Our first virtual meeting test was held Tuesday, March 24. About 20 members tuned in through Zoom communications set up by our own fabulous member, Glenn Sudgen. Huge thanks and virtual hugs go to Glenn from every member of our club for making this possible.
NEXT MEETING, TUES., MAR. 31 AT 7:45AM VIA ZOOM.
Don’t miss it . . . we are welcoming three new members in our first-ever online inductions: Catherine Hanron, Matt Rush, Beth Smith.
Be there or be square. It’s time for all of us to learn new ways of doing things. Is it a bit scary? Sure, but that’s what keeps us alive and energetic and young – learning new things. Glenn even says he will help anyone who needs assistance in getting on line for our meetings. He is available either by phone or e-mail (see below).
Please let us know how you are. Send me via e-mail (susanc8@comcast.net) a short note, or even a sentence, letting us all know how you are handling this “shelter in place” order. What are you doing daily? Is anyone still at work? Working from home? What is positive for you? What is your greatest challenge? What do you want your Rotary friends to know about you and yours?
Here’s what we talked about at our first virtual meeting on Tuesday:
Glenn Sudgen: On-line Zoom meetings are underway. We can all join this room at any time. The meetings will be recorded and will be posted by Glenn, so you can catch up on discussions at any time that’s convenient for you. Chat with other members and have off-line conversations (just like we do in meetings) anytime you want. Glenn suggests you set up your computer where there is light in front of you and a dark background in back of you so you don’t wash out. You can use the microphone on your computer, but it may not be ideal. The better option is to connect your computer to a Bluetooth and use either a headset or ear buds. Glenn’s contact info is available on our DACdb site and you are welcome to text or call him always. Here it is:
Glenn Sudgen
Cell (or text msg): (707) 696-9906
e-mail: glenn@thirdworkshop.com
Steve Klick is our guru for getting access to DACdb. You need your Club Number: 24931, and your member number, which is on your Rotarian magazine as well as on DACdb.
President Maureen asks us to think of ways we can continue to be of service to our community. Carol Martin is our clearinghouse for ideas.
We had quite a discussion about the medical need for masks. Barbara McChesney and Maureen have both begun making homemade masks with a pocket to put in a filter and wire to mold to the nose. Sandie Krutz offered elastic in several sizes to whoever needs it. She will put the elastic on the barrel outside her front door at 8800 Starr Road.
Sandie Krutz also suggested that since there will be no 4-H this year, our Club could buy an animal, distribute the meat to the Food Bank and support kids in 4-H. Maureen mentioned that we did this for years (one of our vintage projects) through former member Ron Carli of American Ag Credit.
Carol Martin says the Redwood Empire Food Bank is especially busy providing lunches for children who are not getting them through the schools which are shut down. Also, families are greatly in need of food. REFB is in emergency planning mode and needs volunteers to assist in food distribution. This is a hands-on opportunity to serve and they are taking steps to make it safe for everyone with correct social distancing.
Bill Bolster always keeps our spirits up with his amusing and self-deprecating stories. Ask him about his new electric lawn mower. Bill offers his 30-40 acres in back of his home take walks and get some fresh air. Bill is at 6500 Faught Road, and his dog, who will greet you, is Hunter.
Proving that someone does read these messages, Bill Conklin offers the following about what is happening in his life during “shelter in place.”
Julie and I are awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild tonight. However because of this” Virus Pandemic ” we will only hear about it through texts and messages and will not be with them in Lakewood CO. Because of the ramping up of the virus at this time we all thought it best to minimize contact with the nuclear family. As I type this out , my daughter Michelle will be checking into the hospital for her delivery. It reminds me of why our Rotary Club is so important to me. Back 32 years ago everybody in the club passed the hat and I had to match it for a savings account for the soon to be mom , our daughter Michelle. Today she is a nurse practitioner in Denver CO and up until a week ago was starting to see the new pandemic develop.
We’re excited and nervous at this time for the new family and keeping ourselves busy at home with a deck cover project for me to complete and my wife is rounding up all the family photos and scanning them into the computer. They go back to the 1930’s. Of course we’re discovering new recipes in the kitchen and volunteering at the REFB.
I’m with Rich Mucci on becoming more conservative with what I do and where I go now days. As a dentist for 29 years I never experienced a situation that completely shut down delivery of dental care in America. It could be this way for quite a while. So everybody – practice prevention in everything you do.
Well wishes to all and stay safe.
Bill Conklin
Mobile: 707-486-4913