May 2006

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

May 25, 2006

COMING EVENTS

June 1 - Connie Heizer introduces an interesting program
June 8 - Loretta Catarozoli introduces an interesting program
June 15 - Connie Heizer introduces an interesting program
June 22 - Clark Rosen introduces an interesting program
June 29 - Dark today; Debunking tomorrow
June 30 - Debunking

PRESIDENT LEE BEAN started off the meeting and asked ; . . .

           . . . ANDY KVALHEIM to lead us in song. After a rousing rendition of “God Bless America”,

           . . . DOUG GARRISON gave us some introspective words from John F Kennedy – questions we should all ask ourselves about whether we are doing the right thing and if we have the courage to make things right.

God Bless America en español?

In his weekly interruption, BARNEY FAUSS was fined $5 for inviting ; . . .

           . . . DAVE AMUNDSEN to the birthday table.

PRESIDENT LEE BEAN gave us a recap from the recent District Conference, highlighting some awards given to the Club –

           . . . HARVEY FREETLY was recognized as the Rotarian of the Year for our district. In his usual low-key manner, HARVEY praised all those who help with the Dictionary Program, especially TAWNY TESCONI. We all know that HARVEY is the genius behind this program and wheel that keeps it going. Congratulations! Our Club was also recognized for Outstanding Service-International Projects. Thank you to the Thailand and Guatemala participants.

STEVE CARLTON gave a very nice Craft Talk. His leadership in mentoring youth is impressive and it is clearly a passion in his life.

PRESIDENT LEE reminded us to settle our accounts before the end of his reign.

"We bought the HATchery Building."

JAY PALM was fined $50 for moving out of Petaluma to newer digs in Penngrove.

GEOFF ELLIS, ERIC GUNHEIM and ; . . .

           . . . this editor were asked to re-cap the recent canoe debacle (race). After some discussion of the facts  . . .

"You did what in the barn?"

           . . . and a phone call from BABE AMARAL, PRESIDENT LEE levied a hefty fine of $100 each for ELLIS, MARZO AND JAMES BURLESON – applications are now being accepted for next year’s Rotary Canoe Race. Good luck.

Carrie Pierson was fined for being a snow bunny.

RICK VAN BEBBER won the raffle and a bottle of wine - $400 next week!

JOANNE FERRIS introduced our guest speaker,

           . . . exchange student, Veronica Levy. Veronica gave a great talk on her life in Argentina and her impressions of life in Petaluma. She is a bright student with an even brighter future. Her year in Petaluma helped dispel the international myth that all Americans are money hungry materialistic imperialists – only some of us are.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS.

P.S. Did anyone notice that Steve OLMSTED looked a lot like JOHN DADO?

May 25 - Veronica Levy - Rotary Youth Exchange, Argentina
June 1 - Connie Heizer introduces an interesting program
June 8 - Loretta Catarozoli introduces an interesting program
June 15 - Connie Heizer introduces an interesting program
June 22 - Clark Rosen introduces an interesting program
June 29 - Dark today; Debunking tomorrow
June 30 - Debunking

In a preview of the coming year, PRESIDENT LEE stepped aside and called on President-Elect TAWNY TESCONI to preside over today’s meeting. With a crisp ring of the bell she called on

           . . . KEITH SOLTS to lead the opening song.

Then it was TOM BRANDAL giving his Thought for the Day in which he pondered on weighty matters such as why men have nipples.

While there were no visiting Rotarians for MARY ANN SHOEMAKER to introduce, three Rotarians brought spouses. Rising first to atone for last week’s faux pas,

           . . . ED FULLERTON introduced Carol.

Then PRESIDENT LEE introduced Oralee and

           . . . MICHAEL CARUANA introduced Diane.

JOHN DADO reminded members that applications for local Foundation grants must be received by May 31.

PRESIDENT LEE, anxious to close the books on the 2005-06 Club year, asked members to pay promptly for meetings they have missed and not made up.

TAWNY reminded members of the Petaluma Valley golf tournament next Thursday afternoon (May 25) and announced our Club’s tournament at the Country Club on August 14. She reminded new members of the upcoming Fireside Chat at ONITA PELLEGRINI’s home on June 1.

TAWNY advised that HEIDI KIBBE was recuperating after surgery on both knees (ouch!) and would be off her feet for a while. In yet another announcement she reminded members of the opportunity to double Paul Harris Fellow contributions with matching funds from the Club. Act quickly!

LARRY JONAS presented a vignette from Rotary history, describing events from 1910 to 1912 that made Rotary an international organization. His presentation was interrupted by a ringing cell phone.

Carol Fullerton fingers the culprit.

An embarrassed ED FULLERTON assessed himself a $10 fine which he offered to LARRY to donate to the Club.

Then the fining began in earnest. RICK MOSSI

           . . . and JIM BECKER paid $100 and $25 respectively for being honored at the recent Chamber of Commerce centennial celebration.

PRESIDENT LEE confessed to being of little help when

           . . . Oralee baked cookies for the recent Super Raffle party and paid a $25 fine.

Past President KIP HERZOG was fined $10 for his non-role in the cookie caper.

A cold sober STEVE OLMSTED was fined $10 for the confusion over the site of today’s meeting. It seems that earlier scheduling for an all-clubs meeting at the fairgrounds resulted in the Vets bartender being a no-show today.

Also sober, TOM (“Tequila”) BAKER paid $100 for a recent fishing trip to Mexico and another $25 for a wedding trip (not his!) to Spokane.

A surprised AL CATTALINI surrendered $20 after admitting to returning from a trip to Disneyland.

GEORGE BUNNELL drew a blue rock for a bottle of wine which makes next week’s raffle potentially worth $375.

PRESIDENT LEE introduced

           . . . MICHAEL CARUANA who treated us to Drinkers of the Wind, an outstanding presentation on Arabian horses. Thanks, Michael!

May 18 - Michael Caruana - Arabian horses
May 25 - Veronica Levy - Rotary Youth Exchange, Argentina
June 1 - Another interesting program
June 8 - Another interesting program

The meeting was called to order by our Fearless Leader LEROY “The Judge” BEAN. One could sense that Leroy was on the downhill side of calling meetings together. After all only seven more meetings will “The Judge” be able to sentence our members.

HERB BUNDENSEN was called forward to lead us in song. Herb announced that we should all know by now which song to sing. Those in attendance all started singing “God Bless America”.

PRESIDENT LEROY then called CHRIS BLAKESLEE forward to give “The Thought for The Day.” Chris started talking about “Sam McGee” but this was not “The Thought for The Day.” Then Chris talked about ships, swimming and who knows what. Finally Chris reminded us that “FRIENDSHIP” is very special. It is viewed and given in many ways, but it is so very special to all of us.

Phone Gate. At this point someone’s cell phone started ringing. BARNEY FAUSS stepped into action (with the approval of PRESIDENT LEROY) and found the table where the culprit was. One by one the members at the table were given the Four-Way Test.

Finally, CARRIE PIERSON confessed to the ringing phone. Carrie paid $10.00 and Barney was fined $5.00 for taking too long to solve the case.

Visiting Rotarians were introduced by HARVEY FREETLY. Harvey first commented that he never thought PRESIDENT LEROY would get to him, as the “Phone Gate” crime took so long to solve. Harvey introduced visiting Rotarians from: the Novato, Petaluma Valley, and Petaluma Sunrise Clubs.

PRESIDENT LEROY then asked Rotarians with guests to introduce their guest. AL RICHARDS and TOM BRANDAL introduced their guests.

Then just as PRESIDENT LEROY started to speak, District Governor To Be ED FULLERTON stood up and asked if he could introduce his guest. Ed then introduced his wife Carol.

Announcements: RICHARD MARZO announced that there were still openings for the St. Vincent’s Golf Tournament next Friday May 19th. Call Richard if interested 763-1515.

Jim O’Grady from the Petaluma Valley Club invited all to a Special Golf Tournament to be held at Rooster Run. It’s 9 (par three) holes, starting at 4:00 P.M. One lucky golfer will get a chance at shooting for $1,000,000.00. Check the Petaluma Valley calendar for more information.

PRESIDENT LEROY then thanked all for their support of last week's “ALL DAY BREAKFAST.” The event raised over $6,500.

Past President ONITA PELLEGRINI was then called forward to induct our newest member, STEVE CARLTON, into the club. All in attendance gave Steve a warm welcome.

PRESIDENT LEROY then called on ROBERT MITCHELL

           . . . and JIM BECKER to report on the Guatemala project. Robert and Jim thanked all who contributed to the project. They reported that some people in Guatemala did not accept the project to be worthwhile, but those who benefited from the project were very thankful.

Petaluma Rotary Foundation. JOHN DADO reported that The Foundation Allocations of Funds for Community Projects must be submitted by May 31, 2006. These funds are available only those in the Petaluma High School attendance area. This year there is $9,000.00 available. Requests should be sent to:

Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation
c/o John H. Dado
1323 I Street
Petaluma, CA 94952

Past President ONITA PELLEGRINI then reported that the club would match any member’s donation toward a “Paul Harris Fellow”. Contact Onita if interested.

PRESIDENT LEROY then fined RON HARRIS for being elected to the Board of Directors of an Eye Care Association.

PAUL LOUNIBOS was fined for retiring on April 28th after 40 years and 3 months of working in the Petaluma area. Paul will celebrate 40 years of marriage in the near future. Congratulations Paul!

Raffle: BARNEY FAUSS thought he had the right ticket but it was discovered that Barney has trouble with threes and fives.

HARVEY FREETLY’s guest Bob got a chance for the $325, but walked away with a bottle of wine instead.

Petaluma Police Chief STEVE HOOD then introduced

           . . . our guest speaker Diana Gomez. Diana works in the District Attorney's office and spoke on “Gangs.” The problem is getting bigger as many gang members start out at age 10 to 12. Last year over 30,000 felony cases were reviewed with 20,000 of those being filed. About 40% being gang related. Diana encouraged anyone with gang Graffiti on his or her property to remove it as soon as possible.

May 11 - Stephan Passalacqua - Sonoma County District Attorney
May 18 - Michael Caruana - Arabian horses
May 25 - Veronica Levy - Rotary Youth Exchange, Argentina

We may have lost a few bodies to the Petaluma Chapter of Realtors Golf Tournament, but the All Day Breakfast was in full swing at the lunch hour when I arrived with my family and friends.

Steve Olmsted enjoys breakfast with friends.

The Vets hall was packed with people who look forward to this annual event.

It’s a great meal for a great cause at a fair price.

President Lee and Harvey Freetly welcome visiting PDG Norm Owen.

PRESIDENT LEE was greeting guests, shaking hands and making sure everyone was doing their job.

Jim Mickelson.

Breakfast Chairman, JIM MICKELSON, was busy cracking eggs by the crate full and keeping an eye the crew. JAMES GOTELLI kept the crowd happy with his speedy delivery of their lunch.

Heidi Kibbe, Art Lafranchi, Tom Baker.

Kathy Burroughs and Lou Steinberg busy cooking.

Kathy mugs while Babe kibitzes.

After my belly was full and my grandson had his fill of strawberries (thanks to his new best friend, Mary McCaffrey), I started my shift. The 1:30 to 4:30 shift is a little slow, so it’s time to regroup before the dinner crowd. Thanks to hard working, HENRY HANSEL, most of the tables had fresh new place settings. HARVEY FREETLEY did a great job cleaning up after each person left. He was also caught eating a pancake jelly sandwich.

Fred Wulff serves coffee.

NANCY KOENITZER survived the lunch crowd and still looked great flipping those delicious pancakes. JOANNE FERRIS kept busy restocking all the condiments on the tables. Those syrup jars were mighty sticky. Keeping them warm in hot water was a nice touch. ALDEN HENNING kept the eggs fresh and moist.

Heidi, Art, Kathy and Tom on the line.

Heidi at home on the range.

When asked how the morning went, JIM MICKELSON quickly gave praise to AL BATTAGLIA. He outserved everyone two to one. CHRIS ALBERTSON, MICHAEL CARUANA, ONITA PELLIGRINI, BARNEY FAUSS AND RICH JOHNSON also kept the morning crowd happy.

Art and Tom carefully measure secret ingredient.

Judi Allewelt offers service with a smile.

Marcus Benedetti and Norm Santos flash their smiles.

As my shift came to a close, the evening crew began to arrive. STEVE HENRIS, PAUL RAMATICI, DAN LIBARLE, RICARDO MARZO AND GEOFF ELLIS were taking their places in the night time production. NANCY remained on the pancake line. I’m sure the evening was a huge success.

Ralph Sartori.

Thanks to everyone that helped make the day possible. Congratulations to RALPH SARTORI and JIM MICKELSON on a wonderful job. The whole town looks forward to this day. They know the profits from this day will benefit our community.