November 30, 2023

Field Trip – Brooks Note Winery

What a wonderful way to end November, a lunchtime field trip to Brooks Note Winery on Petaluma Boulevard North!

President Mike welcomed the crowd and reminded everyone of the Holiday Party, 5:30pm Saturday at the Petaluma Yacht Club.  Three Rotarians introduced guests, Onita Pellegrini: Shelly Silva; Joanne Ferris: Elisabeth McBride; and Royce Van Bebber: Dave Friend.

Contact Judi Allewelt if you can help shop for gift cards at Target this Saturday and Sunday.  You’ll need to have the Target app installed on your smart phone.

Winery owner Garry Brooks welcomed the group and described the history and philosophy of Brooks Note.  The winery is named after Garry and his wife, Joanne Note Brooks.

After lunch, Garry led an interesting tour of the barrel room and associated facilities.

Those empty glasses attest to delicious wine!

Today's Editor: Al Cattalini

November 16, 2023

HOMECOMING WEEK

It was indeed a roomful of nostalgia as Rotarians from yesteryear gathered with members of the Rotary Club of Petaluma to celebrate homecoming week! ....

"Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?      

Should old acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne?      

For auld lang syne my dear for auld lang syne      

We'll take a cup of kindness yet...for auld lang syne!"

President Mike Ferris called the meeting to order while most attendees finished their lunch.

Chris Elzi was asked to lead the group in our Pledge of Allegiance.

When Doug Hecker was called upon to lead us in song he chose our theme song, I am a Rambler, et al. and a lively rendition it was!

Chris Elzi did double duty coming forth to offer a thought of the day with a humorous lilt as only he can deliver!

Kudos were acknowledged to Michael Caruana for his nailing FIRST PLACE in a recent West Side Stories event. Congrats!

President Mike Ferris warmly greeted former Rotarians including long time Rotary wife Mary McCaffrey.

Keeping us all in tune with upcoming events, Dan Berry reminded us of our visit to Brooks Note Winery for a midday social on Thursday, Nov 30...and of course the Holiday bash which takes place on Saturday, Dec 2 at the Yacht Club.  Looking forward to decking the halls, etc., etc!

Charlie Stuart, long time Rotarian drew the lucky matching number and received $Cash$ from President Ferris.

It's that time of year again and no surprise to find Judi Alewelt seeing to it that the local needy youngsters will be receiving Holiday Gift Cards from Target. An annual event spearheaded by Judi!

Adrian Cremidis became our newest member of the Rotary Club of Petaluma. A hearty welcome!

Kristen Myburgh officiated at Adrian's induction ceremony. Brian Breen and Mike Ambrosio were on hand to cheer him on after recommending him for membership!

Our special guest during Homecoming Week was renown local author Frances Rivetti whose latest book, The House on Liberty Street was a finalist in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Book awards.

Accompanying Frances Rivetti was her talented illustrator collaborator, Gail Foulkes and her husband, Michael. We were treated to a colorful series of original artwork by Gail Foulkes during the program. One of the highlights of the author's visit was when she read from her own writings. After a stimulating Q & A session, Frances Rivetti cordially signed books for those of us interested in receiving one.

Photo by Dan Berry

And with a round of applause a delightful Homecoming came to an end as President Mike Ferris called for an adjournment to the meeting!

Today's Editor: Mike Ambrosio

November 9, 2023

Club Social at Brewsters Beer Garden

Our members holiday party is coming up!  Saturday, December 2 at the Petaluma Yacht Club.  Please RSVP to Gail Cardaropoli by Friday, Nov. 24!

Today's Editor: Joanne Ferris, photos by Cindy Thomas

November 2, 2023

President Mike Ferris called the meeting to order.

Shari Ranney led us in the Pledge of Allegiance  and Joanne Ferris led us in song.

Anne Gealta offered us the Thought for the Day.

Grace Nistler was a welcome addition to our company.

Cindy Thomas advised us of the 12/02/23 Holiday Party at the Yacht Club.

Lisa Furlong was Rotarian of the Month.

Fines --or payments in gratitude -- include Judi Allewelt (for what sounds like a wonderful trip to Croatia), Michael Nister (road trip to five states…Michael also presented a gift to President Mike), and Dan Libarle (who had a great visit with his granddaughter for her 21st birthday).

Gail Cardaropoli won a bottle of wine in the raffle.

Gail Cardaropoli won a bottle of wine in the raffle.

Thereafter we had our talk, courtesy of Shannon Thomson (our fire chief at Lohrman), Marci Zoller, and Jisel Angel about fire protection. Among the subjects were the more recent technological improvements (computer assistance, drones), additions to personnel, and fire prevention.

We are all lucky to have such men and women protecting us.

President Mike thanked them and presented them with four bags of excellent coffee. He then called the meeting over.

Today's Editor: Chris Elzi