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February 27, 2004
COMING EVENTS
March 4 – Rick Spotwood, Political Consultant
March 11 - Sonoma County Sheriff Bill Cogbill
March 18 – Club dark today — Farmers Night tomorrow
March 19 - Farmers Night
After having us all travel around the Cold Mountain, Into the West along the Mystic River, for our Club’s annual Coast Guard Base libations and luncheon, President ONITA PELLEGRINI opened the meeting at the appointed hour, and had our very own Master and Commander, FRED WULFF, lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Two Soldiers, namely STEVE RUSTAD and LARRY GOTFREDSON, then led us in song and gave the invocation, respectively. The customary hugs and handshakes ensued.
The Prez then acknowledged the lone visiting Rotarian who joined us (Libby Fitzgerald), followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians, including the spouses of HARVEY FREETLY (Marlene), DON RAMATICI (Janice), JEANETTE CLARK (Kenton), TAWNY TESCONI’s dad (and friends), FRED WULFF’s neighbor, RICH POREMBA’s exchange student (from Denmark), ONITA’s friends (Daniel & Linda Marsh), and Harvie Krumpet (actually, Harvie couldn’t make it—he was on his way to the Oscars!).
John Fitzgerald, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King…or was he Citizen of the Year…either way, he challenged our Club to participate in a canoe race between the local Rotary Clubs scheduled for the Butter & Eggs Parade (April 24th). Next, BILL GROVERMAN reminded us that Farmers Night is rapidly approaching (Friday, March 19th) and that tickets are $20/per. It should be the usual great time, and Bill is promising some Monster entertainment this year…and no, it won’t be President-elect BABE AMARAL and RALPH BETTINELLI mudwrestling in their speedos, so stop asking!
The Prez then announced the February birthday babes, including LOU STEINBERG’s 60th (according to RICK MOSSI, Lou doesn’t look a day over 70!!). Actually, Lou claims he’s in great shape with a good heart…well, its not a Chernobyl Heart by any means, but a good heart nonetheless. A rather cacophonous rendition of “Happy Birthday” then rattled the mess hall.
The Prez then reluctantly announced that there would be no fines, and after apparently getting Lost in Translation, turned the microphone over to “AL ‘Kaplan’ CATTALINI” to present our speaker. Al, the former Coast Guard Base Commander, bemoaned all the changes to the Coast Guard, especially the unceremonious clothing of his beloved nude blond mermaid statue (who no doubt sustained Captain Al for many a nautical mile!).
He then introduced the current USCG Base Commander, Jack Smith, who gave us an informative program on the current state of the Coast Guard via a slide show, followed by an audience participation knot tying demonstration. We learned that the USCG is now part of Homeland Security, with increased duties, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism, and protecting our shores against The Barbarian Invasions of those who would attack our great Country. While we all hope and pray that the Fog of War never settles anywhere, it’s comforting to know that the USCG vigilantly patrols our Country’s coastlines.
The Prez presented Commander Jack with a Rotary memento and the customary book to be donated to the PHS Library for a job well done. We all gave him and his mess crew an extra round of applause in appreciation for the great seafood lunch extravaganza. While I have absolutely no idea as to whether or not the USCG would have any luck Finding Nemo, I do know that they managed to find a whole bunch of fresh lobster tails, tuna steaks, prawns, clams, oysters and everything else that made it the best meal we’ve ever had out there!
Meeting adjourned and I’ll see all of you swabbies next week!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Al Kaplan
Microphone: Greta Viuguie
Visitors: Larry Jonas
Editor: Lou Steinberg
February 19, 2004
COMING EVENTS
February 26– Club dark today — meets tomorrow at Two Rock
February 27 – Friday luncheon meeting at Coast Guard Training Center (11:00am social hour, 12 noon lunch)
March 4 – John Ramatici presents an interesting program
March 11 - Sonoma County Sheriff Bill Cogbill
March 18 – Club dark today — Farmers Night tomorrow
March 19 - Farmers Night
The bell sounded at precisely 12:30 and as PRESIDENT ONITA announced her name, she was greeted with a warm applause. We love and appreciate our PREZ. GENE BENEDETTI led us in a jolly rendition of “I’m a Rambler” followed by an enthusiastic “God Bless America”.
HEIDI KIBBE gave the invocation. She reminded us of the responsibility we have to others to set a good example. We need to strive to be the best that we can be. We touch others and leave a footprint on their hearts.
The usual hugs and handshakes quickly followed. There were no visiting Rotarians. The ROTARIANS with guests were then introduced followed by visiting Interact students.
Where is HENRY HANSEL'S wine opener? It seems to have disappeared after the Crab Feed. The opener was a special gift to HENRY from the RAMATICIS. Could this be the makings of some sort of Rotary caper? Should we bring in barristers BADDLEY and GUNHEIM?
Thank you STEVE HENRIS and DAN LIBARLE for co-chairing another successful Crab Feed. The Interact Students and Boy Scouts also did a fantastic job serving and cleaning up. RICK MOSSI took center stage next with his two sidekicks, WALLY BRAGDON and LORETTA CATAROZOLI, to announce the winning team in the Super Raffle ticket sales.
TOM BAKER’S team won the honor. He and his hard selling team will have a fabulous dinner at AL KAPLAN’S house hosted by PRESIDENT ONITA’S board. Appreciation mugs were passed out to RICK and his sidekicks, the winning team and all team captains.
AL CATTALINI reminded everyone who is going to attend our next meeting at the Coast Guard Training Center next Friday, the 27th, to check their names on the sign-up sheet or they won’t get in. The drivers need insurance, registration and driver’s license. Everyone entering needs I.D. Meet at the bar or follow the crowd to lunch.
RALPH SARTORI reminded everyone of the upcoming Farmer’s Night. The fun begins at 6:30 on Friday, March 19th. Sign-up sheets are on the table. The tickets are $20.
The PRESIDENT pointed out that we hadn’t seen GEORGE TOMASINI for awhile. Negotiating the sale of a cemetery takes a lot of time. After taxes, permits and other legal fees, GEORGE made it sound like there was no money left. To everyone’s surprise, GEORGE donated $500 to the Rotary Foundation. WOW!!
PAUL MASELLI’S wife, Virginia, is home and feeling much better. That is really good news, especially since she and PAUL just had their 9th grandchild. It seems Jonathon David was a surprise to all, but it was a wonderful one worth $100 to the Club.
PRESIDENT ONITA called on KIP HERZOG next. The PREZ wanted to talk to him about the new wheels his wife was driving around, but KIP just wanted to pick on our PRESIDENT ELECT BABE AMARAL. KIP thought it was terrible that someone who heavily relies the ag community to keep his business going, would schedule a trip to Hawaii the same time as Farmer’s Night. KIP thought he was home free with that comment, until BABE quickly pointed out that it was KIP’S wife, Marilyn, the travel agent, who scheduled the trip.
No fine for BABE, but KIP paid $50 for Marilyn’s new Lexus. By the way, KIP pointed out that HENRY HANSEL doesn’t sell Lexus. I’m sure it doesn’t have anything to do with Marilyn running out of gas on her way home after buying the last car from HENRY.
Microphone duty did not exclude CONNIE HEIZER from the PRESIDENT’S wrath of fines. It seems CONNIE got a new kitchen. A caterer should have a nice kitchen. The new kitchen cost more than CONNIE paid for her house 25 years ago. CONNIE is so happy, that she offered a $50 donation to the Club.
HERB BUNDESEN drew the winning raffle ticket. The lucky winner of $25 was one of the Interact Students in the audience.
MARCUS BENEDETTI introduced our guest speaker, Stephen Passalacqua. This Sonoma County District Attorney started as the youngest D.A. in the State of California. Sonoma County is now facing the challenges of the bigger counties with a current population of over a half a million people. He currently has 45 prosecutors to cover over 20,000 cases per year. The best way to stop the gang violence and domestic abuse is to start in the schools before the negative behavior can escalate. With a million dollars in budget cuts, this office faces many challenges in the future.
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:
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February 27 meeting at Two Rock For driving and entry directions click here. |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Loretta Catarozoli.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: (Two Rock)
Microphone: (Two Rock)
Visitors: (Two Rock)
Editor: Mike Baddeley
February 13, 2004
COMING EVENTS
February 19 – Stephan Passalacqua, Sonoma County District Attorney
February 26– Club dark today — meets tomorrow at Two Rock
February 27 – Friday luncheon meeting at Coast Guard Training Center (11:00am social hour, 12 noon lunch)
March 4 – John Ramatici presents an interesting program
March 11 - Sonoma County Sheriff Bill Cogbill
March 18 – Club dark today — Farmers Night tomorrow
March 19 - Farmers Night
The 2004 Crab Feed and Super Raffle was an outstanding success. RICK MOSSI will announce the raffle details, including the winning ticket sales team, at the February 19 meeting. But here are the winners:
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February 27 meeting at Two Rock For driving and entry directions click here. |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: James Burleson
Microphone: Connie Heizer
Visitors: Erik Gunheim
Editor: Loretta Catarozoli
February 5, 2004
COMING EVENTS
February 12 – Club dark; Crab Feed on Friday, February 13
February 13 – Crab Feed and Super Raffle
February 19 – General Richard Hearny, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
February 26– Club dark today — meets tomorrow at Two Rock
February 27 – Friday luncheon meeting at Coast Guard Training Center (11:00am social hour, 12 noon lunch)
PRESIDENT ONITA called the February 5, 2004 meeting to a prompt order and invited STEVE RUSTAD to lead us in the opening song “America”. WHIT HALL shared with us the thought for the day, two poems which were written by one of the students he tutors. She is a fourth grader who by no fault of her own has lived in a car, been a resident of COTS and has faced many other challenges. Whit ended with the “Serenity Prayer”.
VISITING ROTARIANS
MICHAEL CARUANA introduced our visiting Rotarian, Phil Sanchez from Rohnert Park. When PRESIDENT ONITA asked Rotarians with guests to stand, about 1/3 of the room was on its feet. It was wonderful to see so many visitors to our club!
SUNSHINE REPORT
PRESIDENT ONITA was happy to announce that KIP HERZOG was back with us after his current illness. She additionally asked for our prayers and condolences for RALPH BETTINELLI while he grieves for the loss of his sister.
ANNOUNCEMENT
TOM BRANDAL announced that he needed help for set up of the Crab Feed, February 13. AL CATTALINI announced the date of the annual luncheon meeting at the Two Rock Coast Guard Base, Friday, February 27, 2004. The social hour begins at 11:00am, the Friday Seafood Buffet will be served at 12:00 noon and the speaker will be the base commander. Please note: all guests will need current driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance and need to be named on the guest list. Please contact AL CATTALINI to get your name on the list and make sure your documents are in order. NIT ANDERSON graciously offered three tickets to the Oakland A’s Fun Feast this coming Saturday.
RAFFLE UPDATE
The big question is how many bankers does it take to pin pictures on a board? The answer: None. It cannot be done without the assistance of LORETTA CATAROZOLI. According to WALLY BRAGDON and RICK MOSSI the ticket sales were going well. WALLY’S team is leading in the ticket sales which proves he is a better at leading sales people than dealing with a dry erase board! The winning team will be treated to the wonderful hospitality and BBQ at AL KAPLAN’s home.
FINES
New member JAMES BURLESON received his chicken badge and was fined $10.00. Congratulations James. JERRY GILLESPIE gave $10.00 to get his badge back.
PRESIDENT ONITA informed us that there was someone in the room who had lost ticket stubs which were perhaps potential winners for the upcoming super raffle. Thankfully they were found by an honest Rotarian. After some investigation, it was brought to PRESIDENT ONITA’S attention that the seller of these tickets was none other than LARRY JONAS. Rather than fining, Dr. Jonas, PRESIDENT ONITA demanded he buy a ticket from her. Great strategy if you ask me!
CRAFT TALK
Who was born in Indiana, started his first business in the family garage at 15, was an auto salesman, is an avid photographer and horseman and now is a business coach who helps people organize their lives? Why our new member ROBERT MITCHEL, of course.
MORE FINES
TOM BRANDAL recently remodeled his house. He and wife Kathy were out of their house for eight months during the remodel. They have only been back in the house for two weeks and Tom was most generous and gave the club $40.00. LOU STEINBERG, was a “big winner” at the Valley Club’s recent event “Lend a Hand To Education”. When wife Julie filled out the raffle ticket she was able to choose the prize from the following three: a trip to Vail, a kayak trip or a case of wine. JULIE picked the case of wine. LOU and JULIE’S ticket was indeed a winning ticket and JULIE had pre-selected the case of wine as a prize. Hey LOU, you want some cheese to go with that whine?
STEVE POWELL, from Flying Dutchman Travel in Golden Eagle Shopping Center was pleased to announce that he and his wife just purchased Sonoma Travel. STEVE was most generous and gave the club $100.00. You’ve heard of the Horse Whisperer, but did you know we have an Elk Whisperer in Petaluma? Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it a whisper.
FRED FROST was called upon to demonstrate his two elk calls which he used to bag his latest trophy elk. Although FRED had some difficulty with the bull elk call, he was quite entertaining and contributed to the fine can.
The raffle ticket was selected and the holder of the winning ticket was CLARK ROSEN. CLARK was the recipient of a fine bottle of wine.
LOU STEINBERG introduced our speakers for the day, GRETA VIGUIE, Superintendent of Petaluma City Schools, who gave an informative presentation with regard to the current state of our schools.
The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:30pm.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Connie Heizer.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: (Crab Feed)
Microphone: (Crab Feed)
Visitors: (Crab Feed)
Editor: Al Cattalini