September 27, 2018

President MICHAEL NISTLER opened our last regular luncheon meeting of September 2018 on the appointed ½ hour, reminded us that the Club is still “95 years young,” and immediately led us in the pledge of Allegiance. 

JOHN ZIMMERMAN then lead us in a rousing rendition of our club song (Gypo from Pelican Bay),

followed by God Bless America led by Capt. AL CATTALINI.

The Prez then delivered the Thought (speech?!) for the Day…. something about brevity being the soul of wit (I’m sure all you Shakespearians will understand right)?!  The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst our Members ensued.

No visiting Rotarians joined us for lunch, but several guests of Rotarians did, including MICHAEL CARUANA’s (Steve Rustad, a former Club member), PDG ED FULLERTON’s (wife Carol), and the Prez’ better half, Grace!  The birthday babes of September were then acknowledged, feted with cake, and serenaded with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”!  The Prez then dutifully recited the September wedding anniversaries of our Members.

Next, a cry went out to “call Mr. Guinness” as the Prez appeared to shatter the Club record for the longest string of uninterrupted announcements from the dais by a Club president in the history of our 95-year-old Club, starting with: 1) we’re dark on October 18; 2) we have a Club potluck picnic at McNear Park on October 21….call Grace Nistler for details;

3) we need a few volunteers to help with the Serenity Garden project on October 13….call the Prez if you want to get down and dirty; 4) the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce is hosting (i) an After-Hours event 4:30-6:30 pm on September 28, and (ii) a Business Expo next Thursday, October 4 -7 pm at the Luchessi Center; 5) there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Leadership in Petaluma, Mentor Me, et al. on Sunday, September 30, 3-5 pm at the new Salvation Army site; 6) the Prez and PDG Bob Rogers are doing an ice bucket challenge to raise an additional $3K for Pedal for Polio Redux 2018 (hey, maybe they could kill 2 birds with one stone by pedaling through the Donner Pass in December!!)….call the Prez if you want to see him shiver his timbers for a good cause; and 7) now is the time for all good Members with extra barn/garage storage space to come to the aid of the Club...please call JOANNE FERRIS if you can help store some Rotary artifacts.

After a quick breath, the Prez then reviewed our Club’s newly adopted Family Membership Plan: Add one spouse, get the second one free…JK! Basically, a Member’s spouse can now become a voting, fully participating Member at a reduced cost…contact the Prez if you’re looking for that little something special (like a Club membership) to give your spouse for the Holidays, your anniversary, or Valentine’s Day (hint: stay out of harm’s way when you present it!). The Prez went on unabated (no way!!) to note that 1) Supervisor Dave Rabbitt is now an Honorary Member of our Club; 2) Marlene Freetly is scheduled for surgery in November; and 3) Paul Lounibous’ health recently suffered a slight setback…we wish both of them well and hope to see them at a meeting again soon.

On a glorious roll, and with all the vim and vigor of a seasoned caffeinated carnival barker on commission, the Prez forged on (somebody slow him down!!) to inform us that 1) the Valley Rotary Club is hosting the monthly SCARC  dinner meeting Thursday, September 28 at Rooster Run…let Club Secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI know if you would like to attend; 2) TAWNY TESCONI will be the acting President next week; 3) Petaluma Fire Chief Leonard Thompson will be our guest speaker; and 4) CHARLIE STEWART and CHAD FILLINGER are our Co-Rotarians of the month….congratulations Chaz and Chad!!

In an act of complete daring and courage, and showing some true leadership chops, President-Elect nominee ANNE GEALTA actually interrupted the Prez to clarify her classification as a “wedding officiant,” and she questioned the Prez regarding same.  Undaunted, our slick Prez side-stepped the brief stymie and called upon STEVE POWELL to show his gratitude for his son’s recent wedding (“Finally”, according to Steve!) and Steve’s wonderful trip to Italy in August with his wife Tina…Steve was hesitant to pay anything for his trip, but generously offered up $100 for his son’s wedding! Thanks, and congratulations, Steve!  The Prez, apparently with visions of c-notes dancing in his head, then pulled $100 out of his Past-President/Treasurer TAWNY TESCONI for her far and wide travels across the Nation (with her spouse, Mike) to fulfill her remaining State Fair obligations. Thanks, Tawny, and welcome back!

Ticket #3133 proved to be the winning raffle ticket for GAIL CARDAROPOLI and was good for a nice bottle of Rotary wine!  The Prez then broke us out into groups to discuss Rotary goals, favorite committees and achievements amongst ourselves.  At the conclusion of our group discussions, ONITA PELLIGRINI then happily introduced our newest spouse members:MIKE FERRIS (Joanne’s spouse), CAROL FULLERTON (PDG Ed’s spouse) and GRACE NISTLER (the Prez’ spouse)!  Welcome to the Club!!

WHEREUPON, the Prez, at long last, gaveled the meeting to a merciful close… See you next week!

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley

September 20, 2018

Here are photos from the September 20 meeting.  We are awaiting text from this week's editor.

This week's Editor: Brandon Trammell

September 10, 2018

President Michael Nistler opened the meeting with a welcome and then led the pledge. 

The President's wife, Grace Nistler, comforted Michael due to the loss of his bell and told him to use this photo opportunity to further his agenda to catch the person(s) responsible for stealing the bell!

Al Cattalini led the singing of God Bless America as Elias looked on in disbelief (either that, or the shock of being President Elect is finally settling in)!

Chris Ranney led the singing of Club Song.

Then came the awards, Rick Mossi introduced Elias Husary as the new President Elect.

Rick Mossi then announced the selection of Anne Gealta as President Elect Nominee.

Anne said "Really??? I plead the 5th and I will not release my taxes!"

Tournament chairs Charlie Stuart and Chad Fillinger thanked sponsors, committee, and participants and were then thanked by the President.

Enjoy the following photos of another successful Golf Tournament:

Thank you to all who participated and helped to make the Golf Tournament another successful Rotary Club of Petaluma event!

This week's Editor: Doug Hecker

September 6, 2018

Now into the third month of his term, President Michael opened the meeting with a bang on the bell and a hearty welcome.

He called on Steve Powell to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Past President Chris Ranney was next, leading the club song, “I’m a Rambler, I’m a Gambler, . . . “.

Now it was time for the traditional God Bless America led by John Dado.

Doug Hecker delivered the Thought for the Day, a quote from Carl Jensen, founder of Project Censored.  Here’s an extract: “We must look to prod and support a free, open, and aggressive press.”

After the customary handshakes and hugs, we learned that we had no visiting Rotarians — but two very special guests, attending as guests “for the last time.”  We’ll hear more about these ladies later.

Joanne Ferris reported on the August SCARC meeting which featured an impressive talk by Elizabeth Gore.

Shari Ranney reported on the recent “For the Children” event held at Brewsters beer garden.  Jointly sponsored by all three Petaluma clubs, it raised $8,115 to help support Rotary’s international projects.

Secretary Gail Cardaropoli announced that this month’s SCARC dinner will be held September 27 at Rooster Run.  Sponsored by the Petaluma Valley Club, it costs $50.  Call Gail soon to make your reservation and our Club will cover half the cost.  This is a good deal and a great way for new members to learn more about Rotary.

Chad Fillinger announced that there is just one open slot left for Monday's Golf Tournament.  It promises to be a great day.  If you don't golf, come for dinner.

Michael Caruana presented an update on our tri-Club project to develop a “Serenity Garden” at the PPSC facility on Petaluma Blvd. South.  He’s looking for volunteers for 2-3 hours of manual labor on Saturday, October 13.  Show up at 8:00 a.m. for pre-work coffee and treats.  Contact Michael for more information and to confirm your participation.

Greg O’Brien extended an invitation from the Petaluma Service Alliance (Petaluma’s three Rotary Clubs, two Lions Clubs, Kiwanis, and Elks Lodge) to celebrate the PSA projects with all seven clubs.  It’s a no-host gathering at the Elks Club starting at exactly 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 21.  There’ll be no program —just lots of socializing.  Rotarians and their spouses are cordially invited.  For more info, contact Greg.

A month later, on Sunday, October 21 we’ll be celebrating “Rotary Days,” a BBQ potluck picnic from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McNear Park.  Bring a potluck item, the Club will provide meat and drinks.

Judi Allewelt discussed her generous contribution of several weeks ago.  She noted that it was in memory of her daughter — and that the “For the Children” event occurred on what would have been her daughter’s 50^th birthday. 

Anne Gealta acknowledged that she is now an official wedding officiant.  She offered $50 “stewardship” for this honor, then upped it to $100 figuring that she’d met her annual quota.

Shari Ranney is looking for folks to attend a Rotary Grants seminar in Ukiah.  It’s on Saturday, September 22 (9-12 am).  A webinar option is also available.  Contact Shari for more information.

The raffle had crept up to $225 and lucky Michael Caruana pulled the brown rock.  He didn’t accept the money but whispered something into our President’s ear.  We don’t know exactly what transpired but it appears the money will be put to good use.  Thanks, Michael!

Membership Chair Onita Pellegrini came to the podium for a most pleasant task, the induction of new members.

She welcomed Suzanne Tucker (Classification: Marketing Manager, One Stop Graphics; sponsors: Chris Ranney, Shari Ranney, Joanne Ferris) and Mireilli Broussard (Classification: Realtor, Keller Williams Realty; sponsor: Brandon Trammell).  A standing round of applause welcomed our newest members to the Club.

Doug Hecker introduced our speaker, Mickey Huff, Director of Project Censored.

Mickey gave an interesting overview of today’s news environment and the activities of his organization.  Your editor particularly enjoyed the expression “muckrakers vs. buckrakers.”  We figure that since the Rota-Teller isn’t raking in many bucks, we must be in the former category.

See you at Monday’s Golf Tournament.  And don’t forget that we’ll be dark on Thursday, September 13.

This week's Editor: Al Cattalini