May 25, 2023
Field Trip to Van Bebber Brothers
Members and guests enjoyed perusing an historical exhibit about Van Bebber Brothers which began as a Petaluma blacksmith in 1901 and grew over the years to its present status as the area leader in steel supply and processing.
A low tide of -0.1’ occurred at 12:33pm so we had an opportunity to observe the Petaluma River at a low stage with much of its banks exposed.
No longer worried about banks being exposed is Rick Mossi who says he is enjoying, but still adjusting, to retirement.
Senior Rotarians Dan Libarle and Royce Van Bebber chat about old times. Dan was Club President in 1974-75, Royce was President 1978-1979.
Delicious box lunches were provided by Sally Tomatoes.
After lunch President Royce introduced his grandfather Royce L. Van Bebber who gave an interesting history of the firm.
A tour of the sprawling facilities followed. John Dado (President, 1988-89) drove Royce and other seniors on a golf cart version of the tour. (Incidentally, Royce’s uncle, Alvin Van Bebber, was Club President in 1943-44.)
President Royce with his daughter, Isabella, explains this area as a “lumberyard for steel.” Isabella is now the sixth generation of Van Bebber’s to be employed by the firm.
The meeting ended where it began, under a spreading tree on the riverbank, with a round of applause for a delightful gathering. Thanks, Rick!
Today's Editor: Al Cattalini
May 18, 2023
President ROYCE “442” VAN BEBBER, our Club’s illustrious “100th President”, opened our regular weekly luncheon meeting on the appointed half hour! After gleefully letting us know that he only has two more luncheon meetings to preside over,
he had BRANDON “Grand Torino” TRAMMELL lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,
followed by yours truly (Past-President) MIKE “Barracuda” BADDELEY, who led us in song (God Bless America). The customary handshakes, hugs and busses amongst our Club members ensued.
KATHY “Camaro” O’CONNOR delivered the Thought for the Day, and SHARI “Shelby” RANNEY then welcomed the visiting Rotarians, followed by the introduction of the guests of Rotarians, including Past-President MICHAEL “Mustang” CARUANA’s sister, JAN “Gran Sport” GRIMES’ husband and Past-President ONITA “Pontiac GTO” PELLIGRINI’s friend/co-worker.
Shari then went on to give us a very informative overview and summary of the Rotary International Service Committee. The Prez thanked her and the entire International Committee for all their hard work and success this year, and Shari acknowledged his generous $1250 gift to the Committee. Good job, all.
Next, our District’s Rotary Exchange student (Matilda) gave us her farewell report on her experience as an exchange student over the past year and all the lessons she learned in the process – we will miss her, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
DAN “Rally Sport” BERRY reminded us of our upcoming lunch meeting at Van Bebber Steel and our Business After Hours event scheduled for next Thursday (May 25), 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank – contact Dan or the Prez with any questions.
The Prez then sadly let us know that Charles Stuart has resigned from the Club – we wish him all the best. The Prez then went on to announce that the local Redwood Empire Food Bank is looking for volunteers and donations – contact the Prez for details.
Past-President CHRIS “Ranchero” RANNEY reminded us that the annual Club Debunking will be held on June 23 at the local Cattlemen’s restaurant – you should have received your invitation by now, but if you haven’t, call Chris as soon as possible.
The Prez then acknowledged our Club’s May birthday babes, followed by the Rotarian of the Month award to… CHRIS RANNEY… who received a commemorative proclamation and a nice bottle of smooth Irish whiskey…for all his ongoing great work on our Club’s behalf. Congratulations, Chris!
Proving that he can giveth and taketh away, the Prez then fined Past-President ELIAS “Hot Rod” HUSARY a wallet busting $50 for having the audacity to wear a really expensive shirt to our meeting, but not his Club badge! Thanks, Elias, hopefully you find out who took your badge off your table!
The fine-happy Prez then
assessed MICHAEL CARUANA a $100 multi-transcontinental travel
fee for Michael’s recent trip to South Africa to see his son Matthew!
Thanks, and welcome back Michael.
Ticket #0776 proved to be a winner for your humble editor, who drew a blue rock and received a nice bottle of consolation wine!
Acting Program Chair JAN GRIMES then introduced our speaker,
Dora Zuniga, the Director of Project Amigo, who gave us a very informative presentation on all that they do to promote educational opportunities and provide scholarships to students from Colima, Mexico. She received a bottle of wine and Rotary memento for a program well received.
Our 100th Club President the reminded us that we are meeting next week at his place (Van Bebber Steel, 729 Petaluma Blvd. South) for lunch and a tour, whereupon he summarily adjourned the meeting without further adieu!! Hopefully, he and his Petaluma Cars and Coffee crew (the Prez, Elias, DOUG “Dual Carb” HECKER, BRIAN “Big Buick” BREEN, et. al.) doesn’t cause any problems during the American Graffiti weekend parade!!
Today's Editor: Mike Baddeley
MAY 11, 2023
President Royce Van Bebber bade us welcome
Former President Chris Ranney gave us a great Thought for the Day, and an appropriate one, about law enforcement officers and how they are never really off duty.
Among the visitors and guests was Jack, husband of new Rotarian Jan Grimes.
President Royce gave us a rundown of the great meeting at Konocti.
Then --no longer a guest -- Pamela Valdez was inducted into our club!
Shari Ranney won a bottle of wine at the Raffle.
Suzanne Tucker then introduced our guest speaker, Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Engram.
Sheriff Engram gave us the inspiring story of his childhood, growing up in a troubled neighborhood, and telling us, also, of being a child and seeing a policeman, and thinking that he wanted to do something good, the way that policeman did. "When I grow up I want to be a working man too."
Sheriff Engram shared a list of his priorities with us:focus on public safety, the need for real diversity (diversity of thought), and community engagement.
President Royce then thanked the Sheriff for a great speech and closed the meeting.