Microplastics Everywhere

Good Day fellow Rotarians, friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin. Today’s
minutes are from TUESDAY, April 11, 2023

Pledge of Allegiance: Lead by Patrick Dunn
INSPIRATION: Leah Hansen shared a couple of quotes in the Spirit of Easter; my favorite was by
Evan Esar
“Easter is the only time when it’s perfectly safe to put all of your eggs in one basket”
SONG: JB stepped in for the missing Bill Bolster and led us in “Take me out to the Ball Game”

VISITING ROTARIANS: We were honored to have our District Governor Jennifer Strong visiting
our club today; Jennifer announced our District Conference will be held at the Konocti Harbor
Resort: May 5 th -7 th . The Konocti Harbor Resort is reopening after 15 years of being closed and
5130’s District Conference will be the first event held at the resort, Rotary’s chance to Rock the
Lake. Register now; https://www.rotary5130.org

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Stefan our Son from Germany, Domingo our Son from Chili and
Natalie our 2023-24 YE outbound student. Boyd Morrison returned for a second visit to our
club. Barbara invited her neighbors Tom & Emma Jean, we were also joined by John Brito &
Claudia from Windsor High School’s Welding & Automotive Career Technical Education.
JB reintroduced the club to John Brito the teacher of the WHS Metal & Auto class and his
assistant Claudia that handles grants, student scholarships and job placements.

Improvement of the WHS welding & Auto shop was one of our previous funding projects, JB
displayed a slide of the asphalt now in place at the classroom, allowing students to learn and
perform auto mechanic repairs, still in process is the fence that will enclose the classroom
area. John Brito reached out to Rotary in 2022 requesting assistance in creating and funding a
brochure for the Welding & Automotive class. JB assisted John with content for the brochure
and thanks to Tom Boylan and his skilled team at Boylan Point; brochures in both English &
Spanish were delivered to John & Claudia to distribute to students at Windsor High School.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Renee Hyde announced the Rotary Club of Windsor will be participating at the Fire
Departments Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast, Sunday May 14, 2023, 8am-12noon at Keiser
Park. This will be a kick off for the Rotary Bar; we will be serving Mommosa’s, Bloody Marys
and Screwdrivers. Volunteer’s needed for set-up, serving & clean up. Contact Renee or
Monica. monicasmccabe@gmail.com, renee@reneehyde.com

Bill Bolster has arranged a neighborhood cleanup day May 20, 2023 10am-12noon followed by
a pot luck lunch at his home. Contact Bill: billbolster@eoc-inc.com
Rotary Youth Exchange Golf Tournament Saturday April 22, 2023 at Windsor Golf Club Mother’s
Day

Golfers and Volunteers needed: contact Sandie sekrutz@gmail.com
President Brian & President Elect Nominee are very interested to receive your completed Areas
of Interest Survey, please complete and return to meeting next Tuesday.

Stefan is fundraising to support his Western Safari Trip, offering to prepare an authentic
German Dinner, April 29, 2023, $80.00 per person, purchase tickets from Carol Martin
carolmartin016@gmail.com

Today is Marie Coakley’s 86 th Birthday, Marie was a long time Rotarian, the clubs secretary for
years as well as the secretary for SCARC (Sonoma County Association of Rotary Clubs) I know
she would love to hear from those that remember her.

Barbara McChesney introduced our speaker Dr. Jenny Davies, MD MPH JD, Public and
Environmental Health Director for Cafeteria Culture, and producer of the film Microplastic
Madness. Jenny is visiting from Portland Oregon, her visit to Sonoma County and her first
Rotary meeting.

Jenny gave us a quick but thorough description of plastic; what it is and the fact that we are
surrounded by plastic, and the hazards it creates, not only in the landfill situation but in the
very air we breathe. All of this information is daunting and leaves you wondering what can I
do? Jenny left us with some tips on how to start to tackle the problem;

Question how important is the plastic product you may be using?
Can you find a better replacement?
Avoid single use plastics,
Each Person Do their Best to eliminate Plastic

Barbara sent out to club members the link to Micro plastic Madness; it is available until April
15 th , definitely worth watching. If you do not have the link contact Barbara
barbsmcc@gmail.com for more information in fighting plastics check out Barbara web site,
https://www.mcsisters.org/

President Brian thanked DG Jennifer, speaker Jenny and all our visitors and members for
attending,
President Brian closed the meeting 8:30am

A Year in Review

A. Good Morning, Rotary Club of Windsor!

B. Pledge of Allegiance –

C. Inspiration – Londa Faber- A Meaningful Life

D. Song – Bill Bolster- Hit the Road Jack

E. Visiting Rotarians –

F. Guests – Domingo and his girl friend, Stefan, Kaitlin Hoffschneider and her parents, Erin  Strauss, Madeline Hughs

G. Community Service Grant to Windsor Senior Center (Sandie)

The newly remodeled senior Center is going to have a Coffee Bar . Rotarians are welcome to come see our $1400 Grant at work at the Grand Reopening on April 29 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

H. Student of the Year Arete Media Academy – Kaitlin Hoffschneider (Daniel)

 Kaitlin gave a well prepared presentation

I. Current Events/Announcements –

• District Assembly April 1 (Rags, Maureen, Tom) 13 Windsor Rotarians attended. Everyone enjoyed interacting with other groups and attending the workshops.

• Scholarship Committee (MJ)

• Environmental – (Barbara) Don’t miss the Microplastics Film. You can see it in Healdsburg or watch it on Zoom.  Celebrating Mother Earth Day Festival in Healdsburg on April 29.  Barbara is getting ready for the International Conference in Australia.

• RYE Golf Tournament at WGC, Saturday April 22 (Sandie)

• District Conference, Konocti, May 5-7

Stefan is hosting a German Dinner  to raise funds for his end of the youth exchange trip.  He needs $2000.  The tickets are $80. The tickets are available now, contact Carol Martin, It is limited to 24 people.

J. Program – Club Assembly

1. Overview and Goal of the Day (Brian) – Provide a look into future activities for our club for the remainder of this term and the beginning of Doug’s term.  Share opportunities for every member to increase and or change the focus of their involvement.  Collect interest surveys from every member to guide club leadership with the sole intent of increasing our overall club involvement.

Goal is to increase participation and involvement to whatever level our member is interested in participating. The surveys will give the Board and Doug’s leadership team some guidance in achieving our clubs priorities based on your interests.

2. Club Service (Brian)

3. Youth Service (Pegi)

4. Community Service (Larry/Monica)

 Establishes relationships in and with the community for service projects both funding and hands-on.

5. International Service (Barbara/Sue) Festival of Brotherhood in Mexico, relationships and connections with Rotary International, Clift Palate Clinic in Mexico, recently funds sent to help victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

6. Vocational Service/Recognitions (Doug) Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Teachers etc.

7. Environmental Service (Barbara) District Challenges, Environmental projects involving UN, RI, and locally with the Russian River

8. RI and WRCF Foundations (Brian)

9. 2024

a. Doug’s Year (Doug)

b. District Conference for DG Tom Boylan (Tom) May 17th at LBC in Santa Rosa .  The plan is to have visiting Rotarians to stay with host families and donate 

10. Mark Your Calendars (Brian)

a. Tuesday, May 9 – Teacher’s Appreciation Day

b. Sunday, May 14 – Mother’s Day, Joining SCFD for their Pancake Breakfast at Keizer Park kicking of the Rotary Bar with Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s

c. Friendship Dinners

d. Thursdays June 1 thru August 31 – Rotary Bar on the Town Green

e. Tuesday, July 11 – Beginning of President Doug’s term and launch of DG Tom Boylan’s year

f. Saturday, August 12 – Debunking party for President Brian

11. Questions from our members (Brian)

12. Club Survey of Members interest    Collection (Barbara)

 A survey is needed from every club member.  Please complete and turn yours in  ASAP.

K. Thank you to our guests and volunteers

• Setup/Terry, John

• Greeter/Robin

• Song/Bill

• Scribe/Kathy

• Inspiration/Londa

• Guests/– Domingo and his girl friend, Stefan, Kaitlin Hoffschneider and her parents, Erin  Strauss, Madeline Hughs

L. Closing comments and Adjourn –

A Visit from Mayor Rosa Reynoza

A. Good Morning Rotary Club  of Windsor by President Brian Ling

B. Pledge of Allegiance led by Patrick

C. Inspiration presented by Scott Bonin

D. Song led by JB Singing in the Rain

E. Visiting Rotarians–

F. Guest: Domingo, Stefan, Boyd, Camilla Muro Rodríguez and her family, students from Odessey of the Mind- David, Ava, and Jackson.

G. Student of the Year from the Nueva Core

David Field, instructor for the Arts presented Camilla Muro Rodríguez and talked about her involvement in the school and community.  She spoke about how her family has been supportive to her while she was in high school.

H. The club anniversary celebration on March 25 was a great success. Pictures were shared along with comments from Brian: Thank You Joan and Committee; MJ the MC; Sue and John always there for 35 years; Pegi stewarding our food, cleanup –  always working for us; Nordquist Dancers-giving me Burkhart nightmares; Lady Marmalade solo by David Doht (you can’t unsee!); JB and Carol having a blast at the casino; Mitch and Bunny having fun all night long; returning members Victor McKnight, Dianna Elsbree, and Jim Cooper 

I. Upcoming Events and announcements 

• The District Assembly is April 1.  Everyone should have received an email invite.
• Windsor High School needs Volunteers for Senior Project Night  PLEASE SIGN UP TO BE A PANELIST FOR OUR SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS, 4/19/23 @5:30pm
• Click here for:  Community Panelist Signup
• The Scholarship Committee has received 15 applications and is in the interview stage of the process.
• RYE Golf Tournament  at WGC Saturday April 22 .  This is a fund raiser for the Sonoma County Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Program 
• SCARC Meetings Healdsburg Sunrise, April 27, Petaluma Valley April 27.  (conflicting  info here – to be resolved).  See https://www.rotary5130.org/club-associations/scarc/ for more details.
• The District Conference is May 4-7 at Konocti Resort – see https://www.rotary5130.org/ for more details.
• Environmental-Barbara shared that the movie Microplastics is going to be shown in Healdsburg on April 10 or you can watch it in the comfort of your home via Zoom.  Barbara and her sisters have created a new website and blog about all the research they have done on microplastics.
• Stefan will be hosting a fundraising German dinner on April 29

J.  Guest Presentation:  Rosa Reynoza, Mayor of Windsor: she has worked over 30 years in the wine industry, and has a lot of public service experience in this area.  Spoke about being a Latina in politics, meeting the needs of minorities and the community overall. Addressed her hopes and plans for the future of Windsor.  She took questions from the audience.

K. Thank you to our guest and volunteers :

Set/up : Beth and Bill
Greeter: Rags
Song: JB 
Scribe: Kathy
Inspiration: Scott

Guests: Domingo, Stefan, David, Ava, Jackson, Camilla and her family, Boyd

L. Closing Comments and Adjourn: Team Work acknowledged 

A big Thank you to the 35th Anniversary Party Team!!

DGE Tom Boylan

A. Good morning Rotary Club  of Windsor by President Brian Ling

B. Pledge of Allegiance led by Bill Bolster

C. Inspiration presented by Doug Williams 

D. Song led by JB and Stephan – Irish Eyes

E. Visiting Rotarians–

F. Guest: Domingo and Stephan

G. Upcoming Events and Announcements

• The Green Hair event in Healdsburg raised $39,000. For the fight against polio.  Great picture Bill.
• The club anniversary celebration is March 25.  The theme is The Great Gatsby.  Please RSVP asap to Joan.  
• The District Assembly is April 1.  Everyone should have received an email invite.
• Windsor High School needs Volunteers for Senior Project Night  PLEASE SIGN UP TO BE A PANELIST FOR OUR SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS, 4/19/23 @5:30pm
• Community Panelist Sign

• The Scholarship Committee has received 15 applications.
• RYE Golf Tournament  at WGC Saturday April 22 .  This is a fund raiser for the Sonoma County Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Program 
• SCARC Annual Crab Feed in Cloverdale April 23.  This is a Fundraiser for the Cloverdale High School Interact Club (Rotary youth
• The District Conference is May 5-7
• Sue gave an update complete with pictures on prior foreign exchange students: Simone from Italy is engaged; Claire from France just had her second baby; Nick from Australia was recently in Washington State for business. 
• H.  Recognitions:  Stefan gave a brief presentation about his trip to Texas and being named a SXSW EDU Champion.
•  

J.  Guest Presentation:  our own Tom Boylan, District Governor Elect and past President told us about the journey  that he has taken in Rotary to become a DG. He provided some fun visuals from the many years of working with DGs and a little info on what the past three years have meant to him taking on the role. He ended it with a brief introduction to how impactful the International Assembly has been. He did not go deep into his vision for the DG year — you’ll have to attend during his club visit in July or so to hear all that.

K. Thank you to our guest and volunteers :

Set/up : Larry and Brian

Greeter: Mike

Song: JB and Stephan

Scribe: Kathy

Inspiration: Doug

Guests: : Domingo and Stephan

K. Closing Comments and Adjourn:

Cheers to our clubs past District Governors: Mike Merrill, Maureen Merrill, Michael Juric, and Ken Moulton

Koi Nation Casino

Good morning!
Pledge of Allegiance: Dev Sodagar
Inspiration: Jamie Williams Based on the Gospel of John 15:4 “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must
abide in the vine.” For Jamie it was and is through athletics which gives her a chance to connect herself
and others with the community and with their better selves. Invest in each other.
Song: Susan Cole: “Here Comes the Sun” in anticipation of tomorrow’s forecast
Visiting Rotarians: none
Guests: Jim Curry, Board Chair, Windsor Chamber of Commerce and a manager at Exchange Bank.

Our Domingo, who was one of our Greeters! Joan, better known today as Machine gun Molly, was
another Greeter. (Come to the 35 th anniversary party!) Also our guest was
Our Stefan, won his competition in the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas and was even upgraded to 1 st
class! This kid is going places in more than one way! He has an open calendar next week because of
Spring Break, so call Sandie or JB and Carol if you can add an activity to his calendar.
Our Natalie Huie, our outbound student is selling homemade cookies to fund her exchange!

Announcements/Events:
Club anniversary is March 25. Please buy your tickets before next Tuesday. Please bring a donation of a
bottle of wine of $25 to next week’s meeting. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Hardly any speeches, but
good food and dancing!

You should have received your invitation to the District Assembly Training on March 31, April !. Contact
Rags, Maureen or Tom for more details and information.
Contact Michael Juric if you are interested in the Scholarship Committee.

This month’s environmental challenge is to Clean it Up! Bring a bag and a grabber on your walks and
pick up trash! Bring your own shopping bags, vegetable bags and water bottle when you go out to avoid
creating more trash! Barbara has lots of ideas!

RYE Golf Tournament at Windsor Golf Course is Saturday, April 22 nd . Sandie has details.
District Conference is in Konocti, May 5-7.

Happy birthday week, JB!

Program: Representatives of the Koi Tribe speaking about the planned casino/resort. The Koi Nation has
announced it has selected a 68-acre site in unincorporated Sonoma County to build a resort. They are
visiting Rotary under the guidance of the Muelrath Public Affairs company, and Robert Muelrath was
also attending.

The Koi Nation (population under 100 people) is planning Shiloh Resort & Casino, a $600 million project
located off Shiloh near Faught Road that will have 2750 gaming devices, 400 hotel rooms, six
restaurants, meeting center, entertainment venue, spa and vineyards. The Koi Nation will be partnering
with Global Gaming Solutions, wholly owned by the Chickasaw Nation, which will manage and operate
the resort when completed.

The speaker stressed that the tribe is going through the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act to meet all
building, environmental and legal requirements. While comments are welcome the local community of
Windsor does not have a voice in the negotiations.
The meeting closed with a reminder by President Brian that Rotary invites speakers to educate our
membership, and the opinions of the speakers are their own.

The speakers’ biographies provided by Rob Muelrath Public Affairs are:

Darin Beltran, Chairman

Darin has been on the Tribal Council for over 10 years as Chairman. Darin strongly feels that he will bring much integrity, honor, and respect to the position in which he was voted into. He has been in the Commercial Construction Industry for over twenty-five years and believes that his leadership skills in that position would complement his sworn duties as a Chairman for the Koi Nation. Darin is extremely committed to encourage the youth of the tribe as well as the adults to embrace their culture with their language preservation, history, and spirituality.
 

Dino Beltran, Vice Chairman
Dino is a seasoned professional whose experience has proven invaluable in helping direct the tribe toward economic self-reliance. He’s held senior management positions in the hospitality and retail industries. He has been working on tribal development for the past 28 years. As the lead in the tribe’s economic development affairs, he looks to build towards a strong minded, independent and disciplined tribal future. Working with his brother Darin has been a very rewarding experience for Dino. Dino’s mother, Ann Beltran, great- aunt, Olive Johnson, grandmother, Margaret Johnson and great uncle Harry Johnson, all inspire his dedication to the cultural survival of the tribe. He credits his mother with his commitment and devotion to the education and health of future generations as his top priorities, especially when making any decision for the tribe.

Judy Fast Horse, Secretary

Judy has been a part of the Tribal Government since before the tribe’s restoration. She also has been involved with Economic Tribal Development. Starting out as a mother of teenagers to now being a grandmother; Judy has seen the growth of the tribe. She is now motivated more than ever to support the youth of the tribe in completing their education and to becoming upstanding citizens of both the tribe and surrounding communities. She feels that all starts with respect for oneself and others. Judy is firmly dedicated to the tribe and ensuring the care and well-being of coming generations of the Koi Nation.

Respectfully submitted,
Monica McCabe

Sonoma Watershed

Rotary Club of Windsor – Meeting Agenda and Scribe Notes March 07, 2023
A. Good morning, Rotary Club of Windsor! (Somewhat energetic opening by President
Ling)
B. Pledge of Allegiance – In the absence of a volunteer Geoff Harrison stepped in and did a
memorable, meaningful, energetic, patriotic and enthusiastic leading of the Pledge.
C. Inspiration – Robin Rosendez not attending so Kirt Mitchler stepped in-“Anxiety is the
freedom of choice”
D. Song – Bill Arnone-“Let it Be-Beatles”
E. Visiting Rotarians – none
F. Guests

• Our program speaker Deputy Chief Engineer of Sonoma Water Don Seymour introduced by Maureen
• Victor Milan-Student of the Year and his dad and instructor Josh introduced by Daniel

G. Student of the Year – Vineyard Academy, Victor Milan (Daniel and Josh spoke as an
introductory to Victor’s thank you speech)
H. Upcoming Events/Announcements –

• Club Anniversary Celebration Wine, March 25 (Joan was missing so Susan and Pam did the promotional announcement)
• District Assembly April 1 (Rags-chair, Maureen-coach, Tom did majority of announcement)
• Stefan Austin Trip and calendar (Carol and Barbara did the announcement-Stefan doing the Sacramento-Austin trip with his app invention-a calendar was passed around to fill in Stefan’s time before he returns home)
• Natalie Hue outbound to Taiwan youth exchange update done by Bill
• Scholarship Committee (MJ)-missed this one.
• Windsor Veterans Village (Wally missing so Sandie read info from Windsor Veterans Village)
• Environmental – Barbara did this months challenge which is water and sanitation.
• RYE Golf Tournament at WGC, Saturday April 22 (Sandie, Brian and Renee did announcement.

I. Recognitions-none. Should have recognized Geoff for the great job he did stepping in at
the pledge.
J. Program-Carol introduced Don Seymour. Don did a wonderful presentation about the
Sonoma and Mendocino areas watershed including Lake Mendocino, Lake Sonoma and
all the tributaries that feed them. He discussed the two different types of water levels

that invoke two different managing entities once those levels are reached and he
discussed the Potter Valley issue and the impending difficulties it could cause.
K. Thank you to our guests and volunteers

• Setup/Steve, Mitch
• Greeter/Mike
• Song/Bill
• Scribe/Geoff
• Inspiration/Kirk
• Guests/-see above

L. Closing comments and Adjourn –
M. Energetic bell ringing by President Brian to conclude the morning meeting.

meeting-2023-03-07

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Meeting Bulletin – February 28th, 2023

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

SANAS Cuenca

Good Day fellow Rotarians, friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin. Today’s
minutes are from TUESDAY, February 28, 2023

Pledge of Allegiance:

INSPIRATION: Michael Ragsdale
“Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is the courage to dance to it today.”
Peter Kuzmic

SONG: Bill Bolster led us in a rousing version of Happy Birthday to Stefan, our son from
Germany. Happy Birthday Stefan

No VISITING ROTARIANS

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Domingo from Chili and Stefan from Germany

Brian Williams introduced Jeff Brant, WHS Spanish teacher and two of his students, Sidney and
Isa, both juniors at WHS, and Kai joining us on zoom from college.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mike & Maureen Merrill arrived in Roaring 20’s style, ready for our Great Gatsby themed 35 th
Anniversary March 25, 2023 6pm
Staubli “juice joint” 100 Market St. Windsor, Ca.
RSVP https://windsorrotary.org/party

Pam Moulton announced the President nominating committee submitted the name of Rotarian
Larry McCabe as President Nominee Delegate 2025-2026, to the board for approval. The board
approved at a special meeting 2/23/2023. Pam presented the nominee to the Rotary Members
at large, there was a motion to accept Larry McCabe as President Nominee Delegate, the
motioned seconded and the vote was unanimously approved.

Rep. Jared Huffman has named Stefan Neuber, an 11th Grader at Windsor High School, as the
winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge in California’s Second District.
Stefan and Michael Juric met with Rep. Jared Huffman last week in preparation of their trip to
Washington DC in April where Stefan will present his award winning app. MatheX

For more information on the Congressional app challenge and to view Stefan’s YouTube video
click on the link: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/2022-winners/
Stefan has also joined the WHS soccer team and welcomes everyone to come watch the
games.

Michael Juric reported the scholarship committee has distributed information to students at
the school and on social media to apply for a Rotary Scholarship, deadline for submission
3/15/23.

Environmental:

Kurt Mitchler stated there were quite a few entries of projects done for
February but encouraged everyone to keep planting those wild flowers. March is clean up
month; everyone can help with that every day.

Rotary Youth Exchange Golf Tournament: Saturday April 22, 2023 Windsor Golf Club
Proceeds to benefit: Rotary District 5130 Youth Exchange Programs
Register online at: ye5130.org/golf

District Assembly: Great opportunity to learn more about Rotary and support our incoming
District Governor Tom Boylan.
Friday night Social: March 31 st , Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah
District Training April 1, 2023
Ukiah Conference Center
200 School Street

Invite and registration emails will be sent out next week, contact Michael Ragsdale or Maureen
Merrill with any questions.

Speaker: Jeff Brandt
Jeff is a distinguished educator with more than 30 years in the field of education, the majority
of those years spent at Windsor High School.

In addition to his tenure at Windsor High, Jeff has been recognized as a Fulbright Teacher and is
also a Summer Fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Most recently Jeff
founded the SANAS Homestay/Immersion Project, a program that allows students to travel to
Spanish-speaking countries and study with medical professionals.
Jeff stated the 3-week Spanish Immersion & Homestay Program is for both high and low level
speaking students and for all ages.

The program gives students the opportunity to not only be immersed in the language but the
culture of the country.

Participants first attend Estudio Sampere in Cuenca Ecuador, to be tested for placement in a
local home for a 3 week stay. During their stay they visited Incan ruins, National Parks, and
open air markets. They participated in cooking and dance classes and enjoyed the everyday life
in Cuenca Ecuador.

Jeff was accompanied by three students that participated in the 2022 SANAS Cuenca program;
Kai, Isa and Sidney, all three students shared some of their experiences, stating the immersion
not only perfected their Spanish but exposed them to a different culture that has enriched their
lives.

Much like our own youth exchange program, it was evident these students now have family and
ties in Ecuador, relationships that will last a life time.
This year’s program will be June 30, 2023 – July 22, 2023

For more information visit: www.SANASCuenca.weebly.com

President Brian closed the meeting 8:30am

From Your Rotary Nurse….
 
 
 COVID, Flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) UPDATE…..
                                                                                                            
02/28/23
 
NEWS:       

CALIFORNIA’S COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY ENDS TODAY!  It has been almost 3 years since our Governor declared a Public Health emergency, issued mandates and earmarked State funds for use in the fight against the pandemic.  Even though the State of Emergency ends today, IT DOES NOT MEAN COVID-19 GOES AWAY…… it only means that the government’s approach to this pandemic has changed.   We have the experience here in California and in Sonoma County that has proven that we can rally in communities to fight infection and put preventative measures in place.  

The State wants us to now follow the “SMARTER PLAN” –
1.       S for shots
2.       M for masks
3.       A for awareness
4.       R for readiness
5.       T for testing
6.       E for education
7.       R for treatment (RX)
 
The Federal Government’s COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on May 11^th which also means that States will not see help with the cost of testing, treatment and vaccinations.   California has seen more than 11 million people contract COVID-19 since the pandemic began 3 years ago with deaths in our State topping 100,000.  
 
So, what does this all mean:   it means our pandemic has become an endemic (meaning we will have COVID as a regularly occurring infection or disease within our community) and we need to learn to live with it like the flu.   But it also means we still need to be aware of what is going on and take precautions when we are not feeling well or in large groups.    We will need a booster COVID shot yearly just like the flu and we just need to live life while being aware of our surroundings.
 
Because of this, I will not be sharing information weekly with all of you, but rather as I see trends or things happening I think you should know.   I am always available to research things for you or answer questions and because of my Public Health background, will be sharing information and trying to educate others.   Thanks for putting up with my weekly notices….. 
Your Rotary and Public Health Nurse…
Di
 

COVID UPDATE:
                
 
Total Cases:     

114,328 (month ago 113,184)           Recovered:  113,212   (month ago 112,107)             Active Cases: 545 (month ago 545)        
 
Deaths:                

545   (month ago 532)        (****Please be aware that deaths do not get reported always promptly for a variety of reasons and this does not mean that all of these newly reported deaths could have occurred in the past week.   ****)
 
Hospitalized:   

25 confirmed cases and 3 in the ICU      (month ago  29 confirmed and 2 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information…. 

As of February 26th,  2023,   1,278,622 doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (month ago 1,271,344).     We only have 79%  of our population 6 months and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.    Have you had your COVID booster and your Flu vaccine?   If not, consider making that appointment now.   

MASKS:             

Masks are still encouraged when not feeling well, around those with decreased immune systems and in large indoor crowds.    Unless you are eating or drinking, in an indoor situation with other people, other than your “bubble”, consider masking up to protect yourself and others.

TESTING:  

Testing is still available but we know most people test themselves.    Please continue to report to Sonoma County Public Health if you are positive as this helps Public Health know the trends in our community and if new variants and infections are starting. 
 
Stay aware, take care of yourself and others.    We will need to live with COVID and find ways to keep infections at a minimal.    Carry a mask with you in case you need it
 
Fondly,
Di

Windsor Town Manager

Minutes from the February 21,2023 Rotary Meeting.

The meeting began at 7:30am with Jo Timson leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  This was followed by an inspiration from Mike Raascho who essentially encouraged us to “Be and Do our best!” JB lead us in singing “If I had a hammer”, which actually everyone seemed to be able to do without the “cheat sheet!”

There were no visiting Rotarians but there were a ton of guests, including Domingo, our Chilean “son”, our German “son” Stefan, the student of the year, Esperanza Marquez and her father, Paul Jolly the WHS advisor ,Aron Holiwinsky from the 20/30 club and Gina Fortina-Gibson from the Planning Commision.

•Announcements started by having Daniel Myers, who introduced Paul Jolly, who introduced the student of the year from the STEM core, Esperanza Marquez.  What an amazing resume this young woman has with President of MECHA, member of AAUW,  and a dancer with the Aztec Dance troupe, on her resume!!  To add to that, sh eis playing WHS basketball and soccer, is tutoring students in math, is a soccer player and coach, and plans on going to the University of Arizona to pursue a career in Engineering!  She was presented with a Plaque and a check from the Rotary Club by Daniel Myers!  BRAVO Esperanza!!

•Carol Martin reminded everyone that there would be a ZOOM Budgetary review meeting on Wednesday evening! It would be an opportunity to review and plan for next year’s projects!

•Stefan reported out on his wonderful trip to Hawaii with JB and Carol. Looks like Maui offered opportunities for him to eat, swim, surf and climb on volcanic black sand beaches! LUCKY GUY!! He also expressed gratitude to both Carol Martin and JB Leep for  the trip, and to Sandi and Wally Krutz for taking him to the symphony!! 

•Beth Smith alerted teh club members of the upcoming fundraiser for PROJECT GRAD on Friday, FEb. 24th, from 4pm to 7pm at Mutt Lynch Winery

•Joan Mora, dressed in the perfect Roaring 20’s garb, reminded the members of the updcoming 35th Anniversary party on MARCH 25th at Staubli’s!  It will be held from 6-10pm, with tickets selling for $75!! Great food, wine, cocktails, dancing and FUN!!  BUY YOUR TICKETS now – and DON’T forget to BRING IN a BOTTLE OF NICE WINE or contribute $25!!.

•Monica McCabe put out a request to the club members to “LOAN” plants to the decorating committee for the March 25th event!!

•Michael Juric reminded everyone that it is SCHOLARSHIP season! The application will be on line both for the regular Rotary Scholarship, as well as the Ken Moulton Scholarship, as of April 3rd.  Looks like awardees will receive $2000 each!!

•Barbara McChesney reviewed what is coing on in the world of the Environmental area.  She reviewed that due to Bill Bolster’s suggestion, we have contributed money to the Newport Beach Club to support the Rotary Coral Reef in Panama.  There will be 118 Rotary coral reefs “planted” to represent the 118 years of Rotary service. They will also be honoring the first woman president in Rotary!  Our club received a Plaque citing their gratitude for our participation in this collaborative project!!

•An announcement was made about the APRIL 22nd Rotary Golf Tournament that will be held at Charlie’s and will support Youth Services at the District Level. 

•John Hackenburg, Foundation Chair, gave background on the different ways in which people can contribute,to the Rotary Disaster Relief fund.  He gave focus to the needs that have developed as a result of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.  Susan Cole made a request for the club to contribute $2500 to this fund,in part, due to her personal history with Turkey!  She mentioned that her mother was born in Turkey and was relocated to Aleppo.There was a personal invitation to the Club Members to contact Ed Turner or Carol Martin should anyone want to donate to this fund.  Members were reminded that they would receive Paul Harris Credit with this donation.

•Mike Ragsdale andMaureen Merrill announced that the District Training Assembly, where you can “learn about all things Rotarian!” will be held on March 31st (social at the Grace Hudson Museum) and April 1st (at the Civic Centr) in Ukiah.

SPEAKER:

Jon Davis, Windsor Town Manager

Jon Davis hails from the City of Irvine. He started working for the Windsor Town, in 2003.  Since that time he has worked for the Town Park and Recreation Department, was the Interim Town manager in 2021, and was appointed to the Town Manager position in August 2022.

He review the roles and responsibility of  the Town Manager’s office listing the eight areas of focus, which included:

•Employee focus to attract and retain employees

•Building a new budget addressing teh deficit

•Assess the Civic Center Bldg

•Update the Emergency Plan

•Evaluate the Bluebird project (formerly it was approved for low income housing)

•Develop the Town’s strategic plan. Emphasis , wit hinptu from the council, commuity a demployees gave focus to fiscal stability

•Strengthen the relations with the Lytton Tribe

•Complete the Roundabout (the Ribbon Cuttingwill be on March 2nd at 5:30pm)

Mr. Davis highlighted the four specific goals of the Town which included:

•Fiscal Health (looking for difference revenue streams by 2025!)

•Infrastructure

•Livability(creating bike paths, the town green and traffic issues)

•Organizational effectiveness

He also talked about the specifi focus on economic development(2024 sales tax, tourism,etc) , public works (improvement of pedestrian crossing, etc), creating NET ZERO programs (for water reclamation and the development of detention basin projects), Community Development (parklet inthe downtown,food trucks to the Beverage District),restricting locations of Short Term Rentals.  He commented on what is going on in the Police Department(increased outreach to the schools, placing cameras around town to reduce criminal activity “off hours”), in Park and Recreation (Windsor Day Parade, Summer nights on the Green, Levi’s Granfondo, partnership with Somos Windosr, creating pickleball courts at Hiram Lewis, developing a Veteran’s memorial wall in the downtown area, remodeling the Senior Center, Holiday Tree lighting,etc.).

He answered a few questions on issues related to the homeless situation in town, the North bound Arata on ramp, the hotels across from the Snoopy sculpture and north of Olivers, and how does he keep himself organized with all the stuff that is going on??

Jon gave great credit to the team that supports him at the Town acknolewdging that getting things done is a TEAM EFFORT!

Busy GUY!!

Brian thanked everyone for coming and reminded us of our need to sign up fo rthe Anniversary Party, contribute $25 or a bottle of wine and loan some plants to the team for DECORATION!

The meeting ended at 8:33am

respectfully submitted and likely with some level of inaccuracies by,
Pam Moulton

Sonoma County Airport

Rotary Club of Windsor        
A. Good morning Rotary Club  of Windsor by President Brian Ling
B. Pledge of Allegiance led by Beth
C. Inspiration presented by Mike Merrill

D. Song led by Geoff Harrison – Take Me Out to the Ballgame
E. Visiting Rotarians–
F. Guest: Anastasia Shapniup (Ukraine), Samuel Neylon, Kevin Waldrich, Stephanie Keebler, Noel Leone
G. Student of the year Award 

Daniel explained about the Cores at Windsor High School.  Todays award is presented to a student from the pre med core, Noel Leone.  He is accompanied by his counselor, Stephanie Keebler.  Noel delivered a well prepared and impressive biography.

H. Upcoming Events and Announcements

• Dictionary Distribution starts tomorrow (Pegi)
• The club anniversary celebration is March 25.  The theme is The Great Gatsby.  Please RSVP asap to Joan.  
• Environmental Gov Citation Award temporarily delayed while Barbara catches her breathe.  They just returned from a fabulous trip to Patagonia and Antarctic 
• Windsor High School needs Volunteers for Senior Project Night  PLEASE SIGN UP TO BE A PANELIST FOR OUR SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS, 4/19/23 @5:30pm
• Community Panelist Sign

• WRCF Budget Meeting , Carol
• RYE Golf Tournament  at WGC Saturday April 22 .  This is a fund raiser for the Sonoma County Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Program 
• SCARC Annual Crab Feed in Cloverdale April 23.  This is a Fundraiser for the Cloverdale High School Interact Club (Rotary Youth).

I. Recognitions: Congratulations to Grandpa Ed

J.  Guest Presentation: Our guest presenter Jon Stout, Airport Manager at Charles Schultz – Sonoma County Airport.

Jon took over the airport management in 2002, managed the resumption commercial air service, a $55 million Improvement Project, runway extensions enabling regional jet service, and expansion of the terminal.  

Jon reported on the recent major improvements at the airport.

K. Thank you to our guest and volunteers :
Set/up : Beth and Dave
Greeter: Renee
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Kathy
Inspiration: Mike Merrill
Guests: : Anastasia Shapniup (Ukraine), Samuel Neylon, Kevin Waldrich, Stephanie Keebler, Noel Leone
K. Closing Comments and adjourn

Thank You to the speaker

Craft Talks

Minutes for Rotary Club of Windsor
Pledge of Allegiance – Sue Nelson
Song: Bill Bolster in recognition of MLKjr: Amazing Grace
Inspiration – Tom Boylan: Tom spoke of the Rotarian theme of “Creating Hope.”

When working with others this vague idea can become concrete through funding, ideas, and projects that give real people real hope.Visiting Rotarians: DGE from Ituiutaba, Brazil: Manuella and Rodrigo Yano. Manuella is the District
Governor for 4770. Thank you to those who are helping to host the Yanos this week.

Announcements:
– Given the uptick in Covid cases, as well as other contagious diseases, please consider wearing a
mask at Rotary events when you are not eating or drinking.
– Club Social for the 5 th Tuesday. We will be bowling at Windsor Bowl on Friday, January 27, at
5:30. Alyssa Johnson is coordinating if you would like to sign up. 707 795 7470 (work).
– Save the Date: March 25, Club Anniversary Celebration. Contact Joan Mora if you would like to
help. Joan@windsorgymnastics.om
– TBD – Monte Carlo/Poker Tournament fundraiser. Londa will give more information soon.
– Environmental Governor’s Citation Award: January challenge: plant some wildflower seeds!
– Michael Juric is looking for help on the scholarship committee. There is an administrative
meeting this Thursday. Michaelj7@comcast.net

Board Meeting summary:
A Coral Reef Project, Environmental Committee ($1950) This will be a large undersea Rotary
Wheel, funded in sections, which will become a coral reef.

Peru Water Catchment Project, International ($8766) supported in part by Engineers without
Borders

District Website for Humboldt Earthquake and Ukraine Support. Look on the District website to
contribute if you can @ rotary5130.org

A chaperone is needed to escort Stefan to Austin on March 6-9, and Washington, DC April 20-
22. Airfare and hotel provided. Let Brian know if you can. briansling@gmail.com

WRCF Bylaw approval was sought and approved! Thanks to Carol Martin for conscientious
effort on this; she began working on this in the last millennium.

Program Speakers:

The DGE Manuella Yano spoke with the translating help of her husband Rodrigo, on the wonderful
efforts of 5130 Rotary Clubs (including Windsor) to bring an operating room to Potal do Triangulo
Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a perfect example of creating hope. Gifts and banners were
exchanged.

Craft Talk:
Brian Williams, Principal of Windsor High School spoke on how he is a first hand example of how when a
smart child is told they are good at everything, or even some particular things (that is, when results are
valued over effort) then sometimes the child will fail to try rather than fail to succeed. He put minimal
effort into high school, and then joined the Marine Corps where he found that when you put the work
in, success follows. He shared his path through community college, UCLA, a Masters Program, and
classroom teaching, which led him to his real raison d’etre , administration.

He really enjoys being a principal – likes to shake things up and make big changes early in the process. He fell in love with Windsor – which he called “Mayberry.” He has been an elementary school principal, middle school principal and is now the principal at Windsor High – where the highs are higher and the lows are lower.

Maureen Merrill, a woman of many hats. Maureen shared that although she has had many
impermanent addresses and changing schools, she has had but one true and permanent love – Mike.

Maureen is a life coach – helping others to find confidence and clarification of their values and desires.
She helps others recognize choices and build teams. She has owned a health club (becoming a prize
winning weight lifter), property manager and speech coach. She has been active in local politics, serving
on the first Windsor town council.

Thank you to Steve and Mitch for set up.

Latest update from your Rotary Nurse….
 
COVID, Flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) UPDATE…..
                                                                                                            
01/17/23
 
NEWS:         

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW VARIANTS OF CORONAVIRUS……….   They will continue to occur, so mask up and protect yourself with a bivalent booster and flu shot if you have not.   Currently, XBB1.5 is the current dominant variant causing illness here in the US and in Sonoma County!    The CDC works with State and local Public Health to monitor the spread of these variants.   XBB1.5 is highly contagious, and spreads more easily than earlier variants.  Anyone with Omicron infection, regardless of vaccination status can spread this, but vaccinations help to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and death.

We continue to see infections from the Flu also here in Sonoma County and with this and the new variant of Omicron, has led to increased ER visits, Dr office visits and hospitalizations.   Avoid large crowds and protect our more vulnerable citizens by wearing a mask in crowded or indoor situations.     Public Health is asking our residents to wear a mask in indoor situations and especially crowded situations in order to protect yourself and others.   Please be sure your mask provides the best fit and filtration such as the N95, KN95 and KN94 type masks.   Surgical, paper or cloth masks are not recommended.  
 
COVID UPDATE:
                
Total Cases:     

112,978 (last week 112,714)           Recovered:  111,660   (last week 111,130)             Active Cases: 1053 (last week 1053)        
 
Deaths:                

532   (last week 531)        (****Please be aware that deaths do not get reported always promptly for a variety of reasons and this does not mean that all of these newly reported deaths could have occurred in the past week.   ****)
 
Hospitalized:   

37 confirmed cases and 3 in the ICU      (last week  48 confirmed and 3 in the ICU)
 
Vaccination information…. 

As of January 15th,  2023,   1,271,227 doses of vaccination have been given to residents in Sonoma County.  (last week 1,268,903).     We only have 79%  of our population 6 months and older who are fully vaccinated and 6% have had at least one (1) dose.    Have you had your COVID booster and your Flu vaccine?   If not, consider making that appointment now.   

MASKS:             

Masks are highly  being encouraged during this season of increase COVID, the Flu and RSV.   Public Health is really encouraging the use of masks again in indoor settings and especially in crowded situations or around anyone who is medically fragile.    The “triplex” or “tridemic” of viruses in our County are causing sickness with increased hospitalizations and ICU stays.     

As stated, be sure to use a good mask like the N95, KN95 or KF 94 as paper masks, cloth masks or even surgical masks have found not to be effective.  Unless you are eating or drinking, in an indoor situation with other people, other than your “bubble”, consider masking up to protect yourself and others.

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.   My Agency,  At Home Nursing, is still available to provide you COVID testing if you need it (PCR) at no charge if you are having any issues finding an appointment.   Just call my office at 707-546-8773 and make an appointment with us.   We also provide  FIT testing for a N95 mask at no charge so that it fits properly.   We are able to sell you N95 masks.   And we are always willing to answer any questions you may have.    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.  
 
Please take care of yourself and others.   

Getting COVID is not fun and as residents, we need to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable residents.   A booster with the new bivalent type vaccine is encouraged if you have not had one as is getting your annual Flu vaccine.    Carry a mask with you in case you need it ……    take care of yourself and others please as we try and get through this season of flu and other respiratory Infections!! 
 
Fondly,
Di