October 27, 2022
This week, the club took a field trip to the People's Village at the Mary Isaac Center run by COTS (Committee on the Shelterless). Here are photos from the day.
The field trip began with a presentation from COTS staff about the People's Village program and COTS operations.
COTS clients honestly spoke to the club about their experiences and the work of COTS.
Shout out to Past President Chris Ranney for coordinating the field trip.
Everyone enjoyed a nutritious lunch in the COTS dining room.
Members learned about the coordination between multiple agencies and organizations coordinated by COTS staff to support the food program.
Following lunch, members toured the People's Village.
Each resident has their own village home.
Today's Editor: Joanne Ferris
October 20, 2022
President Royce opened the meeting marveling at how time flies, that we are already into the holiday season.
Elias Husary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mike Ambrosio led the crowd in a spirited God Bless America. Following the singing, our traditional greetings of handshakes and hugs reverberated around the room.
Seriousness returned when Brett Shinn offered his Thought for the Day. Drawing from Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, a book by Oliver Burkeman, Brett reflected that with a limited time on earth (about 4,000 weeks), we need to consider how we use our time, never forgetting that the last time we did or experienced something may have actually been the last time.
We had one visiting Rotarian today, Andrea Pierotti from the Petaluma Sunrise Club and wife of today’s speaker. Suzanne Tucker, Lee Reposa, and Joanne Ferris introduced guests.
President Royce discussed last week’s field trip to the pumpkin patch, noting that he and Anne Gealta were first through the corn maze. Thanks were extended to all who participated.
Mark your calendar for May 4-7, 2023. That’s the date for the District Conference to be held at Konocti Harbor Resort.
The October SCARC Dinner, sponsored by the Healdsburg Club, will be next Thursday, the 27th, at the Windsor Golf Club. Contact Gail Cardaropoli right away if you wish to attend.
You can help Mike Stauber barbecuing tri-tips for the Youth Exchange Blues Breaker Weekend. Show up at the Boys and Girls Club Friday, October 21 at 4pm. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm.
Tables are selling quickly for our 100-year banquet on March 11, 2023. Get yours now.
Chris Ranney reported that next week’s meeting will be a field trip to the People’s Village at the Mary Isaak Center, 900 Hopper Street. We will tour the Tiny Homes Village and enjoy lunch provided by the Mary Isaak Center. Watch for an email with more information.
Shari Ranney announced that planning is well underway for next year’s Whiffleball Tournament, to be held in April. She also read a thank you note from the Miracle League for our support during the past year.
Raine Howe sent an invitation to the grand reopening of the Polly Klaas Community Theater. There will be two shows on Saturday, November 5th and 2pm and 7pm. Details and $10 tickets will be available at PollyKlaasTheater.org.
President Royce announced that the Club had been awarded the 202202033 Silver Hero Award by ShelterBox for “outstanding dedication and support.”
He also invited members to join him at a 5:30pm cocktail party on October 27 focused on the Petaluma River Park. Contact Royce for more information.
The singing of Happy Birthday to You celebrated the October birthdays of these Rotarians: Tony Western, Dan Berry, Jim Symons, Elias Husary, Gail Cardaropoli, Tom Baker, Tom Brandal, Shari Ranney, Chad Fillinger, and Greg O’Brien.
A round of applause greeted the naming of Shari Ranney as Rotarian of the Month for October. Congratulations, Shari!
Brian Breen’s family is enjoying their new puppy, a miniature golden doodle. His $20 fine for this occasion was paid by a generous Elias Husary.
Judy McReynolds happily paid at $100 fine as she announced her retirement. Well done, Judy!
Judi Allewelt had the winning ticket but pulled out the wrong rock. She got a bottle of pinot noir. Our next winner could take home $200.
Joanne Ferris introduced today’s program, presented by Argus Courier food columnist, Huston Porter.
Porter gave a beautifully illustrated presentation on Walking the Camino Santiago. We had no idea that pilgrims could skip the chapels and churches and find so many gelaterias and Michelin restaurants!
Today's Editor: Al Cattalini
October 17, 2022
Due to production difficulties, one photo was omitted from the October 13 Rota-Teller. So here it is. Sorry about that!
Kip, Joanne, President Royce, Greg, Kristen and Shari got themselves ready for the task at hand by putting on happy faces and a wave for the camera.
Today's Editor: Mike Ambrosio; photo by Michael Nistler
October 13, 2022
ROTARY CLUB OF PETALUMA ENJOYS AUTUMN HAZE AT THE CORN PATCH MAZE
Most of us would agree that you don't have to live or go somewhere special to commune with nature. There are marvels everywhere, even on your neighboring patch of land...and we have it here in Petaluma, the renown 'Corn Patch Maze'.
Jim Groverman, brother of noted Rotarian Bill (talk about spitting sibling images) is the owner and operator of the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze here in Northern Petaluma. The spectacular land traces back to the early '60s when Groverman's grandparents first devoted the area to family fun. Through the years the Corn Maze achieved worldwide renown as one of the Five best in the world!
WOW! And here we were ready to relive it all!
After being treated to delicious Gyro sandwiches from the local food truck we were ready to tackle the Maze.
Kip, Joanne, President Royce, Greg, Kristen and Shari got themselves ready for the task at hand by putting on happy faces and a wave for the camera.
Here is the key ingredient toward getting oneself through the Corn patch Maze...the map to follow to the end of the line.
Using their GPS mapping skills and fortified with the trusty Maze map, the Ferris' were first to lead their group to the finish line...after a lot of huffin and a lot of puffin!!
The adventurous group of Rotarians who managed the Maze unscathed, reassembled for a team photo and gave out a rousing cheer for their fete. Kudos to all who took time out to enjoy one of Petaluma's treasures and a fun filled event!
Today's Editor: Mike Ambrosio; photos by Michael Nistler
October 6, 2022
President ROYCE VAN BEBBER opened our first luncheon meeting of the first month of the last fiscal quarter of 2022 at precisely the appointed half-hour (12:30 p.m.),
and he immediately had our District Governor (Jennifer Strong) lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,
followed by a rousing rendition of God Bless America by Past-President LEE REPOSA.
The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst the Club members ensued!
Next, Past-President MICHAEL NISTLER delivered the Thought for The Day (or was it a filibuster?!), followed by the introduction of our Visiting Rotarians, including our District Governor, our Lt. District Governor (Marilyn Lira), and the Michael Bluto, President-Elect of the Petaluma Sunrise Club. There were no guests of Rotarians who joined in for lunch.
After recapping last week’s Petaluma River Park field trip, the Prez acknowledged and gave a heartfelt thanks to Past-President JOHN DADO for his golf cart shuttling of our members around the riverbanks with nary a spill! The Prez then went on to deliver a medley of announcements:
There is an exclusive private cocktail party (invite only with the Prez) on Oct. 27 @ 5:30 p.m. at
the 429 First Street bistro (he can only bring 4 lucky guests, so call him ASAP if you want to go).
The Monthly SCARS Dinner will be hosted by the Healdsburg Rotary Club on Oct. 27, 2022, @ 6 p.m. at Charlie’s Restaurant at the Windsor Golf Club….contact Club Secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI if you are interested in attending.
The Annual Rotary Foundation Dinner-North will be held in Eureka, CA, on Oct. 15, 2022, @ 5:30 – 9 p.m…contact Past-President ONITA PELLIGRINI for raffle tickets for the event and/or if you are interested in attending.
Next week (Oct. 13, 2022) our regular luncheon meeting will be a field trip to the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch… contact JOANNE FERRIS for more details.
60 years in Rotary…. Joe received a standing ovation from all of the Club members in appreciation of all his “service above self”!!
Our District Governor then inducted our newest member, KRISTEN MYBURGH, who was sponsored by SHARI RANNEY. Welcome aboard, Kristin, we’re glad you joined us, and we look forward to getting to know you!
Past-President DAN LIBARLE had the winning raffle ticket, which was good for a nice bottle of vino!
Our Lt. District Governor then introduced our District Governor who,
with an able assist from LEE REPOSA, gave a very insightful presentation as to why she joined Rotary, and what it has meant to her!
She received kudos aplenty for a program well received.
WHEREUPON, the proud Prez pounded the Rotary Bell and summarily adjourned the meeting!
Today's Editor: Mike Baddeley