Dee Schweitzer tells us about the California Grand Jury system

President Pam called our meeting to order at 7:30 AM.
Wally Krutz led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Bill Arnone called on us to remember that it was 80 years ago on this day that Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese.  But we weren’t going to sing about that.   He led us in a rousing rendition of “Deck the Halls” and the club performed admirably.

Terry Andreacchi offered the club two of his Rotary moments:  first was when he attended a Rotary International Convention in Philadelphia.  He felt as if the whole world was there – people from all parts of the world, all dressed in different ways and coming together for Rotary.  He said it was “hair raising”.   His second moment was at a District Conference where he was representing the San Carlos Rotary.  And the whole event was about the people in the room:  “friends and fellowship”.   That’s what Rotary means to him.

Guests of Rotarians today were:
Dee Schweitzer, our speaker, about the Sonoma County Grand Jury
Charlie Johnson, representing the Windsor Girls Softball Team

President Pam then announced and recognized our December Rotarian of the Month.  She said our December honoree was a longstanding member in the Club, Past President, big skier, a Paul Harris Fellow, a sustaining member and has served on several Club and District Committees, both in the areas of Youth and Membership. 

She has been a long-standing part of our Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  She recently hosted the brother of one of our former Youth Exchange students and provided avenues for amazing activities and contacts with other Rotarians – so much so that he now wants to move back to the states full time.  And she is Leader of the Pack at the Rotary Bar.  She is the impetus behind our Cub keeping International Service at the forefront in our Club. 

And this year she created the “Passport for Success” which is creating opportunities for our new Rotarians to engage more easily and access information about Rotary and our Club at a very personal level.  Hats off to RENEE HYDE – DECEMBER ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH !!!!!

Leslie Lewis acknowledged birthdays for the following members:

Karen Ricketts, who donated to Rotary International in honor of her Dad, Jack Ricketts.   And, she also donated to the Ken Moulton Scholarship Fund, which generated the train horn whistle from Brian Ling.

Leah Hansen was recognized for her November birthday.  Leah said she had two celebratory meals for her birthday and donated to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation (WRCF) for her birthday.

Rags was on the recognition list, but insisted that his birthday was in September!  He still donated based on his number of chickens, either 14 or 25???

President Pam announced:

Each month Rotary has a theme – a focus – we have tried to keep this in the forefront when planning our monthly meetings – to have at least ONE meeting that gives focus to the theme for that month

Last month was Foundation- we started the introduction with the purple pinky when Bob Rogers was talking about Polio.

In November – we had Greg and Lili Freitas who talked about some of the activities that the foundation is involved in – i.e. International exchanges, etc.

This month – the focus is DISEASE PREVENTION – again focus on not just POLIO but other areas in which ROTARY is involved in supporting training facilities and health camps in undeveloped countries who are also struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria.  Financing programs and working with communities to improve drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.

We are dedicated to working with partners on an international level to reach the one in six people in the world who can’t afford to pay for health care.

The world relies on Rotary to tackle these global challenges, and to set an example for others to follow.  Our Club has been active and involved in international projects such as these, supporting a clean water project in Peru this year.

President Pam announced that Sandi and Wally had a family announcement:  their daughter is engaged!  Sandi said the news came at the first of November, that they like their son-in-law-to-be, and that he has red hair!

Joan Mora announced our ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARTY– this Saturday, December 11, at John How’s home, 9951 Troon Court, Windsor, at 5:30 PM.  Members are to bring:  drinks to share, a food dish to share, and an unwrapped gift that reminds you of the Rotarian name you drew.  If you didn’t draw a name, contact Joan Mora or Sandi to receive a name.  All the gifts we bring to the Rotary Christmas party will be donated to the Windsor Toy and Food Drive, which is co-chaired by our own Robin Resendez. 

Bill Bolster rang the BIG bell – that is the Salvation Army bell – looking for more volunteers for December 11 and December 18.  Bill reminded us that there are 1.4 million Rotarians in the world who have given 19 million hours of service in the last year.  This is an impressive organization we belong to!

Sue Nelson offered a summary just to clarify all of the activities of our Club during this holiday season:

1. We are adopting Windsor families in need through teams established last week.  This is in coordination with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma/Marin.  See Sandi Krutz with your team donations of gift cards which will be delivered this Friday.
2. Our Club has donated financially to the Windsor Community Toy & Food Drive.  And, to add to our fun we are buying a toy that reminds you of a fellow Rotarian whose name you have chosen.  Bring this toy on Saturday to our Christmas party at John How’s home.  The toy should be unwrapped or in a bag and we will try to guess who the Rotarian is.  These toys will all be donated through Robin Resendez to the Community Toy and Food Drive.

Both of the above are part of our financial commitment to our community this Christmas.  But there are also hands-on activities available for us to donate our time and our hearts:

1. Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army – see Bill Bolster to sign up
2. Community Toy and Food Drive needs volunteers working to wrap gifts and work the tables to give these gifts to families.  Please go to this website to sign up and volunteer:  https://windsorfoodandtoydrive.com/volunteer/.  Volunteers are needed for this coming week and the event is December 18, 10AM to 2 PM, at Cali Calmecac.

President Pam called on Maureen Merrill to let us know about the Zone meeting she and Mike attended.   Maureen offered a basket of gifts to Pam.  Then she spoke eloquently about the RI President Shehkar Mehta discussing “Empowering Girls” program, and asking “what would you and your club do?”

Ed Turner offered this information to President Pam:  We contributed $372.50 to the WRCF last Tuesday with our breakfast donations.  Ed offered the additional $2.50 to make it an even $375 to the fund, echoed by Bill Arnone. 

President Pam recognized Diane Brabetz for her generous contributions overall for our Club, and especially for her membership in the Polio Plus Society, which earned Diane a pin and bracelet.  Special thanks to Diane for her time and offers of support to the Nations Finest home with contributions of time, expertise and medical boxes!

Also THANKS to Kurt Mitchler for donating 60 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste for the Nation’s Finest Home.

Sandi Krutz reviewed the Monday visit to the Nation’s Finest event and said it went “swimmingly”.  There was an emotional presentation of colors.  Local politician James Gore attended as well as a rep from Mike McGuire’s office.  There was a good deal of “pomp and circumstance”, and Rotary was acknowledged for our support.

Sue Nelson then summarized our Community Service donations which have been completed:   Your dollars through Rotary Club of Windsor have supported:

• $300 to Santa Tim
• $500 to North Bay Met Academy for water catchment systems

And now – Sue made the presentation of the check for $835 to Charlie Johnson of the Windsor Girls Softball Team for new equipment bags carrying the Rotary logo.

Bill Arnone introduced our in-person speaker, Dee Schweitzer, who is a trainer with the California Grand Jurors Association.   Dee travels throughout the state training new civil grand jurors.  She served on the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury 2017-2018 term, and as Foreperson during the 2018-2019 term. 

———————-
Dee has given us links to the following – click any one to access it:

The video she was trying to show.  Agents of Change 
Grand Jury Application
Grand Jury Flyer
Grand Jury Complaint
———————-

Dee gave us an interesting and informative presentation about the civil grand jury.  She began with the tongue-in-cheek quote from Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities” that “the District Attorney could get a Grand Jury to indict a ham sandwich.” 

She explained the difference between a criminal and civil grand jury – civil grand jurors serve as their own investigators as well as jurors.  She offered the criteria to apply for the grand jury, described the “super majority” and what it means, as well as the strict confidentiality of the grand jury.  And, she discussed the significance of the final report published every year by the grand jury.  For more info, and to read the reports of our Sonoma County Grand Jury, go to http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/info/administration/grand-jury

President Pam ended the meeting with this thought from William James Mayo, namesake of the clinic:
“The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and to prolong life.  The idea of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.”

Getting to Know You – Renee Hyde

President Pam Moulton rang the bell at 7:30 and ask our newest member to be, Londa, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

With the help of Julie Andrews we attempted singing a few bars of “Getting to Know You”, thankfully President Pam took mercy and cut it short.

Bill Conklin & Kurt Mitchler gave a brief description of our 2022 major beneficiary, Welding Program at Windsor High School. Rotary funding will provide a 30×30 paved carport area creating a safe space for the class, repaving of the area and funding to allow the students to design & fabricate a gate to complete the existing fencing.  The gate will display the Rotary Logo.
Bill & Kurt shared a video on the welding class with testimony from students of how important this class has been to them, the success students have had because of the class as well as the setbacks due to the pandemic barring them from gaining hands on experience.  This program will provide jobs locally for today’s students and into the future. 

Save the Date:  March 26, 2022    Major Event

We had no visiting Rotarians

Tom Boylan introduced Londa Faber for the last time; she will be inducted as a member later in the meeting.
President Pam was delighted to receive a Bubble Machine from Bill Bolster, I am pretty sure it was in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Pam is already having fun with it.

Pam also displayed the framed picture of two polar bears Susan Cole gifted her after her trip to the Artic.  
Tom Boylan, District Governor Elect.  Attended a week long Zone Meeting in Tucson Arizonia. We have all seen the pictures of him decked out in his “special suit” to celebrate the graduation of the current District Governor Elect, complete with a Mardi Gras Band, in addition to having fun and lots of attention, he stated he and wife Melody participated in 3 days of intensive training. 

In the past the Zone meeting was only open to certain leaders of Rotary, however, it is now open to all Rotarians, Tom encourage Rotarians to make a plan to attend, good place to meet other Rotarians from the district, make connections and discover opportunities that will benefit the district and clubs. 
Tom brought President Pam a piece of jewelry from Arizona that was hand made by Sylvia, a fellow Rotarian.

Bill Bolster: Dick Bishop Salvation Army Bell Ringing:  December 11 & 18^th.  Volunteers Needed signup sheet at meeting or contact Bill: billbolster@eoc-inc.com

Barbara McChesney is home from her 3 month trip, she returned with 3 flags from the Rotary Clubs she visited while away.  One in Birmingham, the largest club in the world, and very formal, one in Georgia and Tulsa, Barbara also brought President Pam a book of Best Jokes of Minnie Pearl that she purchased while visiting the Grand Ole Opry.  

Barbara’s story is a good reminder to ask for a couple of Windsor Rotary Flags to trade with clubs you have the opportunity to visit while traveling. 

Renee Hyde our membership chair was pleased to induct our 10th new member to the club this year.  Londa Faber is a Santa Rosa native and not new to Rotary she was a member of the Rotary Club in Oak Grove before returning to Sonoma County, and a Paul Harris Fellow, glad to have her.
Renee Hyde presented President Pam with Woolly Mammoth stuffed animal she brought back from visit to Mammoth Lake.
Open House @ Windsor Veterans Village:  Monday December 6^th 10am-12pm.  Please RSVP 833-468-9676 ext. 1948

Windsor Community Holiday Food & Toy Drive: Distribution Event December 18, 10am-2pm @ Cali Calmécac Language Academy.  Volunteers needed before event to wrap presents, sort food and transport both to Cali, as well as day of event to distribute food & toys. Go to https://windsorfoodandtoydrive.com/ click on “How Can I Help”.

Our thoughts are with Mike & Maureen Merrill this week as Mike recuperates from a battle with his bike.

Meeting Program:
Getting to know you: Renee Hyde
Our Christmas/Holiday party this year will be held December 11^th at the home of John How.  Staying with our practice of supporting Santa Tim & Toys for Community, as well as getting to know our members better, names of club members were placed in a hat, each member was instructed to draw a name out of the hat and purchase a toy they felt best represented that person.   Please wrap and bring present you purchased to the party 12/1, no name tag on present necessary.  It will be Fun for all.

While in team groups a good time to chat, get familiar with person whose name you drew ideas for toy to purchase.

Adopt a Family: Sandie Krutz
Sandie Krutz has been in communication with the Boys & Girls Club concerning the Christmas gift giving to families of Boys & Girls Club members in need of assistance.  “Adopt a Family”, we participated in this program last year, had great success and requested to repeat this year.
The club was broken into teams, with each team receiving the needs of one family.  Each team was to designate a leader and coordinate gift giving.  Teams are requested to have gifts at next Tuesday’s meeting 12/7.

President Pam thanked all those that work to make our meeting a success and special thanks to Brian Ling for picking up those delicious pastries. We will back to having our regular breakfast next week.

Closing quote:
“The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul”

Amazon Smile:  A painless easy was to contribute to the:  “Windsor Rotary Community Foundation” Once you have registered with Amazon Smile and chosen the charity of your choice, Amazon does the rest. 

COVID UPDATE FROM DIANE BRABETZ:

New OMICRON variant becomes newest threat in the coronavirus pandemic!   President states the new variant is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic!”

The United States remains vulnerable to the coronavirus that is still spreading in other parts of the US and in unvaccinated areas of the world.   With travel once again popular and borders open, it becomes a cause of concern for the CDC and Public Health that we must remain vigilant.    Boosters are available and most clinics here in Sonoma County are also offering flu vaccine at the same time in order to keep people healthy and immune systems at their peak.   There is plenty of vaccine for boosters so if you want one, schedule an appointment now!  

Visit https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667 to get information on clinics.

Total Cases:  42,701   (2 weeks ago 42,103)
Recovered:  41,209   (2 weeks ago 40,314)
Active Cases: 1080   (2 weeks ago 1379)
Deaths:  412   (2 weeks ago 410)

Please continue to honor those we have lost by encouraging those you know who have not become vaccinated, to get their COVID shot and their flu shot.

New Cases:  295 new cases this past week      (2 weeks ago 410 new cases – the number of new cases is difficult to use as the we were closed for Thanksgiving and the weekend for testing)   
Hospitalized:  24 confirmed and 2 suspected    (last week 28 confirmed and 1 suspected)     

Vaccination information….  As of Nov. 28th,  814,148  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County. (2 weeks ago 781,056).     74% of our populations 5 years and older  (5-11 year olds have now been approved and are counted in the population vaccinated or not)  are fully vaccinated and approximately 8% have received at least 1 dose.     Providers in Sonoma County are giving shots to our 5-11 year olds and are also providing Boosters for anyone over 18. 

More breakthroughs are being seen in Sonoma County in the fully vaccinated because of the Delta variant which is highly contagious and opportunistic.   Most people who have been diagnosed with a breakthrough are either asymptomatic (which means they are infectious and can spread it without knowing) or are mildly sick.   This is an indication of how well the vaccines are working.   But if you have not gotten a booster and are in a group that can, it is highly recommended to give your immune system a boost.  Also get your Flu vaccine as we do not want citizens coming down with the flu.   This not only compromises their immune systems, but can also weaken their lungs.  Plus we need to keep our beds open and medical staff ready to help those with COVID and not have our residents admitted with the flu.

So, please continue to wear your masks, be aware of your surroundings and even outside, if you are in crowded situations, mask up!   Please remember, if you are in a meeting indoors, remove your mask only to eat and drink and then replace it immediately!    Be aware of others around you and mask up when you are not eating or drinking, unless you are with your immediate family or your extended “bubble”.     Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer and take precautions.    The Delta variant is still out there, very virulent, ready to strike and we are now going into winter weather, flu season and more people are out and about, we need to be careful.  Plus we do not know yet what will happen with the Omnicron variant with people traveling.    We need to protect one another during this winter season of being indoors…….. Help protect the ones you love!
Thanks
 
Di

Nation’s Finest in Santa Rosa

Rotary Club of Windsor
Meeting Notes – Tuesday, November 16, 2021                                                       Scribe:  Brian Ling

Pledge of Allegiance:  Ed Janke   Song:  This Land is Your Land (Thank you JB)

Rotary Moment:  Tom Boylan – DG Nominee Tom told us about his Rotary journey from member to President to District Involvement to Zone Involvement to District Governor Nominee.  Get ready for 2023-2024 as our home club District Governor and his theme for the year will be “We are the World – Mission Possible” in appreciation to our Past District Governor Ken Moulton.

Visiting Rotarians:  Randy Seely (SR Sunrise), Ed Janke (Rotary Club of San Jose)

Guests:  Mitch Grandi, Cathy Williams, Sandi Tucker – Nations Finest, Trevor Thompson – Nations Finest
Sheila Meehan, Londa Faber, Dev, Larry McCabe, Monica McCabe

Board Recap:
Rotarian of the Month for November:  Bill Bolster
Club Social:  Joan Mora Thursday evening Happy Hour at Barrell Brothers, look for an eblast to confirm.
Bell Ringing – Always need a couple more volunteers for bell ringing at WalMart on December 11 and December 18.  See Mike Merrill or Bill Bolster to sign up.
Foundation – Welcome Diane Brabetz to Polio Plus Society
Fundraiser Update – Kurt and Bill, March 26, 2022
Birthdays and Recognitions – John Hackenburg
Tom Boylan for his recent trip to Tucson
Jon How for his travelling and family professional successes.  Contribution to RI/Polio Plus.
Robin Resendez visited family in Idaho.
Steve Klick – Big winner in Las Vegas, went to see the Raiders (lost) and participated in a raffle (WON! $100K!!!!!!!!).  Will contribute to both Rotary Foundation and WRCF.

Anniversaries: 
New Members:  Membership Director Renee Hyde introduced for new members!

Mitch Grandi – Moved to Windsor in 1990, was in Windsor Rotary in the 90’s and now that he is retired from being a Chiropractor here in Windsor, he is rejoining our club.

Monica McCabe – Pre School Teacher career.  Here with Larry to be Professional Grandparents

Larry McCabe – Software Engineer for Medical Equipment

Dev – From Great Britain, he and his wife followed family to Windsor and is ready to start contributing to and meeting the Windsor community.

Cathy Williams – Followed her son Brian to Windsor and is joining him here at Windsor Rotary following a career in Child Protective Services.

Program Presentation – Sandy Tucker and Trevor Thompson, Nation’s Finest in Santa Rosa.  

Windsor Veterans’ Village an investment in a comprehensive housing solution to our local veterans.  60 units of permanent housing plus 1 fulltime property manager, all veterans.  Multiple resources on site including case management services for their previously homeless veterans.

A special thank you to Dave and Kathy Culley at KC’s for providing free lunches to their resident veterans last week on Veterans Day.

With more than 31 locations in 15 mostly rural communities in California, Arizona, and Nevada, each year Nation’s Finest provides critical services and support for over 7,000 veterans and their families.  Find more information at nationsfinest.org.

A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.

Mike Martini – Taft Street Winery & Support for WHS Vineyard Academy

Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin.  Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY, November 9, 2021.

Past President Ed Turner rang the bell @ 7:30am. President Pam coordinated various Past Presidents to conduct one meeting a month during her presidency year.  It has been 27 years since Ed was the Windsor Rotary President 1994-95, but he appeared calm and comfortable in the position.  Ed announced in honor of Veterans Day we would celebrate our veterans in today’s meeting.

Doug Williams lead us in Pledge of Allegiance

Celebration of Veterans:
Mike Merrill acknowledged we have had some great speakers to honor our veterans, however, it was decided our best recognition would be to hear from the veterans in our club:
I want to make my apologies in advance for any misinformation or something left out, I was so absorbed in their stories, I failed my duties of writing it down. My gratitude to you veterans.

Mike Merrill – Marine Corps:  Mike attended Justice Academy, was stationed at Camp Pendleton where he assisted & guided Marines and worked with court marshals. Mike did a tour in Vietnam outside Da Nang as Judge Advocate and in Southern Ca. as a JAD from where he retired.

Brian Williams – Marine Corps: 1996 – 2000

John Hackenburg – Naval Air: 1969 – 1996 John’s training began in Florida ending at Moffett Field in CA. In between he did 2 tours one in Japan playing chicken with Russian warships, glad he was a winner.

Scott Bonin – Navy:  Scott was trained to be a dentist while in the Navy. He interned at Balboa Hospital in SF with oral surgeons, and he discovered oral surgery was not the direction he wanted to pursue.  Scott served in Japan and San Diego in a mobile unit taking care of military personnel on ships.

Bill Bolster – Navy:  Bill joined the Navy ROTC when he attended college, he participated in “Summer Cruises” and attended Sub school, he completed 2 sets of duty, one out of Pearl Harbor and one from San Diego. He mentioned his subs were diesel powered not nuclear, there is a story about him banging the bang barge, but have to leave that for another day.
Mike Merrill concluded this portion of our Veterans recognition thanking all our Veterans for their service to the country.
We will be having a speaker in the near future to share updates on the “Windsor Veterans Village”.  Stay tuned.

Back to our regular meeting agenda: JB Leep, Carol Martin & Sandie Krutz divided the room in thirds & lead us in a round of Row Row Rotary, (row your boat) – Fun, and pretty easy for us.

Inspiration: Sue Nelson
Sue stated she feels lucky to have 34 years with the Rotary Club of Windsor. Sue (a charter member) originally joined Rotary for the business opportunities, however, early on, December 1987, she participated in a Toy’s for Tots “wrapping party” when she entered the room at the Airport Business Center she discovered 100’s of presents to be wrapped.

She sat next to Marie Coakley, an “elderly lady”, (mid 40’s) charter member and longtime resident of Windsor. Sue relayed they talked about everything, the town, Rotary, herself & family, by the end of the event Sue realized this was more than a business opportunity, a new door was opened for her and it changed her perspective of what Rotary was all about, community, service & family. It is a moment she will not forget.

No Visiting Rotarians:

Guests of Rotarians:
Mike Martini: Taft Street Winery, Barney Kaufman: Vineyard Academy-WHS, Londa Faber.  Hopefully last visit as guest – Monica McCabe, Last visit as guest – Larry McCabe, Last visit as guest – Mitch Grandi, Last visit as guest – Dev Sodagar. Yay! returning Rotary member, Kathy Williams soon to be member. AND our guests for our recognition of Student of the Year: Student of the Year – Stephanie Melendez, Proud Mom Fanny, and English Teacher Krista Raszler, WHS.

Rotarian of the Month: Bill Bolster
Bill announced we have the opportunity to RING THE BELL, for Salvation Army at Walmart: Saturday, December 11^th & Saturday, December 18^th.  Bill sent a signup sheet around the room; if you missed it, contact Bill for more information. 

Daniel Myers presented the Student of Year: Stephanie Melendez, Digital Focus
Daniel explained it is student of year, as one student is chosen from each focus area at Windsor High School to receive recognition. 

Stephanie was introduced by her AVID English teacher Krista Raszler, Ms. Raszler first met Stephanie in 10^th grade, and she noted Stephanie’s interest ranged from Star Wars to the Oakland A’s.  Ms. Raszler commented that Stephanie was a little shy in her first presentation but so pleased with her growth. She admitted she frequently calls on Stephanie to present first to display an example.  Ms. Raszler described Stephanie as: Kind, intellectually open minded, helpful to students and a pleasure to teach.

Stephanie is 17 years old, a senior attending Digital Academy at WHS, she was prepared with a written presentation that I would need actual copy to do justice.  Stephanie stated that along with her digital and academic education she had gathered Life Lessons, she sees her teachers as mentors, and role models, people she is comfortable to go to and share any situation. 
Stephanie was asked what project she was most proud of.  Stephanie responded that a full year of no in-person school was challenging, that she was proud of the development in herself but also proud of the development of other students in her classes.  Stephanie’s presentation was filled with gratitude for family, teachers and community.  
Fanny, Stephanie’s Mother expressed how proud she is of her daughter and her gratitude to Rotary for “Student of the Year” recognition and support.

Speaker:  JB introduced Mike Martini founder of Taft Street Winery in Sebastopol.  Mike was Mayor of Santa Rosa 2001-2002, active in numerous community programs.  Taft Street Winery partners with Vineyard Academy at WHS by producing wine from the grapes tended and harvested by students & volunteers. 
Mike first teased President Pam on her good idea of getting others to do her work by having past presidents preside a meeting a month. On a serious note Mike stated Rotary is an asset to all the cities Rotary Clubs are present.

Taft Street Winery was started in 1979 in a garage in Oakland; it was started like the renegade Bordeaux winemakers known as “Garagistes.  Taft Street Winery continues in the garagistes traditions to this day, producing limited production, handcrafted wines from select Russian River Valley vineyards.

Mike affirmed wine tastes best with friends, food, and it is free, it seems there may have been a few of these parties, with suggestions he should start a winery. Starting a winery requires money so the conversation usually ended, until one day someone stood up and ask “how much” ? This person stated he would not invest any money if all interested partners did not also invest.  I am assuming funds were found as Taft Street Winery was founded.

Almost all businesses are started with Passion & Ignorance and faced with challenges. Happy to say 2021 will be the 40^th harvest for Taft Street Winery; we strive to stay true to Fun, Family & Friends. 
Taft Street faces same issues of all businesses; fires in August had a huge impact, & labor issues.
The backbone of the wine & hospitality business is the optimistic people in the vineyards and winery, looking forward to the next harvest.
Taft Street Winery has been a proud partner of the Windsor High School Vineyard Academy since 2011. Each year, we crush and ferment the grapes farmed by the students and help promote sales of Windsor Jaguar Zinfandel. The last release was 2018 and 2019 – 2021 is in barrels.  All work is donated, 100% of proceeds minus taxes and fees goes to Vineyard Academy.
Mike invited Barney Kaufman from Vineyard Academy to add comments. Barney stated the academy has harvested 10 tons over the past ten years, 1 ton per year; 1 ton of grapes can produce 60 cases of wine.  The Vineyard Academy has received $100,000. In proceeds, $38,000.00 has been awarded in student scholarships. 

Students of Vineyard Academy farm Old Vine Zin vineyards at Reiman Lane & Starr Rd, Windsor. It is rumored that the first planting of this vineyard was in 1850, although there are many old vines in the vineyard, it is not known if any are original planting. Volunteers, including a few Rotarians, help students with the harvest, and grapes are delivered to Taft Street Winery. Students are not involved in the fermenting or bottling process.  

The wonderful label was designed by WHS students. 

Vineyard Academy displays opportunities in wine & hospitality business, in addition to vineyard management, & winemakers, marketing, financial, HR & sales.
Several previous students are now working in the hospitality business.
JB Leep added, “It is excellent wine”

Closing remarks:
Past President thanked Mike Martini for presenting to us, thanked guests, & Rotarians for attending,
Reminded us to remember and thank a veteran and do something Rotarian,

Respectfully submitted,
Pegi Ball

You Can Do It Too – International Service Opportunities

The bell rang and President Pam Moulton quickly handed off the mic to Daniel Myers for a salute to the flag.

Heather Cullen checked in from Zoom world for a “My Country tis of Thee” recital.

Photos provided by Sue Nelson, and scattered thought of words spoken by Tom Boylan.

Sandi Krutz gave us a Rotary moment of her adventures to Brazil and the connection that she made with Brazil back when she was in the Rotary Club of Belmont. Back then she helped to fund a fire truck, the same truck she had a chance to see when she went to Brazil to dedicate an operating room paid for with a Rotary Grant during her year as Windsor Club President. 

Rotarian Guests:
Pres Pam introduced Greg And Lili Freitas from Petaluma Sunrise, our speakers for the day.

Guests of Rotarians:
The list included past member Mitch Grandi introduced by Bill Conklin.
Sandi Krutz says Monica and Larry McCabe are due to leave the guest role behind and join us forever.
Londa Favre with Providence Health Care is a past Rotary Club of Sacramento member looking for a new club… Windsor says “Come home to Windsor”.

Announcements:

Rotarian of the Month for November goes to Bill Bolster for all he does and has done for our club, except singing.

Catherine Hanron was highlighted because she took a spill last week while playing in the senior hockey league… ok maybe that is not the truth, but she is on the mend.

Chris Landwehr is looking for scribes, and I hope he finds them. Let him know if you believe the pen is mightier than the song meister.

Bill Bolster was handed a microphone and reminded us that last week he failed to bring up the interim Rotary Bar tenders, JB Leep and Carol Martin, who spent two years behind the bar coordinating and mixing drinks. On another note, Bill is seeking youth exchange host families.

JB Leep let us know the new website is up and running. Go to windsorrotary,org and have a look around.

Sue Nelson reminded us that the Rotary Club of Greenville, California took a devastating loss to all the members of that club and we sent a donation, which Sue says she is excited to relay the thanks of that club to all of us for the help.

Susan Cole and Sue Nelson are reviewing the paperwork for potential beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser. If you would like to work with the selection committee, let them know.

Kurt Mitchler and Bill Conklin stood to give us a review of Bill’s trip to a cave in Arizona where he realized our fundraiser is all about the “Paella Festival” at the Mary Agatha Furth center. Volunteers stepping up to chair various positions include Catherine Hanron for Silent Auction, Barbara McChesney for Live Auction, Patrick Dunn for Sponsorship, Tom Hassur for the event location chair, Steve Klick the head chef, John Hackenburg the wine, Tom Boylan marketing, Carol Martin and Ed Turner for the finances, and Michael Juric for the emcee role.

Susan Cole brought an embraceable baby polar bear gift for Pres Pam from her trip to the Northern most corner of the globe. But I wonder how there could be a corner on a round globe. 

Ed Turner brought his gift to Pres Pam all the way from Hilton Head, South Carolina, where for the first time in over two decades he decided to use his time share that he bought way back when. Killer biscuit mix and homemade soap were the appropriate gifts.

Diane Brabetz just got back from Casa Morada in Mexico and brought worry dolls and more to Pres Pam.

Michael Juric returned from Disneyland with his three-year-old grandson. He had a variety of items from the happiest place on Earth and managed to hand off mouse ears and a pirate hat along with diamond earrings from Fantasyland.

John Hackenburg called out a few Rotarians for celebrating their birthdays, including Beth Smith, Doug Williams, Susan Cole, Leah Hansen, Pres Pam called the money maker off because there are too many people open to being recognized and fined.

Program

Greg and Lili Freitas dropped in to fill in our club on what is going on for the Rotary Friendship Exchange and the Rotary Peace Centers Fellowship. Lili took the mic and quizzed our club to see how many have been involved in international travels and service projects. Many of us have been involved and the introduction to the programs will no doubt add to the list.

Rotary International is now focused on the Rotary Peace Fellowship to help build sustainable peace around the globe. With eight universities and more than 800 peace fellow graduates the impact is now being felt around the globe. Approximately 130 people per year are selected to partake in the program. The participants are not new to the peace struggle. Most have had experience in dealing with conflict resolution.

We can get involved by working with the District Committee and participate in the interviews with those looking to find conflict resolution in areas of the world where people are caught in a web of violence, and aggression against women. If you are interested in participating, connect with Lili.

We then went on to discuss the opportunities to join a Rotary Fellowship. Some of our club members are already there. Lili shared that she and Greg are members of the Rotary Travel Fellowship, which has given them many opportunities to visit and stay with Rotarians around the globe.

Greg Freitas is the District Chair for Rotary Friendship Exchange. He let those in our club who have participated in past exchanges know how grateful he is for their efforts.

A slide show gave us a view of the surroundings the past exchanges have stayed at. According to Greg, the places you go to are not always the tourism variety, but rather a look at places off the beaten path.

Windsor has had a good number of our members on various exchange trips. Greg’s role is to help coordinate the journeys and promote participation among members in our district. He let us know that the next trip is going to India, and if you’d like to participate, let him know.

We closed the meeting with a review of the Four Way Test.

COVID UPDATE from Diane Brabetz

NEWS FLASH:     FDA approves vaccine (Pfizer) for children 5-11 years of age; a series of 2 shots (1/3 the dose of an adult) and it appears will be available this week or next in Pediatric offices, clinics and MD offices.   BOOSTER SHOTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!!!!    Boosters are now available at many pharmacies and at clinics and Drs’ offices.     FLU SHOTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!   Please get your flu shot to keep your immune system up and fighting off infections.   

• Total Cases: 41,213 (2 weeks ago 40,106)
• Recovered: 39,675 (2 weeks ago  38,593)
• Active Cases: 1132 (2 weeks ago 1115)
• Deaths: 406 (2 weeks ago 398)  

Please realize these are citizens of our county, a husband, father, son, wife, mother, or daughter whose family no longer will see them.    These are not necessarily a resident of senior living or skilled nursing facilities!

• New Cases:  460 new cases this past week (2 weeks ago 333 new cases)   
• Hospitalized: 24 confirmed and 3 suspected    (2 weeks ago 26 confirmed and 0 suspected)      

Vaccination information….  As of Oct. 31st, 740,522 residents in Sonoma County have received the vaccine (2 weeks ago 708,480).     79% of our populations 12 and older are fully vaccinated and approximately 86% have received at least 1 dose.    Providers in Sonoma County have begun administering Boosters of both Pfizer and Moderna.  Booster shots are available if you were given either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.   

You are eligible for a booster if you received two (2) shots at least 6 months ago, are 65 years old, reside in a longterm care setting, or are 50-64 years of age and have an underlying medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV infections and heart disease, or obesity. 

Also anyone 18-64 years old and at increased risk for COVID exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.  (for example – health care workers, teachers, day care staff and grocery workers).  If you are unsure if you can receive a Booster or if one is available, call your health care provider, or one of the pharmacies.   Let me know if you need my help.

We were extremely surprised and pleased to see how careful Mexico is being during our trip to our home in Quintana Roo (the State that includes Cancun).   There were temperature machines at every entrance to stores, restaurants and facilities.   Hand sanitizer was squirted in your hand as you entered and every store had an entrance and an exit and they only allowed one entrance.   We did not see one single person in our travels without a mask on.               

So, please continue to wear your masks, be aware of your surroundings and even outside, if you are in crowded situations, mask up!   Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer and take precautions.    The Delta variant is still out there, very virulent, ready to strike and given that we still have 14% of our citizens not vaccinated over the age of 12 and all of our young children, it still has “hosts” it can latch onto.   We need to try and manage this disease as we are not going to control it!  Again, please consider getting your flu shot so that your immunity is up and your body is not susceptible to infection or any lung damage is done.
Thanks, Di

Corazon Healdsburg with Glaydon De Feitas, CEO

Prez Pam called on a patriotic Rotarian to lead the pledge, prior to handing off the microphone to Mike Merrill for an inspirational quote.

I missed the front end of the meeting, but I assume the bell rang at 7:30 sharp, and that President Pam Moulton

Words by Tom Boylan, and images by Catherine Hanron.

Guests of Rotarians:

I arrived in time to hear Linda Favre introduced as a guest… possibly one of the last guest introductions for this future Rotarian.

Monica and Gary McCabe were back for breakfast and friendship.

Kathryn Williams was sitting with her son Brian Williams

Renee Hyde introduced Domingo Callegas… all the way from Peru and looking for things to do.

Our returning former member Mitch Grandi was on hand and is likely to become a new member… again.

Michael Juric introduced Dev Sodagar, a returning visitor destined to join us.

Announcements:

The following are the President’s notes from the meeting today:

• BUDGET (Carol Martin and Ed Turner)
  • All Good!
• YOUTH (Pegi Ball)
  • Looks good for interest in an Interact Club at the High School
  • Dictionary Project moving forward
  • Looking to have a Golf Tournament in the Spring for Rotary Youth Exchange 
  • Rotary Youth Exchange moving forward with selected countries
• CLUB OPERATIONS (Chris Landwhere via Michael Juric)
  • R2D2 – new member of the club!
• RECOGNITION (Doug Williams)
  • OUR Veteran’s Day event will be on NOVEMBER 16th
• FOUNDATION (John Hackenburg)
  • Purple Pinkie
• MEMBERSHIP (Renee Hyde)
  • Added 9 members since July 1, with 5 additional in the wings!!
• Club Culture (Joan Mora)
  • 3rd Thursday is for Rotary – October 21, November 18 but 
  • December 11th (Holiday Party!!)
• COMMUNICATION (John LeCave via JB Leep)
  • WEBSITE  – almost DONE!!!
• ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE (Barbara McChesney)
  • Continued coordination with WHS on a student project thru Committee for Change
• SERVICE (Sue Nelson and Susan Cole)
  • 18 applications received for grant requests! November 15th decision!
  • Toy and Food drive co-chaired by Robin – opportunities for hands on 
• FUNDRAISING (Bill Conklin and Kurt Michener)
  • Date: March 26, 2021…..Location : Agatha Furth
  • GETTING TEAMS TOGETHER!!
• STILL working on the particulars of the Covid Protocols….
  • And 

The Mission of the Rotary Club of Windsor is to serve our Community and the World.
We strive to better communicate with our members and with the community to inspire and mobilize both our local and global community in health, education, and peace to create transformative change.

Pres Pam recognized that Maureen Merrill did an excellent job last week introducing the Downtown Windsor merchants.

Patrick Dunn says October 28th at his home is the official kick-off of the Wine Fellows group.

John Hackenburg says next week we are going to celebrate World Polio Day. Be prepared to paint that pinky in purple ink. 

Joan Mora says get on board… our SMART Train is heading to Brewsters in Petaluma. The train leaves from the Airport station at 5 PM. If you miss the train, plan to be social on November 17th. Please arrive ten minutes early and bring an umbrella.

Bill Bolster says there is a big blue sign along Shiloh Rd, and a few I didn’t get the name of,  that reads “Thanks to Windsor Rotary for the Clean Up.” Bill says he can get you hooked up with your own road, just contact him and he can help make it happen.

Renee Hyde gave a final report on the Club’s bar activities on the Town Green. Everyone that had a hand in helping raise funds were asked to stand, but several people failed to remember, so Pres Pam reminded them they did good. Renee went on to tell us we raised over $5400 that will go towards international projects.

Bill Conklin says he had a wonderful time at the Pigs and Pinot event at his home. This was an auction item for last year and he is asking that we consider this type of event for our future fundraising efforts. 

Pres Pam thinks I is a good idea to get together with another member so she is asking for names to be thrown in the hat so each week we can see who can connect with a fellow member.

Tom Hassur took on the roll of Fine Meister, He immediately picked on Renee Hyde to tell us about the Stones concert she and Paul attended. Carol Martin got called out for taking JB Leep to South Dakota to see who was on the rock… after that they went off to a place called Las Vegas… and we all know that what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas. JB had such a good time he forgot what he did. He says he will be making a donation toward Polio eradication. Kurt Mitchner took a trip with his son to the Grand Canyon. Kurt tried to buy his way out of a fine by giving Pres Pam jewelry.

Program:

JB Leep took the mic to introduce our speaker for the day Glaydon de Freitas, CEO for Corazon Healdsburg, a non-profit organization with a great purpose. 

JB shared that Glaydon spent his youth in both San Paolo, Brazil and the Amazon, not the package delivery kind. His Amazon was so remote that Amazon won’t deliver and the nearest grocery store was more than five miles away from his home. 

At a very early age, his father made it a point to read to him, The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a young man he was selected to be a United Nations Fellow at the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights. He initially came to the U.S. to study law at The University of Houston. We found out that he spent time as the head of strategic planning sfor the refugee and immigration center for education and legal services in Houston providing legal services to indigent immigrants and asylum seekers in ICE detention facilities. 

Glaydon let us know that Rotary is very familiar to him because his father was both a Rotarian and a Free Mason. He also let us know that just days ago he became a U.S. Citizen. 

He shared that although he is familiar with the environment of Rotary in Brazil with his father being both a Rotarian and a Free Mason. He gave a lot of accolades to the work of Rotary.

We heard the history of how Corazon Healdsburg got started because of a restaurant in Healdsburg that took note of the problems that LatinX people were having with work schedules and community integration in general. The history of the program is available at corazonhealdsburg.com 

The mission of the newly formed non-profit organization was to promote people getting together as a Latin American community. Many of the LatinX people they were trying to reach were caught in a web of poverty and work requirements that overrode any social interaction. 

Just as the Corazon was getting started the organization found itself caught in the problems of 2017, including fires. The program has excelled in recent years to gain a foothold on fighting poverty. The organization now has funds greater than five million. 

Glaydon took over the program last Fall and immediately began promoting the new motto, Together We Are More. 

We were introduced to three phases for their actions to improve Individual Empowerment, Collective Empowerment, and Community Strengthening. The outreach they do tries to assess and provide guidance to help families cope and advance to a higher level. All their efforts are meant to bring Corazon Cohesiveness. 

Corazon Healdsburg is also focused on the educational needs of the children in their community focus. The organization works with children to help them achieve an academic life, which can lead to college counseling and financial support. 

This scribe can’t possibly share all the important work that the organization provides, so take a look at the website corazonhealdsburg.com

Pres Pam was thankful for our being there along with all our guests. She also added the unofficial and unabridged Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Rotary Club of Windsor is to Eat, Drink, Dance and Party while making the world better.