Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
December 30, 2004
COMING EVENTS
January 6 - John Cardinale - Vice President of Infineon Raceway
January 13 - Mike Yates from UPS - Behind the Scenes at Brown
January 20 - Doug Garrison - Building on a Legacy of Excellence
The Holidays are drawing to a close and the global humanitarian crisis is a cruel reminder that the most important thing in life is life itself. In many parts of the world, the New Year’s celebration will be decidedly solemn and marked by a moment of silence in honor of the victims. The earthquake and tsunami devastation has affected the entire planet and the loss is simply staggering. It somehow seems unfair that we are warm and safe in the comforts of our homes and families and we watch the horror unfold on a screen. We think of friends recently met in Thailand and we send our thoughts and prayers to our member, NIT ANDERSON, and we hope her family and friends are safe. As the year draws to an end we recollect on good times and good friends we lost and give thanks for our good fortune. We truly are blessed and we should be proud of the efforts we undertake to give back to those who need us. But we can always strive to do more and do it better. There are so many projects to finish and new ones waiting to be started. We must redouble our efforts and tackle these problems head-on. So let’s celebrate the New Year with family and friends and get back to work on Jan. 3, 2005.
REMEMBER TO START SELLING RAFFLE TICKETS FOR THE CRAB FEED.
Congratulations to PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL and his Board for a job well done in 2004.
Best wishes and Happy New Year to all of you and your families.
love is the every only god
who spoke this earth so glad and big even a thing all small and sad man, may his mighty briefness dig
for love beginning means return seas who could sing so deep and strong
one queerying wave will whitely yearn from each last shore and home come young
so truly perfectly the skies by merciful love whispered were, complete its brightness with your eyes
any illimitable star
-ee cummings
CLICK THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION,
Rotary world rallies to aid victims of deadly quake and tsunami.
Club and District Disaster Relief Efforts.
Letter from RI President Estess and Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Ravizza.
Contribute through The Rotary Foundation to support recovery efforts in South Asia.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.
Next Week:
Set-Up: ???
Fine Can: ???
Microphone: ???
Visitors: ???
Editor: Doug Garrison
December 23, 2004
COMING EVENTS
December 30 - Club dark
January 6 - John Cardinale - Vice President of Infineon Raceway
January 13 - Mike Yates from UPS - Behind the Scenes at Brown
January 20 - Doug Garrison - Building on a Legacy of Excellence
The meeting started with a hosted hospitality wine bar, although the editor did see one of our members with a very large glass of gin. I guess when you are a newlywed you are entitled.
GENE BENEDETTI then let us in song, followed by LARRY GOTFREDSON relaying the thought for the day. “Whose birthday is it, anyway?”
AL KAPLAN announced that we had no visiting Rotarians. I guess the word did not get out about the free wine.
Introductions of guests included HARVEY FREETLY’s introduction of his wife Marlene, STEVE RUSTAD, his son Ethan, LAURA RUNYEON, her husband Shane and their new son (more to come) and HEIDI KIBBE, her friends Leanne, Steve and their mother Sheila.
Sunshine report by HERB BUNDESEN that Duke Iverson is not doing well and would appreciate hearing from fellow Rotarians. Duke has been a long time Rotarian, Realtor and friend. We all wish him well. He sold this editor his first home in Petaluma.
Announcements:
LORETTA CATAROZOLI announced that everyone should have received their appointments to teams and their tickets, although Loretta had no idea whose team she was on. SELL, Sell, SELL!
Loretta was then fined for changing banks and getting a nice promotion. She will be the new Manager and Vice President of First Community Bank, opening in March. $50.
BABE then announced that early leavers were to purchase their passes when they purchase their meal ticket and sit close to the door, leaving quietly. STEVE RUSTAD has a thought about that.
Birthdays: RALPH PELTON, DON RAMATICI*, BILL GROVERMAN, GENE BENEDETTI*, LORETTA CATAROZOLI, MICHAEL CARUANA* and HERB BUNDESEN*. *Not at birthday table, cost an extra $5.
RALPH BETTINELLI led the birthday song and was fined $10 for a caustic remark.
Additional opportunities to contribute to the club:
NANCY KOENITZER – new office and illegal right turn, $100.
HERB BUNDESEN – company picture in the paper, $37, $1 for each agent.
JIM BECKER – picture, $10.
JAMES GOTELLI – same picture, $10.
RALPH BETTINELLI – 3rd generation rancher and promoted to Secretary of the Fair Board, $20.
STEVE GAVRILOFF – new son, Nicolas, plus picture plus Spirit of Sonoma Award, $100 for son and $50 for award.
HEIDI KIBBE won a bottle of wine in the raffle.
GEORGE BUNNELL was recognized for doing a great job of club setup, but then fined for a new Grandson, $100.
Lucie Sweda, a former member, then entertained us with her great operatic voice to Christmas carols.
We will be dark next week.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Lou Steinberg.
Next Week:
Set-Up: Dark
Fine Can: Dark
Microphone: Dark
Visitors: Dark
Editor: Ricardo Marzo
December 16, 2004
COMING EVENTS
December 23 - President's choice: Special Holiday Program
December 30 - Club dark
January 6 - John Cardinale - Vice President of Infineon Raceway
January 13 - Mike Yates from UPS - Behind the Scenes at Brown
January 20 - Doug Garrison - Building on a Legacy of Excellence
President BABEs in Toyland AMARAL opened our penultimate meeting before Christmas at the appointed midday half hour,
. . . whereupon TED You Hear What I Hear ADKINS led us in song (God Bless America),
. . . followed by the thought for the day from WHITNEY Deck the HALLs. The customary handshakes, hugs and merrymaking between members ensued.
HARVEY Yourself a Merry Little Christmas FREETLY then introduced the visiting Rotarians among us, followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch. After a heartfelt welcome, the Prez noted that TED ADKINS was back to being his jolly old elf self after being hospitalized for a week or so with a post-cruise viral infection. . . which so impressed the Prez that he only fined Ted $20.00 for making such a speedy recovery! HERB Comes Santa Claus BUNDENSEN then informed us that DICK WEBER Wonderland is still not doing so well – our thoughts and prayers are with him.
JIM Came Upon a Midnight Clear McCAFFREY announced that our Club’s mini grant program had given away $910.00 this year to deserving teachers in the Petaluma School District.
Jingle Bell RICK MOSSI then let us know that captains for the Annual Crab Feed Raffle had been selected. Ticket prices will be the same as last year and members will be contacted by their respective captains in the very near future.
KEITH Three Kings of Orient Are SOLTS made a last call to our membership to be a Salvation Army bell ringer this weekend – call Keith if you can help. It was then announced that the Petaluma Sunrise Rotary Club was co-sponsoring a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance event – contact Susan Nye at 571-8800 (x 31) for details.
Following the medley of announcements, JOHN DADO’ Little Town of Bethlehem inducted JAN Yourself EMERY Little Christmas (classification: Interior Design) to our Club. Welcome, Jan.
Santa Claus is Coming to TOM BAKER reported that the Petaluma Realtors’ annual Christmas breakfast was well attended (it helps fund our Club’s annual Children’s Holiday Party). Tom went on to note that several Rotarians won raffle prizes at the event, including KIP On a Housetop HERZOG and STEVE POWELL Be Home for Christmas ($100.00 each). Congratulations, guys!
Thanks to a little “conshidentual” information from DANta Claus is Coming to Town LIBARLE, the Prez was able to fine DONALD the Rednosed Reindeer RAMATICI $100.00 for a recent duck hunting trip to Mexico and winning a football pool. Proving that ‘tis the Season, Don generously donated another $100.00 on top of his fine to show his appreciation for what a great job President BABE is doing. Thanks, Don. The Prez was so moved, he fined Libarle $5.00!
Jolly Old St. RICK SUSICK was then fined $50.00 for “hurting” the Prez’s Christmas cheer drinking buddy, O’ TENNYbaum TUCKER.
I saw CONNIE Kissing Santa Claus HEIZER was then assessed a $100.00 gratuity for the sale of her café.
We Wish You a CARRIE Christmas PIERSON was fined $75.00 for a recent cruise to Mexico with her husband (sans children),
The Prez then bagged $40.00 from FRED FROSTy the Snowman for taking a four point buck at 350 yards (running) on a recent hunting trip.
Club Secretary I Saw STEVE Ships OLMSTED was nipped $10.00 for driving home alone after the Holiday Party!
Finally, It JAMES Upon a Midnight Clear BECKER was fined $20.00 for forgetting his golf shoes in Thailand. CLARK! the Herald Angels Sing ROSEN won the raffle (a bottle of wine).
ERIC GUNHEIM Dreaming of a White Christmas then introduced our speaker, Rick Farmer, a naturalist with the Department of Fish and Game, who gave an interesting program on natural predators (e.g. mountain lions, coyotes, bears, etc.) in our area. The Prez gave Rick a Rotary memento in appreciation of a job well done, and a book was donated in Rick’s name to the PHS library. The Prez then reminded one and all that there will be a modified meeting next week (President’s choice), with food and plenty of “social lubricants” for a little Holiday Cheer! Until then, meeting adjourned. Enjoy your weekend.
For those infamous photos of last week's Holiday Party — click here.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
Next Week:
Set-Up:
Fine Can: James Gotelli
Microphone: Ron Harris
Visitors: Al Kaplan
Editor: Lou Steinberg
December 9, 2004
COMING EVENTS
December 16 - Luncheon meeting (Sharks and Mountain Lions - Erik Gunheim) and Children's Holiday Gift Program
December 23 - Another interesting program
December 30 - Club dark
SPECIAL HOLIDAY PARTY ISSUE
Holiday spirit abounded, as well as several other kinds of spirits. The food was great and everyone seemed to be having a great time before dinner. Groups of Rotarians gathered to share tales of all type and to discuss what they hoped Santa would be bringing them for the holidays.
The event, held this year in the upstairs, backroom of Graziano’s restaurant was a great success.
The food was excellent and everyone was able to eat in sufficient quantities, which was helpful, considering the amount of spirit which was taken in.
The grand announcement of the evenings event was the naming of the new President Elect-Elect. Congratulations to Tawny Tesconi on her selection. A great choice.
Everyone then began celebrating with the music playing and President Babe dancing surrounded by a bevy of beauties. Many stayed and danced for quite a long time. The DJ played a good variety of music, fit for all ages.
For those of you who missed it, you missed one of the better Holiday parties this editor has seen in the last 10 years.
For lots more party photos Click here.
IT'S DICTIONARY TIME!
Partying wasn't the only thing Rotarians did this past week. Throughout the area, they delivered dictionaries to appreciative third graders. Here are scenes from Two Rock Elementary School where Gene Andrews and Al Cattalini delivered the books last Thursday.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Lou Steinberg.
Next Week:
Set-Up: Ralph Bettinelli & Lou Steinberg
Fine Can: Greta Viguie
Microphone: Dan Marsh
Visitors: Gina Pittler
Editor: Mike Baddeley
December 2, 2004
COMING EVENTS
December 9 - Club dark (Holiday party Friday evening)
December 10 - Members' Holiday Party (Graziano’s Restaurant, 6:30pm)
December 16 - Luncheon meeting (Sharks and Mountain Lions - Erik Gunheim) and Children's Holiday Gift Program
December 23 - Another interesting program
December 30 - Club dark
Starting the meeting right on time, PRESIDENT BABE called on STEVE RUSTAD to lead the opening song. Following a rousing America the Beautiful, JOANNE FERRIS gave the Thought for the Day. She noted the start of Hanukah and its crucial relevance to the Christmas holiday.
After KEITH SOLTS, HARVEY FREETLY and STEVE RUSTAD introduced guests, BARNEY FAUSS came forward and called on the numerous members hosting Interact students to introduce their guests.
SUNSHINE REPORT
JERRY GILLESPIE reported that TED ADKINS apparently contracted something during a recent cruise to Mexico. Upon returning home, he passed out and spent a week in the hospital. He’s back on his feet now.
TOM BAKER passed around a photo of the new playground equipment at Walnut Park and reminded members to sign up for the Children’s gift delivery which takes place on December 16. You’ll be faxed your instructions on Monday the 13th and pick up the gifts between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Thursday at the Bank of Petaluma on McDowell Blvd.
JEANNETTE CLARK passed on a request from Barbara Madick that members contribute blood to replace blood recently used by her husband, MIKE. The Blood Bank of the Redwoods mobile unit will be visiting these Petaluma locations this month:
December 27 – Petaluma Village Premium Outlets (Noon-4pm)
December 29 – Golden Eagle Shopping Center (3-7pm)
December 31 – G&G Market Place (10am-2pm).
JOHN DADO announced that the dictionaries will arrive on December 6. Team captains are to pick them up at the fairgrounds and deliver them to the school for distribution by the team. Contact John to join a team or if you have any questions.
KATHY BURROUGHS reminded members to RSVP for the annual holiday party. It’ll be at Graziano’s beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 10.
After LARRY JONAS presented flags from several Rotary clubs our team visited recently in Thailand, PRESIDENT BABE asked all the Thailand team members to stand. Did he thank them for a job well done? Nope, he fined them each $10.
HARVEY FREETLY rose to note that we’d be spending about $7,000 on dictionaries this year and to thank “AL CATTALINI” — oops! AL KAPLAN for a $500 contribution to the dictionary fund. Harvey finessed the mix-up by observing that Al Kaplan worked in underground construction while Al Cattalini looked like a gopher. Al (the gopher) cheered when Harvey was fined $100 and declined STEVE RUSTAD’s offer to pay half the fine.
JIM McCAFFREY then inducted our newest member, STAN LAWSON, sponsored by KEITH SOLTS. Stan is with Sequoia Senior Solutions. Sponsor KEITH reminded members that Saturday, December 18 is Rotary Day at the Kettles and encouraged members to sign up to help the Salvation Army. Volunteers are needed for both the Trader Joe’s and G&G locations.
It was time for another 49er ticket auction but BABE didn’t have much luck. He bid $25 for the Redskins tickets and didn’t get a higher bid. (Later, DAVE BARBIERI bought them from Babe for $25.) A bit wiser now, Babe opened bidding on Buffalo Bills tickets by unilaterally committing RALPH SARTORI to a $25 bid. JIM BECKER entered the fray and ended up with the tickets for $40.
STEVE POWELL needs storage space (about 1,000 square feet) for the donated equipment our Club will be sending to Guatemala. Please contact Steve if you can help out.
Interact student Alyssa Mentjox won the raffle. Fortunately, her mom, Val, was on hand to accept the wine. Next meeting the pot will increase to $175.
BARNEY FAUSS introduced Mark Mooney of Petaluma’s Strozzi Institute who spoke to the crowd on leadership. See you at Grazianos!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini; next week: Lou Steinberg.
December 16 (We're dark next week):
Set-Up: Ralph Bettinelli & Lou Steinberg
Fine Can: Greta Viguie
Microphone: Dan Marsh
Visitors: Gina Pittler
Editor: Mike Baddeley