January 31, 2019

Tho’ clouds darken the atmosphere outside on this last day of January, the Country Club felt warm and fuzzy as Petaluma Rotarians began to gather. It was highlighted by the mix of visiting Rotarians, new prospective members and a couple of inductees. President Michael Nistler took a few ring-a-long dings to call the group to order.

To kick things off, President Nominee Anne Gaelta opted to lead us in a melodious rendition of America the Beautiful followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Then a raucous rendition of our club song was led by Mireille Broussard.

I followed by bringing some baseball fever to the fore reciting A Ballplayer’s Prayer as the meaningful thought of the day!

Dave Barbieri proudly introduced four visiting Rotarians from neighboring Rotary Clubs here in Petaluma.

Rather than take any kudos for his exceptional work in getting signed contracts for extending both our meeting facility and the food supply, President Elect Elias Husary said it was done. Hats off for a job well done!

Anne Gaelta again took to the microphone to say that the Crab Feed advance ticket online sales were progressing well. 

Then Chris Ranney encouraged us to keep on trucking with the sale of raffles for the event.

When President Nistler came back to the stage he introduced Dr. John Shribbs and Michael “Bug” Deakin, and in thanking them for their efforts in support of the Serenity Garden Project, presented them with Community Spirit of Service Awards.

Since this is a Rotary Tri Club Project, representatives from the Valley and Sunrise Clubs were also in attendance.

New members Carolyn Buck and Sveinn Sigurdsson were officially pinned under the watchful eyes of their sponsors Chris Ranney (filling in for Suzanne Tucker) and Joe Tambe.

Mary Stompe, Executive Director of PEP Housing gave an informative presentation on senior housing in the area. Her organization is proudly celebrating 40 years of bringing affordable housing for seniors within 13 communities here in Petaluma alone!

And finally, Sherry Burwen collected a bottle of wine since she didn’t lose her raffle ticket.

Don’t forget the Mayor visits us on Thursday!

This week's Editor: Mike Ambrosio

January 24, 2019

President MICHAEL NISTLER opened our regular luncheon meeting on the appointed half hour, and immediately informed us that the Club is "96 years strong," that we are not in a shutdown, and thanks to our past presidents we now have 78 members!

He then had DAN LIBARLE lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,

followed by a rousing rendition of our club song (Gypo from Pelican Bay) by JOHN DADO,

and a heartfelt rendition of God Bless America by RICK MOSSI. 

BRANDON TRAMMEL then delivered the Thought for the Day. 

The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst the members ensued, and then they got back to the business at hand. 

ROYCE VAN BEBBER introduced the lone visiting Rotarian (from Eureka) who joined us for lunch, followed by the introduction of the Guests of Rotarians, including JOE TAMBE's (Sveninn Sigurdsson). The Prez then reminded us that the annual Crab Feed is February 22, and that we will be dark on February 21. 

Next, there were a series of Club project reports, including a report from 1) ROYCE VAN BEBBER on the Third Grade Dictionary Project being chaired by him and TAWNY TESCONI- see either of them if you would like to help deliver or hand out dictionaries; 2) GREG O'BRIEN regarding a work day scheduled for February 2 at the Salvation Army to fix up their facility for homeless youth- see Greg if you can help; and,

3)  TONY WESTERN on the Miracle League field project, specifically the construction of the Rotary building section and the concession stand, which Tony is overseeing with the assistance of ELIAS HUSARY, CHRIS RANNEY, and LEE REPOSA- call Tony if you would like to get your hands dirty with him! The Prez then reported that on January 31, CHRIS RANNEY will be handing out the Community Service Spirit Award on the Serenity Garden project. There will also be an After Hours special event at Mario & Johns on said date. 

New Club Treasurer, MIKE FERRIS, was then acknowledged for his willingness to take on such an all-important duty for the Club, and we have no doubt that the hand-off of the keys to the vault from TAWNY TESCONI to Mike will be a smooth one! Thanks, Mike.

The Prez then levied some heavy "stewardship" (aka fines) on GREG O'BRIEN for being the "Head Puba" with the SIRS group ($100), JOE TAMBE for being appointed as a Trustee to the County Pension Retirement Board in the place and stead of David Rabbitt ($50), and RICK GORMAN for his wife Amy's improved health and his grandson Wesley celebrating birthday #1 ($100). Thanks guys, and congratulations!

Our guest, Sveninn Sigurdsson, had the winning raffle ticket, which was good for a nice bottle of wine. 

Program director CHARLIE STUART then introduced our speaker, David Powers, from the Petaluma Arts Center, who gave us a comprehensive presentation on all that they do in Petaluma. 

He received a Rotary memento for his efforts after a Q&A session, and the Prez then closed the meeting with a bang of the gavel. See you next week!!

This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley

January 17, 2019

President Michael called the meeting to order.

Maggie Radany led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mike Baddeley started us all singing the Club song followed by
Kathy O'Conner leading God Bless America.

President Michael presented the Thought for the Day on "15 Most Important Words."

Elias and Brian addressed the Super Raffle ticket sales to date.

President Michael announced the winning team reward will be a private lunch and tour at McEvoy Ranch.

Al Cattalini announced he is in contact with the leadership of the US Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma.  With the current government shutdown affecting operations and payment of salaries to personnel there, Al is monitoring the situation and will report on any assistance needed in the short term.

Saturday, January 19, there will be a work party to plant trees in the PPSC Serenity Garden.  Members were invited to join in.

Answering the need to remove our club storage items from Marlene Freetley's barn, it looks like we will be securing a storage structure on the premises of Northbay Automotive courtesy of Mike Stauber.  There will be an upcoming work party to set it up and move the items.

January Rotarians of the Month award was presented to Royce Van Bebber and Tawny Tesconi for all their dedicated work to our national and local Dictionary Project.  Congratulations Royce and Tawny!

Our new club treasurer was announced.....newcomer Mike Ferris is taking on the position this spring.  

The Grand Opening for our Miracle League Northbay complex is April 14!

Al Cattalini contributed $55 in honor of his 55th wedding anniversary to Joan.  They returned to their honeymoon destination of Kodiak Alaska to celebrate.

Judy Allewelt was the raffle winner and took home a bottle of McEvoy Rosebud Rose.

Our program speakers this week were Captain Mark Nagle of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department and Misti D. Harris, community liaison for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

This week's Editor: Joanne Ferris

January 10, 2019

As the sun tried desperately to break through the clouds outside, Mr Sunshine himself...President Michael Nistler brought the group of Rotarians assembled within the Country Club, to order with the ringing of the bell.

He called upon Mike Ambrosio to guide us through The Pledge of Allegiance and that I did!

Keeping the ‘Mikes’ alert, it was Stauber who was then asked to follow with the Club song sing along!

Joanne Ferris was given a choice to select our patriotic hymn and she led us through God Bless America, beautifully.

Brett Shinn came forth with some truly hilarious thoughts for the day, especially those attributed to comic George Carlin that brought the assemblage to laughter and cheers!

Maggie Radany was called upon next to introduce the visiting Rotarian, followed by guests of Rotarians who helped brighten the room.

President Michael then showed detailed visuals of the upcoming annual Crab Feed and Pasta Dinner explaining how to go online to purchase tickets for the event.

From the puzzled look on the faces in the audience, fortunately, Anne Gaelta and Maggie Radany were able to add verbal clarification...at least I think they did. My advice, give them a call!

Rick Gorman

and Brian Breen took center stage to tout the sale of Raffle Tickets at the Crab Feet. With assists from

Kip Herzog,

Sherry Burwen,

Shari Ranney,

Mike Baddeley

and Chris Elzi who shared their success stories in sales!  On your mark, get set, go...start your sale motors or write your own check!

Joanne Ferris was hit with the fine can for a reason that escapes me, but she kindly added money since she and hubby ‘Mike’ (another MIKE) will be out of the country during Crab Feed festivities.

Immediately after writing out a fine check, Joanne carried the winning ticket to the podium to collect her bottle of wine!  She who laughs last, laughs the best...hmmmmm!

It was fitting that Mike Stauber, who has been very active with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, introduce young Gabe Peterson, our guest speaker. Peterson, a graduate of Petaluma High, charmed us with his experiences while being hosted by several families during his stay in Austria.

Gabe Peterson is a poster youngster for the exchange program. His poise, confidence and knowledge came through during his presentation. After complimenting him on his talk to us, he told me that he hopes to return to Austria to begin his college career!

And with a final ringing of the bell, President Michael brought our meeting to a close...til next week!

This week's Editor: Mike Ambrosio

January 3, 2019

President Michael Nistler kicked off our meeting and Past District Governor Ed Fullerton lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lee Bean lead us in our Club song and chad Fillinger helped us song God Bless America. Charlie Stuart gave us the Thought for the Day.

Announcements:

SCARC Dinner (Sonoma County Area Rotary Clubs)

The Villa

Jan 31, 2019 
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Rotary Club Crab Feed

Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Building

Feb 22, 2019

Tickets are available online:

www.petalumarotary.org or email Events@petalumarotary.org

President Michael Nistler announced Royce VanBebber as the Rotarian of the Month. Royce’s hard work as a Board Member and on the Dictionary Program are examples of his dedication to our Club and he has helped strengthen our community ties. Congratulations Royce!

We also welcomed Dan Berry into the Club fold.

The Fine Can made a brief appearance and Rick Mossi was happy to contribute $100 to his schedule – he’s been enjoying his many grandchildren!

Anne Gealta introduced our fabulous speaker, Elece Hempel, from Petaluma People Service Center. Elece is a tremendously positive force in our community and her impact has been immeasurable. PPSC has over 55 programs that help Petaluma citizens, including:

Meals on Wheels operates 365 days/year and serves over 320 meals per day. PPSC funds the Respite Center and the Senior Café, and has recently launched iRide – a volunteer driver service helping seniors. Elece helps manage over 480 volunteers every year and her passion to assist those in need covers the entire service spectrum – from counseling to housing assistance to career training.

Thank you, Elece, for a wonderful presentation and all that you do for our community.

Have a great day.

Richard Marzo

This week's Editor: Ricardo Marzo