December 2005

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

December 29, 2005

COMING EVENTS

January 5 - Geoff Lambert: The New Internet
January 12 - Janet Ramatici
January 19 - Mitch D’Armon: Leadership Works
January 26 - Richard King, Natural Resources Conservation Service Ecologist: Making Holistic Decisions

The Manual of Procedure is a compilation of statements of policies and procedures developed by Rotary International. Intended as a reference manual for Rotary leaders, it was frequently cited by the late ART AGNEW whenever he felt our club leaders required guidance. Today, as a tribute to Art, we present a few excerpts from the Manual. (The entire manual is available online, for viewing or downloading, at http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/support/mop.html.)

Selection of Club Board of Directors and Officers
      The selection process for a club’s board of directors and officers is set forth in each club’s bylaws. The club’s best interests are served by observing the principle of rotation in office, including membership on the board of directors and chairmanship of committees, as well as the offices of president and secretary. To this end, such officers should not succeed themselves indefinitely. Club officers should not be encouraged or expected to hold office for two successive years. Nevertheless, it is recognized that where circumstances warrant, clubs may find it advantageous to elect an officer for a second and successive year or to re-elect a former officer after an interim period.

Dual-Gender Clubs
     All Rotary clubs are encouraged to have membership consisting of both men and women. Governors are encouraged to promote dual-gender membership in all clubs in their districts and, where clubs that have single-gender membership remain, should promote the establishment of new dual-gender clubs in the locality of the existing single-gender clubs.

Membership in Other Organizations
     In order to comply with the obligations of membership in a Rotary club, a Rotarian should not belong to similar community or service clubs which would substantially reduce the member’s opportunity to comply with the obligations of membership. A person being considered for membership in a Rotary club should be expected to disclose membership in other service organizations. Rotarians who wish to join a similar community or service organization should seek prior approval from the Rotary club board of directors.
      The membership of any member may be terminated by the board of the club for any good cause. This could include not fulfilling the obligations of Rotary club membership due to continued membership in another service club.

Alcoholic Drinks at Meetings
     Each club shall determine whether alcoholic drinks shall be served at its meetings. While Rotary has no official policy on this question, experience and opinion expressed by Rotarians have indicated, at least in countries where it is not the custom, that it is in the best interests of the organization if alcoholic drinks are not served at Rotary meetings.

Smoking
     In recognition of the deleterious effect upon personal health, individual members and their guests are encouraged to refrain from smoking during meetings and other Rotary events.

Guests
     Clubs should make a special effort to urge individual members to invite guests to weekly club meetings at which especially interesting programs are scheduled in order that non-Rotarian members of the community may be better informed about the function of the club and its aims and objects. Except for members of the news media or members of other clubs, permanent guests of a club or member of the club are discouraged.
     Clubs also are encouraged to welcome guests, including visiting Rotarians and their spouses, at their club meetings. While clubs hold discretionary authority in allowing the attendance of such guests, such practice can enhance public awareness of club service, fellowship, and the possible recruitment of new members.
      Clubs are encouraged to invite students at universities and other schools to be guests at club meetings. This is an opportunity for them to become familiar with the ideals and principles of Rotary.

Balanced Membership
     Every club should have a well-balanced membership in which no one business or profession predominates. A club should have in its membership a representative of every recognized business or professional activity in the community insofar as it is possible to obtain such representation in conformity with the principles laid down in the RI constitution, article 5 and the standard Rotary club constitution, article 6. Clubs are encouraged to review the demographics of an area to verify that all respective segments of the population are represented within its membership. No club, regardless of the date of its admission to membership in RI, may by provisions in its constitution or otherwise limit membership in the club on the basis of gender, race, color, creed, or national origin, or impose any condition of membership not specifically prescribed by the RI constitution or bylaws.

Membership of Younger Persons
     Clubs should remember the importance of seeking out younger persons, including past Rotaractors, Group Study Exchange participants, and other Foundation alumni, who are qualified for membership. Clubs are also encouraged to find ways and means of increasing the appeal of membership to the growing number of young men and women who are occupying positions of responsibility in businesses and professions.

Bartenders Sharon Dado and Oralee Bean.

Larry Jonas, Fred Frost and Onita Pellegrini discuss Thailand.

Janice & Don Ramatici, John Scharer and Dave Amundsen.
Note Don's chicken drinking from his wine.

The carolers discover an exotic food called "polenta."

There was lots of great food to accompany the polenta.

Bridget Doherty and John Dado.

Andy & Inge Kvalheim.

Nice Christmas tie, Lee!

PRESIDENT LEE opened the December 22 Holiday Meeting by calling on

           . . . HERB BUNDESEN to lead the opening song.

After a rousing God Bless America, RICH POREMBA delivered his Thought for the Day. It addressed the meaning of Christmas and was warmly applauded by the crowd. If you missed the meeting — or want your own copy — just click here.

There were no visiting Rotarians but lots of guests: John Furrer (brother of United Anglers' Tom Furrer) and his wife, Joetta, attended along with these Rotary spouses: Marlene Freetly, Joan Cattalini, Adela Hennings, Inge Kvalheim, Lois Gotfredson (along with their daughter and fiancé), Janice Ramatici, Linda Frost, Shirley Mitchell, Marsha Harris, Kathy Brandal, Kathy Lawrence, Sharon Dado, and Oralee Bean.

DAN LIBARLE gave an update on GENE BENEDETTI. Gene is out of the ICU at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital but will be hospitalized at least through Christmas. Dan asked that we keep Gene in our prayers.

HARVEY FREETLY volunteered an anecdote about joining Gene for an impromptu duet in the Spreckels Center lobby. Their rendition of I’m a Gambler, I’m a Rambler raised eyebrows and prompted amazement that “two people know that song.”

PRESIDENT LEE reminded members of the upcoming Super Raffle (it’s at the February 17 Crab Feed). You’ll be receiving your tickets soon.

Celebrating December birthdays and sitting at the Birthday Table ($5 fine) were LORETTA CATAROZOLI (on her actual birthday!) and JOHN SCHARER. Sitting elsewhere ($10 fine) were DON RAMATICI, TAWNY TESCONI, and HERB BUNDESEN. Missing the meeting ($15 fine?) were BANO CUMMINGS and MICHAEL CARUANA.

HARVEY FREETLY announced that thank you letters from third graders were part of the dictionary display in the lobby. He encouraged members to visit the display when they departed the meeting.

New grandfather BABE AMARAL announced that his 43-year-old son had become the father of twin girls. Babe proudly offered a $100 fine to the Club and $100 to the local foundation in memory of Art Agnew.

KEITH SOLTS was delighted to announce the result of the Rotary bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. Collecting $345 at Trader Joes, $397 at G&G, and $879 at Albertson’s, the ringers collected a total of $1,622.

BRIDGET DOHERTY won the raffle and a bottle of wine.

LOU STEINBERG introduced six members of the

           . . . Petaluma High School chorus who performed a beautiful selection of Christmas carols.

After thanking the ladies who organized, prepared and decorated this Holiday Luncheon and reminding us that the Club is dark on December 29, PRESIDENT LEE concluded the meeting by asking us to remember the U.S. servicemembers around the world serving in harm’s way.

Merry Christmas!

Harvey Freetly's dictionary display.

President LEROY BEAN started the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Past District Governor ART AGNEW, who passed away this week. Members are urged to read the tribute on the club website, written by PAUL LOUNIBOS.

ANDY KVALHEIM led the club in a rendition of “America,” and KEITH SOLTS led us in prayer, remembering ART AGNEW and the local teenagers who were recent victims of a traffic accident.

There were no visiting Rotarians except our speaker MIKE MERRILL from the Santa Rosa West club. JAY PALM, LARRY GOTFREDSON, and RALPH SARTORI introduced their guests. MARCUS BENEDETTI reported on GENE BENEDETTI’s health and urged all members to keep him in their thoughts. President LEROY reported that NANCY KOENITZER and CONNIE HEIZER were also recuperating.

KATHY BURROUGHS reported on the very successful Holiday Party, thanked her committee, and urged those members who have not yet paid for their tickets to do so.

TOM BAKER reminded the club that the gift distribution for the joint program of the Petaluma Rotary Club and Petaluma Realtors would be at the Bank of Petaluma office this afternoon. Approximately 250 local children will benefit from this year’s program.

KEITH SOLTS called for more club volunteers to serve as bell ringers for “Rotary Day at the Kettle.”

Past President MIKE BADDELEY was called upon to give an “Oldie but Goodie” craft talk. He shared that when he joined the club in 1985 PAUL LOUNIBOS served as president and he was sponsored by ART LAFRANCHI. The club has meant a great deal to MIKE as he has learned from club role models and developed his own perspectives on community and family.

LARRY JONAS bought back his chicken badge and jacket for $5 each.

Why is Greta blushing? Click the photo to find out.

LOU STEINBERG, just named the “President Nominee,” is recently back from surgery, but paid $100 for his trip to England to visit his daughter.

WALLY BRAGDON denied that there was any tale to tell, but he paid $100 anyway for a trip on a schooner off the coast of New England.

CHRIS ALBERTSON won the raffle but pulled a blue rock and walked away with some holiday wine.

Past District Governor MIKE MERRILL presented an informative talk on Rotary’s Council on Legislation and the process for submitting proposed legislation. He serves as District 5130’s legislative representative and urged people to participate in the process of developing Rotary’s rules and procedures.

The dark road leading to the Petaluma Golf Club couldn’t hide the bright lights and festive spirit for the annual Members Holiday Party. The Holiday cheer was evident upon entry, thanks to the hard work and creative decorations by Co-Chairs Kathy Burroughs and Heidi Kibbe (and their helpers).

The room was warm and inviting and it was the perfect backdrop for PRESIDEN LEE BEAN calling the night to order.

TED ADKINS led us in song

                    . . . and JIM McCAFFREY gave a thoughtful invocation.

The fine can is usually absent at the Holiday Party, but PRESIDENT LEE BEAN wanted to take advantage of ROY MUSICK’S appearance and congratulate him on becoming a grandfather. (Rumor has it that an addition to PAST PRESIDENT BABE AMARAL’s family may not be far away).

Whit and Sigrid Hall caught unawares.

Kathy Burgess co-chaired the gala event.

Babe was on the committee.

So was Nit.

One of many highlights came as JEANNETTE CLARK and HENRY HANSEL, who represented the immediate five past presidents, delivered the much anticipated news of the President for the term 2007-2008:

Oops! Problems with the satellite feed.

Live -- sort of -- it's our President Elect Nominee.

                    . . . Mr. LOU STEINBERG! LOU is recuperating from recent surgery, but thanks to technology and PAST PRESIDENT ED FULLERTON, LOU STEINBERG gave a heartfelt acceptance speech from his bedside. We congratulate the Nominating Committee for a wise choice and we congratulate LOU for accepting this nomination.

Lou's wife, Juli, beams at satellite image.

Steve Rustad organizes the caroling.

We four Kings of Orient are . . . .

BARNEY FAUSS, TED ADKINS, STEVE RUSTAD and ALDEN HENNINGS got the crowd rolling with Christmas Carols and Holiday Songs.

Ted fends off Barney's tirade.

The wonderful meal was followed by plenty of dancing, thanks to the DJ inspired selections.

Would you believe Fred and Helen have been married for 50 years?

Mr. Dictionary, Harvey Freetly, and wife Marlene enjoy the evening.

Congratulations again to the Co-Chairs on a job well done. It is a challenge to re-invent this party every year, but it is always a special evening that allows members to introduce their families to a little piece of Rotary. The spirit of giving and camaraderie are the backbone of this Club and the Holiday Season seems to capture it well.

A rainy day outside didn’t dampen the spirits of Rotarians as GENE BENEDETTI opened the December 1 meeting with a spirited God Bless America, preceded (as always) by a rousing I’m a Rambler, . . . .

STEVE GAVRILOFF was next, with a thought for the day from Mark Twain. JEANNETTE CLARK announced that there were no visiting Rotarians and JOANNE FERRIS introduced our only guests, two Interact members (and football starters) from St. Vincent’s High School. The Sunshine Report was negative, so we hope that means that everyone is well. It was great to see Past District Governor ART AGNEW at the meeting. You’re looking good, Art!

KATHY BURROUGHS reminded members that the Holiday Party was Friday, December 9 at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club. She’s only received responses from half the membership and needs a final tally right away. If you don’t contact her right away, expect to be harassed by BABE AMARAL.

JEANNETTE CLARK, filling in for fellow realtor TOM BAKER, announced that our annual Children's Holiday Gift Program would occur on Thursday, December 15. Members are needed to deliver toys and clothing to over 250 needy kids. You’ll pick up the gifts between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the Bank of Petaluma’s Eastside Branch, deliver them, and then return for refreshments and fellowship. Bring along a friend or loved one to help — but call Tom right away (769-9590) if you didn’t sign up at the meeting.

KEITH SOLTS announced that Rotarians would again man three Salvation Army kettles during the Yule Season. Contact Keith (769-0718) to reserve your time and location for this worthy effort that does so much good for our community.

It’s dictionary time again! That was HARVEY FREETLY’s announcement as he solicited additional members to help distribute a personal dictionary to every third grader in town on Friday, December 9. Call Harvey (762-1042) if you missed the sign-up before the meeting.

STEVE RUSTAD was up next. Seems that Judge LEE BEAN reads the Argus Courier and discovered that Steve has published a new book of Petaluma cartoons. Steve tried to bribe the judge with Cal memorabilia — and even copies of the book — but he still got fined.

The judge took two copies of Steve’s book and gave them to MIKE BADDELEY to auction on the spot. BABE AMARAL and ERIK GUNHEIM were the lucky winners, paying $50 each for a $20 book. But a good cause, your Petaluma Rotary Club, was the beneficiary.

Carrying through on an earlier warning, PRESIDENT LEE assessed a $5 fine on every member that wasn’t wearing the Rotary pin. This prompted a plea for mercy from BARNEY FAUSS who claimed that he always wears his pin, “except for today when I’m wearing my brand new 50-year Masonic pin.” Nice try, but Barney got fined for the Rotary pin infraction and the Masonic landmark.

AL KAPLAN then rose to inquire where he’d find the corner of “Caulfield and Lakefield” where the Salvation Army wanted Rotarians to man a kettle. A surprised KEITH SOLTS rose, noted Al’s service on the local Salvation Army board, and ended up agreeing to split a fine with Al.

TED ADKINS was up next, explaining to an unsympathetic judge his travels to Stockton, Oregon and other exotic locales. Despite a harrowing story of hospital confinement, Ted was nevertheless fined.

Airlifting 5-gallon buckets of blood and guts?

The raffle was for $25 or a bottle of wine. Scratch the wine! One of the Interact guests won and happily walked off with the money.

The program today was on “Shark Tourism” which explained how great white sharks go touring all over the world’s oceans looking for cameras. ERIK GUNHEIM gave an excellent presentation showing how, even though they lack a neck for camera straps, these magnificent creatures actually search for cameras.

A lovely label on every bucket!

PRESIDENT LEE ended the meeting with a reminder that the Club will be dark next Thursday, December 8.