Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
July 29, 2004
COMING EVENTS
August 5 - Frank Mayhew - Lend a Hand
August 12 - Peter Wolf - Jewelry Industry
August 16 - Golf Tournament
August 19 - Club dark
August 26 - Quarry Project - South entrance into town improvements
September 2 - Steve Rustad - Air Security
It was pretty much a standard meeting. No barnyard animals. No cow manure. PRESIDENT BABE started it by having GENE BENEDETTI lead the crowd in singing God Bless America. . . .
. . . . Then KEITH SOLTS delivered the invocation. When MICHAEL CARUANA introduced the visiting Rotarians it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t just another meeting. The three visiting Rotarians introduced were all Past District Governors: John Strong, Norm Owen, and Duane Blackwill. Add our own PDG ART AGNEW to this crowd and you’ve got lots of firepower – or fine-power.
HERB BUNDESEN introduced a visiting houseguest from Tennessee and MIKE BADDELEY introduced his guest, Seymour Brody, a retired federal meat inspector and — according to Mike — former Little League coach of Gene Benedetti. . . .
. . . . Well, it seems that Seymour had a long relationship with PRESIDENT BABE and brought a few gifts for him. Babe enjoyed the gifts so much, he never thought to fine Seymour.
RICH POREMBA announced that this year’s Rotary Youth Exchange student, a young man from India, would be arriving soon. Our club will be hosting him from March to mid-July 2005. If you can be a host family, or just want more information, contact Rich.
PDG John Strong announced a special presentation by renowned Past RI President (1992-93) Cliff Dochterman at Santa Rosa’s Roxie Theater on Wednesday, August 11. All proceeds go to Rotary International. For more info Click here or contact Leslie Lewis at (707) 838-7289.
HENRY HANSEL reported that this year’s Petaluma Boys and Girls Club golf tournament will be on Friday, August 13. Henry suggests that this would be a great way to practice for our club’s tournament the following Tuesday. Contact Henry for more info.
LARRY JONAS announced that reservations for our Thailand trip would be closing on August 9. If you’d like to be part of this international project contact Larry, STEVE POWELL, or NIT ANDERSON. Plan on paying about $800-$1000 for airfare and about $40 a night for a hotel room.
ONITA PELLEGRINI announced that sales of bricks for the McNear Peninsula Park would close in two weeks. If you haven’t purchased yours yet, you better hurry. Forms and more details Click here.
For her strong support of our Club during the past year, BEVERLY OWEN, wife of immediate PDG Norm Owen, was named an honorary member. PRESIDENT BABE, PAST PRESIDENT ONITA, and PDG Norm all participated in the recognition ceremony. Welcome, Beverly!
Recognition ceremonies continued as PAST PRESIDENT ONITA called HARVEY FREETLY and his wife, Marlene, to the podium for a special award. Harvey was out of town at Debunking time, so the presentation recognizing his efforts (and Marlene’s) on the Dictionary program was delayed until today. Congratulations, Harvey and Marlene!
We’d all like to have as many birthdays as PDG ART AGNEW. When PRESIDENT BABE attempted to fine Art $10 for not sitting at today’s birthday table, he protested and insisted on a $5 fine. Babe not only agreed, he paid the fine.
AL KAPLAN was called on the carpet to explain his recent acquisition of two “new” Jaguars from “the Hansel Group.” Al confessed, professed that they were just “new” to him, and generously offered a $500 fine to go toward Harvey’s dictionaries.
Naturally, HENRY HANSEL was on the carpet next. Protesting that it was his first meeting of the new year (which somehow exempted him from a fine) he nevertheless contributed $100 to the fine can.
NORM SANTOS is apparently some fantastic golfer — or incredibly lucky. In any event, he won an amazing number of events at a recent golf tourney. He also offered up a $100 fine.
KIP HERZOG rose to announce the birth of a new grandson, Max Palmer Townsend. Before settling on the amount of his fine, he discussed a recent rustic get-together in Point Reyes where PRESIDENT BABE proudly flaunted Rotary logos: Rotary tie, Rotary tie clasp, and a Rotary pin in each shirt collar. . . .
. . . . To complete Babe’s wardrobe, Kip presented him another logo item, a Rotary jock strap. Kip ended up paying a $100 fine for baby Max and another $50 “for Babe being such a good sport.”
NORM SANTOS is incredibly lucky — he won the raffle and took home a bottle of wine.
RALPH SARTORI introduced his nephew, Richard Thomas, a design engineer at Medtronic and a fellow Cal Poly alum. Richard gave an interesting presentation on stents.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Nancy Koenitzer
Microphone: Gene Andrews
Visitors: James Gotelli
Set-Up: Robert Mitchell and Pat Schaefer
Editor: Loretta Catarozoli
July 22, 2004
COMING EVENTS
July 29 - Richard Thomas - Coronary Stents (Past, Present, Future)
August 5 - Frank Mayhew - Lend a Hand
August 12 - Peter Wolf - Jewelry Industry
August 16 - Golf Tournament
August 19 - Club dark
August 26 - Quarry Project - South entrance into town improvements
September 2 - Steve Rustad - Air Security
NOTICE !!!
Those male members who are coming to the meetings in shorts are going to be subject to the wrath of our President as he thinks men should wear long pants!
PRESIDENT BABE rang the meeting to a prompt order and called upon song leader extraordinarire, HERB BUNDESON, who lead the group in “God Bless America”.
Visiting Rotarians were introduced and Rotarians with guests included TED ADKINS’ son Clay and the day’s presenters, CAROL AND JIM UNDERHILL were introduced. There were two St. Vincent de Paul High School Interact students in attendance, who would also speak about RYLA.
SUNSHINE REPORT
PRESIDENT BABE reported that MARCUS BENEDETTI was a proud father to a newly delivered son. LARRY JONAS informed the club that MIKE MADICK has undergone surgery and will undergo chemo therapy. We all wish Mike a speedy recovery and send our prayers to him and his family.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOHN DADO announced that there are few spots left for the Rotary Golf Tournament, which will be held August 16, 2004. If you will not be playing, please consider helping out with the day’s events. JOHN also invited non golfers to attend the dinner. If you are interested in playing or attending please contact JOHN or PAST PRESIDENT ONITA.
FINES
It is common knowledge amongst our club that people of the Portugese persuasion often times have the gift of exaggerating a story or succumb to half-truths. This Portuguese Editor is proud to report that is not the case of our current PORTAGEE PREZ. AVO (Portugese for “Grandfather”) AMARAL, was most happy to offer up $100 for the birth of his new granddaughter, Ellianna Rose. Way to go AVO AMARAL (or shall we say PRESIDENTE AMARAL)!
LARRY JONAS was called upon by PRESIDENTE and was drilled about his recent trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico and a family week in Tahoe. The Doctor was happy to report that all his children (at least the ones he knows about) came to Tahoe for a family vacation. PRESIDENTE AMARAL extracted $50.00 from LARRY.
NANCY KOENITZER, all decked in red, was called upon to tell of here recent trips. One was the annual trek she takes with her daughter to the Dude Ranch, where her daughter was awarded best Cowgirl of the week. NANCY also visited Puerto Vallarta and the Big Apple where she visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral and talked to “the big guy”. Apparently, Nancy was inspired as she gifted $50.00 to the fine can.
GARY BRODIE was called upon to share the details of his recent trip in England and France. He made a deal with his wife that for each religious shrine they visited, they would visit a bar, pub or nightclub. When asked what he would like to contribute, GARY pleaded poor to PRESIDENTE due to his wife’s shopping. During the fine negotiation GARY reminded PRESIDENTE that his Chevy was making a trip to his shop for servicing and PRESIDENTE BABE backed off and accepted a $50.00 fine from GARY.
LEROY BEAN was called by our PRESIDENTE and was informed that he was the first member of the club to purchase his brick for the McNear Peninsulaa Project. PRESIDENT ELECT LEROY was asked about his recent vacation. LEROY reported that he went to Chicago to attend an architect convention and went fly fishing in the Fall River where the smallest trout he caught was 16 inches. PRESIDENT ELECT LEROY humbly donated $50.00 to the fine can.
How do you spell D-A-T-O-R (as in BILL DATOR, new owner of Adobe Harvest Catering)? BILL was called out of the kitchen and praised by PRESIDENTE for the excellent job he did cooking for the past two Rotary Board Dinners. CHEF BILL gave little resistance to pressure by the PRESIDENTE and gave $50.00 to the fine can. By the way Bill, given that you are an honorary member, you could have offered $25 and he would have taken it.
PRESIDENTE BABE was holding the the newly released edition of the “Argus Courier’s Rotary Edition”. He called upon RALPH SATORI and asked RALPH who he was sitting in front of when the group picture was taken. RALPH quickly answered TOM BAKER but was still fined $5.00. This new and exciting game of “Who were you sitting next to” continued as JOHN DADO was called upon. JOHN didn’t know and was fined $5.00.
Turning the game’s focus to TED ADKINS, when asked the question “Who were you sitting next to?” TED claimed he wasn’t in the picture. PRESIDENTE fined TED $5.00 for lying because he WAS in the picture.
It was then time for the raffle and the lucky ticket holder was one of the day’s presenters, CAROL UNDERHILL who took home a bottle of wine.
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When you know you must be an early leaver, excuse yourself to the speaker and President Babe before the meeting begins. Failure to do so could cost you dearly!
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This week's Rota-Teller editor: Connie Heizer.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can: Rich Poremba
Microphone: Steve Powell
Visitors: Michael Caruana
Set-Up: Daniel Marsh and Carrie Pierson
Editor: Al Cattalini
July 15, 2004
COMING EVENTS
July 22 - Lou Steinberg - RYLA
July 29 - Richard Thomas - Coronary Stents (Past, Present, Future)
August 5 - Frank Mayhew - Lend a Hand
NOTICE !!!
Due to the ethnic background of our PRESIDENT BABE and in the sprit of allowing Babe to read the Rota-Teller for himself rather than having First Lady Emily read it to him today’s format will be in Portuguese.
The meeting ended with a big ”HAPPY BIRTHDAY” song to Past District Governor ARTHUR W. AGNEW on the celebration of today being his 92nd birthday.
TENNY TUCKER introduced today’s speaker Pat Mc Dowell. It was a very special day for all of us due to the fact that Pat was born and raised right here in Petaluma. His parents ran a dairy west of town (Jim Mc Dowell Dairy) on Bodega Highway. Currently the farm is a provider of some of the best strawberries in the state. Pat attended Wilson Elementary School, Petaluma High School, and graduated from the University of the Pacific with a degree in Journalism.
Pat told of how he worked for the Daily Republic Newspaper in Fairfield, CA when he was sponsored by “ROTARY” to further his journalism studies in London. Pat met his future wife who was also in London attending the journalism studies. Presently Pat and his wife live in Malaysia where he is employed by the Associated Press covering world events. He told of how he was in the United States on vacation when we were struck by terrorists on Sept. 11th. He shared with us of how he has been in several foreign countries covering world news. His travels have taken him into war zones on several occasions. His experiences and views were eye opening to many of us. Thanks, Pat, for sharing with us so much of what it’s like to be an Associated Press reporter. Best of luck to you and your wife in the future.
Marilyn Herzog was awarded a bottle of wine for having the right raffle ticket number. PRESIDENT BABE reached for the wine, but the shelf was empty. . . .
. . . Seems RALPH SARTORI had taken the wine to a cooler part of the room so that it would not spoil. Ralph paid a $5.00 fine for removing the wine from the president’s table.
PRESIDENT BABE started to call on the introduction of today’s speaker when LARRY JONAS asked him if he had forgotten about him. Larry reported that on November 5, 2004 a group of local Rotarians would be traveling to Thailand for an international project. If interested on going along, call Larry.
PRESIDENT BABE made a Special Presentation to four of our members who have been active in Rotary for FIFTY YEARS! The group consisted of: Past District Governor ARTHUR AGNEW, GEORGE TOMASINI, GENE BENEDETTI, and BILL LANE. PRESIDENT BABE reminded us that Rotary is what it is because of members like these gentleman giving so much to Rotary.
LEROY BEAN was given the chance by PRESIDENT BABE to make $5.00 if he could name the number of clubs in our District. Leroy gave the wrong answer and was fined $5.00.
HARVEY FREETLY was asked about a recent trip he took, which was surprising to PRESIDENT BABE since Babe didn’t know Harvey was still driving after having to follow a Rancho truck for hours. Harvey reported that his wife and he had traveled to Wisconsin, and were fortunate to make it. Seems some high winds ripped the siding off their motor home in Wyoming. Harvey paid a $10.00 fine and PRESIDENT BABE said collection on the motor damage should go smooth, as Harvey’s insurance agent is a good one.
TENNY TUCKER and JIM MICKELSON were fined $50.00 each for their part in “Old Babe’s Farm Meeting” last week. They tried to plea bargain, but paid up like gentleman.
. . . Jim reminded PRESIDENT BABE that he has been fined the past three meetings and that his fine schedule was almost complete. PRESIDENT Babe reminded Jim of the $300.00 Jim fined him when Jim was president.
PRESIDENT BABE fined RICK OBERLIN $10.00 for selling him three raffle tickets with the same number. (This numbering system is only permitted in Portuguese Raffles).
JOHN DADO announced that the Golf Tournament is right around the corner, and that it would be appreciated if you got your reservation in early. Also helpers are needed and you are welcome to come to the dinner. This year’s date is Monday, August 16, 2004.
A moment of silence was observed for LORETTA CATAROZOLI’s mother and Linda Musick’s father who both passed away this week. Ladies please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The following Rotarians introduced their guests: JOHN DADO, KIP HERZOG, LEROY BEAN, NORM SANTOS JIM MCCAFFREY, and ART LAFRANCHI.
MARCUS BENEDETTI introduced our lone visiting Rotarian from Santa Rosa West.
JIM MCCAFFREY gave the invocation and reminded us to thank the Lord for giving us so much to be thankful for.
PRESIDENT BABE called for the song and asked TENNY TUCKER and JIM MICKELSON to come forward. PRESIDENT BABE said this should be good since their singing ability is unknown. Tenny and Jim took the challenge and led us in God Bless America. Good work fellows, I think PRESIDENT BABE was surprised with your singing ability. I know many of us were.
PRESIDENT BABE called the meeting to order and announced that today’s meeting and program should be normal as compared to the last two meetings.
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When you know you must be an early leaver, excuse yourself to the speaker and President Babe before the meeting begins. Failure to do so could cost you dearly!
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This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Connie Heizer
July 8, 2004
COMING EVENTS
July 15 - Patrick McDowell - Associated Press Bureau Chief
July 22 - Lou Steinberg - RYLA
July 29 - Richard Thomas - Coronary Stents (Past, Present, Future)
August 5 - Frank Mayhew - Lend a Hand
The meeting began in the usual fashion.
PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL called us to order and . . .
. . . STEVE RUSTAD lead us in song, but rather than picking something standard, STEVE asked us to join him in a new version of “Old McBabe Amaral” (ee, ii, ee, ii, oh). This is when all hell broke loose. You all know how the song goes, . . .
. . . so when “Old McBabe” had a chicken – OUT CAME THE CHICKENS!
And when “Old McBabe” had a pig – OUT CAME THE PIGS!
CONNIE HEIZER tried to focus our thoughts on Service, but the clucking and snorting began to drown her out. So instead she asked that God bless the animals and we all applauded.
CARRIE PIERSON tried to introduce visiting Rotarians . . .
. . . and RICH POREMBA introduced exchange student Tobias Kvorning for the last time. Tobias thanked the Club for its support and said his year in Petaluma had been the best of his life. Tobias is a great person and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.
ERIK GUNHEIM was the first recipient of the week’s fine schedule, paying $50 for his debunking photos and his vacation.
He was followed by AL KAPLAN, AL CATTALINI, and KIP HERZOG, who all contributed for recent trips.
Our guest, Ed Ricci, wheeled in a calf in a shopping cart and TENNY TUCKER was awarded a $20 fine for bringing Ed to the meeting. Visiting Rotarian Gary Frugoli won the Raffle, but left the cash for next week.
MIKE BADDELEY complimented BABE on his contribution to the lunch – Portagee patè – . . .
. . . and JIM MICKELSON attempted to introduce speaker Mike Kerns. JIM said it wouldn’t be fair to Mike to present his serious talk on county issues over the sounds of barnyard animals and asked him to come back a later date when the foul odor has subsided.
Mike accepted his offer and noted that there was already enough manure flowing through the room.
This was certainly a unique experience for your editor and I’m thankful I wasn’t on clean up duty.
GOD BLESS THE CLEAN-UP CREW!
DON’T FORGET: GOLF TOURNAMENT - MONDAY, AUGUST 16TH.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Ralph Sartori
July 1, 2004
COMING EVENTS
July 8 - Mike Kerns - Tolay Lake Project
July 15 - Patrick McDowell - Associated Press Bureau Chief
July 22 - Lou Steinberg - RYLA
July 29 - Richard Thomas - Coronary Stents (Past, Present, Future)
August 5 - Frank Mayhew - Lend a Hand
PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL promptly began his first meeting at 12:30pm and called STEVE RUSTAD to lead us in song.
WHITNEY HALL then followed with an inspiring Thought for the Day on Leadership. He listed several qualities associated with leadership, including courage, integrity, wisdom and trustworthiness. He followed with several examples of PRESIDENT BABE’s behavior contradicting these qualities and wished us all good luck for the upcoming year.
DANIEL MARSH introduced visiting Rotarians, including Gary Frugoli from San Rafael, who is well known to many of us. He presented PRESIDENT BABE with a step stool to help him reach the microphone. Not to be outdone, PRESIDENT BABE fined our guest $5.
PAST PRESIDENT ONITA PELLEGRINI reported on the District Conference and was proud to announce that our club had won 3rd place for Youth Service (Large Club), 2nd place for New Membership Recruitment (an 11.1% increase), the Homer Wood Award for the Guatemala Project, and a Presidential Citation from Rotary International.
TAWNY TESCONI announced the Brick Program for the McNear Peninsula Park and encouraged us to purchase a brick for the park.
JOHN DADO congratulated JEANETTE CLARK and TOM BAKER for their hard work on the recent debunking of ONITA, but he also complained that there was no fine can to collect ONITA’s last fine assignments.
PRESIDENT BABE then really got things rolling with the longest fine schedule in recent memory.
TENNY TUCKER was fined $10 for winning too much at the poker table.
JEANETTE CLARK was fined $5 for not wearing her Rotary watch, . . .
. . . KATHY BURROUGHS was fined $1 for not attending the debunking, . . .
. . . TOM BAKER was fined $20 for being nominated as Rotarian of the Year and he accused PRESIDENT BABE of discriminating against the male membership by assigning higher fines than those levied on the ladies.
JIM McCAFFREY asked PRESIDENT BABE to slow down on the fines because he was running ragged with the fine can. LOU STEINBERG was next with a $20 fine for talking out of turn and his Youth Service Recognition Award. JOHN RAMATICI was the perfect gentleman and offered $100 for his recent appearance in an advertisement and DAN LIBARLE was fined $100 for his latest grandson, but not without a couple of nasty comments about PRESIDENT BABE’s ethnic heritage.
JOANNE FERRIS won the raffle and a bottle of wine.
Remember, the Rotary Golf Tournament is Monday, August 16th . Sign up your foursome or just join us for the famous Ramatici brothers prime rib dinner.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
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District Governor Norm has asked Clubs to suggest nominations for governor. Here is the procedure to follow. Nominating Procedure for Governor - Article XIII 13.020.3. Suggestions by Clubs for Governor. The governor shall invite the clubs to submit their suggestions for nominations for governor. Such suggestions shall be considered by the nominating committee so long as they reach the committee by the date established and announced by the governor. Such announcement shall be made to the clubs in the district at least two months before such suggestions must reach the nominating committee. The announcement shall include the address to which suggestions shall be sent. The suggestions shall be submitted in the form of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the club naming the suggested candidate. The resolution shall be certified by the club secretary. A Club may suggest a candidate for governor-nominee who is a member of another club, so long as the suggesting club first obtains the concurrence of the club where such candidate is a member. |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.
NEXT WEEK:
Fine Can:
Microphone:
Visitors:
Editor: Mike Madick