March 2016

Issues are arranged in reverse order. Scroll down to find the issue you want.

COMING EVENTS

President GARY BRODIE welcomed all and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

A call for fresh leadership in the song department was answered by LINDA BLACK, who launched us into God Bless America, aided by impromptu Mitch Miller direction from CHRIS ELZI.

A bit of wisdom from the late Maya Angelou was the well-received thought of the day delivered by CHAD FILLINGER.

While there were technically no visiting Rotarians in attendance, it was pointed out that DANNY FISH was back among us, still thawing out from time spent in Virginia.

WHIT HALL announced the upcoming fundraiser for McKinley School to be held once again at Lagunitas Brewing Company. We are all invited to enjoy food and drink and a silent auction on Monday, April 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There have been several factors contributing to the dramatic successes at McKinley during the last few years, and the active participation of our club is one of them.

BILL GROVERMAN reminded us of Farmers and Merchants night on Friday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m. at Herzog Hall. The open bar, tasty stew and polenta dinner, and $20 ticket price make this event the best value on the planet and a fun evening for all. Please let CHAD FILLINGER know about your plans to attend and how many guests you expect.

A ringing cell phone turned out to belong to JIM SYMONS. After JIM’s offer of $20 for the offense, President GARY mused about how such interruptions could become a good moneymaker for the club, noting that there are plenty of cell numbers on the club roster, and perhaps they could all be dialed during our meetings.

RENÉE HAYES was called upon a bit prematurely to discuss her gratitude about becoming a grandmother. Exciting news, yes, but the baby is due in September.

What might have been a fun trip for JOANNE FERRIS became an excursion only for husband Mike with son Jack and college buddies to Chicago to watch Gonzaga U in the NCAA basketball playoffs. JOANNE’s enjoyment of the event was limited to texts and photos, including one of Mike consoling an attractive blonde 20-something woman when Gonzaga lost the game. Ever the good sport, JOANNE offered a contribution for her spouse’s arrested development and something extra in recognition of AL CATTALINI, whose beloved St. Mary’s had fallen to the Gonzaga hoopsters in their earlier contest.

Was it karma, or just karmic relief? JOANNE FERRIS was the raffle winner, and her upgraded prize was a bottle of champagne.

RICK MOSSI introduced distinguished guest speaker MICHAEL CARUANA, who gave a wonderful presentation in words and pictures on the land of his birth — Malta — its geography, history, and culture, with some interesting personal history mixed in.

This week's Editor: Clark Rosen

COMING EVENTS

After being MIA last week, President GARY BRODIE opened our regular luncheon meeting at the appointed half hour, and immediately led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by . . .

. . . a rather dyslexic version of our Club’s theme song (I’m a rambler gambler or is it gambler rambler) by JIM BECKER (in honor of our beloved Gene Benedetti, no less), with a heartfelt rendition of God Bless America to finish it off!

Past-President MICHAEL CARUANA then delivered the Thought for the Day…something about women’s minds and Easter eggs!! The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst members ensued.

Past-President JOANNE FERRIS introduced our lone visiting Rotarian (from the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club), followed by the PVRC Exchange student’s report on his take on attending a recent Warrior’s game. Several guests of Rotarians joined us for lunch, including MICHAEL NISTLER’s wife (Grace), Past President WALLY BRAGDON’s friend (Brett), JAY PALM’s sons (Jim and Jake), President-Elect LEE REPOSA’s son and daughter (Grant and Audrey), Past-President ONITA PELLIGRINI’s friends (Denise and Helen), Past-President RICK MOSSI’s friend (Karen), and JOANNE FERRIS’ friends (3 generations of Benedettis, Mary McCaffrey and Dr. Walker).

The Prez gave well deserved kudos to GEOFF ELLIS and Past-President TAWNY TESCONI for all of their good work on our Club’s Dictionary Program (every year each third grader in a Petaluma School gets his or her own personal dictionary).

The Prez then called upon RICARDO MARZO to explain his recent trip to Las Vegas with his father-in-law, Past-President DAN LIBARLE…according to Ricardo it was all business, so no fine!!

Next, SHARI RANNEY announced an International Committee meeting (immediately following the lunch meeting), followed by . . .

. . . a Farmers/Merchant Night reminder by BILL GROVERMAN (April 18, 6.p.m, @ Herzog Hall) and . . .

. . . an announcement from JANE SALDAÑA-TALLEY regarding the District Conference (April 9) and informing us that our Club will be applying for awards in four different areas of service.

Not to be outdone, the Prez provided us with a medley of announcements, including: the next SCARC meeting is March 31 at the St. Rose Business Center in Santa Rosa (let the Prez or GAIL CARDAROPOLI know if you’re interested); the Glen Ellen-Kenwood rotary Club is hosting a Crab in a Cave crab feed on April 16 @ $75/head); and our Club is hosting a Club Social on May 12 @ the Petaluma Yacht Club (we’ll be dark that week).

The Prez then acknowledged the March anniversaries and birthdays of our members, and made sure everyone knew we had plenty of cake for all.

Dispensing with tradition, the Prez held two raffles: one for the kids at the meeting (a Powell’s gift certificate won by the PVRC Exchange student), and one for the members (a bottle of fine wine won by PGD ED FULLERTON).

JIM BECKER then introduced our speakers, past member Dan Benedetti (who gave a presentation on the history of Clover-Stornetta Farms) and his daughter Joannie (who followed up with a presentation on the annual Benedetti Leadership Celebration benefitting Petaluma Valley Hospital), both of whom received a hearty round of applause for a program well received!

The Prez then adjourned the meeting…but not before fining DAN LIBARLE (Dan Benedetti’s first cousin) and his tablemates (WALLY BRAGDON, JOHN ZIMMERMAN and Past Presidents KIP HERZOG) a collective $100 because Dan Libarle asked the speaker about farm subsidies (the incorrigible Libarle paid the whole fine)!! See you next week!

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley

COMING EVENTS

We were welcomed to the Rotary Club of Petaluma’s St. Patrick’s Day meeting at the beautiful Petaluma Golf and Country Club by our stand in and future INCOMING PRESIDENT, LEE REPOSA.

PRESIDENT GARY went missing or may have been drinking too much of the Irish juice but luckily LEE REPOSA came stylishly dressed in a fancy green shirt and was prepared to run the show.

We all joined LEE in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR and PAST PRESIDENT ED FULLERTON leading us in the song, America the Beautiful.

PAST PRESIDENT JOHN DADO gave us the Thought of the Day reflecting on a few self-improvement quotes. With that, our usual handshakes and hugs followed.

JOHN ZIMMERMAN announced our 2 visiting Rotarians.

Our sole guest was Erin Post, the new CEO of the Sonoma Marin Fair.

Visiting Rotarian Greg Freitas discussed the international Rotary Friendship Exchange program.

PAST DG and PAST PREZ ED FULLERTON brought our attention to the Argus Courier article which was about our amazing Dictionary Program.

LEE reminded everyone of Farmers Merchant Night and also discussed RYLA.

PAST PRESIDENT RICK MOSSI began the conversation around our upcoming Debunking night.

CHRIS RANNEY gave a Sunshine Report on PAST PRESIDENT PAUL LOUNIBOS. He’s been ill but on the mend.

LEE then called on a couple ladies to discuss how grateful they are. JUDY ALLEWELT and GAIL CARDAROPOLI shared with us that they and PAST PRESIDENT ONITA PELLEGRINI took a wonderful trip to Argentina which included a cruise around the Horn. They both paid $50.

BANO CUMMINGS was also called upon to explain some Dirty Dancing with PRESIDENT GARY and Heidi. They were all at the Dirty Dancing play and she paid $25. She also paid another $50 to share with us her fun trip to Nicaragua.

Lastly, our stand in LEE REPOSA called upon ELIAS HUSARY to explain how his car that starts with a P changed colors from grey to black. It was determined that it wasn’t due to a lack of car washes but rather a new 500+ HP vehicle. For that he paid $50.

BANO was the raffle winner and took home a nice bottle of wine.

CHRIS RANNEY introduced our speakers . . .

. . . JIM BECKER and SHERI RANNEY. They both spoke about the International side of Rotary and the global grants and projects that our club has been part of.

After doing a great job at the podium and leaving us with some Irish wisdom, LEE wished everyone a great day.

This week's Editor: Brian Breen

COMING EVENTS

PRESIDENT GARY opened the meeting with three raps on the bell. After leading the Pledge of Allegiance, he called on songmaster BARNEY FAUSS to lead us in song.

BARNEY didn’t disappoint, warming up with I’m a gambler, . . . and then segueing into America the Beautiful.

ELIAS HUSARY delivered our Thought for the Day, two rules for a happy marriage. Rule 1: Your wife is always right. Rule 2: If your wife is wrong, see Rule 1.

JIM SYMONS introduced our one visiting Rotarian, a member of the Windsor club.

BILL GROVERMAN introduced his guest, his daughter Meagan.

Sunshine Report: Treasurer MARLENE FREETLY is in Reno, recuperating from cortisone treatments for her back.

PRESIDENT GARY observed that RICARDO MARZO was a no-show today for his scheduled fine can duty and that he had recently failed to show for microphone duty. He prevailed upon RICARDO’s brother-in-law, GEOFF ELLIS, to phone RICARDO. And thus we saw the first electronic fine in Club history. RICARDO proffered $25 for his transgressions but our President decided that RICARDO was doubly grateful and assessed a $50 fine.

GEOFF Thanked members who have been distributing dictionaries to third-graders and reminded all that the job continues. Be sure to check the schedule and volunteer if you can assist in this rewarding endeavor.

BILL GROVERMAN announced that Farmers and Merchants Night would take place Friday, April 8 at Herzog Hall. Your $20 admission covers a delicious dinner of polenta and stew, an open bar, and great camaraderie.

LEE REPOSA reported about his weekend in San Jose attending PETS (methinks President Elect Training Session). He said he was in awe of the process which involved some 500-700 presidents to be. He also reported favorably on the hospitality suites, noting that our JOANNE FERRIS has the map to the suites.

GREG O’BRIEN reported on the successful March 3 meeting to improve the security situation at Walnut Park. Camera surveillance is being installed and efforts continue for a police substation at the park.

SHARI RANNEY was $10 grateful for her recent visit to Sweden to visit her granddaughter, born on Christmas day.

Faithful Rotarian that she is, she attended a Swedish Rotary meeting and brought back this flag.

The Reverend DAN LIBARLE reported on his recent trip to Las Vegas. He said that he had a good time, was lucky on the street, hooked up with nice people, young ladies, met lovely people and found clean sheets. He was grateful to the tune of $50.

Poor DON RAMATICI, somehow involved in Dan’s shenanigans, was $50 grateful as well.

RICK MOSSI acknowledged a new record in blue badge longevity. CHRIS ELZI, three years into the process, still hasn’t earned his chicken badge. So Chris’ badge now sports the check list for chickenhood.

DAVID BARBIERI acknowledged witnessing history Monday night. Accompanied by members JIM BECKER and STEVE POWELL, he saw the Golden State Warriors win their 45th consecutive home game. That was a significant number as each of the three members was assessed a $45 gratitude fee.

JIM SYMONS won the raffle, missed the $175 rock, but walked away with a bottle of wine. Next week: $200 — or a bottle of wine.

JOANNE FERRIS introduced today’s speaker, Don Talley, Ph.D., who presented an overview of the field of forensic psychology.

Not only is Don a genuine forensic psychologist, he is the husband of our own Jane SALDAÑA-TALLEY. (Don, don’t forget Rule 1 and Rule 2!)

This week's Editor: Al Cattalini

COMING EVENTS

PRESIDENT GARY opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Everyone sang God Bless America led by President Elect LEE REPOSA. PRESIDENT GARY warned him that he was taller before taking the helm as president.

RICK MOSSI’s Thought For The Day….“Fake it till you make it” which was fitting since it slipped his mind to prepare a thought for the meeting.

WHIT HALL introduced Lili Goodman Freitas and Elizabeth Clary from Petaluma Sunrise Rotary.

ED FULLERTON introduced Eric Smith from San Antonio High School.

Announcements:

Always thinking ahead…way ahead, PRESIDENT GARY had two 2017 super raffle tickets for sale at $30 each. They were purchased by ED FULLERTON at face value.

Career Fair at San Antonio High School March 17, 12:30 – 2:30 pm. Eric Smith, a teacher at San Antonio High School and Elizabeth Clary started a career fair at SA last year. They want students to have a chance to see what opportunities are out there. They invite adults to come and talk about their careers. March 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. They are looking for 10 to 15 more individuals. PRESIDENT GARY will allow members to miss our meeting for this important cause!

Lili talked about the Rotary Friendship Exchange program bringing couples to our district this May from India. They are looking for 1 or 2 host families from our club to host a couple for two to three nights, May 3, 4 or 5 or May 18 and 19.

Lili also reminded the club the Youth Exchange team is looking for host families for an international student next year. The student stays at each host family home for three and a half months.

ED FULLERTON announced the district advisory committee met and discussed the impact of the Valley Fire. The folks from LARCA (Lake Area Rotary Club Association) gave a presentation about the help that came to the area. Over $650,000 was contributed by Rotary clubs. The fire is over but the trauma remains. Many businesses have not reopened and the local youth and scout groups have no businesses to support them. We could use a district matching grant to support them.

KIP HERZOG announced that he needs members to step up with raffle prizes for Farmers and Merchants Night on April 8. The usual donors are no longer in the club so it’s time to get creative and contact Kip with raffle items.

Dictionary Distribution time! GEOFF ELLIS will be sending a link to Sign Up Genius for members to register for dictionary distribution dates at area school. There were also sign ups on the table. GEOFF is looking for individuals on whom he can call to serve as last minute fill-ins.

GEOFF also noted DAN LIBARLE and RICARDO MARZO are at a laundry convention in Vegas. They may come home penniless so we should be prepared to feel sorry for them (not!).

CHRIS ELZI is $20 grateful that his colleague MIKE BADDELEY is back! PRESIDENT GARY asked if members were grateful for MIKE’s return. After a resounding applause, all members paid $5 grateful bucks for MIKE’s return. Wonderful seeing MIKE at the meeting and it’s good to know his sense of humor is sharper than ever.

CHRIS RANNEY is giving a talk at the district training conference about Life, Work and Rotary which includes a short video. MICHAEL NISTLER and CHRIS will be capturing short testimonials from members in the next few weeks so CHRIS appreciates member cooperation and contributions to the video.

BANO announced the Petaluma High School Interact Club is having a bake sale so they can help some PHS students purchase prom tickets. You can purchase delicious baked goods Friday 3/4/16 outside Copperfield’s from 3:15 pm to 6 pm. They will come to our meeting next week to auction off a few baked goods.

PRESIDENT GARY acknowledged ANNE GEALTA, LINDA BLACK and ROYCE VAN BEBBER and they were each $10 grateful. MICHAEL NISTLER stepped up to cover their grateful $30.

ANNE told the club she joined to fulfill her bucket list goal to network with positive, community minded individuals.

LINDA joined because community involvement is important to her and John Burns encouraged her to consider joining Rotary.

ROYCE VAN BEBBER is the son and grandson of valued members. He’s been coming to Rotary events for years and is thrilled to be part of the Rotary family.

JIM BECKER held the winning raffle ticket. He drew a blue rock to win a bottle of wine and the raffle grows $25 to $175 next week.

RICK MOSSI, club membership chair led the program covering value of Rotary membership and the process for proposing a new member.

RICK asked GARY how grateful he was to have CHAD FILLINGER give his craft talk since it appears CHAD was overlooked during the business portion of the meeting. GARY was $25 grateful.

CHAD gave his very engaging craft talk.

PRESIDENT GARY announced next week the program speaker is Don Talley, PhD who is a forensic psychologist and could probably spend a lot of time analyzing our members! Don is also married to our own JANE SALDAÑA-TALLEY.

PRESIDENT GARY closed the meeting asking AL CATTALINI if he is grateful for the record of St Mary’s Men’s Basketball team. AL said if we wait ’til next week, he could be very grateful! Go Gaels!

This week's Editor: Joanne Ferris