Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
April 1 - Tim Miller - Disaster Response
April 8 - Jane Saldaña-Talley and Ron Malnati - Changes at SRJC Petaluma campus
April 15 - Sharon ??? - Cystic Fibrosis
April 22 - David Solo - Rotary Foundation
April 29 - Johanna Eberwein, our German Exchange student
On the last Thursday in March we met at Mister Magoo’s (hey, that new layout is downright spacious…now if we can just figure out where they put the food!). The day was sunny, the parking lot was full, the lunch was tasty and we had a big crowd.
President TOM BRANDEL called the meeting to order and led us in the pledge of allegiance. HERB BUNDESON led the club in a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
Before TAWNY TESCONI shared her thought for the day, she presented PRESIDENT TOM and PRESIDENT ELECT CLARK ROSEN each with a gift from the horse races…in her words, “a picture of the winning horse with a lot of horse’s asses.” Her inspiring thought for the day was from a graduation speech made by Anna Quinlan to remind us to ‘get a life’ beyond our work and day-to-day hassles.
After club greetings, Rotarians with guests included RALPH BETTINELLI, who introduced his nephew and friend and BRIAN BREEN, who introduced a friend from Wells Fargo Bank (who may be a potential member).
PRESIDENT TOM asked for visiting Rotarians and BRIAN BREEN introduced a member from the Petaluma Valley Club.
In the sunshine report, PRESIDENT TOM shared that LEROY BEAN was feeling so well after his hip replacement surgery that he was at the meeting! JOANNE FERRIS is still in the hospital recovering from back surgery but doing very well. We send our best wishes to her for a speedy recovery and as fast a return as Leroy’s! PRESIDENT TOM spoke about the passing of BILL LANE on March 22, 2010. Bill had been a member of the club since 1955 and was noted for working behind the scenes. He will be missed.
PRESIDENT TOM announced March birthdays (RALPH SARTORI, JIM McCAFFREY, DAVID BARBIERI, AND JAMES GOTELLI) and we did a bit of happy birthday singing led once again by HERB BUNDESON. PRESIDENT TOM then announced several upcoming events include the District Assembly (April 9-10) in Ukiah and the District Conference (May 13-16) in Rohnert Park.
He also welcomed back PAT CONKLIN who has been away for a while.
AL KAPLAN agreed once again to sign up for the Great Petaluma Chili Cook-off (Saturday, May 8), but asked at least 20 members to “show up and vote for me!” We’re being challenged by the Petaluma Valley and Sunrise clubs, so let’s get out there and support our good friend, Al!
BILL GROVERMAN gave a report on the Farmer’s and Merchant’s Night. Over 240 folks were in attendance for this “excellent event.” Thanks all around to those who helped make this such a success!
PRESIDENT TOM’S ‘fine’ portion of the meeting scooped up cash from quite a few members. RALPH BETTINELLI’S chicken was gone and he was $100 lighter when he complained about the flak he got from several ‘candidate friends’ about ‘Candidate Night-like’ introductions at Farmer’s and Merchant’s Night.
PRESIDENT TOM kicked in $100 himself for allowing the introductions in the first place.
After being dragged into the fracas, KIP HERZOG tossed in a twenty just to get Ralph to sit down.
CHRIS ALBERTSON was such a proud grandpa, he put up $50 for new grandson, Erik Godfrey (6 months) and another $40 for Spencer (3 years).
CLARK ROSEN received ‘special recognition’ in the amount of $50 for a special Coldwell Banker recognition award in the Press Democrat for his production in 2009. Way to go Clark!!
MIKE BADDELEY (who is very generous…for a lawyer) contributed $75 for his wife’s Super Raffle ‘income’.
LOU STEINBERG then announced that Mike was recently appointed as his replacement on the Petaluma City Schools Board, and as such Mike will be able to give his daughter, Jordy, her diploma when she graduates this year. Lou then gave $20 for Mike, who it seems may be a winner of the “Lou Steinberg Look-Alike Contest.”
Finally, DAVE AMUNDSEN let know he’s his ‘young self’ again and shared the story of his trip to Norway that ended up in the hospital. Dave gave the club $50 because these days he’s just happy to be here (and so are we!).
ONITA PELLEGRINI inducted a new member to the club, RICK GORMAN, who was pinned by his sponsor WALLY BRAGDON. Welcome to the club, Rick, we’re glad to have you join us!
This week’s program was lead by PRESIDENT TOM who provided information and then surveyed the members as to the viability of the All Day Breakfast. After going over a four-year financial summary and emphasizing that a change would not affect funds for this year’s children’s gift giveaway, PRESIDENT TOM opened the floor for member comment. When put to a poll, a nearly unanimous vote of the members present approved cancelling this year’s event and doing something different. PRESIDENT TOM will take that input back to the Board for a decision.
Another almost forgotten drawing had RALPH BETTINELLI’S nephew winning the raffle and a nice bottle of wine.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley.
March 25 - Lynn Giacomini Stray - Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
April 1 - Tim Miller -Disaster Response
It was another great evening at the Vets Building as Rotarians and their guests celebrated Farmers and Merchants Night. Conviviality and great food! A hosted bar and DON RAMATICI’s polenta and stew. What more could one want? How about a Rotary meeting as well? And all for the price of a $20 ticket!
Photos tell this story better than words, so you’ll find lots of them in Ed’s Photo Album. But here’s what happened at the meeting.
PRESIDENT TOM started with the Pledge of Allegiance . . .
. . . and BARNEY FAUSS led the crowd in God Bless America.
PRESIDENT TOM welcomed the crowd, noted that this evening had been a Petaluma tradition for more than 50 years, . . .
. . . and introduced Cathy Neville, the Agricultural Commissioner of Sonoma County.
Then there was a thank-you to the cooks . . .
. . . and to the servers from FFA, Liberty 4-H, PHS Interact, and BSA Troop 8.
After the introductions of local political candidates, we recognized ONITA PELLEGRINI’s dad, Joe Martin, on his 84th birthday. Quite a party, Joe!
That $20 admission included a raffle ticket and there were lots of great door prizes. Among the prize donors were PAUL MASELLI, BRIDGET DOHERTY, JAY PALM, GARY BRODIE, RALPH SARTORI, TAWNY TESCONI, and BABE AMARAL. And among the lucky winners were JOHN SCHARER, RALPH BETTINELLI, BANO CUMMINGS, and Linda Musick.
That ended the meeting but not the evening. The beverages and conversations continued to flow and the fun continued into the evening.
For photos of Farmers and Merchants Night, click here.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini; photos by Michael Nistler and Al Cattalini.
March 18 - Club dark for Farmers and Merchants Night
March 19 - Farmers and Merchants Night
March 25 - Lynn Giacomini Stray - Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
April 1 - Tim Miller -Disaster Response
On March 11, 2010, the Rotary Club of Petaluma met at Mister McGoo’s for fellowship and good food.
The bell sounded at precisely 12:30 and PRESIDENT TOM BRANDAL brought the meeting to order.
The Club recited the Pledge to the Flag . . .
. . . and HERB BUNDESEN led us in song.
OREST BALYTSKY gave the “Thought for the Day”.
The usual hugs and handshakes quickly followed. JUDY ALLEWELT introduced the one visiting Rotarian, Alex Reyes from San Francisco.
The Rotarians with guests were then introduced. RICK MOSSI brought Stan Lawson, DAVID SOLO introduced Rick Gorman,
LOU STEINBERG introduced his better half, Julie, and PRESIDENT TOM brought his better half, Kathy.
PRESIDENT TOM let us know that LEE BEAN was having hip surgery today. We wish you a quick recovery LEE. The golfers at Goat Hill need some competition.
There are lots of upcoming events:
Farmer’s Night - Friday, March 19th at 6:00 at the Vets. Let Bill Groverman or Jay Palm know if you want to attend.
Raffle Ticket Sales Appreciation Dinner – Saturday, April 24th at the Old Library.
District Assembly – Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 10th in Ukiah.
District Conference - May 13th to the 16th at the Double Tree in Rohnert Park.
PRESIDENT ELECT CLARK ROSEN looked full of Rotary knowledge after returning from PEPS. He is now ready to attend the RI Convention in Canada.
LARRY JONAS received the usual harassment for the less than exciting sign on Lakeville Highway announcing the Art & Equestrian Event. There were letters missing and the colors were faded from the sun.
KIP HERZOG had to endure people stopping at his house to complain. LARRY tried to pull MICHAEL CARUANA into the story but PRESIDENT TOM wasn’t listening and slapped LARRY with a $50 fine.
FRED WULFF got a big “Thank you” from the Prez for setting up every week. That was the nice part. PRESIDENT TOM found out that he had been hunting in Grass Valley. We all knew about his wife winning the $1,200 at the Crab Feed. All that good stuff cost him $100.
MICHAEL CARUANA wasn’t totally off the hook. MICHAEL recently returned from a trip to South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Visiting those far away lands cost him $50.
PRESIDENT TOM remembered the raffle. DAN LIBARLE walked away with a nice bottle of wine.
PRESIDENT TOM BRANDAL introduced our guest speaker, Alexandra E. Morgan. Alexandra is the CEO of Family House in San Francisco. Family House provides temporary housing to families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at the University of California San Francisco Children’s Hospital. Over a course of a year, they serve more than 2,000 families.
Meeting adjourned.
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NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL
The club has received an application for induction of the following new member:
If any member in good standing has an objection to this person, such objection should be made in writing to the club board of directors within 7 days of receipt of this notice.
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This week's Rota-Teller editor: Loretta Catarozoli; photos by Michael Nistler.
March 11 - Tom Brandal introduces a program on Family House.
March 18 - Club dark for Farmers and Merchants Night
March 19 - Farmers and Merchants Night
Upon entering Mister McGoos for our weekly meeting many members found no food in the normal serving area. Many hoped it would not be a recap of President’s Tom’s peanut butter sandwich luncheon that took place early in his term. PRESIDENT TOM announced that the serving tables were in the banquet room therefore leaving more room in our normal dining area. Everyone seemed very pleased with the new serving arrangements. Good job President Tom!!
PRESIDENT TOM called the meeting to order and we all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag.
PRESIDENT TOM then asked ANDY KVALHEIM to lead us in song. I’m a Rambler, I’m a Gambler was sung followed by “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies”.
The Thought for the Day was given by DAVID SOLO.
JUDI ALLEWELT introduced our lone visiting Rotarian from the Sonoma Valley Club.
The following Rotarians introduced their guest: DAN LIBARLE – the daughter of our Super Raffle winner Jeff Pottorft, . . .
ROY MUSICK - wife Linda, . . .
FRED FROST - Wife Linda, and JOHN DADO - prospective new member Rick Gorman.
PRESIDENT TOM then introduced the following Rotarians who will be celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in March: RALPH PELTON, HENRY HANSEL, KIP HERZOG, BARNEY FAUSS, and ROY MUSICK.
Announcements: 1) PRESIDENT TOM announced that President–Elect CLARK ROSEN would be attending “PETS” this weekend in San Jose and wished President-Elect Clark a very successful and rewarding weekend.
2)Our club along with the other two Petaluma Rotary Clubs would be entering a Float in this year’s Butter & Egg Day Parade. President Tom will inform us of the workdays to get the float ready.
3) BILL GROVERMAN announced that Farmers & Merchants Night will be on Friday evening, March 19th. DON RAMATICI and Allen Brody will once again prepare the meal. Bill asked members to fill in the reservation cards on the table in order that food can be sufficient for all in attendance. Cost is $20.00 / ticket.
4)DAVID SOLO informed the club that we were ahead of the other two Petaluma Clubs in donations to R.I. and that we will reach our per member donation goal this year.
5) MICHAEL CARUANA informed the club that The Art and Equestrian Festival would be held on July 25th this year. Michael asked members to mark the date down as many workers will be needed to make this event successful.
PRESIDENT TOM then put on his fining smile and went to work. First up was BARNEY FAUSS. President Tom asked Barney if he had a new car. Barney replied no and informed President Tom that it was his old car that he had restored. In the end Barney explained there were seven wheels on a car and paid a fine based on $5.00/ wheel.
PRESIDENT TOM then called on TED ADKINS. Seems Ted should be a very proud father as his son is a star performer in New York City and his daughter is staring in Palm Springs. Ted tried to work his way out of a fine but in the end he had to open his wallet.
WALLY BRAGDON and ED FULLERTON were next up. President Tom asked them about their recent winning of a Bridge Tournament at the Golf Club. Both agreed to pay a fine and have it divided half to the club and half to the Foundation.
President Tom then turned to the Raffle winners.
President–Elect-Elect JOANNE FERRIS paid a fine for her sister-in-law winning $1,000.00 in the Super Raffle.
PRESIDENT TOM then put the word out to Jeff Pottorft via his daughter that he would be a welcome addition to our club.
Rick Gorman won the raffle and took home a bottle of wine.
ED FULLERTON introduced our speaker Vicki Whiting, Editor of “Kid Scoop News” who talked on the Literacy Crisis facing America today Vickie encouraged all of us to take time to read to children, support donating of books to kids, and doing little things to achieve literacy in the U.S. Her web site is: www.kidscoop.com.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori; photos by Michael Nistler.