August 31, 2017 

President CHRIS RANNEY opened the meeting on the prescribed half-hour,

reminded us that next year will be our Club’s 95^th Anniversary,

and immediately had BRETT SHINN lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

President-elect MICHAEL NISTLER then led us in the Club song (Gypo) and a

heartfelt rendition of God Bless America,

followed by the Thought for the Day from SHARI RANNEY. 

The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst members ensued.

There were several guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch, including the guests

of BRETT SHINN, ELIAS HUSARY, RICK MOSSI, and MICHAEL NISTLER.  

Past-President TOM BRANDAL introduced our lone visiting Rotarian (PDG Maureen Merill).

The Prez then presented new member MAGGIE RADANY with the coveted “chicken badge”,

followed by an announcement from SHARI RANNEY regarding donations to Shelter Box

and Hurricane Harvey (Shelter Box is a Rotary affiliate and Shari is our Club liaison, so

contact Shari if you’re interested in donating).  She went on to report that

Rotary International and the local Rotary clubs in the Houston, Texas area are on top

of the most immediate relief needs, and she read a letter of information and appreciation

she received from the Rockport, Texas Rotary Club.

The Prez reported that the Club’s evening social at the Block last week was well attended

and a great time.  Golf Committee Chairman CHAD FILLINGER gave us an update on

the upcoming Annual Golf Tournament (September 11): only 2 foursomes left and a

couple of available sponsorships, so sign up ASAP if you haven’t yet done so!  He also

reminded everybody participating to bring your bottle of wine to him at the next meeting.

The Prez gave us a Miracle League Field update, and is looking for volunteers for the

upcoming work party- call Chris if you are interested.  He also reminded us of the

upcoming Miracle League fundraiser on October 2 at Brewsters, starting at 4:30. 

The Prez concluded his medley of announcements by informing us that Fall Friendship

Feast dinners will be held in October, and had Feast Chairman MICHAEL BADDELEY

explain the concept and process for the event.  Dates and details to follow.

Embracing a practice that he had heretofore apparently been unfamiliar with, the Prez

actually started (gasp!) fining members: First up was Past-President RICK MOSSI,

who was nicked $50 for drinking and putting (at least he wasn’t driving!) on a recent

golf outing at Bandon Dunes in Oregon!

Past-Presidents KIP HERZOG and DAN LIBARLE were then fined $100 each for

an extended Norwegian trip together with their spouses and a couple of other couples.

Continuing to pick on past-presidents, the punitive Prez then fined Past-President

MICHAEL CARUANA $50 for being winless in a recent Rotary bocci ball tournament-

according to Michael, his all-star team (CHARLIE STUART, GARY BRODIE,

KATHY O’CONNOR and Heidi Brodie) may not have won any matches, but they

improved every game, always drew “first blood”, and led the tournament in Bloody

Marys imbibed (apparently, real athletes don’t need Gatorade!)... my scouts tell me

that Charlie carried the team!

The Prez then happily announced Past-President JOANNE FERRIS as Rotarian of the

Month for August,

and then proceeded to pin her and MIKE AMBROSIA (July’s Rotarian of the Month)

with their commemorative pins.

Congratulations, Joanne and Mike!!

Ticket # 584 proved to be a winner for STEVE POWELL, who walked away with a nice

bottle of vino!

After returning the visiting PDG’s missing sunglasses to her, the Prez then introduced our

speaker, Captain Mark Essick of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office, who gave us an

informative presentation on community policing and the state of the Sonoma County jail

facility.  He received a Rotary memento in appreciation of a program well received.

Whereupon, after wishing us a happy Labor Day weekend, the Prez summarily

adjourned the meeting!  See you next week.

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley

August 24, 2017 

President Chris Ranney opened the meeting of the Rotary Club of Petaluma, entering it's 95th year.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, past president John Dado was called upon to lead the opening song.  John, experiencing a scratchy throat deferred the privilege to his neighbor past president Tom Brandal.  John gladly contributed $1 toward his fine schedule.

Chris Elzi furnished several thoughts for the day from one of his favorite writers, Mark Twain.

President Chris presented Royce Van Bebber with a speaker's gift and a nice bottle of vino in appreciation for our club field trip to Van Bebber Brother Steel Works last week.  Royce and his team did a wonderful job hosting and giving the members a tour.

Charlie Stuart led the announcements on the Annual Golf Tournament.  

• We have room for a few more foursomes and sponsors are always welcome.  Players of all levels are welcome.  
• Members who are not playing are welcome to cheer the players on and assist during the day
• All members and guests are invited to the post tournament dinner
• We are having a raffle of wine donated by all members who are not golfing.  Please bring your donated bottle to the meeting to be collected by Renee Hayes
• Dinner menu features a New York strip steak entree

Returning by popular demand will be barbecued tri tip sandwiches

Larry Jonas gave a Miracle League update:  Thursday, Sept. 28 is a preparation day for the Playground Construction day, Saturday Sept. 30.  In one day, the specially designed, adapted playground will be constructed by volunteers.  

Monday, October 2 there is fundraiser for Miracle League at Brewsters.  Tickets are $30 adults and $10 for kids.  They welcome live and silent auction items.

President Chris reminded everyone that tonight is our first club social at The Block just behind the Auto Zone on Washington Street from 5:30 - 7 pm.  All members and their guests are invited.  

Gail Cardaropoli gave final call for the August 31 SCARC meeting at Sally Tomatoes hosted by the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park Cotati.  Tickets are $45 each.  Please let Gail know you are going by today.

The 6 day, 350 mile Pedal for Polio ride last week crossed the finish line at Lucchesi Park on Saturday.  President Chris thanked all the members who sponsored him on his ride.  All along the way, Rotary members provided meals and lodging for the riders.  Brett Shinn and Mike Stauber joined the final day ride into Petaluma.  Shari Ranney thanked the 75 members from the five local clubs who pitched in to make the Saturday event possible.  From our club, Shari thanked Onita Pellegrini, Gail Cardaropoli, Judi Allewelt, Tawny Tesconi, Ed and Carol Fullerton, Bano Cummings, Judy McReynolds, Dave Barbieri, Larry Jonas, Tony Western, Mike Ambrosio, Anne Gealta, Maggie Radany, Maureen Rudder and a very special thanks to Michael and Grace Nistler.  The Nistlers chronicled the trek for the entire week recording daily interviews and capturing drone overhead shots of the riders.

Jim Becker and Steve Powell were called upon by President Chris.  Before they made their formal presentation, Steve announced he and Tina welcomed their second grandchild, Simon James Curtis recently.  He celebrated by contributing $100 to the local foundation.

On a recent trip to Ireland, Jim Becker and Steve Powell did some ancestry research on the origins of the Clan Ranney.  They presented President Chris and Shari Ranney each with a nordic theme hat and an ancestry history.

Maggie Radany presented an engaging craft talk.  Her very interesting life so far includes a variety of hometowns across the country. She is an RN who worked in pediatric oncology at Stanford Hospital before earning a Masters in Public Policy.  After 40 years in healthcare Maggie can testify that US healthcare is complicated!  Upon arriving in Petaluma, Maggie sought avenues to meet folks and is delighted to have hit the jackpot as a member of Rotary.  Maggie appreciates Rotary's structure and how it supports every individual's interests.

President Chris announced August birthdays and anniversaries.

Guess who picked the brown rock and won $150?  Dana McCullough, one of our speakers!  Dana quietly donated $70 to our club's local foundation!  Thank you Dana!

Charles Stuart introduced our program speaker Tina Powell of Sonoma Travel.

Tina gave her top 15 steps for a great travel experience:

1. Decide your destination (be specific)
2. Determine how long your trip will be
3. Research the cost for your trip and create a budget
4. Save for the trip.  Now that you have a budget, you know how much to save!
5. Travel rewards credit cards are good for free/reduced airfare and lodging
6. Check your debit card accounts....get one that will not assess service charges when used in other countries
7. Stay inspired and focused on your trip
8. Book your flights
9. Book your lodging (lots of choices!)
10. Plan the activities you want to do on your trip
11. Notify your credit card carriers that you will be travelling
12. Bring more than one credit card
13. Packing is an art form.  You can buy whatever you forgot
14. Buy travel insurance
15. Enjoy your trip!

Dana McCullough of Princess Cruises gave highlights of the cruise lines' upcoming special offers as well as the advantages of cruising.

Dr. Bruce Elliott provides lectures and special tours for small groups in various European capitals.  He is also a lecturer at SSU's Osher Center for Life Long Learning.

At the conclusion of the program, Tina announced that Princess Cruises in partnership with Sonoma Travel will arrange for a cruise for the Miracle League Fundraiser's Live Auction!

This week's Editor: Joanne Ferris; photos by Michael Nistler

August 17, 2017 

Acting President ONITA PELLEGRINI

opened our regular lunch meeting at the appointed half hour at Van Bebber Bros.’

Petaluma Boulevard South site where we enjoyed an outdoor repast alongside the

meandering Petaluma River under a bright, blue sky on a warm summer day

(eat your heart out, Huck Finn).

The Acting Prez then had immediate Past-President, LEE REPOSA, lead us in the

Pledge of Allegiance (sans flag… unless you count the I-Phone Google version

someone held up!), followed by a rather cacophonous version of our Club song (Gypo)

and God Bless America, led by JIM BECKER.

The Thought for the Day was then delivered by SHERRY SCHEROTTER-BURWEN,

followed by our customary handshakes, hugs and busses among members.

There were no visiting Rotarians to introduce, but there were several guests of

Rotarians who joined us for lunch, including GREG O’BRIEN’s son,

SHERRY SCHEROTTER-BURWEN’s spouse (Mike), GARY BRODIE’s spouse (Heidi),

and Mary McCaffrey.  A myriad of announcements ensued, including: 

(1)  an update from SHARI RANNEY

on the Polio Plus Ride by her husband, President CHRIS RANNEY, and she encouraged

all of us to attend the finish line festivities at Lucchesi Park (North End) on Saturday

(August 19) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for all the Polio Plus riders; 

(2)  a reminder and invitation from Club Secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI

regarding the upcoming monthly SCARC meeting on August 31, hosted by the

Rohnert Park-Cotati Rotary Club at Sally Tomatoes – call Gail if you are interested in

attending; and

(3)  a reminder from CHAD FILLINGER

regarding our Club’s Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner event scheduled for

September 11 – there are still foursomes and sponsorship available, so call Chad or

Co-Director CHARLIE STEWART if you would like to play, sponsor a hole, or just join

us for dinner (prime rib with all the fixin’s).  Oh, and don’t forget to bring a bottle of

wine of your choosing to donate to the cause!

The Acting Prez then called upon our site host, ROYCE VAN BEBBER,

to give us the history of his family business (Van Bebber Bros., Inc.),

followed by a guided tour (complete with metal fabrication demonstrations) of his

impressive facility.

After a lively question and answer session,

and a touching tribute to his father Rick, a past member of our Club,

Royce received a heartfelt ovation from our Members for a great presentation and a

job well done!

With that, the Acting Prez duly adjourned the meeting!

See you next week!!

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley

August 10, 2017 

It was a warm summer Thursday when President Chris Ranney called together the Rotary Club of Petaluma at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club.  The Prez had told everyone he wanted to start the meeting early this week given the jam packed program and the number of young people visiting with their parents/grandparents/caregivers for a celebration of the club’s Youth Service. Turns out President Ranney (who we’re learning is a very precise, organized and on time kind of prez), arrived early and literally “turned back the clock” to ensure it all ended on time.  And speaking of turning back the clock…the Prez correctly noted that the    10-15 young people in the audience as guests of Rotarians had the overall mathematical effect of lowering the average age of those in attendance to 65!  Hey, hey…speak for yourself, Mr. President!

President Chris then invited “Brian Breen and Sons” to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Afterward he asked “Past President Lee Reposa and Family” to lead the club in song.   The Reposas started us off with I’m a Rambler (how do you think the kids learned the lyrics to our club song?) and ended with a sweet rendition of God Bless America. 

President Chris called on Royce Van Bebber for the Thought for the Day.  He gave some musings on decisions…go with your heart and go forward…have courage to leap.

President Chris urged everyone to do “quick” hugs and greetings, which was sort of like “speed dating.”

We had no Visiting Rotarians for the day. Rotarians with Guests self-announced and included Rick Gorman with his son and friend Jennifer Richardson and her son; John Dado and his wife Sharon; Lee Bean and his wife Oralee; Mike Ambrosio and his daughter and grandkids; Brian Breen and the three Breen Bros.; Greg O’Brien with his daughter and wee grandson; Lee Reposa with his whole brood; and Royce Van Bebber and his daughter.

President Chris introduced the next segment of the meeting…an overview of all of the programs the club supports in service to our youth far and wide.

Dictionary Program:  First up, Tawny Tesconi spoke about our nearly 20 year-old Dictionary Program started by Marleen Freetly’s husband and club member, Harvey Freetly.  This program started locally and has expanded to roughly 220 clubs all over the US.  Our club (thanks to Tawny) coordinates the orders for all clubs and at one time shipped out 43,000 dictionaries around the country; distributing approximately 700,000 dictionaries over the life of this project.  Last year we distributed nearly 1,000 dictionaries to local 3^rd graders (thanks to Geoff Ellis).

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): Lee Reposa spoke from the heart about a program that is close to his heart and has a 25+ year history with our club.  District clubs sponsor high school juniors recommended by their schools to participate in a one-week leadership camp that transforms these young people from campers to leaders.  Lee serves as District 5150 Chair for RYLA and our club hosts the BBQ dinner each year.  Lee noted that RYLA has only ‘lost’ one camper (when a mother wanted to know “what did you do with my son” because the boy she dropped off didn’t resemble the young man she picked up!).

Interact Club – Bano Cummings (along with Chris Elzi) meet weekly with an enthusiastic group of emerging Rotarians from Petaluma High School who spend the year raising money, doing good deeds, and volunteering for Rotary events such as the Crab Feed. 

Rotaract - President Chris Ranney noted this is for young adults, ages 18-30, who form a club much like ours, giving them the opportunity to experience “service above self” in a club setting surrounded by peers.

Rotary Youth Exchange – Mike Stauber described this multi-club effort where all three Petaluma clubs sponsor a local student to travel overseas and welcome an international student to Petaluma for a one year exchange that truly does build world friendships.

President Chris took a brief break for the easily distracted among us (no, not our members) and held the first Kid Raffle of the meeting, presenting a choice of gift certificates to the delighted winners.

McKinley Elementary School – Clark Rosen spoke about the 20 year relationship our club has had with this school and it’s relatively high population of English language learners.  Over the years, members have helped 6^th graders with homework, helped kindergarteners with reading, supported the school’s Science Olympiad team (that won in 2016!), and more recently (with the help of retired airline pilot, Ed Fullerton) formed an Aviation Club for 4^th-8^th graders that culminates in a visit to the Pacific Coast Air Museum and a flight experience these students never forget.

Children’s Holiday Gift Project – Lastly, Judy Allewelt, talked about one of our largest projects of the year…shopping, wrapping and gifting needy children in Petaluma so none go without during the holidays.

Miracle League - President Chris then called forward Jennifer Richardson and her wonderful son.  Jennifer updated us on the development of the special needs playground and ball field.  Plans are underway to build the playground on September 30 (all volunteers welcome!).  Larry Jonas has organized a fundraiser at Brewsters on October 2.  Jennifer and son closed with a very enthusiastic and heart-warming thank you to our club and everyone who got this ‘miracle’ started.

President Chris began the next segment of the meeting started by calling Rick Mossi to the podium.  Rick has recently assumed the mantle as President of the Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation to ‘replace’ Lee Bean (not sure that’s possible).  Rick gave an excellent report on the history and purpose of the Foundation as a $15,000 “start-up” back in 1982 that has grown to just over $525,000 with nothing more than member donations year over year.  The signature project of the Foundation is the annual distribution of grants to schools and non-profits; this year amounting to $25,700 to 92 grantees (from a pool of 104 applicants and $44,000 in requests).  Foundation directors were elected by the club and changes to Foundation officers were noted.  President Chris then called up Lee Bean and John Dado, who “termed out” of their roles with the Foundation after more years of service than some of our young guests have been on this earth!  President Chris invited Sharon Dado and Oralee Bean to join their dedicated husbands and presented John and Lee with plaques of appreciation.  Onita Pellegrini then presented Paul Harris awards to them both (2^nd for Lee and 3^rd for John) in recognition of their “substantial contribution” to the Foundation and our club.  Bravo, John and Lee! 

President Chris called out the week’s raffle and the winner was Maureen Rudder, who wound up with an NBW (nice bottle of wine).  He also called the last Kid Raffle for the day to the enjoyment of the young winners.

Yours truly, Jane Saldana-Talley, introduced our program speaker, SRJC Dean of Kinesiology, Athletics, Dance (KAD) and Athletic Director, Matt Markovich.  Matt is a Petaluma native and graduate of St. Vincent’s, SRJC, SSU and St. Mary’s College of California.  SRJC hired Matt away from College of Marin three years ago after a notable career in athletics administration and coaching.  Matt came bearing SRJC branded gifts for our young visitors and challenged their knowledge of SRJC athletics throughout his informative presentation.  Matt talked about SRJC’s focus on student-athletes, describing their successes on and off the field and in the community.  He gave tips on kids and athletics to the parents/grandparents in attendance, and summarized the way in which SRJC athletes give back to the community and are trained in consent/respect and relationship violence prevention and awareness.  Matt ‘fielded’ a number of member questions and wrapped up by inviting even the big kids to help themselves to the SRJC gear he brought.  Great program, Matt!

President Chris end (pretty much) on time and reminded members that next week’s meeting is a “field trip” to Van Bebber Brother’s Inc. (729 Petaluma Blvd. South Petaluma) hosted by Royce Van Bebber.  Come join us as we learn about this family-owned, long-standing Petaluma steel service center.  While we enjoy this extra-curricular outing, President Chris will be riding to end polio in the Pedal 4 Polio event and should have lots to tell when we see him next (provided he survives the ride)!  Enjoy your week everyone!

Here is a video link of tis week's Rotary Club meeting highlighting our youth programs (courtesy of Michael Nistler).   Feel free to share with your colleagues, family, friends and prospective Rotarians.   https://youtu.be/P5B7BMoaTzI

This week's Editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley

August 3, 2017 

President Chris Ranney kicked off our meeting by asking Richard Marzo to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance (he forgot a couple of words) and

Dan Fish to lead us in song.

Brett Shinn gave us a great Thought for the Day (become a management consultant!).

Chad Fillinger and Charlie Stuart encouraged us to sign up for our Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 11, at the Petaluma Golf Club. By now the Broadway Under the Stars event has occurred and we hope to see some photos of people enjoying themselves on the ride over to Jack London Park and singing along to the great tunes.

Our next meeting on August 10 is Family Day – your children, grandchildren and any other little bodies in your household are encouraged to come join the meeting and experience Rotary firsthand. Our speaker will be Matt Markovich, Athletic Director at the SRJC. Our August 17 meeting will be held at Van Bebber Bros and we will enjoy a tour and other surprises – special thanks to 

Royce Van Bebber for organizing this great event!

Please support President Chris Ranney at the Pedal 4 Polio Finish Line Celebration!

Hosted by the Rotary Clubs in Petaluma, Rohnert Park & Cotati

Join us at Lucchesi Park on Saturday, August 19th from 11 am to 3 pm to cheer on the District 5130 riders as they cross the finish line. 

Larry Jonas told us that September 30 will be a work day at the Playground Park next to the Miracle Field to help complete this important addition to the Miracle Field. On October 2, we will be having a fundraiser for the Miracle Field at Brewster’s Garden. Please come support this amazing effort.

Michael Nistler was the raffle winner and came away with a bottle of wine.

We then broke off into groups to finish our “working lunch” and got plenty of work accomplished.

Have a nice day!

This week's Editor: Ricardo Marzo