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February 27, 2003
COMING EVENTS
March 6 - David Glass - Mayor of Petaluma
March 13 - AAUW - Sister to Sister Program
March 20 - Another interesting program
March 27 - Club dark (Farmers and Merchants Night March 28)
March 28 - Farmers and Merchants Night
PRESIDENT ED called the meeting to order and immediately accused BABE AMARAL of stealing the Rotary Bell. Babe in a very soft-spoken voice said that he knew nothing, and was not part of the hijacking of the bell. JIM MICKELSON then rose to his feet and asked if Babe’s statement could pass the four-way Rotary test. Present Ed took control of the situation and informed all that the meeting would go on as normal without the bell, but whoever helped solve the case of the missing bell would be rewarded by receiving half of the fine money collected once the culprit was caught.
Our reliable song leader GENE BENEDETTI then led us in song. RICHARD MARZO did an inspiring thought for the day. Thank you, Rich, for sharing with us those words of wisdom.
LYN DE L’EAU introduced the visiting Rotarians all of whom were from the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club. RICK MOSSI introduced his guest who was followed by KAREN VAN BEBBER introducing four Interact members from Petaluma Jr. High and CONNIE HEIZER introduced three Interact students from Saint Vincent’s High School.
WALLY BRAGDON and RICK MOSSI then reported on the Super Raffle. It was a record year for ticket sales. It was also reported that BABE AMARAL did in fact purchase tickets from TENNY TUCKER as per the sentence imposed on him by The Hanging, Judge MICHAEL BADDELEY. Eleven of our members were rewarded for selling over $1,000.00 of tickets each. They will be rewarded along with the team members of the winning team selling the most tickets by attending an Oakland "A’s" baseball game with a tailgate party included. The high ticket selling teams were: 3rd Place - Tom Baker’s Team, 2nd Place - Henry Hansel’s Team, and 1st Place - non other than Kip Herzog’s Team.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: JEANNETTE CLARK reminded all of the upcoming District Conference on May 1st thru the 5th in Fortuna. The cost will be very low compared to previous conferences. There will be a special competition between clubs with the winning club receiving a $500.00 prize toward a service project. There will also be a District Assembly on March 14th & 15th. Call Jeannette for the details.
JIM MICKELSON that plans are underway for this years Farmers and Merchants Night which will be on Friday Night March 28, 2003 at the Vets Hall. Mark your calendar.
The Birthday men and women were recognized. There were so many February Birthdays that all could not fit at the birthday table. GENE BENEDETTI led us in a Big Happy Birthday Song to all.
President Ed then called RICK MOSSI and LOU STEINBERG forward for the induction of our two new members. We welcome GRETA VIGUIE, Petaluma’s new school Superintendent, and STEVE POWELL, owner of Flying Dutchman Travel Service into our club.
HEIDI KIBBE was called upon to tell us her secret on how to win big in raffles. Seems Heidi made good on a promise to sell 50 tickets, by purchasing all the tickets herself. She was rewarded with being the $8,000.00 and $800.00 winner in this years Super Raffle. Heidi gracefully donated $800.00 to the Rotary Foundation and a $100.00 fine. Thanks Heidi, you truly shared your winnings with Rotary. Good luck in future raffles.
BILL GROVERMAN was the lucky raffle winner however; he pulled the wrong color rock and was rewarded with a bottle of wine. Next week’s raffle will be worth $150.00!!
Just as President Ed was to have our guest speaker introduced, BABE AMARAL jumped to his feet (while it was sort of a jump) and informed president Ed that he had some information on the missing bell. After confirming that the informant would receive half of the fine imposed, Babe reported that the bell was at the feet of non other than RALPH BETTINELLI. Ralph moved as fast as he could to his feet in disbelief. "President Ed," said Ralph, "I know nothing about how the bell got in front of me under the table." Babe spoke forward saying that Ralph was innocent and that President Ed should look at the Past Presidents at the table.
Both JEANNETTE CLARK and DAVE AMUNDSEN were caught off guard. President Ed said he would take care of the matter at a future meeting. Word in the countryside has it that Babe’s half of the fine may enable him to recover the cost of him having to purchase Supper Raffle tickets. Looks like a higher authority will overrule Mike Baddeley’s improper sentence on Honest Babe. In the end, justice will be served.
RICH POREMBA introduced our guest speaker Dr. Lou Miller, Dean of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Sonoma State University. Dr. Miller said that for a while he thought he might be a No Bell speaker, however Babe’s finding of the bell eliminated that possibility. Dr. Miller told of how the Learning Institute provided an opportunity for all to learn for the joy of it. No Grades, No Test, Good Environment, and worthwhile topics. I would suggest that you call the Institute at (707) 664-2691, or visit their web site at www.sonoma.edu/exed/lifelong/.
DON’T FORGET TO MARK MARCH 28th ON YOUR CALENDARS FOR FARMERS & MERCHANTS NIGHT. TICKETS ARE $20.00 EACH
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Lucie Sweda
Microphone: Clark Rosen
Visitors: Lou Steinberg
Editor: Al Cattalini
February 21, 2003
COMING EVENTS
February 27 - Dr. Lou Miller - Dean, Lifelong Learning Institute, Sonoma State University
March 6 - David Glass - Mayor of Petaluma
March 13 - AAUW - Sister to Sister Program
Whoever ordered the weather for Friday’s drive to the US Coast Guard Base at Two Rock needs to be thanked. Moreover, our club needs to thank AL CATTALINI for his hard work in preparing our membership for the heightened security check at the Two Rock Coast Guard Base. Like our Al, the base personnel were friendly and helpful (and I’ll wait to mention the fabulous food). From this Editor’s perspective, however, had Al not prepared us all so well, it could have been difficult. Thanks Al!
PRESIDENT ED called the meeting to a prompt order at 12:30pm. HERB BUNDESEN blessed us with his incredible voice and led us in singing our opening song, “God Bless America”. The invocation was beautifully delivered by Lieutenant Commander Don Biadog, CHC, USN., after which, our rather hurried President asked Rotarians to introduce their guests.
Three times during the long list of introductions PRESIDENT ED thought he was done. Perhaps this contributed to the excitement of two young Sea Scout guests from Petaluma’s own ship “The Compass Rose”. Dressed in uniform blues, Matt Heizer and Mike Waters, both of whom plan on careers in the Naval and/or Coast Guard arena, were thrilled with the opportunity to be part of Friday’s program. After second helpings of the beautifully bountiful seafood buffet, the boys shared that they will be proud to report back to their Skipper a big thumbs-up. Their mission, which they so bravely accepted was to answer the age old question of Sea Scout’s across the globe: Is the food from USCG training facility better than that served in their ship’s galley? The boys are looking forward to being part of Rotary Interact next year.
There were no visiting Rotarians and no sunshine report.
The Captain of Captain's, RICK MOSSI reported on the hugely successful Super Raffle. A new record has been set this recession year of 2003. One thousand five hundred seventy-seven (1,577) tickets were sold this year. This far exceeded the expectations of us all. Our winning team Captain, KIP HERZOG, led our club to a collective gross of $37,000 in monies to be used for Petaluma Rotary’s local programs. This was a magnificent effort by all members, especially HEIDI KIBBE who won the FIRST and THIRD cash prizes. I’m sure Heidi is grateful that she purchased the tickets and is proud to be a member of our club. Perhaps the only “big” question is this: How many tickets did BABE and TENNY sell?
HARVEY FREETLY presented to our club a Certificate of Appreciation, signed by soon to be member, Greta Viguie, Superintendent of Petaluma Schools. For the record, our club distributed 10,200 dictionaries in Petaluma this year. Way to go!!
JOHN DADO with the help of fellow Rotarians and Retired USCG Captains AL CATTALINI and FRED WULFF, inducted a new member into our club, Captain JACK SMITH, USCG, base commander of Two Rock. Welcome, Captain Jack. Call me silly, but I thought Captain Jack was a drink? After he takes care of our Homeland Security, I’m sure we can count on Captain Jack to assist with the bar at one of our many upcoming functions.
At this time, our speaker for the meeting, Vice Admiral Terry Cross, USCG was introduced. He gave a superb presentation of the continuing changes within the USCG post September 11. The meeting was promptly adjourned at 1:30pm.
IMPORTANT - Forms were distributed at the February 6 meeting to indicate committee preferences and update member information. Don't forget to return yours to ONITA PELLEGRINI or STEVE OLMSTED by March 1. If you need forms, they are available right here.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Connie Heizer.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Al Kaplan
Microphone: Tom Brandal
Visitors: Lyn de l'Eau
Editor: Ralph Sartori
February 13, 2003
COMING EVENTS
February 14 - Crab Feed; 6:00 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. dinner
February 20 - Thursday meeting moved to Friday at Two Rock!
February 21 - Club meets at
Coast Guard Training Center
February 27 - Dr. Lou Miller - Dean, Lifelong Learning Institute, Sonoma State University
March 6 - David Glass - Mayor of Petaluma
March 13 - AAUW - Sister to Sister Program
The club was dark today because of tomorrow night’s Crab Feed and Super Raffle.
Next week’s meeting will be on a different day and at a different location. We meet on Friday, February 21 at the Coast Guard Training Center. A social hour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lunch starts promptly at 12:00 noon. Our speaker will be Vice Admiral Terry M. Cross, Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area.
Post 9/11 security concerns should make this meeting especially interesting. They will also make entry onto the Training Center a bit more complicated. To enter the USCG Training Center for this event your name (and the names of any guests) must be on a list submitted to the Coast Guard. This list was developed from the club roster with changes that you submitted. The name on your photo ID must match that on the list. To make a last minute change (correct your name or add a guest) contact Al Cattalini (ac@cattalini.com, 763-2946) not later than Tuesday, February 18.
Here are driving directions and entry procedures:
1. From downtown Petaluma, head west on East Washington Street (which becomes Bodega Avenue). Continue about 7.3 miles beyond the Bantam Way traffic signal.
2. Just past the intersection with Spring Hill Road, turn left on Tomales Road. (Watch for the large green signs directing you toward the "U.S. Coast Guard Training Center.")
3. Proceed about one mile on Tomales Road to the flashing yellow light.
4. Turn left at the flashing light into the Training Center entrance and stop at the sentry post.
5. Present photo IDs for driver and all passengers to the gate guard for comparison with the list of authorized visitors.
6. When directed, pull right into the parking area in front of the Police Department.
7. Bring valid drivers license, current registration, and proof of insurance into the Police Department. Passengers may remain in the car with their photo IDs.
8. If documents are found to be in order, driver will be issued a pass authorizing vehicle and occupants one-time entry onto the base.
9. Place pass on windshield and proceed up the hill on the entrance road about a half-mile.
10. If you are stopping at the pre-luncheon social hour (at the Consolidated Club, starting at 11:00 a.m.):
11. If you are driving directly to the luncheon:
12. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon in the North Wing of Haley Hall. This is the same location as in recent years. Please arrive on time!
13. To save time, have all required documents ready before arrival!
IMPORTANT - Forms were distributed at the February 6 meeting to indicate committee preferences and update member information. Don't forget to return yours to ONITA PELLEGRINI or STEVE OLMSTED by March 1. If you need forms, they are available right here.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Ralph Sartori
February 6, 2003
COMING EVENTS
February 13 - Club dark (Crab Feed on February 14)
February 20 - Thursday meeting moved to Friday at Two Rock!
February 21 - Club meets at
Coast Guard Training Center
February 27 - Dr. Lou Miller - Dean, Lifelong Learning Institute, Sonoma State University
March 6 - David Glass - Mayor of Petaluma
March 13 - AAUW - Sister to Sister Program
On a bright and sunny afternoon that reminded us of the beauty of Northern California, we gathered to celebrate Rotary and enjoy each other’s company. Adobe Harvest presented us with a lavish spread of salad, cheese, vegetables and roasted pork loin. We feasted with delight until PRESIDENT ED rang the bell and brought us to attention.
GENE BENEDETTI warmed the crowd with his booming voice and led us in song with “God Bless America”.
LARRY GOTFREDSON rose to the podium and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Fred Rogers, who suddenly passed away last week. Larry then read the poem “High Flight”, written by a young aviator many years ago, but whose spirit was still alive in our memories of the Columbia Shuttle tragedy. It was at this time that a theme to the meeting began to emerge:
The Super Raffle Chairs, WALLY BRAGDON, LORETTA CATAROZOLI and RICK MOSSI reminded us of our need to work toward our goal of selling at least 1000 tickets by next week’s Crab Feed. We are slightly behind last year’s total of 1400 tickets. SELL MORE TICKETS!
WHITNEY HALL announced the Reading Day at Valley Vista School on 2-20-03 and is looking for volunteers to spend 1 hour to read with a student. He promised that all who participate are sure to leave with a smile on their face.
LARRY JONAS told the Club the Vietnam Pig Program has raised a total of approximately $7200 to help rural Vietnamese villages. He thanked CHET SWANSON for his generous personal contribution and we gave him a round of applause.
AL CATTALINI reminded us the annual meeting at the Coast Guard Facility would be on Friday, February 21st. Don’t forget to bring a photo I.D., Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance in order to get through the Gate. Al’s comments were interrupted by some side-table discussions and PRESIDENT ED called upon your humble editor to recount some of Al’s details. I narrowly escaped a $15 fine, but I apologize to Al for any disrespect.
JIM MICKELSON auctioned two passes to this week’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with fierce bidding between RICK OBERLIN and GARY BRODIE. Reminiscent of a Sotheby’s auction, the room was hushed as these two moguls went head to head. With Gary leading the bidding at $75, Rick made a wild hand gesture that Jim M. took as a sign of accepting the $125 counter-bid. Rick’s face went red as his anger built, but Past President Jim let him off the hook by paying the fee himself. In the words of his Probation Officer: “Rick, keep your hands to yourself”.
ONITA PELLEGRINI presented her Board for nomination and the motion was passed. We applauded her and the Board for their upcoming hard work.
President Ed called on GARY BRODIE who announced the birth of his first grandchild, Jacob. Gary gladly donated $100.
KAREN VAN BEBBER was called on to part with some of her winnings from Golden Gate Fields. Her big winnings were $25 less after Ed’s fine.
JOHN DADO recalled his last minute trip to the Super Bowl and, in what can only be described as a moment of pity, fined him $20. John must have lost plenty by betting on the Raiders. (Go Bucks!)
RICK OBERLIN drew the winning number for raffle and walked off with a nice bottle of Chardonnay.
RICH POREMBA introduced his friend, Alan Brenner, of the Earl Baum Center in Santa Rosa as our guest speaker. Accompanied by his dog, Fontina, Alan told us about the wonderful services this center provides the blind and visually impaired. The center is named after a Santa Rosa farmer who did not let his blindness affect his way of life. Mr. Baum, who wanted a special place for these special people to meet, donated the land. Funded entirely by public and private donations, the Center offers free instruction in the areas of daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and adaptive technology. The Earl Baum Center encourages people to be self-sufficient and offers an environment to gather, learn, work, play, and relax. Alan Brenner is an inspiration to us all and his achievements are remarkable.
In the face of a national tragedy, we learn about triumph over adversity. The human spirit can accomplish the unthinkable and, as Americans, we stand together to reach for the stars. As Rotarians, we stand together to pool our resources to achieve greater goals.
IMPORTANT - Forms were distributed at today's meeting to indicate committee preferences and update member information. Don't forget to return yours to ONITA PELLEGRINI or STEVE OLMSTED by March 1. If you need forms, they are available right here.
NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL
The club has received an application for induction of the following new member. If any member in good standing has an objection to this person, such objection should be made in writing to the club board of directors within 10 days of receipt of this notice:
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Linda Zacharin
Microphone: Connie Heizer
Visitors: Erik Gunheim
Editor: Mike Madick