Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
July 2 - Dark
July 9 - President Tom Brandal's first meeting; Club meets at Mister McGoo's
July 16 - Marcus Benedetti - A History of Clover-Stornetta Farms and the State of the Dairy Industry
It was a beautiful June night in downtown Penngrove as friends and family of RALPH SARTORI joined our members to salute our outgoing President — and welcome incoming President TOM BRANDAL. The Penngrove Community Clubhouse was festively decorated to celebrate the culmination of the Petaluma Rotary Club’s 86th year. Yes, it was Debunking 2009!
Huge slabs of beef roasted on the outdoor grill, drinks flowed at the bar, conversations sparkled across the room, and — of course — there was cheese.
RALPH brought in his special crew of Ed Cardoza, JAY PALM, Alan Brodie, Jimmy Moreda, Fred Corda and Bobby Moyer to prepare a delicious dinner with grilled salmon and tossed salad to accompany the magnificent beef. And then there was Joey Giacomini with his yummy homemade ice cream.
After dessert PRESIDENT RALPH called his final meeting to order . . .
. . . and invited BARNEY FAUSS and HERB BUNDESEN to lead the crowd in song.
Outgoing DISTRICT GOVERNOR ED FULLERTON led the pledge to the flag and MIKE BADDELEY gave the Thought for the Day.
It must have been MIKE’s visage that broke the camera ‘cause that’s when it gave up the ghost. Your hapless photographer borrowed a cell phone and tried to continue. Please excuse the results!
RALPH began the introduction of visitors by introducing his family, “The funny people at the two front tables.” Famiglia Sartori was well represented. In addition to wife Teresa, there were RALPH’s siblings Shirley, Barbara, and Duane, Teresa’s identical (if not twin) sister Pat, and RALPH and Teresa’s five children, Deanne, Ralph, Amy, Angela, and Janelle.
TOM BRANDAL introduced his family and then Rotarians around the room introduced their spouses and other special guests. As the guests outnumbered the Rotarians you can imagine how long this took. The line we were waiting to hear: “My spouse couldn’t be here tonight; he/she’s hiking the Appalachian Trail.”
Debunking Committee chair, BABE AMARAL took the stage to begin the debunking. He began by introducing assistant chair JOANNE FERRIS, and committee members SHERRY BURWEN, STEVE HENRIS, MARY ANN SHOEMAKER, JAMES BURLESON, and MICHAEL NISTLER. BABE proceeded to initiate fining RALPH. The charges: No milk served, no salt and pepper, and no horseradish. JOANNE responded that "everything was seasoned perfectly" and the crowd cheered. With that verdict RALPH was pardoned.
DAVID SOLO was up next to announce new Paul Harris recipients: TOM BAKER (2nd), DAVID BARBIERI (2nd), MARCUS BENEDETTI (2nd), SHERRY BURWEN (3rd), JOANNE FERRIS, MARLENE FREETLY (2nd), ED FULLERTON (5th), KIP HERZOG (4th), DAN LIBARLE (2nd), PAUL LOUNIBOS (4th), DON RAMATICI (2nd), and MARY ANN SHOEMAKER (2nd).
Up next was RALPH’s daughter, Amy, to tell stories about growing up with Dad (“Never a dull moment in this family.”).
Then RALPH’s sister, Barbara, presented another perspective of growing up with RALPH.
But there’s more! RALPH’s sisters and sister-in-law filled in more of the story with a clever song and dance routine.
Finally, younger brother Duane presented a meticulously researched audio-visual presentation on RALPH’s life. Now we know RALPH in a whole new way!
With the living history ended BABE presented RALPH with his farewell gift from the club, an indescribable barbecue grill that can also be described as unforgettable. Thanking the Club for the gift, RALPH thanked the Club membership for their support during the year, noting the fun we had while doing lots of good, including the distribution of over $56,000 in good works to needy causes here and abroad. He concluded by noting his theme for the year, “Make Dreams Real . . . especially for the Children.”
PRESIDENT RALPH then presented thank-you gifts (big shopping bags full of goodies — cheese?) to his board members STEVE OLMSTEAD, JOHN DADO, BABE AMARAL, GARY BRODIE, MICHAEL CARUANA, BRIDGET DOHERTY, JOANNE FERRIS, STEVE HENRIS, RICARDO MARZO, JAY PALM, and MARY ANN SHOEMAKER.
Next it was time for the pins. (How could BABE break a Past President pin into three pieces?) Well it ended up with RALPH wearing BABE’s Past President pin and new PRESIDENT TOM BRANDAL wearing RALPH’s former pin.
PRESIDENT TOM took over the meeting, introduced his board (Secretary STEVE OLMSTED, Treasurer/Past President JOHN DADO, and Directors JUDI ALLEWELT, WALLY BRAGDON, BRIAN BREEN, GARY BRODIE, JAMES BURLESON, BRIDGET DOHERTY, JAMES GOTELLI, AL KAPLAN, ONITA PELLEGRINI, DAVID SOLO, and WILL SOPER) and gave some brief remarks.
Then he pinned his President Elect pin on CLARK ROSEN and Debunking 2009 was over.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
June 25 - Club dark
June 26 - Debunking
July 2 - Dark
July 9 - President Tom Brandal's first meeting; Club meets at Mister Magoo's
July 16 - Marcus Benedetti - A History of Clover-Stornetta Farms and the State of the Dairy Industry
PRESIDENT RALPH SARTORI welcomed all to the last regular meeting of his reign, which seems to have begun only yesterday.
We were led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by FRED WULFF.
TED ADKINS warmed us up with “I’m a Rambler . . .” and then gave us that magical starting pitch that allows everyone to find a comfortable octave for “God Bless America.”
Absent a scheduled Thought for the Day but rarely without something on his mind, PRESIDENT RALPH reflected on a great Rotary year, ending with a reminder to keep America’s fighting forces in our thoughts and to tell our family members how much we love them.
LARRY JONAS delivered a Sunshine Report on DAVE AMUNDSEN, recovering from a heart attack and surgeries to install stents and a pacemaker. As much as he may be enjoying life as the Bionic Man, DAVE would be happy to hear from friends at 707-283-2931.
Most of those with June birthdays managed to find their way to the birthday table. Oddly enough, they did look little older than most of the other club members.
PRESIDENT RALPH reminded us that the upcoming Arts and Equestrian Festival on Sunday, July 19, will be an important event for the benefit of our club and deserves participation by all.
President-Elect TOM BRANDAL introduced the influential and powerful people who will aid and abet his plans for the coming year, a most impressive-looking Board of Directors.
LEE REPOSA asked for all available hands to help serve the hungry teens at the RYLA event on Wednesday, June 24.
RICARDO MARZO made a pitch for ad contributions to the special annual Rotary section of Argus Courier, offering assistance with artwork, layout, etc. No, there was no offer of financial aid.
Special recognition and tokens of appreciation were given by our president to the staff of Preferred Sonoma Caterers for the tasty meals and friendly service throughout the year . . .
. . . and to Veterans Memorial Auditorium facilities manager Larry Meaney for ably seeing to our needs during his tenure.
While outgoing U.S. presidents customarily hand out last-minute pardons to felons, our club president wasn’t quite through with fines. Among those feeling the sting were ROY MUSICK, whose lovely wife Linda lost her earrings at one Rotary event but managed to hang on to a ringing cell phone at another; . . .
. . . LORETTA CATAROZOLI, guilty of association with a bank that serves Land O’ Lakes half-and-half to its customers;
. . . and GEOFF ELLIS and RICARDO MARZO, whose only real crime seems to be that their father-in-law is DAN LIBARLE.
PRESIDENT RALPH delivered a brief, touching recognition of his Board members, then proceeded to levy a $200 fine among all of them based on a sort of “comparative liability” theory about raffle tickets stolen at the Golf Tournament dinner.
At least one member left the meeting with more than she came, as JOANNE FERRIS had the winning ticket for a bottle of wine.
In a great summation of a remarkable year, PRESIDENT RALPH read a list of recipients of our club’s generosity, totaling approximately $85,000, with some discretionary funds yet to be distributed in the final days. Another list to be announced at our final event of the year will recognize not less than 11 members achieving the Paul Harris level of contribution. RALPH thanked us all for helping our club achieve the goal of “making dreams real,” especially for kids, and for making the year so much fun. .
A well-deserved “standing O” marked the conclusion of RALPH SARTORI’s last regular meeting as president.
Starting July 9 we'll meet at Mister McGoo's (or Mister Magoos*), 1375 Petaluma Boulevard North at twelve noon.
* Confused about the name? The restaurant's signs identify it as "Mister McGoo's" but it's listed in the phone book as "Mister Magoos" (no apostrophe). Neither spelling should be confused with Mr. Magoo, the myopic cartooon character.
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Semi-Annual Dues
All active members are advised that semi-anual dues are now due and payable. Here is the cost breakdown:
Dues are due on June 1 or December 1 depending on time of year. You have a grace period of 30 days after due date. If you fail to pay within those 30 days you will be assessed a $25.00 late charge. Steve Olmsted, Secretary
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This week's Rota-Teller editor: Clark Rosen; photos by Michael Nistler.
June 26:
Visitors: Debunking
Microphone: Debunking
Fine Can: Debunking
Editor: Al Cattalini
June 18 - Last meeting at the Vets- Member social and storytelling after a great lunch
June 25 - Club dark
June 26 - Debunking
July 2 - Dark
July 9 - President Tom Brandal's first meeting; Club meets at Mister Magoo's
July 16 - Marcus Benedetti - A History of Clover-Stornetta Farms and the State of the Dairy Industry
PRESIDENT ELECT TOM BRANDAL started off the meeting in place of PRESIDENT RALPH SARTORI, who was picking up a special guest from the Petaluma Airport.
WHITNEY HALL recited the Pledge of Allegiance and TED ADKINS sang “God Bless America”.
PAUL LOUNIBOS gave a terrific Thought for the Day and TOM BAKER announced the visiting Rotarians.
One visitor was STEVE OLMSTED’S daughter, Kathleen Hale, who presented our Club with a flag from the Rotary Club of Twin Falls, ID. Thank you, Kathleen.
DAVE AMUNDSEN suffered a heart attack recently and is slowly recovering at Cal Pacific Medical Center in SF. Your thoughts, cards and prayers are greatly appreciated.
The meeting took a turn into the bizarre when, back from the grave, Benito Mussolini made a surprise visit to the Club. He was decked out in camouflage and was wearing a bullet-ridden blazer. In a heavily accented voice (with a mustache falling off his lip), the ruthless dictator announced he was in charge of the meeting and moved the President-Elect off the podium.
His first act was to fill the Fine Can – SHERRI BURWEN, RICK VAN BEBBER, BARNEY FAUSS and ANDY KVALHEIM all responded to Mussolini’s wishes and kicked in close to $200.
TED ADKINS also made a donation in the names of all his illegitimate children scattered around the country. This made several male Rotarians squirm in their chairs!
MIKE BADDELEY honored LARRY JONAS for the excellent Abalone Feed that he and ERIK GUNHEIM put on for the winners of the dinner, which was bid at the Crab Feed Live Auction. Thank you to Mike and his gang for raising vital funds for club projects.
Mussolini toned down his dictatorial attitude when he introduced our speaker, Marilyn Herzog. He was very complimentary toward her, but let KIP HERZOG know he would be watching him to ensure her honor – there was a gesture of a finger slicing across a throat. I believe this is Italian for “I’ve got my eye on you”.
Marilyn Herzog gave a terrific talk about life in Sonoma County and the state of affairs of the dairy business during her formative years and how much they have changed today. She told the history of the Herzog clan in Marin and Sonoma counties and the great history of the Sleepy Hollow Dairy. She has been a champion for charitable causes (specifically the American Cancer Society) throughout the community and has supported our Club in many endeavors – most importantly, keeping Kip in line! Thank you, Marilyn, for your entertaining program and giving many members a glimpse of what life on a legendary dairy is like. Even Mussolini had a smile.
God Bless!
MORE PHOTOS
JOANNE FERRIS plugs the Debunking.
JUDI ALLEWELT reports on our teacher mini-grants.
LEE REPOSA seeks help for RYLA BBQ June 24.
RICARDO MARZO wants your ad in the Argus Courier Rotary issue.
AL KAPLAN is recognized for his great chili.
PG&CC members are fined for no polenta at Polenta Dinner.
JUDI ALLEWELT pays advance fine for upcoming European trip.
DON RAMATICI wins raffle, donates proceeds to Foundation.
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Semi-Annual Dues
All active members are advised that semi-anual dues are now due and payable. Here is the cost breakdown:
Dues are due on June 1 or December 1 depending on time of year. You have a grace period of 30 days after due date. If you fail to pay within those 30 days you will be assessed a $25.00 late charge. Steve Olmsted, Secretary
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STARTING JULY 9 - THE CLUB WILL BE MEETING AT MISTER MAGOO'S FOR LUNCH.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ricardo Marzo.
June 9 - Social at Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., 5-7pm
June 11 - A great local well known speaker on agriculture. This is a must attend day as the we were very lucky to have this speaker confirm.
June 18 - Last meeting at the Vets- Member social and storytelling after a great lunch
June 25 - Club dark
June 26 - Debunking
President, RALPH SARTORI opened our meeting at the SRJC-Petaluma Campus on the appointed half-hour, . . .
. . . and had Past-President BARNEY FAUSSS lead us in song.
Past-President JIM McCAFFREY then delivered the invocation. After the customary handshakes, hugs and busses among members, the Prez acknowledged the visiting Rotarians and special guests who joined us for the dedication of the Rotary Plaque, . . .
. . . including Connie Mahoney, a great SRJC benefactor.
After a brief overview of Rotary and its connection to SRJC, the Prez (at the suggestion of your editor) demonstrated how the Club raises $$ . . . .
. . . by fining Past-President LARRY JONAS for… well, for being Larry!
The Prez then made an example out of your editor by fining him $10 for not addressing the Prez properly when assisting him in doing his job!
Thanks to Linda Musick for snapping this group photo! For a larger photo, click here.
Once everyone had finished a fine repast hosted by the Club, they all reassembled on the Rotary Plaza . . .
. . . and the dedication ensued. First, JANE SALDANA-TALLEY (Dean of the SRJC-Petaluma Campus) welcomed one and all, followed by a heartfelt thanks to Rotary from the President of SRJC (Robert F. Agrella).
The three Rotary Presidents who pledged $25,000.00 each towards the total $75,000 Rotary contribution to SRJC, namely Past-President TAWNY TESCONI, Past-President LOU STEINBERG, and current President RALPH SARTORI, then informed us as to how the Rotary Plaza concept evolved to fruition, and thanked all of the members for their generous contributions and support.
With that, the Rotary Plaza plaque was unveiled and the dedication completed. After the Prez delivered a few inspirational closing comments regarding the future students who will benefit, the meeting was adjourned.
If you would like to see the Rotary Plaza or otherwise visit the SRJC-Petaluma Campus, please contact JANE SALDANA-TALLEY, who graciously offered to provide a personal tour to any Rotarians who are interested.
STARTING JULY 9 - THE CLUB WILL BE MEETING AT MISTER MAGOO'S FOR LUNCH.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
