May 31, 2018

A NEW REGIME BEGINS....

President Elect Michael Nistler was in top form as he took to the podium for our meeting.

Mike Ambrosio recited the Pledge of Allegiance

Chris Elzi led us in song.

Danny Fish gave us the Thought for the Day.

Its always great to see Tawny Tesconi!

Danny Fish also won a bottle of wine in the Raffle

Our fabulous speaker today was Christa Chelemedos, Executive Director of

Senior Advocacy Services

Senior Advocacy Services is a non-profit agency that educates and advocates for the rights and dignity of those who need assistance with Medicare, Senior Justice issues or advocacy in Long Term Care settings.  We are one agency with three programs.
Support is from federal and state grant monies, community funds and contributions from foundations and generous individuals who value the services of our organization.

This week's Editor: Ricardo Marzo

May 24, 2018

President Chris Ranney kicked off our meeting by asking Larry Jonas to lead us in Song

Royce Van Bebber gave us a nice Thought for the Day – to take time and appreciate everything important in our lives.

There were many guests in the audience, including Reese Fillinger, who was enjoying a nice meeting with her dad.

Rick Gorman gave us an update on the health of his wife, Erica. Many of us did not know that she had been ill and it was quite serious, but Rick reported that she is feeling stronger and healthier each day. We send our best wishes to Erica, Rick and the Gorman family.

Brandon Trammell received the Rotarian of the Month Award for his enthusiasm, commitment and outstanding service to our Club and community. Well done, Brandon!

Steve Powell won the Raffle and walked away with a bottle of wine.

Our Speaker was none other than our President Elect, Michael Nistler. He gave an energetic, fact filled presentation on his past, present and future and it was delivered with typical Michael Nistler flare!

We really enjoyed getting to know more about you, Mr. Future President, and we look forward to your tenure at the podium.text here.  Paste your text here.  Paste your text here.  Paste your text here.  Paste your text here. 

This week's Editor: Ricardo Marzo

May 17, 2018

President Chris Ranney welcomed everyone to our weekly meeting at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club.

Past President Joanne Ferris led the chorus in the club song and God Bless America.

Past President Tawny Tesconi gave the Thought of the Day reminding us how lucky we are for education.

The Prez gave a big thanks and farewell to PG&CC's club manager, Chris Gay. Chris is taking a position with Foxtail golf course in Rohnert Park.

President Chris updated everyone on the successful tree planting project where Rotarians planted over 140 trees in 14 local locations.

Maureen Rudder announced the Foundations grant cycle is ending soon and they are planning on making $25,000 in grants.

Past President Lee Reposa discussed what the RYLA camp is and reminded everyone that the tri tip BBQ will be on June 20th if anyone wants to join.

Past President Joanne reminded everyone of our annual Debunking night for President Chris. It'll be on June 29th at Hotel Petaluma. You should have received an invitation in the mail. Please RSVP

President Elect Michael Nistler spoke about his "new member campaign".

Judi Allewelt was fined $50 for her adorable grandchild at the Butter and Eggs Day Cutest Chick Contest.

Past President John Dado enticed the Prez to levy Judi's fine.

Rick Warner took one more step closer to getting the coveted chicken badge with his great "craft talk".

Past President Onita Pellegrini is always a winner but today she took home a bottle of wine.

Anne Gealta introduced our speaker.

Our speaker was from the California Earthquake Authority and presented on how to be prepared when we live in the land of earthquakes.

This week's Editor: Brian Breen

May 10, 2018

Proclaiming that he was very proud to lead this organization, President Chris rang the bell and called our meeting to order.

Past President Ralph Sartori led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Drawing inspiration from Dan Libarle standing beside him, Danny Fish warmed the crowd up with the club song and then launched into a spirited God Bless America.

Mike Ambrosio delivered the Thought for the Day with lots of statistics about Mothers Day ending with a memory of his own mother who always gave him two choices, “Take it or leave it!”

There were no visiting Rotarians but a rarely seen Rotarian appeared with his guest.  Jim Symons introduced his wife Sue and proudly announced that the two of them would be leaving soon for Louisiana to attend their daughter’s graduation from Tulane University where she will receive a Master of Public Health degree.

President Chris read a letter from the Petaluma High School Interact Club thanking us for hosting them at lunch and especially for our members’ pass-the-hat contribution of over $400.

President Chris thanked the members who planted trees this past weekend at Bond Park, Sunrise Park, and Leghorn Park.  This Saturday, May 12, will conclude our tree-planting program.  We’ll start at Meadow View Park at then move on to Miwok Park.  We have 125 trees in the ground and have just 10 more to go!

The Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation 2018 grant cycle is open will all applications due by May 18.  For information, go to the Club website at www.petalumarotary.org  and click on the link under “Latest News.”

Secretary Gail Cardaropoli announced that the last SCARC dinner of the year would be on Thursday, May 31 (6pm cocktails and appetizers, 7pm dinner) in Santa Rosa.  Come and meet the District 5130 Fire Relief Team, the team captains and the RRR Team members who worked with the fire survivors to process their grant applications.  RSVP to Gail by May 22 and the Club will pick up your dinner tab.

Next week’s speaker will be Glenn Pomeroy, CEO, California Earthquake Authority speaking on “We live in the land of earthquakes…let’s be prepared.”

There was a moment of confusion when raffle winner Elias Husary was immediately handed the bottle of wine without the opportunity of drawing the special rock.  But, in the end, Elias ended up with the wine.  Next week’s raffle will be worth $50 or that bottle of wine.

But Elias didn’t get to sit down right away.  Our President prevailed upon him to discuss his recent trip.  Turns out Elias recently returned from an enjoyable trip to Lebanon where he not only saw the sights but met a number of his relatives.  For all this fun he volunteered a fine of $100.

Today’s program was a presentation by Past President Ralph Sartori and John Zimmerman on behalf of the Friends of Kenilworth.  They explained the long and glorious history of Kenilworth Park, now owned by the City of Petaluma and leased to the Sonoma-Marin Fair for $1 a year.  The lease expires December 31, 2023 and it’s uncertain what will happen next.  The City Council has met in private session to discuss future plans.  There are concerns that the city will sell the land to developers, eliminating or curtailing its use by the fair and local organizations. 

The Friends of Kenilworth want a public discussion and approval by voters in a special election before a final decision on the future of Kenilworth Park.  You can read more about this issue at their website www.savekenilworth.org.

This week's Editor: Al Cattalini

May 3, 2018

The Prez opened the meeting precisely at 12:30, and immediately had DOUG HECKER lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CHAD FILLINGER then led us in song (Gypo/God Bless America) followed by the Thought for the Day from WHITNEY HALL.

The customary handshakes, hugs and busses ensued.

There were no visiting Rotarians, but Club Secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI finally re-joined us for lunch after being out for a while with a broken ankle – Welcome back, Gail!

The Prez then noted that JOHN ZIMMERMAN and his Save The Fairgrounds committee will be making a presentation to our Club in the very near future; the Prez offered up a $100 donation as his penance for cutting John’s time short at our last meeting.

ROYCE VAN BEBBER then gave us a brief report on the Club’s participation in the Tree Planting Project – call the Prez if you would like to help.

Next, BRANDON TRAMMELL announced the upcoming Beer and Blindfold fundraiser at Lagunitas (May 9 @ 6 pm) – call Brandon if you are interested.

The Prez concluded the announcements by reminding us that there will be a Tolay Lake hike this weekend (Sunday, May 6) – call Chris if you want to go. President-Elect MICHAEL NISTLER then gave us a report on our ongoing membership campaign.

The Prez then called upon Past-President RICK MOSSI to share the good news of his recent promotion at the Exchange Bank, which cost him $50 - Congratulations, Rick!

CHAD FILLINGER was then recognized by the Prez for receiving the Argus Courier’s People’s Choice Petaluma award for Best Insurance Agency (for the 2^nd year running, no less) which cost him $50 – Congratulations, Chad!

New member DOUG HECKER delivered an excellent craft talk, and invited all of us to view his latest media venture, "Project Censored The Movie"- contact Doug for further details.

The Prez then reminded us that the RI Committee, led by Past-President ONITA PELLIGRINI, will be meeting tomorrow (Friday, May 4).

RICK GORMAN won the raffle and pulled out the brown rock to win all the $$ - Good job, Rick!

Past-Prez MIKE BADDELEY introduced our speaker,

Ms. Vanessa Azevedo, MSW, the head of the Sonoma County Family, Youth and Children Agency for the South County (Petaluma), who gave us a very informative presentation on all the good work that her agency does to help families and protect children. She received a Rotary memento for a program well received.

The Prez then, in his own jovial style, thanked us all for coming, wished us a great weekend, and summarily gonged the meeting to a close!

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley