November 2007

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

November 29, 2007

COMING EVENTS

December 1 - Rotary Holiday Party
December 6 - DARK (replaced by December 1 Holiday Party)
December 13 - Elece Hempel, Petaluma People Services Center
December 20 - Holiday Music
December 27 - DARK (Christmas)
January 3, 2008 - Lynn King

Tom has his usual at the club's watering hole before the meeting.

With Zen-like concentration, Lou prepares himself
to cross the half-way mark in his presidency.

Prez LOU STEINBERG clanged (the bell) to open the meeting, . . .

. . . HERB BUNDESEN sang (the song – God Bless America), . . .

Larry gave the thought for the day by recalling how his plumber father
once misrepresented the quality of a water heater that he sold
to a senior citizen.

. . . and LARRY JONAS harangued (the Thought for the Day).

After the customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst members, . . .

. . . TOM BUCKLEY introduced (the visiting Rotarians), Secretary STEVE OLMSTED deduced . . .

. . . (the November Birthday Babes), and the Prez' call for announcements produced:

          • TOM BAKER's reminder of the Children's Holiday Gift gift-wrapping on 12/15 @ 9:00 a.m. at Bank of Petaluma (S. McDowell Blvd. Branch) – contact Tom if you can help;

          • JEANETTE CLARK's promotion of the annual Realtor's fundraiser breakfast (12/7, Friday), the proceeds of which go to our Children's Holiday Gift program;

          • BRIDGET DOHERTY's solicitation of volunteers for handing out dictionaries at the local elementary schools the week of December 10-14 – please call Bridget ASAP if you can help;

          • RON HARRIS' introduction of . . .

Pedro thanked us for our support.

. . . our Club's exchange student (Pedro) from Brazil;

          • BANO CUMMINGS’ exhortation of the benefits of Rotary Interact’s free gift wrapping fundraiser (contact Bano for details);

          • The Prez' first call to the post for all members who want to attend our Club's Day at the Races on 1/11/08; and

          • KATHY O'CONNOR's last call regarding the annual Holiday Party on Saturday evening (12/1/) @ The Sheraton Hotel – 6:00 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. dinner.

DGN ED FULLERTON and the Prez then respectively reported:

          • Sunshine Report – JOHN DADO was ill, but is recovering and will be back soon, and DAN LIBARLE is on the mend and hippier than ever after his recent hip replacement surgery.

          • The annual Rotary International Foundation (South) dinner will be held on 1/12 @ the Friedman Center – contact STEVE OLMSTED if you want to attend, and be sure to see ONITA PELLEGRINI for RI raffle tickets (remember, the cost of the tickets are credited to your Paul Harris Fellowship account).

Will . . . in hopes of finally getting his chicken badge.

New member WILL SOPER cavorted (according to his craft talk), and the Prez finally resorted to fining . . .

          . . . 1) JOANNE FERRIS an additional $40.00 for winning $100 at the St. Vincent's Big Event bash, which winnings she had already generously donated to the Club in toto (geez – can't wait to see what the Prez does to her when he finds out about her recent trip to Hawaii!!), and . . .

          . . . 2) AL KAPLAN for cruising down to Mexico for Thanksgiving and enjoying a big stuffed… burrito with all the trimmin’s – the contrite Cap't Al contributed muy dinero ($500.00) to the Club Dictionary program in appeasement thereof.

The raffle ticket was drawn by our guest speaker, Tom Stubbs.

The raffle was then won . . .

          . . . (2 bottles of wine by JIM McCAFFREY), the program begun . . .

Tom gave a very interesting and entertaining
talk on his off-the-grid winery.

          . . . (with the introduction of our speaker, Tom Stubbs,

          . . . by STEVE RUSTAD), . . .

A curious place where they decapitate chickens, eat llamas, and produce organic wine.

. . . and the meeting done (after a book was donated to the PHS Library in the speaker's name for a great presentation) but not before we were reminded that:

                There once was a President named Lou,
                who obviously has little to do,
                But on a lark,
                he made us dark,
                So now there's no meeting on 12/6--boo hoo!!

Until next time, may all your drinks be frosty, and may all your frosties be snowmen!!

November 29 - Tom Stubbs, Stubbs Vineyard: Harnessing the Power of Wind & Sun
December 1 - Rotary Holiday Party
December 6 - DARK (replaced by December 1 Holiday Party)
December 13 - Elece Hempel, Petaluma People Services Center

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

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

JIM BECKER gave “the thought for the day”. He reminded us to always say “thank you” and be grateful to be able to get up and have something to do.

The usual hugs and handshakes quickly followed. The friendly crowd needed a tap of the bell to settle down. JUDI ALLEWELT introduced the visiting Rotarians. The Rotarians with guests were then introduced.

KATHY O’CONNOR reminded everyone to RSVP for the upcoming Holiday Party on December 1st at the Sheraton. Give her a call or respond on-line. Remember, we’ll have a meeting on November 25th and be dark on December 5th.

JOHN DADO announced that the dictionary distribution to every 3rd grader in the Petaluma area will take place the week of the December 10th. Feel free to call John with the days you’d be available to help. The sign-up sheets should be available by the next meeting. There were 38,000 dictionaries ordered for distribution this year nationally.

JOHN proceeded to tell us to mark our calendars for January 11th. It’s time for the horse races at Golden Gate Fields. It’s a Tri –Club event, so let JOHN know as soon as you can. The cost is $65 and includes the bus ride, a fabulous lunch and the entrance fee.

ED FULLERTON was happy to share his experience at the Festival of Brotherhood in Guadalajara. He and 61 other members of the District made the trip. He brought back a flag and wonderful memories of the warm welcome they received. He visited the dental clinic that we help create.

It was easy for PRESIDENT LOU to get some cash from ED after his heart warming trip. ED volunteered $100 to the Foundation and $50 towards his fine schedule.

Two of the Interact students from Petaluma High School were next to give an announcement. They will be wrapping gifts every weekend from 10:00 to 4:00 until Christmas in front of K-Mart. They are raising funds for their “Adopt a Village Project”. Click for information.

Where’s DAN LIBARLE? PRESIDENT LOU let us know that DAN had a hip replacement in San Francisco. He should be home resting by now.

GRETA VIGUIE reminded everyone to bid on the opportunity to name parks & trails, plus a community center in KB Homes new Quarry Heights community. All proceeds will be used for improvements to the Petaluma and Casa Grande High School stadiums.

JOHN DADO was called on again. PRESIDENT LOU spotted JOHN’S wife, Sharon, driving a new car. JOHN also recently attended his 50th year class reunion from USF (That’d be the class of ‘57). All that good stuff cost him $100.

PAUL LOUNIBOS had the winning raffle ticket. That’s two weeks in a row. Last week he walked away with the cash. This time he picked a blue rock for a bottle of wine.

CLARK ROSEN introduced our gust speaker, Bill Hammerman. Bill gave us some interesting information on how be prepared for a major disaster. Is your family Safe + Trained + Alert + Ready? (STAR). For additional information visit http://www.petalumanert.org.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Loretta Catarozoli.

November 8, 2007

COMING EVENTS

November 15 - Bill Hammerman and Bill Paxton: "How Do We Prepare for a Local Disaster?"
November 22 - DARK (Thanksgiving)
November 29 - Tom Stubbs, Stubbs Vineyard: Harnessing the Power of Wind & Sun
December 1 - Rotary Holiday Party
December 6 - DARK (replaced by December 1 Holiday Party)

PRESIDENT LOU opened the meeting by calling on a rookie song leader, MICHAEL CARUANA, who promptly confessed to not being able “to carry a tune in a basket.” HERB BUNDESEN, quietly waiting in the wings, stepped up to do the job — but not before Michael announced that we’d be singing that patriotic song that ends with a question. What was going on here? And what song ended in a question?

MICHAEL then held an impressive legal certificate over his head and announced that it was the fiftieth anniversary of his becoming an American citizen.

When HERB started into our National Anthem, the one remaining question was answered.

MICHAEL remained at the podium to deliver his Thought for the Day. He explained how his family had emigrated from Malta when he was nine and how he spent the next five years preparing for U.S. citizenship. He emphasized that U.S. citizenship was a privilege and not an entitlement. He stressed the importance of quickly learning English and observed that lack of a common language leads to misunderstanding which leads to mistrust which leads to conflict.

Three visiting Rotarians joined us for lunch. Jerry Porter, from Petaluma Sunrise, announced his club’s second annual Cioppino Feast. He seemed unaware that the December 1 date conflicted with our Holiday Party. He didn’t sell any tickets and escaped with a $5 fine. George Mendoza from the San Rafael Club lunched with us again. He’ll be transferring his membership here when the paperwork gets completed. You’ll hear about the third visiting Rotarian a bit later.

The Sonoma County Association of Rotary Clubs has its November dinner meeting on Thursday, November 15 at the Sheraton Petaluma. Petaluma Sunrise is the host club for this event. Click here for more information and contact STEVE OLMSTED ASAP if you wish to attend.

We observed a moment of silence for Don Marquardt whose funeral was today. Don was the husband of local Rotarian Liz Marquardt and the father-in-law of our STEVE GAVRILOFF.

Filling in for JOHN DADO who, along with several other members was attending the funeral, PRESIDENT LOU reminded members of our annual outing to Golden Gate Fields. It’s coming up on Friday, January 11, 2008. You’ll be hearing more from John about Rotary Day at the Races.

DAVE AMUNDSEN reminded members to get their reservations (and checks!) to him for our December 1 Holiday Party at the Petaluma Sheraton. You can make your reservations (or send your regrets) online by clicking here.

Astute LARRY JONAS studied the Cioppino Feast brochure for a while and observed that V. Dolan Trucking was listed as a sponsor of this competing event. He accordingly demanded that TOM BRANDAL be fined

TOM rose, proudly explained his family’s involvement in providing the recipe, and escaped getting fined. Had Larry been more astute he would have noted that Edward Jones, Parent Sorensen, and Minuteman Press were also sponsors.

Of course, had LARRY been really astute he would have never brought up the subject and would have escaped paying a $20 fine.

Next it was time for an old-timer’s craft talk. STEVE OLMSTED took the podium commenting, “It’s a slow day today!” He started by emphasizing that there is no “A” in Olmsted and went on to explain that his Puritan ancestors emigrated from Denmark to England and then to America, arriving on our shores in the 1600s. The Olmsted clan fought in a number of wars and produced the first “white baby” born in Two Rock Valley. His grandfather, publisher of the Petaluma Argus, was a founding member of the Petaluma Rotary Club in 1923. Steve has printers ink in his veins, graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in print technology, and, for many years, owned the House of Printing. He’s the proud father of five daughters and one son and delights in a number of grandchildren. He also delights in an unusual hobby which he refused to discuss. Steve joined our Club in 1969 and has been Club Secretary since Kip Herzog drafted him in 1998.

Ever hear of being fined by proxy? Well it happened today. It seems that at a recent St. Vincent’s fundraiser JOANNE FERRIS and NANCY KOENITZER competed in a coin flipping contest. Joanne won $100 and knew the word would get out and that she’d be fined. With both Joanne and Nancy absent today, ONITA PELLEGRINI cheerfully stood in and surrendered Joanne’s $100 as a fine.

Lucky PAUL LOUNIBOS pulled the brown rock out of the bag and won the entire jackpot. Unfortunately for Paul it was Week One and the jackpot stood at $25. We’ll start again next week with another $25 in the kitty.

CLARK ROSEN introduced Dr. Colette Bizal, Director of Sky Hill Institute School of Wholistic Healing Arts in downtown Petaluma. Dr. Bizal, a member of the Petaluma Sunrise club (there’s your third visitor!) presented an interesting program titled "Good Fat, Bad Fat, What Fat?"

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.

November 1, 2007

COMING EVENTS

November 8 - Bill Hammerman and Bill Paxton: "How Do We Prepare for a Local Disaster?"
November 15 - Dr. Colette Bizal: "Good Fat, Bad Fat, What Fat?"
November 22 - DARK (Thanksgiving)
November 29 - Tom Stubbs, Stubbs Vineyard: Harnessing the Power of Wind & Sun
December 1 - Rotary Holiday Party
December 6 - DARK (replaced by December 1 Holiday Party)

The meeting was opened by PRESIDENT LOU and he brought up . . .

. . . first-time song leader JAMES BURLESON for his vocal stylings. The gathering was treated to Rambler and God Bless America. Great job James—we look forward to more.

The very thoughtful MIKE BADDELEY presented the thought for the day.

City councilman David Rabbitt was introduced as a guest.

This month’s anniversaries were announced. Congratulations to RALPH SARTORI, TOM BRANDAL, JOSEPH MOORE, SHERRIE BERWYN and MIKE BADDELEY for continued marital bliss. PRESIDENT LOU struggled a little with the math on Mr. Baddeley’s anniversary.

Club announcements were as follows:

Michael White is working with Interact on their gift wrap project.

The date for the gift wrapping for our annual Christmas gifting is yet to be announced. We do need donations of wrapping paper and ribbons.

Despite Friendship Feast no-shows, Roy Musick is still smiling.

The Friendship Feasts were roundly cheered although the turnout was a little bit lower than we had hoped for.

ED FULLERTON will be hosting a makeup event with the date TBD.

ROBERT MITCHELL had a group of 10 people over for beef stroganoff and a great time was had by all.

You haven't seen the last of Clark Rosen today.

The Petaluma Business/Education mixer is taking place 11/14 from 5-7 at the Women’s Club. This is a great chance for the business community to come together with the educators of our community to discuss topics of mutual interest and to make contacts.

GRETA announced the fundraising auction for the naming rights to parks, roads and a community center to be developed by KB Homes. The monies raised will go toward the improvement of the Casa and Petaluma stadiums.

PRESIDENT LOU put on his collection hat and the membership was feeling generous:

CLARK ROSEN paid a ‘talent fee’ of $50 for working his clarinet at a recent cocktail hour.

JAMES BURLESON contributed $200 for taking Rotarians away from last week’s meeting with a trip over to Sonoma for lunch and golf viewing. It was reportedly a very interesting day but James was not coming clean with any incriminating information. Perhaps the $200 was a sort of hush fee.

Alden Hennings rises to make a profound observation.

The raffle was drawn, JIM BECKER strolled to the podium and out came the brown rock and Jim walked with the cash. He did not respond to a few jeers compelling him to donate the winnings.

Clark Rosen introduces our guest speaker.

We had a great program from Ellie Lichenstein, the Artistic Director for the Cinnabar Theater. She detailed the illustrious history of this Petaluma jewel that many of us did not know much about. We should all be compelled to go see a program there.

With that, PRESIDENT LOU sent us to an early recess.

This week's Rota-Teller editor: Geoff Ellis.