July 30, 2020

As the sun broke through the clouds our vivacious Madame President Anne warmly greeted the early arrivals virtually to our weekly Zoom meeting. The squares filled up quickly nearing SRO...SITTING ROOM ONLY!!!

Mike Baddeley was asked to give his thought of the day and needless to say he gave us reason to reflect with his timely words of wisdom.

President Anne asked ex President Lou Steinberg to lead the Pledge of Allegiance from his home in Colorado. She then introduced a number of guests including Richard Pitt and Carol England from our neighboring Rotary clubs, Lisa Moore, Bradley Vaccaro and Aaron K (whose last name I did not get).

Shari Ranney shared with us the postponement of Miracle League cleanup, originally set for Sunday, Aug. 2. Stay fit and bring your brawn to the new date when announced!

The other half of our power couple, Chris Ranney announced that the COTS fundraiser was in the works wherein Ray’s Catering was preparing dinner meals for Friday,,, with 15% of the cost going to COTS.

Our Madame President once again took center Square, this time with a visual to announce July birthdays and anniversaries for fellow Rotarians.

Continuing with her Zoom news, our leader with the most infectious smile, bar none...announced Joanne Ferris once again as the Rotarian of the Month, so well deserved, of course! Maybe it’s time we call it the “JOANNE FERRIS ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH” award!

Carol England from the Petaluma Valley Club dialed in to our meeting to help promote a Garage Sale she is hosting with support from all three clubs on Saturday, Aug. 22. All the money goes to support the needs of young deprived women in low income areas!

One of our most appreciative Rotarians, Steve Powell was beaming when he announced that $50,000 was garnered for the Tele-Medicine group through their virtual fund raiser! Kudos to all!

Soon it was time for our program committee’s talented chair, Charlie Stuart to take to his Zoom square and formally introduce two of our notable civic leaders, the honorable Madame Mayor, Teresa Barrett and Asst. City Manager, Brian Cochran.

Mayor Barrett was a very charming guest who began her presentation by giving the Petaluma Rotarians high praise for continuing support to the community. Our gracious Mayor was full of timely information regarding the tough times in leadership, not only due to COVID-19 concerns, but also the financial state of the city! To that end the potential to add a dollar increase on our sales tax for voters is subject to city council approval.

When City Manager Peggy Flynn was unable to attend our meeting due to a business conflict, her Assistant, Brian Cochran filled in admirably. His knowledge of the city challenges was quite obvious. The homeless, cleaning the city, paving the streets, river dredging, COVID concerns were all addressed and acute awareness of Black Lives Matter!

Both leaders were extremely cordial with their time and handled the questions and answers til there were none!

And a good time was had by all!

This week's Editor: Mike Ambrosio

July 23, 2020

WELCOME TO THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE!

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(albeit incorrectly identified as Past President Elias)

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Another great selection of Rotarians showing off their Zoom skills

Joanne Ferris wanted to make a correction from the July 16th Rota-Teller:

The correct Thought For The Day from Michael Ambrosio was: 

’We are NOT living in fear, We are living in faith!’.

Always great to see Mr. Lou Steinberg zooming from Colorado

Immediate Past President Elias was looking quite relaxed as a participant!

Great to see Chris Elzi attending the meeting. Love your new COVID-19 look!!!

Bano always has a helpful and caring perspective...

...Michael Caruana is working on his perspective!

Our Speaker today is a true Petaluma hero and an individual who embodies the spirit of being a Rotarian by simply being himself - an amazingly talented artist who has created meaningful projects and roles, and giving back to his hometown.

Ali Afshar is a Casa Grande alum who has over 34 acting credits, 17 producer credits, and 3 writing credits in his filmography. Even though he was friends with Immediate Past President Elias Husary, he didn't let that deter him from his goal of making meaningful art (although it was nice to hear both men reminisce about the Casa years!).

Ali has not only created a body of work that is respected in Hollywood, he has always worked on strengthening his connection to his hometown and he has singularly brought film making to Petaluma. The economic multiplier from filming on location with cast and crew runs in the millions and Ali Afshar has helped spotlight our city, our surroundings, and the values that many people grew up with in our community. His projects are deep rooted in the concept of the underdog and the triumph of perseverance and good character. He is a man of great character and integrity and Petaluma is proud to claim him as a hero. Thank you, Ali, for taking time out of your busy shooting schedule to give us a peak into your window.

July 16, 2020

Our meeting commenced with some fellowship as everyone was logging in. 

It was noted that our club's website update looks fantastic.  Mike Ambrosio and Grace Nistler have been hard at work updating stories from this past year.

Welcome to President Anne Gealta’s  second Zoom meeting as Rotary Club President.

Jamie Symons led us in the pledge of allegiance

Mike Ambrosio presented the Thought for the Day: 

"We are living in fear, we are living in faith!”

Our first SCARC of this Rotary year is virtual.  Lots of great information.
Click on the image above to connect to the Zoom event.

Or to join.....CLICK HERE

Transcendence Theater’s online performance on Sunday was delightful.  Several members tuned in.

Petaluma Valley Rotary President Bonnie Cordova and Petaluma Sunrise Rotary President Lindsey Strain and Anne walked the Polly Klaas Community Center grounds earlier this week.  It was decided that the three clubs plan to provide the landscaping outside the building using $12,000 in funding as a 3 Club District Matching Grant and good old-fashioned Rotary labor.

President Anne made a call for a volunteer to lead a committee focused on examining fundraising efforts for the club.   Greg O’Brien was the first volunteer to offer to serve on the committee.  Please contact Anne if you are interested in working on this effort.

President Anne announced that we will schedule one meeting a month with pick up lunches.  Suzanne Tucker suggested we set up a mechanism on the website so members could order and pay for their lunches.

No fines this week but President Anne will be making up for this no fining week shortly!

Dan Berry Introduced our speaker, Petaluma City Council Member Dave King.

Dave spoke on the state of our community and city then answered questions.

We are concluding this week’s Rotateller with a thank you note from Rosemary Van Lare, daughter of Past President Paul Lounibos.   Following in her dad's footsteps,  Rosemary became a member of the Rotary Club of San Jose in November.

This week's Editor: Joanne Ferris

July 9, 2020

President Anne Gealta, presiding over her first meeting, started by thanking immediate Past President Elias Husary for both his accomplishments and his help.  She noted that she had big shoes to fill.

She then called on Judy McReynolds, working in her San Francisco office, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Judi Allewelt delivered the Thought for the Day.  She noted that we are going through very difficult times and that we all need to cooperate and be nice to one another.  She commented on hostile displays and ended with a “No more!”

Next up was a lesson on how to pronounce “Gealta.”  It’s pronounced “JELTA” (rhymes with “delta”) and mispronunciation will henceforth be a fineable offense. Or, if you find that difficult, you can call her “Queen Anne.”

President Anne advised that Thursday lunch pick-ups will resume next week and will be paid for at the time of pickup.  In view of the warmer weather, expect lighter lunches.

Look for an email from Queen Anne soon about virtual events on July 12 and July 30.  We’ll have a 3-club blood drive in August.

John Dado missed the meeting and escaped a fine — but is warned to expect one soon.

Maggie Radany’s daughter Molly, a regular visitor during our past Zoom meetings, joined us from her home in Portland.  She was pleasantly surprised when President Anne declared her an Honorary Member of the Club and presented a Women in Rotary pin.

We were pleased to see Tom Baker join us and looking chipper. 

Maybe it’s the special formula that Cindy Thomas puts in her uniquely shaped martini pitcher.  Anyway, Tom was fined $50 and Cindy was fined (how much?) for her creativity.

Then Queen Anne gave a lengthy, interesting, and soul-baring craft talk which we will condense here.  Military brat.  Daughter of an Air Force pilot.  Stationed 1963-68 at Travis AFB.  Visited Petaluma often as grandparents lived there.  1968-70 in the Azores.  When dad went to Vietnam in 71, lived in Petaluma; attended McNear school.  Then moved to Charleston, South Carolina and lived there for 30 years.  Worked there as a paralegal and moved to Petaluma when she inherited her grandmother’s house.  Worked for a real estate developer.  Decided to get a real estate license.  Then a broker’s license.  Then became a Licensed Document Assistant.  Then certified by State of California as a Probate and Trust Specialist.  Since 2006 single mom with two kids.  Ill fated marriage (2014-15) to old high school boyfriend ended badly.  Gail Cardaropoli suggested she visit the Petaluma Rotary Club.  Got good vibes and joined during Gary Brodie’s term.  Delighted to learn that John Dado knew her grandfather.  Impressed with Lee Reposa’s emotional presentation on Miracle League field. Knew she had “landed in the right place.” 

President Anne said she will be continuing Elias’ “Fund a Teen in Need” program and our close relationship with the Polly Klaas theater project and with the Miracle League.  Also mentioned the lack of a women’s shelter in Sonoma County.  Will be pursuing a 3-Club District grant.

She then discussed how COAVID-19 concerns had affected traditional fundraising.  No Golf Tournament.  (Your editor wondered “Maybe no crab feed?”)  We need innovative ideas.  Raffle a Rick Gorman cutting board?  Restaurant gift cards?  Market member skills?  Joanne Ferris has “edgy” ideas (e.g., golf match play with sponsors and side bets). 

Mark your calendar for (hopefully) Holiday Party on December 19 at Seared.

Steve Powell discussed virtual fundraising employed by the Rotary telemedicine project.

President Anne complimented Suzanne Tucker and Charlie Stuart for the outstanding programs they’ve arranged for the coming year.  Next week’s speaker will be Dave King.  See you then!

This week's Editor: Al Cattalini