Bulletins – 2025 Q1
Guest Presentation: Thank you Bulletin Catalog The Mission of Windsor Rotary The Windsor Rotary Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, Fed EIN #68-0185065. WEEKLY MEETINGS Charlie’s Restaurant Rotary Club of Windsor Bulletin CatalogBecoming Independent presentation by Kaila Talafili
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
December 16, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Michael LaCompte
Song: Geoff Harrison led us in “We wish you a Merry Christmas” following a brief education on the history of Figgy Pudding!
Inspiration: From Mike Ragsdale, “Gratitude is the healthiest of human emotions, the more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. . . . Zig Ziglar
Guests:
Announcements:
September Celebrations and Acknowledgements:
Introduced by Barbara McChesney – Kaila Talafili, director of education and employment for Becoming Independent. Kaila is a native Sonoma County’an and graduated from Sonoma State University.
Becoming Independent began in 1967 and has grown to a $15MM budget helping over 500 consumers along with over 100 direct support professionals. It is one of the largest 501 charities north of San Francisco.
B.I. serves the Developmentally Disabled community. Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing population that they serve.
B.I. programs include Education, Employment, and Supportive and Independent Living.
Kaila showed us a video and shared Q&A with the club members.
Thank you to: Kaila, Santiago, and Alvin.
Go out and “Be People of Action”. Meeting adjourned.
This week’s assistance:
A/V set-up: Alissa Johnson
Inspiration: Mike Ragsdale
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Brian Ling
Photography: Barbara McChesney
Financial forecast for the Town of Windsor
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
December 9, 2025
President Larry called the meeting to order 8:30am
Guests: Tim Ricard, Town of Windsor Economic Development Coordinator, Jon Davis Town Manager, and Olivia Lemen head of Parks & Rec. They are the speakers for today’s meeting.
Youth Exchange Alvin shared he made the first score of the season in his soccer game, Way to go Alvin! Bill also took Alvin to the Codding town Mall to see Santa, and to Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg to listen to Pam Moulton play the Ukulele. Keep Alvin in mind as you go about your routine Holiday errands, a great opportunity to share our traditions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Companion Club meeting scheduled for Thursday 12/11 at Kin, 12:30 PM—members encouraged to invite prospective members.
Simple Gesture the pick up Saturday December 6th was very successful, Our pickup days are the first Saturday of the month. If you haven't registered yet to leave a bag on your front porch, here is the link:
https://sgevents.org/344
Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing: 12/13 Walmart, 12/20 Safeway, Bill Bolster is still needing a couple of volunteers on both Saturdays, contact Bill to volunteer.
Club Holiday Party: December 13th, Home of John & Donna LaCave, 5pm – 8pm. Please contact Michael Juric to RSVP. Bring an unwrapped toy for Windsor’s Toy Drive.
Toy Drive December 20th, volunteers needed to help wrap presents, contact Larry or Monica McCabe
Bell Manor Holiday Lunch Monday December 15, 11am Bell Manor Apartments Windsor
Club Business:
President Larry announced Michael LaComte was nominated to become President Elect for the Rotary Club of Windsor 2027-2028. This nomination requires a vote by the members of the club.
Susan Nelson made the motion to accept and approve the nomination of Michael LaComte as president elect 2027-2028, Diane Brabetz second the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by the members of the club.
Speaker:
Our Guest and the team from the Town of Windsor presented the club with an overview of the Financial forecast of the Town of Windsor.
2025-26 Town Budget Summary,
Town has a financial Budget Shortfall $8.9 million Budget Cuts -$2.5 million Deferred Maintenance -$1.7 million
Final Shortfall $4.7 million
The Town used $4.7 million in reserved funds to balance the budget this year.
The team went over actions that have already been taken and actions proposed.
They are working to achieve Long-Term Fiscal Health & Stability
Increase Revenue Operational Efficiencies Budget Reductions
The Town is looking for Community Participation and here are the scheduled Community Outreach Programs.

President Larry thanked all the members that assisted in today’s meeting,
Meeting adjourned -8:30am
Community Service Grants Announced
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
December 2, 2025
President Larry called the meeting to order 8:30am
It was wonderful to see Wally Krutz present at the meeting and Alvin our Youth Exchange son from Uganda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Companion Club meeting scheduled for Thursday 12/11 at Kin, 12:30 PM—members encouraged to invite prospective members.
Simple Gesture pick up Saturday December 6th. Our pickup days are the first Saturday of the month. If you haven't registered yet to leave a bag on your front porch, here is the link:
https://sgevents.org/344
Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing: 12/13 Walmart, 12/20 Safeway, Contact Bill Bolster to volunteer.
Club Holiday Party: December 13th, Home of John & Donna LaCave, 5pm – 8pm. Please contact Michael Juric to RSVP. Bring an unwrapped toy for Windsor’s Toy Drive.
Toy Drive December 20th, volunteers needed to help wrap presents, contact Larry or Monica McCabe
Leslie Lewis recognized club members that either celebrated a special event or enjoyed a special event:
Ed Turner celebrated his Birthday 11/25,
Renee Hyde visited family in St Louis and Michigan,
Pegi Ball & Maureen Merrill spent a week at Diane’s Casa Morado in Mexico
Community Service Grant Review by Monica McCabe: Theme: Enriching Life of our Youth
Process Overview: 23 applications, 149 Pages of documentation, $147,698.00 Requested.
The Process: Every team member read every application, 4 Team meetings, 6 Site Visits, Grant Budget reviews, countless phone calls and emails.
Summary of Results: 10/23 applications funded, 1 additional grant pending, $36,582.00 awarded
5/10 Grants to teacher projects in WUSD:
Communication Equipment for Special Ed
Brookes Science Camp
Middle School Theater Support
WMS Farm to Table
WMS AVID
2/10 to other Youth projects:
Air Museum Youth Training
Chief Doug Williams Gazebo
Circuit Riders: We may fund later this year
Michael Juric and the committee are planning future club social events. In January, the club will not meet on the last Tuesday at the regular time; instead, a social event will be held as a pilot initiative.
Michael organized club members into groups to brainstorm and submit preferred activities. The committee will evaluate these suggestions and announce the chosen social event for January.
President Larry thanked all the members that assisted in today’s meeting,
Meeting adjourned -8:30am
Dr. Gary Barth, Ophthalmologist
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
November 18, 2025
Club Business:
Today the Club gave a Windsor Rotary Welcome to new member Malinda Brabitz! Malinda was personally welcomed by every member at today’s meeting. Members formed a circle around the room and shook hands with Malinda as they walked by.
President Larry announced to the Club that Michael LeComte has been selected as the proposed president nominee. The Club will have a chance to vote on this recommendation in the coming weeks.
Today’s speaker: Dr. Gary Barth, Ophthalmologist.
Dr. Barth is a practicing ophthalmologist, who travels to war torn countries and regions to provide eye care. He shared his experience in going to Myanmar, formerly Burma, which in his opinion has the worst government and school system imaginable. It is ruled by a junta that has delicensed thousands of doctors who refused to work with the government. The junta has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, 82 years old, to 27 years of hard labor. The government has closed 43 of 45 Buddhist eye clinics due to an ongoing war. Barth described a Nepali doctor who has gone to Myanmar and works in one of the remaining clinics performing 100 cataract surgeries a day, followed by 100 post op visits.
Barth has helped create a foundation that supports this work with equipment, training, physician lodging, hospital infrastructure and personal safety measures. This foundation is responsible for 42,000 free cataract surgeries in 2024 (half of the country’s cases).
Barth is also working to provide eye protection to first responders in Ukraine, who are often the victims of Russia’s “double tap” strategy of hitting a target and then 10 minutes later (after first responders have arrived) hitting the same target again. He and his partners are trying to provide ballistic injury eye protection to protect first responders from shrapnel and bullets with NATO grade eye protection. The challenge is the government of Ukraine is hesitant to allow the shipment of these glasses because of the high risk they will be stolen and put on the black-market.
When asked how he, a man close to retirement, summons the energy and drive to give so heroically, Dr. Barth quoted the Buddhist philosophy of listening to the World’s sound, hearing with agency and then acting as one can without attachment to the result.
Respectfully submitted,
Monica McCabe, Scribe
Veterans Day Tribute

Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
November 11, 2025
Opening & Inspiration
The meeting opened with President Larry showing off his new UV-blocking glasses, required for an adjustable-lens cataract surgery he is undergoing. Expect to see Larry in his “Tony Stark glasses” for a few months.
JB Leep led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a singalong musical video version of the Four-Way Test.
Margaret Johnson provided the inspirational moment, reading a heartfelt poem by Courtney Tennedy honoring unknown soldiers and the sacrifices of service members.
We welcomed several visitors today, including:
Fundraiser Announcement – “An Evening in Sevilla”
Brittani Quiñones presented the first look at our Annual Fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Huerta Gym.
Key points:
Announcements
Celebrations & Recognitions
Veterans Day Tribute
In honor of Veterans Day, the club held a moving presentation featuring photographs and stories submitted by members. Each person shared stories about their loved ones—and in some cases, themselves—who served in the Armed Forces. Highlights included:
Members honored fathers, mothers, siblings, spouses, children, and grandparents who served. The tribute included personal anecdotes, historical notes, and heartfelt reflections. It was one of the most meaningful parts of the meeting and a powerful reminder of the service woven throughout our Rotary family.
Closing
The meeting wrapped up following the final presentations, with gratitude expressed to all who shared their veterans’ stories and contributed to an uplifting and memorable Veterans Day program. Plus, a final reminder that soldiers serving in the National Guard that may be serving in states where they were not invited or wanted are doing so out of duty regardless of their political beliefs.
Nolan Sullivan, Sonoma County Heath and Human Services Director
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
November 4, 2025
President Larry McCabe called the meeting to order at 7:30.
Larry Introduced Nolan Sullivan, the Sonoma County Health and Human Services Director
Jim Curry led us in the reading of the “Preamble to the United States Constitution”
Larry Mills led the song, “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
Mitch Grandi spoke inspirational words from Mark Twain
Our visitors today:
Nolan Sullivan
Shawn Nichols
Alvin Xavier
Announcements:
*Monica McCabe thanked members for the workday at Circuit Riders on 11/01
*Larry McCabe stated that we’d gathered a ton of food for Simple Gesture on 11/01
*Dave Doht announced a need for sign-ups to enlist people to donate to Simple Gesture
*Michael Juric said we’re looking for a place to hold the holiday party which we voted will
be on December 13". He will announce a committee meeting date soon.
*Save the date: March 28" for the spring fund-raiser
*Veterans Day Tribute: Next Tuesday, the 11", bring or send photos of loved ones who
served
*SCARC Dinner: November 20" at 5:30,at COSTEAUX BAKERY Healdsburg, the club will pay for two members to attend
*Celebration of Life for Sandy Kurtz, November 14", 5:00 at St. John’s Catholic Church
*Toy Drive: will be held Saturday, December 20". Volunteers needed.
Celebrations and Journeys:
*Leslie Lewis: donation to Ken Moulton scholarship
*Mike Ragsland: donation to Paul Harris
*Mitch Grandi: donation to Windsor Community Fund
*Pam Moulton: visited Mexico; photographed “Day of the Dead”
Speaker: Nolan Sullivan, Sonoma County Health and Human Services Director
The main focuses of his service include:
*Health Services
*Behavioral Services
*Homeless Services
*Sonoma County Animal Shelter
The funding for the homeless comes from 42 different sources from 12 agencies. However,
no single funding source is permanent which makes it hard to plan.
If vouchers go away, 5,000 more people will be homeless.
Need for permanent housing, not temporary housing.
2013: 5,000 homeless in Sonoma County; 2024: 1,900 homeless in Sonoma County
However, there are new homeless people all the time, especially the elderly and handicapped.
50% less funding is slated for next year.
Most of the money is spent on permanent housing. 401 people were housed last year.
Three top causes of homelessness:
*Rising costs and life emergencies
*Disadvantages of elderly and disabled
*Mental health or substance abuse
Thank you to:
*Greeter: Renee Hyde
*AV Set-up: Brian Williams
*Set-up: Steve Kirk
*Inspiration/Host: Mitch Grandi
*Song: Larry Mills
*Scribe: Margaret Johnson
*Photography: Sue Nelson
President Larry McCabe adjourned the meeting at 8:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Scribe for the day,
Margaret Johnson
Craig Curreri -- State of Housing Market
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
October 28, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance
Song: Geoff Harrison – Moster Mash!
Inspiration: Weekly inspiration by Renee Hyde.
Visiting Rotarians: None
Visitors: Our guest speaker and former Windsor Rotarian Craig Curreri
Announcements:



Speaker: Craig Curreri
our speaker Craig Curreri
Catherine, Ed
Greeter: Jessica Dominguez
A/V Set-up: Randall Neff
Set-up: Bill Hogan
Inspiration / Host: Renee Hyde
Song: Geoff Harrison
Scribe: Alison Huber
Photography: Sue Nelson
Rotarty Foundation
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
October 14, 2025
Pledge: Led by President Larry, the club recited 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: Susan Cole led us in “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”
Inspiration: From Robin, “To make a difference in someone’s life is the kindest best experience in our life.”
Visiting Rotarians: Ciara Shuttleworth from Petaluma Club
Guests: Alvin Xavier (Exchange student from Uganda), Shaun Nichols (Fastsigns/D&S)
Announcements:
Club Community Service Report:
September Celebrations and Acknowledgements:
Speaker: Ciara Shuttleworth from the Polly Klaas Foundation,
Introduced by Barbara McChesney
The Polly Klaas Foundation & Polly’s Palace. Polly Klaas was abducted on October 1, 1993. The Polly Klaas Foundation (PKF) is dedicated to the safety of all children, the recovery of missing children and public policies to keep children safe in their communities.
PKF Programs include: Rapid Response Team, Hotline, Outreach for Safety and Prevention, Social Media Safety Education,
Purchased Polly Klaas Community Theater in 2019 with renovations complete in 2022. 100+ seat theater with stage and catering kitchen. Allows for a variety of public and civic events, shows, and summer youth camps. Changing the branding of the theater to “Polly’s Place”.
Thank you to: Thank you to our guests. . . . . Ciarra, Shaun, and Alvin.
Go out and “Be People of Action”. Meeting adjourned.
This week’s assistance:
A/V set-up: Mike Raasch
Inspiration: Robin Shifando
Song: Susan Cole
Scribe: Brian Ling
Photography: Sue Nelson
Rotarty Foundation
Good Morning Rotary Club of Windsor
October 7, 2025
Today’s meeting is being led by Future President Renee Hyde
Our meeting opened with the Four-Way Test led by Larry
Song: Jeff had a birthday last Wednesday and an Anniversary in September so he led us in a celebratory song: HAPPY BIG DAY for all recent birthdays and anniversaries.
Inspirational message delivered by Jim Curry, emphasizing perseverance during hardships, Quote by Rocky.
No Visiting Rotarians
Guests introduced: Melinda (HR Manager for Diane Brabitz) and Sean (Fast Signs) and Alvin Xavier (YE from Uganda)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Companion Club meeting scheduled for Thursday at Kin, 12:30 PM—members encouraged to invite prospective members.
• Thank you, card, received from Windsor High School teacher Darrell Webb for the $100.00 gift cards that Rotary Club of Windsor gave to all new teachers in WUSD. The Club also sent a thank you card to Walmart, in recognition of their support in the project.
• Acknowledgement given to Diane Brabitz for the wonderful Charcuterie and Michael LeCompte for opening his tasting room and serving his delicious wine at our club social last week.
• October 15: Critical town council meeting at 6 PM to advocate for reinstatement of four concerts during Summer Concerts on the town Green member attendance requested.
• Arundo removal event on October 18, please contact Barbara for additional information
• Club members received an invitation to Chile as thanks for supporting Domingo’s Moms Club’s kitchen project and training for disabled individuals. Iberia Lightbird Training Center in Talca.
District Grant Approval for new irrigation system for students at Circuit Ryder Productions. November 8th: (tentative date) Workday at Circuit Ryder Productions installing new irrigation system for student’s garden. We will be joined by Sonoma County Bee Association that will be planting Bee friendly plants to assist in pollination and bee survival. Contact Monica McCabe for more information
October 14th is the deadline for District Grant applications to be submitted. The committee has already receive 8 submissions, varying amounts: $200.00- $10,000.00 committee will review October 15th.
David reported Simple Gesture’s supported by our club and the Interact Club was done last Saturday, we had 49 bags of groceries picked up off porches, over 700lbs of food was delivered to the Presbyterian Church for their Tuesday food giveaway. The next pick-up will be Saturday Nov. 1, 25. To sign up register at ASG Sonoma county. It is as simple as once a month you’re putting a grocery bag of perishable and non-perishable foods on the porch to be picked up. Bags are supplied by Simple Gesture after first pick up.
Sue Nelson shared the sad news of the passing of our beloved Rotary member and friend Sandie Krutz, followed by a lovely video in remembrance of Sandie.
A Memorial is being planned for Sandie at St. John’s Catholic Church in Healdsburg —timing to be confirmed after October 21, pending the birth of Sandie and Wally’s granddaughter.
• Members shared personal tributes to Sandie’s contributions to the club and community.
---------------------------------------------
• Presentation provided on the Rotary Foundation, its financial stewardship, areas of focus, and impact of global and district grants.
• Global grants: Club supported recent water/sanitation project in Zimbabwe (now completed) and committed to new projects in adolescent mental health (Uganda) and prenatal care (Mubat) by filling their remaining funding needs.
• District grants supported daffodil planting, Arundo removal, and current Circuit Riders project.
• Emphasis placed on increasing Every Rotarian Every Year (E-RAY) participation.
club goal is 100% participation with a $25 minimum per member per year by November 30.
Easy to do with Rotary Direct, auto monthly through CC, pick an amount that works with your budget. $100.00 per year makes you a sustaining member.
All of this is easy to track when you sign up for MyRotary, Go to MyRotary.org to create an account.
• Club promotion: Matching Paul Harris points for member contributions/ signups, with increasing matching ratios based on participation rates.
• Foundation Celebration event on November 2 at Healdsburg Golf Club;
raffle incentive based on donation history.
Contact Brian Ling if you have any questions.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35am
The mission of the Rotary Club of Windsor is to serve our community and the world. We strive to better communicate with our members and with the community to inspire and mobilize both our local and global community in health, education, and peace to create transformative change.
Tuesday at 7:15 a.m.
Windsor Golf Course
1320 19th Hole Dr.
Windsor, CA 95492
Map it
P.O. Box 819
Windsor, CA 95492
Phone: 707-892-0492
Email: info1@windsorrotary.org
