December 19, 2019

We’re sorry, but today’s photos have vanished.

President Elias called the meeting to order.  He looks really really excited that Christmas is coming!  Or is it because this marks the half-way point in his year as club president?

Shari Ranney led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"God Bless America" sounded better than ever as the voices of members of the Pacific Empire Chorus led members in singing our opening song.

Jim Symons introduced his guest, daughter Jamie and President Nominee Rick Gorman introduced his guest Salvation Army Major Clemmons.

Major Clemmons expressed appreciation to members of the club for support of our local Salvation Army program.  He gave a special thanks to Past President Michael Nistler for the recent kitchen remodel project.  President Elias accepted a certificate of appreciation for this year's bell ringing effort at Petaluma Market on December 6.  Members raised $418.

Brett Shinn was presented with his chicken badge after some friendly ribbing that Brandon Trammell, who Brett sponsored already has his chicken badge.  Brett responded that he is a "giver" and wanted Brandon to shine.

President Elias announced that the Children Holiday Gift delivery date was today.  Members were to pick up their assigned gift bags and drive them to the various families after the meeting.  Here's a summary of the project this year:  

62 families supported

146 kids got clothing and a toy

28 Rotary members and realtors shopped for gifts

21 drivers delivered the presents.

Brian Breen announced the eight Super Raffle teams have been drafted.  Captains will be delivering or sending tickets to all members this week.  We ask every member to sell (or buy) 12 tickets.  This is our main fundraiser for the year.  It funds our Children's Holiday Gift project, Dictionary project and many other, local community-focused efforts.

Please note:  The tickets were printed with an incorrect date for the drawing.  The actual date of the Crab Feed and Drawing is February 28, 2020.  Please take a moment to change the "1" into and "8" on your tickets before selling them.

President Elias announced that if 1,820 tickets are sold this year, which would be a record, he will host a pool party for the entire club!

Raine Howe presented the Polly Klaas Community Theater project details.  Our club is stepping up to raise funds to cover a new roof to restore this community gem in the heart of our town.  We will direct all funds raised at a live auction at the Crab Feed to this cause.  The effort begins this Rotary year and will conclude in the next Rotary year.

Past President Onita Pellegrini inducted a new family member, Jaime Symons into the club.  Everyone welcomed Jaime and thanked Jim Symons for sponsoring her.  There will be a Fireside Chat Orientation dinner in late January for all new members.

Brandon Trammell was asked to stand and answer for some recent escapades including missing the Super Raffle draft.  Brandon cited an important meeting with a client as the reason he missed the draft.  But he really had no good excuse for parking his Mercedez in a red zone and being cited for the infraction by our fair city.

Brian Breen won the weekly raffle and a bottle of Christmas cheer.

Past President Joanne Ferris introduced our program, 8 members of the Pacific Empire Chorus.  They provided lively holiday entertainment in four-part harmony.

President Elias presented the group with a check in memory of Lynn Knudson, a long time member who passed away this fall.  

Closing out 2019, President Elias reminded members that we will be dark for the next two weeks.  Our first meeting of the new year is January 9.  Happy and Safe Holidays to everyone!

This week's Editor: Joanne Ferris

December 5, 2019

OH WHAT A WEEK IT WAS! 🛒🌲☔️🎁🔔🍷🍸

‘TWAS THE FIRST MEETING IN DECEMBER AND THE COUNTRY CLUB WAS ALL AGLOW,

AS ROTARIANS GATHERED TO GREET ONE ANOTHER THANKFUL FOR RAIN AND NOT SNOW.

WEATHER DIDN’T SEEM TO HAMPER THE MONDAY SHOPPERS FOR THE NEEDY, A TRUE HOLIDAY START,

SPEARHEADED BY MRS CLAUS JUDI & SANTA ELIAS, WHO UNLOADED TARGET’S GIFT LADEN CARTS.

WHILE THE MEETING/LUNCHEON THURSDAY FOUND ROTARIANS GALORE,

HAPPY TO GATHER AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER ....ALL THE MORE.

FRIDAY FOUND ROTARIANS RINGING THE BELLS FOR SALVATION ARMY’S RED KETTLE, LURING IN THE CASH,

THE EVENING CULMINATED WITH A GATHERING AT HERMANN’S FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CHRISTMAS BASH!’

NOW MORE ABOUT THE MEETING

Though it was misty and cloudy outside, Pres Elias called the meeting to order with the warmth of friendship and camaraderie clearly inside. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Dave Barbieri was called upon to lead us in song. He opted for the club song, a rousing rendition, followed by the melodious, America the Beautiful, testing our vocal range. Well done!

Chris Elzi came forward with some worthy political thoughts for the day. Very appropriate too!

Among the guests at our meeting included Pres Elias’ lovely daughter and former Pres Lee Reposa’s  father-in-law.

Judi Allewelt proudly announced that our Elves shopped for 43 families and 100 children to be gifted, but unfortunately a request from 19 families and 43 children did not arrive on time. Rather than seeing this group do without, our Rotarians generously donated $850 to help to cover some of the cost for the additional gifts...on the spot. Kudos to us for continuing to support ALL the needy!

Hats off to Maggie Radany who was awarded and recognized as the Rotarian of the Month for her exemplary service by Pres. Elias. Well deserved!

Newcomer Jake Wade was formerly inducted into the Petaluma Rotary Club by membership chair Onita Pellegrini, with his sponsor Mireille Broussard happily looking on. Welcome to the fold!

Once again Judi Allewelt took front and center as she had the lucky raffle ticket ...and tho she won the cash, she turned it over to the gift program for the tardy families. What else would you expect from Judi!

Next we learned that Brett Shinn was born in Spokane, Wash., spent his early years in the Southeast, attended schools in Florida, had an 8 year naval career ending up in SoCalifornia, where he married, had two children, is an avid cyclist, marathoner and relocated to Sonoma County in 2014...and is still a Dodger fan, hmmmm????

The things you learn about fellow Rotarians from a craft talk! Truly a fantastic presentation.

Bano Cummings informed us that the Petaluma Interact Club is running a drive for clothes to donate to homeless women. She will gladly accept any offers to this worthy cause!

And finally former Pres Henry Hansel took to the podium and introduced our guest speaker, Francesco Lecce-Chong, Music Director for the Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestra. 

Maestro Chong, has a long list of credits to his musical career. His enthusiastic presentation highlighted his interest in bringing young people and whole families into appreciating the symphony. Though a comparative newcomer to the area, this being his second year at the symphony, he is making his mark through community involvement.  (Kinda like a Rotarian!)

THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS TO Y’ALL

This week's Editor: Mike Ambrosio