Rota-Teller Archives - Petaluma Rotary Club

September 6 - Fall High School Football Preview - Mike Baddeley interviews local coaches
September 13 - Jane Escobedo, Petaluma School District - "What Is Changing in Petaluma Education?"
September 17 - Golf Tournament and Dinner
September 20 - Club Dark
September 27 - Visit by District Governor Michael Juric
October 4 - Club Assembly. Rod Scaccalosi will update us on the Center Park project.

It was a Rotary meeting like no other. Our lunchtime Club met at 5:30 p.m. and shared a celebration of Rotary with friends and guests. It was Rotary Goes Nighttime!

DAVID BARBIERI served no wine before its time — and he served plenty of wine, donated by Past President Jim Mickelson.

The Sheraton provided great hors d’oeuvres, fancy desserts, and a bar for members desiring other libations.

Friendly socializing was the order of the day (night?) but PRESIDENT NANCY conducted a brief business meeting to welcome, inform and introduce our guests.

She thanked event co-chairs JANE SALDAÑA-TALLEY and DAVID SOLO for organizing the evening. David took to the podium to extend another Rotary welcome and discuss the wide range of Rotary activities.

WHAT IS ROTARY? A ROTARY MINUTE

ROTARY IS a Rotarian named Harvey Freetly who had a passion for literacy and love of children, which prompted Harvey to begin a literacy program focusing on donating a new dictionary to every third grade student in Petaluma.

ROTARY IS two longtime friends and Rotarians, Larry Jonas and John Strong, who joined forces with Larry Connelly, a veteran of Vietnam and a Rotarian, to return to Vietnam and provide clean water for drinking and bathing for their people.

ROTARY IS Doctor Joseph Serra, an orthopedic surgeon and Rotarian from Stockton, who made numerous trips to Malawi to repair the deformed legs and replace the missing limbs of young children stricken with the poliomyelitis virus.

ROTARY IS Rotarians partnering with the National Easter Seal Society to perform a series of successful surgeries on a young girl, Liesel Kay Magnuson, so that she could walk for the first time without crutches on the day of her sixth birthday.

ROTARY IS a Petaluma teenaged girl named Katie Lane*, who is flying to Madrid tomorrow morning at 7:00 to spend one year studying overseas while living with her host family, made possible by the good works and support of Rotarians.

ROTARY IS an adventure in service. Take the adventure!!

After thanking MICHAEL NISTLER for the great slideshow, TARA SMITH for her deejay services, and Jim Mickelson for the wine, PRESIDENT NANCY introduced her Board of Directors. Then it was back to socializing and sharing the spirit of Rotary.

The spirit of Rotary extended to a (believe it or not) Rotary crossword puzzle contest. Somehow your editor/photographer/oenophile/chowhound managed to win the contest and a bottle of great wine from President Nancy’s cellar. What’s a six-letter word for fun? R-O-T-A-R-Y.

August 30 - Rotary Goes Nighttime - Bring your partner or friend! 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Sheraton
September 6 - Fall High School Football Preview - Mike Baddeley interviews local coaches
September 13 - Jane Escobedo, Petaluma School District - "What Is Changing in Petaluma Education?"

President NANCY COOLEY opened our regular luncheon meeting at the appointed half-hour and personally led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

. . . followed by the customary greetings, hugs, busses, and head rubs amongst members.

There were no visiting Rotarians to introduce, but there were several guests of members who joined us for lunch, including the guests of JAY PALM, MICHAEL CARUANA and DON RAMATICI. We were then treated to a medley of announcements and reports:

The Prez, in a sexist move that only BARNEY FAUSS and PDG ART AGNEW could truly appreciate, then proceeded to fine PAT CONKLIN a mere $5 for not sitting at the Birthday Table, while DANNY FISH had to pay $10 for the same offense! The August Birthday Babes were then serenaded with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".

Speaking of offenses, JOANNE FERRIS ratted herself out (sua sponte, in legal parlance) for running a stop sign on her bicycle and being stopped by a PPD officer, who let her off with a warning (he must have forgotten that she no longer owns Basking Robbins, so no more free ice cream!) — good, honest citizen that she is, Joanne paid a $20 fine to the Prez for escaping the long arm of the law!

JOE TAMBE cheerfully paid a $20 fine for having a famous belly dancer granddaughter, Rebecca Vasile, who Joe has arranged to wow us with her act at our February 14 regular meeting — thanks Joe!

Click to see Rebecca dancing with Aerosmith at Oracle Arena in Oakland on August 4th, 2012.

The Prez then levied a joint fine upon SHARI RANNEY and CHRIS RANNEY to the tune of $66 because their son (Brian) got engaged on their 33rd wedding anniversary — congratulations, Shari and Chris!

Last, but not least, WALLY BRAGDON was fined $50 for his recent trip to Scandinavia with wife Marilyn, and some friends — Skal, Wally!!

#5896 proved to be the winning ticket for Captain AL CATTALINI, who won a nice bottle of wine.

JAY PALM then introduced our speaker, Gene Harlan, DVM, from the Cotati Large Animal Hospital, who gave us an interesting presentation on the current state of veterinary medicine (and a few funny tales concerning Babe, bulls, and . . . well, you get the gist!). The good doctor received a Rotary memento pen and an autographed book will be donated to a local high school library in his name for a program well received.

Whereupon, the Prez reminded us that we are dark next Thursday afternoon, due to a member-guest meeting that evening (8/30), 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the Sheraton, and then she summarily adjourned the meeting! See you next week.

August 23 - Gene Harlan, DVM
August 30 - Rotary Goes Nighttime - Bring your partner or friend! 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Sheraton
September 6 - Fall High School Football Preview - Mike Baddeley interviews local coaches
September 13 - Jane Escobedo, Petaluma School District - "What Is Changing in Petaluma Education?"

While Petaluma National Little Leaguers were taking on Fairfield, Connecticut in the Little League World Series, our meeting got underway. President NANCY COOLEY led off with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pinch-hitting for lounge denizen BARNEY FAUSS, CLARK ROSEN took a swing at “My Country, ’tis of Thee”.

Taking signals from President NANCY, RICK GORMAN delivered a thought for the day, about early arrival at our meetings providing a valuable opportunity to greet and chat with other members and guests.

JIM BECKER stepped up to the plate to introduce visiting Gilroy Rotarian LANNY BROWN, a past president who lists his classification as “monkey business”.

JOANNE FERRIS introduced her guest, 16-year-old DAVID CHOJNAKI, who pitched his project of collecting school supplies and cash donations to equip COTS teens. Young DAVID had already snagged a contribution from LEE REPOSA.

In a smooth double play, DAVID SOLO and JANE SALDAÑA-TALLEY announced the first “Rotary Goes Nighttime” at the Sheraton on Thursday, August 30. Members are encouraged to invite guests, especially those who wish to learn something about Rotary, to join us for hors d’ouevres and mingling.

With his eye on the ball – a golf ball – LEROY BEAN reminded us of the upcoming Petaluma Rotary Golf Tournament and dinner on Monday, September 17. The prime rib dinner will be served this year by our friends from Mister McGoo’s. And in his role as skipper of our local Foundation, LEROY advised that replays of the Foundation’s grant awards can be viewed on the club website.

TONY WESTERN delivered a little change-up, announcing the September “Teeing Off on Cancer” tournament at Rooster Run on September 7, still looking for sponsors and foursomes.

We were all hit by MIKE BADDELEY’s pitch about Friendship Feasts to be scheduled for the month of October. This popular random mixing of members for an evening of food and fellowship is a wonderful way to get to know one another and to raise funds for our Dictionary Project. Anyone interested in hosting, please contact MIKE by phone or e-mail.

Many in attendance found themselves in President NANCY’s strike zone, as she exacted fines from the following:

KATHY O’CONNOR, charged with an error, falling off her chair at dinner on opening day of deer season – $50.

TARA SMITH, for striking out for a little R & R, not for traveling in farmer attire to the USDA to investigate the anticipated void in local agriculture that will be created by the “aging” ownership of Rancho Veal (someone please hide TARA’s trade periodicals) – $20.

RICK MOSSI, former Petaluma National Leaguer, for his annual houseboat vacation on Lake Shasta with his two sons, who discovered that certain swimwear on adults of a certain age gives new meaning to ‥foul territory” – $50.

MARLENE FREETLY, who popped up in Canada’s maritime provinces for a delightful two weeks of travel – $50.

STEVE OLMSTED, placed on the DL for a double hernia operation, had to miss both the wedding of his lovely 50-year-old daughter (can’t rush into these things, Dad) and Rotary Day at the Sonoma County Fair Races – $50.

DAVID SOLO, already fined previously for sister HOPE’s cover photo on Newsweek, now picked off for her Olympic gold medal – $25.

TAWNY TESCONI, for hitting another home run with a successful fair and for being caught off base at the Vet’s Building before finding our meeting at the Sheraton – $50.

Our President issued a rare walk to SHERRY BURWEN, not fined for revealing that husband MICHAEL is a 3rd cousin of Aly Raisman, U.S. gymnast, winner of 3 Olympic medals, and partly comprised of Burwen DNA.

The perfect catch of the day was made by LEROY BEAN, who had the winning raffle ticket and drew the brown rock (no, he did not bring his own) for a $75 cash prize.

JIM BECKER was on deck to introduce our guest speaker, fellow USF grad, Rotarian, author and lecturer Steven Campbell. Mr. Campbell offered great insights from his third book, “Making Your Mind Magnificent”, about how we learn and how our brains believe whatever we say. Ereyvnoe was fcinsaetad by his rmraeks.

August 16 - Steven Campbell - Author and Speaker
August 23 - Gene Harlan, DVM
August 30 - Rotary Goes Nighttime - Bring your partner or friend! 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Sheraton

Our venue moved north from the Petaluma Sheraton all the way to Santa Rosa. Yes, once again we celebrated the Sonoma County Fair with a "Day at the Races."

District Governor Elect Helaine Campbell, PDG Bruce Campbell, and our own President Nancy.

We have to have a racing story, so here it is. It was the last race of the day, a full mile on the turf. Your luckless editor had two bucks left. But which horse to bet on? It was easy. With a horse named after everyone's favorite farmer, I knew I had to bet on Hill of Tara, even though this 4-year-old mare was a 12:1 longshot. Well, Tara didn't disappoint, winning a photofinish and paying $26.20!

ROTARACT CAR WASH ON SATURDAY
Rotaract emblem

This Saturday, August 11, the Southern Sonoma County Rotaract Club is conducting its monthly car wash to benefit its ongoing projects in Uganda, East Africa. It's at the Lucky supermarket on Petaluma Blvd. North from 10am- 3pm. The cost for a great car wash is just $10.

August 9 - Rotary Day at the Races, Club meets at Sonoma County Fair
August 16 - Steven Campbell - Author and Speaker
August 23 - Gene Harlan, DVM
August 30 - Rotary Goes Nighttime - Bring your partner or friend! 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Sheraton

With a tap of her gavel on the club's "Buck a Day" wineglass (aka Rotary bell), PRESIDENT NANCY COOLEY called together the meeting on this first Thursday in August, 2012 and lead us in the pledge of allegiance (at least we have a flag . . . for now).

The day was sunny and warm for lunch of fajitas with all the fixin's, at the Sheraton Sonoma County - Petaluma.

Song master BARNEY FAUSS led in a rousing rendition of the club's official song followed by "God Bless America" (thanks, Barney, for that sweet back melody!).

Our Thought for the Day was read by club secretary, PAUL LOUNIBOS, who read an interesting excerpt from My Road to Rotary, the autobiography of Paul Harris, that reminded us our founding club (San Francisco) was the second Rotary club in the US to be established (in November 1908). We come from great stock!

After a bit of time for club greetings, PRESIDENT NANCY brought us back together. We had no visiting Rotarians, but welcomed two guests of Rotarians (potential new members??): DAVID SOLO introduced Deb Dalton, the new Executive Director of Mentor Me Petaluma and MICHAEL CARUANA introduced Richard Mansfield who helped head up the PAEF polo match.

Next, PRESIDENT NANCY called for a moment of silence in memory of Donna Ramatici who passed recently.

Announcements started with GREG O'BRIEN and MICHAEL CARUANA expressing their kudos and thanks to everyone who contributed this year's PAEF (Petaluma Art and Equestrian Festival). PRESIDENT NANCY announced we will have an opportunity to discuss the event on October 4th during our annual Club Assembly following her "State of the Club" presentation.

PRESIDENT NANCY called on STEVE POWELL to make an early announcement about the September 17th Golf Tournament at Petaluma Gold and Country Club . . .

. . . and ONITA PELLEGRINI gave us some ‘teasers’ about the fun we can expect to have at this year's Rotary Day at the Sonoma County Fair on August 9th when we will be joined by Rotarians from around the district. Onita tells us there will even be a quick course on "how to bet." Not that any members of this club needs it! For more information on both events go to www.petalumarotary.com/events.htm.

PRESIDENT NANCY's well-oiled meeting was temporarily interrupted by some chatter between BABE AMARAL and GARY BRODIE. Babe claimed he was just trying to get Gary to pipe down and then got into a game of "who moved my badge" with the Prez (that's MADAM PRESIDENT to you, Babe!), and eventually paid $10 for his missing and very valuable chicken badge.

Then BARNEY FAUSS, got a lesson in club history when PRESIDENT NANCY pulled out a dusty, but perfectly legible, ledger from the club archives that proved once and for all that the Petaluma Rotary Club fine schedule (adopted April 3rd, 1924 . . . we all got a copy!) was NOT just for recognizing the accomplishments of members. Barney, meanwhile, got fined $50 for mouthing off (that's MADAM PRESIDENT to you, too, Barney!).

BTW . . . has anyone noticed how well Club Secretary LOUNIBOS covers PRESIDENT NANCY's back? They're quite the team!

PRESIDENT NANCY then got back to her ‘fine’ session and nabbed a number of members . . . Hope Solo's brother, DAVID SOLO, got fined $25 for his sad tale of ‘solo’ camping in the Trinity Alps, a broken down F150, one night in a cheap hotel, four days stuck in the wilds of California, and 6 days with a rental car. And then he got roughed up a bit more for the Newsweek cover pic of his sister, Hope, (who's starting goalie on the US Olympic team!). . . .

RICK GORMAN learned about the club dress policy when he showed up at the meeting in shorts following a morning golf game; but then got fined only $25 when he explained that since he's a banker, golf and golf shorts are part of his job description.

PRESEIDENT NANCY took the opportunity of RICK's dress code violation to remind him and his accomplices that it a "buck a day" for every day her Rotary bell is missing . . .maybe he took BABE's chicken badge too!

LOU STEINBERG managed to extract $25 from PRESIDENT NANCY for the guardian angel Rotary pin he brought back for her from the SCARC Dinner he attended with GARY BUFFO at Dutton Ranch. Seems she was not in attendance (as expected of all club presidents), so it was fairly easy for him to ‘guilt’ her into coughing up some cash. The Prez gave her ‘fine’ to the Ramatici Foundation . . . nice!

Speaking of GARY BUFFO . . . he earned his chicken badge this week and paid $20 for the privilege . . . he should heed the fate of BABE "Badgeless" AMARAL and guard it carefully!

DANNY FISH announced that we could expect themed programs each month this year. August is "Hunting and Fishing" month and introduced the program speaker Officer Jerrad Swaney, Game Warden with the California Department of Fish and Game assigned to southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties. Officer Swaney gave us a fascinating look into the world of animals, fish, and the humans who hunt them here in Sonoma/Marin counties.

PRESIDENT NANCY then brought our attention to the "Find a Club" app for smart phones; and closed the meeting with a reminder that though the club is dark next week, she hopes to see us all at the Fair! Clink!

MEETING OF ROTARIANS FOR EDUCATION
The Education Committee and all Rotarians who are interested in education of Petaluma's poorest kids are encouraged to stop by Whit Hall's house at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, August 7, to hear early plans and join in discussing Rotary service in education here in our town. We are going to do some cool stuff with these kids. 805 Kingfish Court, which is off the intersection of Keokuk and Cherry near St. Vincent High School. Head East from the intersection and take an almost immediate left into Kingfish Court. Questions to Clark Rosen.

August 2012

August 30, 2012

August 23, 2012

August 16, 2012

August 9, 2012

August 2, 2012