visiting Rotarians:  none

Guests:

• Jerry Schaeffer (Past member of Windsor Rotary, coming back to say hello)
• Che Casul, guest speaker
• Kevin Donyo, Windsor resident

Announcements:

• Ed Turner thanked Windsor Rotarians for contributing $305 to new grandson, Jacob Edward Turner, with Ed’s match, Jacob has a new account of $650.
• Bev Graham is very proud to announce her 6^th Great Grand-Child
• Glenn Sudgen sent a note and pictures from his home recuperation studio
• Allison Huber was presented with her new Blue Badge. Congratulations
• Rug Readers for 1^st graders at Cali. Looking for a couple of volunteers for March 26.  Let Wally Krutz know if you are interested.
• World Rotaract Week – Our district has 3 Rotaract Clubs at Sonoma State University, Humboldt State University, and the Lost Coast region.
• The next day to help plant trees for the Rotary re-Forestation project in Middletown is Saturday, March 30. President Sandie Krutz has volunteer information.
• Windsor Rotary is hosting the March 28, SCARC dinner at Mary Agatha Furth Center. President Sandie would love to see a big welcoming presence by the Windsor Rotarians.
• District Conference will be May 17-19, in Reno. President Sandie and President-Elect Maureen Merrill have information to attend this great Rotary opportunity.

Lobster Fest – Saturday, April 6.   Event Chair Michael Juric thanked the Club and his Committee for the great progress we have made preparing for our Lobster Fest, and highlighted what’s remaining on the “Things we need to do” list:

• 40 of 100 Silent Auction items in possession. Please turn in yours to Jack Hyde
• Sign up for Clean Up!
• Make your reservations online.
• Need just a few more bottles of fine wine for our collection, check with Sue Nelson if you have something to contribute.
• Last call for anything to contribute to the Live Auction.

Rotary Foundation – Past President Bill Arnone gave a brief presentation on contributing to the Foundation, particularly in your Estate Planning and being a Benefactor.  Signing up is easy and has tax benefits to your ultimate estate settlement.  As an example, a $25,000 endowment will generate a $1,000/yr in perpetuity to benefit all the service projects that Rotary Foundation invests in.

Guest Speaker:  Che Casul, Executive Director of the Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship.

The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship, formally Circuit Rider Productions, has been in Windsor (9619 Old Redwood Hwy) since 1976.  Che was appointed Executive Director a year ago.  The Center has implemented numerous programs over the years, primarily serving at-risk youth.  At one point in time, the Center had the largest native plant nursery in Northern California.

Under Che’s guidance, the Center has created and transitioned into a new Board of Directors and Leadership Team.  While maintaining their long-term objectives of helping at-risk teens and other identified community segments in need, the Center is working on the following programs:

• Free Rides for Seniors – Provides free transportation to seniors in need by using the Center’s vehicles by driver’s that are in need of employment support and have passed required testing to drive the vehicles in a responsibly accepted manner.
• Asset Sharing – The Center will allow their vehicles and conference center to be used by other non-profit organizations that support the efforts made by the Center.
• Landscaping Tradition – The Center continues its tradition of landscape support by supplying plants and labor for maintenance and enhancement to qualifying areas. Also giving employment training and support to at-risk youth.
• Housing – Has allowable zoning and started the process to build a dozen small homes on its ORH site for youth in the transitional ages of 18-25. The North Bay Construction Youth Corps which is a construction training program by the North Coast Builders Exchange, Career Technical Education Foundation, and various other construction organizations, will be assisting in the building of these homes.
• SAY – With consistent objectives, the Center works in partnership with Social Advocates for Youth, in most of their programs.
• Disaster Clean-Up Support – Workers in their various programs have been temporarily reassigned to assist with fire and flood cleanup during our recent county-wide disaster response.

President’s Closing – No message other than go out and have a great day and maybe hug another friend or neighbor like we did this morning.

Rotary Club on Windsor
Minutes from general meeting, May 14, 2019

• President Sandie opened the meeting at +/- 7:20 a.m. by ringing the Bell.
• Mike Rausch led us in the pledge of allegiance
• Carol Martin gave us the inspirational moment
• Susan Cole led us in a warm-up
• Marie Gannister of Windsor high school and Amy Lance of Windsor middle school gave us a presentation highlighting a fundraiser they were having for the new middle school culinary program. The fundraiser is Thursday, May 16th at Christopher Creek winery and is a dinner event.
• Steve Klick gave us an update on a water project that was recently completed in Peru. With the recent floods, the riverbank changed locations and wiped out the water storage tanks that were recently installed. He is asking for donations of up to $1,400 to help repair and move the tanks.
• Glenn Sugden reported on the recent robotics competition at Cali Calmeca. The club donated the money for the supplies. The school won 1st place in two events and there was an article in the Windsor Times which mentioned Rotary.
• President Sandie awarded both Glenn Sugden and JB Leep their Paul Harris awards in
  recognition of donations made to the Rotary Foundation.
• Rich Mucci was the “fine master” and asked everyone a series of questions around medical issues.
• J.B. Leep introduced our speaker, Donna Legge from the Town of Windsor Parks & Recreation Department. Donna spoke about her department’s mission and vision. She highlighted that Windsor has 19 parks consisting of 120 acres. She also discussed that the pool facility is still in the works and at this time is contingent upon the Tribe donating money in return for connecting to the Town’s water & sewer. She also mentioned that this is the 18th annual summer nights on the green concert series. She then answered multiple questions from club members and ended her presentation.
• President Sandie adjourned the meeting at +/- 8:30 a.m.

ROTARY CLUB OF WINDSOR Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2019

Opening – The meeting was officially opened by President Sandy Krutz at 7:30 am followed by the pledge of allegiance lead by Daniel Myers.

Inspiration – The inspiration was given by Susan Cole: “Be grateful for people who make us happy for they are the gardeners who make our soul happy.”

Song/Exercise – The exercise was led by Carol Martin who began by stretching and followed by the song “I am a little teacup”.

Guests – The following guests were introduced: Allison Huber introduced the Graduation Project Director Holly Schmidt.

Announcements

District Conference 2019 – Ken and Pam Moulton reported about the District Conference held this past weekend at the Peppermill Resort and Hotel in Reno, Nevada. This was the first ever four District Conference in Rotary history. Special acknowledgment to District Governor Barbara Spangler for collaborating on something new. A special shout out for Pam Moulton who was selected Masters of Ceremony from our District and became the coordinator for the other three MC’s. The theme for the Conference was “Be the Inspiration” and featured guest speakers that represented the theme. Dave Dravecky, former major league pitcher, spoke about determination while Senator Mike McGuire emphasized his background of growing up raised by his mother and grandmother and never giving up. On Sunday, inventor Mike Marggraff, talked about the future and never saying “Can’t or Impossible”. The Conference ended on a high note with the Youth Exchange Students of four Districts highlighting there life changing experience participating in the program. Our own Sato and counselor Rene Hyde represented our Club. A special thanks to Rene and Paul for all they have given to Rotary Youth Exchange.

Rug Readers – Wally Krutz announced the need for a couple more volunteers to go to Cali Calmecac to read to first graders today at 1:00 pm. Ken Moulton volunteered to read today.

North Bay Met Academy – Volunteers are needed for the Careers Day on May 28, 2019, to be held at the North Bay Met Academy in the Windsor Unified School District.

Kaboom July 4th Celebration – The 20-30 Club will again be sponsoring the July 3 Fireworks Celebration in Windsor. They have asked for volunteers for three-hour shifts and will be given two free tickets for the event.

Windsor Robotic Rumble Competition – The Windsor Robotic completion will be held this weekend at Windsor High School in room E107. Glen Sugden has been working and advising students and encourages members to attend and support the students he has been mentoring.

WHS Grad Night – Allison Huber introduced Holly Schmidt, Director of Grad Night, who again asked for volunteers for this event to be held on May 28 in the WHS Gymnasium. The Club presented Holly with a check for $4509 to support this worthy event.

Rotary Foundation – Bill Bolster was presented with his second Paul Harris award. Bill also committed to becoming a Rotary Benefactor which requests a bequest of $1000.

Storage Trailer – Wally Krutz announced the acquisition of a storage trailer to store many of our supplies for the Margarita Booth and fundraising activities. Wally will need some help to transfer these materials. Please contact Wally if willing to assist.

Counsel on Legislation – Wally announced that JB Leep will be providing the Club with some of the pertinent legislation recently passed in the Council of Legislation in Evanston on the operation of Rotary Clubs.

Acknowledgments

Allen Christensen was acknowledged for his two-week vacation on the island of Bonair located for the coast of Venezuela. A good time was had by a large family reunion with a lot of scuba diving and followed with a communion for his grandson. He will make a contribution to the Club Foundation.

David Culley was recognized for his recent two weeks in London. He will make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation

Speaker: Keith Woods – CEO for the North Coast Builders Exchange

-JB Leep introduced Keith Woods, the long-standing CEO for the North Coast Builders Exchange. Keith Woods, a proud graduate of Cal, Berkeley, has served as CEO of Builder Exchange since 2000. There are over 1250 members in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties. He acknowledged Pegi Ball, Tom Boylan and Brian Ling for their contributions to the community.

Keith addressed his observations on the trends in the building industry both before and after the devastating fires. The following are the highlights:

• A housing crisis existed before the fires with a great need for affordable housing and single home dwellings.
• The fires contributed to the crisis by over 7000 homes (5%) being destroyed in Sonoma County alone. Paradise lost twice that many.
• It will take at least 9 years to complete rebuilding of those home lost in the fires due to the lack of construction companies, under-insured homes, and properties that are being purchased by speculators.
• Projections are that between 1500-2000 homes may be rebuilt in Sonoma County by the end of 2019.
• Much more difficult to rebuild in Fountain Grove than Coffey Park due to infrastructure and code allowances increasing costs.
• Projections is that it will be 5 years before 50-60% of homes in Sonoma County rebuilt.
• Worker and construction shortage complicates rebuilding. North County Builders partnering with vocational education to provide more workers in the future.
• Future housing crisis must include more apartments, lofts and granny units. New thinking required for housing Sonoma residents in the future.

Closing – The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 am by President Sandy Krutz.