Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

June 30, 2026

Meeting Note:  Today is Larry’s final meeting as the President of the Rotary Club of Windsor.  We will be celebrating the past year and highlight our accomplishments instead of a typical guest speaker program.

“Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor!”  Welcome by Rotary Club of Windsor President Larry McCabe.

Brian 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:  JB Leep led us in “Auld Land Syne”

Inspiration:  Margaret - Theodore Roosevelt – “This country will not be a good place for anyone to live in unless we make it a great place for everyone to live in.”

Guests:  Henry Rodriquez (Flortex) and Harper Mora

Announcements:

• Larry:  Going away party on July 1 at Barbara and Dave’s, for Alvin including a little fundraising to help out Alvin’s (and his siblings) education back home in Uganda.
• Larry:  Dark day on July 7 for the 4^th of July Holiday, President Renee will begin on July 14
• Larry:  Venezuela Earthquake assistance is beginning through Shelterbox USA
• Pegi:  Youth Exchange Golf Tournament on October 17, at Foxtail Golf Course in Rohnert Park.
• Carol:  Rotary Bar on Thursday generated $1589 for cumulative total of $8101 so far this year.
• Carol:  Annual dues bills are out, please let Carol know if you have any questions.
• Barbara:  Debunking for President Larry is scheduled for August 15, at Leslie and Nirmal’s home in Windsor.  Carol is looking for a headcount so we can commit to the caterer.  There will be a lot of activities and fun that everyone can participate in.

• Happy Birthday to June Rotarians
• Curt backpacking in Pt Arena with his son ran into John How
• Larry and Monica heading to Coronado to celebrate their anniversary
• Dave and Barbara will be going on a Tahiti Sailing trip to celebrate later this year
• Chris (and ) just got back from Spain & Portugal to celebrate their anniversary
• Joan and Granddaughter Harper will be spending the day together starting with Rotary

• Lost Sandy Krutz and Joan Bolster and shared a moment of silence in their fond memory
• Honored Mike Merrill as a lifetime member of the Rotary Club of Windsor
• Meals on Wheels – A little bit a time, adding up to a lot.  24 meals a week, 52 weeks a year.
• Kincaid Fire monument dedication
• Debunking of President Barbara
• Rotary Bar in 2025 generated $25,433 (Plus over $8000 do far this year)
• Alvin our Rotary son for this year
• Participated in the Windsor Town Parade
• Club Socials at Michael LaCompt’s, Michael Juric’s, Mitch and Bunny’s
• Welcomed new teachers to the WUSD
• Working numerous events and class time with the Interact Club from WHS
• Thanks to Bill for working to start a Companion Club
• Volunteer Work Day at Circuit Rider
• Fellowship of the Weeds and Arundo Donax removal, 3 separate days this year
• Numerous grants that we gave locally and internationally throughout the year
• Community Christmas gift distribution and annual bell ringing
• Club Holiday party at John and Donna’s home
• Annual Bell Manor lunch
• Evening in Seville fundraiser in March
• Students of the Year recognition
• Earth Day celebration
• First Responder of the Year recognition
• Teachers of the Year recognition
• Faught Rd cleanup and pot luck refreshements
• Parade of Flags at the District YE celebration
• Scholarship distribution to Windsor Senior students
• RYLA event and luncheon

Little by little, a little becomes a LOT!  Thank you all for all you do to build fellowship and community service in Windsor.
Larry shared some thank you cards to his board of directors as the final action of his year.
Don’t forget, Go Out and Be People of Action!

President Elect Renee gave an acknowledgement to Larry and Monica for the fantastic, and very detailed, job that he did as President of our Club, and participated personally in literally everything that our club was involved in all year loong.

Alvin gave an emotional thank you to the very many Windsor Rotarians that supported him this entire year.  Thank you and he looks forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night.

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

June 16, 2026

Welcome by Rotary Club of Windsor President Larry McCabe.

Brian led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Song:  JB Leep led us in “You are my sunshine”

Inspiration:  Malinda– Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members …a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Guests:   Connor Murphy (Shone Farm), Henry Rodriquez (Flortex)

Announcements:

• Larry:  Thank you to Bunny and Mitch for welcoming the club on Friday night for our club social
• Larry:  Dark day on July 7 for the 4^th of July Holiday, President Renee will begin on July 14
• Carol:  Rotary Bar on Thursday generated $2297 for cumulative total of $6512 so far this year.
• Carol:  Annual dues bills are out, please let Carol know if you have any questions.
• Larry:  Extra volunteers are always welcome to join us at the Rotary Bar every Thursday evening.
• Barbara:  Recent Arundo Donax day was recognized by the Healdsburg Tribune and we had a writer/photographer on site from Rotary magazine
• Barbara:  Going away party on July 1, for Alvin including a little fundraising to help out Alvin’s (and his siblings) eduction back home in Uganda.
• Barbara:  Debunking for President Larry is scheduled for August 15, at Leslie and Nirmal’s home in Windsor.  Carol is looking for a headcount so we can commit to the caterer.  There will be a lot of activities and fun that everyone can participate in.

• Dave and Barbara celebrating their 20-year wedding anniversary tomorrow.
• Larry and Monica visited their daughter in New York and their son is coming home for a few days before deployment.
• Pegi recently celebrated a great birthday with friends and family, 76 That’s the Spirit!

Presentation:  
Brian Ling introduced Connor Murphy from the SRJC Shone Farm.  Connor took over management of the Shone Farm 6 years ago, moving from managing the campus farm at Evergreen College in Olympia, Wa.

The original Shone Farm property was part of the MacMurray ranch, (the estate still has property on west side road).  The property was taken by the CIA via Eminent domain after WW2, for intercepting radio signals and other foreign communications.   The surplus land was distributed in the 1960’s, to Ya-Ka-Ama education, Sonoma County Probation Dept, and SRJC/Shone Farm received the land grants.

Measure H bond funded new classrooms and additions to help create “The Best College Farm in the Country.”  The farm reaches out to SRJC students as well as Windsor and Healdsburg High School students that want to know more about agriculture.  Veg management and fire prevention, wine, ecological lens, student interns during learning classes, sustainable agriculture including food safety and inspections, produce given away to qualified students, 100 acres of commercial vines, viticulture and wine appreciation classes open to all, one of highest percentage in the state of working students, Ag Ambassadors Student Group, hosting regional and statewide FFA events throughout the year,

One of the objectives is to increase land access for young farmers.  The farm is also a great resource as a steppingstone to Ag Universities (Chico, Davis, Fresno, CalPoly, etc).  4 students live on the farm and trade work for residence.

Fall Festival (2^nd Saturday in October) 10/10
Summer U-Picks on Fridays during July-September, 10am-2pm,
Wine Club – Fall and Spring shipments
Community Supported Agriculture – Weekly June thru November

Connor has a background as an Organic Vegetable Farmer in Santa Cruz County, followed by an internship in Colorado moved to Evergreen State College in Olympia, and then SRJC Shone Farm,

Connor Murphy
Cmurphy2@santarosa.edu
(707)535-3702



Thank you to those that helped out today’s logistics (below) and to all of to our guests today and ‘Go out and Be People of Action’.  Meeting adjourned.


Thank you to all who helped make this meeting a great success:
Greeter:  Rags
A/V set-up: Alissa and Steve
Inspiration:  Malinda
Song: JB
Scribe: Brian
Photography: Barbara

Meals on Wheels:  Jo, Kris, Larry, Jose

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

June 16, 2026

President Larry called the meeting to order at 7:30am

Four Way Test- Dave Doht
Song- Larry Mills  You're a Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan, 1900
Inspiration by Michael Le Comte - Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations

Visitors- Raven (Ronan's Sister)
              Alvin -exchange student

Club announcements-
     * Club Social on 6/19 5:00-8:00 @ Mitch Grandi's
     * No meeting July 7 due to July 4th holiday- Happy 250th

Club Recognition
      * Ryla lunch - President Larry: ”Pegi the Queen of Ryla. She works hard every year and I mean every year!”
      * Epic day of Service - Barbara and crew removed more Arundo Donax with other Rotary clubs and Russian River Keepers- magazine photo and article should be out soon.
      * Margeret read a Teacher Appreciation note from Shannon- Brooks Principal

 Rotary Bar Report - Week #2  6/11/2026 "Wonder Bread 5"
         Gross Sales- $1,754.85
          Cuml 2026  - $4,214.55
   The crew: Bar Goddess Remee
           Happy Workers- Boyd, Randall, Carol, Mitch, Robin, Leslie, Domingo & Luna and Larry

Bar Week # 3 6/18/2026  "Pride & Joy" - full crew this week, sign up sheet for future spots.

Our Exchange Studennt: Alvin
Barbara and Dave are hosting Alvin who will be leaving us soon.

He will be hosting a dinner fundraiser & goodbye party on Wednesday, July 1^st to help Alvin's mother raise funds to help support their schooling. Alvin was hoping for $4,000 for 2 kids to attend school.
Diane Brabtz donated $1000.00 in hopes to be matched, Margeret Matched her $1000.00 then the members donated with recognition dollars. Great job to our members!
Carol's donation for JB's fixing the sub pump and supporting the PVC supply chain
Susan Cole got a new car 
Jeff & Brian's trip brought in another donation for their bike trip around Lake Tahoe.
Larry Mills made a donation to both the foundation and Alvins fundraiser
Bill Bolster donated for Alvin's walk across the stage for Graduation. 
Congratulations Alvin, he said it was one of the best things he's ever done.  


Craft Talks-
 Robin Schifando- her mother tells her she was hatched rather than born.
 When she was 18  Robin fell in love with the roar and fast pace of car racing.Her first job was checking to make sure the drivers all had non-flammable underware under the uniforms. She even brought a photo of Paul Newman and herself. Sounds like an exciting time!

Malinda Brabetz- Daughter of Diane, one of our Charter members
John Lewis invited her father to join Rotary, but mom joined instead and we are very happy to have her. Malinda was in the film industry. She also experienced a private concert from Steven Tyler from Areo Smith, but she was just ready to go home.
Anna her sister was the first Rotary Exchange Student who traveled to Sweden
Hobbies- jigsaw puzzles and Genealogy  (descendant of the Mayflower)

Ronan Riley- our newest member. He is a student of Art & History Studies at the JC
His hobbies are graphic design,video & board games, photography and loved working with Barbara on Earth day posters.

Debunking Dinner - August 15, 2026 Detail to follow, so stay tuned

"Be People of Action" - Larry's ending quote

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

May 26, 2026
President Larry called the meeting to order at 7:30am

We started our meeting this morning with the Pledge of Allegiance.

We were happy and to have Larry Mills back with us to lead us in our song of the morning; Route 66

This year is the centennial year of Route 66, it was the first established number Hwy in the United States numbered highway system, 1926. In celebration Larry and his wife Barbara drove Route 66 West to East, Barstow to Santa Fe. 

We were happy to have Larry back at the club because he suffered a stroke just one day after returning from their trip.  Thankfully he was with his wife when he suddenly was unable to move his left arm or leg.  Barbara was quick to call 911 and fortunately, again, they were close to a medical facility.  At the hospital they were able to administer the appropriate medication and Larry eventually regained use of his left side.  We are all grateful.

Leslie Lewis was scheduled to provide our inspiration for the morning; however, she took a tumble yesterday, not injured but needed the day for a little rest.

President Larry stepped in and asked us all to take a minute to give thoughts and remembrance to all the Veterans that gave their all to give us the freedoms we enjoy today, many who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We were honored to have District Governor Nominee Jack Strange visiting our club. Jack is a retired Educator and a member of the Santa Rosa East West Club.

Visitors:

We were proud to have 8 members of the Windsor HS Interact Club join our meeting this morning, as well as our Son from Uganda, Alvin.

Announcements:

• No Meeting JUNE 2^nd   we will have a Club Social June 19^th @ the home of Mitch Grande,  more details to come
• Circuit Ryder Open House May 29^th, 5:30 – 8pm, 9619 Old Redwood Hwy. Windsor,  Come meet the team, see the gardens local youth have helped plant and care for.
• Project Grad needs volunteers; June 6, 9pm-3:30am   epicenter, 3215 Coffey Ln. Santa Rosa.They are in strong need of additional volunteers.  This is a great way to meet our graduates!  Please consider volunteering at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448ABA62BABF94-57290545-whsgrad#/
• Our next A Simple Gesture is also on June 6.  Make sure to sign up and pick up a few extra groceries next time you shop.
• This coming Saturday is the Sonoma Challenge Fly Day. This is a national nonprofit organization that changes the perception of children with special needs through the gift of flight.  See attached flyer for more details.
• Concerts on the Green start Thursday June 4^th, that means our Rotary Bar supporting our Internation Projects will also start.  Renee states in good shape for the first two weeks however all are welcome to come visit and help out, Renee will have sign-up sheets at our next meeting for the future weeks.
• JB Leep orchestrates the Wasteless Windsor during the Concert on the Green and is always looking for volunteers. 
• RYLA BBQ Tuesday June 9^th, 11am Westminster Woods, Occidental, come witness how fantastic the RYLA camp is and enjoy lunch with our future leaders.

• Land conservation: Acquires conservation easements to permanently protect agricultural and open spaces
• Scenic preservation:  Focuses on key corridors like the Russian River, coast and agricultural valleys to maintain scenic beauty.
• Wildlife and climate resilience: Protects wildlife corridors and grasslands the sequester carbon.
• Community engagement: Works with partners to provide access to conserved lands and develop equity initiatives. 

• Partners with landowners:  Collaborates with landowners to design easements that protect conservation values while allowing for agricultural and building uses.
• Strategic planning:  Guided by the “Vital Lands Initiative” a strategic plan developed with community input.
• Advisory committee: Uses a citizen advisory committee for broad input on its activities. 

The Sonoma Co Ag & open Space District is funded by a quarter-cent sales tax, they are committed to high-visibility landscapes, scenic corridors, and wildlife habitats, while working to increase equity and community access to these lands for generation to come. 

President Larry thanked Misty for sharing with us today and all the members that contributed to our meeting.

Reminder: Dark June 2^nd. 

Thanks to:
Greeter: Jim Curry
A/V Set-up: John LeCave
Set-up: Kurt Mitchler
Inspiration: Larry McCabe
Song: Larry Mills
Scribe: Pegi Ball
Photography: Sue Nelson

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

May 19, 2026



Four Way Test:  Michael Juric

Song: Alvin Xavier.  Alvin did a great job speaking at the Parade of Flags this past Saturday which is an end-of-year celebration of the student exchange program focusing on the gift of having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world!  Alvin led the group on Saturday in this song and now is leading Rotary: “Never going to give you up!”  We have been Rickrolled!

Inspiration:  Michael Juric,  “Work Hard, Do the best you can, don’t ever lose faith in yourself, and take no notice of what people say about you.” – Noel Coward
“I don’t know where I am going from here, but I promise you it won’t be boring.´- David Bowie: 

Announcements:
Monica shared three thank you letters from recipients of Rotary Funds from Windsor Unified School District, Pacific Coast Air Museum and Waste Less Windsor
Guests:  Margaret Johnson’s friend :  Chris Onchi  from Redmond Washington
John Le Cave for Simple Gestures : sign up !  Once a month set out food
Renee Hyde: International program benefits from the Rotary Club Bar at the Nights on the Green.  Please sign up to help.  There is a QR code to take the alcohol training for regular volunteers.  
Epic Day of Service: cleaned up Faught Road
Health updates: Bill Bolster:  tires easily, but in good spirits.  Hosted the Faught Rd clean up from a safe distance and provided his famous tube steaks.
Larry Mills had a stroke. Back at home. Good spirits, coherenent.  Plans to be back to Rotary soon!
Catherine is feeling unwell and is waiting on additional tests. But she made it to the meeting today and it’s great to see her!
Parade of Flags:  Congratulations, Alvin who participated in this end of year exchange student event.   Alvin made a great speech.

Birthdays:
Carol, Monica, Renee, Alvin all had birthdays
Carol will contribute to the Windsor Rotary Community Foundation
Monica will contribute to  the Ken Moulton fund.
Renee: 60 years old, will contribute to the  Ken Moulton Fund

New Member welcome.  Boyd Morrison introduces two new members Ronan Riley and Greg Lee.   Members went and shook hands with new members

Windsor High School Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship selection team: Michael Juric, Chair.  Team members:  Pam, Jo, Alyssa, Larry Mills, Catherine

Recipients named their parents as their inspiration and several named Amy Whitely the Leadership teacher as an additional mentor and inspiration. Present today were scholarship recipients;

• Zoe Furmankiewicz,
• Josephine Robertson,
• Lily Grace Brauninger,
• Mady Trull,
• Natalie Baldes,
• Alyssa Lopez,
• Rachel Dyer,
• Sam Giammona,  

and 2 students  for the Ken Moulton scholarship who were unable to attend today. 

Thanks to:
Greeter: Diane Brabetz
A/V Set-up: Randall Neff
Set-up: Eric Johnson
Inspiration / Host: Michael Juric
Song: Bill Bolster's Special Guest Star: Alvin Xavier
Scribe: Monica McCabe
Photography: Sue Nelson

Also, thanks to our Meals on Wheels team: Jose, Monica, Mitch, and President Larry.

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

May 12, 2026

The meeting included club announcements, community service updates, and a candidate forum for the 4th Supervisorial District.


JB led the Declaration of Independence
Geoff led us in “Stand by ME” by Ben E Kling
Margaret shared today’s inspiration: “So, let us not be blind to our differences--but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.” --John F Kennedy

Club Announcements & Service Projects

- No Meeting June 2: There will be no regular meeting; stay tuned for social event details.
- Youth Exchange: An event featuring student Alvin Xavier is taking place this Saturday at the Poly Klaas Theater in Petaluma.
- Day of Service (This Saturday): Two cleanup events are scheduled. Rotarians will meet at Victory and Acorn before heading to Bill’s Barn and roadside cleanup on Shiloh Rd. Barbara is managing the sign-up.  If you plan to help this weekend, please complete this very, very simple form and check off WEACT as the organization. https://x.gldn.io/e/WuMhGMRMV2b
- Fundraiser Support: Circuit Riders is hosting an open house and fundraiser on May 29 to support their new classroom and garden.
- Dictionary Project: The club successfully distributed new dictionaries to every third grader in Windsor.

Supervisorial Candidate Forum
The club hosted candidates Melanie Bagby, Todd Lands, and Tom Schwedhelm. The moderator was Maureen.

Key discussion points included:
- Budget & Economy: The candidates discussed the $2.68 billion county budget and the potential impact of federal "HR1" (state/federal pass-through funding changes).
- Permit Sonoma: All candidates addressed the need for greater efficiency within the county's permitting processes to support local business and development.
- Leadership Styles:

• Melanie Bagby highlighted her grassroots experience and progressive values;
• Todd Lands emphasized his hands-on approach and background as a contractor;
• Tom Schwedhelm focused on his law enforcement leadership and record of regional collaboration.

Thanks to:
A/V Set-up: Randall Neff
Set-up: Steve Klick
Inspiration / Host: Margaret Johnson
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Boyd Morrison
Photography: Sue Nelson

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

May 5, 2026



Teacher Appreciation Day

Pledge of Allegiance: Wally Krutz
Song: JB and Carol, “School Days”
Inspiration: Robin Schifando, Great Teachers Inspire a quote from William Arthur Wells

Guests: John LeCave introduced Tanya Potter, Windsor Vice Mayor and Keith Robers from Supervisor James Gore’s office.

Program:

Margaret Johnson introduced the program by talking about what makes a good teacher. She said the group of teachers we had at the meeting are tributes to the profession.

Rotary’s motto is: Service above Self, and this year’s theme is Unite for Good.  Both of these phrases encompass the core of good teaching.

Jeremy Decker, WUSD Superintendent welcomed the teachers and thanked Rotary.

Proclamations were given to each award-winning teacher from:

• • State Senator Mike McGuire
  • Supervisor James Gore
  • Assemblyman Chris Rogers
  • Windsor Vice Mayor Tanya Potter

Rotary Club of Windsor provided $500 checks to each chosen Teacher of the Year, and a plaque acknowledging their outstanding service. 


Pam Moulton was emcee.
Below are the principals in attendance and the teacher that was selected for each school, as well as a word that described that teacher:

Principal Shannon Vehmeyer of Brooks Elementary, described teacher Lauren Cornwell, as “Energetic.” She teachers in a special day class.

Principal Heather Kristensen of Big Picture Learning described teacher Shannan Johnson, as “Devoted.” She teaches grades 8-12.

Principal Angela West of Windsor Middle School described teacher Christine Klemin as a “Champion.”

Principal Danielle Buckman of Windsor High School, described teacher John Richards as “Dynamic.” He teaches in the Nueva program.

Principal Lidia Teruel-Albert, from Cali Calmecac, described teacher Maria Cruz as “Resilient.” Maria teaches 2^nd grade.

Asst. Superintendent Brian Williams introduced teacher Marisol Leyba of Mattie Washburn as “Exceptional.”  She teachers Transitional Kindergarden.

Debra Ryan, Director and Principal of Special Education introduced Julie Oncken as “Transformative.” Julie teaches preschool special education.

Jessica Borland from WUSD preschool introduced Frances Leon as “Dedicated.”

President Larry McCabe concluded the meeting with a thank you to the teachers for raising the next generation of Windsor Citizens.

Next week: we will have candidates for James Gore’s supervisor seat: Melanie Bagby, Todd Lands, and Tom Schwedhelm.  Invite your friends and neighbors!

Teacher Appreciation Day committee:  John LeCave, Pam Moulton, Margaret Johnson, Joan Mora.

Thank you to all who helped make this meeting a great success:
Greeter:  Renne Hyde
A/V set-up: Mike Raasch
Setup: Bill Hogan
Inspiration:  Robin Scifando
Song: J.B. Leap
Scribe: Monica McCabe,
Photography: Sue Nelson

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

April 21, 2026


Sue Nelson led club members and our guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Song:  Geoff Harrison led us in “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”

Inspiration:  Mike Ragsdale – All the wild world is beautiful, and it matters but little where we go, the highlands or lowlands, woods of plains, on the sea or land or down among the crystals of waves or high in a balloon in the sky; through all the climates, hot or cold, storms and calms, everywhere and always we are in God’s eternal beauty and love.  So universally true is this, the spot where we chance to e always seems to be the best.  From John Muir

Guests:   Alvin Xavier (Exchange student from Uganda), Chief Greg Piccinini and his team from the Windsor Police Dept and Sheriff’s Dept., Ronan Riley, Tom McCabe (President Larry’s brother), Teachers Students and Family members for Students of the Year,

Student(s) of the year:  Led by Randall Neff

• Rachel Dryer, Vineyard Academy introduced by Christopher Mitts.
• Allen Padilla, Rise Core (English language learners) introduced by Aubrey Watkins

• Larry:  Dark day soon in lieu of club social, watch the upcoming meeting announcements.
• Larry:  Scholarships were awarded last night at Windsor High School, and like every year it was a very inspirational night.  All the winners were announced including the scholarship recipients from our club. Our club awarded seven scholarships.
• Barbara McChesney:  Epic Day of Service is May 16, and the Arundo Donax removal is May 9.  Plenty of great opportunities to donate some time and talent to volunteer for your community.  Thank you to those that helped Barbara set up a Rotary Table at the community celebration for Earth Day this past Sunday.
• Larry Mills:  Healdsburg Chorus is singing at the Raven Theater this weekend, please come out and enjoy a great afternoon.
• Bill Bolster:  Bill announced to the club that he will be undergoing treatment soon and will likely miss some meetings.  Our thoughts and prayer are with you Bill for a quick and successful recovery.
• Larry:  Monthly Board of Directors meeting is this Thursday and is always open to all our members.

Guest Presentation
 Introduced by Mike Raasch and Chief Greg Piccinini.  Deputy Duncan Gardner was honored as the “Service Above Self Officer of the Year”.  Thank you so much to Deputy Gardner and the entire Windsor PD team, we are in deep appreciation for all that you do for us.
And a special thank you to Deputy Gardner’s family that joined us today as well for such dedicated support that is essential to the success of everyone involved in the department.



Thank you to those that helped out today’s logistics (below) and to all of to our guests today and ‘Go out and Be People of Action’.  Meeting adjourned.


Thank you to all who helped make this meeting a great success:
Greeter:  Malinda Brabetz
A/V set-up: Brian Williams and Dave Dout
Inspiration:  Mike Ragsdale
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Brian Ling
Photography: Sue Nelson

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

April 14th, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 7:31 a.m. by President Larry. Boyd led the group in the Four-Way Test, followed by a lively song led by Susan Cole, who entertained members with “It’s My Club,” sung to the tune of “My Guy.”
Michael LeComte offered the morning inspiration, emphasizing the importance of tailoring programs to our audience and highlighting the value of education: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Student of the Year Recognitions
Randall Neff introduced the program, which featured two Student of the Year honorees.

Caleb McPheil of the BUILD Academy introduced Peyton, describing him as a “go-getter” who ensures everyone is included. Peyton was praised for serving as the “eyes behind his head” as a teacher’s assistant and for his commitment to helping others and giving back to his community—qualities that reflect Rotary values. Peyton expressed gratitude for the recognition and attended with his mother and grandparents.

John Richards from Windsor High School Arts Core introduced Rebecca Herman, a student he has long wanted to honor. Rebecca was described as kind, curious, and driven to change the world. Her teacher noted that her influence encourages other students to believe in themselves. Rebecca shared that she commutes daily from Cloverdale to Windsor High School and initially considered a pre-med path. She highlighted her many accomplishments in school and the community and expressed gratitude to her parents, teachers, and Rotary.

Announcements

• Earth Day activities are this Sunday, including an opportunity to host a table and discuss Simple Gestures and Arundo donax removal.
• May 9: Additional Arundo donax removal opportunity.
• Epic Day of Service will include Adopt-a-Road and morning Arundo removal projects on May 16, 2026.
• Students will participate in a Celebration of Peace at Polly Klaas Theater on May 16 from 4:00–6:30 p.m.
• Maureen announced two front-row tickets available for the Emmylou Harris concert on Friday.
• Leslie recognized members celebrating birthdays. Margaret shared that she is going on a cruise and donated teacher gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day.

Speaker: William Ference
Barbara introduced speaker William Ference, noting shared interests including meeting Temple Grandin, graduating from Sonoma State University, and supporting differently abled individuals.

William shared his personal journey as an individual on the autism spectrum, diagnosed at 18 months due to limited language development. He discussed receiving speech, language, and physical therapy, and the important role of supportive educators and a one-to-one assistant whom he described as a true friend. After experiencing bullying in traditional settings, he attended Anova before continuing to Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University, where he majored in English.

William spoke about the need for stronger bridges between neurodivergent and neurotypical students and emphasized the importance of social skill development. He reflected on educational interventions that supported his growth and advocated for more individualized, transactional teaching approaches. He highlighted the diversity within the autism spectrum and shared his own hopes of finding meaningful employment, ideally in writing or another white-collar field with opportunities for advancement.

He concluded with a thoughtful message:
“Neurotypical or otherwise, the privilege of living a ‘normal’ life doesn’t define us—our ability to know ourselves and understand what helps us thrive does.”

President Larry closed the meeting by thanking everyone who helped organize the program and those who participated in Meals on Wheels.


Thanks to:
Greeter: Robin Schifando
A/V Setup: John LeCave
Setup: Kurt Mitchter
Song: Susan Cole
Inspitration: Michael LeComte
Scribe: Pam Moulton.
Photography: Sue Nelson

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor

April 7, 2026


Larry Mills led the song.
Renee Hyde gave the inspiration.

Windsor High School Student of the Year
Each year, we ask the teachers at each of the Core Academies at the High School to nominate their best student. This year we have one student from seven of the Academies. The award is a plaque and a $ 250. Visa gift card. We will honor two students today:

Core: Arete Media Academy
Teacher: Krista Raszier
Student: Priya Jasawal
Core: Community Heath Academy
Teacher: Stephanie Keeble
Student: Macaela Healy

Paul Harris Fellow Awards
Two club members were presented with Paul Harris Fellow Awards:
David Doht
Malinda Brabetz

Main Presentation
Callie Charleton is the president of the Sonoma county Engineers Without Borders. This is a group of volunteers who go to rural areas in foreign countries to build health infrastructure. She presented a recent project to build a rainwater capture and storage system in the village of Vista Alegre in Peru. Rain water falls on a large shed roof, runs into gutters, through filters into large plastic storage tanks. https://ewbsonoma.org/

Thanks to:
Greeter: Michael Juric
A/V setup: Alissa Johnson
Setup: Eric Johnson