Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

March 31, 2026

(Note: there was no meeting on Tuesday, March 24, due to the Evening in Seville event
on Saturday March 28.)

Flag Salute:  Bran Williams
Song: JB
Inspiration: Diane -  April is Rotary’s Maternal Child Health month.  Let’s build a future where children don’t die of preventable disease.

Guests:  
Irene Riley brought her son Rowan for a second visit. 
Margaret Johnson was joined by her sister, Vicki Curwen
Greg Lee, the Clubhouse Director of the Windsor Boys and Girls Club, joined our meeting.
Paul Peloso made a very welcome visit and was greeted with a standing ovation.
Domingo’s parents made a surprise trip from Chile last week and popped into the last few minutes of the meeting to say hello.

Announcements: 
Evening in Seville:  Thank you to all for the hard work and dedication that contributed to a successful evening.  Many people helped including the Interact Club, Vineyard Academy, Mitch Grandi, Steve Klick, Mapi Click, Carol Martin, Pegi Ball, Michael LeComte, Diane Brabetz, Catherine Hanron, Monica McCabe and many more.  
Carol is going on vacation, so if you have any expense that needs reimbursing please
contact her ASAP.
District Learning Assembly in Ukiah, this Friday and Saturday, April 3-4. Contact
Maureen Merrill with questions. 
Michael Juric announced that 7 students were selected from WHS for scholarships,
and 2 students from alternative programs were selected.  Thanks to the people who
helped review, interview and choose: Catherine, Michael LeComte, Larry Mills,
Jo Timmsen, Pam Moulton, Sheila Meehan and Alyssa Johnson.   So far, our Club has
given over $253,000 dollars in scholarships. 
A Simple Gesture food pick up is this Saturday April 3.  Please contact Larry McCabe
if you need help signing up. Otherwise, please leave a bag of food on your doorstep
for 9:00 am Saturday. 
Mitch Grandi is looking to borrow coconut bras like the kind that were used at Pam’s
debunking.  You do you, Mitch. 
Pam Moulton returned from Festival of Friendship in Mexico.  She brought President
Larry 2 flags, thank you certificates and a plaque commemorating our Club’s help.  One
of the projects we helped with is a play structure at a children’s safe house.  
Welcome back, Pam!
JB thanked the following people for their particular help with An Evening in Seville:  Bill Hogan and Larry McCabe for help with Sponsors; Wally Krutz, Dave Doht, Mitch Grandi and Michael LeComte for help with the stage.  By the way, the stage is going to go to the Build Academy to be
used for lunch time performances. 

Leslie Lewis levels fines:
Pam Moulton who will be celebrating ¾ of a century on Sunday, will give to the Ken Moulton Fund.
Mitch Grandi will donate to International.
John LeCave who celebrates 65 years on the planet on Sunday will give to the Ken
Moulton and Community Funds. 

Presentation:
Speaker: Chloe Ballard, Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Windsor.  Chloe spoke to our Club a few years ago when she was brand new to the position.  This time she was able to share several programs and plans she has in place to make Windsor a great place to live, work and play.  Her plan of action has 5 pillars: Low Emissions,  Climate Resilience, Social Equity, Circular Economy and Nature Conservation.  

Examples of some of the projects:
Circular Economy:  Teaching residents the proper way to sort trash, Waste Less
Windsor Green Halloween party, Distribution of Rotary funded shopping bags. 
Nature Conservation: Full-time trash collector, invasive species removal, native
pollinator workshops, park beautification days. 

April 19: Fix it Fair, 10-1 at Huerta.

April 29: Earth Day Celebration 10-1 on Town Green.

May 8, Home Hardening against fires workshop. 

Traditional Ecological Knowledge, June 2, 6-7 pm at the library

For more info, contact cballard@townofwindsor.ca.gov 707-838-1026

Thanks to:
Set up: JB and John LeCave
Greeter: Robin Schiffando.
Photography: Sue Nelson

Respectfully submitted: 
Monica McCabe
Scribe

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

March 17, 2026


Call to Order

• Meeting called to order by President Larry
• With a Festive St. Patrick’s Day Céad Míle Fáilte

• Pledge of Allegiance led by Jo Timmsen
• Song: Led by Geoff Harrison
  • Challenged the club with an Irish-themed “Rattlin’ Bog” .  It was all good craic

• Diane Brabetz shared quotes on peace:
  • From Mother Teresa: Emphasized unity and belonging
  • From Dalai Lama: Peace begins with inner compassion

• Greg Lee – Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club (guest)
• Bill Bolster (guest) – Bill Bolster’s son, visiting from Lakeport.  Both Bills had green hair from the morning’s observation of St. Patrick’s Day in Healdsburg

• Pam currently traveling in Mexico researching opportunities for the International Committee to spend the money raised during drink sales at the Town Green Concerts last summer.

• Shared update on Paul’s health journey:
  • Diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (cause unknown)
  • Underwent double lung transplant on January 11, 2026
  • Spent ~8 weeks hospitalized, including time on life support--ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)
  • Began physical therapy/walking 2.5 weeks post-surgery
  • Now:
    • Walking without assistance
    • Driving (drove to SF today for a check up)

• Paul was selected for transplant due to:
  • Balance of being “sick enough” but still able to survive surgery
  • Strong attitude and will to live
• Renee expressed deep gratitude for Rotary’s support, especially all the comments on Facebook during their time in San Francisco

• Organ donation strongly encouraged
• Members reminded to check donor status

• Tickets sold: ~115 / 180
• Members encouraged to:
  • Purchase tickets
  • Seating will be assigned!  Coordinate table seating with Carol otherwise you might not sit with those you would like to sit
• Sponsorships exceeded goal:
  • Goal: $20,000
  • Current: $24,000 (thanks to JB and donors)

• Stage painting (contact JB)
• 1 hour of your time during the event
  • Bartenders
  • “Heads & Tails” sales mentors (supporting Interact students)

• $20 entry (bead necklace)
• Participants choose heads or tails
• Coin flips until one winner remains
• Winner receives a prize

• No meeting next week
• Next meeting: March 31, 2026
• District Learning Assembly: April 3–4 (Ukiah)

• Larry: Arizona trip ? donation to Polio Plus
• Diane: Celebrating 80th birthday and currently mid-way through her 2 week celebration!
• JB: Turning 76, donation to Polio Plus
• Mitch celebrated his 72^nd birthday March 3^rd

• Speed Networking (“Speed Dating”)
  • Multiple one-on-one short conversations to engage and connect with one another

Meeting Acknowledgments
President Larry recognized:
Greeter: Leslie Lewis
A/V Set-up: Mike Raasch
Set-up: Bill Hogan
Inspiration / Host: Diane Brabetz 
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Boyd Morrison
Photography: Sue Nelson (or TBD)


Also thank you to Randall Neff for publishing our minutes on our website and on DAC, and to Michael LeComte for publishing them on Facebook.
And…And… Carol, Ed and Catherine for handling the Business activities of the club

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

March 10, 2026


Monica McCabe led the club in the Rotary “Four Way Test”
           In everything that we think, say, or do

• Frist . . .Is it the Truth? . . .
• Second . . .Is it Fair to All Concerned? . . .
• Third . . .Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
• Fourth . . . Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

• Michael Juric:  Presented “Death by Chocolate” a private production and fabulous dinner for 8 available as a live auction item at our upcoming fundraiser, Evening in Seville.  One of 10 Live Auction items that you can peruse
• Pam Moulton:  Looking for volunteers for decoration setup for the Evening in Seville.
• Larry McCabe:  Evening in Seville, plenty of volunteer opportunities for every Rotarian including promotion (get the word out), set up beginning at 11, Buy your tickets now.
• Catherine Hanron:  Still looking for silent auction items and please include the completed donation form.
• JB Leep:  Sponsorships are up to $21,500 of our $20,000 goal.  More matching funds available for $250 sponsors.
• Larry McCabe:  Larry and Monica will be on vacation in Sedona this week, see you next Tuesday.
• Larry McCabe:  Club will be dark on March 24 so we can prepare for our Evening in Seville on Saturday, March 28
• Larry McCabe:  District Learning Assembly on April 3-4.
• Bill Bolster:  Simple Gesture is coming up so be involved as a donor, or volunteering as a pickup assistant.
• Leslie recognitions and acknowledgements:
  • Pegi Ball – Spent 10 days house sitting for Leslie and Nirmal while they were in Copenhagen for a wedding.  Both Pegi and Leslie will be contributing to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation (WRCF).
  • Jose Diego – Forgot about his setup this morning and will contribute to Meals on Wheels
  • Margaret Johnson – Spent a vacation in DC/Baltimore and a Caribbean cruise. 

• non-combustible gutters and drains,
• non-combustible fences/gates,
• garage door seals (less than 1/8”),
• avoiding T1 type combustible siding,
• decks made with non-combustible materials (also includes proper maintenance and not letting leaves and combustibles be a receptive fuel bed),
• protecting the first 5’ around your home from any/all combustible plants and materials,
• outdoor structures/sheds are similarly built and protected by non-combustible materials,
• 1/8” mesh vent covers instead of ¼” mesh,
• dual pane windows,
• ample water supply/hoses around the home,
• driveways need to be clear of debris and plants.

We are 100 years behind on prescribed burning.  Please accept and support well-planned and controlled prescribed burning throughout our communities.
Thank you for your time and please contact me at:  cforeman@sonomacountyfd.org or (707) 892-2003


Thank you to Cyndi and all of our guests today and ‘Go out and Be People of Action’.  Meeting adjourned.


This week’s assistance:
A/V set-up: Domingo Celleja
Inspiration:  N/A
Song: Larry Mills
Scribe: Brian Ling
Photography: Pam Moulton

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

March 3, 2026



Inspiration / Host: Mike Ragsdale Appreciation days!  Today is Canadian Bacon, Irish Whiskey and most importantly Care Giver Appreciation Day. Mike gave a lovely tribute to those who quietly care and support others in need.
Song: J.B. Leep  “Good Day Sunshine”

Guests:
Alvin Xavier from Uganda
Allison Goodwin, Project Graduation
Speaker for today:  Ray Giampaoli, member of Santa Rosa Rotary, who will be talking to us about his rim to rim hike through the Grand Canyon.

Announcements
$2000 check to Project graduation.  Receiving the check is Allison Goodwin, who when not leading the Project Grad Committee is the President and CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank.
This Saturday is A Simple Gesture. If you have signed up you should receive a reminder to leave a bag of nonperishable food on your porch for pick up.  You ca sign up for future pick ups at asimplegesture.org
Now is the time to buy your ticket to the Evening in Seville! 
Welcome back to Susan Cole! It is now light enough in the morning for Susan to make the drive from home to our meetings!
Welcome back from Mexico to Diane Brabetz and Maureen Merrill! Glad you are safe and sound.
We are dark on March 24, which is the week of our fundraiser !  Please buy your tickets now!
This Saturday, March 7, is a pick up day for Simple Gesture.  Don’t forget to leave a bag of food on your porch before 9 am.  If you are not yet signed up, look up asimplegesture.org. 

Maureen Merrill is the coordinator of the April 3-4 District Learning Assembly at the Ukiah Convention Center.   Contact Maureen for more information!
Catherine Hanron is in need of silent auction items for the fundraiser, An Evening in Seville, on March 28.  Our success is determined by our group effort!  Do you have a gift certificate, art piece or other item that could be used in the auction?  Let Catherine know!
Fundraiser sponsorship: JB has collected $18,000 towards the goal of $20,000!  A few more people pledging $250 will be matched by an anonymous donor and we will make the goal! Great work, JB!
More fundraising news: Home Depot is paying for construction of a small stage for the evening!
We were given a good discount on a projector for the evening!
  Ray Giampaoli invites everyone to check out and support Rotary’s Ride for Youth – organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa.  The rides (3 different levels) is on June 27, 2026.  Visit Girobello.com to register, see routes, and sponsorship opportunities. 
Pegi Ball announced that 4 students will be going to Cool Kids Camp and that Cloverleaf Ranch (which hosts the camp) will be selling BBQ sauce at the LBC Saturday Farmers’ Market to help defer costs of the camp.

Speaker:  Ray Giampaoli shared dramatic pictures and great stories from his Rim to Rim tour of the Grand Canyon.  He also shared info on another Rotary member’s (Nicole Le) identical hike.  Thank you, Ray, for sharing this fascinating, terrifying and awe-inspiring feat.

Respectfully submitted: Monica McCabe
Speaker:  Ray Giampaoli shared dramatic pictures and great stories from his Rim to Rim tour of the Grand Canyon.  He also shared info on another Rotary member’s (Nicole Le) identical hike.  Thank you, Ray, for sharing this fascinating, terrifying and awe-inspiring feat.

Greeter: Jim Curry
A/V Set-up: Brian Williams
Set-up: JB Leep, Brian Williams
Scribe: Monica McCabe
Photography: Pam Moulton
Thank you to Randall Neff for publishing our minutes on our website and on DAC, and to Michael LeComte for publishing them on Facebook.

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

Feburary 24, 2026



Club Business:    
Evening in Seville: 

• Did I mention to BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
• Please consider becoming a sponsor.  All the cool kids are doing it.
• Catherine and Monica are always looking for more silent auction and live auction items.
• Sponsor Updates – close to hitting our goal!

• Abbie LeComte will talk about the communication challenges of her autistic students, and she'll demonstrate one of the communication devices we are funding.
  • AAC devices – funding for 10 devices
• Weston Miller & Karen Fies will describe the new park being developed in Mark West, and the Chief Williams pavilion we are sponsoring.
  • Mark West Area Community Fund
  • Came about after fire to purchase land to keep it for the community instead of selling it off to developers
• Our own Brian Williams will summarize the many projects we are helping fund with WUSD
  • AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination
    • 1^st generation college students
  • Science Camp
  • Windsor Middle School Theater Program
  • Windsor Middle School Farm to Table Culinary Program
• Karina Zappa from Circuit Riders will give us an update on the plans for a new classroom for at-risk youth programs at their Windsor facility.
  • Current space needs to be demolished and replaced with portable classroom
• STEM program at Pacific Coast Air Museum
  • Teach about airplane mechanics and mechanics in general

Our funding for all of this is contingent on a successful fundraiser, so BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!



Celebrations and Recognitions:  
Shout out to Monica for finding these great causes to support
Thank you to the committee for reviewing all the applications
Thank you to all that helped get the meeting together!

Thank you to:
Greeter: Mitch Grandi
A/V Set-up: John LeCave
Set-up: Kurt Mitchler
Inspiration / Host: Michael Juric
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Alison Huber
Photography: Sue Nelson 

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

Feburary17, 2026


Well, It is Mardi Gras! President Larry did not have the bell so other noises were made to get the attention of everyone and start our meeting.  He opened with speaking French "Laissez les bon temps rouler" proving that we are truly international. The flag salute was led by JB and this was followed with Larry Mills attempting to get the music for our song. "Don't mess with my Toot Toot!"  No music but the group seemed to get into the groove and sang the song.  Apparently this is an old Cajun song , and Toot Toot means - "sweetheart."  Jim Curry quoted Jesse Jackson, who passed away this week stating that "Our dreams must be stronger than our memories.  We must be pulled by our dreams, rather than pushed by our memories."

Boyd welcomed Irene Riley into our club, as our newest member.  He cited the Four Way Test as a means to clarify what we stand for.  Irene shared her journey and noted that it was because of her daughter, Raven Riley, that she found Rotary.  Irene was looking for opportunities to volunteer and found Rotary via Rotaract. (Thank you, Raven) We welcomed Irene with a conga line-ish event, shaking her hand.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
*Larry gave an update on Renee  Hydes's partner, Paul, who is making growth leaps and bounds after his TOTAL LUNG REPLACEMENT surgery. Larry suggested that we follow Paul and Renee on Facebook as she regularly uploads videos or posts about his progress.

•  Larry and Catherine gave updates on the status of "An Evening in Seville" where it was suggested that we buy tickets, secure sponsors and contribute auction items.  We are looking for $20,000 in sponsorship and are at $15,000.

•Larry gave a Board meeting update where he reminded us that our finances are strong, our endowment is growing and encouraged members to find opportunities to volunteer within the club (i.e. community service, international services, etc.) Larry mentioned that he and Michael Le Compte are forming committees and the Board on behalf of Renee given all that is going on. Boyd put out a request for more volunteers on the Membership committee.

•Maureen reminded us of the District Assembly as being a location where Rotarians can learn a ton of stuff about both Rotary and our District. The meeting is Ukiah,

RECOGNITIONS
Leslie Lewis was quite kind this week.  She announced that she would be going to a wedding in Europe and would be meeting with a few of our previous Exchange Students.  She also admitted that she would be fining herself upon her return. She did wish Happy Birthday to all, but did not reach out for many fine based activities.

SPEAKER
Our  speaker, NICK SUDANO, was accompanied by his colleague, Elizabeth Cargay, both from the City of Santa Rosa.  Nick is a senior environmental specialist with the City of Santa Rosa, whose presentation focused on STREETS to CREEKS,  a program that is bringing awareness to the storm drains. Nick gave a comprehensive review of the issues related to the increased garbage concerns in the creeks which come from citizens dumping stuff in the local drain. He talked about the amount of garbage that is being pulled from the creek which is the equivalent of 47 school buses in Santa Rosa, alone.

He mentioned that one of the biggest pushes for his group is that of alerting the public to what is happening, and what is going to be done.  He made note that the biggest culprit of trash is at the home level.  The intention is to create awareness which results in action with regards to trash, car washing and pet waste.

The video continued with information about the impact and/or engagement of the wildlife population.There was some discussion about the impact that the small, local animals have had on the "balance of power" as well.

He reviewed the community based efforts at cleaning up and indicated that in Windsor in a recent CLEAN UP campaign, 500 pounds of trash were collected by 56 volunteers.

Nick noted that a couple of videos have been made to present to the schools in an effort to alert and educate our youth.  The videos are "Epic" and "Talking Trash to Aaron."

The State has been monitoring how much trash is produced in gallons per acre  (via drones).  Nick shared some of the campaign materials, particularly the LID (Low Impact Development) which relates to creating planning options to promote diversion of flood waters  and reduce the drain trash. 

He indicated that the state is starting to impose regulations (i.e. covering all the drainage areas with mesh) however there is no funding that follows. 

He shared resources (phone #707-838-1000) in the event that there are spills, or a need to report a neighbor for violations (i.e. compost piles, rock piles,etc).  He indicated that their website includes a lot of information on what to do, and whatnot to do - as well as helpful hints and being able to be more proactive (i.e. Rain readiness) Local clean up events, such as the "Creek Protection Day" that they have in Santa Rosa is an effort to keep the public informed.

The meeting ended around 8:29 with President Larry giving  the gifts to our speaker, and reminding us to go out and be "People of Action."

His final words were as his opening, in French, "Laissez les bons temps rouler." - LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL.

p.s. WHERE  IS THE BELL???

respectfully submitted,
Pam Moulton

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

Feburary10, 2026


JB led us in reciting the FOUR-WAY TEST                    
Of the things we think, say or do:                                        
1.   Is it the Truth? 
2.   Is it fair to all concerned?
3.   Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? 
4.   Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

JB also led us in song: America the Beautiful.

Margaret Johnson quoted Robert Fulton appropriate for the week of Valentines Day,

No Visiting Rotarians
Guests:  Alvin Xavier (Youth Exchange from Uganda), Irene Wright and our Speaker Madeline O’Connell

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Larry announced our Simple Gesture pick up was very successful this last Saturday. Next pick up will be on Saturday March 7^th. Please contact Barbara if you need to register or need bags for donating. 

Club Volunteers: Our club does a lot of great work in the community, but that only happens because of the time we all put into it!  We are looking for new volunteers to help with several of our committees.  I'll be sending around a sign-up sheet on Tuesday, but in the meantime, please consider if you'd like to help on one of these committees:

• International Service:  Help us decide how we spend all that margarita money!  International service has always been a core part of Rotary, and now our club is hoping to qualify to be a sponsor for a global grant.  This helps us influence how other clubs around the world give their money too.
• Community Service: You'd be reviewing the many requests we get for funding and discussing with your fellow club members how we can best have an impact on our local community.  
• Youth Service:  A lot of our community service focuses on youth, and Pegi is always looking for help on the many projects we take on here.  Whether it's RYLA, Cool Kids, or our many other youth projects, this committee makes a big impact every year.
• Membership:  I firmly believe our town is full of people who want to be involved and give back.  How can we help them find Rotary?
• Environmental Service: Barbara is amazing, but she can't do it all by herself.  Help her organize our efforts for the next big project to help the environment.
  
  Companion Club: The next companion club meeting will be this Thursday, Feb. 12 at 12:30. Frankly, the last few meetings did not have the numbers we need to make this sustainable and so far, we have not had any new members join the club.  If you think this is a good idea, please help us recruit new members.
  
  Evening in Seville: The planning committee is hard at work.  Soon, we'll be circulating a sign-up sheet for helping at the event.  The more helpers the better, so please consider now how you'd like to help.
  
  Scholarships:  Michael Juric is forming our scholarship committee again this year.  This year we'll be awarding a record amount of scholarships.  The deadline for applications is Feb. 20.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please let them know about this great opportunity.

Recognition:
Sus Nelson is celebrating her Birthday February 12^th, Carol & JB Martin celebrated 36 years of marriage, and Joan & Randy celebrated their 43^rd anniversary.  Congratulations!

Speaker:

Madeline O'Connell, CEO of YWCA of Sonoma County.
In 2012, Ms. O’Connell was named CEO of YWCA Sonoma County – the community’s domestic violence service provider since 1975.

Madeline is a native of Sonoma County; she worked in Banking for many years before she found herself in the non-profit world and found her passion.

Madeline showed us a video demonstrating the real life work of the YWCA, providing woman and children of domestic and sexual violence a safe place to shelter, medical and legal advocacy, counseling, and a therapeutic preschool & child center.   

YWCA of Sonoma County operates the county’s only 24/7 crisis Hotline for victims of domestic violence in need of emergency shelter, advocacy, resources and counseling support.

YWCA Sonoma County provides survivors of domestic violence with specialized therapy services to help them gain an understanding of trauma and develop healthy strategies to cope with life stressors. As a result, participants learn to navigate adversity in positive ways, improve well-being and minimize disruption to daily functioning. Services are offered to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Our trauma-informed therapists are able to provide short-term and long-term therapy. The cost of each session is set by an income-based sliding scale.

Madeline stated that although physical health is a popular trend, Mental health is a important as physical health,

October is Domestic Abuse Month,

Madeline along with Chris Smith of the PD will be performing in the play Love Letters at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Friday night, February 13^th.  Proceeds will benefit the YWCA, hope to see you there.

President Larry closed the meeting at 8:30am

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

Feburary 3, 2026




Call to order: Preamble Declaration of Independence
Song:  US Air Force Song.. . . Off we go into the wild blue yonder led by Bill Bolster
Inspiration: Michael Juric

Announcements:

• Rotary Epic Day of Service  coming on May 16, 2026. Barbara is trying to coordinate with Town of Windsor staff on a collaborative project. More information coming.

• Presentation by Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM) volunteers presented about the STEM program our fundraiser is supporting.   STEM is in its 9^th year of teaching high school students to repair, restore and condition old airplane to make them flyable. Students can develop skills to move into an aviation or military career. It takes dedicated volunteers putting in their time and making a big difference for kids.   PCAM is donating a World War II fighter ride as auction item.

• Evening in Seville: The website is now live. Get your tickets, and think about how you can help. . . live or silent auction items, donation, volunteer for the event.

• A Simple Gesture: Next pick up day is Feb. 7^th. Please register.

• Maureen Merrill announced the District Learning Assembly April 4^th in Ukiah.  This is a great opportunity to expand your Rotary knowledge and network with fellow Rotarians.

Presentation:
Speaker:  Col Brendan Kearney, USMC Retired presented “American Adversaries and Our preparedness”. Col Kearney shared his vast knowledge on American history and how the past connects with what is happening today.   He began the conversation with the statement that the most critical burden we have in this country is the citizens of this country have a terrible understanding of history, the impact of critical areas of the world, and geography. The Asian continent is critical area of commerce and that the world would come to a halt if peace is not maintained in the Asian Pacific area.
This was a very sobering and interesting presentation with tremendous military details of China, Russia, Phillipines etc. focused on our friends, enemies and partners in defense. It gave us all much to think about and ponder as we went on with our day.


Thank you to our guests. . . . .
PCAM-Todd Graham, Billy Kerkhof, Chris Brown, Alvin Xavier, Wally Tang, Brett Chilcott, Irene Riley, Bendan Curry, and Bodhi Kraus,




 

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
January 20, 2026



Opening

• Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Domingo
• Song: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – led by Geoff Harrison
• Inspirational Quote: Alison Huber shared a quote in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

• Visitor: Irene Riley, Windsor resident interested in community involvement
• Guest Speaker: David Manning, Executive Director, Eel-Russian Project Authority
• Other Guests Recognized: Alvin Xavier

• Email Security Notice: Larry reminded members that recent emails appearing to come from him via DACdb were fraudulent.
• Board Meeting Highlights:
  • Approved limited funding for club socials (next social at Michael Juric’s home; appetizers provided).
  • Approved a contingent grant for Circuit Riders (dependent on Evening in Seville fundraiser success).
  • Approved covering 1–2 lunches for invited guests to support the new satellite club.
  • Reported that $106,000 was donated back into the community by Rotary in the past year.

• Date: March 28, 2026
• Sponsor Chair: JB Leep
• Sponsorship Goal: $20,000 (Gold $2,500 | Silver $1,000 | Bronze $500 | Supporter $250)
• Members encouraged to:
  • Become sponsors
  • Provide business leads
  • Volunteer to assist with sponsor outreach
• Emphasis that funds raised have no overhead and go directly to community projects.

• Satellite Club Meeting: Thursday, January 22 at Jimmy’s Lakeside (12:30 PM)
• District Learning Assembly: April 4 (sign-ups encouraged; coordinated by Maureen Merrill)
• SCARC Dinner: January 29, 5:00 PM – featuring speaker Heidi Kühn
• A Simple Gesture: Next distribution date – February 7

• Jose Luis Santiago: His mother is undergoing serious health issues; members encouraged to send notes of support.
• Treasurer’s Note (Carol): Two unidentified donations received ($1,000 range and $200–$300 range). Donors asked to contact Carol if they did not receive a receipt.

• Michael Le Compte: Shared daughter’s experience as Windsor Youth Mayor; donated to the Community Fund in her honor.
• Barbara: Donated to the Community Fund in memory of her stepmother, who passed away recently.
• Pegi Ball: Shared a joyful weekend trip to San Francisco and pledged a contribution.
• Bill Hogan: Shared a funny story about losing his parking space to someone when going to volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army then for the person that took his parking space later be embarrassed and guilted into digging deep to donate when he later recognized Bill ringing the Salvation Army bell outside the store entrance.

• PG&E has filed to surrender its license and decommission the Potter Valley Project.
• ERPA (formed in 2023) is a joint powers authority working to maintain water diversions after dam removal.
• Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam are proposed for removal to restore fish passage.
• A new pumped diversion facility would move water seasonally into the existing tunnel and store it in Lake Mendocino.
• Diversions will be reduced over time:
  • Historical: ~150,000 acre-feet/year
  • Recent years: ~40,000 acre-feet/year
  • Future estimate: ~30,000 acre-feet/year
• Without the project, Lake Mendocino storage could drop to ~25,000 acre-feet at year end.
• Estimated Costs:
  • Design & Permitting: $5–10M
  • Construction: ~$50M
  • Annual Operations: $7–12M
• Funding to come from grants, bonds, and future water user payments.
• Agreement includes payments to the Round Valley Indian Tribe for water rights and river restoration.

• No significant reduction yet in permitting complexity.
• PG&E cannot be compelled to continue operating the dams.
• Current diversions are regulated seasonally but occur year-round.
• Army Corps of Engineers will retain flood control responsibilities.

• Larry thanked the speaker and reminded members to:
  • Attend the upcoming club social
  • Get involved with Evening in Seville
  • Continue being “People of Action.”

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
January 13, 2026





Dave Doht: 4-way test
JB: Song:  Oh, What a beautiful mornin!
Inspiration:  it was supposed to be Renee, but rather than find a substitute for Renee, President Larry took the moment to ponder how wonderful it is that we live in a society where it is possible that people will donate organs to others. He also mentioned that there is a tinge of sadness to this wonderful gift, because for Paul to receive this miraculous gift, someone and their family had to suffer a tragedy. 

Visitors: Rachel Jeffries from Habitat for Humanity
Heather Kristensen, Principal of Big Picture Learning and Independent Study
Alvin Xavier, our man from Uganda! And today is Alvin’s 17^th birthday! Happy Birthday, Alvin!

Further announcements (after what President Larry has previously posted: 

• Renee Hyde’s partner Paul Peloso has successfully received two lungs in a 12 hour surgery.  Paul is starting the long road to recovery and are thoughts are with him and Renee!
• Barbara McChesney’s stepmother, Doris, passed yesterday, within an hour of Barbara joining her and Barbara’s brother and sister.   We send our condolences.
• Michael Juric announces that scholarship opportunities are open; the deadline for high school students is February 20.
• Monica McCabe: announced that Pacific Coast Air Museum sent a lovely thank you for the $6,000 grant to buy tools for the aircraft maintenance classes.  They are one of our recipients of a grant, and hopefully will receive another $5,000 after the fundraiser.
• Monica McCabe reported that the District Grant (updated irrigation for Circuit Riders) has been completed and our Club will be receiving a reimbursement from the District for $2300.
• Dave Doht reported that Simple Gesture has 1408 registered donors in Sonoma County and has collected 36,000 lbs of food (4,000 in Windsor).
• A reminder that the Kiwanis are having a fund raiser on Thursday January 22 for the 6^th St. Theater production of Romeo and Juliet.
• 1/19 MLK Day of Service: 9-12 noon park clean up; 1708 Henley, Santa Rosa sponsored by Community Equity Foundation and Community Baptist Church . More information at https://www.srcity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=928

Celebrations and Giving:

• Birthday: Michael Juric! Michael donated to the Arcada Rotary Club following a fire.  Thank you, Michael and Happy Birthday!
• Birthday: Steve Klick! Happy Birthday, Steve.  Steve will give to the Rotary Foundation.
• Adventure: Kurt Mitchler!  Wonderful travel to Egypt, Philippines and Thailand.  Kurt will honor Ken Moulton with a donation to his scholarship, and will make a donation to the Rotary Foundation as well.
• Achievement: Brian Ling: after 3 years and thousands of hours Brian is a licensed home appraiser.  Congratulations, Brian.  Brian will put money towards his fines.

Speaker, Rachel Jeffries, Habitat for Humanity.
Rachel is new to the job, and is coming up to speed fast! HH is coming to Windsor in 2027-28 to build some new houses.  Their theme is Building Homes, Community and Hope.  Did you know our Doug Williams was a big supporter of Habitat? President Larry shared that before his kids could get their driver’s license they had to donate 40 hours of community service, and all of them chose to work for Habitat.
Some things that are unique to HH: 
-Homeowners must put in 500 hours of sweat equity on building their home.
-Flipping homes is not allowed and HH reserves the first right to repurchase a home if goes up for sale.
- A new program that is coming to Windsor is called Aging in Place which helps low-income seniors repair and add aging aides to their homes (grab bars, etc).
-HH also has a program to take old cars (working or not)   Cars for Homes.
-HH has a resale store called ReStore in Santa Rosa.  They pick up donations. No clothing please. The address is 1200 Piner at Industrial Dr.  Ste 500.  Margaret swears by its value and fun.

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
January 6, 2026

Monica McCabe led the club in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence:  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Song:  Larry Mills led “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”

Inspiration:  Maureen Merrill reminded us about our intentions for the coming year, sense of purpose and the habits to back them up, resolutions are not as powerful of their intention, . . . . There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.

Guests:  Alvin Xavier (Exchange student from Uganda), Rick Coates (Forest Unlimited)

Announcements:

• Larry McCabe:  Thank you to all Rotarians that participated in any or all of our numerous projects in December and helping to build a better community
• Larry McCabe:  Evening in Seville, we need volunteers, looking specifically for someone to take on the writing for press releases, sign language, etc.
• Larry McCabe:  Jan 27, club social.  We will not meet that morning, details for the social will be sent out soon.
• Larry McCabe:  SCARC on 1/29, Heidi Kuhn speaking at Sally Tomatoes in RP
• Larry McCabe:  Number of crab feed fundraisers available to everyone
• Carol Martin:  Kiwanis renting 6^th St Theater for fundraiser, Romeo & Juliet, on Jan. 22.  Please consider attending the event and supporting the Kiwanis
• Renee Hyde:  Renee shared the challenges that Paul Peloso is facing preparing for a likely lung transplant.  Please keep Paul (and Renee) in your thoughts and prayers.
• Larry McCabe:  Satellite Club meeting Thursday at Kin 12:30pm

Alvin – Celebrated Christmas with Bill Bolster followed by a trip to Northwest that included: Mount Hood and its spectacular falls, a ferry boat to Seattle, Space Needle, Pikes St Market, Boeing tour in Everett, visits to Bill’s family, and an amusement park.

International Project - Renee Hyde and Pam Moulton:  International Committee.  Global Grant project with Alvin’s mothers club in Arua, Uganda.  The project includes significant improvements and updates to a schoolhouse including windows, roof structure, yard, water damage repairs, sanitary restrooms, and paint/finish work.  We will contribute $3000 from our International Fund and will work with TRF, District 5130, Aura Host Club and other clubs interested in supporting the project.

Guest Presentation:  Introduced by President Larry on behalf of Barbara McChesney – Rick Coates, Executive Director of Forest Unlimited.  Educated at UC Riverside (Highlanders).  Chemistry major and career in teaching at High School and College levels.  Serves on several boards and is the Executive Director of Forest Unlimited since 1995.

Forest Unlimited (501c3) began in 1995, Preserve, Protect and Enhance the Forests and Watersheds of the North Bay.  Group started with an activity known as Redwood Summer supported by Pacific Lumber Company.  Steering committee for the Redwood Summer group became the Forest Unlimited founding board.  Creating a national protected park in Humboldt County, and now works in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties as well.  Planted 10,000+ trees in 2025 with a similar goal for 2026, as has been their history since its founding.  Group acts as “watchdog” for the Forestry Departments and their timber harvest plans.  Works with Sonoma Landpaths, Sonoma County Open Space District, and similar groups to acquire and protect vulnerable timber properties. 


Thank you to: Thank you to our guests Rick Coates and Alvin.

Go out and “Be People of Action”.  Meeting adjourned.

This week’s assistance:
A/V set-up: John LeCave
Inspiration:  Maureen Merrill
Song: Larry Mills
Scribe: Brian Ling
Photography: Sue Nelson