May 26, 2022

Our club hosted SCARC (Sonoma County Association of Rotary Clubs) this month.  The barbecue was at Miracle League Northbay's field.  Those clubs in attendance took turns sharing what they accomplished this past year.  The audience heard from Phoebe Libarle and Ian Richardson all about Miracle League and the wonderful programs available to people in the North Bay with physical and intellectual disabilities.

A special shout out to all the members who pitched in to put the event on!

Today's Editor: Joanne Ferris

May 12, 2022

...”And the days dwindle down, to a precious few"......when King Rick opened his actual next to last official Petaluma Rotary meeting as its 99th president....ALL HAIL THE KING!!

Our ever reliable photographer Al Cattalini was called upon to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance before Larry Jonas came to the podium with his thought of the day...to acknowledge the fantastic Rotary support at the successful Ukrainian Relief Fund event. Just another in the many worthy ventures that Rotary gets involved in!

Onita Pellegrini introduced her guests at our luncheon, Shelly and Pat, while Michael Nistler brought his lovely Mom and cousins, Diane and John, all the way from Minnesota.

Mike Stauber asked if any good neighbor was driving up to Fortuna for the District conference. Seems he knows of someone who needs a lift!

As mentioned, the Ukrainian Relief Fund event on May 10th was a huge success. Chris Ranney, one of the leaders of the program, happily reported that nearly $25,000 was netted in support.  Kudos to all who worked, attended and added their time, energy and $$$!

RYLA is alive and well this year (6/12 thru 6/17) and spearheaded by Lee Reposa we will be hosting a BBQ on the campgrounds on Wednesday, June 15.

Oops...sometimes we do have to cancel and apparently the SOCIAL set for the 19th at the Active Wellness Club has been dropped. No partying after hours after all, according to our Programming Guru, Dan Berry.

However, never to be denied, Joanne Ferris not only placed flyers on every table but announced that we Rotarians will proudly host the SCARC event on Thursday, May 26 at the Miracle League Field...please add your name to the list of volunteers needed for that day!

And while we are SAVING THE DATES, et al., our soon to be president, Royce Van Bebber happily took to the microphone and confirmed Saturday, March 11, 2023 as D-Date to celebrate our 100th anniversary at the Elks Lodge.

To add to his kitty before leaving office President Rick decided to fine some attendees beginning with Larry Jonas for keeping his busy phone alive. However, good Samaritan Michael Nistler offered to pay the $50, brotherly love at its best!

Onita Pellegrini's tale of travel woes on her recent trek to TN facing hurricane and tornado delays netted an additional $100.  Shouldn't we be paying her…or is there a lesson to be learned about only flying direct??

Next came a sweet story as Brandon Trammell added $100 proudly thanks to his young daughter’s reading prowess in lieu of the difficult schedules during Covid.

Since setup last week proved to be a snafu with Mike Stauber and yours truly both absentees, Stauber bore the brunt of it to the tune of $100. Hey, King Rick, quite a haul!!

This week's winning raffle was won by Brett Shinn. Treasurer Carolyn Buck happily gave him $50 when he picked the money stone out of the hat!

Joanne Ferris came forth to give us an introduction to Vintage postcards and the presenters for the program.

Since we are celebrating National Historic Preservation Month, what better way than to have K C Greaney and Alice Van Ommeren of "Petaluma in Vintage Postcards" as our guest speakers. Their presentation with visuals captured so much of the history of Petaluma through postcards. Such a fun exercise!

And remember we are dark for the next two weeks with incoming president Royce Van Bebber sharing the dais with Rick Gorman, in June...two for the price of one. Not bad!

Today's Editor: Mike Ambrosio

May 5, 2022

President RICK “Banquero Grande” Gorman, opened our regular lunch meeting at the appointed half-hour on Cinco de Mayo

and immediately had Past President JOHN “El Contador” DADO lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,

followed by the Thought for the Day from CHRIS “El Abogado” ELZI! 

After Introducing the visiting Rotarians and guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunch, the Prez called upon Past-District Governor Kathleen Flamson (2019-2020), who gave a deferred award to Past–President ELIAS “Bueno Servicio” HUSARY for meeting the PDG’s Community Service challenge during his presidential year…Congratulations, Elias!!!

Next, Past-President CHRIS “Corredor de Bolsa” RANNEY reminded us about the upcoming Stand with Ukraine event scheduled for next Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Hermann Sons Hall (860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA).  This event is being co-sponsored by the three local Petaluma Rotary clubs – call Chris if you are interested in supporting and or attending the event.

Past–President LARRY “Dentista-Desarrollador” JONAS then informed us about the numerous auction items that can be bid on at the Stand with Ukraine fundraiser!

The Prez then thanked DAN “Ejecutivo de Seguros” BERRY for last week’s social gathering at Brookstone, and that there was a joint board meeting between the Prez’ and incoming President ROYCE “Fabricante de Acero” VAN BEBBER’s  respective boards to discuss the upcoming transition between their administrations.

Past-President ELIAS “Conductor Rapido Loco” HUSARY was then called upon by the Prez to explain his lead foot ways (say, is that why Elias had a medical boot on his foot??)…after making several damaging admissions,

he really had no excuse other than the guy he was trying to catch up with (hint: his name rhymes with Choice Tan Webber) was going so much faster!  Elias gladly paid $100 in lieu of paying 2 cents for each mile per hour by which he exceeded the posted speed limit by!  Thanks Elias… and slow down!!!

Speaking of traveling fast, the Prez then fined Past–President MICHAEL “Susurrador de Caballos” CARUANA munta dinero ($100) for his recent travels, which involved some international destinations and a horseback ride  in Yellowstone National Park…welcome back, Michael!!

Ticket #8830983 proved to be the raffle winner for Visiting Rotarian Jane Grimes, which was good for a nice bottle of wine!

Club Program Director DAN “Persona que Presenta” BERRY introduced our speaker,

Greg Sabourin, Executive Director of the Petaluma Small Craft Center, who gave a very informative presentation on the Petaluma river, wood docks and the proposed Floathouse project.  He received a big round of applause and a Rotary gift in appreciation of a  program well received.

Whereupon, the Prez, after thanking Past-President ELIAS “Gran Almuerzo” HUSARY for arranging our special taco truck lunch, summarily adjourned the meeting!!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!!

Today's Editor: Mike Baddeley