September 2003

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

Oct 2 - Steve Ellison - PHS Football Coach

Oct 9 - Official Visit by District Governor Norm Owen

Please note these special pictures from Italy

Is this President PELLEGRINI with a new outfit? It looks like AL has struck it rich with RICK MOSSI'S ATM card.

President ONITA seems content to give up her duties.

The autumnal fog began to lift as we feasted on a fine buffet provided by Adobe Harvest Catering. PRESIDENT ONITA and co-president of Petaluma High School Interact MAIA PALMER called the meeting to a prompt order.

Walking softly and carrying a big stick, GENE BENEDETTI led us in "God Bless America" and frankly we've never sounded better. LARRY JONAS provided a thought-provoking invocation which reminded us of the dehumanization of our current society, at which time the hugging, handshaking and kissing commenced.

Petaluma High School Interact was well represented

There were no visiting Rotarians. Guests were introduced by JERRY GILLESPIE and CONNIE HEIZER. Guests were introduced from Petaluma High School Interact Club. It was a wonderful treat to have the High School's Interact Co-President assist our own PRESIDENT ONITA throughout the meeting.

SUNSHINE REPORT PRESIDENT ONITA reported that LORETTA CATAROZOLI's daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl who was pre-mature. Mother and Daughter are doing well thanks in part to the help of Grandma. Our thoughts and best wishes are with LORETTA and her family during this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESIDENT ONITA announced the dates of the Friendship Feast, October 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 and November 1. She and MIKE BADDELEY would like to see 100% participation. The proceeds from this fun event, which enables us to socialize with other members of our club in a small setting, goes toward our city wide dictionary program. Click here for the sign-up form and more information.

BANO CUMMINGS reported that the Petaluma High School will be participating in a beach clean-up on October 12, 2003. All are invited to participate with our Interact Students. Remember folks, we lead by example.

Rotary's Sonoma County Association dinner will be held on October 30, 2003 at the Washoe House. All are invited. Dinner is $25.00 per person for Prime Rib.

He claimed that the 30" spread was not that great

Hence, the fining began..... PRESIDENT ELECT BABE and JIM MICKELSON were called upon to explain why they were sitting at the birthday table when it wasn't their birthdays. BABE said JIM was only there for the cake. PRESIDENT ONITA fined them both nonetheless. But while JIM was standing, PRESIDENT ONITA asked about his recent trip to Wyoming. JIM reported he shot a three-point buck with a 30" horn spread. He sucked up to MADAM PRESIDENT and was only fined $20.00 for his big buck.

They all gladly paid for the honor of being recognized by President ONITA

Thanks to PRESIDENT ONITA'S "Rat on a Friend" program, she received a rather incriminating picture of RALPH BETTINELLI. She used said picture and extorted a $25.00 fine from RALPH. Hopefully, the picture will make it to the Rotary Website so we can all see what RALPH was up to! A flustered DAVE AMUNDSEN was called upon to discuss his recent auto acquisition. He did go to check prices with fellow Rotarian HENRY HANSEL, but Dave saved $3,500 and purchased his new wheels elsewhere. DAVE confessed he probably spent $4,500 in time, energy, long waits at the DMV and paperwork (not to mention he didn't get a full tank of gas). He graciously gave the club $50.00. Speaking of new cars, JIM BECKER was called upon and confessed he, too, did not purchase a car from HENRY HANSEL, because HENRY doesn't carry a luxury Lexus SUV. Between JIM'S naked experience in the Checz Republic during a heat wave and his new Lexus he offered up $50.00 in fines and $50.00 toward's Gretchen's Paul Harris. HEIDI KIBBE was called upon to discuss her hopes and dreams. HEIDI explained to us that when she was young she dreamed of being a Raiderette which we know didn't happen. She then dreamed of being a lawyer, but never met a lawyer she liked. Given that your third wish is ALWAYS granted, HEIDI bought her dream car, a Mercedes E430 Convertible (sorry again, HENRY). HEIDI was most generous and gave the club $50.00 and a humble apology to HENRY. Once again, PRESIDENT ONITA'S "Rat on a Friend" program was a success. STEVE OLMSTED, however was confused and ratted on himself. Actually, it was STEVE'S wife who purchased a new car from HENRY! Although STEVE is unsure of the model of his wife's new car, he's sure it is a Ford with 4 doors and it was purchased from HENRY HANSEL FORD. STEVE was happy to report that he received a full tank of gas.

AL turned green when he got the wrong rock

AL KAPLAN won the raffle and a premium bottle of wine. PRESIDENT ONITA reminded us that one-half of the proceeds from the raffle go toward mini grants for teachers.

Some of us got our first taste of Krispy Kream

Our speaker for the day was a representative from Krispy Kream who educated us about the history of their company and their fund-raising program. The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:30pm.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Connie Heizer

NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Gina Pittler
Microphone: James Gotelli
Visitors: Linda Zacharin
Editor: Al Cattalini

September 18, 2003

COMING EVENTS

September 25 - Presentation by Crispy Cream

Oct 2 - Steve Ellison - PHS Football Coach

Oct 9 - Official Visit by District Governor Norm Owen

President Onita promptly called the meeting to order and asked Steve Rustad to come forward and led us in song. Steve mentioned something about Canada, but got back to the U.S.A. when many blank faces appeared. Steve then announced that today's song would be " My Country 'tis of Thee" which was song by all.

President Onita quickly caught herself when she called upon Marcus Benedetti to announce visiting Rotarians put then remembered that the Poem for the day needed to be recited first Keith Solis was called upon to reflect words of wisdom with Marcus Benedetti and then us announced the visiting Rotarians from San Carlos and Petaluma Valley.

We welcomed guest of Jeanette Clark, Tawny Tesconi, and Steve Rustard to the meeting.

Bano Cummings announced that today's Interact students were from Petaluma High School.

President Onita then Asked John Burns to come forward for a special presentation. John is the President of the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club as well as the Editor of the Petaluma Argus Courier. John thanked all in the club who supported the recent "Rotary Special Section " of the Argus Courier. He thanked Richard Marzo for his help in getting members of our club to support the project. John then handed Onita a check for $350.00 which represented 10% of the dollars the project received from our club. A Big Thank you to all club members who supported this effort.

John Dado then announced that in January of 2004 Rotarians and guest will be able to attend a "Day at The Races" at Golden Gate Fields. Members are encouraged to think about this and get back to John with any questions. Cost is $50.00 per person.

President Onita then read a Thank You letter from Sara Perriera to the club for purchasing her pig at this years Sonoma County Fairs Junior Livestock Auction. Ralph Bettinelli was recognized for helping with the paperwork and details of the purchase. Thanks Ralph.

President Onita then asked Gene Giorgetti to bring out his kitchen crew. They were given a coffee cup in appreciation for their hard work and GREAT FOOD!! Gene was asked about being out of milk on several occasions. Gene's face turned red and he motioned something about powered milk. In the end Gene was finned $25.00 and promised to make sure that we all "Got Milk".

Present Onita then called upon James Burleson to give his craft talk. James gave a very informative talk. A a child he spent most of his time in Texas then moving to San Francisco where he met his wife at a San Francisco Giants baseball game. After receiving a call from his dad regarding Real Work he became a master of the SF Stock Exchange starting and selling a company. He and his wife realized that Petaluma would be a perfect city to bring up their children so the moved to Petaluma. He has two children ages 7 and 2 years old. James is active in his church and became active in Rotary thanks to John Dado. Welcome James.

Ricardo Marzo was called upon to in form the club of his wife's new used vehicle. Seems Mrs. Marzo has a S.U.V. to go about town in. Ricardo paid the price of a tank of gas to the club for his fine. Norm Santos was next called upon to tell us about his 7-day cruse and meeting up old friends after 20 years. Norm also was asked about 3 Rotary shirts not being picked up that were ordered. Norm was fined and received the shirts from President Onita. Alden Hennings then reported on a 2-month trip covering the western states. Call Alden to get the latest on where to go for good food and good lookers along the Rotary Trail. Alden paid a fine based on the number of states he had visited. Larry Jonas tried to master the art of reducing his fine for an 8-day cruse. In the end President Onita showed that she can play Larry's game and had the final say. Larry paid up and was glad to sit down. Kip Herzog was then called upon to ask why he did not play in this year's golf tournament. Kip informed President that plans were made for his 23-day trip long before a date was set for this year's golf tournament. Kip told of how he enjoyed Berlin and the golf courses of Ireland.

Ed mugs with President Onita while taking his own picture

Past President Ed Fullerton was the raffle winner of a bottle of wine.

John Dado then introduced our guest speaker Linda Mackey. Linda told us of the impacts of environmental regulations of personal property. The number one thing to remember is "DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS". Linda's talk easy very informative, and filled with real life stories.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori

September 11, 2003

PRESIDENT ONITA called on a new song leader Keith Solts, to lead us in song. We all joined him in singing "God Bless America"

Keith sang out a resounding "God Bless America"

Leroy Bean read a Ralph Waldo Emerson poem for the thought for the day. Gene Andrews introduced the visiting Rotarians.

TAWNY TESCONI AND JOHN DADO introduced their guests.

Lou wore his ball cap to commerate the day.

LOU STEINBERG gave the sunshine report and announced that Past District Governor Duane Blackwill has had a relapse; his cancer is active again. He is home and having chemotherapy. Keep him in your thoughts.

LOU also introduced a Petaluma High School Interact Club member who had attended the RYLA Camp last summer. The Student stated that he had learned much at the camp and enjoyed the great tri-tip BBQ.

JAE ALLEN asked if anyone found a cap from the Baseball Hall of Fame lost by his guest at the Golf Tournament.

PAMELA TUFT from the Valley club provided an overview of the McNear Peninsula Education Center Project. It is a thre year Petaluma Multi Rotary Club Project.

MIKE INVITES EVERYONE TO DINNER

MIKE BADDELEY announced the Friendship Feast scheduled for the last three weekends in October and the first Saturday in November. The cost is $50.00 per person and a fine bottle of wine per couple. The proceeds fund our dictionary project.

JIM BECKER announced the International Profect commitee meeting.

Ed tried a new career as a chauffeur

ED FULLERTON chauffeured a Rotary International Scholar recipient around last weekend. Conflict Resolution is her area of interest, and she will be a guest during the year at our club.

HERB attended his High School reunion. 60 years!!!

HERB BUNDESEN philosophized about how the passing of 60 years seemed to have an equaling effect on all the classmates. Those who seemed unapproachable then, are now. Those who seemed to be the most talented then, seemed very normal now

ERIK beamed with pride

ERIK GUNHEIM's nephew (6'6" and 240 pounds) is not only a star football player at Analy High, he is also a top scholarship candidate at many major universities.

JOHN DADO introduced our speaker Jerry Schoenstein, Director of SRJC Intensive Police Academy. Their program provides training for all branches of Public Safety occupations and has facilities for use by the professionals to maintain their skills.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Madick

September 11 - Jerry Schoenstein - Director of SRJC Intensive Police Academy
September 18 - Lynda Mackey - How Environmental Regulation impairs property ownership

PRESIDENT ONITA PELLIGRINI kicked off the activities by calling on BARNEY FAUSS to lead us in song, which he did marvelously with "America, the Beautiful".

President Onita joins Barney in song

JIM MCCAFFFREY gave a meaningful invocation and we followed by greeting one another. This is always a great opportunity to connect with familiar and unfamiliar faces.

RON HARRIS introduced visiting Rotarians and many members had guests, including MICHAEL CARUANA, ANDY KVALHEIM, RALPH PELTON, JIM BECKER TAWNY TESCONI AND JIM MCCAFFREY.

Our golf chairmen should be raising money for the state with their great results

PRESIDENT ONITA called on JOHN DADO and LEE BEAN to give us a final tally on the Golf Tournament. Although the turnout was just shy of a sell-out, the Tournament raised approximately $2600, out of a projected $2000 level. Great job guys. They also gave special thanks to NANCY KOENITZER and HEIDI KIBBE for supplying tee prizes. PRESIDENT ONITA gave an Appreciation Mug to John and Lee as well as the absent JOHN SCHARER.

WHITNEY HALL and TAWNY TESCONI delivered a very entertaining pitch to support after-school tutoring at local schools- the hours of rehearsal clearly paid-off. Now let's help support this worthy cause.

President Onita gathered all the usual suspects (and then some) for a grand fine day

The fine can made its obligatory appearance and several members helped fill it to the top. Among those contributing were DAVE AMUNDSEN, TOM BAKER, HENRY HANSEL, MIKE BADDELEY, KIETH SOLTS, BILL LANE, RALPH PELTON and Past-President and current guest, Ernie Jensen.

Ralph recognizes Ernie for starting an important Christmas Tradition at our club

Side note: Ernie was responsible for the formation of the annual Christmas Party, which benefits underprivileged kids. It is still going strong today and we are indebted to him for his thoughtfulness and vision.

Speaking of kind gentlemen, PAUL RAMATICI walked away with $200 in Raffle money. Paul, I'll take $50 for the generous words.

Don Sebastiani talked of Wine Negociants and two buck chuck

JIM MCCAFFREY introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Don Sebastiani, and his presentation: "Shenanigans in the Wine Industry". I had the pleasure of having lunch with Don and I wish his program could have lasted an hour. His experiences as a businessman, legislator, wine-maker and negociant are tremendous. He has been at the forefront of managing a multi-generational business for years and his program was extremely interesting and captivating. Sebastiani is a name synonymous with tradition and quality. For those of us who enjoy wine, it is certainly a buyer's market. Don says it is only a swing of the pendulum and prices will eventually climb as all the excess juice dries up.

In the meantime, cheers! .Please come back soon, Don. See you Thursday.

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