March 12, 2020
President Elias opened the meeting noting that Coronavirus concerns were probably responsible for the light crowd.
He called on Dave Barbieri to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Joanne Ferris led the members in singing a heartfelt plea that God Bless America.
With “social distancing” recommendations in effect hugs and handshakes were taboo. Many members took to waving.
Steve Powell observed that the alternative of bumping elbows was “lame.”
There were no visiting Rotarians. Shellie Berry introduced our lone guest, our Rotary Exchange Student, Max Stoevelaar, from The Netherlands. Max is an accomplished chef and is raising money for his Western Safari trip by preparing a special four-course Dutch meal to be served on Friday evening, May 1. Seating is limited. Contact Shellie for more information.
The March 26 SCARC dinner in Monte Rio will be a celebration of women in Rotary.
Volunteers are still needed for the 5-Club project this Saturday at COTS. You can help demo old lockers and install new ones.
We need your talent on the 100th Anniversary Committee. Contact John Dado for more information.
Mark your calendar. Farmer and Merchant Night is Friday, April 3.
Anne Gealta has just returned aglow from PETS (President Elect Training Session?). She explained that ”Rotary is not just service above self, it’s a feeling you get.”
Announcing that incoming RI President Holger Knaack has chosen Rotary Opens Opportunities as his theme for the 2020-21 year, Anne passed out theme pins to our members.
She had a special pin for Lee Reposa. It looks like the social distancing, no-hug rules were waived for this special presentation!
Who is this guy getting up close and personal with a gray whale?
It’s our own Charlie Stuart who gladly paid a $50 fine for an exciting trip to Baja California.
Proud grandma Judi Allewelt gladly paid a $50 fine to celebrate the achievements of her grandson, a pre-nursing student at UNLV. In his first semester he received 3 grades of A and 2 of B+, made the Dean’s List, and was admitted to the National Society of College Scholars. Way to go!
Questioned by President Elias about a new addition to his family, Dave Barbieri acknowledged that his wife had replaced her aging Toyota Highlander with a new Rav4 hybrid. Linda is ecstatic and Dave is now $50 lighter.
Al Cattalini was ecstatic also. He had the winning raffle ticket and walked off with a fine Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Charlie Stuart introduced a local muralist whose works are enjoyed in Petaluma and around the world.
Maxfield “Max” Bala captivated the crowd (OK, mini-crowd) with examples of his murals and his intriguing story of growing up in Petaluma and growing a remarkable business.
If the Club meets next week (watch your email for information) it’ll under the direction of acting President (and actual Past President) Mike Baddeley. Mike will fill in for Elias who is sneaking off somewhere.
This week's Editor: Al Cattalini
March 5, 2020
President ELIAS “Where the Heck” HUSARY opened
our inaugural March lunch meeting at precisely the appointed half hour,
and
immediately had CHARLIE “Don’t Call Me Jimmy” STUART lead
us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a rather cacophonous rendition of
America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) led by SHERI “Irving” BURWIN.
The Thought for the Day was then delivered by your beloved editor, MIKE “Behaving” BADDELEY, 
and
the newly adopted fist bumps, elbow knocks, and other assorted non-handshake
greetings amongst the members ensued.
Next, the Prez introduced our visiting Rotarians and the
guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch, including his wife (Gina),
daughter (Isabella) and Gina’s parents. The Prez then delivered a medley
of announcements: 
(1) the monthly SCARC meeting will be
hosted by the Russian River Rotary Club on March 26 (celebrating Women in
Rotary) – call the Prez or Club Secretary GAIL “Cue” CARDAROPOLI if
you would like to attend; (2) The Club’s COTS Project is scheduled for March 14th –
call the Prez if you’re interested; (3) The Club now has a 100 Year Anniversary
Celebration Committee chaired by JOHN “Different as Night
and” DADO – call John or the Prez if you are interested in
being on the Committee; (4) Our Annual Farmers and Merchants Night dinner event
will be held on April 3rd at Herzog Hall - $25.00 will get you
a great dinner and all you can drink at the hosted bar, so let the Prez or
Chairman BILL “Bohemian” GROVERMAN know how
many tickets you want.
CHRIS “ Duran – Dur” RANNEY and MICHAEL “Legalize” CARUANA jointly
delivered a very detailed Post-Crab Feed Event report, 
thanked
all of our Club’s volunteers who helped out, noted that we raised $13-14,000
net, and presented a fine bottle of wine to MAGGIE “Totally” RADANY for
going above and beyond the call of duty, including
providing parking valet services to ROY "Elevator" MUSICK (and
his wife, Linda)! Kudos to all!! RAINEY “Dewey, Billem
and” HOWE then reported that over $53,000 was raised at the
Crab Feed for the Polly Klass Theatre renovation project, and thanked our Club
members profusely for all of their support!
RICK “Blood and” GORMAN followed-up
with an in-depth report on the Crab Feed Raffle, 
noted that it
netted $36,000, and thanked all of his captains and our top 3 ticket
salesmen: ROYCE “Rip” VAN BEBBER (108),
the Prez (118) and TOM “Studa” BAKER (157)!
Great job, guys!! The Prez then gave a brief post-Crab Feed event report
himself by noting that after the event “the Buckhorn was packed”!
Finally, the Prez acknowledged the March anniversaries and
birthdays of our Club members, followed by his presentation of the Rotarian of
the Month for February….. the entire Club!! Sonoma Valley Rotary Club
President-Elect Mara Kahn 
then gave us a brief
presentation of her Club’s upcoming (May 2) Golden Gate Relay event (a group
run from Napa to Santa Cruz) to raise awareness for organ donation – contact
the Prez or Mara if you are interested in participating.
CHAD “Had My” FILLINGER pulled
out the coveted brown rock to win the accumulated weekly raffle $$, followed
by TAWNY “Tuscany” TESCONI’s
introduction
of our speaker, Mike Martini, the Executive Director for Sonoma Alliance for
Vineyards and Environment, who gave a very informative presentation on the
state of agriculture Sonoma County.
He received a big round of applause for a program well received.
WHEREUPON, the Prez, without any fanfare, further adieu, or
debate, 
summarily adjourned the
meeting! Hope to see you all at the next one!!
This week's Editor: Mike Baddeley