Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
July 5 - Club dark
July 12 - President Nancy's first meeting - Sheraton Hotel
(1) Annual Meeting - Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation
(2) John Ohara - Horse and livestock photography
July 19 - Lee Romero - Miniature horses and their business challenges
July 26 - Dark
July 29 - Petaluma Art & Equestrian Festival
Our evening Debunking began at the Petaluma Women's Club with the delicious catering of Mr. McGoo's, Tony McGaughey.
After many cocktails, our fellow Rotarians took their seats. PRESIDENT JOANNE FERRIS proceeded to pass the microphone around the room so each guest was introduced. During the guest introductions, many of the male Rotarians either bragged about how long (or short) they've been married or how wonderful their significant other is.
PRESIDENT JOANNE was so happy that her club flag finally appeared and she began the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by PAST PRESIDENT PAUL LOUNIBOS giving his invocation.
PAST PRESIDENT LOU STEINBERG started us off with our club song, Rambler, and then God Bless America.
Our MC for the night was none other than PAST PRESIDENT PAUL LOUNIBOS. Since he had the power as MC and Past President he thought that President JOANNE should pay up for the year that she lost the flag. She was fined for $100.
Our PAST PRESIDENT JOHN DADO was surprised and honored for his long term leadership on the Board. He joined before this editor was even born. 1974.
PAST PRESIDENT PAUL introduced our Debunking Roaster. Never before in our clubs history has an outgoing President been roasted by a non-Rotarian until now. PRESIDENT JOANNE's husband, Mike Ferris stepped up to the microphone with a big grin on his face.
Mike explained that though he is not a Rotarian, he grew up in an Elk's household so he knows a little about clubs (or lodges). He's just a “son of an Elk”.
He introduced his oldest daughter who told a story about how PRESIDENT JOANNE, her mother, tried to micromanage her first career as a babysitter.
Then JOANNE'S next daughter talked about how difficult it was growing up with a mom who knows everyone and loves to chit chat. Getting milk at the grocery store can be an all day event.
JOANNE's son told three childhood stories that revealed JOANNE's secrets of manipulation. We all felt for him since we've all been sucked into doing something that we didn't plan on doing during her year as President.
And lastly, the Grand Finale. Mike told a vivid and hilarious story about how Rotary was always on JOANNE's mind. And I mean always!!! He is extremely happy to have her back.
After Mike had completed his job of embarrassing his lovely wife and making the crowd crack up, the red faced PRESIDENT announced and handed out lapel pins to all the Woman Rotarians for the 25th Anniversary of Women in Rotary.
She then called up and thanked all her Board Members.
PRESIDENT JOANNE announced the 2011-2012 Rotarian of the Year, GREG O'BRIEN.
The Prez also put together a great slide show presentation with photos of her year and all the Rotarians involved.
And finally, PRESIDENT JOANNE called upon incoming PRESIDENT ELECT, NANCY COOLEY. NANCY announced her Board and the plans to fund the restoration of Petaluma's Central Park, across from McNear's. This will be a 3-year shared project between JOANNE, NANCY, and PRESIDENT ELECT, RICK MOSSI.
All in all, 2011-2012 was a great year for the Petaluma Rotary Club. We brought in many new wonderful members, raised a tremendous amount of money, and had a fun time doing it. We couldn't have done it without PRESIDENT JOANNE. THANK YOU JOANNE!!!
Now let's get ready for another awesome year under PRESIDENT NANCY at our new and exciting location, The Sheraton.
For lots of great Debunking photos, click here.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Brian Breen.
June 29 - Debunking (Club dark on June 28)
July 5 - Club dark
July 12 - President Nancy's first meeting - Sheraton Hotel
(1) Annual Meeting - Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation
(2) John Ohara - Horse and livestock photography
July 19 - Lee Romero - Miniature horses and their business challenges
July 26 - Dark
July 29 - Petaluma Art & Equestrian Festival
After a crowd pleasing, fully costumed, carnival barker (who looked eerily similar to Past President PAUL LOUNIBOS) excitedly implored one and all to see the fabulous upcoming annual Debunking show and dinner (June 29, 5:30 p.m., Petaluma Women’s Club), . . .
. . . President JOANNE FERRIS opened her last regular luncheon meeting amid much fanfare . . .
. . .and immediately had SHERRY BURWEN lead the pledge . . .
. . . and JIM BECKER lead us in song.
One of our newest members, SHARI RANNEY, then delivered the Thought for the Day, with a Swedish twist, followed by the introduction of the Visiting Rotarians (by JUDI ALLEWELT) and guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch. The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst members ensued.
Diane Henderson, immediate past President of the Rotary Club of San Rafael, who attended
Joanne's first meeting, returned today to salute Joanne on her final meeting.
Joanne flourished a recently liberated Swedish flag which
she added to the veritable United Nations of flags on the podium.
Next, there were a myriad of reports and announcements, including joint reports by JAY PALM and LEE REPOSA on the recent RYLA Camp dinner at Westminster Woods, . . .
. . . and WALLY BRAGDON and MICHAEL CARUANA on the upcoming (July 29) Art & Equestrian Festival — Larry has posters and post’cards to promote the event, Michael is looking for help with marketing the event. JUDI ALLEWELT gave a report on the ticket sales for the Festival, and she will be happy to drop extras by your place of business should you need more.
Sherry and Fred, alone at the Birthday Table.
The June birthday babies were then serenaded in fine fashion, except for DAVID SOLO, who was summarily fined $5.00 for sitting at the wrong table and for moving the Birthday Table sign and the cake to cover it up!
New club member GARY BUFFO then gave his craft talk, . . .
. . . followed by an unprecedented joint craft talk by CHRIS and SHARI RANNEY. All very elucidating . . .
. . . in fact, Shari’s was so good it earned her the coveted Chicken Badge (plus a $5.00 fine)!
In a fitting tribute to a wonderful Rotary year, the $375 raffle pot was won by our deserving President JOANNE, who then graciously donated the entire amount in equal shares to Rotary International and our local Rotary Foundation. Thanks JOANNE!
Our speaker, breast surgeon Dr. Laura E. Norton, then gave a very informative power point presentation on breast health and disease, followed by a Q&A session.
The Prez then shared with us some closing remarks on how much fun she had with the meetings and serving as our president, thanked us for our support, reminded us that we are dark on Thursday (June 28), encouraged us to all attend her Debunking and the installation of NANCY COOLEY on Friday (June 29), and adjourned the meeting. I’ll see you at the Debunking!
Use your credit card to pay for dues, special events, fines, or whatever.
Click a credit card for more information.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
June 21 - Maureen Middlebrook - Redwood Medical Group
June 29 - Debunking (Club dark on June 28)
July 5 - Club dark
July 12 - President Nancy's first meeting - Sheraton Hotel
(1) Annual Meeting - Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation
(2) John Ohara - Horse and livestock photography
Appearing as fresh as she did in her inaugural meeting last July, PRESIDENT JOANNE FERRIS called the meeting to order.
Outstanding patriot WHIT HALL led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
LOU STEINBERG gave the starting notes for “I’m a Rambler . . .,” “God Bless America,” and in honor of a perfect Matt Cain, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
PAUL LOUNIBOS’s Thought for the Day was a timely reading of a column by the Press Democrat’s Pete Golis on being a dad.
Had there been any visiting Rotarians they would undoubtedly have enjoyed the traditional hugs and handshakes.
LOU STEINBERG introduced wife Julie, locked out of PVH by a nurse’s strike, but always welcome at our meeting.
Tony Western, actually a guest of the absent BILL GROVERMAN, was introduced by RICK MOSSI.
WALLY BRAGDON introduced his guest David Schmidt.
MICHAEL CARUANA “reintroduced” JOSEPH MOORE, not currently an active member but heavily involved in the success of our big fundraising event in July.
PRESIDENT JOANNE rattled off the impressive list of Rotarians with June anniversaries and wished a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in the room.
GREG O’BRIEN led off the report on preparations for the Petaluma Art & Equestrian Festival with the news that the event has a record number of sponsors contributing approximately $7,000 for expenses.
TOM BRANDAL reminded us that an important part of the PAEF promotion is our presence at the Wednesday evening Farmer’s Market.
WALLY BRAGDON is the man to see for PAEF cards and posters.
LEE REPOSA, reprising his role as head chef, reported that he was able to get a great deal on chicken from Petaluma Poultry Processors.
LEN MYGATT has received 28 responses so far from artists interested in displaying their work, and 10 of those have been confirmed for the event.
All are invited to participate at the next PAEF committee meeting, Thursday 6/28 at 5:30 at the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce.
Still (figuratively) wearing his chef’s hat, LEE REPOSA put out the call for help with our popular barbeque for the RYLA kids at Westminster Woods on Wednesday 6/20 from 3:00 to 7:00.
Brian Breen was ready to collect any fines.
PAUL LOUNIBOS encouraged all to make reservations with ONITA PELLEGRINI for the debunking of our fair PRESIDENT JOANNE at the Petaluma Woman’s Club on June 29. Paul hinted that we may be treated to more than the usual embarrassment and humiliation, with surprises including a non-Rotarian Roastmaster. (Make your reservations on line right here.)
The weekly raffle was won by guest Tony Western, who found a blue rock in the bag and left with a bottle of vino.
GREG O’BRIEN introduced guest speaker and club member STAN LAWSON of Sequoia Senior Solutions. Stan addressed the considerable challenges of our aging population and how well-managed in-home care allows seniors to live happily in their homes as long as possible. All of our members who are still able to hear and comprehend guest speakers found Stan’s presentation very interesting.
|
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. |
Use your credit card to pay for dues, special events, fines, or whatever.
Click a credit card for more information.
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Clark Rosen.
June 14 - Stan Lawson - The Aging Crisis in America
June 21 - Maureen Middlebrook - Redwood Medical Group
June 29 - Debunking (Club dark on June 28)
July 5 - Club dark
July 12 - President Nancy's first meeting - Sheraton Hotel
How does the Rotary Club of Petaluma lower the average age of its membership in a single day? By inviting kids to the meeting, of course! On this first Thursday in June 2012, PRESIDENT JOANNE FERRIS called together the 2nd Kids Day of her most productive and enjoyable term of office and with one bold rap of her gavel, the average age in the club dipped, if only temporarily, below 50 (there is hope for the future!). (Click here for a special supplement of kids' photos.)
RICK GORMAN’s son, Ben (with a little help from a friend) led us in the pledge of allegiance and only needed one teensy reminder from his proud papa to remove his hat!
The day was sunny and warm for our ‘kid friendly’ lunch of burgers and dogs, fries and rings, at Mister Magoo’s.
Song master LEE REPOSA led the club’s patriotic chorale of “God Bless America.”
Our Thought for the Day was a team effort by GARY BUFFO’s bunch who had Googled us two great quotes (read by their understanding dad!).
After a bit of time for club greetings, PRESIDENT JOANNE, called for visiting Rotarians and we welcomed Dale Ann Knight, District Foundation Chair and member of the Rohnert Park-Cotati club.
The list of Rotarians with guests was lengthy. With microphone help from Johannes Alvekranz the following members introduced their young guests…JAY PALM, GARY BUFFO, RICARDO MARZO (who also brought wife, Nichole), BILL GROVERMAN, LEE REPOSA, RICK GORMAN, BRIAN BREEN (with the ‘Breen Team’ and Tony’s son!), JASON GOOCH, JUDI ALLEWELT (whose grandchildren greeted us at the door in Judy’s usual place), and RICK MOSSI (whose son drove himself when he heard dad was paying!). Wow! What a turnout!
Next, PRESIDENT JOANNE held one of several ‘kid raffles’ to keep things interesting for the under 20 set (a gift certificate to MoYo’s Yogurt won by Johannes).
Announcements started with PAEF (Petaluma Art and Equestrian Festival) updates from WALLY BRAGDON on the availability of signs, GREG O’BRIEN on HENRY HANSEL’s generous offer to post the event on his Hwy 101 marquee, and JUDI ALLEWELT on the tickets she is distributing to members (5 each; tickets are also available online at http://www.paefestival.org).
PRESIDENT JOANNE reminded members that there was still time to sign up for the upcoming District Conference, scheduled for Father’s Day weekend in Fortuna.
Then she held another ‘kid raffle’ (this time Brendan won a gift certificate to Copperfield’s).
PRESIDENT JOANNE’s ‘fine’ session nabbed a number of members as she works to close out her year with everyone paid in full…the illusive yet generous HENRY HANSEL paid his total fine schedule and another $150 to the club’s foundation for three new dealerships he’s building in Santa Rosa that will give the Suburu’s, VW’s and BMW’s their own separate space. [Henry paused the proceedings to let members know he was in San Francisco recently and ran into DAN LIBARLE’s favorite president…and then paid $20 to protect all the young ears in the room and keep Dan from expressing what we all knew would be his colorful opinion on the sighting!].
PRESIDENT JOANNE held another ‘kid raffle’ (this time Katie Foster won a gift certificate to MoYo’s Yogurt).
GREG O’BRIEN, gave up $100 for his youngest daughter’s generous spirit…a graduate of St. Vincent’s HS and member of their debate team, graduate of UC Berkeley, and now detective with the Daly City PD, she is marrying a firefighter and both of them have rescue dogs, so they are asking that all shower and wedding gifts be made as donations to the rescue center…now that’s a dad who raised a great daughter!
RICARDO MARZO gave up $40 for his good luck at being chosen at random for the Petaluma Valley $1 Million Challenge ‘chip off’ and then landing the ball on the green, but about 20 feet short from the big prize!
PRESIDENT JOANNE held another ‘kid raffle’ (Bryce Foster won a gift certificate to Copperfield’s and kept up with his sister’s winnings earlier in the meeting!).
PRESIDENT JOANNE asked all children in the club to stand (did we see a couple of members sit back down when they realized it was the children under 20 she was referring to?)…and then proceeded to check with the kids (who she knew would tell the Rotary truth) as to whether or not their Rotary parent/grandparent was wearing their Rotary pin. She managed to swoop up some more cash for the club from BILL GROVERMAN, RICARDO MARZO (whose father-in-law gave an assist!), GARY BUFFO, JUDI ALLEWELT and JAY PALM (who tried to give us some guff about a stolen hat, a ploy that failed miserably to budge our tough MADAM PREZ!).
The final ‘kid raffle’ of the day was for a gift certificate to Powell’s Sweet Shoppe and the (literal) kid(s) in a candy shop will be JAY PALM’s kids.
The ‘big kid’ raffle for the week (up to $300!) was MICHAEL NISTLER who drew the blue rock and took home a nice bottle of wine.
Visiting Rotarian, Dale Ann Knight, spoke briefly of her recent attendance at the Rotary International Conference in Bangkok, Thailand (the eighth she has attended!) and encouraged us to consider attending next year’s conference in Lisbon, Portugal (June 2013). She also gave a public thanks to HENRY HANSEL, who has very quietly, yet reliably, donated a Hansel van to transport the Group Study Exchange team around the district. She did note that this year, the van was sold out from under them (but Henry made good and got them a replacement)!
David Solo practicing to be a father.
LOU STEINBERG and LEE REPOSA reminded the club about the annual RYLA camp and our support of the BBQ dinner…this year on Wednesday, June 20 at 5:00 pm…if you’d like to volunteer, get in touch with Lee.
PRESIDENT JOANNE introduced the day’s program speaker, Evelyn Rojas, who is the new farm manager for Petaluma Bounty and ‘flew solo’ after her board member, Dave Martinelli, was called away unexpectedly. Even so, her sheer enthusiasm and obvious love for her work and the Bounty Farm made it a delightful and informative presentation. She thanked the club for the simplified grant (awarded during CLARK ROSEN’s presidency) that enabled installation of an automated system to the farm’s greenhouse (“the womb of the farm”), better protects the well-being of the farm’s seedlings (and allows her an occasional day off!). She talked about the Community Sustainable Ag program, the Petaluma Health Center PLAY program, the farm stand and farmer’s market sales (offering the bounty to everyone) and ended with the Petaluma People Services Center youth employment program. What a gem for our community! And what great presentation, Evelyn! Thank you!
PRESIDENT JOANNE closed the meeting with a reminder about next week’s program (STAN LAWSON, speaking on "the Aging Crisis in America") and finished with a smart rap of her short-timer gavel.
|
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 fee. Gail Cardaropoli, Secretary |
This week's Rota-Teller editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley.