Opening – The meeting was officially opened by President Steve Klick at 7:30 am followed by the pledge of allegiance lead by Teray Elrod.. Inspiration – The inspiration was given by Renee Hyde quoting a former Youth Exchange Student in saying “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone”. Guests – The following guests were introduced: Rotarian Ted Calvert– Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Mike Raasch – Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Glenn James Percy – Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Carlos Basurto – Windsor/Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Glenn Sugden – Visitor/ Guest for third time Jennifer Berndt – Volunteer for Project Graduation Announcements Youth Exchange – Bill Bolster announced that our outgoing Youth Exchange Student, Natasha Figueroa, is looking for part time work to supplement her expenses for the the youth exchange experience Literary Guild of Healdsburg – Ted Calvert announced that a hike for the Sonoma Land Trust would be taking place today at 10:00 am and that John Vanderzee would be speaking Thursday at 7:15 pm for the Literary Guild of Healdsburg at Shed for anyone interested. SNAP – Art Diaz announced that the second sponsored activity for Special Needs students was held last Saturday at the Community Center in Healdsburg. SNAP is collaboratively presented as part of Rotary Cares for northern Sonoma. A special thanks to Tom Boylan, Ken and Pam Moulton, Juan Vasquez and the extended family of Art Diaz for their participation. Dictionary Project – Craig Curreri announced the second Dictionary distribution would happen at Cal Calmecca Learning Academy this Friday, Any Rotarian interested in helping out should report for the dictionary distribution at 9:00 am to assist. Lobster Feed Fund Raiser and Celebration – Chairperson Michael Juric reminded the Club that our celebration/fund raiser is scheduled for April 14, 2018. Tickets are now available on the Website and for sponsorship opportunities see Michael. Jack Hyde announced that silent auction sign-up sheets were on each table. JB also announced that advertising was going on Facebook and should be shared with your friends. Save the Date cards were also distributed.
Wine Cave – Michael Juric also announced that 100 tickets would be sold for a raffle item at the Lobster Feed. Each Club member is asked to contribute a nice bottle of wine ($25 or more) for this raffle gift. Brabetz’s Celebrate 50 Years – Diane and Les Brabetz will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Steve Klick asked that each Rotary sign a special anniversary card located in the side room before leaving. Raffle Drawing – No drawing was held since no tickets were sold. Speaker – Jennifer Berndt – Project Graduation – Windsor High School Jennifer Berndt is in her second year as a parent volunteer for Project Graduation. The Rotary Club of Windsor is one of the sponsors of this graduation activity whose theme is “Keeping kids alive to see the dawn light”. Jennifer discussed many of the activities that are provided to students on the night of graduation. This program is an alternative to private graduation parties. It goes from 10:00 pm to 4:30 am and includes such activities as a casino night, rock climbing, fortune tellers, massages, and plenty of food and games. A coffee bar with plenty of special drinks is very popular later in the morning. Jennifer and her committee thank Windsor Rotary for their support of this Project Graduation Craft Talks New Rotarian Teray Elrod was introduced by Maureen Merrill. Teray talked about her involved with Rotary as a member in Sebastopol Rotary. She works for Rotarians Kim and David McDonald in their Insurance Company in Santa Rosa. A long time resident of Sonoma, Teray shared pictures of her family and grown children (Thomas is in the Navy). She expressed her interest in running and her participation in marathons. Teray celebrated her wedding day by running a half marathon in Healdsburg in her wedding dress and being married at the finish line. Teray is an enthusiastic new member who finished her craft talk by saying “Sign me up and put me to work.” Congratulations Teray, you are the new chairperson of the Lobster Feed. The second craft talk was given by Juan Valencia who was introduced by Art Diaz. Juan is also a long time resident of Sonoma County coming to California from Mexico at the age of 12. Followed by members of his family, seven brothers and sisters, Juan, attending schools in Santa Rosa graduating from Sonoma State University in Marketing. He currently is the owner of Valencia Motors in Santa Rosa. Juan hobbies include soccer, snow boarding, and travel. He has a large extending family and is a very dedicated family member. The Rotary Club of Windsor warmly welcomes both Teray and Juan to our family!