April 2002

Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.

May 2 - 48th Annual All-Day Breakfast (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

May 9 - Bob Giacomini - Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese

May 16 - Community Luncheon - Herzog Hall

May 23 - "Paul and Art Show"

May 30 - Heather Silacci - Roots for Youth

Meeting was called to order by the esteemed president JAMES MICKELSON. We were led in song by songbird RALPH SARTORI. The thought for the day was by the right reverend LAWRENCE JONAS, DDS.

The talented MAUREEN JOYCE introduced visiting Rotarians, Scott Tucker of the Petaluma Valley Club and Gina Grant from Ignacio.

Rotarians with guests: The right honorable MICHAEL BADDELEY, his daughter Jordy. The insurable NANCY KOENITZER, for the last time, Vera Ciammetti. CONNIE HEIZER, her guest Linda Batista and the bankable WALLACE BRAGDON with his guest, Howard Dalton.

Scott Tucker announced that the new Rotary shirts were available and could now be picked up. The price is $22.53, make checks payable to Pangea.

RALPH SARTORI reminded everyone that the ALL DAY BREAKFAST is next Thursday. He is in need of a volunteer for the 2-4 shift for the ticket table and someone for the serving line at 11:15. Pancakes, eggs and sausage are the menu of the day.

ONITA PELLEGRINI announced the Community Award of excellence would be held this evening and that member HARVEY FREETLY would be a recipient for youth contribution.

GINA PITTLER looked for volunteers for the cow chip contest at 11am on Saturday.

MAUREEN JOYCE than reminded everyone that the float would be leaving the staging area at noon and members were encouraged to attend. We will be number 87.

ED FULLERTON thanked all the Rotarians who attended last weekend’s Assembly in Santa Rosa. Our club was well represented. It was noted that RICK OBERLIN was still in recovery.

PDG ART AGNEW announced that June 7th was the deadline for application for funds from the local Foundation.

PAUL LOUNIBOS than inducted new member VERA CIAMMETTI, who was sponsored by NANCY KOENITZER.

STEVE OLMSTED, TOM BAKER and DON RAMATICI were then fined for participating in the Boomtown Blackjack tournament. DON was fined the most for having been the big winner.

BANO CUMMINGS was than fined for her good work with Interact, although she tried to incriminate others.

THEO ADKINS led the club in a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday.

PDG ART AGNEW won a fine bottle of wine in the raffle.

Sunshine report indicated that PAUL MASELLI’s wife, Virginia, was home from the hospital and recovering. Everyone wishes her well and a speedy recovery.

MIKE MADICK than introduced the GSE team from Japan. We saw a very informative and entertaining video on Japan.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Lou Steinberg. Photos by Ed Fullerton.

NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS

All Day Breakfast: EVERYONE

Fine Can:

Microphone:

Visitors:

Editor: Paul Lounibos

April 25 - GSE Program (visiting from Japan)

May 2 - 48th Annual All-Day Breakfast (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

The Pumpmen King, JAMES M. MICKELSON I (at least we hope there's only been one of his kind!), opened the meeting with his usual aplomb, and had sweet singing LUCIE M. SWEDA (whose rate of return is increasing) again lead us in song (God Bless America). The Prez then read an inspirational message from RI President, Richard D. King, out of the Rotarian as the thought for the day, followed by our customary group hugs … or handshakes, if you prefer!

THOMAS BRANDAL then hauled himself up to the podium to introduce the visiting Rotarians in our midst. The Prez then surveyed the crowd (in a very civil manner) and cried out for STEVEN J. LAFRANCHI, who was supposed to be engineering the microphone, so that the guests of Rotarians could be properly introduced-- but alas, no Steven J. today! Next, former USCG Captain AL CATTALINI introduced his elite Bulletin Committee crew (see back of Bulletin for names), and invited anyone who would like to climb on board (whether to write, take pictures, help with the web page, etc.) to contact him for details and deployment.

RALPH L. SARTORI, looking quite relaxed and well rested after recently processing himself through Italy, then reminded us that the Club's Annual All-Day Breakfast is Thursday, May 2 and encouraged us to make sure we know our assignments, and to sell, sell, sell as many tickets as possible. Remember, all proceeds from the Breakfast go towards our children's Holiday Party. The Prez then announced that the Annual District Assembly is this weekend in Santa Rosa.

WALTER E. BRAGDON, banking on the hope that we would believe he once was a good scout, then secured a commendation and license on behalf of our Club from the Boy Scouts of America, as presented by the local Scoutmaster, Lee McCann, who went on to recognize and thank our Club for sponsoring Troop 5 for 58+ years, and Cub Scout Pack 8 for 22+ years. The Prez then made an announcement that the Redwood Blood Bank needs blood. If you have any left to give after April 15, contact the Prez for details.

The Prez then developed a reason to drill $10 out of LAWRENCE E. JONAS for interrupting the meeting, even though Larry did it for a good reason (i.e. to announce that the Petaluma High School Interact Club is painting a lady's house this weekend). Larry would like a few of our members to show up in support, so contact him if you can be there. The old Prez then treated TAWNY TESCONI rather unfairly by fining her $25 for a recent Press Democrat photo and article, but she managed to have the last laugh when JACQUELYN De L'EAU, after learning that the Prez and Tawny attended PHS. together, pointed out that Tawny looked so much younger than the Prez … or was it that he looked so much older than Tawny …. Either way, it cost Lyn $40. It probably wasn't the best investment she ever made, but she got lots of laughs! Thanks, Tawny and Lyn.

JAMES D. BECKER, who is 50 something, then offered up that he and the Prez looked to be about the same age. Our bullish Prez gave Jim his stock response for such insolence … a $ 100 fine, ostensibly for Jim's various trips and for working for such a great brokerage firm. After that fine, Jim certainly is a little "broker" now, isn't he?! Thanks, Jim. KATHRYN O'CONNOR BURROUGHS then manipulated the raffle tickets at our table just enough to win a bottle of wine she can crack open for medicinal purposes at the next exam!

JOHN P. RAMATICI, April Program Chairman, then ensured that we had a premium program by introducing his friend, Codie Welsh, from the Hanna Boys Center. She gave us an informative video presentation, followed by some elucidating testimonials from two Hanna resident-students, Jorge Rodriguez and Luke Luchini, who shared with us some of their trials and tribulations, and what a positive effect Hanna Boys Center has had on their lives. A book was donated to the Petaluma Junior High School Library in their names, and they were each given a 4-way test memento of our appreciation.

Class dismissed, see you next week!

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley. Photos by Ed Fullerton.

NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS

Fine Can: Gina Pittler

Microphone: Jim Becker

Visitors: Maureen Joyce

Editor: Lou Steinberg

April 19 - Cody Welsh - Hanna Boys Center

April 25 - GSE Program (visiting from Japan)

May 2 - 48th Annual All-Day Breakfast (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

PRESIDENT JIM (being the old farm boy that he is) promptly called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. sharp. The first order of business was to call BARNEY FAUSS forward to lead us in song. BARNEY tried to led us in "I'm a Rambler, I'm a Gambler" but few participated. We really need GENE (The Pro) BENEDETTI to get us all going on "I'm a Rambler, I'm a Gambler." GENE has that special touch with his arm movement that adds so much to the song. BARNEY did however brighten our day with "God Bless America."

The invocation was given by HERB BUNDESEN, which was followed by JIM BECKER introducing the visiting Rotarians from the Santa Rosa, and Petaluma Valley clubs.

Let the sun shine. Yes, we all welcomed back TED ADKINS! Ted was with us today recovering from his recent operation. Was it a hip, knee, or joint replacement? Right in the middle of PRESIDENT JIM's kind words of welcome to Ted, BARNEY FAUSS rose to his feet and confused the issue of Ted's operation. BARNEY was fined $10.00 for his actions, but not before he had everyone totally confused.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RALPH SARTORI reported that the "ALL DAY BREAKFAST' would be on May 2, 2002 at the Vet's Hall. Plans are in full swing, tickets and work schedules are in the mail. Remember this is a Mandatory Event that supports The Needy Children of Petaluma.

ED FULLERTON reported that Rotary T-Shirts are available. Call Ed to order your T-Shirt as orders are going in next week. Ed's phone # 778-8992. (We do need more orders so the cost can be kept down).

We were honored to welcome into our club RICARDO MARZO, son-in-law of DAN LIBARLE. Although DAN was nervous, RICARDO was pinned without having to give blood. This was a proud moment for all of us especially DAN.

KAREN VAN BEBBER introduced several members of the Jr. High Interact Club. A short video was shown recapping a recent outing of the club. PRESIDENT JIM then called KAREN forward to accept a plaque that was given by the District to KAREN for her dedication and support to the Rotary Interact Program. Congratulations KAREN, Rotary is very lucky to have you guiding our youth in the Interact programs.

RICK VAN BEBBER then asked PRESIDENT JIM if he could show a two-minute video taken at a recent Interact event. Well the video went past two minutes, and RICK put in another video and the end result was a $40.00 fine for RICK.

Since there was no time remaining for fines from willing members PRESIDENT JIM moved directly to the Raffle. The lucky winner was WHITNEY HALL. WHITNEY reached in the rock bag and pulled out-a brown rock, which netted him $50.00. God job, WHITNEY.

LARRY JONAS and Past District Governor John Strong presented our program for the day "Vietnam with Rotary." They reported on a recent trip to Vietnam in which Rotary working with the "East Meets West Organization" provided a clean water supply to a village in Vietnam. They told of how this experience unfolded and how people who once fought against one another are now working together and living peacefully together. It was truly an experience of a lifetime that was rewarding to all that participated. Future plans call for additional trips to Vietnam in order to construct more worthwhile projects. LARRY JONAS is looking for donations to buy pregnant pigs for villagers in Vietnam so they can improve their lives. He has contributed $350 of his own money and wants to raise at least $1,000 for this cause.

MAUREEN JOYCE is still looking for volunteers to walk in the Butter and Egg Parade on April 27. She is also asking for people to help in constructing the Rotary float and if you can round up some Third Grade kids that were given dictionaries she would like them to walk in the parade showing off the dictionaries they received.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori. Photos by Ed Fullerton.

NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS

Fine Can: Bano Cummings

Microphone: Steve Lafranchi

Visitors: Tom Brandal

Editor: Mike Baddeley

April 11 - Larry Jonas - His adventures in Vietnam with Rotary

April 19 - Cody Welsh - Hanna Boys Center

April 25 - GSE Program (visiting from Japan)

May 2 - 48th Annual All-Day Breakfast (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

Batter up! HERB BUNDESEN led off by leading the crowd in a spirited America the Beautiful. LARRY JONAS followed and hit a home run with his thought for the day. His message was “God bless America” and he described how God has indeed blessed our nation. Noting American tolerance, he observed that it is our diversity that makes us strong and positions us as role models for the rest of the world. He cited Rotary International as a vehicle that transports this ideal worldwide.

Triple Play. The handshakes, hugs and greetings just wouldn’t end today. President JIM finally had to insist that everyone be seated. Three members, STEVE OLMSTED, ONITA PELLEGRINI and JEANNETTE CLARK were a bit slow in sitting and paid $5 fines for their tardiness. Finally, with everyone seated, HARVEY FREETLY introduced visiting Rotarians from the Sonoma Valley, Petaluma Valley and Petaluma Sunrise clubs.

Official Scorer says it’s an error. Despite his best attempts President JIM couldn’t get WALLY BRAGDON to admit that he was a no-show at a most important meeting he’d scheduled. It seems the rest of the presidential selection committee was there to advise ONITA PELLEGRINI of her selection as President-Elect-Elect - but that WALLY was nowhere to be seen. A cloudy memory didn’t help him escape a $25 fine.

Disabled list. JERRY GILLESPIE announced that TED ADKINS is home from the hospital today after knee replacement surgery. TED’s still a bit uncomfortable but is encouraging visitors.

Visitors dugout. Rotarians with guests today were NANCY KOENITZER (Vera Ciammetti), RICK OBERLIN (his daughter, Dawn Marie), FRED FROST (his wife, Linda) and DAVE AMUNDSEN (Connie Heizer).

Seventh inning stretch. MAUREEN JOYCE discussed the combined participation of all three local Rotary Clubs in the April 27 Butter and Eggs Day Parade. Volunteers are needed to help construct the float and participate in the parade. Contact MAUREEN, ONITA PELLEGRINI or ED FULLERTON to volunteer or for more information. Scott Tucker of the Petaluma Valley club described Rotary shirts being designed for wearing in the parade - or anytime. Approximate price will be $17.50; expect more details next week. LOU STEINBERG observed that Interact members were interested in participating in both float preparation and in the parade.

Home plate. This year’s All-Day Breakfast (May 2) is being chaired by RALPH SARTORI, replacing perennial chair, JIM MICKELSON. All members have received (or will receive) an envelope containing ten $7 tickets (purchase mandatory) and a work assignment for the breakfast. If your time assignment doesn’t mesh with other plans, call JIM’s office (Angela: 762-1473) ASAP to adjust as necessary.

Hit and run play. Quick $5 fines were assessed to “those women at the table chit-chatting.” Forking over fivers were ONITA PELLEGRINI, KATHY BURROUGHS, BANO CUMMINGS, NANCY KOENITZER and MAUREEN JOYCE. Later, Past Presidents and current board members not wearing their Rotary pin were charged $5 fines. Among these were KATHY BURROUGHS (again!), DAVE AMUNDSEN (plus another $5 for having the affliction “Wallyitis”) , RALPH PELTON and JOHN DADO.

Rookie. JOHN DADO, assisted by sponsor DAVE AMUNDSEN and District Governor Franz Wartenweiler, inducted our club’s newest member, CONNIE HEIZER. It was noted that CONNIE is the eighth new member during this club year. Welcome!

Bonus payments. President JIM announced that the Club will match member contributions toward their Paul Harris Fellowship dollar-for-dollar (while funds last). This is an excellent opportunity to become a PH Fellow and help the good works of RI.

Full count. DICK WEBER, whose hens lay 100,000 dozen eggs a week, acknowledged that the egg business was good at Easter. When asked where the extra eggs come from, he responded, “Ohio.” This got him an $85 fine that he graciously upped to $100.

Three bagger. FRED WULFF admitted fishing in Alaska and penthouse sitting at Waikiki which prompted a $90 fine. But when FRED gave President JIM a bit of a geography lesson involving a third trip (Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain?) the pain increased to $95.

Farm Club. Called on the carpet for her remarks in last week’s Rota-Teller, MAUREEN JOYCE defended herself with innuendo about “a behind-the-scenes instigator writing the script.” She acknowledged that the initials MJB fit the perpetrator and was ultimately fined $30 which President JIM directed be paid by MIKE BADDELEY.

Hidden ball trick. PAUL LOUNIBOS held the winning raffle ticket but couldn’t pull the brown rock out of the bag. But he walked off with a fine bottle of Kunde Fred’s White.

The Commissioner. A brief presentation by District Governor Franz Wartenweiler noted that District 5130 leads its zone in membership gains with 150 net new members. He stressed the need to continue attracting members and reminded members of the upcoming District Conference. The golf tournament is at the Chardonnay Country Club on May 16; the remainder of the Conference is at the State Veterans Home in Yountville on May 17-19. Plan to attend!

Road trip. AL KAPLAN gave his Craft Talk, explaining how a Siberian from Shanghai could graduate from high school in Massachusetts, from college in Colorado, divorce twice successfully, operate an underground construction business in Petaluma and feed gophers and deer on Sonoma Mountain. This earned him his chicken badge and a $10 fine.

Squeeze play. After April anniversaries for DON RAMATICI and MARK STOKES were announced, DAVID BARBIERI rose to protest that after his previous omission from the birthday table he had just been omitted from the anniversary list. This led to a $5 fine for STEVE OLMSTED that delighted DAVID so much that he contributed $100 toward his Paul Harris.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.

NEXT WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS

Fine Can: Steve Henris

Microphone: Linda Zacharin

Visitors: Fred Frost

Editor: Ralph Sartori