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