Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
September 2 - Rick Phillips - Safe School Ambassadors
September 9 - Joe Manthey - Boys Rights and Gender Equality
September 9 - Rotary Night at the Banyan Tree
September 16 - Larry Levy - S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. - The San Quentin Project
September 20 - Golf Tournament and Prime Rib Dinner
September 23 - Dark (Golf Tournament on September 20)
PRESIDENT CLARK ROSEN opened his last meeting of August to order and welcomed all in attendance. PRESIDENT CLARK led the club in The Pledge of Allegiance and then called on BARNEY FAUSS to lead us in singing God Bless America.
WHITNEY HALL gave the Thought For The Day which ended in “America Will Find The Best Way After It Has Tried Everything Else”. The customary hugs and handshakes followed.
Our lone visiting Rotarian from The Petaluma Valley Club was introduced by LORETTA CATAROZOLI. Our only guest was introduced by Past President TAWNY TESCONI.
PRESIDENT CLARK then asked if anyone had a Sunshine Report. Past President LEROY BEAN reported that NIT ANDERSON was doing better but still undergoing several tests. BARNEY FAUSS reported that DAVE AMUNDSEN was feeling better and wanted Barney to say hello to the club.
PRESIDENT CLARK then announced that only one Rotarian had a birthday in August. He was immediately informed that two of our new members also had August birthdays. When all was done the club sang Happy Birthday to: PAT SCHAEFER, MELISSA KOSITZIN and DANNY FISH.
PRESIDENT CLARK Then informed us of the following upcoming events: (1) Saturday, August 28 we will assist other community clubs in a work project at The Recycling Center on 2nd street. Call Clark if you can help for the specifics. (2) Thursday, September 9th. Dinner at Nit Anderson’s Restaurant “The Banyan Tree”. Nit will donate 15% of the receipts back to the club.
(3) Golf Tournament, Monday September 20th. JOHN DADO reported that there were still spots available for golfing and all are welcome to attend the dinner. Contact John if you are interested in golfing and ONITA PELLEGRINI if you can help on the day of the event.
(4) PRESIDENT CLARK announced that Friendship Feast will be held in October and asked if anyone was interested in hosting a dinner they should contact him. President Clark reminded us that proceeds from these dinners directly support the Dictionary Project.
PRESIDENT CLARK then called DAVID SOLO forward to present Paul Harris Fellowships to . . .
. . . Dr. DAVID SISSLER and RICK SUSICK. David thanked them both for the countless hours they have supported Petaluma athletics over the years. David then informed the club that raffle tickets would be available next week to support The Rotary Foundation. He encouraged all members to purchase at least three raffle tickets.
The lone Rotarian fined for the day was Past President TOM BRANDAL. PRESIDENT CLARK asked why he looked so relaxed and how was the fishing. Past President Tom he started relaxing the day PRESIDENT CLARK took office and that he did enjoy some fishing and also was able to take a vacation since PRESIDENT CLARK took office. Past President Tom gladly paid a fine and sat down with a smile on his face.
SHERRY BURWEN had the winning raffle ticket but could not pull the brown rock out of the bag instead she walked away with a bottle of wine.
PAST PRESIDENT ONITA PELLEGRINI introduced our speaker for the day . . .
. . . Tara Smith. Tara and her husband own Tara Firma Farms which is located on I Street Extension. Tara explained how they became interested in Sustainable Farming and the process of developing the farm. She works full time on the farm and her husband dressed in suit and tie works in an office. Together they have strived to not only produce All Natural, Humane, Fresh food available to the local community. Currently the farm has pasture raised chickens, grass fed beef, and forage fed pork, farm fresh eggs and produce.
She said that they strive to educate the public about how healthy food is produced and several programs they are working on such as tours and educational dinners to introduce the farm to the community.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Ralph Sartori .
August 26 - Tara Firma Farms
September 2 - Joe Manthey - Boys Rights
September 9 - Rick Phillips - Safe School Ambassadors
September 9 - Rotary Night at the Banyan Tree
September 16 - Larry Levy - S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. - The San Quentin Project
September 20 - Golf Tournament and Prime Rib Dinner
September 23 - Dark (Golf Tournament on September 20)
Our illustrious President, CLARK ROSEN, opened the meeting on the appointed half-hour, and immediately led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The old crooner himself, BARNEY FAUSS, led us in song (Rambler Gambler, God Bless America), . . .
. . . PAUL LOUNIBOS delivered a very funny Thought for the Day (we’ll never again think of “meals on wheels” quite the same), and the customary handshake, hugs and busses amongst members ensued.
Our visiting Rotarian guests were introduced by one of our newer members, MELISSA KOSITZIN, followed by an introduction of all the guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch.
The Prez then gave a Sunshine Report on NIT ANDERSON (she’s enduring a protracted recovery from her heart surgery) and encouraged all of us to attend a Rotary evening event (wine-hors d’oeuvre-dinner) at Nit’s Banyon Tree Restaurant (in the Golden Eagle Shopping center) on Thursday, September 9 (15% of all proceeds from the dinner will be donated to Rotary). Call the Prez for details.
We were then treated to a medley of announcements:
• Visiting Rotarian, Bert Terreri, from the neophyte Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Club put on his jester hat to announce his Club’s Swords, Skulls and Men in Dresses fundraiser event (an abridged Shakespeare compilation) at the Raven Theatre on September 18. You can get tickets or more info at http://www.healdsburgrotaryevents.com/.
• The Prez reminded us that 1) the next SCARC dinner meeting will be hosted by the Sebastopol Rotary Club on August 29 at the Russian River Vineyards in Cork’s Restaurant (call Secretary STEVE OLMSTED for details); 2) there is an all services club work day scheduled for Saturday, August 28, 8am at the OADs 2nd Street facility (call the Prez for further details), and 3) we are all invited to visit the new Ag-Science classroom at Petaluma High School on Sunday, August 22, 1-4pm.
• Jovial JOHN DADO reported that the Club Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, September 20 is filling up fast so sign your foursome (or yourself) up as soon as possible to guarantee you get to enjoy a great day at the PGCC. If you’re not a golfer and would like to help out or just join the evening festivities (cocktails and a prime rib dinner starting at 6:30 pm), call ONITA PELLEGRINI .
The Prez then showed a little gravitas when he called ROY MUSICK, SHERRY BURWEN, and FRED FROST on the carpet to explain how their privileged elitist ways precluded them from sitting with the masses at our Club’s recent day at the races at the Sonoma County Fair: Musick pled “guilty” (he claimed he won the seats in a special luxury suite lunch-seat deal) and paid $20, Frost pled “not guilty” (it wasn’t an “official meeting” so he was able to mingle with the bluebloods), but was fined $25 nevertheless, and Burwen claimed she told Clark all about her preferred seating arrangement (and then proceeded to tell him she has another grandchild on the way) and cheerfully paid $25.
The elusive BABE AMARAL, after a futile attempt to butter up the Prez, then paid handsomely for going on yet another cruise (Alaska Inlet), getting seasick (the Babe has always been into more terrestrial pursuits), and having a lucky wife (Emily) who keeps on winning at all the casinos.
Raffle #8505224 proved to be the winning ticket for WHITNEY HALL, who pulled a blue rock and took home the wine.
CHRIS ALBERTSON then introduced our speakers, . . .
. . . CHP flight officers Anthony Jackson and Gary Wareham, of the Golden Gate Air Patrol Unit, who informed us about the CHP flight operations and duties. The each received a Rotary memento in appreciation of a program well received, and an autographed book (appropriately titled, “Traffic”) will be donated in their name to the PHS library. The wily Prez then quickly adjourned the meeting before the CHP officers could set up a checkpoint around McGoos or establish any speed traps (don’t forget to look up Babe!).
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley .
August 19 - CHP Air Operatons
August 26 - Tara Firma Farms
September 2 - Joe Manthey - Boys Rights
September 9 - Rick Phillips - Safe School Ambassadors
As members finished a delicious lunch of chicken piccata, fettuccini al pesto, and all the trimmings, PRESIDENT CLARK called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He called up BARNEY FAUSS who led a chorus of I’m a Gambler and followed with God Bless America.
Describing him as “someone who’s given plenty of inspiration to me over the years,” PRESIDENT CLARK called on LOU STEINBERG to give his Thought for the Day. Lou discussed leadership, concluding with the maxim, “Don’t send your ducks to eagle school.”
We had two visiting Rotarians, both from the Petaluma Sunrise Club. One of them, Shelly Moller, introduced Michelle Katuna who will be departing for Belgium soon as Petaluma’s outbound Rotary Exchange Student for 2010-11. Other, non-Rotarian, guests were introduced by Bill Groverman, Don Ramatici and Joanne Ferris.
Sunshine Report: PRESIDENT CLARK observed that TED ADKINS was once again with us. (Good to see you, Ted!) BANO CUMMINGS reported that NIT ANDERSON is recovering slowly at home from her cardiac surgery. SHERRY BURWEN added that she and Linda Frost had been delivering vegetable soup to Nit and that vegetarian and chicken dishes would be appreciated by Nit and her cooking-challenged husband, Bob.
CHRIS ALBERTSON ran into DAVE AMUNDSEN at LAX (small world!) and learned that Dave is being hospitalized for liver surgery. We wish Dave all the best.
It was noted that August wedding anniversaries are being celebrated by JOHN SCHARER (1958), AL CATTALINI (1963), NORM SANTOS (1982) and DAVID SOLO (2004). Presumably their wives will also be celebrating.
PRESIDENT CLARK extended a big thank-you to TAWNY TESCONI for her role in last week’s “meeting” at the Sonoma County Fair. (Click here for photos.) Clark noted that it wouldn’t really be treated as a meeting for attendance and make-up purposes.
Bob Wahl, our other visitor from Petaluma Sunrise, invited us to shop at their club’s case lot wine sale. For an order blank detailing the great selection and great prices, go to the Sunrise website. Deadline for submitting orders is August 20.
PRESIDENT CLARK noted that the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club had observed its 35th anniversary last year but would be celebrating this milestone at its meeting next Wednesday, August 18. Special guests at this meeting will be Past Presidents of our Club who were somehow implicated in the paternity of the Valley Club: TED ADKINS, JOHN DADO, DAN LIBARLE, PAUL LOUNIBOS, and JIM McCAFFREY. You’re invited to attend as well. It’ll be noon Wednesday at the Rooster Run Event Center.
You are invited to join ONITA PELLEGRINI and PRESIDENT CLARK at a “Super Seminar” on membership, Saturday, August 21 at the Wells Fargo Center. Contact Onita or Clark for more info.
The next SCARC dinner will be in Sebastopol on Thursday, August 26. If you’d like to learn about “using A/V to enhance your meeting” while enjoying great food and fellow Rotarians, advise STEVE OLMSTED by August 19.
Last year a number of Petaluma service clubs joined forces for a one-day project to rehab the COTS kitchen. This year we’ll be part of this coalition and helping improve the Petaluma Recycling Center on Saturday, August 28. PRESIDENT CLARK needs volunteers that day to construct bulletin boards. He also needs a member with a pickup truck who can haul some tables and chairs from Friedmans.
JOHN DADO announced that 12 of the 18 foursomes are already in place for our annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September 20. Inclusive cost for the entire event is only $125. Golfer or not, you’ll want to attend the legendary prime rib dinner cooked by PAUL RAMATICI with BUTCH SPOLINI heading up the kitchen crew. (This dinner replaces our September 23 luncheon.) Contact JOHN to sign up your foursome; contact ONITA PELLEGRINI to sign up for dinner only (bring your spouse!) and to volunteer for lots of neat chores that Monday.
ONITA PELLEGRINI inducted our newest two members, Petaluma police chief DAN FISH (sponsored by JAY PALM) and LEN MYGATT (sponsored by CLARK ROSEN). A former Rotarian in Pennsylvania, Len retired to Petaluma after a career in food packaging. Welcome to our Club!
GREG O’BRIEN, recently inducted as a new member, gave his Craft Talk. He recounted how his youthful adventures in Marin City led to a 40-year involvement with the YMCA. Greg lived in Petaluma some years ago and returned here when he retired as President and CEO of the Phoenix, Arizona YMCA.
Obviously inspired by the theme of today’s program, PRESIDENT CLARK observed that BARNEY FAUSS’ renowned athleticism had been an inspiration to him over the years and said he’d considered employing Barney as his personal trainer.
No fines this week! Yep, in order to make time for a full program today, the fines have been postponed until next week. Hang onto that cash, folks!
The right ticket but the wrong rock earned WALLY BRAGDON a nice bottle of wine in the (almost forgotten by our sterling President) raffle.
PRESIDENT-ELECT JOANNE FERRIS introduced a winning combo for today’s program, the head football coaches of our three local high schools.
Gary Galloway, who has coached St. Vincent’s for 31 years, Rick Krist, a coach at Petaluma High since 1975 but in his first year as head coach, and . . .
Trent Herzog (yep — that was his proud papa, KIP HERZOG, beaming in the audience), in his second year as head coach at Casa Grande, all discussed their experiences and their outlook for the coming season.
Their individual presentations were followed by a Q&A session moderated by local barrister, school official, and athletic supporter, MIKE BADDELEY.
See you next week when we’ll be visited by the California Highway Patrol. Drive carefully!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini .
August 12 - High School Varsity Football Preview - Presented by the three coaches
August 19 - CHP Air Operatons
August 26 - Tara Firma Farms
DAY AT THE FAIR
Our Day at the Fair started with some hopping aboard the party bus while others drove up on their own.
PRESIDENT CLARK was the ring leader of the party bus. ONITA PELLEGRINI, whom would never miss a party, couldn’t wait to get going.
Once in the fair, we had a great private lunch served by Bubba’s BBQ.
ED FULLERTON enjoyed his BBQ lunch.
ONITA PELLEGRINI and GAIL CARDAROPOLI relaxed while enjoying the beautiful weather.
LEROY BEAN contemplated on how he was going to win with the ponies.
Another serious one that likes to bet on the ponies, TOM BRANDAL.
After a great meal, our own TAWNY TESCONI asked to have The SCF Racing Secretary, Tom Doutrich, speak to us and give us some hints.
JOHN DADO, who has a history of some pretty big winnings, also tried to teach us amateurs some pointers.
And we're off… wait! We left our money man, STEVE OLMSTED behind.
JOHN DADO continued to coach JIM BECKER on how to win.
TOM BRANDAL and his wife, Kathy, didn’t even need to win on the horses to be smiling…they were just so relieved to be relaxing after last year.
And our good old editor, enjoying a day out of the office with friends.
Another Rotarian, BANO CUMMINGS, was also excited to be off work.
That big smile on LEE REPOSA’s face is because his boss thinks he’s at work.
Rotarian wives Oraleee Bean and Sharon Dado watching the races and conversing while the serious LEROY BEAN strategizes in the background.
President CLARK ROSEN checking a text from his bookie while JIM BECKER appears to be very relaxed. He must have won that last race.
President CLARK ROSEN with the big head honcho at the fair, TAWNY TESCONI. She finally showed up to make sure her fellow Rotarians were behaving themselves. Give a BIG THANK YOU to TAWNY for setting up a fun filled, beautiful day at the races.
Oh what do we have here? It seems that some Rotarians were too high class for the Rotary bleacher seats and snuck off to their own box.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Brian Breen .