Passing the Baton

Minutes – Windsor Rotary Club Meeting 06/28/22
Scribe – Di Brabetz, RN CPNP PHN
 
President Pam called to order our Rotary Meeting signifying her last meeting as our intrepid leader and welcomed us to the final meeting of the 2021-2022 Year. 
 
Pledge of Allegiance:      Led by Aiedan Wilkeng our outbound short term exchange student to Italy
 
Song – led by Past President Michael Juric
 
President Pam shared a photo of Camp Windsor, the internment camp but our sign says “ALL VISITORS WELCOME!”
 
Introductions:  

Guests: 

• Aiedan Wilkeng – outbound exchange student
• Erina Krarney – mother of Aiedan
• Renato Moscati – incoming exchange student from Italy for short term program
• Kate Smith – one of our outbound exchange students
• Rebecca Mortinsen – one of our outbound exchange students

Rotarian of the Month:  Beth Smith praised for the last time – thanks for all that you have done.
 
Rotary Moment: President Pam announced that everything today will be a Rotary moment so hold that thought……
 
Domingo shared with the Club a collage of moments from his year as our Exchange son…… a wonderful short video of his adventures. We will always remember your smile, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate……..what a year!
 
Announcements:

• Carol Martin shared with us that we made $2765 at our Rotary Bar on the Green last week and this is 2^nd only to our best of $2965 in August of 2019!  They still could use help at the Bar as we have more weeks to go and more money to make!
• Carol Martin and JB Leep brought a flag back from the International Convention in Houston from Salt Lake City from a participant that no one seemed to be able to keep quiet!   She left in a huff, but not before Carol and JB got a flag…. Way to go!
• Catherine and President Pam presented a “make believe” badge to our newest member, David Doht.  
• Mike Raasch gave us a report on his trip chaperoning Middle schoolers to DC.  138 middle school students went from June 9-13^th and toured DC, Virginia, Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey.  Mike had 32 students on his bus and did a lot head counting.   He was amazed with how nice and clean Central Park was – was overwhelmed with emotional over the Holocaust Museum – loved the Martin Luther King Monument with its’ quotes and the view from The Lincoln Monument.   He proceeded to gift President Pam with a Declaration of Independence he stated he “stole” from the National Archives but somehow it looked too pretty and too new.   

Paul Harris Awards and Polio Plus Society: John Hackenburg and Di Brabetz presented pins and certificates to our most recent awardees…..
                                Polio Plus Society: please congratulate Sandie Krutz, Wally Krutz and Tom Boylan
 
                                Paul Harris: please congratulate the following:
                                                                Bill Conklin          Paul Harris Fellow
                                                                Bill Bolster          Paul Harris plus 6
 
                                                                Not in attendance but also awarded are Dev Sodagar – Paul Harris Fellow
                                                                                                                                                Glenn Sugden – Paul Harris plus 3
                                                                                                                                                John Lecave – Paul Harris plus 3
 
                                To all who have given so generously, we salute you!!!
 
Rotary Moments: President Pam dedicated the rest of our meeting to thanking members for their contributions, but started first with a huge thank you to all of us for her Party. She reminded us that the theme of this Rotary Year was “Embrace” which she was thankful we all had done for her.   An emotional year of loss, she stated we kept her going and so she began to share with us all of the accomplishments of this year……
                Speed Dating. Rotary Moment. Theme of the Month                     
Leslie Lewis “Busted” – our fining queen                                                Rotarian of the Month                                                   Speakers in person and on Zoom (thanks JB!)                     
Environment with our first “what is your carbon footprint?”         Monthly Board Meetings                                             Secret Greeter                                 
Passport to Success                                                                                         Weekly Announcements                                              Birthday                              
Upcoming Events                                                                                             Past Presidents Featured to highlight our history and our accomplishments                                            
Student of the Year                                                                                         Socials                                                                                   A New Website                
Wearing/Use of Masks                                                                                 Having Domingo with us this year                             Hosted our District Governor
                Our Community and International Service giving out $95,877 in service awards                                                                    District Assembly                            
Dacdb and the “Dragon”                                                                               Membership – 14 new members!!!!                       
Establishment of the Ken Moulton Foundation which has $30,000 in donations!                                                                  34^th Anniversary celebration                      
                Celebrated Holidays (this club does seem to like costumes and dressing up!!!)                                                                     
SPARK SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                Ukraine and how our club embraced them                                           Teacher Appreciation Day                                             District Conference – winning the $1000 prize
                Scholarships that we were able to award                                               Our Rotary Bar and monies already raised!                Polio Plus Recipients
                Paul Harris Recipients                                                                                    Project Grad                                                                       Rotary International Convention in Houston                         Variety Show                                                                                                     AND SO MANY MORE…….
  
President Pam shared with us some of the highlights from the DeBunking – our own Sheriff, Mike Raasch showed up at Pam’s house in Lakewood Hills to handcuff her and
                Put her in his squad car.   (What will the neighbors think????)  At least she did not have to ride alone in the back, but she was locked in and had to be let out!
                We all were waiting in the driveway at Barbara and Dave’s house and here comes a squad car with lights flashing.   Quite the entrance Pam!   After she was let out of
                handcuffs, Pam was treated to appetizers, drinks and a great dinner.   (thanks for the dinner Catherine!)    And the chair of honor for Pam and a show to entertain all. 
                Male dancers, singing, dancing, skits and huge thank you’s for Pam for the year she has led us through. 
 
Thank You’s:
 
                President Pam publically acknowledged with thanks and a gift the following “Amazing Rotarians”
                                Monica McCabe                                               Mike Ragsdale
                                Heather Cullen                                                  Karen Ricketts
                                Larry McCabe                                                    Robin Resendez
                                Patrick Dunn                                                      Jo Timmson
                                Michael Freedman                                          Scott Bonin
                                Jason Black                                                         Londa Faber
                                Laura Buhrer                                                      Dev Sodagar
                                Dave Doht                                                           Jamie Williams
                                Steve Klick
 
                And then onto what she named our “Quiet Rotarians” – working quietly to get things done……
                                Brian Williams – Tech                                                                     Terry Andreacchi – Teachers, scholarships
                                Tom Boylan – PR, newsletters, banners                                  Mike Rassch – chaperoning the middle school students
                                Leah Hanson – sending cards, flowers                                     Daniel Myers – Student of the Month
                                Kathy Williams – took on the Parade                                        Mitch Grandi – always ready with our set up
  
                And then onto what she calls her “Key Players”…..
                                Renee Hyde – Membership                                                         Sandi Krutz – Grants and Youth Exchange
                                JB Leep – Website and Programs                                               Wally Krutz –       DACdb
                                Bill Bolster – Past Presidents                                                       Bill Conklin – Fund Raiser
                                Kurt Mitchler – Fund Raiser                                                         Leslie Lewis – Fining Meister
                                Maureen Merrill – Sponsors                                                        Beth Smith – Project Grad, Exchange Students
                                Mike Merrill – Nation’s Finest
  
                And finally to her Board this year…..

• Doug Williams – recognition for bringing back some traditional programs and exploring new ones, despite his own health challenges this year.   Always at the forefront with being ready to recognize and help…..
• Bill Bolster – Past President and involved in everything YOUTH – RYLA, Exchange students, etc……
• Catherine Hanron – Secretary and on top of our members, attendance and a great job pulling in donations for our event!
• Carol Martin – for keeping us informed and solvent!  While money doesn’t make the Rotary World go ‘round – it helps!
• Ed Turner – for being our long term Treasurer and the history he brings…..
• Joan Mora – for keeping us social!
• Pegi Ball – for keeping the youth at the forefront….
• Susan Cole – for being the cheerleader of all causes!
• Sue Nelson – for keeping the community engaged and informed on what we are doing and ALWAYS providing us with a physical piece of evidence regarding our events – via photos, etc.  Both she and Susan Cole were at the ready to respond to both international and community requests.
• Chris Landwehr – encouraging us in his gentle manner to keep the meetings running smoothly from behind the scenes with set-up, song, scribe, etc. weekly!
• Michael Juric – managing both the inside Rotary World and outside Zoom world – touchstone for keeping hybrid alive which invited our physical non-attenders to continue to be part of our weekly meetings.
• Diane Brabetz – Our Rotary nurse who kept us informed even when we did not like what she had to say…. Who has walked the talk of Rotary International Foundation with contributions, bringing forward a project for the Club, and boots on the ground in Windsor Rotary name for the most recent Cleft Lip and Palate project….
• John Hackenburg – thank you for keeping us in the Foundation Loop – introducing us to some options on how to contribute and / or earn our Paul Harris and other options.
• Barbara McChesney – inviting us into the Environmental area of Rotary with hands on, practical solutions and educational opportunities.
• Brian Ling – being the steady voice behind the WR Community Foundation, the air in the whistle – the second of the TRES AMIGOS, a balanced voice and bringing a sense of calm..

 President Pam shared she could not just select one Rotarian of the Year but wanted to thank some STAND OUT PLAYERS….
 

• Catherine Hanron – the keeper of the minutes, the detail person with securing our COVID data, maintaining the ever fluctuating list of members, the first person to greet people as they come through the door – even with her frequent trips to the East Coast. This never interfered with her ongoing enthusiasm for collecting data, wine, or information on those attending the Club.    And believe me, if you did not have what she needed, she Was on your tail in a nanosecond!
• Dev Sodager – the calm voice behind the organization of the “new member’s” group, the steady hand behind the technological gyrations of our amazing Fundraiser!
• Susan Cole – cheerleader, advocate, advocate for any players who came forth with a reasonable cause!

She shared through some unshed tears (she was determined to get through our meeting without crying…..) that we have been the MOST AMAZING CLUB!   Pam joined our Club when Ken was a member but left us to move to the Healdsburg Club, but she stated she always knew she would be back and thought being President would be such a great thing.   Little did she know agreeing to be President would be in a year of the pandemic, having no meetings but doing zoom and being grace under pressure during Ken’s illness and passing.  She said we were the wind beneath her wings, kept her grounded and were there for her for so many things.   She did not know what she would have done without all of us because this Club and Rotary are family……
 
Pam – from all of us we salute you for the great, successful year you have had, the grace and professionalism you have shown and the leadership you have demonstrated.   We cannot thank you enough for everything you have done in a year of chaos and challenges!    We love you….
 
President Pam then passed the President’s pin to Brian Ling and we are starting this year with a Perpetual Presidential Pin that will be used for all incoming Presidents. Congratulations Pam to a great year and to Brian for what we all know we be very successful!
 
Pam then rang the bell for once last time as our meeting concluded…..
  
REMEMBER WE ARE DARK ON TUESDAY, JULY 5^TH!     SEE YOU TUESDAY, JULY 12^TH FOR BRIAN LING’S FIRST PRESIDENTIAL MEETING……
 
COVID Update from your Rotary Nurse…..
06/28/22
  
NEWS:          

DISCUSSION ON WHETHER TO OFFER NEW COVID-19 BOOSTERS THIS FALL!   Debate is being held among US health authorities whether to offer modified COVID-19 booster shots that will better match recent changes of the shifting coronavirus.    Our current vaccines target the original coronavirus strain and we are seeing waning immunity and a barrage of variants so protection against infections has dropped markedly.  The decision now is whether “tweaking” the boosters would offer a good chance of protection against another surge.  Adding to this concern is a possible winter COVID-19 wave – we have about ½ of all Americans who have not gotten even their first booster and winter could bring a surge of another variant in a population not fully vaccinated.
 
        VACCINATIONS FOR CHILDREN 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS OF AGE HAVE BEGUN!   Both Pfizer and Moderna were cleared by the FDA for use in young children.    If you have an infant, toddler or young child or grandchildren in that age group consider protecting them with the vaccination.   The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association have encouraged doctors and families to get young children vaccinated.  
  
COVID UPDATE:   We are continuing to see new COVID infections, outbreaks in those already vaccinated and boosted.   The issue is there are many still who have not had even their first booster and those not even vaccinated and the infections continue to cause major illness and death in those populations.    We want to be out, about and socializing but caution is still recommended.  
  
Total Cases:        97,116  (last week 95,630)           Recovered:   92,376   (last week 90,993)             Active Cases: 4244 (last week 4142)        
 
Deaths:                496   (last week 495)
 
Hospitalized:     32 confirmed cases and 3 in the ICU      (last week  37 confirmed and 2 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information….  As of June 26th, 2022,   1,108,458  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,105,814).     We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.   Vaccines are still available, still be given and special consideration is being given to some of our minority communities within o9ur county to try and educate, encourage and offer vaccinations. 

MASKS:              

Masks are still being encouraged to be used in crowded, indoor settings because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it is a personal decision.   

The pandemic is not over and we continue to see fully vaccinated and boosted individuals getting COVID.    The one things to remember though, these individuals are not usually becoming really sick, not needing hospitalization nor are they requiring ventilator support.   We have an obligation to our fellow man to keep everyone safe who is immunocompromised or has underlying health issues to ensure we are vaccinated and boosted!     

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
I hope this finds you safe, healthy but if you need any questions answered, you know I am always available!
 
Di

A Year in Review

Pledge of Allegiance led by Dave Doht

SONG  by Bill Bolster – “Celebration”  by Kool & the Gang – good thing our Club had musical back-up.  We were a little weak on this song.

INTRODUCTIONS of Visitors:

Diego Velasquez – Recipient of Ken Moulton Scholarship

Emma Velasquez – Diego’s Mom

Gail Ginder – Friend and fellow Ukelele player with Pam Moulton

Thaddeus Gobbus – also a Ukelele friend of Pam

Becky Mortensen – our Outbound Youth Exchange student headed to Stockholm, Sweden

ROTARY MOMENT -Michael Juric and Diego Velasquez:  Michael’s Rotary moment is knowing that we have helped students to succeed.   He interviewed Diego, who said that graduating from high school was a long four years.  He is now going to the Fashion Institute of Technology.  He is interested in fashion because it is always evolving.  He will miss his Windsor community.   Our whole club applauded loudly because we are so proud of Diego, who has a bright future.   Easy to see why this is MJ’s Rotary Moment:  “Students are a big piece of our heart here in this Club.”  Michael Juric

Rotarian of the Month:  BETH SMITH – Beth still gets applause for her hard work on Grad Night for Windsor Seniors.

Announcements:  

Movie Update :  Ed Turner let us know that movie night for Top Gun is on as a mini-fundraiser.  $25 gets you ticket entry, a glass of beer or wine, and popcorn.  And, Tom Cruise has a personal message for us at the beginning of the film.  It’s a great deal and supports our WRCF.  Pay Ed in advance or at the theater.

Bill Bolster thanked everyone who did garbage pickup for our Adopt a Road project.   Strictly hands-on work and everyone worked hard and had a good time.   According to Bill, “it was a really trashy crowd.”  

 Pam’s VARIETY SHOW

First up was Healdsburg Ukelele Club, who invited Pam to play with them to the unique song:  “Bye-Bye, Pam”.  It was a lovely rendition, and everyone jumped in for the chorus.

Bye-bye Pam, bye-bye all that stress

Hello:  Who can guess?

We think we’re going to cry

Bye-Bye dear Pam, bye-bye.

There goes the big boss, here comes the new.

She sure looks happy, he sure looks blue.

It won’t be long now ‘til he steps in,

We’ll miss you Pam-la, you big has been.

We’ll miss your laughter, your little quirks.

But through it all, dear, you did GREAT works.

All those new members?  That’s a big home run!

We brought you trinkets, your brought us fun.

Now here’s to Brian, we wish him luck.

But following Pam-la, He’s probably going to have to work really hard!

We’ll get behind him and he’ll do fine,

And just like Pam, Bry, we know you’ll shine!

Bye-bye Pam, bye-bye silliness,

Hello happiness.

Just spread your wings and fly.

Bye-bye dear Pam goodbye.

Next up were Carol Martin and Ed Turner “Fun with Money”

Choose the money bucket.  Skippy is square – he’s gone high tech.  Pledge reminders – when you say you’re going to donate at a meeting, there will be a reminder to help you pay up or else?

Pegi Ball, Youth Service Chair reminded us of all the programs we support for Youth:  Dictionaries for every third grader in Windsor, two student to RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, two students to Kool Kids Camp at Cloverleaf Ranch, and of course, our Youth Exchange program.

Wally Krutz fished for a multi-headed dragon, DacDb, and encouraged us to “show no fear to the dragon”.   On DacDb, calendar is good, communications are good, text messages and group texts are in place, document control = bad word, easy story is good to go and we can develop content.  Want ads are also in place.   Wally dressed for his skit and added humor to a very important subject.

JB Leep let us know that our website is new and fabulous – in SONG!  JB is our resident singer – a real professional.

Our Environmental Queen, Barbara McChesney says everyone is working toward lowering their eco footprint by asking, “What would Barbara do?”  Our Club is an Ambassador Club for “End Plastic Soup” and our goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate single use plastic.  Barbara introduced our monthly challenge for June which has a selection of ways we can reduce our eco footprint.

Catherine Hanron simply listed all our new Club members this year and it was quite an impressive list.  

Doug Williams wrote and delivered an EPIC Poem!  It was in recognition and thanks to everyone in the club.  What graciousness and poetic skill.  

Sue Nelson and Susan Cole, Co-Chairs of Service for our Club this year ended the show with a list and photos of our charitable contributions this year – almost $100,000 given away both in our community and in the world.  What a stellar job our Club has done this year in Service Above Self.  Sue Nelson encouraged club members to get involved in the Service area this coming year because it is so satisfying and fulfilling to know you are helping others throughout the world.

Pam offered her Thanks to Everyone

Set-up:

Rotary Moment: Diego

Greeter Robin Resendez

Song: Bill Bolster

Scribe: Susan Cole

A/V set-up          Terry Andreocchi

Zoom team: Michael

ROTARIAN of the Month – Beth

Reminder of Next week, AWARDS and transition

QUOTE

Success is not final; 

failure is not fatal:

It is the courage to continue that counts.” 

 From your Rotary Nurse….
 
 
COVID UPDATE…..
                                                                                                            
06/21/22
 
NEWS:          

VACCINATIONS FOR CHILDREN 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS OF AGE BEGIN THIS WEEK!   Both Pfizer and Moderna have been cleared by the FDA for use in young children.    If you have an infant, toddler or young child or grandchildren in that age group consider protecting them with the vaccination.   The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association have encouraged doctors and families to get young children vaccinated.  
 
COVID UPDATE:   We continue to see new COVID infections, outbreaks in those already vaccinated and boosted and our community who are on COVID overload, socializing, and getting out.   But those social events are leading to infection.   Enjoy life, get out, but just take precautions.   Continue to encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.  
 
 
Total Cases:        95,630  (last week 94,300)           Recovered:   90,993   (last week 89,488)             Active Cases: 4142 (last week 4318)        
 
Deaths:                495   (last week 495)
 
Hospitalized:     37 confirmed cases and 2 in the ICU      (last week  40 confirmed and 5 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information….  As of June 19th, 2022,   1,105,814  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,0101,698).     We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.  

Vaccines continue to be given and clinics are open but we are not reaching the vaccination shy individuals in our community that we still need to get vaccinated.   The population still at risk are our minorities who are not getting vaccinated.   Please let people you know who have not had their booster how important it is to make the appointment and complete their vaccination!  And let them know Novavax may soon be authorized for vaccine which is different than either of the Pfizer or Moderna.   Vaccinations for babies age 6 months up to 5 years of age now being available may help strengthen our numbers as parents take kids in and talk up vaccinations. 

MASKS:              

Masks are being encouraged to be used again in crowded, indoor setting because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

The pandemic is not over and we continue to see fully vaccinated and boosted individuals getting COVID.    The one things to remember though, these individuals are not usually becoming really sick, not needing hospitalization nor are they requiring ventilator support.   We have an obligation to our fellow man to keep everyone safe who is immunocompromised or has underlying health issues to ensure we are vaccinated and boosted!     

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Just stay safe and think of others…..
 
Fondly,
Di

Windsor Rotary Meeting, June 14^th, 2022
Scribe:  Di Brabetz, RN CPNP PHN

The Meeting was called to order by our President Pam Moulton and we were led in The Pledge to Allegiance

Song: Bill Arnone let us know that today is actually Flag Day and so appropriately we sang “You’re a Grand Ole Flag”

Rotary Moment:  Leah Hansen was asked to share with us her Rotary Moment and she spoke on the program that she participated in with Social Advocated for Youth.   It was a walk that was for homeless teenagers and what a moment that meant to her.

Introduction of Visiting Rotarians:  Santa Rosa Sunrise:  Matthew Crooks, Kristine Burns and Penny Millar 
                                                       Healdsburg Sunrise:  Current President – Larry Mills

Introduction of Guests:    Lauren Hull, Publisher of Windsor Connection and guest of Maureen’s 
                                        Bekah Mortensen – our outgoing Exchange Student to Sweden 
                                        Our son, Domingo Lorenzini
                                        And our Zoom Speaker, Jamie Carroll

Rotarian of the Month:  Although she was not in attendance, President Pam congratulated Beth Smith for being our Rotarian of the Month

President Pam asked us to go around and if you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would that be?    Great answers from our Club………

Announcements:             
                                Birthdays –              June 1   Pegi Ball
                                                                June 3   Sandie Krutz
                                                                June 3   Kurt Mitchler
                                                                June 8   Patrick Dunn
                                                                June 14 TODAY – David Doht turns 70!!!!
                                                                June 22 Bill Conklin
                                                                June 28 Jamie Williams
 President Pam suggested that all of our birthday babies consider a donation to their fines, Polio Plus, Windsor Foundation, Ken Moulton scholarship and we all joined in a quick round of Happy Birthday!

                                Anniversaries –        June 12^th              Barbara and Michael Ragsdale
                                                                June 24^th              David Doht and Barbara McChesney
                                                                June 25^th              Chris and Maureen Landwehr
                                                                June 28^th              Jean and John Hackenburg
                                                                June 29^th              Monica and Larry McCabe
President Pam asked Chris Landwehr who was online what they were planning to do – “going to Italy”….Chris will pay his fines

Asked Larry McCabe what he would do ….. “waking up to the love of my life beside me”   
And when Monica was asked the same question, her reply was “going to bed with the love of life beside me”, there were a lot of “Ahs……”    Great answer!!!

Passport meeting to be held after our Rotary meeting – Sandie Krutz will discuss Youth Exchange.

Renee Hyde publically thanked Sandie and Wally Krutz for taking over the Rotary Bar for her –  we made over $2100 and they said we should have Brian Williams work every Bar as he is a “hawker” extraordinaire – calling to people to buy a metal cup from Waste Less Windsor and come fill it at our Rotary Bar. A permanent assignment, perhaps?  And Brian’s comment – priceless!  “I drive people to drink!!!”

RYLA today – at Westminster Woods –  see Pegi Ball if you can help with the lunch

Movie Update – Ed  Turner shared with us that we are a go for a Rotary Movie Night on Wednesday, June 22^nd
 – 6 pm for a social time
 – 6:45 pm – movie starts
Cost is $25 per person and includes a glass of wine or beer and a cup of popcorn. Wine and beer can be taken into the theater.  All proceeds go to Ken Moulton Scholarship Fund. 

RI Convention Update – Tom Boylan shared with us that Rotary is the only non-government organization with a seat on the UN!!!   He shared with us that Our District 5130 had quite the contingency of people attending –  how impressive it was that the Ukrainian Flag was carried in up front and people stood up and cheered. He also talked about people from so many countries  – talking to people about their lives and their Rotary Projects. As is tradition with President Pam, Tom brought her a gift – a carved sunbird from Africa.

Youth Exchange – Sandie Krutz put out a desperate plea – she still needs 3 Host families for our incoming girl from Brazil and a boy from Germany.  They are needed for the first time period of August to about Thanksgiving and then the end of the school year.    Please think about hosting – it is such a great experience!

SPEAKER:   Jamie Carroll
JB shared with us that he and Carol were fortunate to go to our District 5130 Conference in Fortuna and had the opportunity to hear Jamie speak.  Jamie agreed to pay a visit to our club and be our speaker today. Jamie is a former Rotary Youth Exchange Student from the Rotary Club of Eureka and a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt.  She holds a degree in International Development with a concentration in Strategic Management.  She currently works in Philanthropy with “Roots and Wings”, the private family Foundation of Billionaire Judith Faulkner, Founder of Epic Systems, a healthcare software company.  Jamie’s real story is her journey from early difficult years of homelessness to a successful life .   

Jamie then began her story…….   She grew up in Eureka and was homeless, living on the streets with her mother.   Until about age 7 or 8 she flew under the radar of Social Services until a teacher realized she would come to school hungry, dirty, sometimes without shoes, her mother missing meetings and brought in the Sheriff. She was placed into Foster Care and she shared with us that she had 3 wishes as that little 8 year old girl “that her mother would get better, that she would meet her father and that thirdly, she would get all of the Beanie Babies in the world!”  

She was the most abused child in Humboldt County – thank God for that intervention and that compassionate teacher who cared!  At age 8 she did get to meet her father!   She lived with him in a Men’s Boarding Home and spent 6 years with him.   He was disabled, but very intelligent and believed strongly in education.   So he made her study, and do homework.  At age 14, her father died of liver failure and she became a ward of the court. 

She began to try to become emancipated through the courts and went to a Transitional Living Center. She remembered that her father had constantly told her to join the military as they would pay for her education and her plan had been to join.  However, “Remarkable things happen” she said, and as a Senior at Eureka High School she heard an announcement over the PA system telling kids that it was last day to find out about becoming a Rotary Exchange Student. She went to the office, heard about this and applied, never thinking she would get selected!  But in 2008, Jamie was selected by the Eureka Rotary club to become an Exchange Student. (She was the first student to go on the exchange program without parents.)

Jamie was sent to North Eastern Brazil in a very impoverished area that was an African community.  It was the first time she was part of a stable, loving family.  Her host mother was a professor at a university and must have seen the potential because as Jamie shared, “she saw to it that I attended college at night and did high school during the day”. One of things she remembers the most is hearing “the limits of my language are the limits of my world”.   Did her world ever enlarge!!!!!

After Jamie’s exchange year, she returned to Northern California and went to work in health care – she started a clinic and became the Administrator there – a wellness clinic.  In 2017, Jamie was awarded a scholarship so she could attend college.  She had a Rotarian mentor that stressed to her “do what makes you happy!”  After obtaining her Degree in International Development with a concentration in strategic management, Jamie has become a Grant maker.   She manages grants for housing, food, justice, etc.         She thanked our Club for hosting exchange students and being so supportive of the Exchange program. 

Jamie faces everything with curiosity and lets everything go so she can live her life with optimism and thankfulness. Jamie is the epitome of the life’s challenges spurring her on to greatness.  And Rotary was definitely a part of her success.


CLOSURE: President Pam thanked all who came and all who helped.   She reminded us that next week’s meeting is our “Final Variety Show” of all that we have accomplished. 

She closed with the Maya Angelou quote:
                                “I have learned that People will forget what you said…
                                People will forget what you do…..
                                People will never forget how you made them feel!”

 From your Rotary Nurse….

 COVID UPDATE…..

06/14/22

NEWS:   INFECTIONS UP, BUT NOT SEVERE ILLNESSES!  As expected 2 weeks after gatherings for Memorial Day, health officials did post we have had a slight uptick in COVID-19 infections.  But luckily it has not resulted in an impact on our local hospitals that one would expect.   Dr. Sundari Mase, the county’s health officer was quoted as saying “ the real success of the COVID-19 vaccine, coupled with natural immunity built up over the past two and a half years is playing out.   But vaccination, she added, is still the best tool for avoiding severe illness”.

COVID UPDATE:   We continue to see new COVID infections and we need to continue to encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.   We continue to see people hospitalized and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases:        94,300  (last week 92,907)           Recovered:   89,488   (last week 87,878)             Active Cases: 4318 (last week 4536)        New Cases on Sunday: 3  (last week 873)

Deaths:    495   (last week 493)
Hospitalized:     40 confirmed cases and 5 in the ICU      (last week  33 confirmed and 2 in the ICU)
Vaccination information….  As of June 12th, 2022, 1,101,698  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,096,767).  We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.   We continue to stagnate in getting more people to vaccinate.   Please let people you know who have not had their booster how important it is to make the appointment and complete their vaccination!  And let them know Novavax may soon be authorized for vaccine which is different than either of the Pfizer or Moderna.  

MASKS:   Masks are being encouraged to be used again in crowded, indoor setting because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

The pandemic is not over and we continue to see numerous outbreaks occurring in our county.   We are only protected if we are all protected.     

Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  

Live your life, but continue to be careful in those things that you do that have you in large crowds and inside.    Do not take risks if your “bubble of family and friends” is immunocompromised or at risk.    If you have small children, stay tuned for whether the FDA will approve the vaccine for our under 5 year olds.   Just be smart, well read and stay safe! 

Respectivefully submitted by Di Brabetz, Scribe

Cleft Palate Project in Mexico

Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin.  Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY,  June 7, 2022.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Led by Monica McCabe

SONG:  Susan Cole led an impromptu singing of God Bless America!

Rotary Moment: Pam announced that gift bags are on a table for a price.  Money made will be put towards air conditioning for cleft palate clinic. She auctioned off Mickey Mouse Bubble wand for $50!!

INSPIRATION:  The inspiration for today was the friendly reminder to sign up to attend Pam Moulton’s debunking. It will be a fabulously fun affair at the home of Barbara McChesney and David Doht.  Susan Cole and Bill Bolster provided a description of the party and a special request from all members.  There will be an email sent to all members, other than Pam, with details.  Be sure to read!

VISITING ROTARIANS: No visiting Rotarians today.

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS:  Kate Smith and Bekah Mortensen

Rotarian of the month:  Congratulations to Beth Smith, June Rotarian of the month.  Pam acknowledged Beth for many reasons, but especially the incredible amount of work she put in to creating Project Grad 2022.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

• Passport Meeting in Lakeside room was canceled due to lack of attendees.
• Ed Turner announced that the Rotary Bar made $2,322 for our International project fund the first night of the Town Green concerts. Thank you to all who made this fun event possible.
• Top Gun Movie night mini-fundraiser is happening on Wednesday, June 22 at 6pm.  $25 gives you entrance, wine, and popcorn. Airport Cinemas.
• Sandie shared photos and the story of her 75^th birthday sky diving experience!  She loved everything about it and would like to do it again!!  She didn’t remember to put her arms out during the free fall portion.  JB, Carol, Kurt, Jo, Sue, and, of course, Wally cheered her on!
• Beth thanked all the Rotarians who participated in Grad Night 2022.  It was a wonderful success even with the rain.  This event allows a safe and sober fun night for the graduates.  Beth expressed sincere gratitude for those Rotarians who gave their time and gave up sleep to make it possible.
• Barbara and Bill drew 5 names of the 21 who participated in the May ‘Find your carbon footprint’ challenge.  Prizes included plastic and tree-free napkins and paper towels, steel drinking cups, mesh produce bags, and laundry sheets.  Winners were JB, Pam, Daniel, Mitchell, and Joan!  Thank you to all who participated!
• June Challenge is to “Reduce your carbon footprint”.  
• Bill announced and encouraged club members to join him on Saturday June 18^th for the Adopt-A-Road clean up party.
• Rotary Club of Windsor knocked it out of the park with our hospitality suite at the recent district conference.  The theme was “Rockabilly – Rocking in the Redwoods.”  Pam’s wardrobe crew switched her out of rockabilly wear into Marie Antoinette, suitable for the Windsor Rotary “Paris Bistro” themed hospitality suite in a corner of the ballroom. French cafe music blared, Brian Ling served up “Les Drops de Limon” in martini glasses with blueberries in a fabulous mélange of mixed metaphors!  For this effort, our club was awarded the grand prize winner of $1000 to be used for a district or international project.  Congratulations to the team who made this possible.

 June Challenge:  Reduce your carbon footprint

• Walk, ride your bike, or carpool to club meetings, grocery store, or other errands. 
• Eat a 100% plant-based diet for a week.
• Eat only locally grown food for a week.
• Do a project to improve energy efficiency at home.
• Cut your trash in half. 

SPEAKER: Our very own nurse extraordinaire, Diane Brabatz, shared her experience assisting with the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  Diane was educated at John Hopkins and is the only woman in the Rotary club of Playa del Carmen. The Community Center built by Rotary is used for club meetings and  Saturday health clinics. The community has a high incident of hyper tension and diabetes. 

There are two primary doctors who do the cleft surgeries and both happen to be named Dr. Ricardo. The cleft surgery process begins with a meeting with a psychologist who spends time with parents to explain the process and talk about their fears and concerns.  Children with disabilities are hidden from view in Mexico so this surgery makes a profound difference in their lives.  The clinic is very careful to ensure long-term success, so there is a lot of follow-up, including speech therapist services.  Children usually experience speech challenges.

The process for babies begins with a feeding tube to make sure they are nourished. This is followed up with the installation of screws in the upper gumline to hook rubber bands and make a prothesis to pull teeth back. Treatment and evaluations happen and the surgery is done elsewhere.  The goal is to fix the nose as well. Cleft lips and palate are generally the result of both genetics and a lack of folic acid in the diet of pregnant women.

The club in Playa del Carmen is all men except for Diane but the Rotary Annies are very involved in the clinics helping in every way they can. The clinic faces many challenges and Diane thanks the Rotary Club of Windsor for our generous $10,000 contribution. This amount funded doctor costs including airfare and hotels for 9 clinics per year.  There is tremendous attention to detail making sure kids can live productive lives. Diane invites any member of our club to help at a clinic. No Spanish necessary. . . just a hug, smile and embrace. 

Pam thanked the following:

Set-up: Daniel Myers
Greeter: Wally Krutz

Secret greeter: Mike Rausch
Song: Susan Cole
Scribe: Barbara McChesney

A/V set-up: T.B.D.
Zoom team: Michael Juric

Next week: Jaime Carroll talks about the impact of Rotary.

Foundation Awards and Fun

Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin.  Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY, May 31, 2022.

Pledge of Allegiance: Meeting led by Susan Cole

INSPIRATION: The inspiration of the day was the induction by Renee Hyde of new member David Doht, husband of Barbara McChesney.  Dave wore a sequin shirt in honor of this wonderful occasion.  Dave will be a wonderful addition to our club.

SONG: In honor of Memorial Day, JB led the club in singing America the Beautiful.

VISITING ROTARIANS: No visiting Rotarians today.

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS:  John Nelson, guest of the club. Kate Smith, guest of her mom Beth.  Domingo, guest of Renee Hyde.

Rotarian of the month: Terry Andreacchi honored.

Most embarrassing fashion trend you use to rock:  President Pam asked Rotarians to wear and/or share their most embarrassing fashion trend you ever rocked.  Pam rocked her very colorfully mismatched outfit today beautifully.  Not so sure if Tom rocked it but wore his bright green penguin polyester suit!  Favorite fashion trends through the ages of club members were: polyester leisure suits, parachute pants, Canadian Tuxedo, micro-minis, sequin shirts, maroon leisure suit, mushroom haircut, big shoulder pads for the women, hot pants, hip hugger bell bottom pants, pajama baggy pants, long wild hair, double breasted suits, silk bow ties, paisley, neru jackets, cut off jeans, short-short shorts, hot pink ditto jeans, granny dresses, gunny sacks dresses, elephant bell bottoms, bandanas, bolo ties, mullet, and Bill Arnone’s home made leisure suit that looked like a Hershey bar.  This club was clearly quite the fashionable bunch.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

• Renee gave a shout out to all her construction crew who helped make upgrades and improvements to the Rotary Bar signage and booth. She and Domingo shopped for supplies and the bar is fully ready for this Thursday night grand opening.
• Jo Timmson: Sandie has a significant birthday this week and has chosen a parachute jump to celebrate. Jo invited Rotarians to join Sandie at the airport to cheer her on.  Her adventure begins at 11am at NorCal Skydiving in Cloverdale.  Happy birthday Sandie!
• Beth Smith is still looking for volunteers for Windsor High School Graduation Safe and Sober Grad night.  Please contact her immediately if you are able to help.  donsmith34@sbcglobal.net, 815-353-4444
• Kate Smith is making and selling jewelry to raise money for her travels abroad as a youth exchange student.
• Joan Moura announced next club social will be a showing of the new Top Gun movie at the airport cinemas.  Date to be determined!
• Rotarians have been traveling. . .Maureen, Mike, and Barbara just returned from a fabulous 8 day Grand Canyon whitewater adventure rafting 220 miles of the Colorado River and sleeping on cots under the stars each night.  Robin just returned from an amazing 2 week trip with her mom backpacking through the backcountry of Scotland. WOW, we have some adventurous club members!

Acknowledgements:

John Hackenburg and Kurt Mitchler honored special guest John Nelson for applying his incredible photography skills to the Spark Success fundraiser. He created all the videos for the event as well as the live video the night of the event. Dev Sodagar was not in attendance but was also honored for working directly with John as producer. Together they created a highly successful event allowing the club to raise funds for all of our very worthwhile causes.

John Hackenburg and Diane Brabatz acknowledged the newest Paul Harris Fellows. They are first time recipients Doug Williams and Barbara McChesney, 4^th time recipient Tom Boylan and 5^th time Londa Faber. Thank you all for your generosity.

Brian Ling acknowledged new John Lewis Fellows Beth Smith and Kurt Mitchler’s two sons.  Thank you both for your generous contributions.

Brian provided an explanation about the John Lewis whistle and many in the club donated funds for various happenings in their lives.  

This was a very full meeting.  Brian provided a brief summary of his upcoming year . . . has purchased more train whistles and is looking for volunteers to take on this task, Board is set, plans for 35^th club anniversary is in the works, and many more exciting things coming up in his year.

In closing:

Pam thanked all of those who made the meeting possible and finished with this quote:

Winston Churchill- “From what we get, we can make a living, what we give, however, makes a life”

Next Month:

Diane will present the cleft palate project in Mexico.

June Environmental Challenge:

June Challenge:  Reduce your carbon footprint
Walk, ride your bike, or carpool to club meetings, grocery store, or other errands.
Write your name on a piece of paper each time you avoid the car, bring to a meeting, put in basket at front table or email  Barbara at barbsmcc@gmail.com

If unable to do above. . .How can you educate yourself this month? Ask for ideas!From Your Rotary Nurse…. COVID Update….
 
                                                                                                               
05/31/22
 
NEWS:           

FDA APPEARS POISED TO AUTHORIZE NOVAVAX CORONAVIRUS VACCINE!  This could help us reach those people who are not vaccinated who do not want to take a mRNA vaccine.
Novavax is a protein derived vaccine grown in cell cultures and is much like our Flu vaccines.  This could reach the tens of millions of Americans who have avoided our vaccines for health concerns or conspiracy theories.  It is already licensed in 41 countries and at least 42 million doses have already been distributed.
 
                                STATE OF CALIFORNIA TOTAL DEATHS FROM COVID HITS 91,469!   New cases in California for the last 24 hours is 12,524. 
 
 
COVID UPDATE:   

We are seeing an increase in new COVID infection and we need to continue to encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.   We have experienced 2 more deaths in our community and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases:        91,440  (last week 90,056)           Recovered:   86,481   (last week 85,406)             Active Cases: 4466 (last week 4158)        New Cases on Sunday: 665
 Deaths:                493   (last week 491)
 Hospitalized:      42 confirmed cases and 5 in the ICU      (last weeks  37 confirmed and 3 in the ICU)
 Vaccination information….  As of May 29 th, 2022,   1,091,587  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,084,678).     We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.   We continue stagnate in getting more people to vaccinate.   If you know someone who has not and is eligible, let them know how important vaccines have been in our community!

MASKS:              

Masks are being encouraged to be used again in crowded, indoor setting because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.
Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Continue to stay safe, protect yourselves and others as this pandemic is not over.   If you have small children, stay tuned for whether the FDA will approve the vaccine for our under 5 year olds.   They are the ones most at risk right now.    Just be smart, well read and stay safe! 
Di

Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin.  Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY, May 31, 2022.

Pledge of Allegiance: Meeting led by Susan Cole

INSPIRATION: The inspiration of the day was the induction by Renee Hyde of new member David Doht, husband of Barbara McChesney.  Dave wore a sequin shirt in honor of this wonderful occasion.  Dave will be a wonderful addition to our club.

SONG: In honor of Memorial Day, JB led the club in singing America the Beautiful.

VISITING ROTARIANS: No visiting Rotarians today.

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS:  John Nelson, guest of the club. Kate Smith, guest of her mom Beth.  Domingo, guest of Renee Hyde.

Rotarian of the month: Terry Andreacchi honored.

Most embarrassing fashion trend you use to rock:  President Pam asked Rotarians to wear and/or share their most embarrassing fashion trend you ever rocked.  Pam rocked her very colorfully mismatched outfit today beautifully.  Not so sure if Tom rocked it but wore his bright green penguin polyester suit!  Favorite fashion trends through the ages of club members were: polyester leisure suits, parachute pants, Canadian Tuxedo, micro-minis, sequin shirts, maroon leisure suit, mushroom haircut, big shoulder pads for the women, hot pants, hip hugger bell bottom pants, pajama baggy pants, long wild hair, double breasted suits, silk bow ties, paisley, neru jackets, cut off jeans, short-short shorts, hot pink ditto jeans, granny dresses, gunny sacks dresses, elephant bell bottoms, bandanas, bolo ties, mullet, and Bill Arnone’s home made leisure suit that looked like a Hershey bar.  This club was clearly quite the fashionable bunch.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

• Renee gave a shout out to all her construction crew who helped make upgrades and improvements to the Rotary Bar signage and booth. She and Domingo shopped for supplies and the bar is fully ready for this Thursday night grand opening.
• Jo Timmson: Sandie has a significant birthday this week and has chosen a parachute jump to celebrate. Jo invited Rotarians to join Sandie at the airport to cheer her on.  Her adventure begins at 11am at NorCal Skydiving in Cloverdale.  Happy birthday Sandie!
• Beth Smith is still looking for volunteers for Windsor High School Graduation Safe and Sober Grad night.  Please contact her immediately if you are able to help.  donsmith34@sbcglobal.net, 815-353-4444
• Kate Smith is making and selling jewelry to raise money for her travels abroad as a youth exchange student.
• Joan Moura announced next club social will be a showing of the new Top Gun movie at the airport cinemas.  Date to be determined!
• Rotarians have been traveling. . .Maureen, Mike, and Barbara just returned from a fabulous 8 day Grand Canyon whitewater adventure rafting 220 miles of the Colorado River and sleeping on cots under the stars each night.  Robin just returned from an amazing 2 week trip with her mom backpacking through the backcountry of Scotland. WOW, we have some adventurous club members!

Acknowledgements:

John Hackenburg and Kurt Mitchler honored special guest John Nelson for applying his incredible photography skills to the Spark Success fundraiser. He created all the videos for the event as well as the live video the night of the event. Dev Sodagar was not in attendance but was also honored for working directly with John as producer. Together they created a highly successful event allowing the club to raise funds for all of our very worthwhile causes.

John Hackenburg and Diane Brabatz acknowledged the newest Paul Harris Fellows. They are first time recipients Doug Williams and Barbara McChesney, 4^th time recipient Tom Boylan and 5^th time Londa Faber. Thank you all for your generosity.

Brian Ling acknowledged new John Lewis Fellows Beth Smith and Kurt Mitchler’s two sons.  Thank you both for your generous contributions.

Brian provided an explanation about the John Lewis whistle and many in the club donated funds for various happenings in their lives.  

This was a very full meeting.  Brian provided a brief summary of his upcoming year . . . has purchased more train whistles and is looking for volunteers to take on this task, Board is set, plans for 35^th club anniversary is in the works, and many more exciting things coming up in his year.

In closing:

Pam thanked all of those who made the meeting possible and finished with this quote:

Winston Churchill- “From what we get, we can make a living, what we give, however, makes a life”

Next Month:

Diane will present the cleft palate project in Mexico.

June Environmental Challenge:

June Challenge:  Reduce your carbon footprint
Walk, ride your bike, or carpool to club meetings, grocery store, or other errands.
Write your name on a piece of paper each time you avoid the car, bring to a meeting, put in basket at front table or email  Barbara at barbsmcc@gmail.com

If unable to do above. . .How can you educate yourself this month? Ask for ideas!From Your Rotary Nurse….

COVID Update….


05/31/22

NEWS:           

FDA APPEARS POISED TO AUTHORIZE NOVAVAX CORONAVIRUS VACCINE!  This could help us reach those people who are not vaccinated who do not want to take a mRNA vaccine.
Novavax is a protein derived vaccine grown in cell cultures and is much like our Flu vaccines.  This could reach the tens of millions of Americans who have avoided our vaccines for health concerns or conspiracy theories.  It is already licensed in 41 countries and at least 42 million doses have already been distributed.

  STATE OF CALIFORNIA TOTAL DEATHS FROM COVID HITS 91,469!   New cases in California for the last 24 hours is 12,524. 


COVID UPDATE:   

We are seeing an increase in new COVID infection and we need to continue to encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.   We have experienced 2 more deaths in our community and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases:        91,440  (last week 90,056)           Recovered:   86,481   (last week 85,406)             Active Cases: 4466 (last week 4158)        New Cases on Sunday: 665

Deaths:                493   (last week 491)

Hospitalized:      42 confirmed cases and 5 in the ICU      (last weeks  37 confirmed and 3 in the ICU)

Vaccination information….  As of May 29 th, 2022,   1,091,587  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,084,678).     We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.   We continue stagnate in getting more people to vaccinate.   If you know someone who has not and is eligible, let them know how important vaccines have been in our community!

MASKS:              

Masks are being encouraged to be used again in crowded, indoor setting because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  

Continue to stay safe, protect yourselves and others as this pandemic is not over.   If you have small children, stay tuned for whether the FDA will approve the vaccine for our under 5 year olds.   They are the ones most at risk right now.    Just be smart, well read and stay safe! 

Di

Diana Borges – COPE Windsor

Rotary Moment:

JB Leep took the lead for our District Matching Grant this year with a Waste Less Windsor project to compose videos in English and Spanish along with a series of presentations about recycling. The project targeted 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders. After a lot of work, Brooks Elementary School achieved 100% participation!

JB went to great effort to put together this video series. It can be found on the Waste Less Windsor site here.

Guests of Rotarians:

Diana Borges – Leader of COPE, Windsor

Kate Smith

Domingo Calleja Lorenzini

Rotarian of the Month for April – Terry Andreacchi

    Announcements:

• Kate Smith went to prom!
• Brooks Elementary School planter box ribbon cutting
• District 5130 conference was a fantastic time. Windsor Rotary won an award for enhancing participation!

Guest speaker for today: Diana Borges who works for COPE here in Windsor. Communities Organized to Prepare for Emergencies.

A collaborative effort between the town, the police and the fire district. COPE aims to help everyone in the community to be prepared for emergency situations. It is focused on the concept of neighbours helping neighbours.

The Windsor chapter is part of 40 COPE communities, including many here in the North Bay that coordinate monthly.

Neighborhood Leaders (Block Captains) coordinate among 10-20 households to liaise with other Leaders and share resources throughout the neighbourhood.There is an Emergency Preparedness Guidebook put together by COPE specifically for Windsor. It is available for download from the Town of Windsor website.

Being prepared for Wildfires is more than just a Go bag and escape route – it’s planning defensible space and protecting property. Keep the 5’ around your property clear, enclose eaves, block anywhere embers can catch.

COPE needs more Neighbourhood Leaders! As well as a new COPE leader to liase with the wider COPE groups.You can reach Diana for questions by emailing cope@townofwindsor.com

Final quote of the day: 

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head. If you speak to him in his own language, it goes to his heart – Nelson MandelaSet-up: Steve Klick

Greeter: Mike Raasch

Song: Heather Cullen

Scribe: Dev Sodagar

A/V set-up: Mitch Grandi

Zoom team: Brian Williams

Rotary MOMENT – J.B.
From Your Rotary Nurse – Update on COVID
 
                                                                                                                
05/24/22
 
NEWS: 

PFIZER HAS REQUESTED FDA TO APPROVE VACCINE FOR UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE.   FINDINGS FILED SHOW VACCINE IS 80% EFFECTIVE!  Each vaccine is one-tenth of the adult dose. STATE OF CALIFORNIA EXCEEDS 90,000 DEAD FROM CORONAVIRUS  (TOTAL DEATHS 90,724)    New cases in California for the last 24 hours is 22,586. 
 
COVID UPDATE:   

The pandemic is not over so encourage those who have not had their booster to do so. The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions. We do still have some of our community members dying (we lost someone in Windsor) and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases:   90,056  (2 weeks ago 87,177) Recovered:   85,406   (2 weeks ago 84,196)   Active Cases: 4158 (2 weeks ago 2491)     New Cases on Sunday: 720
 
Deaths:  491   (2 weeks ago 490)
 
Hospitalized: 37 confirmed cases and 3 in the ICU  (2 weeks ago 23 confirmed and 23 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information….  As of May 22nd, 2022, 1,084,678  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (2 weeks ago 1,066,482). We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose. We continue stagnate in getting more people to vaccinate. If you know someone who has not and is eligible, let them know how important vaccines have been in our community!

MASKS: 

Because of the rise in hospitalizations, ICU admits and surges in some areas, some Counties has mandated mask use again.   Other counties are highly suggesting use of masks indoors but not going as far as regulating or mandating masks.  Regardless of vaccination status, here in Sonoma County masks are not required in most public settings, although Public Health Officials are strongly recommending the use of masks if you are indoors, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:  

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Continue to stay vigilant as this pandemic is not over.   If you have small children, stay tuned for whether the FDA will approve the vaccine for our under 5 year olds.   They are the ones most at risk right now.    Just be smart, well read and stay safe! 
Di

Craft Talks – Scott Bonin, Mitch Grandi & Mike Raasch

President Pam Moulton rang the bell at 7:30am

Steve Klick to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance 

In the absence of song master Bill Arnone, President Pam & Susan Cole treated us with the beginning phrase of France’s National Anthem.  

Bill Bolster Rotary Moment:  Bill was initially drawn to Rotary when he realized many of the community leaders were Rotarians, however, his real Rotary Moment(s) occurred when Glenda Sales got him involved in Youth & Youth Exchange: Bills favorite participation is participating in Youth Exchange candidate interviews (selection process)  participating in the event YE students find out what country they are going to (reveal night),  and YE presentation to club after returning from their exchange year.  

No visiting Rotarians, but delighted to have Domingo from Chili with us.  

Rotarian of the Month:  Terry Andreacchi 

Domingo introduced our two visiting Mimes (Wally Krutz) & (John Hackenburg). You ask why mimes at Rotary?  DISTRICT CONFERENCE is Saturday May 21^st.  Rotary Club of Windsor is going with a French Theme for Saturday Night Hospitality Event.  Grab your beret, favorite un foulard and join the fun!

Environmental Committee: Bill Bolster announced Barbara McChesney emailed a Carbon footprint challenge to all members – please complete, only takes a few minutes and email results to Barbara:barbsmcc@gmail.com if you missed her email, here is the link to survey: www.footprintcalculatior.org.  Participants will be entered in a drawing taking place May 31^st.   

Adopt A Road project June 18, 2022, Fraught & Pleasant Rd.  Contact Bill Bolster for information.  billbolster@eoc-inc.com 

Youth Exchange:  In need of Host Families:  Fun, Rewarding experience: contact Sandie Krutz: sekrutz@gmail.com 

RYLA BBQ Lunch June 14^th, 11:30am, Westminster Woods, Occidental 

Diane Brabetz delivered a Big Thank You from the Rotary Club of Playa De Carmen to Rotary Club of Windsor for our participation in their Cleft Lip Project.  

Carol Martin traveled to Washington State with her Sister, Sandie & Wally drove to Nevada City to make plans for their daughter’s wedding and Monica & Larry visited Spain, Naples & Rome, to visit their son serving in the Navy.  All brought back gifts for President Pam, Larry summed up their trip with a word new to me “coddiwomple”  “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination”   sounds like a great way to travel.  

Secret Greeter: Brian Ling 

Craft Talks:

Scott Bonin: Born & raised in San Diego, attended parochial schools and grew up with a strong belief in “service to others” and strives for excellence.   Scott received his Bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego in 1998.  He graduated with a DDS in Dentistry from the University of Southern California in 2002. After graduating he went into the Navy and served as a Naval Dentist for 4 years before doing a 13-month general practice residency at Balboa Hospital. He remained in Southern California for a total of 9 years before relocating to Santa Rosa/ Windsor area where he practiced dentistry for another 10 years and purchased Kurt Mitchler’s Dental practice in Windsor.

Scott is married and has two children, a boy 4 years & a girl 2years.  He was invited to Rotary by Kurt Mitchler and his goal is to make more time for Rotary, community and friends.Mitch Grandi and his wife Bunnie moved to Windsor in 1990 with their 1 month old daughter. They now have three children and their eldest daughter is getting married in July.  In addition to running his Chiropractic Practice in Windsor, Mitch coached baseball and basketball while raising his girls.  Mitch admitted it is difficult raising children but he would do it all again; he loves working with kids.

Mitch was a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor in 1993; at that time the responsibilities of running his business and raising his girls forced him to take a leave.  Mitch is now retired and has sold his business to a younger chiropractor; however, he is still passionate about the benefits of a good chiropractor and welcomes members to contact him if they have any questions about Chiropractor practices.  It is our good fortune that Mitch returned to Rotary.  

Mike Raasch: Police Chief Windsor Police Department, Mike attributes his success to Teachers & Coaches; he stated he could have easily ended up on the opposite side of where he is without their support.

Mike grew up in North Hollywood 1 of 12 children; not an easy childhood, however, when he started playing sports at age 12, and discovered the recognition and support of the coaches, he put his efforts into sports.  Mike played baseball in Jr College and at Sonoma State.  When he first arrived in Sonoma County from North Hollywood, he thought it was pretty “country” but he grew to like it.  Mike was a good baseball player and had the desire to play professionally. After a tryout session, he went to work for Petaluma Police Department, then moved on to the Sheriff’s Department.  Mike enrolled in an online Master’s degree course in 2019 and finished the course with straight A’s.

Mike has been married for 26 years, has twin girls. One of the girls plays softball. He has coached kids’ softball and coached at Piner High School.

Staying fit is important to Mike; he goes to the gym daily, has participated in Iron Man and swam from Alcatraz to SF yacht club.  

Mike will be traveling to Washington DC with an 8^th grade class as a chaperone; it is safe to say Mike’s passion is service and kids.  

President Pam recognized and thanked members for their assistance in today’s meeting & thanked Rotarian of the Month Terry.
We got to meet a few of our new members today – it is always wonderful when we have the opportunity to weave new people into our lives…

President Pam ended the meeting with a photo of our beloved Ken. Today would have been Ken’s 79^th Birthday, 

There will always be a reason why you meet people-  
Either you need to Change your life,
Or perhaps you are the one who will change theirs!

Club adjourned at 8:30am

State is here doing a long survey since we have been closed down for a couple of years due to COVID.   Unable to put together a COVID Update.
thanks, Di

Youth Exchange Month

Call to Order – we were greeted by Brian Ling who introduced our Club to Past President Glenda Sales.
 
Pledge of Allegiance – led by Sandie Krutz
 
Song Meister – Bill Bolster who led us in a rousing song of “Charlie Brown”
 
Announcements:
                Barbara McChesney – spoke on the Environment, her passion and how the District will be issuing a monthly challenge leading up to the Governor’s Citation Award to the clubs in our District.  May’s challendge is to find your carbon footprint.  Go to https://www.footprintcalculator.org. Write your name and your score on a piece of paper, bring it to a meeting and give to Barbara, Bill, Heather or Dave or email to Barbara at barbsmcc@gmail.com
 
                Maureen Merrill – she just returned from Chicago as a delegate to Rotary.   The purpose of the meeting was for the Board and delgates to meet and vote on policy issues.  They meet once every 3 years and she was appointed by our District Governor to represent the 47 Clubs in our District.  Thanks Maureen for being there for all of us!
 
                Past President Glenda – she realized she forgot to do Introductions and fined herself $5….. she also shared with us if we catch her using swear words, the Past Presidents could fine her….. She hit Mike Merrill with “why do you have Dave Culley’s badge on…. She then did introductions and her husband, Sergio, Past First Husband was introduced along with Domingo who is staying with Renee.  Jack and Janet Hyde were also introduced on Zoom from New Jersey where they moved.   Both were formally in our Club and Jack was a Past President and founder of our Rotary Bar!
 
                Heather Cullen thanked our Club for the Grant given to Brooks Elementary and encouraged us to go see Moana that they are putting on.
 
                It was Renee’s birthday Monday and the Club celebrated her by singing Happy Birthday to her.
 
                Renee shared with us that our Rotary Bar will be starting up for “Music on the Green” nights.   She will need help and will be sending out an email of what nights and what positions she needs.  Regulations require that our Bar have at least one person trained in ABC on site at all times and she will help anyone interested in doing that training.
 
                Pegi Ball – RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) at Westminster Woods , a leadership camp will be happening once again.   It stopped because of COVID – we like to send 2 students but so far Pegi has no applicants.   She will focus on getting the word out more and let us know.   Our Club, Healdsburg and Cloverdale go together to do a BBQ on that Tuesday and she will need some help if anyone is interested.   More information to come.
 
                Thank you notes put around on the tables for us to read from students in 3^rd grade who received our dictionaries.
 
                Di Brabetz, RN CPNP PHN share she had been asked by her “other club” of Playa del Carmen, Mexico to thank our Windsor Club for the $10,000 donation for their Cleft Lip/Palate clinics.  Di volunteered at the first clinic in April and will be sharing photos and more information later, but wanted all of us to know that Playa was forever thankful….
 
                Pam Moulton – she shared with all of us her “Rotarian of the Month” is someone who joined us this past year and jumped in and got involved in the scholarship program.  Our Rotarian of the Month for May is Terry Andreachhi.  Terry asked to speak and shared that he had help from both Wally Krutz and Doug Williams and wanted to publicly thank them and made a donation to WRCF of $50 each in their names.
 
                Beth Smith – Project Grad is coming up and she thanked our Club for our $2,000 donation we made for a safe and sober night.   But she does need some help that night, June 4^th, managing booths, etc.  It’s only 3-4 hour blocks or anything you can do. Contact her if you are interested.
 
 
Rotary Program:
 
                Since May is Youth Exchange Month, it was perfect to have Past President Glenda Sales here to lead our program.   Glenda was our District Youth Exchange Leader for some time and she and her husband hosted many kids that became their children and are still part of their family.   Glenda and Pegi who also chairs Youth for us gave us an overview of the Youth Exchange program.   Students come in August and usually return in June or July.  3 Host Families are needed and the kids usually stay with the first family August to November, 2^nd family November to February and 3^rd family, March to June. The first family is extremely important as the kids are homesick, do not know the language or our customs and it is a big adjustment.  The 2^nd family has them during the Holidays and then the 3^rd family is dealing with a student who doesn’t want to go home and leave here. 
 
                We got to hear via Zoom from 2 of Glenda’s previous “daughters” both from Chile – Maria or “Kani” as we know her is now a nurse in Chile. (Di Brabetz was cheering as she spent time with Les and Di and went to Mexico with them in 2014)  She talked about all she learned and how she returned and began nursing school.  I don’t think we have seen the last of her and we hope not!!!!!  Di got to share the mic and tell her how proud she was of her! 
 
We also heard from Carolina from Chile, who was Glenda and Sergio’s first exchange daughter in 2005. She came to our club as a 16 year old and has since gotten married and has a baby now. Glenda and Sergio have visited and will always have her as a part of their family.
 
Jack and Janet Hyde spoke to us via Zoom from New Jersey – during the time they were in our club, they hosted 6 exchange students and took in 2 others from other clubs. They shared that these kids are bright, funny teenagers and the experience is life-changing for both the student and the Host family.
 
Di and Les Brabetz’ eldest daughter Melissa was our Club’s first exchange student we sent out and she went to Sweden. They, in turn, had the daughter of the family Melissa was staying with stay with them.  “We continue to consider Anja part of our family – she is our daugher, her husband is our son-in-law and their son is one of our grandkids.” 
 
Renee Hyde who also was involved in the Youth Exchange program for years and had many students shared that you are never too old to host, single is ok, if you have a vacation planned others will cover, and if you do not have kids in the school, so what?  But please contact Sandie Krutz if you are interested in hosting. WE NEED HOST FAMILIES!   Thanks to Brian and Jamie for agreeing to host and to Heather and Reg Cullen.  We have a boy coming from Germany and a girl from Brazil.  But we need more host families.    We will also be hosting some short-term exchange students for 3 weeks and will have more information on that later.
 
Please consider hosting a child. It is life changing, so much fun and we learn as much as we teach.  
  
Closure:
 
                Past President Glenda ended with sharing this…. “whatever you are, be a good one!”      Abe Lincoln…..
 
 
  
From your Rotary Nurse – Update on COVID
                                                                                                                 
05/10/22
 
NEWS:            STATE OF CALIFORNIA NEARS 90,000 DEAD FROM CORONAVIRUS!    California has one of the nation’s better vaccination rates – 72% and here in Sonoma County we continue to remain at 82%.   But, COVID-19 infections still continue to rise here in our county; our deaths, however, continue to be low.   Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are on the rise.

Please be aware that people who are immunocompromised are still at risk and continue to practice good hand washing and wear a mask around those who need us to. 
 
COVID UPDATE:   The pandemic is not over so encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.   We do still have some of our community members dying (we lost someone in Windsor) and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases:        87,177  (last week 86,174)           Recovered:   84,196   (last week 83,787)             Active Cases: 2491 (last week 1897)        
 
Deaths:                490   (last week 490)
Hospitalized:      23 confirmed cases and 23 in the ICU      (last week 17 confirmed and 3 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information….  As of May 8th, 2022,   1,066,482  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,059,926).     We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 7% have had at least one (1) dose.

MASKS:

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are no longer required in most public settings, although Public Health Officials strongly recommend masking in public indoor settings, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:

Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Continue to stay vigilant as this pandemic is not over.    We need to live our lives but not at the risk of others.   So take care, be smart and safe! 
Di

Teacher Appreciation Day

This meeting is one of our very special events for the year.  The inspiration and birth of this program was by our own Ken Moulton, and his name and recognition was mentioned by virtually every speaker who took the microphone.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Pegi Ball

Our song was the very appropriate “School Days” led by JB and Carol, a song from 1907!

The program of our entire Rotary meeting is below and tells the story of our valuable and inspirational teachers in the Windsor School District.

Photos from the meeting appear after the program shown below.

Update on COVID information from your Rotary Nurse…..
 
05/03/22
 
NEWS:

COVID-19 INFECTIONS RISE IN THE COUNTY BUT DEATHS AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE STILL LOW!  ICU ADMISSIONS HAVE NOT SPIKED.   Please be aware of those who are immunocompromised and continue to apply good hand washing and wear a mask around those who need us to.  FDA did approve the first drug treatment for COVID 19 for children younger than 12.  Remdesivir or Veklury was approved for pediatric patients 28 days and older and weighing at least 7 lbs for treatment of COVID 19.
 
COVID UPDATE:

The pandemic is not over so encourage those who have not had their booster to do so.   The 2^ND booster dose is available for those over 65 or those 50 years old with chronic health conditions.   We do still have some of our community members dying (we lost someone in Windsor) and the current wave of cases is tied to the variant BA.2  and a newer variant, BA 2.12.1.

Total Cases: 856,174  (last week 85,413)  Recovered: 83,787 (last week 83,320)   Active Cases: 897 (last week 1604)        
Deaths:  490   (last week 489)
Hospitalized:17 confirmed cases and 3 in the ICU (last week 18 confirmed and 4 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information: As of May 1st, 2022, 1,059,926  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,059,017). We remain at 82% of our population 5 years and older who are fully vaccinated and 7% have had at least one (1) dose.

MASKS:

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are no longer required in most public settings, although Public Health Officials strongly recommend masking in public indoor settings, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.  The CDC is still recommending masks on airplanes so it has now become a personal decision.

Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.   

TESTING:   Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County. Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County. In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have. Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment. If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting: https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Thanks so much for all you have done to help in this pandemic and take it so seriously. You continue to be the key to keeping our community safe! 

Di

John Pomfret – Russia, NATO, Putin and Poland

Our Pledge of Allegiance was led by Monica Mcabe.

Past President Bill thanked the Club for its support WHILE Joanie was under medical care and
confirmed the good news that Joanie is BACK HOME!

President Pam started the meeting by introducing President Richard Norgrove from the Healdsburg
Noon Club that has been active with several Roary Clubs in Ukraine and is supporting them through the
current crises AND by welcoming David Doht as our newest member. Rumor has it that he might be
tapped for some environmental projects!

Song Leader: Heather Cullen rebranded Elvis to start the Day: “You know you’re a Rotarian when your
serving all the time…” That’s us!

Beth Smith presented our check for $3000 to the Healdsburg 20-30 Club in support of the Kid’s Spree
Event – yea team!

Renee Hyde was acknowledged for participating in Earth Day events and winning first place in the
Crossfit competition – sounds like a Windsor Community Fund bell is in her near future!
President Pam Welcomed our speaker John Pomfret, a writer and columnist for the Washington Post
who held us spellbound with insights of the crises in Ukraine and its roots – plus views on the growth,
changes and dynamics of Russia and Europe that bring us to this place in history – in addition to several
good – and true –spy stories.

Mitch Grandi was revealed as our Secret Greeter – Did you miss him AND not “fess up!”

Final Thought from President Pam:
Peace comes from within! And it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or
hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
Sounds like a Rotary Club…

NEWS:                 

FDA yesterday approved the first drug treatment for COVID 19 for children younger than 12.  Remdesivir or Veklury was approved for pediatric patients 28 days and older and weighing at least 7 lbs for treatment of COVID 19.
 
                                Please note that our active case rate for COVID has climbed; however with vaccination rates being over 70% we are seeing less people really sick and needing hospitalizations.   This does not mean we could not see another surge or infections climb even more, but for those that are fully vaccinated and boosted, we are now able to travel, visit with others and have some normalcy back.  Enjoy that but just be careful around those immunocompromised. 
 
 
COVID UPDATE:   

2^ND BOOSTER DOSE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE OVER 65 OR THOSE 50 YEARS OLD WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS.  

New variant BA.2 is being seen in the USA and seems to be slightly more transmissible but no more severity of disease has been seen.

Total Cases:        85,413  (As of 4/5 83,997)           Recovered:   83,320   (as of 4/5 82,338)             Active Cases: 1604 (as of 4/5 week 927)        
 
Deaths:                489   (as of 4/5 488)
 
New Cases:         312 new cases on Sunday
 
Hospitalized:      18 confirmed cases and 4 in the ICU     
 
Vaccination information….  As of April 24th, 2022,   1,059,017  doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (as of 4/5 1,021,098).     82% of our population 5 years and older  are fully vaccinated and 7% have had at least one (1) dose.
MASKS:               Regardless of vaccination status, masks are no longer required in most public settings, although Public Health Officials strongly recommend masking in public indoor settings, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.  Masks are now optional on airplanes; however, they are still required in airports and most other forms of public transportation.
Vaccine sites are still open and offering vaccinations and boosters.   We continue to encourage everyone eligible for the booster, to get one.   We have seen the proof that this prevents disease and hospitalizations and those who still breakthrough have minor symptoms.    Enjoy our relaxation of mandates, but keep others safe please.
TESTING:   Go to socoemergency.org  to learn more about free COVID -19 testing in Sonoma County.  Look for COVID-19 Testing and Tracing in Sonoma County.   In addition my staff at At Home Nursing still are available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR), FIT testing for a N95 mask so that it fits properly or answer any questions you may have.    Call our office at 707-546-8773 to schedule an appointment.    If you want to schedule either a booster or the vaccine, appointments can be found by visiting:  https://socoemergency.org/events/category/pop-up-vaccine or call 707-565-4667.  
 
Thanks so much for all you have done to help in this pandemic and take it so seriously.   You have been instrumental in helping our community!