Miyagi, Japan 1951
Rotary Club of Windsor Meeting April 5, 2022
President Pam rang the bell and Mia Kaufman, visiting student of the month, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Susan Cole led the group in a rousing Happy Birthday to President Pam.
Rotarian of the month for April, Doug Williams shared a very moving Rotary moment. He is still somewhat of a newcomer given the Rotary ages of many members. He sees his moment a little like the spokes on a wheel, lots of moments coming together. He appreciates the opportunities he has had to meet students from other countries, grow new friendships, and build community. Doug treasures most the support and encouragement he has received since his unexpected diagnosis one year ago. This has been beyond belief and his most valued “Rotary Moment”.
Visiting Rotarians:
Dr. Curt Groninga- Rotary Club of Ukraine
Guests of Rotarians:
David Doht-new member candidate (husband of Barbara McChesney)
Alan and Margaret Butler- also guest speaker
Barney and Michele Kaufman and daughter Mia
Kate Smith- Youth Ambassador heading to Japan
Marie Gannister-Windsor High School Instructor and Vineyard Academy Coordinator
Rotarian of the Month for April Doug Williams.
Announcements:
- Leslie given pin by President Pam for role as guest president last month.
- Reminder to send Senator Mike McGuire thank you notes for his role in fundraiser: 50 D Street Suite #120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
- Town of Windsor Earth Day Clean up Sunday April 24th 1-3pm. Club members joining with Windsor Middle School Eco club. Contact Barbara for more information or go online to Eventbrite.com to sign up.
- Passport to Success meetings immediately following club meetings in separate room for the next several weeks.
- Scholarship meeting immediately following club meeting.
- Wally presented ‘Want Ads’ now available through DACdb. If you need help with a project or want to find out where you can get a club job, check the want ads in DACdb. There are many needs.
- Kathy Williams announced needs for Windsor Day parade. They are: help completing the application members to sign up to provide traffic support, holding Rotary balloon, and walking in parade.
- District Conference coming in May: use invitation sent directly to you to sign up. Our club will have a decorated suite with drinks etc. for attendees.
- District Training Assembly was well attended by our club. 13 members, more than any other club. 7 participated as either trainers or Sgt. At Arms. Club attendees set goals: Foster relationships with other organizations including Rotary Clubs, and Community calendar; 120% participation from members; Spectacular 35thanniversary party; and have more socials.
- Next club social is April 15th at 6pm. Meet at Artisan Alley in Windsor.
- Domingo gave Pam her first birthday gift for this year.
- John Hackenburg presented dandelion jelly from recent trip to Midwest (reminder of his own mother making jelly and wine from dandelions when he was a child) and ukele earrings from Nashville.
Fines:
- Pam- $100 for birthday.
- John How- $25 for his love affair.
- Michael Juric-$50 for his 8 grandchildren.
- David Doht-$25. . . just because.
- Michael Raasch-$75 for upcoming participation in Gran Fondo
Student of the Month:
Daniel Myers introduced Marie Ganister who then introduced Mia Kaufman the current student of the month who Marie has known since she was born. Mia represents the Vineyard Academy. Teachers report that Mia demonstrates a level of excellence needed to positively go out in the world. Mia consistently shows up and did throughout the pandemic. She is intelligent, a pleasure to teach, and a highly focused student who demonstrates great support and encouragement to peers. Mia was very honored and spoke very highly of her Vineyard Academy family, her parents, and to Rotary for this honor. Mia is heading first to Santa Barbara Jr. College and then off to University of Santa Barbara where she plans to study to be a veterinarian.
Guest speaker for today, Alan Butler was introduced by Sue Nelson. Though now retired, Alan had a long career as an architect with the Santa Rosa firm: TLCD Architecture. He shared an intriguing story about photographs taken by his father George Butler in Japan in 1950-51 and the unique history of the coastal region encompassed by the photographs. Alan found about 2,000 photos following his father’s death and created a book and display for the people of Japan. The area where many of the photos were taken was ravaged by a tsunami in 2011. The images of both scenery and people are touching and beautiful. It was quite emotional for people and family members of those photographed to see for the first time and so many years later. Alan’s tale included descriptions of his own recent trips to Japan and the significance of these very special photographs. Alan and Margaret were treated like celebrities. He was honored to share his father’s photographs and described the culture as one that really looks out for each other, for society, and very respectful of the landscape. They were very effective during the pandemic because they help and protect one another. It was a very moving presentation. Please check this website to see the photos and learn more:
www.miyagi1951.com
[email protected]
Reminder for next week: Bill Arnone will be guest president.
Final quote of the day: On a team, it’s not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together.
Thank you to:
Set up: Steve Klick and team
Greeter: Kathryn Williams
Song: Susan Cole
Scribe: Barbara McChesney
AV set up: John Hackenburg
Zoom team: Brian Ling