June 2005

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June 24, 2005

COMING EVENTS

June 30 - DARK
July 7 - Leroy Bean's first meeting as President
July 14 - Leroy Bean's second meeting as President
July 17 - Rotary Picnic, Coast Guard Training Center, Two Rock. Advance reservations required.

Click image for Debunking photo gallery.

The Debunking of PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL was fabulous.

The Petaluma Golf Club was beautifully decorated by the Debunking Committee, under the direction of KATHY O’CONNOR BURROUGHS and HEIDI KIBBE. STEVE RUSTAD’S wonderful cartoon collection adorned each table and the laughter began before the show started.

PAST PRESIDENT and Master of Ceremonies JIM MICKELSON brought the crowd to order and, with the help of honoree PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL and our resident raconteur MIKE BADDELEY, he belted out a rousing version of “God Bless America”. JIM McCAFFREY gave a thoughtful invocation and thanked the good Lord for helping us survive BABE’S year. We feasted on a terrific meal and watched a softer side of PRESIDENT BABE as The Board of Directors presented him with a framed collection of lost bells from the Amaral household

       . . . and STEVE RUSTAD awarded PRESIDENT BABE with a collection of toons highlighting the YEAR of the BABE.

PAST DISTRICT GOVENOR NORM OWENS and PAST PRESIDENT ONITA PELLEGRINI announced the latest group of Rotarians to join the Paul Harris Fellowship (and some at the Second Level). The Fellowship was established in 1957 to honor the Rotary founder and focuses on the educational and humanitarian programs of The Rotary Foundation. Those programs include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding. Our club appreciates the contributions of each member and gave them a warm applause as they were announced onto the stage. A list of all recipients follows this article.

A second theme of the evening was honoring Emily Amaral for her hard work and full support of the Club and BABE throughout the year. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her role behind the scenes and in the spotlight. PRESIDENT BABE received kind compliments from friends and family and a heartfelt round of “thank-yous” made you realize how many people are needed to make a successful presidential year.

All of the back-slapping was a prelude to the mudslinging MIKE BADDELEY was ready to dish out as the lights went down. The crowd was abuzz with excitement anticipating the return of POWER POINT MIKE. Undoubtedly coaxed out of retirement by the sheer amount of material to pick over, MIKE BADDELEY was on fire. He left no stone unturned and no subject was off-limits as he clicked his way through hilarious photographs of PRESIDENT BABE. Great job, Mike.

The evening concluded with the official passing of the torch and PRESIDENT LEE BEAN introduced to the Club. There is no doubt our new President and his Board of Directors will fill the shoes left behind from PRESIDENT BABE and his team. Thanks for the memories, Babe.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS:
       EMILY AMARAL
       MARCUS BENEDETTI
       MARILYN BRAGDON
       WALLY BRAGDON - 2ND LEVEL
       TOM BRANDAL
       GARY BRODIE
       KATHY BURROUGHS
       LORETTA CATAROZOLI
       SHARON DADO
       HARVEY FREETLY
       FRED FROST
       CAROL FULLERTON - 2ND LEVEL
       ED FULLERTON - 2ND LEVEL
       WHITNEY HALL
       STEVE HENRIS
       MARILYN HERZOG
       KIP HERZOG - 2ND LEVEL
       SUZANNE IRWIN-WELLS
       RICHARD JOHNSON
       PAM JONAS
       AL KAPLAN
       JIM MICKELSON
       CARRIE PIERSON
       STEVE POWELL
       TINA POWELL
       NORM SANTOS
       RALPH SARTORI
       LOU STEINBERG
       TAWNY TESCONI
       TENNY TUCKER

There was a special feeling surrounding the Vets as Rotarians arrived for PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL’S final meeting. Many weeks ago our fearless President had the inspiration to do something special for his last meeting - he wanted to honor MIKE MADICK and all active PAST PRESIDENTS. For those of you who think PRESIDENT BABE’S heart doesn’t tick hard enough, you would have been impressed to see his shining smile and warm handshake greeting people as they came in from the rain. All PAST PRESIDENTS, many accompanied by their spouses, received beautiful ribbons created by Emily Amaral. Event Chairman and PAST PRESIDENT PAUL LOUNIBOS made sure everyone had their ribbon and greeted all our guests.

Prior to the meeting a photo was taken of all the PAST PRESIDENTS in front of the Rotary banners.

PAST PRESIDENT GENE BENEDETTI sang “God Bless America”

       . . . and PAST PRESIDENT JIM McCAFFREY gave a thoughtful invocation.

PRESIDENT BABE’S first order of business was to present honored guest Barbara Madick with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was a pleasure to welcome her back to the Club that appreciates her so much.

HEIDE KIBBE reminded us to please reserve a spot for the Debunking next week. It will certainly be an exciting send-off for our Prez.

Never too late to try something new, PRESIDENT BABE was determined not to forget the raffle, so he drew the numbers himself and, low and behold, it was his wife with the winning ticket! Jeers erupted from the crowd crying the fix was on, but order was restored and Emily gave back $100 to the Club.

Past President (and Past District Governor) Art Agnew.

PRESIDENT BABE called all the PAST PRESIDENTS to stand and tell the Club his/her fondest memories of being President and each one give us a glimpse into the special year they experienced. The stories were funny, touching, and revealing. Each President was proud of the goals met during their tenure and thankful for the entire membership’s support. This editor was struck at the sense of honor and the spirit of cooperation in the PAST PRESIDENT’S stories. They all recognized no goal could be met without the Club’s commitment and a supportive Board.. Regardless if the term was from the 60's or the 90's, many of the issues facing Petaluma (and the world) were the same, as were the challenges and goals: giving back to our community and extending a hand beyond our borders. From playgrounds to Polio eradication, the Presidents brought their visions to the Club and rallied the membership into action. It wasn’t all hard work; there were hilarious memories of legendary first meetings and friendships forged forever. For us newer members, the stories of members since departed helped frame the unique spirit our Club possesses. Thank you to all the PAST PRESIDENTS for setting such a fine example of excellence in office.

PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL called on counsel ERIK GUNHEIM to read a letter from STEVE HENRIS who ratted out all the participants in the BABE WHEEL GATE scandal. Every accomplice was fined $20 and JIM MICKELSON’S photo stole the show. (For the actual photo, click here.)

Petaluma Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Carr gave a terrific talk on our Club’s impact on the city’s parks. From the first tennis court at McNear Park to the recently completed Walnut Park renovation, the Rotary Club of Petaluma has made a significant contribution to the betterment of our hometown. Even though Rotary’s reach is worldwide, the local improvements are a constant reminder of what we can do when presented with a challenge. The existence of service clubs are an integral part of making a city a community and Jim commended our club for over 80 years of service to Petaluma. Thank you Jim for an entertaining historical re-cap.

Thank you again to all the PAST PRESIDENTS.

June 16 - Jim Carr - Petaluma Parks & Recreation; Past Presidents Day
June 23 - DARK
June 24 - Debunking, Petaluma Golf & Country Club
June 30 - DARK
July 7 - Leroy Bean's first meeting as President

PRESIDENT BABE opened his next to last meeting on time and we began with “I’m a Rambler” led by GENE BENEDETTI.

STEVE GAVRILOFF than read to us from his favorite author, Napoleon Hill.

HARVEY FREETLY introduced the three visiting Rotarians.

Guests were introduced by Rotarians: TAWNY TESCONI, her friend Scott; JIM BECKER introduced an old club member who moved to southern California, Dale Boyles; GEORGE BUNNELL introduced his endodontist, Orest Balytsky; CONNIE HEIZER introduced her daughter, Madeline and her friend Rose.

BILL LANE introduced his brother, Leo Lane, a retired dentist and past-president of our club in 1980-81.

Announcements:

DAVID AMUNDSEN reminded everyone that the club was sponsoring a Barbecue at the RYLA camp this coming Wednesday at Westminster Woods. He is looking for volunteers to help with the cooking. This has always been great fun and would be recommended for some of our newer members. The editor will see you all out there.

JIM McCAFFREY announced that the club had issued over $625 in mini-grants to the Petaluma schools this year. On behalf of the School Board we thank the Club.

LARRY JONAS announced a fund raiser for the International Committee. It will take place at the Coast Guard Station on July 17th. This is sponsored by all three of the Petaluma clubs and should be lots of fun. Out by the lake with BBQ, $25/adult and $5/kids.

Recognition:

MIKE BADDELEY was happy to pay a fine of $25 for his daughter, Jordi’s winning home run.

STEVE OLMSTED gave a contribution to the Foundation in honor of his wife’s retirement from teaching, one daughter’s marriage, one daughter’s having a baby and his son’s graduation from college

STAN LAWSON paid $60 for the award he received from the Governor.

AL KAPLAN contributed $100 to the Foundation for all his travels, both to Mexico and Seattle.

Our three Past-Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce all contributed to the club. RALPH SARTORI and Rick Mossi paid $20,

           . . . while immediate Past President NANCY KOENITZER paid $40.

RICH POREMBA contributed $100 for being in the paper announcing the Car Art around town and the fact that they will be auctioned off for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club.

CHRIS ALBERTSON then paid $25 for tearing down the Casa Grande Motel and its famous Amaral Memorial Suite. This will be the site of the new Fire Station.

JIM MICKELSON then paid $20 for not sitting at the speaker’s table.

He also brought along some writing material as evidence that he was not in collusion with the accused MIKE BADDELEY.

RON HARRIS won a bottle of wine in the raffle.

JIM and TAWNY then gave a presentation on the history of the Fair.

June 9 - Jim Mickelson & Tawny Tesconi - History of Sonoma-Marin Fair
June 16 - Jim Carr - Petaluma Parks & Recreation; Past Presidents Day
June 23 - DARK
June 24 - Debunking, Petaluma Golf & Country Club
June 30 - DARK
July 7 - Leroy Bean's first meeting as President

President BABE AMARAL (Beauty) opened the meeting, Past President TED ADKINS (Ye shall receive) sang (God Bless America),

       . . .

Past President LARRY JONAS (For a drink) invocated (about drowning frogs!),

       . . .

and RON HARRIS (The deal), after handshakes and hugs, introduced the visiting Rotarians.

Guests of Rotarians were then welcomed, followed by a medley of announcements, including a report from FRED WULFF (It down) on the group study exchange team – call Fred if you’re interested. A reading of the June anniversaries and corresponding congratulations ensued.

BILL GROVERMAN (Come over man) was then fined $50 for his election to the local Chamber of Commerce Board and for wearing Bermuda shorts to our meeting.

CLARK ROSEN (Shone) was also dinged $50 for being the master of ceremonies at a recent scholarship awards banquet.

JOANNE FERRIS (One of all) was assessed $70 for her daughter’s academic accolades and awards at St. Vincent High School, and a letter of acknowledgement from President George W. Bush!

LARRY GOTFREDSON (And daughter) was fined $100 for his new grandchildren, and recent trips to Florida and Cabo San Lucas.

ROBERT MITCHELL (In tires) was fined $50 for his numerous sojourns, including a Washington, D.C. trip.

Our vengeful Prez then tried to extract $10 from President Elect-Elect TAWNY TESCONI (Gardens) for wearing the wrong badge and putting the Prez’ badge on goats!

But, Past President BARNEY FAUSS (Alarm), in a rare act of chivalry, came to Tawny’s rescue and paid her fine.

ERIK GUNHEIM (Lich maneuver), acting as an attorney for GARY BRODY (Spin), then put on an impressive

       . . .

(albeit, somewhat defamatory) case against the Prez for his willful non-payment of Gary’s tire bill, which was so funny that the Prez forgot to fine anybody right before he forgot the raffle… again!

TOM BAKER (A cake as fast as you can) had the lucky ticket and brought home the wine.

The Prez himself then introduced our speaker, Joe Contrenaro, from the IRS, who gave a very informative presentation with some helpful tax hints. A book was donated to the PHS library in his name, but not before GRETA VIGUIE (Did he go) and LINDA ZACHARIN (Not sugar, please) were fined $5 each for a ringing cell phone and not standing to address the speaker, respectively.

Meeting adjourned. See you next week.