July 2005

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

July 28, 2005

COMING EVENTS

August 4 - Joanne Ferris presents an interesting program
August 11 - Chris Albertson presents another interesting program
August 15 - Golf Tournament - Petaluma Golf & Country Club
August 18 - Club Dark
August 25 - District Governor visits

The bell sounded at precisely 12:30 and PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE CLARK, complete with Judge BEAN’S cowboy hat, brought the meeting to order.

GENE BENEDETTI led us in a jolly rendition of “I’m a Rambler” followed by an enthusiastic “God Bless America”.

PAUL LOUNIBOS gave the invocation and the usual kisses, hugs and handshakes quickly followed. JOANNE FERRIS introduced the visiting Rotarians. The Rotarians with guests were then introduced.

Our beloved PRESIDENT LEE is in the hospital. He is scheduled for by pass surgery Friday morning. We miss you, LEE. Get well soon.

LARRY GOTFREDSON brought his famous granddaughter with him. She is a star runner in Gig Harbor, Washington. Proud grandpa was happy to donate $25 to the Club.

The crowd looked a little sparse. Were most of our members trying to get a make-up at the horse races? PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE took advantage of the July Birthday babies, by assessing $5 to those at the birthday table and $10 to those who forgot to sit at the special table.

STEVE GAVRILOFF was called on first by PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE. STEVE’S got a new house on Queens Lane. The listing for the house sat on his desk for 3 days before he showed it to his wife, Carolyn. He knew it was fit for a queen and they’d be moving. The move cost STEVE $100.

It was the second week in a row for MICHAEL CARUANA to get hit during the fining session. MICHAEL got a brand new Cadillac. Before PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE could find out anything else about MICHAEL, he volunteered $40 to the Club.

JOHN RAMATICI was called on next and quickly passed the microphone to his son, Natale. Dad was trying to get off the hook for a brand new Lexus. Natale explained that it was a gift to his dad from his mom. JOHN tried to get the Club to feel sorry for him by mentioning that he got the bill a month later. Natale offered $50 on behalf of his dad.

Lucky DAN LIBARLE won the raffle and walked away with a bottle of fine wine.

Before PAST PRESIDENT JEANNETTE introduced our guest speaker, John Roberts, from Safari West, she held an auction. John donated two adult tickets for a day at Safari West. KATHY BURROUGHS generously paid $120. John helped us discover the spirit of Africa in the heart of wine country. The slide presentation was amazing as he described the exotic mammals and birds.

The bell sounded at precisely 12:30 and PRESIDENT LEE brought the meeting to order.

JIM McCAFFREY led us in song with “My Country Tis of Thee.”

KEITH SOLTS gave the invocation. He prayed for us all.

The usual hugs and handshakes quickly followed.

HARVEY FREETLY introduced the visiting Rotarians. The Rotarians with guests were then introduced.

RICK VAN BEBBER was asked about KAREN. She is doing much better. Hope to see you soon KAREN!!

JOHN DADO reminded everyone to sign up for the Golf Tournament. The tournament is August 15th. The cost is $100 per person which includes golf, lunch and dinner. If you can’t golf but want to help, please contact ONITA.

LARRY JONAS was happy to announce that the picnic at the Coast Guard was a success. A good time was had by all and they made money. The net profit was $1,700. Thank you to all the members of the International Committee. (For photos of the picnic, click here.)

Note Ricardo's halo.

PRESIDENT LEE recognized RICARDO MARZO for his great publication of Rotary in the Argus Courier. Superb job!! Thank you!

Don’t forget to check your calendars for the end of September and the beginning of October. It’s Friendship Feast time. Remember that the proceeds go to supplying HARVEY with dictionaries for the kids of Petaluma. If you’d like to host a group of fun Rotarians for dinner, let PRESIDENT LEE know.

Al Kaplan describes his honeymoon.

PRESIDENT LEE was now ready to get a little extra cash for the Club. JOHN DADO, MARK STOKES, WALLY BRAGDON, DOUG GARRISON, AND ONITA PELLEGRINI all dug in their wallets. What do all of these people have in common? They all serve on the boards of the Santa Rosa Junior College. The first 3 got away with $20. DOUG, the Dean of the Petaluma Campus, was assigned $25 and ONITA, the rep on the big board, was assigned $30.

MICHAEL CARUANA has been missing. It seems he went to Malta to visit the relatives. His Maltese needs a little more practice. He asked his aunt how many teeth she had instead of how old she was. That little boo-boo cost him $100.

Apparently a few Rota-Tellers went out with nothing printed on the back. Secretary STEVE tried to blame it on the printing machine. Our PREZ wasn’t buying that story and collected $20.

More congratulations were in store for RICARDO MARZO. RICARDO, a 28 handicap, won the Goat Hill Golf Tournament. He was so humble ~ giving all the credit to his partner, Craig Dado. The two got to split a $500 prize and get to keep “the” trophy for a year. RICARDO happened to be the Chairman of the tournament. M..m..m..m. $50 was quickly offered to the Club.

We have a new commissioner amongst the group. Our very own barrister, MIKE BADDELEY, was recently appointed to the Parks and Recreation Department. Rather than fight City Hall, MIKE decided to join them. MIKE was happy to donate $50 to the Club.

Our PRESIDENT LEE hasn’t missed the raffle yet. RON HARRIS walked away with a bottle of wine.

It was time for JOHN DADO to introduce our guest speakers.

Dr. Robert Agrella, the President of the Santa Rosa Junior College, gave us an overview of the school which started in 1918 with 21 students and now has over 34,000. He pointed out that the SRJC’s commitment to excellence is not limited to the classroom.

With that, he introduced the Head Coach of the 2005 State Championship Baseball Team, Damon Neidlinger. That title has escaped the school since 1952. Damon was proud to show off two of his star players, our own Casa Grande alumni Bud Glock and Stephen Pearson.

It was a beautiful summer day as our new PRESIDENT “call me anything but don’t call me late for dinner” LEROY rang the meeting bell.

Walking softly and carrying a big stick, GENE BENEDETTI led the singing, first with his signature Rambler and Gambler, leading us to a big finish as we raised the roof while singing “loud and strong for our great country" God Bless America.

Larry Gotfredson delivers his Thought for the Day.

Judi Allewelt introduces visiting Rotarians.

Among the seated lunch guests were Rotarians, visiting Rotarians, Rotarians with guests and brand new Rotarians who stepped up to the podium to accept their new member badges.

Sponsor Tom Brandal with Maryann, Jay with sponsor Babe Amaral.

Our club welcomed new members MARYANN SHOEMAKER and JAY PALM. It is always a pleasure to see new members step-up and join with Rotary to assist not only our Petaluma neighborhoods but the greater world in which we live. Maryann and Jay will soon answer the call of conducting themselves and their business within the 4-way test framework.

Want to impress the Judge? Wear Cal colors!

It was business as usual at Thursday’s meeting except for the announcement that our friend and member George Tomasini had died on Monday of a heart attack. The reaction to the news of George’s passing was heard in whispers and gasps throughout the room. People saying, “I just had lunch with him last week and he looked GREAT! For most of us the news was unexpected, heavy and sad. I’m quite certain the echoes of George’s passing go beyond our weekly meeting room and speak to at least three generations of Petalumans who were somehow touched by the legacy and legend of George Tomasini. He was a gentleman, a man’s man, a passionate outdoorsman and someone who lived his life by Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

George’s grandfather, A.F. Tomasini, was an original (charter) member of our Petaluma Rotary Club in 1923. George was born in 1919 and walked the streets of Petaluma when the automobile was new. He served in the U.S. Navy, returned home and assumed the family hardware business. George joined our club in 1949 and served our club as President in 1962-63. George was a successful business man operating Tomasini Hardware, Tomasini Travel, Tomasini Plumbing, Cypress Hill Cemetery and My Pet Cemetery. George witnessed history in Petaluma. He was a leader, father, grandfather, husband, friend and a legend in our town. Thankfully, heroes aren’t forgotten, and legends never die. George will never be forgotten and will be missed by us all. (Click here for George's obituary.)

FINES

GARY BRODIE was fined $20 for his fancy new car and for wearing KATHY O’CONNOR BURROUGHS’ name tag.

Kathy was nailed for $10 for being part of the name badge conspiracy.

JIM BECKER was fined for his recent picture in the Argus Courier.

COMING EVENTS TO CALENDAR

Golf Tournament, Monday, 8/15 at Petaluma Golf and Country Club. Please sign up ASAP. See John Dado. Don’t golf and want to work? Contact Onita.

Friendship Feasts October 28/29, November 4/5. Please consider hosting a dinner at your home.

Joanne Ferris introduces our speaker . . .

. . . David Corkell of Boulevard Cinemas.

And it did. Mostly. After ringing the meeting to order on time, the Judge introduced himself as the President for the year “2005-2004.”

When the hooting subsided he called on STEVE RUSTAD for the opening song. Steve warmed us up on Gypo and led a mellow My Country ‘tis of Thee.

The Thought for the Day was presented by MICHAEL CARUANA. After reflecting on the London terrorism incidents, he incorporated a Longfellow poem into thoughts about learning from the past and planning for the future.

After JOANNE FERRIS introduced the three visiting Rotarians, our members introduced their guests. BABE AMARAL introduced Jim McDowell (best man at President Lee’s wedding), GEORGE BUNNELL had two guests, and JOHN RAMATICI brought the entire family (wife Michelle, son Natale and daughter Brittany).

SUNSHINE REPORT. The Judge reported that RICK VAN BEBBER had rushed home to his ill wife, KAREN. DAVE AMUNDSEN advised that HERB BUNDESEN was back home after a brief hospitalization. We wish Karen and Herb speedy recoveries.

Things continued to go well. PRESIDENT LEE pinned the President Elect pin on TAWNY TESCONI and

       . . . as she returned to her seat pandemonium arrived.

It was the “Flimflam Man” selling balloons for Dean Martin’s Cirrhosis of the Liver Foundation. Our President purchased them for 50¢ and then endured a singing telegram, a dunce cap, and other indignities.

ERIK GUNHEIM announced that STEVE POWELL had donated Grand Prix tickets to the International Committee and that they would be sold to the highest bidder after the meeting.

PRESIDENT LEE announced the Golf Tournament, to be held at the Country Club on Monday, August 15. The Judge would like sign-ups in by August 5. Click here for details and a PDF copy of the sign-up form. JOHN RAMATICI and crew will prepare the traditional prime rib dinner to be enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers alike.

LARRY JONAS reminded members of the Rotary Picnic, Sunday, July 17 at Two Rock. Sign up with Larry by Tuesday, July 12.

PRESIDENT LEE announced two Rotary events on Wednesday, July 20. California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson will speak at the breakfast meeting of Valley of the Moon (Oakmont) club and the Ambassadorial Scholar to England will speak at Petaluma Valley’s luncheon meeting. Advise the Judge if you’ll be attending either meeting.

PRESIDENT LEE announced that Committee Assignments for 2005-06 were on the web. He asks that you let him know if you’d like to be added to — or removed from — any committees. He also announced that the major club project for 2005-06 would be chosen and announced soon.

ONITA PELLEGRINI announced the Judge’s goal of five net new members this club year. And she presented this “Membership Moment:”

JEANNETTE CLARK announced that she had a full slate of program chairs for the year and promised quality speakers. She stressed a flexible schedule that would permit rescheduling when a unique program opportunity appeared.

It was time for fines, and the fining judge started with BABE AMARAL who seemed to have misplaced his hat at the Debunking. Babe bought it back for $10.

       . . . Speaking of hats, how do you like JUDGE BEAN’s Stetson? This editor thinks it looks pretty good, certainly better than the dunce cap.

DAVID BARBIERI presented a banner from the Chester (Lake Almanor) club and paid $20 for his visit there.

RICK OBERLIN, proud as punch of his star daughter who recently graduated from high school, gladly paid $100 to celebrate her enrollment at the Judge’s alma mater, UC Berkeley.

The Judge fined BABE AMARAL another $10, this time for not knowing what time it was. Babe looked at his watch, but the correct answer was “raffle time.”

RICK MOSSI had the winning ticket and received a bottle of wine.

JEANNETTE CLARK then introduced Petaluma Mayor David Glass and his daughter, Kelsey, who presented a hilarious reprise of Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First? After the laughter and applause subsided, the mayor discussed current city issues with the membership.