ROTARY CLUB OF WINDSOR MEETING
Minutes – March 5. 2019
Opening – The meeting was officially opened by President Sandy
Krutz at 7:30 am followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Bill
Arnone.
Inspiration – The inspiration was given by Jim Ruppert who is
preparing for the Giants spring training camp. Jim stated “Every
child chases rainbows but baseball is the way to actually catch
them”.
Song/Exercise – The exercise was led by Pegi Ball who asked
each member to turn around and greet and shake the hands of
several Rotarians.
Guests – The following guests were introduced:
Brian Ling introduced the President of Sonoma County Recovery,
Jason Wilcox. Brian also introduced members of the Town
Council present including Ester Lemus and Dominic Foppoli who
will also be our guest speaker.
JB introduced Joella Olson who is an active parent volunteer for
the music program in the Windsor Unified School District
Leah Hansen introduced Helen Pazinski, a visiting guest.
Announcements
Food Pantry Volunteers Needed – Carol Martin announced that
volunteers are needed for the monthly Food Pantry project to be
held this Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Redwood Food Pantry.
Update Directory – Leah Hansen announced that a clipboard
would be sent around and asked each member to update their
personal information for the Club Directory.
Lobster Fund Raiser – Michael Juric, chairperson for our
fundraiser, updated the Club on our April 6 event. The Club was
reminded of the need for silent auction items and bottles of wine
for the live auction wine raffle item. Sponsorships are still needed
and Michael reminded the Club of the meeting scheduled for
Wednesday, March 6 at 5:00 pm at Michael’s home. Guest
Dominic Foppoli donated wine to the event.
Music Instruments for WUSD – Allen Christenson introduced
Steve Mitchell, long-standing music director in the WUSD. Allen
announced that this years “Raise a Paddle” fundraiser at the
Lobster Feed will be used to fund band instruments for the music
program in the WUSD. Allen talked about how music had shaped
his life and how the music program benefited students at so many
levels. Steve Mitchell then spoke and discussed the needs for
instrument replacement and the challenges for funding new
instruments. Steve also emphasized the many benefits that are
provided by the music program in the WUSD.
District Assembly – Sandy Krutz reminded that the District
Assembly will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Finley
Center in Santa Rosa. It is a wonderful training opportunity at
many levels.
Acknowledgments
Tom Boylan was acknowledged for his anniversary which will be
celebrated on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, even though Melody and
Tom were married in a Leap Year.
Allen Christenson was acknowledged for his 40th wedding
anniversary and his recent trip to Maui.
Dennis Wilkinson revealed that he played in a band in high school
and recently found an album the band recorded. He made a
contribution to the music instrument fund in return for the promise
he would not play his album to the Club.
Michael Juric announced that his grandson, Tyler, had just been
selected as the Most Valuable Player for Windsor High School’s
varsity basketball team.
Pam Moulton thanked Michael Juric and Sue Nelson for the help in
cleaning up the family cabin due to flooding in Summer Home Park.
In addition to those two, an additional 15 people showed up from
the park over the weekend to assist in the clean-up.
Guest Speaker – Dominic Foppoli, Mayor of Windsor
Dominic Foppoli was introduced by Brian Ling. Dominic, whose roots can
be traced back to Nicaragua and Mexico, is the youngest mayor and town
council person to serve. He has grown up in Windsor and has participated
in Interact, Rotaract and the 20/30 Club. He is also a winery owner in
Healdsburg. Next stop is Rotary!
As Mayor, Dominic updated the Club on the State of Windsor and the
prospects for future development. He talked about Windsor being a great
community to live in. There is low unemployment and low crime in the area.
The economy is positive and is attracting several new businesses that will support
the town with additional sales tax revenue. Specifically, the
Russian River Brewing Company, Sweet T’s and the expansion of Micro
Vu.
Dominic also emphasized the need for and support of affordable housing.
Recently passed Measure M will provide for additional services and
facilities for Park and Recreation. Transportation will soon be improved by
the addition of the Windsor Shuttle Transport and the coming of the SMART
train to downtown Windsor. The following issues were raised in the
question and answer period. Dominic updated and addressed each of the
following:
*Prospects for new construction on 101 at the Arata Lane Exchange.
*Search for a new Town Manager and Police Chief for Windsor.
*Bicycle transportation to and from the Green on music nights.
*New District configuration with an elected mayor not appointed.
*Status of Litton Springs Tribe and the Sovereign Nation issue.
*Term limits on Council members.
*Chamber needs to be proactive in promoting small business in Windsor.
*Status and progress on Town building community pool
President Sandy Krutz closed the meeting with the following quote: “Let
us never forget the government is ourselves and not an alien power over.
us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President or senators
and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country”.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
