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February 28, 2002
COMING EVENTS
March 7 - Bill Fusco, Sonoma State Athletic Director
March 14 - Randy Shipe - ""My Mind's Got a Mind of its Own" (Neuroscience/At Risk Youth/Behavior Change)
March 21 - Club dark
March 22 - Farmers & Merchants Night - Cocktails start at 6:00 p.m.
Our President, the illustrious gentleman JIM MICKELSON, looking resplendent in his silk tie and Armani shirt, opened our last meeting of February 2002 precisely at 12:30 p.m. GENE BENEDETTI, much like other great crooners of his era such as Dean Martin and Bing Crosby, serenaded us with his signature song ("I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler..."), followed by a great song for a great country: God Bless America! PAUL LOUNIBOS then delivered a thoughtful invocation.
After the customary handshakes and hugs, LOU STEINBERG introduced the visiting Rotarians among us followed by the introduction of guest Rotarians, including BILL GROVERMAN's guest, who was introduced by RICK MOSSI in Bill's place and stead (Bill was sick), and the guests of DAVE AMUNDSEN and GENE BENEDETTI, respectively, but before CLARK ROSEN was fined $10 for taking his sweet time to start his microphone duty,
A Sunshine Report was then made by President-elect ED FULLERTON, who informed us that there will be a memorial service on March 7, at 7:00 p.m., at Petaluma Golf & Country Club for our beloved member, BOB FOSTER, who recently passed away. The Prez went on to report that JERRY BEATIE, M.D., passed away last week and that there will be a memorial service for him on March 2 at the Community Center. It was also noted with a great deal of sadness that ART LAFRANCHI's brother, Willie, also passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of their families and loved ones. Finally, it was reported that KIP HERZOG's mother-in-law was recently hospitalized. We wish her well and a speedy recovery.
JOHN RAMATICI then announced that next Wednesday is our Club's annual goodwill doctor-dentist-optometrist trip to Mexico as part of our ongoing international project, and that through our Club's efforts $2,000 in medical supplies and free medical services are being provided to the truly needy. John is the pilot for our group, and I can assure you from past experience they are in. good hands with him at the controls. One of our past members, PAUL PRAETZEL (now a rnember of the new Sunrise Rotary Club in Petaluma), announced that they are sponsoring the Kennilworth Jr. High Interact Club and that there will be a fundraiser for the Interact Club this Friday, March 1. The Prez then announced that our Club's Annual Farmers' and Merchants' Night is scheduled for March 22, 2002 and the price is $20 per head for dinner -- see BABE AMARAL, BILL GROVERMAN, or MAUREEN JOYCE for reservations. I'm sure it pleased the carnivores among us to learn that the dinner will be steak instead of the standard polenta stew. The Prez then quite pointedly reminded all early leavers not to be one. Our programs are part of the entire meeting, and generally quite interesting, so it shouldn't be that hard to stay.
The February birthday table turned out to be quite an ordeal as TED ADKINS was caught flitting between tables, eventually ending up at the birthday table, but not before he was fined $15 for being so wayward. A rousing rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song ensued for all the birthday babes, along with the traditional $5 fine for each member who remembered to sit at the table, and $10 for rnore that didn't, with a special exception for DAVE AMUNDSEN who did remember but was fined $10 nevertheless for pointing out that the Prez forgot to include AL KAPLAN, but Jim thought he said AL CATTALINI -- it was truly the stuff that bad sitcoms are made of!
KATHY BURROUGHS was then singled out for some special attention from the Prez for her recent celebration of the big 40, and for pulling off the old plastic deli tray prank at her birthday bash. Apparently, Jim had the tray in his car for several weeks, but his wife tossed it because the "food" looked so bad -- either way, a $20 fine to Kathy! Thanks, Kathy, and don't worry about that number 40, you look marvelous! NORM SANTOS was then called upon by the Prez to explain his recent spate of good luck, including his $1200 lottery win at our Club's crab feed, having the right numbers for a $120 football pool, and winning a gold bracelet at the recent American Cancer Society Auction. Generous Norm cheerfully donated $100 to the Club and $50 to the local foundation. Thanks, Norm, and keep on winning! Lucky LOU STEINBERG then explained how he won $1,000 cash at the same American Cancer Society event, and he graciously donated $100 to the Rotary International Foundation to celebrate his good fortune.
RAY JOHNSON then proudly announced that he had battled the big C into remission and was finally done with his chemo treatments for which he gladly paid a $50 fine. A thunderous round of applause for Ray, and plenty of well wishes for his continued good health. GENE BENEDETTI, a rebel without a cause if ever there was one, then "vehemently" protested the fact that there was no Clover creamer on the tables! The astute Prez quickly pointed out that while that was in fact the case, there was plenty of Clover promotional literature on the tables and that more than made up for the creamer oversight. Placating Gene is no easy task, but the Prez pulled it off and without a fine, no less.
JOHN DADO then took the podium as the master of induction ceremonies, and proudly introduced our newest members, MARCUS BENEDETTI (sponsored by his grandfather, GENE), and JOE ALLEN (sponsored by BILL GROVERMAN). Welcome Marcus and Joe, and we look forward to having you in our ranks! Raffle No. 998475 proved to be a winner for TED ADKINS who hasn't moved so fast since his cruise ship host days. True to form, fast Teddy grabbed the brown rock out of the bag and won the cash -- $175 to be exact. Congratulations, Ted.
ARTHUR L. LAFRANCHI, a member of the noblest of all professions and our February Program Chairman, introduced our speaker, Francis Caballo, the Executive Director of Social Advocates for Youth, who presented us with a very informative, albeit somewhat disturbing, program on abused children, followed by a spirited question and answer session. She received a memento of appreciation from the Prez and a book was donated in her name to the PHS Library.
Meeting adjourned. Have a great weekend and remember: "The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." See you next week.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS
Fine Can: Loretta Catarozoli
Visitors: Chet Swanson
Microphone: Rick Susick
Editor: Ralph Sartori
February 21, 2002
COMING EVENTS
February 28 - Frances Caballo - Executive Director, Social Advocates for Youth
March 7 - Another interesting program
March 14 - Another interesting program
March 21 - Club dark
March 22 - Farmers & Merchants Night
Continuing a tradition of many years, it was time for the annual February meeting at Two Rock. Early arrivers went to the Coast Guard’s Consolidated Club for refreshments, conversation and some rolling of the dice. Then it was off to Haley Hall (named for Alex Haley, who wrote Roots after he retired from the Coast Guard). We grabbed our trays and maneuvered down the military chow line, finally ending up at what looked like a relocated Rotary Club meeting.
President JIM brought us back to somber reality by opening the meeting with a moment of silence for BOB FOSTER who passed away Friday evening.
HARVEY FREETLY introduced the lone visiting Rotarian, Bob Hirsh of Sebastopol. Several members brought guests to Two Rock: BILL LAWRENCE and AL CATTALINI brought their wives, GENE BENEDETTI brought his grandson, Marcus, DAN LIBARLE brought his son-in-law and President JIM hosted Jim McDowell. February anniversaries were acknowledged for BILL LANE (44 years) and LORETTA CATAROZOLI (33 years). (LORETTA says she was a child bride.)
President JIM reminded members that Farmers and Merchants Night would be held on Friday evening, March 22. The price is only $20 so plan to bring a couple of your favorite farmers, merchants, or whatever. BABE AMARAL is looking for volunteer bartenders to help out that evening. Call him if you can assist.
GENE BENEDETTI was called on the carpet to explain his salty language at a recent banquet. It seems that Sonoma State University inducted GENE into the "Special Category" division of its Athletic Hall of Fame. While GENE is a bona fide member of the USF and SRJC Halls of Fame he was honored by SSU for the generous support of Clover-Stornetta Farms to the Cossack athletic program. GENE graciously paid a $100 fine for his remarks; that means they won’t be repeated here!
RICK MOSSI proudly paid a $50 fine after relating that his 10-year-old son, Nick, was the #1 draft choice in the Rohnert Park-Cotati Little League.
KIP HERZOG arrived late after being denied entry at the gate. It seems that he’s “Kip” on the club roster, but “Max” on his drivers license. After a couple of phone calls to Air Force One, he was allowed aboard. But it cost him a $30 fine, plus another $10 to recognize his wife’s work this week for the Cancer Society benefits. Also paying $10 fines for their wives’ good works were DAN LIBARLE, LEE BEAN, JOHN DADO and WALLY BRAGDON.
AL CATTALINI introduced today’s speaker, Lieutenant Commander Frank Pedras, Chief of the Information Technologies School Branch. He described the Coast Guard’s response to the homeland security threat with special emphasis on its impact on training conducted at Two Rock. In a nutshell, the Coast Guard has been quite busy and expects to expand in budget and size. Same for our local Coast Guard Training Center!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS
Fine Can: Tom Brandal
Visitors: Lou Steinberg
Microphone: Clark Rosen
Editor: Ralph Sartori
February 14, 2002
COMING EVENTS
February 21 - Club meets at Coast Guard Training Center (Two Rock)
February 28 - Frances Caballo - Executive Director, Social Advocates for Youth
It was a business as usual, except for the faint scent of springtime and valentines, a warm sunny day and flowers, flowers for everyone. Thank-you PRESIDENT JIM and happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!
TED ADKINS didn’t just lead us in song, he DIRECTED the choir in “God Bless America.” HERB BUNDESEN called for a moment of silence for the passing of ART LAFRANCHI’s brother during this thoughtful inspiration for the day.
Visiting Rotarians were introduced by TAWNY TESCONI. In addition to guests brought by DAVE AMUNDSEN, sweethearts were brought to celebrate the day with DUKE IVERSON, JIM BECKER, LEROY BEAN, JOHN DADO, and ED FULLERTON. Way to go, guys!
ED FULLERTON reported on our good friend BOB FOSTER who is home with his wife, Maxine, resting after much difficulty. We miss seeing you, Bob, and you are truly everyone’s valentine.
Bob Foster passed away late Friday evening, February 15. The club extends its sympathy to Maxine. You are invited to join Maxine at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club, Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. |
PRESIDENT JIM acknowledged PDG ART AGNEW who wrote the program for the recent Sonoma County Rotary Club Monthly Meeting which I happened to attend. It was truly an inspirational program and presented with integrity by PRESIDENT JIM MICKELSON, PDG ART AGNEW, BABE AMARAL, ED FULLERTON, and LARRY JONAS. I was proud to be there. All Rotarians are invited so don’t be shy next time.
Rotary License Plate Update: 526 orders in = 7% of the 7600 goal so that my favorite DMV can begin issuing the plates to our vehicles displaying the Rotary emblem and “Service Above Self” motto. See your editor for more information. Checks previously submitted will be deposited in an account this month.
What a great time all seemed to have at the Crab Feed. It was the freshest crab and most successful event yet. Congratulations to all super raffle team captains and members who worked very hard. The big winning team was HENRY HANSEL’s with 259 tickets followed by an astounding second-place tie of 211 each by TOM BAKER and KIP HERZOG’s teams. And top salesperson was none other than HENRY HANSEL selling a whopping 132 tickets!
Then, of course, the fines. GINA PITTLER paid dearly for selling the winning $8,000 raffle ticket to her husband, Gerald. She donated $250 to our club’s Foundation and $250 toward her Paul Harris.
JIM BECKER presented a Rotary banner from the Kapa’a, Kauai club along with an article from their newspaper which published an article about the snow day in Petaluma. Along with photos and a story was mentioned our member and candidate for Superintendent of Sonoma County Schools, CARL WONG, who closed the Petaluma schools that day because there may have been bad drivers. Not only were these two guys each fined $20, but LOU STEINBERG was implicated for advising CARL WONG on his decision.
Table #2, which seated snitch, ED FULLERTON; patsy, TOM BAKER; and victims, the rest of the table, were fined $5 each for not being able to figure out whose cell phone was ringing during the invocation. MIKE MADDALENA was fined $40 for the not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 guns he won at the recent Mule Deer Foundation dinner. Want to buy a lottery ticket for me, Mike?
A brown rock was drawn by half-lucky FRED WULFF. More inspiration for next week with a $175 purse.
Speaking of next week - don’t forget to go to Two Rock for our annual meeting while the Cancer Society holds its Fashion Show fundraiser. But before you can get into Two Rock, be sure to give Steve Olmsted your Drivers License #, License plate #, proof of insurance and the same for any guests. Increased security requires this information before entry at the gate. Car pooling is encouraged to minimize gate hang-up (and more time to socialize.)
Speaker Alan Milner, executive director of Music For Schools enlightened us about the many grants they provide to Sonoma County school music programs and collection and distribution of used instruments. The members enjoyed a very sweet Valentine’s Day tribute by a talented quartet, prodigies of the program.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Maureen Joyce.
Next week's editor: Al Cattalini.
February 8, 2002
COMING EVENTS
February 14 - Alan Milner - Music for Schools
February 21 - Club meets at Coast Guard Training Center (Two Rock)
February 28 - Frances Caballo - Executive Director, Social Advocates for Youth
"Shrimp Boats is a Comin', There's Dancin' Tonight" No, it wasn't shrimp boats; it was crab boats but there was dancin' at our annual crab feed -- and with live music! There were some 500 plus Rotarians and guests who feasted on a ton or so of delicious sweet crab. RICH JOHNSON bar-b-qued some great steaks for those who couldn't eat crab. The hall had been decorated and set up with the help of the high school and junior high school Interact Clubs.
The other attraction of the evening was the $10,000 raffle. Three names were drawn and spouses of two of our Rotarians made the cut. Third place and $800 went to Roy Jordan from Sonoma. Second prize and $1200 went to Claire Santos. And the grand prize winner of $8,000 was Gerald Pittler.
Co-chairmen DAN LIBARLE and STEVE HENRIS, the committee members, the Interact clubs, Boy Scouts from Troop 8, and Petaluma High FFA members did a great job and made the evening a success.
This item is separated to attract your attention. The meeting on February 21 will be at the Two Rock Coast Guard Station. Since September 11 security has been increased at the base. The requirements for those wishing to attend the meeting are as follows:
You must pre-register by giving to JOHN DADO or STEVE OLMSTED (1) your name, (2) a photo copy of your drivers license, (3) a copy of your automobile registration, and (4) proof of insurance.
A pass will be given specific to each car on the list and these cars will be admitted with no hassle as long as all passengers are on the roster! Do this as soon as possible!!! AND NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 14!!!
If you do not pre-register your car and do not have a pass, you may secure one at the gate on February 21 -- if you are on the roster and have the above information with you. IF YOU OR YOUR GUESTS ARE NOT ON THE ROSTER YOU PROBABLY WON'T BE ADMITTED!!!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Madick.
NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS
Fine Can: Steve Lafranchi
Visitors: Lyn De L'eau
Microphone: Carl Wong
Editor: Maureen Joyce