September 28, 2017 

It was a beautiful sunny autumn Thursday when President Chris Ranney called together the Rotary Club of Petaluma at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club.  It was a full house as the Prez reminded us that given our club was chartered in 1923, we will celebrate our 95^th year very soon. 

President Chris then invited Dan Libarle to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Afterward he asked Brian Breen to lead the club in song.   Brian fussed a bit about having to lead the song AND give the Thought for the Day, but then settled down and started us off with a full-throated I’m a Rambler and ended with God Bless America. 

President Chris called on Brian Breen again for the Thought for the Day.  Brian shared that he joined the club 10 years ago as a “scared sh*tless” 30-year-old who at that time shared the same thought as he did today…a story about a conversation between an American investment banker and a Mexican fisherman.  Congratulations, Brian, on your first decade in Rotary service.  We’re glad you chose the Rotary Club of Petaluma!

President Chris invited everyone to get started on hugs and greetings, and then had some difficulty gathering us back together.  He greeted Don Ramatici who was in attendance and sitting with his buds.

Rotarians with Guests self-announced and included Brent Shinn who introduced three-time attendee Brendan Trammel who is very likely to be joining us soon; and Michael Nistler who forgot his lovely wife, Grace, was a guest (thinking that camera in her hand relegated her to “staff photographer”)!

We had two Visiting Rotarians from Petaluma Valley Club, Holly and husband Bill who had with them and introduced Rotary Youth Exchange student from Switzerland, Morris.  Morris spoke briefly and let us know his biggest impression so far was the temperature on Labor Day!  Yep…we were impressed by that too!

President Chris next called on Michael Nistler who called on new member Rick Warner and his sponsor Rick Mossi (is that Rick² ?) to “induce” Rick to the club.  Rick Warner was duly welcomed by a club standing ovation and provided his temporary club badge (pending the well-earned Chicken Badge), Rotary pin and Chicken pin.  Rick commented that it was the first time in 47 years he’d been “induced” and jokingly noted he’d not been aware the “world” would be depending on him as a Rotarian.  Welcome, Rick, and yes the world does depend on Rotarians!  Afterward, President Chris pinned Rick Mossi with a Rotarian Sponsor pin…we should all hope to get one of those.

President Chris announced the September Rotarian of the Month, Michael Nistler, noting only some of the many ways Michael supports our club, including all the work he and Grace did during the Pedal for Polio ride, helping the Prez with his “haunted laptop,” serving many committees, not to mention being onsite this morning at 6:30 to start work on the Miracle League playground.  Michael was honored with a certificate and (what else) at Rotarian of the Month pin, along with 100 points towards his next Paul Harris Fellow.  Congratulations!

President Chris announced the Miracle League is “happening now,” with work beginning today and continuing through tomorrow, with the big work day on Saturday.  Teams have been formed and all are welcome to participate!

Elias Husery reminded members of the Fork to Field Raffle still on to support the Miracle League.  Odds are 200 to 1 to win 12 $100 gift certificates and a case of wine.  Tickets are $100 each and 50 are confirmed sold.  Tickets will be sold and the drawing held at the Brewster's fundraiser on Monday, October 2.  The fundraiser is sold out with 400 attendees and members were encouraged to consider a 50/50 partner to make buy a ticket affordable.

Mike Stauber announced the Blues Buster BBQ on Friday, October 13 at the Rohnert Park Boys and Girls Club to support the District Rotary Youth Exchange. 

All Youth Exchange students will be in attendance and the next day will participate in a trip to San Francisco.

Mike Baddeley gave a short update on the upcoming Friendship Feasts.  Sign-ups can be found on Club Runner and attendees should sign up by the end of this week.  We have two great venues for this not to be missed opportunity to socialize with members.

President Chris announced our District Grant was approved and we will be partnering with Petaluma Valley and Petaluma Sunrise to plant trees later in the year.  Great news!

Shari Ranney announced upcoming visitors who are part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange.  More details to follow on a potluck dinner to meet the members.  Shari also let us know there has been renewed interest in the International Committee and members will be attending two project fairs…one for Ecuador and another for Belize.

President Chris announced that tonight is the SCARC dinner in Sonoma.

President Chris then called up the Rotary Trivia Board.  He called on various tables to give the correct answer and only pay $5 or give the wrong answer and pony up $20.  Questions were asked about Lee Reposa’s adventures, Joe Tambe’s years in Rotary (55…wow!), Onita Pellegrini’s stint in 2003/04 as the second woman president in our club, and a whole list of Rotary acronyms (GG/PDG/PET/SCARC/TFR).  Lots of money was paid out.

The Prez then announced all of the September birthdays (and we sang) and anniversaries.  Congratulations and best wishes to all for one more turn around the sun!

President Chris announced next week’s speaker will be economist, Joe Aaron.

President Chris called out the week’s raffle and the winner was Rick Gorman, who won an NBW (nice bottle of wine).

Brett Shinn introduced our program speaker, Press Democrat prep sportswriter and columnist, Kerry Benefield.  Kerry is a native of Santa Rosa, a graduate of Santa Rosa High, Cal Berkeley, and has a Masters in International Journalism.  She shared her career highlights and some very interesting stories.  She worked in St. Helena, New Mexico, and Louisiana before returning to Santa Rosa and the Press Democrat in 2003.  She’s worked the government, transportation and schools beats. She applied for and was hired to replace Bob Padecky’s prep sports beat when he retired.  She spoke eloquently about trying to make her stories meaningful and interesting to those not otherwise interested in the content.  Thanks, Kerry!  We will read your columns with new insights now!

President Chris ended the meeting by thanking various members and noting that this club is “alive and in action”!  Don’t you feel it?!  Have a great week, everyone!

This week's Editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley

September 21, 2017 

President Chris Ranney started off the meeting by reminding us that our Club was chartered in 1923 and our legacy is strong.

He then asked your humble editor to lead us in song.

It was a terrible start, but with the help of all the members, including Chris Elzi, we pulled it off.

Kathy O’Connor recited the Pledge of Allegiance and

Lee Bean gave us the Thought for the Day. He asked for our prayers in wishing Cal a good game against USC, then recounted the good works that our Rotary Foundation has performed in bringing a reading book grant to area schools.

In the return of the Sunshine Report, John Dado reported that Len Mygatt is recuperating from a recent illness and is doing better each day. Members are encouraged to send along our best wishes to Len via a card or email.

President Chris Ranney asked Charlie Stuart to take a bow for all the hard work he and Chad Fillinger did for the Golf Tournament. All of the volunteers were also recognized for their efforts.

Elias Husary gave us an update on the Miracle League and the Field work to be performed on September 30 and the fundraiser on October 2 at Brewster’s Garden.

President Chris Ranney announced our donation of $750 to the Rockport, TX Rotary Club for relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

The Friendship Feasts will be on October 13 &14 and October 20 & 21. This is a great opportunity for meeting new members and enjoying an evening of good cheer at a Rotarian’s home. Please contact Mike Baddeley for sign-ups and more details.

The Fine Can made its weekly appearance and Kathy O’Connor gladly contributed $100 for her 15 day cruise to the Netherlands, Russia and Germany.  Elias Husary called out our President Chris Ranney for his new truck ($50) and that it was not from the Hansel Auto Group (another $50).

Rick Mossi won the Raffle and a bottle of wine and Michael Nistler won 2 tickets to the Miracle League Fundraiser on Oct.2nd.

Our speaker, Dr. Clue (Dave Blum), was introduced by Joanne Ferris.

His presentation was Solving the Puzzles of Teamwork. It was a very fun and interactive program with different groups competing to solve as many clues as possible in a given time. Thank you Dr. Clue for a great experience!

This week's Editor: Ricardo Marzo

September 11, 2017 

This week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Petaluma wasn’t a Thursday lunch.  But the Monday night dinner — let’s be accurate and call it a banquet — followed our time-tested routine. 

Following our umpteenth annual Golf Tournament at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club President Chris Ranney called the meeting to order and asked Chad Fillinger to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Up next was Rick Mossi to lead the club song, I’m a Rambler . . . . .  Then, noting that it was the 16^th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack, President Chris called for a moment of silence to remember the lives lost that day and in the military conflicts that followed.  The patriotic feeling continued with Dan Libarle leading the crowd in a stirring God Bless America.  

Then it was time for the banquet.  Table by table the guests trooped to the buffet line for a delicious repast

featuring prime rib with all the trimmings.

As the guests enjoyed their dessert, President Chris introduced Golf Tournament co-chairs Chad Fillinger and Charlie Stuart to a round of applause. 

Chad (with some youthful help) explained that the funds raised by the tournament benefitted the community in many ways.  He noted that last year’s tournament enabled 91 grants totaling $26,000 and thanked the sponsors and individuals who made it all possible.  He thanked the major sponsors:

• Keith Bakery Baker Supply/Ron Hunsaker,
• Clover Sonoma/Marcus Benedetti,
• Van Bebber Bros. /Royce Van Bebber
• Pure Luxury Transportation/Gary Buffo
• Marilyn Can Travel/Marilyn Herzog

and also the flag, hole and cart sponsors:

• Jerry & Don Yager's Service Pump
• Exchange Bank/ Rick Mossi & Rick Gorman
• Westgate Realty/Tom Baker
• V Dolan Trucking/Tom Brandal
• Ranney Coaching/ Chris Ranney
• Marr B Olsen Construction
• Tomrose Construction/Bill Tomrose
• Brodie's Tire & Auto/Gary Brodie
• Fillinger Insurance/Chad Fillinger
• Charlie Stuart
• Nelson Construction
• Bluestone Main/Sarah Godsey
• Next Step Advocates
• Henris Roofing/Steve Henris
• First Community Bank
• Vine Hill Builders/Tony Western
• Sonoma Marin Landscape
• Peg King

Chad then thanked the entire Tournament Committee with special kudos to Tawny Tesconi and Maggie Radany.  He continued with thanks to Chris Gay PGA and the Petaluma Golf and Country Club, Lombardi's Catering, the many wine donors, and all who participated in today’s event.

Then, as Chad announced the tournament winners, Charlie Stuart presented the awards.  The woman golfer closest to the flag was Megan Anastasio.  The male winner, an amazing 4 feet, 4 inches from the pin, was Bobby Everhart.

Kyle Egbert won the trophy for longest drive.

Gary Brodie accepted Steve Henris’ trophy for closest to the line. 

The putting champion was Bill Johns.

The champion team (with a score of 60) featured Dan Libarle, Bob Giacomini, Roger Offenbach, and Bill Grant.

Then, just like at all Rotary meetings, it was time for the raffle.  But the prize tonight wasn’t a bottle of wine; it was a virtual wine cellar.

The happy winner of this treasure, donated by our members, was Kyle Egbert, the long drive winner.

But wait; there’s more!  A case (or was it two cases?) of red wine was auctioned for $250 to high bidder Anne Gealta.  And with that a beautiful day and pleasant evening came to an end.

This week's Editor: Al Cattalini

September 7, 2017 

President Chris Ranney extended a cheerful welcome to a lively crowd of Rotarians and guests.

Al Cattalini was honored to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Joanne Ferris was Diva of the Day, kicking off the club song followed by “God Bless America”.

Subbing for the absent Shari Ranney, President Chris presented the thought(s) for the day, a timely message about the effectiveness of teamwork. 

After handshakes and hugs all around, guests in attendance were introduced.

Greg O’Brien introduced two visiting Rotarians:  Joe Roth from Weston, Florida and Paulie Johns of the Petaluma Valley Club.

President Chris extended our club’s wishes for the safety of all in Joe Roth’s area, where Hurricane Irma looms as a serious threat. 

Paulie Johns introduced Maurus Pajaorla, our Rotary Exchange student from Switzerland, who told us he has enjoyed his first month with us in Petaluma. 

Paulie, who will be attending our club’s golf dinner, invited us to Petaluma Valley’s fundraising event, the Craft Beer Festival on September 16.

Erin Post was welcomed back after having taken time out to bring baby girl Piper into the world in June. 

Chad Fillinger announced that all is ready for our club’s golf tournament and dinner.  As of Thursday, there was just one foursome left to fill, in case anyone was still hoping to join in the fun.

In his efforts to learn how we can be most helpful to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, President Chris has been in touch with the Rotary Club of Rockport, Texas, a town that suffered extreme devastation caused by the storm.  A donation to the Rockport club from our club has already been approved, and individual members are invited to add contributions.

Mike Baddeley has been working to keep one of our club’s great traditions going strong, with Friendship Feasts scheduled for four dates in October:  13th, 14th, 21^st, and 22^nd.  Tawny Tesconi and Onita Pellegrini have already volunteered to co-host, and more hosts are needed.  We are reminded that each host can choose any format/theme/style of feast.  If you are interested in hosting, please contact President Chris.

Our president displayed photos of the Miracle League field, where ground has been broken for the playground to be constructed in a one-day build on September 30.  Meanwhile, tickets are available at http://miracleleaguenorthbay.com// for the community fundraiser on October 2 at Brewster’s Beer Garden.

Past District Governor Ed Fullerton gave us a roundup of Rotary news around the world, pointing to articles of special interest in each month’s issue of The Rotarian.  Ed noted that one of those items gaining world attention is the Miracle League project in Petaluma, California. 

One of our frequent guests received very special recognition for being far more than just a visitor to our club.  Sally Brasseur has been a longtime supporter, donor, volunteer, and indeed a veteran of many Rotary events. 

Our Rotary family continues to grow, not only here in Petaluma but around the world.  Joanne Ferris’s daughter in Melbourne, Australia, is the mother of Joanne’s first grandson, Calvin.  And yes, that happy event did result in a fine.

Rick Gorman was the afternoon’s lucky raffle winner, plucking a blue rock for a bottle of fine wine.

President Chris introduced guest speaker Ben Stone, director of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.  Ben presented a very informative and positive outlook for the county’s economy, and particularly for Petaluma.

This week's Editor: Clark Rosen

September 11

Editor: Al Cattalini