Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
November 26- Thanksgiving; club dark
December 3 - Holiday Party; club dark at lunch
December 10 - Hoot Smith - Kastania Vineyards
December 17 - - Christmas Social (12:00 at Mister Magoo's: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, champagne and wine, light lunch. Bring your spouse or friend!) Children's gift distribution later in afternoon)
Prez TOM “Butterball” BRANDAL opened our last meeting before Thanksgiving, . . .
. . . and immediately had BARNEY “The Friar” FAUSS lead us in song (Gypo and God Bless America).
FRED “Jack” FROST gave a creative Thought for the Day (The Tourist Prayer), whereupon the customary handshakes, hugs and busses ensued amongst all the Pilgrims... I mean members!
JUDI “Autumn” ALLEWELT introduced our visiting Rotarians, followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch, including STEVE “The Gobbler” GAVRILOFF’s 5-year old son, Nicholas (a portent of Holidays to come, no doubt!).
The November Birthday babes were then properly serenaded... and then summarily fined ($5 if they sat at the B-day table, $10 if they didn’t).
DAVE SOLA-Mio then proudly presented a Paul Harris Award to JOANNE “Fall Feast” FERRIS. Congratulations, Joanne.
The Prez then passed around a plaque from the Petaluma Valley Little League given to our Club in appreciation of our sponsorships.
GAIL “The Colonies” CARDAROPOLI reminded us of the Club’s upcoming Holiday Party (December 3) and threatened to sic BABE “The Baster” AMARAL on anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d yet – trust me, you don’t want Babe on your case, so RSVP ASAP! Judi Allewelt gave a Polio Plus report ($582.00 received in the tip jar thus far), followed by an announcement that the Sunrise Club’s cioppino feast is on December 5, 5pm at the Petaluma Boys & Girls Club ($30 per person).
The Prez then had a “fine time” extracting hard earned money from DAVE “Cranberry” BARBIERI ($60.00 for his England-Canada cruise), . . .
. . . FRED “Food Fest” FROST ($40 for Prague-Budapest trip/cruise) , . .
. . . and BABE “The Bounty” AMARAL ($100 for Emily’s 1st place award, $5k prize and Cabo trip). He then gobbled up $25.00 each from JOANNE “Giblet” FERRIS (for the St. Vincent High School Mustangs football team making the playoffs), RICK “Maize” MOSSI (for son Nick’s football team, the Rancho Cotati Cougars, making the playoffs), . . .
. . . and yours truly (for daughter Jordy’s football team, the Petaluma High School Trojans, having a perfect 10-0 season, making the playoffs, and her 6 for 6 PAT kicks vs. Rancho).
JOANNE had the last laugh though, as she won all the raffle cash ($225.00!)... way to go, Joanne!
KIP “The Harvest” HERZOG introduced our speaker, Nick Frey, the President of the Sonoma County Wine Growers Commission, who gave us a very informative presentation on the current state of viticulture and growing wine trends in our county. He received a Rotary memento, and a book will be donated in his name to a local high school library in appreciation of a job well done.
The turkey trottin’ Prez then adjourned the meeting amongst a smattering of puritan pumpkin pie patter, and encouraged us to give thanks for all of our blessings and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
November 19- Nick Frey, President of Sonoma County Winegrape Commission
November 26- Thanksgiving; club dark
December 3 - Holiday Party; club dark at lunch
December 10 - Hoot Smith - Kastania Vineyards
December 17 - - Christmas Social (12:00 at Mister Magoo's: Heavy hors d'oeuvres, champagne and wine, light lunch. Bring your spouse or friend!) Children's gift distribution later in afternoon)
RSVP on line for December 3 Holiday Party
PRESIDENT TOM opened the meeting and, after realizing there was a problem with the sound system, he raised his voice and got the club’s attention. Those in attendance chuckled as PRESIDENT TOM introduced himself as “acting President Tom” and then led us in the pledge of allegiance.
HERB BUNDENSEN did not need a microphone as he led us in singing “God Bless America”.
Herb was followed by WHITNEY HALL who gave an inspiring thought for the day detailing our returning vets and how we can help these good Americans when they return home by offering them jobs at our business, and supporting them for the service they have given to protect our freedom.
After the usual sharing of handshakes and hugs JUDI ALLEWELT introduced our lone visiting Rotarian from the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club. FRED FROST introduced his wife Linda as his guest.
PRESIDENT TOM reported that our Sunshine Report was all positive today as Ted Adkins, Lou Steinberg, Dave Amundsen, and Bano Cummings were all in attendance. They were all given applause by the club.
Announcements:
MIKE BADDELEY reported that that all Friendship Feasts were completed and thanked the members who hosted dinners at their homes. Mike also thanked the club members who supported this event which provides funds for the dictionary project. Mike said he would like to close the books by month end so he would appreciate anyone still owing money to get it to him ASAP.
GAIL CARDAROPOLI reported that the Annual Club Christmas Party will be held at Pazzo restaurant on December 3rd. Please let Gail know whether you will or will not attend as she needs to get this info to the restaurant. (Click here to RSVP.)
JUDI ALLEWELT reported that we had over $535.00 dollars in our Polio Plus Jar. Judy thanked everyone that contributed and said the jar would be available at future meetings for those wishing to make a donation. Judy also reported that Teacher mini-grants were available for review both on the web and in a binder that will be available to view at club meetings.
PRESIDENT TOM announced that the club would pickup the lunch charge for potential members invited to our meetings by current members.
DAVID SOLO presented the following members with Paul Harris Fellows: SHERRY BURWEN received her third PHF and JOE TAMBE received his second PHF.
PRESIDENT TOM announced that it was time to fine some members for events that have been reported to him.
First up was LEROY BEAN. Leroy and Oralee took a 3 week trip to Maui and while there celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Leroy told of his experience when he asked Oralee’s father for her hand. In the end Leroy offered a $50.00 fine plus a donation to the Friendship Feast fund of $100.00.
WHITNEY HALL was next to be called upon. Seems Whit was featured on both TV and radio. Whit did not go into detail and offered $20.00 to close the discussion.
NIT ANDERSON was next up. Seems a Marin County IJ ad attracted a visitor to her restaurant who wrote an article about her experience at the restaurant. Seems a new waiter served the visitor the wrong dish. Due to the laughter of club members during Nit’s account the editor cold not tell if Nit was talking about “Fish Rolls”, or “Fresh Rolls”. In the end Nit settled up with President Tom for $20.00.
President Elect CLARK ROSEN won the raffle but could not draw the cash rock. The raffle is up to $225.00 and there are not many rocks left in the bag. This should encourage members to attend.
BRIDGET DOHERTY introduced our speaker for the day, Tony Magee, who founded Lagunitas Brewing Company in 1993. Tony was introduced by Bridget Doherty. Tony told of how the brewery was formed and how the company has grown over the years. He said the company donations to support community events will reach over $225,000 this year but that much of the company’s success can be traced back to the community supporting their efforts. Tony updated us on the the new addition of a beer garden at the Petaluma brewing plant and current types of beer that they produce. It was a very informative talk that was enjoyed by all in attendance.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori.
November 12 - Tony Magee, owner of Lagunitas Brewing Company.
November 19- Nick Frey, President of Sonoma County Winegrape Commission
November 26- Thanksgiving; club dark
On the first Thursday in November we met at Mister Magoo’s. The day was a sunny fall day.
President TOM BRANDAL called the meeting to order and led us in the pledge of allegiance.
ANDY KVALHEIM led the club in a rousing rendition of “I’m a Rambler” and “God Bless America.”
PAT SCHAEFER gave members a number of ‘healthful’ thoughts for the day.
After club greetings, JUDI ALLEWELT announced a visiting Rotarian, while Rotarians with guests included LOU STEINBERG (whose son, Robert, was visiting from Denver), . . .
. . . DAVID BARBIERI (who hosted, Chuck Dorsey from EcoLab), and PAT SCHAEFER (who introduced . . .
. . . two Vice Presidents from St. Joseph Health), . . .
. . . Rick Mossi (who was hosting Ron Malnati), and ROY MUSICK (whose guest was Al Stotts). No sunshine reports were necessary on this day, as LOU STEINBERG and TED ADKINS brought their ‘sunshine’ to us in person! It was great to have both of them back with us!
PRESIDENT TOM announced November anniversaries, made several announcements for events sponsored by area Rotary clubs including a Youth Exchange Club student who will speak to the Valley Club on November 11, the November 14 Foundation Dinner at the Rohnert Park Doubletree, and November 18 SCARC Dinner hosted by the Windsor club. Friendship Feast updates were provided by hosts or attendees at JAY PALM’s BBQ (October 24), NANCY COOLEY’s (October 29), . . .
. . . and MICHAEL CARUANA’s (November 1)...a wonderful time was had be all! PRESIDENT TOM thanked members for their generous donations to Polio Plus…our one-day total came to almost $400 and reminded us donations are still appreciated.
PRESIDENT TOM also announced this year’s Holiday Party is Thursday, December 3 at 6:00 pm at Pazzo and the Coast Guard luncheon on Friday, January 15 (so we can partake of the seafood buffet!).
PRESIDENT TOM’s ‘fine’ portion of the meeting nabbed two members and the Prez himself. STEVE HENRIS told PRESIDENT TOM to “do the math” paying $50 x 2 for each deer he bagged during several recent hunting trips.
WALLY BRAGDON paid $50 for taking a 19-day trip to Cape Cod with three sisters (one was his lovely wife!).
Finally, MARK STOKES pulled out a copy of the SF Business Times with that infamous Bank of Marin ad with PRESIDENT TOM’s smiling face. With legal help from Past President MIKE BADDELEY, MARK threw the “Rotary Book of Rules” at PRESIDENT TOM (invoking sections and subsections known only to “past presidents, senior retired presidents and deceased presidents”).
PRESIDENT TOM paid up $50…even thought #7 is his favorite number.
We were very fortunate to have Dr. Mark Netherda, Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer to speak this week about H1N1 flu. Dr. Netherda is a leading expert on communicable diseases and presented the latest information on prevalence and prevention of the H1N1 virus here in our county and across the nation. It was a very interesting program!
The ‘last minute’ drawing had PAT SCHAEFER winning the raffle and a nice bottle of wine.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley; photos by Michael Nistler.