Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.
April 3 - Michael Stallard, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program
April 11 - Farmers & Merchants Night (Dark on April 10)
April 17 - Wanda Smith, Cal Equestrian & Event Center
President RICK MOSSI, opened the last regular meeting of March at the appointed half hour and immediately led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
BARNEY FAUSS then led us in a heartfelt rendition of America (My Country Tis’ of Thee), in honor of our Past-President, JIM McCAFFREY, who recently passed away. We then sang God Bless America, followed by a Thought for the Day from RICK GORMAN. After a hearty round of handshakes, hugs and busses amongst the members, the Prez introduced the lone visiting Rotarian (Al Statz of the Sunrise Club) who joined us for lunch. We then all observed a moment of silence for the passing of Jim McCaffrey.
The Prez then reminded us that the monthly SCARC meeting was being held in Rohnert Park at Sally Tomatoes, and delivered a big thanks to the best Rotary drummer ever, JIM McNULTY, for the interactive drum demonstration last week, and to AL CATTALINI for doing such a great job on the Club website and bulletin week in and week out. Both received a big round of applause for the members in appreciation!
JAMES GOTELLI was the only birthday boy at the March birthday table, so he got all of the cake and a “Happy Birthday” serenade (but somehow escaped the $5 fine!).
The Prez then noted that Past-District Governor ED FULLERTON had started an Aviation Club for students at McKinley School and invited anyone who is interested in participating to call Ed.
Visiting Rotarian Al Statz then requested volunteers to monitor Butter and Egg Day parade participants spacing-call Al if you would like to help.
JAY PALM and BILL GROVERMAN were both MIA, so the Prez gave the upcoming (April 11) Farmers and Merchants Night event report---please let Jay or Bill know how many guests you are bringing so they can plan accordingly. The dilatory Prez then finally got around to actually introducing the guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch, including the guests of ONITA PELLIGRINI, JOE TAMBE, and JIM BECKER, . . .
. . . followed by an announcement from CLARK ROSEN that McKinley School will be holding a fundraiser at Lagunitas Brewery on April 28 to fund a field trip—call Clark for details.
KIP HERZOG then took us on a stroll down memory lane with his 1998-1999 Past-President’s talk.
The penurious Prez then went on a relatively light fine spree: First, he delivered a $50 margin call to BRIAN BREEN for relocating his business (to the Bank of America building on Kentucky Street) and having a wife lucky enough to hit the jackpot at Graton Rancheria (although I’m sure she probably thought she hit the jackpot when she actually got Brian to take her out!!). Congratulations, Brian.
Next, the Prez assessed TAWNY TESCONI a resort fee of $50 going on a vacation to New Orleans with 10 family members to celebrate her sister’s 50th birthday and taking a cruise to Honduras (and getting into a fight over a deck chair!). Welcome back, Tawny!
Finally, the Prez levied a $5 bank charge against RICK GORMAN for taking over as the local Exchange Bank manager for the Prez, who’s position has extended to more regional duties . . .
. . . in a show of support (or perhaps commiseration), the Prez matched Rick’s fine! Kudos to both in their new roles!
After the raffle (ticket #8825723) proved to be a wine winner for MIKE “Bingo” NISTLER, . . .
. . . Program Chair JIM BECKER introduced our speaker, . . .
. . . Alan Fitch, from First Steps, an equine therapy program for special needs children, who gave us an entertaining look back on the Who’s Who Star Review event from years past. He received a Rotary memento for a program well received, and an autographed book will be donated in his name to a local high school library. Whereupon, the meeting was summarily adjourned after the Prez shared the following favorite quip of Jim McCaffrey as a closing thought:
“If it weren’t for the drink, the Irish would rule the world!”
This week’s Rota-Teller editor: Mike Baddeley.
March 27 - Giant Steps - Making of the Who's Who Lip Sync
April 3 - Michael Stallard, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program
April 11 - Farmers & Merchants Night (Dark on April 10)
April 17 - Wanda Smith, Cal Equestrian & Event Center
Jim McCaffrey
March 4, 1926 - March 21, 2014
Village Gathering
Typical lunch serving: Salad, roast beef, and five slabs of corned beef.
We feasted on corned beef and cabbage!!! Another wonderful lunch from Sally Tomatoes.
Tribal Chief RICK MOSSI called the meeting to order. STEVE POWELL led the opening song.
Chief Rick’s thought for the day: “There’s no half singing in the shower. You’re either a rock star or an opera star!”
Rotarians with guests — RICK GORMAN brought his son Ben to the meeting. Ben is on his spring break.
Visiting Rotarian — Libby Fitzgerald from Petaluma Valley Rotary. Libby invited members to join the PVR Dinner of Champions honoring our own LOU STEINBERG for his service to youth in Petaluma.
Announcements:
A gentlemen appeared before today’s meeting claiming to be a member of an Eastbay Rotary club. He expressed interest in joining our club, dropped men’s clothing discount coupons on the tables and promptly left. CHIEF RICK asked one person at each table to stand and tear the coupons in unison for violation of the Four Way Test!
The Butter and Egg Days Committee is asking Rotarians to serve as marshals at the annual parade. If you can walk — you can marshal!!! Signups were on the table or you can contact the Petaluma Downtown Association.
The Rotary District Assembly will be Saturday, April 5 in Ukiah. We have 5 — 6 members already committed to attend. If you plan to go, please register online and notify club secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI.
Farmers & Merchants Night — JAY PALM asked every member to bring a local farmer or merchant to the annual dinner of polenta and homemade stew on Friday, April 11 at Herzog Hall. Doors open at 6 pm with an open bar!!! Best deal in town for $20 per person. Please get your RSVP’s to STEVE GAVRILOFF.
Our club has been asked to partner with the other two clubs on a Rebuilding Together Petaluma project at the C Street pocket park. RICK GORMAN will attend a meeting with RICK MOSSI, Scott Broden from the City of Petaluma and Jane Hamilton on Tuesday to learn more.
Craft Talk:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN gave his craft talk covering four generations of ranchers before he got educated and became a large animal vet. Very nice to hear about John’s adventures before Rotary!
Fines:
Now that his craft talk was completed, JOHN fulfilled his new member steps to receive his chicken badge for which he was promptly fined!
SHERRY BURWEN wished everyone Happy Spring and paid for it!
JOHN ZIMMERMAN was the lucky ticket holder for the raffle and won a bottle of wine.
Program:
JIM BECKER noted our programs have been outstanding this year. There is great talent among our club members he’s found which led to today’s program — . . .
. . .Drums and Mankind by JIM McNULTY.
This was one of the most interactive programs we’ve had with a circle of members!
I was so excited that this week’s Rota-Teller was transmitted via drum signals. That’s why it is so late!
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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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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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NEW TRANSFER MEMBER The club has approved the transfer of the following member from the Rotary Club of King City:
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This week’s Rota-Teller editor: Joanne Ferris.
March 20 - Jim McNulty, Congo Drum
March 27 - Giant Steps - Making of the Who's Who Lip Sync
April 3 - Michael Stallard, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program
April 11 - Farmers & Merchants Night(Dark on April 10)
April 17 - Wanda Smith, Cal Equestrian & Event Center
It was a beautiful sunny Sonoma County day, when PRESIDENT RICK MOSSI called to order the Rotary Club of Petaluma on this second Thursday of March. It appears the Prez has quit counting his meetings, but suffice to say he’s on the downhill side of a terrific year as ’Leader of the Club.’ He also claimed to be a bit hung over from “one or two too many” Coronas during a very fun and successful Club Social the evening before! Despite the haze, PRESIDENT RICK first led us in the Pledge of Allegiance . . .
. . . and then called on LOU STEINBERG to lead us in song, and lead Lou did with I’m a Rambler and God Bless America.
DANNY FISH, shared an Irish “Thought for the Day” about where worrying can get you (hopefully in hell where you’ll be too busy celebrating with your friends to worry ever again!). DANNY closed with a St. Paddy’s Day blessing for all who are Irish and all who wish they were!
After club greetings, PRESIDENT RICK called for Visiting Rotarians, and we had only one, Jim Furley from Petaluma Valley. Rotarians with Guests included DAVID SOLO introducing Elias Hosary for another time and DANNY FISH introducing Corp. Nick McGowan and Sgt. Andrew Urton. LEE REPOSA introduced Kurt Whorton (winner of both 2nd and 5th place Super Raffle prizes this year; a total of $1,600) who is generously giving back his entire winnings to the club. Amazing! Thanks very much, Kurt!
TOM BRANDAL gave a Sunshine report on JIM McCAFFREY who was still at Petaluma Valley Hospital, but expected to be home on Saturday. We’re wishing the best for you, JIM!
PRESIDENT RICK announced the SCARC dinner meeting on March 27th in Rohnert Park-Cotati at Sally Tomatoes. PRESIDENT RICK also announced two seats were available for club members to attend the PACC Community Awards on March 27th at the Petaluma Sheraton, and CLARK ROSEN and JUDI ALLEWELT stepped up on the spot...the club will be very well represented by these two! PRESIDENT RICK placed signup sheets on the tables for Butter and Egg Days Parade Marshalls (all three Petaluma Rotary clubs share that honor each year). District Assembly is this April 5th in Ukiah...let PRESIDENT RICK know if you plan to attend.
PRESIDENT RICK announced March anniversary’s...HENRY HANSEL to Marilyn, KIP HERZOG to a different Marilyn, BARNEY FAUSS to an ever patient Alma, ROY MUSICK to Linda, and GARRY BUFFO to Jennifer.
PRESIDENT RICK gave a shout out to GAIL CARDAROPOLI, ONITA PELLEGRINI, STEVE POWELL, JIM BECKER, and FRED FROST for organizing a very enjoyable club social on March 12th at the Petaluma Yacht Club (well, except for that pigeon that pooped on ‘Hissoner’s’ shirt!). If the sunglasses fit...seems the pair left behind at the social and held aloft by PRESIDENT RICK were a perfect fit for PRESIDENT ELECT MICHAEL CARUANA who handed over $20 for the personal delivery service! Click for photos from the Yacht Club.
PRESIDENT ELECT MICHAEL CARUANA shared his impressions of the recent PETS training session he attended, especially the impact Rotary has on all of humanity.
PAST PRESIDENT WALLY BRAGDON (1996-1997) shared remembrances of his term as club president. Seems his first meeting was marred by calamity unbefitting a newly minted president (emergency at the bank...missing car...calls to the police), and yet he left a big legacy by starting the club’s largest annual fund raiser—the Super Raffle—after tiring of asking for auction items. He noted that he got back more than he ever put in as club president. Thanks, WALLY!
During the fine portion of the meeting, PRESIDENT RICK picked up some bucks from a few members. LEE REPOSA offered up $100 for a trip to Hawaii with the family and two (count ’em), two new cars.
JOHN DADO did the same (only his $100 went to the Rotary Foundation) for the same; he too went to Hawaii (where he had a confirmed sighting of the Reposa clan!), he too bought a car (for Sharon), and also for his 2nd Pick Six at the races!
Lastly, AL KAPLAN threw in $20 for the mystery blonde he left with from the club social.
The day’s raffle graced DAVID SOLO with a nice bottle of wine (instead of the $25 in the pot).
DANNY FISH introduced guest speaker, . . .
. . .Sgt. Andrew Urton, Petaluma PD SWAT Team Leader (with an assist from Corp. Nick McGowan, laying out rifles, a vest and shield) who gave an outstanding presentation on the operations, training and purpose of the city’s SWAT. Petaluma is very fortunate to have such an exceptional unit so close at hand. Great presentation, Sgt. Urton!
PRESIDENT RICK’s closing thought for the day...“You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.” Hope you all put the very best into all the hours between now and the next time we see each other!
Next week join PRESIDENT RICK for an “off the Rotary reservation” kind of program...something about drums???
This week’s Rota-Teller editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley.
March 12 - A Night of Social Fun, Petaluma Yacht Club, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
March 13 - Sergeant Andrew Urton, Petaluma PD SWAT Team
March 20 - Jim McNulty, Congo Drum
March 27 - Giant Steps - Making of the Who's Who Lip Sync
Chris and Greg ham it up before the meeting.
Our President RICK MOSSI opened our first meeting in March with a clang of the bell!
Songmaster BARNEY FAUSS then led with our Club song and then a slightly out of key rendition of America the Beautiful.
CHRIS ELZI delivered two Mark Twain Thoughts for the Day.
WHIT HALL introduced visiting Rotarians: Kent Evans, Elias Hosary, Gene Dvorak and Tim Moran.
PRESIDENT RICK announced:
Sunshine Report: JIM McCAFFREY will be joining us soon as he is recovering nicely and PAUL LOUNIBOS is recovering from heart surgery.
JAY PALM announced that plans are coming along nicely for Farmers and Merchants Night on April 11th at Herzog Hall. If anyone might have raffle prizes for the evening please let him know — and they would be greatly appreciated!
PRESIDENT RICK then called upon CHRIS RANNEY, JOANNE FERRIS and BILL GROVERMAN to contribute some "fine" money to the Club.
GARY BRODIE was implicated in a traffic tango with BILL and thus ensued a comical exchange of finger pointing and tale telling by the two of our pick-up driving home boys! RICK then levied a modest fine from both of course.
Trolling for further funds GREG O’BRIEN volunteered his new family living with him situation that cost him $50 . . .
. . . and JUDI ALLEWELT confessed to plans for a trip to Africa. She pledged $100 in fines with 50% now and 50% due if she actually returns from the trip! This being her idea of trip insurance.
WHIT HALL then held the winning raffle ticket and pulled the brown stone for a cool $75 payout.
JIM BECKER then introduced our presenter for the day
- Bill Rousseau, our own Sonoma County Assessor who enlightened us to the subtle realities and challenges of his elected county seat. A fascinating presentation kept the Club enthralled with plenty of follow-up questions. We get to vote for him again in the next upcoming election!
RICK then thanked Bill and announced next week’s speaker: Andrew Urton, Petaluma Police Department’s Swat Team Leader.
RICK closed the meeting with a thought: Life’s like a roll of toilet paper (wait for it) . . . The closer you get to the end the faster it goes! Alright then, what can you say?
This week’s Rota-Teller editor: Jim McNulty; photos by Michael Nistler.