Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
June 5 - Albert Straus - Straus Family Creamery
June 12 - Kathryn Powell - Petaluma Health Center
June 19 - Orest Balytsky - Appearing by popular demand
June 26 - No meeting
June 28 - Debunking
Our PRESIDENT LOU began one of his final meeting by calling the large crowd to order. Apparently, word had spread about our acclaimed speaker.
The President invited TED ADKINS up to belt out an inspired rendition of our club song and God Bless America.
LARRY JONAS delivered his poignant thought for the day.
Lee Reposa introduced our visiting Rotarian.
We had one visiting Rotarian, Lee Fishman from the ‘Hors D’oeuvres Club’ as ERIK GUNHEIM called it.
Ed Fullerton with his grandchild.
We had no fewer than 10 visitors to the club.
Jay Palm, alone at the Birthday Table.
Ted led a round of Happy Birthday.
The announcements were made:
Onita announced that ad space for the Salute to Rotary must be reserved by June 24.
The date for the Debunking is Saturday, June 28th.
The Petaluma Art & Equestrian Festival is July 20th. Please get the word out as it benefits the Petaluma Rotary International projects.
The President being judge and juror whipped out the fine can.
NORM SANTOS was hit for $100 for a wonderful vacation to China. Norm did not help his cause by telling everyone what a great deal he got on the trip thereby leaving a large sum for his fine.
The wonderful wife of CLARK ROSEN had the winning raffle ticket and walked off with a bottle of wine.
Erik introduces the program.
Back by popular demand was GARY ALT, one of the world’s leading bear experts. He spoke about Grizzly and Polar Bears giving all assembled a healthy respect for their power but also mentioning that fewer than three people per year are killed in North America by bears. His website is www.garyaltconsulting.com.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Geoff Ellis.
May 29 - Gary Alt - Polar bears
June 5 - Albert Straus - Straus Family Creamery
June 12 - Kathryn Powell - Petaluma Health Center
June 19 - Orest Balytsky - Appearing by popular demand
June 26 - No meeting
June 28 - Debunking
The pre-meeting activities included the usual dice roll at the club’s watering hole.
President Lou called the meeting to order.
President Water-LOU STEINBERG opened the meeting, . . .
Ted led us in song.
. . . Past-President TED ADKINS-diet led us in song (God Bless America), . . .
Paul pitched in with a thought for the day.
. . . and Past-President PAUL LOUINBOS-trip delivered the invocation.
Handshakes and hugs followed.
A handshake is all it takes to lock into Rick’s sub-prime mortgage deal!
The members all greeted each other, . . .
James brought his wife as a guest.
. . . followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians.
D.G. Elect Ed shows off his new diamond crown and wand as Lou ponders
what this looks like to the young scholarship recipients in the audience.
Better red than ED FULLERTON, our DGN, then thanked the Club for hosting a suite at the very successful District Conference the weekend before last, and went on to explain the ceremonial passing of the "tiara" – Rotary governor humor at its finest!
Barney popped up with something to say.
Past-President BARNEY "Leaky" FAUSS-it then spontaneously rose to pose that age old imponderable "Why do the White Sox wear white socks?" Undaunted, The Prez (who's a huge Black Sox fan, by the way) announced that the next SCARS meeting will be Thursday (5/29) at Fountaingrove – call Secretary STEVE "Adore" OLMSTED. The Club then observed a moment of silence for the recent passing of STEVE LAFRANCHI's mom and STEVE OLMSTED's mother-in-law.
Greta received a Rotary contribution for her organization.
And gave the club this t-shirt in thanks.
GRETA VIGUIE-did he go and Past-President ONITA PELLIGRINI-water then presented the Prez with a $700 check for Rotary International. Thanks, ladies!
Barney has another comment.
Santa Rosa Junior College received a check from the club.
The Prez then proudly presented JANE SALDAŃA-TALLEY-ho (President, SRJC Petaluma campus) with a $25,000.00 check in partial fulfillment of our Club's $75,000 pledge towards the completion of the Rotary Plaza at the SRJC Petaluma campus.
Ron reported on the all-day breakfast.
Steve got all crazy-eyed when President Lou tried to fine him twice for something.
While everyone was watching the money change hands, someone swiped Mike Baddeley's chicken badge!
In a panic, the Prez then capriciously fined all members not wearing their badges $10.00 each . . .
A fine was then extracted from the badgeless Baddeley.
. . . (excepting therefrom your editor who had to pay $5.00 to recover his misappropriated badge!), in a blatant attempt to replenish his depleted coffers.
As well as from other badgeless members.
Scholarship presenter Tom Brandal showed up wearing some sort of Rambo-style faced paint.
Representatives of our Club's Scholarship Committee, including President-Nominee TOM "The Other" BRANDAL, JAMES "Town" BURLESON, GRETA VIGUIE, . . .
And the winner is. . . .
Then it was time to hand out the scholarships.
. . . and Club benefactor Marlene Freetly, then introduced this year’s student scholarship recipients and presented them with their awards, followed by a rousing round of applause for the students . . .
They’re all winners.
Babe points out that President Lou neglected to acknowledge
the presence of the proud parents of the scholarship recipients.
Babe then points out that President Lou neglected to allowthe
proud parents of the scholarship recipients to introduce themselves.
So acknowledged they were.
. . . and their parents for doing such a fine job!
DGN ED FULLERTON gave a Sunshine Report, and we were all pleased to learn that ROY "Elevator" MUSICK was on the mend and doing well after heart surgery. Past-President BABE AMARAL-beauty, a Robert's Rule of Order disciple if ever there was one, called the Prez to task for failing to introduce the visiting Rotarians among us, and, by the power vested in him as a past president, proceeded to summarily fine President LOU $20.00! After introducing the visiting Rotarians, the flustered Prez held the raffle, . . .
John Dado was the winner of the raffle, and a bottle of wine.
. . . and Past-President Long JOHN DADO won the vino.
Clark introduced our guest speaker.
Program Chairman Meadow-CLARK ROSEN then introduced our speaker, . . .
A very interesting program on the McEvoy Olive Ranch.
. . . Ms. Jill Lee, who gave us an informative presentation about the olive oil industry. She received a Rotary memento in appreciation, and an autographed book was donated to the PHS library in her name. Whereupon the aforementioned President LOU adjourned the meeting.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley; Photos and captions by Erik Gunheim.
May 16-18 - District 5130 Conference, San Francisco
May 17 - Visit Club Hospitality Suite, San Francisco, 5pm
May 22 - Jill Lee - McEvoy Olive Ranch
May 29 - Gary Alt - Polar bears
June 5 - Albert Straus - Straus Family Creamery
June 12 - Kathryn Powell - Petaluma Health Center
June 19 - Orest Balytsky - Appearing by popular demand
On the hottest day of the year PRESIDENT LOU called the meeting to order and called on songleader BARNEY FAUSS.
Barney’s God Bless America was followed by JIM BECKER giving an inspirational Thought for the Day on the importance of having a positive attitude.
BRIAN BREEN was next, introducing our lone visiting Rotarian, Rich Ronsheimer from the Ignacio club and a former member of our club.
A special guest today was our exchange student, Pedro Moraes, introduced by RON HARRIS.
ALDEN HENNINGS thanked Rotarians for their support for the mail carriers’ food drive which collected over 125,000 pounds of food for our local Salvation Army.
JIM BECKER touted the Valley Club’s Million Dollar Classic Thursday, May 22 at Rooster Run Golf Club.
District Governor Elect (but not for much longer) ED FULLERTON reminded members of the District Conference this weekend in San Francisco. He’s looking forward to seeing you there.
SHERRY BURWEN just loves her new Rotary purse. She got hers for $55.78 delivered by calling the Russel-Hampton Co. at 913-254-0500. You can too.
JOHN DADO reminded us that applications for grants from the Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation will be received through May 31. He expects that our local foundation will distribute over $20,000 to local non-profits this year. Contact John for more information.
PRESIDENT LOU reminded members of the club social this evening (5-7pm) at NIT ANDERSON’s Banyan Tree in the Golden Eagle Center.
PRESIDENT LOU was a bit startled when he summoned DAVID SOLO up front to receive his chicken badge only to discover that David was wearing a chicken badge. As a former Rotarian, David was issued his badge when he transferred to our club.
But BRIAN BREEN earned his chicken badge the old fashioned way and paid $10 for his shiny, new one.
Long-time member BILL LANE traveled from Sonoma to join us for a rare luncheon appearance. He proudly described a new grandson and pulled out his checkbook for a $100 fine.
Then, without prompting (imagine that!) BARNEY FAUSS rose to say how he envied Bill. He said that one of the unaccomplished things remaining on his “bucket list” was landing a plane on a carrier. Noting that Bill used to do that, he generously offered a matching $100 fine. We think this action checks the carrier landing off Barney’s list.
Flourishing an Argus Courier sports section PRESIDENT LOU called on MIKE BADDELEY. Seems Mike’s daughter, Jordy, scored both runs (with a homer and after her double) in the Petaluma High’s 2-1 victory over Casa Grande. Mike paid $25 for his “Player of the Week” daughter’s exploits.
A puzzled GEOFF ELLIS couldn’t figure why our President wanted to fine him for a non-existent trip. It must have been bum info from brother-in-law RICARDO MARZO who was assessed a $10 fine.
JOHN DADO fessed up to a real trip, two weeks in Turkey with Sharon and 40 friends from the Sonoma County area. John gladly paid a $100 fine to the local foundation.
Sunshine Report: ED FULLERTON reported that ROY MUSICK had heart bypass surgery this morning. He’ll be recuperating at Sutter Medical Center in Santa Rosa for the next few days.
PAUL LOUNIBOS won the raffle, pulled out a brown rock, and walked away with $175.
Program Chair CLARK ROSEN introduced . . .
. . . photographer Roger Gilbert who told us about Art at the Source Open Studios 2008 and his life story of becoming an artist.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
May 15 - Roger Gilbert - "Art at the Source"
May 15 - Rotary Social - Banyan Tree, 5-7pm
May 16-18 - District 5130 Conference, San Francisco
May 17 - Visit Club Hospitality Suite, San Francisco, 5pm
May 22 - Jill Lee - McEvoy Olive Ranch
May 29 - Gary Alt - Polar bears
June 5 - Albert Straus - Straus Family Creamery
June 12 - Kathryn Powell - Petaluma Health Center
June 19 - Orest Balytsky - Appearing by popular demand
The bell sounded at precisely 12:30 and PRESIDENT LOU brought the meeting to order.
ANDY KVALHEIM led us in song with an enthusiastic “God Bless America”.
MICHAEL CARUANA did an excellent job as a last minute fill in for “the thought for the day”.
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.
PRESIDENT LOU announced that there will be an association meeting on May 29th at the Fountaingrove Inn. The topic of the meeting will be the water projects now under way around the world. Please let STEVE know if you would like to attend.
PRESIDENT LOU went on to remind us that the District Conference starts on the 15th of this month in San Francisco.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 15th from 5:00 to 7:00. NIT ANDERSON will host our next social at the Banyon Tree in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center. Please join the members for some wonderful hospitality and fellowship.
The next big event for the members of the Club that worked so hard in the very successful sale of the Crab Feed Raffle Tickets will be held on June 5th at 5:00 at The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University. Your invitations will be arriving in the mail.
Petaluma Valley Rotary Club is hosting a golf tournament and dinner on May 22nd. If you don’t golf, please show the Valley Club your support by signing up for dinner for just $25.
CLARK ROSEN announced that PEF is celebrating National Teacher’s Week, May 11 – May 15. You are invited to make a gift to honor a teacher in support of the Petaluma Educational Foundation. Please call 778-5063 or visit www.pefinfo.com.
It was time for PRESIDENT LOU to start collecting a little cash for the Club. Our wonderful secretary, STEVE OLMSTED, was up in Boomtown for the semi-annual Giacomini Black Jack Tournament. STEVE confessed to a grand total of 1,600 points in the tournament which got him $75. He offered up $20 for the Club but not before ratting on fellow participant, . . .
. . . LORETTA CATAROZOLI. LORETTA only had 1,000 points and received a baseball for her efforts. She did confess to a trip to Palm Desert with husband, Stan. There were no grand kids this time, so the Club received $50.
ERIK GUNHEIM is sort of a celebrity. His nephew, Greyson, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders as a defensive end. Uncle ERIK was coaxed into a $50 donation to the Club.
Where’s MIKE BADDELEY? He better bring his wallet next time he shows up. His famous daughter, Jordy, was headlined in the Argus Courier for a home run which led to the win over rival Casa Grande.
ANDY KVALHEIM went to London via the Queen Mary. He left from New York for the cruise and returned to donate $50 to the Club.
There was no microphone for the poor Rotarians making donations for their adventures. This editor only heard that MICHAEL CARUANA paid $20 for his good fortune.
ALDEN HENNINGS announced that the Salvation Army is out of food. The Post Office is collecting food for them. Please stop by and make a donation.
LARRY JONAS stood up and proudly announced that he just killed three gophers. He just wanted to let the Club know that he was inspired by RALPH SARTORI and the rest of the mighty hunters in the Club. Who does he call to get them mounted?
WILL SOPER was called on next to come to the front of the room. WILL was finally able to shed that blue badge and proudly wear a chicken badge and it only cost him $5.
MICHAEL CARUANA was the lucky winner of the weekly raffle and walked away with a nice bottle of wine.
The program consisted of 5 children from McKinley School with their 4th grade teacher, Ms. Kelly. The 5 children represented their class of 28 students. They each took a turn to thank our very own, PAUL LOUNIBUS, for helping them be better students.
MR. PAUL came forward to accept a very large thank you card from the very appreciative class.
CLARK ROSEN added with a request to increase our presence at McKinley School. They are only asking for an hour per week. Please let CLARK know if you can help.
ONITA PELLEGRINI talked about the PAUL HARRIS Fellowship Program. It only takes $1,000 to become a PAUL HARRIS Fellow. The program helps the International Program. Remember, the Club will donate matching funds.
PRESIDENT LOU reminded us of the different programs we support. A few of them are the Interact Clubs, the Rotoract Clubs, RYLA and the Youth Exchange Program. There is also a new program called Cool Kids Camp. This camp takes abused kids from poor families and treats them to a week of love. The cost per child is $450.
The meeting was adjourned. See ya next week.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE Sharon Dado's father, Ernest Burmester, passed away on April 22. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Parent Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, Petaluma. Obituary |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Loretta Catarozoli.
May 8 - Another interesting program
May 15 - Roger Gilbert - "Art at the Source"
May 22 - Jill Lee - McEvoy Olive Ranch
May 29 - Gary Alt - Polar bears
The 2008 version of the all day breakfast was another fantastic opportunity for the Rotarians to come together in an environment of camaraderie. We served a nice cross-section of the Petaluma community and the funds that are raised provide an enduring service for the kids of our town. Congratulations on another successful year. It is truly a great tradition.
We had one of the largest crowds in our history. PAT SCHAEFER and JIM McCAFFEREY dutifully served many of the ravenous Petalumans devouring the pancakes and sausage that are staples of our all day breakfast.
STEVE LAFRANCHI coordinated the dining room and actually brought order to what should have been chaos.
There was some mysterious clear liquid in the fridge that was being touted by Past-President BABE.
The evening brought stalwarts DAN LIBARLE and PAUL RAMATICI working the grill and delighting the patrons served during the dinner rush.
TOM BRANDAL took his turn at the stove and performed admirably.
It was great to see the families that attend and the room fill up. The serving line and waiters were kept extremely busy throughout the evening but still managed to scare up a little fun.
The kitchen is a well oiled machine once it gets going and we have the veterans of many years of all day breakfasts to thank for that.
RON HARRIS did a fabulous job throwing the whole event together . . .
. . . and RALPH SARTORI kept everything operating smoothly. Great job everyone. We'll do it again in 2009!!!
A Special Thank You to all Rotarians for helping make this year's Breakfast very successful, and to think we had fun making it happen for the children. This year's attendance was the highest since 2004. Ralph Sartori |
For more breakfast photos click here.
Grant requests for the Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation are now being accepted through May 31. Non- profit organizations in the Petaluma High School District attendance area may submit a request. There is no formal form, applicants should summarize their request in a few paragraphs with itemized costs and send it to 1323 I Street (John Dado’s home.) |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Geoff Ellis (adapted from Geoff's 2007 report).
