Rota-Teller Masthead



July 2003


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





July 31, 2003


COMING EVENTS

August 7 - Petaluma City Manager Mike Bierman - State of the City
August 10 - Pinot for Polio - Luther Burbank Center - 2-6 p.m.
August 14 - Another interesting luncheon meeting
August 18 - Rotary Golf Tournament
August 21 - Club dark

Dick Weber, historic egg rancher.

PRESIDENT ONITA opened the meeting with HERB BUNDESEN leading us in God Bless America beginning with a surprising first verse. JEANNETTE CLARK gave the invocation and NANCY KOENITZER introduced the three visiting Rotarians. BARNEY FAUSS, HARVEY FREETLY and ANDY KVALHEIM introduced their guests.

John Dado and Mike Baddeley flank new member, James Burleson.

Next the President invited MIKE BADDELEY to the podium to officiate at the pleasurable occasion of inducting our new member, JAMES BURLESON. JOHN DADO, his sponsor, presented James with his Rotary pin and new member badge. Welcome to the Club James!

Tom Baker, a good egg.

PRESIDENT ONITA, asked for volunteers to host the Friendship Dinners during the last two weeks of October. Call her if you are able to host.

Click Here for Information>

CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

An invitation was issued for all to join in the wine tasting Sunday, August 10 to support the Polio Plus Foundation. A bus will be available to transport all who want to attend.

LARRY JONAS informed us of our project in Ensenada, Mexico, installing a pump in a well at an orphanage. Call him if you are interested in going.

Jeannette Clark tried to forget her birthday but got caught.

July Birthdays were announced and MIKE BADDELEY and JEANNETTE CLARK paid $10 for not sitting at the appropriate table.

MARCUS BENEDETTI completed the requirement for a new member and was rewarded with his chicken badge. He paid a $10 transfer fee.

NANCY KOENITZER paid $50 for a laundry list of fun things - new home, travel to Maui, Chicago, etc., etc.

MARK STOKES had his picture in the business section of the Press Democrat with an article about Workers Comp Insurance. He was also listed as Senior Active (a no longer valid category per PDG ARTHUR AGNEW) in the recent Argus Courier Rotary insert - an oversight by STEVE OLMSTED and RICHARD MARZO- $5 each please. After all the verbal skirmishing, MARK anti’d up $100.

STEVE OLMSTED was the raffle winner again and took home the wine.

JIM BECKER introduced, Arnie Riebli, the speaker for the day. Arnie prepared us for what was to come by informing us he was raised on a dairy ranch located between the ranches of AMARAL (as in BABE) and BETTINELLI (as in RALPH). Early association with those two surely indelibly shaped the young Arnie and his presentation was what one would expect. Arnie recalled the history of the egg industry in Petaluma and projected the future of his company, New Cal Sunrise Farms, and that of agriculture in general in Sonoma County. The bottom line was everyone has to comprise for Ag Business and Urbanization to co-exist, which would be a big plus for the county. It was a very entertaining and informative presentation.

Arnold Riebli, egg historian.


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: Mike Madick.

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: James Burleson
Microphone: Connie Heizer
Visitors: Erik Gunheim
Editor: Ralph Sartori




July 24, 2003


COMING EVENTS

July 31 - Arnold Riebli - Evolution of the Local Egg Industry
August 7 - Petaluma City Manager Mike Bierman - State of the City
August 10 - Pinot for Polio - Luther Burbank Center - 2-6 p.m.

Click Here for Information>

CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

One of the biggest crowds of the summer gathered to share an excellent meal and festive reverie at the Rotary Lunch. PRESIDENT ONITA asked BARNEY FAUSS to lead us in song. After starting us off with that song about “the chip from Pelican Bay” (somebody help me with the title), we finished with a heartfelt version of “God Bless America”.

Heidi Kibbe reminds us to savor the current minute.

HEIDI KIBBE gave us plenty to think about in her invocation - don’t waste your time focusing on the past or future, focus your time and attention on what is happening now. DAN REED introduced the visiting Rotarians, who probably came to enjoy the best meal in the district.

It's great to have Harvey Freetly back with us again!

PRESIDENT ONITA welcomed back HARVEY FREETLY and his wife, Marlene, after a brief absence. We gave HARVEY a well deserved round of applause, not only because we missed his presence, but also for the courage he has shown. Great to see you back. PRESIDENT ONITA read from a letter regarding our efforts to support Polio Eradication. Our district raised over $50,000! - congrats to PAST PRESIDENT ED FULLERTON and all who helped in the fundraising efforts.

Jeannette Clark announces another lottery that benefits education.

PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE CLARK announced a new focus for our Club - Mini Teacher Grants ranging from $50 - $250 for local area schoolteachers to help supplement the money they personally spend in supporting their classrooms. If you know a teacher, then you know how much of their own income they give back to their students.

Mike Baddeley admits travels, pays fine.

The fine can stopped at MIKE BADDELEY for $40 for his recent vacation to Canada (was that $US or $Canadian?). Mike also paid $10 from last year, as well as $10 from PAST PRESIDENT ED FULLERTON for not collecting.

Fred Frost has Sacramento position, avoids recall so far - but pays fine.

Babe Amaral lauds wonders of the french fries diet.

PRESIDENT ONITA then set her cross hairs on PRESIDENT ELECT BABE AMARAL for his recent trip to Portugal and the Azores. BABE gave up $50 and told the Club of his wife’s new diet - Lose 7 lb. in 7 days eating only French-Fries. I think McDonalds is calling.

Tenny Tucker golfs with our guest speaker, cleans up big.

TENNY TUCKER donated $40 for his recent victory in a golf tournament, aided by guest speaker, Ed Ricci.

Ed Fullerton lacks winning ticket, pulls rock anyway.

Michael Caruana had the winning ticket, takes home the wine.

ED FULLERTON was the first to the podium with the winning raffle ticket, but after closer inspection, it was determined MICHAEL CARUANA had the winner. Thankfully for the rest of us, Michael left with only a bottle of wine.

Don Ramatici reports a member's call to the ministry.

DON RAMATICI then asked for a word from his attorney, MIKE BADDELEY, who informed the Club of a member becoming an ordained minister. Yes folks, an unlikely member recently became an Internet minister for the low price of $17.95.

His Eminence, the Right Reverend Daniel G. Libarle

DAN LIBARLE acknowledged his newfound faith and desire to lead us all in prayer. We all passed on confession and DAN paid $17.95 in additional fines.

Babe Amaral searches for words to introduce speaker.

PRESIDENT ELECT BABE AMARAL introduced his friend and associate, ED RICCI, who gave a very informative talk on the rendering business. This is the invisible industry that most people push to the back of their consciousness, but rely on its products every day. From cosmetics to feed, the rendering business is constantly evolving and creating new products. Thanks Ed.

Ed Ricci waits for Onita's pen.

See you next Thursday.


This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Mike Madick




July 17, 2003


COMING EVENTS

July 24 - Ed Ricci - The Rendering Business
July 31 - Arnold Riebli - Evolution of the Local Egg Industry

Barney sings, Clark ponders.

PRESIDENT ONITA began the meeting on time. BARNEY FAUSS led us in rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” CLARK ROSEN handled the Thought for the Day. JAMES GOTELLI announced that there were no visiting Rotarians.

Rotarians with guests included Dr. AL RICHARDS with his wife Jillian, JOHN DADO with his guest, James Burleson, and BARNEY FAUSS with his guest, Steve Rustad.

Past President ED FULLERTON gave the Sunshine Report and told us that HARVEY FREETLY is home and doing well.

Photo by Gene Andrews

PRESIDENT ONITA announced that there will be a bus for the Pinot for Polio wine trip to Santa Rosa on August 10th from 2-5 the bus will leave around 1:15pm; details to follow.

Photo by Gene Andrews

JOHN SCHARER reminded us all of the Golf Tournament coming up on Monday, August 18th at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club. Call LEROY BEAN for reservations. Get your checks into SECRETARY STEVE ASAP.

Photo by Gene Andrews

Ricardo receives a mug from President Onita.

PRESIDENT ONITA recognized RICARDO MARZO for his great work in getting out the SALUTE TO ROTARY in the July 16th edition of the Argus Courier. Great Job, RICHARD.

Photo by Gene Andrews

Past President ED then presented gifts to two members of his board who missed the debunking, TOM BRANDAL and RICK OBERLIN.

ONITA then called upon Past President and current board member HENRY HANSEL to be recognized for various activities of which he could be proud of including a trip to Colorado Springs, and a special trip to San Diego to see his daughter graduate from UCSD. He also announced that his son is getting married. For all of this he was fined $50; however, with his oldest daughter expecting, we will hear from HENRY again, soon.

Photo by Gene Andrews

Larry and Barney sing from different hymnals.

LARRY JONAS was fined $10 for reading the definition of guys; BARNEY was also found culpable and paid $10 plus $5 for mispronouncing the President’s name.

Photo by Gene Andrews

GENE BENEDETTI was recognized for running around with a bunch of hockey players from the 1939 SRJC championship team.

Photo by Gene Andrews

"That's pronounced VE-GAY."

New member GRETA VIGUIE gave her craft talk. A native of San Francisco, who graduated from S.F. State, taught in Korea. Received her Masters at S.F State in Special Education. Taught in Santa Rosa. Eventually getting an Administrative Credential, her Doctorate and ending up as the Superintendent of the Petaluma School District. She has two sons; one who just finished Law School and the other is golf pro in Marin County.

AL RICHARDS won the raffle and won a bottle of wine. Jillian picked the winning number.

Steven DePietro demystifies the Bohemian Emcampment.

JIM MICKELSON than introduced the Guest speaker, Steven DePietro, former manager of the Bohemian Club. He is currently the CEO of Mayacamas Golf Club. He presented a history of the Bohemian Club and talked about its structure and the summer camp. For those who missed it, it was one of our more interesting presentations.


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:


Faithful editor Lou Steinberg keeps newspaper at his side.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Lou Steinberg.

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Ricardo Marzo




July 10, 2003


COMING EVENTS

July 17 - Evan DePietro - History of the Bohemian Club
July 24 - Ed Ricci - The Rendering Business
July 31 - Arnold Riebli - Evolution of the Local Egg Industry

The Fourth of July theme continues.

PRESIDENT ONITA was in full stride as she called the meeting to order and asked TED ADKINS to lead the opening song. Following God Bless America BILL HARTMAN delivered the Thought for the Day. BILL described how all kids need help as the challenge of fitting into an adult world confronts them all. He urged us to continue our good works with youth, to go out of our way to greet or chat with them, and to consider volunteering to serve on the Petaluma Youth Commission.

Ted wears the song title around his neck.

Bill Hartman gets us thinking about the challenges of adolescence.

LOU STEINBERG introduced the one visiting Rotarian, Greg Freitas of Petaluma Sunrise (a former member - and Secretary - of this Club). He introduced his guest, Anissa Daaou, our exchange student from France. RON HARRIS and BARNEY FAUSS also introduced guests.

Lou Steinberg welcomes our visiting Rotarian.

ED FULLERTON gave the Sunshine Report. He reported that HARVEY FREETLY had been reinjected with his own, cleansed stem cells and that all was going well. So well, in fact, that Harvey may be coming home today!

Anissa Daaou and Greg Freitas grace our meeting.

Anissa Daaou told the members about her positive experiences at RYLA. She noted that she was the first exchange student to attend RYLA and suggested that this opportunity be extended to future exchange students.

LEE BEAN announced the Club’s annual Golf Tournament, to be held this year on Monday, August 18 at Petaluma Golf and Country Club. Reservations should be submitted by August 8. For application forms and more information click here.

PRESIDENT ONITA then called on AL CATTALINI. He rose expecting a fine, but smiled as ONITA gushed about the Club’s “incredibly fabulous” web site. AL thanked the members for their positive inputs and urged directors and committee chairs to submit information they want to have available to our members. He noted that members having a question about Rotary should be able to find the answer at www.petalumarotary.org.

Larry Jonas has an offer for you.

LARRY JONAS reported that our Club’s proposed project to construct a fresh water well for an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico had been approved and that we’ll be installing it in the next month or so. When he invited the “guys” in the Club to come along to help or kibitz, PRESIDENT ONITA slapped him with a $5 fine for his sexist language. Predictably, BARNEY FAUSS rose to declare “guy” a unisex term. She hit him with a $5 fine as well. If you’re interesting in joining this trip to Ensenada, contact LARRY, JIM MICKELSON, ED FULLERTON or JOHN RAMATICI.

ONITA urged members to join her at the “Pinot for Polio” wine tasting extravaganza on Sunday, August 10. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs in the southern end of District 5130, it’ll be from 2-6 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center. We’ll have a chartered bus departing Petaluma at 1 p.m. Sign-up sheets will be available next week.

Steve Powell recounts his past.

STEVE POWELL gave his craft talk. Born in Los Angeles County, he moved to Sonoma County at a young age and grew up in Sebastopol. After graduating from SRJC he worked in the construction industry, then in sales, and today owns Flying Dutchman Travel in the Golden Eagle Center. (Steve: This is your one free plug!)

Wally dazzles us with another neat tie (see inset).

ONITA then called on WALLY BRAGDON. It seems that WALLY stood her up a couple of years ago - and today was payback time. He scheduled a meeting where, along with other past Presidents, he’d lasso her to become President-Elect-Elect and then - four hours later - forgot to show up. It cost him $40.

The fix is in! Steve does it again.

For the second week in a row, STEVE OLMSTED won the raffle. This time he drew a blue rock and won a bottle of wine. Next week the pot will be $50.

Robert Pope helps kids take giant steps.

ROY MUSICK, who described himself as the “resident gimp” at Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, introduced Robert Pope, the center’s executive director. Robert and Jean Mansen described how they use horses to provide powerful therapy to individuals (mostly youths) with physical, emotional, developmental and societal disabilities. A 501(c)(3) corporation, Giant Steps depends on contributions for its existence. One way you can help is to volunteer to help. (No experience needed; they’ll train you.) Another way is to attend Stepping Out, their opulent dinner, wine and entertainment spectacular on August 23. Visit www.giantstepsriding.org or call 769-8900 for more information.


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

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Lou Steinberg




July 3, 2003


COMING EVENTS

July 10 - Jim Mickelson presents a program you won’t want to miss
July 17 - Jim Mickelson does it again

Photo by Ed Fullerton

On a perfect summer day, July 3rd, 2003, our celebration for the new Rotary year began. The new Board members did an excellent job of decorating our meeting place in red, white and blue. GENE GIORGETTI and crew created a picnic of hamburgers and hotdogs to fit our July 4th theme. Speaking of GENE, I don’t think thanks were ever acknowledged in our Rota-Teller for his donation of time, talent and equipment to our All Day Breakfast. Thank you Gino!

Our new president looked calm, cool and collected just prior to ringing the bell for the first time. Do you think it was the wine and champagne served with lunch? PRESIDENT ONITA called the meeting to order the first time and we were lead in song by LUCIE SWEEDA and TED ATKINS.

Our thought for the day was delivered by PAUL LOUNIBOS and was quite provoking when we think of how our great nation battled for the freedoms which we still possess today. Thank you PAUL for reminding us just what it is we celebrate on July 4th. At this time the handshaking, hugging and kissing began.

Photos by Ed Fullerton

Mary Riley and Libby Fitzgerald bring official greetings to our new President.

LOU STEINBERG introduced the visiting Rotarians, Mary Riley and the new president of the Valley Club Libby Fitzgerald. Both guests were presented “unofficial” Rotary Mugs with our clubs chicken printed on them. Stay tuned for future Rota-Tellers to learn why these mugs are “unofficial”.

Onita's office team will share a busy year!

Guests at the meeting included PRESIDENT ONITA’s team from the Chamber, Edith Newman and Jennifer Swan. JEANETTE CLARK introduced her husband Kenton and LOU STEINBERG introduced our club’s youngest interact student, his grandson Nathan.

SUNSHINE REPORT
Condolences to RICK VAN BEBBER who lost his grandmother. Although you’d not know by seeing him at this meeting, JIM BECKER is sporting a new pacemaker and looking right as rain. Our friend HARVEY FREETLY is undergoing bone marrow transplants. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOHN DADO informed us of a wine tasting hosted by 13 Rotary Clubs in Sonoma County. It will be held at Luther Burbank Center on July 10, 2003. For info contact JOHN or PRESIDENT ONITA. The three Rotary Clubs of Petaluma will host a Chamber After Hours at All West Mortgage, location and date tba.

LEROY BEAN asked us to mark our calendars for the Club’s Golf Tournament on August 18.

LARRY JONAS proudly presented a scarf to PRESIDENT ONITA which fits with this year’s theme “Lend a Hand”. Okay. So he was sucking up. Can’t blame a guy for trying. Our new Prez still fined him $5.00. Our visiting President Libby Fitzgerald presented gifts from the International convention.

Past President ED FULLERTON gave a heartfelt thanks for the debunking and wished our new President good luck. (If you haven't seen the Debunking photos yet, click here to visit the Fullerton Air album.)

FINES

JOHN SCHARER was called upon. Apparently JOHN purchased a new Ford Expedition which cost him $50.00.

Photo by Ed Fullerton

PRESIDENT ONITA couldn’t resist to hit a man who had been down and called upon DAN LIBARLE. Although DAN is familiar with the song “Beer for my Horses” he swears his fall on the Trailblazer ride had nothing to do with HIS drinking. He did admit the horse had a few cold ones, which could account for DAN hitting the dirt and breaking two ribs. Thank God that DOCTOR SISSLER was there with Vicodin and a Scotch chaser. DAN was fined $25.00 although we are unsure if it was because he let the horse drink or because he broke his ribs.

PAST PRESIDENT JEANETTE CLARK was called upon and presented PRESIDENT ONITA with a bouquet of flowers (another suck up). But, this didn’t work as well as LARRY’s scarf. JEANETTE was fined $50.00 for her recent trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

Four fearless fishermen fined for fishing.

Apparently you can’t mess with a 50 year tradition, even if it happens to fall on the night of a debunking. DON RAMATICI, GENE BENEDETTI, TOM BAKER and MARCUS BENEDETTI were called upon to explain why their fishing trip was more important than the debunking. DON thought he could talk the fine down by bringing attention to DAN’s Trailblazer incident; and GENE offered $25.00. But, in the end the fab four were all fined $40.00 for missing the debunking for a fishing trip.

Photo by Ed Fullerton

Gene smiles as Onita extracts cash.

Before the drawing, PRESIDENT ONITA thanked the Fairgrounds for moving the city fireworks celebration to mark her first meeting. The ticket was drawn and STEVE OLMSTED was the holder of the lucky ticket and retrieved a brown rock. Congrats STEVE for your cash reward.

Steve Olmsted pulls a brown rock, pockets cash.

JOHN DADO reported that this year the local foundation distributed $8,615. There were 40 requests, 25 of which were funded.

CRAFT TALKS
Who was born and educated in Petaluma? Attended Sacramento State, Portland University, Alaska University in Fairbanks and returned to The University of Clover? You guessed it. MARCUS BENEDETTI.

Marcus Benedetti heeds advice, "Go North, young man!"

Who enlisted in the service, served in Okinawa, Japan, had a career in the military, then switched to Ag Business? Past President FRED FROST, of course.

Photo by Ed Fullerton

Fred Frost bares all in his craft talk.

Hence the first meeting of President ONITA PELLEGRINI came to an end.


This week's Rota-Teller editor: Connie Heizer.

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Al Cattalini





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