Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
February 2 - Carol Russell - SMART Board Director
February 9 - Dirk Gibson - Rafting the Salmon River
February 16 - Club Dark
Frebruary 17 - Crab Feed and Super Raffle
President, JOANNE “of Arc” FERRIS, opened the meeting at the appointed half-hour, MIKE “Stars and Stripes” STAUBER led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, . . .
. . . and LOU “Gloria” STEINBERG led us in song.
AL “Captain Kangaroo” CATTALINI then delivered the Thought for the Day. The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst the members ensued.
DAVE “Miller” BARBIERI introduced our lone visiting Rotarian (Bruce Lewis from the Mendocino County Rotary Club), followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians, including NANCY “Drew” KOENITZER’s guest (hubby, Bob Cooley) and DAVID “Han” SOLO’s guest (Julie Smallwood).
The Prez then announced the January Birthday babies among us, all of whom were treated to a roaring rendition of “Happy Birthday”- $5.00 if they sat at the B-day table, $10.00 if they forgot!
JAMES “Bond” BURLESON reported on the Crab Feed (February 17 at the Vet’s) –there are still a few tickets available, so call James if you want to attend.
The Super Raffle Ticket captains then gave a report on ticket sales, and the status of the guys vs. gals (aka boots vs. suits) competition (guys lead in gross sales but gals lead once its properly handicapped): we’re still well short of the 1500 total ticket sales goal, so sell, sell, sell!!
Victorious gals win contest, plan "reward" for the guys.
The Prez then reported that the dictionary handouts were in full swing, and the District Governor selection and election process was underway
The Prez then had a fine time extracting lucre ($50 each) from KIP “Torn” HERZOG and “Steely” DAN LIBARLE for an Argus Courier article and photo detailing their extravagant limousine bus trip to the 49er NFC Championship game.
BABE “Smokin’ Aces” AMARAL coughed up $100 for his wife Emily’s continuing good luck at River Rock Casino and for 26 years of wedded bliss (St. Emily, right?).
Ticket #8790 proved to be the winning raffle number for PAT “Electric” SCHAEFER, who pulled out a blue rock for a nice bottle of vino.
Our Local Rotary Foundation President, DAVID “Hans” SOLO and JAMES “Bru” BECKER then gave us a very thorough, informative presentation on the purposes and differences of our local foundation and the Rotary International Foundation. Dave concluded his presentation with a Q&A, and reminded us to calendar April 3 (a Tuesday) to attend the Rotary International Fundraiser scheduled at La Dolce Vita.
WHEREUPON, the Prez, with a single stroke of her gavel, adjourned the meeting!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
January 26 - David Solo - Rotary Foundation
January 26 - SCARC Dinner in Sonoma
February 2 - Carol Russell - SMART Board Director
February 9 - Dirk Gibson - Rafting the Salmon River
February 16 - Club Dark
Frebruary 17 - Crab Feed and Super Raffle
It was a dreary day outside, a rainy Friday in Two Rock Valley, but that didn’t discourage hardy Rotarians and their guests from traveling to the annual Coast Guard luncheon.
The day started with cocktails and conversation at the Consolidated Club. Photos of the social hour are available in Ed’s Photo Album.
Then it was off to lunch at Haley Hall, a working classroom where the Coast Guard trains it cooks. It was a hearty seafood meal with substantial portions.
I think everyone enjoyed their meal, but perhaps none more than 4-year-old Brody Breen shown here with his ice cream cone.
PRESIDENT JOANNE rang the Rotary bell and called on WHIT HALL to open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Even without his glasses Whit could have found the large flag. Maybe that’s what our President needs so she doesn’t lose it!
LOU STEINBERG was up next, leading the crowd in My Country ‘tis of Thee.
He was followed by DAVID SOLO who offered his Thought for the Day. He quoted his high school football coach who was unapologetic about his demands for repeated 40-yard sprints. “Men, tough times don’t last, tough people do!”
There were no visiting Rotarians today, but lots of Rotarians brought guests. They included JOHN DADO, TOM BRANDAL, TAWNY TESCOJI, BRIAN BREEN, FRED WULFF, LOU STEINBERG, RICK VAN BEBBER, PRESIDENT JOANNE, CLARK ROSEN, FRED FROST, SHERRY BURWEN, and AL CATTALINI.
LEE REPOSA reported on the status of Super Raffle ticket sales. 154 tickets have been sold so far with the “Guys and Gals” competition ending today. The “Suits and Boots” contest will run for the next two weeks.
PRESIDENT JOANNE noted that the distribution of dictionaries to third-graders had begun and would continue in the coming weeks. (For photos of recent dictionary distributions, click here.) She also announced that a number of Petalumans who looked like potential members had been invited to an informational social at Grafitti on January 30.
SHERRY BURWEN reminded members that Friendship Feasts would commence in March and invited members to contact her if they could host a small group for a few hours of food, drink, and friendship while raising funds for the dictionary program.
LOU STEINBERG returned to the podium, this time to deliver a heartfelt Rotary Minute that linked his twin passions of membership and RYLA. Great job, Lou!
Then PRESIDENT JOANNE called on . . .
. . . AL CATTALINI to introduce today’s speaker. But first she recalled her inane (my word, not hers) wager that Gonzaga would beat St. Mary’s in basketball on February 12. She even agreed at the time to pay (or receive) two dollars for every point of the winning spread. President Joanne joined a national TV audience that night in watching the Gaels clobber the Zags 83-62. The President had her $42 check ready but she accepted Al’s offer to continue the betting (same terms) on the Gael-Zag game in Spokane on February 9.
Then Al introduced Captain Erin Brogan, the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma, who described the training that takes place at Two Rock and what is planned for the future.
After the meeting adjourned, the crowd shifted to its third venue, the C4ISR facility where Rotarians and their guests experienced a realistic ride aboard a new national security cutter in San Francisco Bay. Cameras weren’t allowed aboard ship so we can’t show you the smile on Brody Breen’s face as he steered the cutter. It was even better than eating an ice cream cone!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Al Cattalini.
January 20 - Coast Guard Luncheon at Two Rock, (No meeting on Thursday.)
January 26 - David Solo - Rotary Foundation
January 26 - SCARC Dinner in Sonoma
February 2 - Carol Russell - SMART Board Director
February 9 - Dirk Gibson - Rafting the Salmon River
This second Thursday in January 2012, President JOANNE FERRIS called the meeting to order. MICHAEL NISTLER led us in the pledge of allegiance (“the military way”). The day was sunny, warm for January (where is the rain???) and Mister Magoo’s parking lot was full of Rotarians looking for a tasty lunch, warm fellowship and another great RCP program.
Song master RICARDO MARZO led the club in “God Bless America.” PAUL LOUNIBOS gave us an “amusing childhood perception” of being “empty.”
After a bit of time for club greetings, PRESIDENT JOANNE, called for visiting Rotarians and we welcomed Jim Furley, former president of Petaluma Valley club. LEE REPOSA’s guest was Chris Aluia (owner of Lions, Tigers and Hair; who we were told is the only person who can cut Lee’s kids’ hair with success!).
PRESIDENT JOANNE called on GAIL CARDAROPOLI who reminded us of the upcoming SCARC dinner meeting on January 26 sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley. For more information or to make reservations, contact Gail by next Friday (January 20). PRESIDENT JOANNE announced January anniversaries (Babe to Emily and Jane to Don).
RICARDO MARZO gave members an early reminder that the Crab Feed is coming up on Friday, February 17 and tickets are on sale. JAMES BURLESON is the ‘go to’ guy for seating arrangements, so grab him early for the best seats in the house!
BRIAN BREEN gave an update on the Super Raffle (a ‘huge’ fundraiser for the club since it raises so much of what we need to do good works). New this year are three ‘mini competitions’…the current one is “Guys vs. Gals” (the guys are a bit ahead…but not for long!)…next is “Boots vs. Suits” and the third is “Past Presidents vs. Future Presidents.” This should be fun! Current lead team is ONITA PELLEGRINI’s and lead individual is GREG O’BRIEN. Get out there and sell, sell, sell!!!
AL CATTALINI gave his annual reminder about the upcoming Coast Guard Lunch (Friday, January 20…we’re dark Thursday). Happy hour begins at 11:00 and the Lunch at 12:00 noon. New for this year is a post lunch demonstration on the cutter visual simulator used for training (we’re trying to see who can hold on to their lunch the longest!). Visit the club website for more information. Hope to see you all there!
PRESIDENT JOANNE is making excellent use of social networking technology this year. She’s posted a question on the club’s Facebook page asking for anyone who ever received a dictionary in the 3rd grade to send us a note (hopefully, with no misspellings!) PRESIDENT JOANNE spoke again about the membership campaign and reminded members of the January 30 social event at Graffiti for members and future members. The plan is to nominate new members in February or early March and for them to be inducted into the club on March 29, our club’s anniversary. The speaker on that day will be Larry Meyers, who will talk about Polio Plus.
SHERRY BURWEN reminded club members that the Friendship Feasts are planned for March and asked that anyone willing to host a gathering of any size contact her.
PRESIDENT JOANNE’s ‘fine’ session nabbed a number of members. AL CATTALINI gave up $25 toward his fine schedule for his vantage point behind the bench during St. Mary’s 20 point win in San Diego the week before, and then put up a ‘double the point spread’ (or minimum of $25) wager with PRESIDENT JOANNE on the St. Mary’s vs. Gonzaga game (BTW…she lost!).
After razzing LEE REPOSA for scoring big on Super Raffle ticket sales to employees of Sonoma Bank, KATHY O’CONNOR offered up $100 for her ‘island hopping’ in the Greek Isles and upcoming trip to the Caymans.
Club members thought MICHAEL NISTLER would never get to the end of his list of tips and the countries he recently visited with his mother until PRESIDENT JOANNE threatened to fine him $10/ per minute instead of per tip.
Finally, PRESIDENT JOANNE asked MICHAEL CARUANA to present this week’s “Rotary Minute”…a new addition to the program that this week featured pictures and a description of the water filtration system, school desks and bunk beds the club provided in Thailand thanks largely to the profits from our Arts and Equestrian Event. (To view all these photos and a project description, click here.)
The weekly raffle had ONITA PELLEGRINI taking home a nice bottle of Kendall Jackson wine instead of the $100 prize.
PRESIDENT JOANNE introduced the program speakers, Megan Donner, Casa Grande High Culinary Arts teacher, and John Moller, Casa Grande alumni and SRJC student, who spoke with us about the OLE (Outdoor Learning Environment) Program at Casa. Megan spoke with passion about her vision to blend together outdoor learning, agriculture/gardening, culinary arts and healthy eating habits for high school students. John took up her vision as his senior project and last June they broke ground on the Casa Grande school site and have made great progress with the district food program and the community in support of this outstanding multi-disciplinary effort.
Great program , Megan and John!
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley.
January 12 - Casa Grande Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Project
January 20 - Coast Guard Luncheon at Two Rock, (No meeting on Thursday.)
January 26 - David Solo - Rotary Foundation
January 26 - SCARC Dinner in Sonoma
February 2 - Carol Russell - SMART Board Director
February 9 - Dirk Gibson - Rafting the Salmon River
The first meeting of 2012 was called to order by PRESIDENT JOANNE FERRIS. A special flag ceremony was conducted by the color guard of Girl Scout Troop 10114 followed by a recitation of the Girl Scout Promise.
ED FULLERTON led the assembled in our club song and “America the Beautiful.”
LOU STEINBERG’s thought for the day was a morsel of political wit. Although President Obama is invited to our next meeting to deliver his own rebuttal, it is believed that his busy schedule will make his appearance unlikely.
DON RAMATICI introduced visiting Rotarian Bill Gabbert of the Petaluma Sunrise Club.
PRESIDENT JOANNE introduced Girl Scout Leader Kelly Leonardi, who gave a capsule history of the local troop and invited support of the girls’ fundraising efforts. The 9 Girl Scouts in attendance lowered the average age in the room by almost a full year.
Our President’s other special guest was Youth Exchange student from Sweden, Johannes Alvekranz. PRESIDENT JOANNE and her husband Mike are currently hosting Johannes in their home, and they have enjoyed holiday fun together, including an outing with Sonoma Canopy Tours.
JAMES BURLESON announced he has tickets for our February 17 Crab Feed. Members are advised to get ‘em while they last. The $50 ticket price is slightly higher than in previous years because of a big rent increase for use of the hall. Music this year will be provided by the St. Vincent High School Jazz Ensemble, which recently received some support from our club.
BRIAN BREEN filled us in on upcoming “mini-competitions” in the ongoing sale of Super Raffle Tickets. Special prizes will be awarded to someone on the winning side of two-week face-offs between men v. women, “suits” v. “boots,” and past presidents v. everyone else.
PRESIDENT JOANNE encouraged all to sign up for a dictionary distribution at one our local elementary schools. There can’t be too many Rotarians present for this worthwhile and rewarding activity. The new bookplates for the dictionaries identify all three of the Rotary clubs in town as participants in the HARVEY FREETLY Dictionary Project. Members can look for the schedule on the club website and contact GEOFF ELLIS to volunteer.
Our President reminded us that to attend this month’s special meeting at the US Coast Guard Training Center it is necessary to bring photo identification, and drivers must have a license, valid registration, and proof of insurance. If you have invited a guest, please provide your guest’s name to AL CATTALINI. (You can do this on-line.)
Petaluma Rotary Club Foundation Chair LEROY BEAN reported that there were just enough ballots received with enough “ayes” to officially amend the Foundation by-laws as proposed by the Board of Directors.
Although TOM BRANDAL hadn’t been anywhere special lately, his upcoming plans were interesting enough to warrant a fine: the AT&T Tournament in Pebble Beach next month, a cruise in April, and a trip to New York City. Tom cheerfully coughed up a twenty.
LOU STEINBERG had a special holiday, flying to Denver and then Newark and New York to enjoy the season with all four grandsons. Lou capped off his fine schedule with $25 and contributed another $50 to the Club Foundation.
SHERRY BURWEN commented on her trip to her former desert haunts and visiting with friends, not all of whom are faring well. A touching reminder of blessings we can count.
A “Rotary Minute” was presented by PAUL LOUNIBOS, who read a passage by Rotary founder Paul Harris on the power of “good will.”
The raffle was won by JAMES BURLESON, who drew a blue rock for a bottle of wine.
PRESIDENT JOANNE gave a mid-year report, a comprehensive State of the Club address that reviewed the considerable accomplishments and good times of the first six months of the Rotary year and set some important goals for the next six. Joanne commented on how well our members work together and how our club finances are strong because members take their obligations seriously and keep their commitments. She spoke of the good outlook for the club with the succession of strong leadership and of the importance of expanding membership and business networking, one of the original purposes of Rotary. Members will be asked over the next few months to help communicate with approximately 25 targeted individuals in our community who would make excellent Rotarians with a goal to induct 8 to 12 of those as new members in March.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Clark Rosen; photos by Michael Nistler.
