June 20, 2024
President Mike evoked lots of applause when he opened what he announced was his last meeting.
After Al Cattalini led the Pledge of Allegiance, Elizabeth McBride delivered her Thought for the Day.
Our lone visiting Rotarian was Julia Marcon who has just moved to Petaluma and hopes to transfer from her current club.
There were several guests of Rotarians including Lee Reposa’s son, Grant, who was delighted to have beaten his dad in golf by two strokes.
Dan Berry announced that our annual Golf Tournament would be on Monday, September 9. We need sponsors and could use a few more volunteers.
President Mike announced an upcoming project to provide “go bags” for emergency evacuation use. Mike Ambrosio is coordinating thus project.
Shari Ranney thanked Dan Berry for arranging a great day at the Giants ballgame where she observed Brian Breen fascinated by something worn by a fan a few rows below.
So, she searched and found one for Brian which he now wears proudly around his neck.
The Sally Tomatoes staff was summoned to take a bow and receive applause for their work in feeding us this past year.
Brian Breen proudly reported that his oldest son has graduated from high school and had been accepted into the Honors Program at San Diego State University. The proud papa, still wearing his new jewelry, happily paid a $100 fine.
Kristin Myburgh won the final raffle of Club year, $150 with no need to draw a rock, but ran off with the money so quickly your photographer missed getting her picture.
Adrian Cremidis gave his craft talk, describing the career path that led him to his current position at Adobe Creek Funeral Home.
Our second craft talk was from Lori Matthews, also with an interesting career path, that now has her pouring wines for Brooks Note Winery and for McEvoy Ranch.
President Mike recalled his goal, one year ago, of inducting ten new members into the Club. He actually ended up with twelve new members and presented each of them with a Rotary mug and other goodies.
Thank you mugs went to Mike Stauber, Chris Elzi, and Judi Allewelt for their under-the-radar service to the Club this past year.
Cassie Pitkin discussed the recent RYLA camp at Westminster Woods and showed an informative video.
Four RYLA participants from local schools were introduced and discussed their experiences.
President Mike presented thank you gifts of coffee to Cassie and to Lee Reposa for their RYLA efforts.
Then, wearing the brightest pink pants in the room, President Elect Ricardo Marzo strode to the dais to receive his President pin.
With the transfer of power now complete, Past President Mike received a round of applause from the membership. (Keep your eye on that bell.)
President Ricardo (sounds kinda strange, doesn’t it?) thanked Mike for his accomplishments and noted that, after 102 years, the Petaluma Rotary Club is still relevant.
He noted that he is a third-generation President. His father in law, Dan Libarle, was President 1974-75 and Dan’s father, Lucien “Red” Libarle was President 1959-60.
Then President Ricardo invited Shari Ranney up to receive her President Elect pin. (Looks like the bell is still there.)
That new pin must be somewhere under Shari’s lei. But where is the bell?
Our next luncheon meeting is Thursday, July 11. Mike’s Debunking is Friday July 12.
Happy Solstice!
Today's Editor: Al Cattalini
June 6, 2024
Our fearless leader, Mike Ferris, called the meeting to order on a beautiful and warm day at Goat Hill.
Former President, Michael Nistler, was called upon to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a group effort to sing God Bless America.
First Lady, Joanne Ferris, handled the 'Though for the Day' and her tribute was a salute to D-Day on the 80th anniversary (D-Day is observed in the U.S. in memory of the Normandy landings in France on June 6, 1944, in which American soldiers and other Allied forces fought to end World War II in Europe). Joanne read a quote from the late former Rotary President Gene Benedetti (1967-1968): "After Normandy, I never think about yesterday and never worry about tomorrow."
Visiting Rotarians included: Julia Marcus from Boise, ID (now living in Petaluma). Shari Ranney met Julia at the Crooked Goat. Kristen Myburgh invited Satish, a retired software engineer.
Trisha Young was inducted and is now a member. Trisha is eager and always willing to help, and loves to give back to our community. She is a welcome addition and will bring a lot to the table.
Rick Mossi asked for a moment of silence for the recent passing of his brother-in-law, Jim Symons. Rick's sister, Sue Symons, a member of our club, is married to Jim. Jaime Symons, daughter of Jim and Sue, is also a member of our club. A few members spoke about Jim and what a great person he is and all that he has done for our community, including Elias Husary, Michael Nistler and Nancy Karidis-Koepke. Condolences to the Symons family. You will be missed Jim!
Jan Grimes announced Project Amigo service week Christmas Fiesta in Colima, Mexico, which will take place December 8-15, 2024. For more information please contact Jan or go to: www.projectamigo.org
Greg O'Brien mentioned that our members that helped at Walnut Park were given a certificate of appreciation - thanks to all who helped!
Kristen Myburgh revealed our new brochure and thanked Suzanne Tucker for her help and expertise!Kristen was then fined $50 bucks for taking a vacation with her 25 year-old son on Mother's Day (her son was born on Mother's Day!). They travelled to Copenhagen and Stockholm, and went to a Taylor Swift concert while abroad.
Jan Grimes picked the winning weekly raffle ticket. The winning raffle ticket holder was Trisha Young, who won a bag of coffee.
Rotary Interact Club of Petaluma High School displayed their Peace Poll at the PHS campus!
REMINDER: Mike Ferris debunking alert - Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Polly Klaas Theater at 5:30 pm (this event is not to be missed - I heard something about a dunk tank with bikini's and Speedo's, Rotary Chicken Badge Logo Tattoo's, and apple bobbing from a vat of Tequila (these could be rumors, but you'll need to show up to find out for yourself). Please RSVP to Gail Cardaropoli by July 1, 2024: gpcardaropoli@aol.com
Elizabeth McBride gave her Craft Talk - she was born in Dayton, OH. She lived in Southern California and attended UC Riverside. She obtained her Master's Degree in Public Administration, and then found her passion for physical therapy, where she worked for 50 years as a Physical Therapist. She worked at the VA in Martinez, and then at Petaluma Valley Hospital. She moved to Petaluma in 1991. Elizabeth's son is a police officer in Novato (thank you for your service!).
Nancy Karidis-Koepke also gave her Craft Talk - she was born and raised in San Francisco. Her parents were first generation born in the USA from Italian immigrants. She has two daughters and a son, and two step-children plus 7 grand children. Nancy's first career was in the cake decorating business (she took a class and then was asked to teach because she was so good). She also had a cake-making/decorating business, and then in 1992 she started her second career working for State Farm Insurance, where she worked for the next 19 years. Nancy is also very fond of the card game 'Pedro', which she has played for 35 years. Another passion is soccer, which she has played and coached for 35 years, and has refereed for 25 years. She lives by the motto that great leaders don't set out to be leaders. They set out to make a difference. It's never about the role, it's all about the goal!
Today's Editor: Doug Hecker