October 31, 2024

Our Club's Halloween field trip to Petaluma's Floathouse Boat Rental Center turned out to be a beautiful day, the weather was perfect!  

ay

There's a variety of flotation devices to rent.  

Executive Director Greg Sabourin was the perfect host and gave a detailed history of the process to getting where they are fully functional today.  

Rotarians gave their full attention to Greg as he described all the watercraft and what information he provides renters as they venture out, including tides, winds, etc..

Greg then asked, "Who would like to try out one of the watercraft?"

First up was Jeremy.

Next was Pamela and Shari. 

And, of course, Dan was not going to be left behind. 

They look just like professionals now!

After our visit with Greg at the Floathouse, we crossed the Balshaw Bridge

and met up for lunch at Taps.

And, after lunch, we celebrated President Ricardo's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Today's Editor: Cindy Thomas

October 17, 2024

President RICARDO “Muddy Waters” MARZO, the self-exalted “102nd President” of our Club, opened our mid-October regular lunch meeting at the appointed half-hour (12:30 p.m.)

and immediately had Past-President ELIAS “Sammy Hagar”HUSARY lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,

 followed by a classic rendition of God Bless America by Past-President Steely DAN LIBARLE. 

The always nattily attired CHRIS “Isaak”ELZI, then delivered a humorous political Thought for the Day.

Next, all of the guests of Rotarians who joined us for lunchwere duly introduced, followed by a brief, touching tribute by Past-President ROYCE VAN “Halen” BEBBER of his grandfather (and Past-President of our Club), Royce Van Bebber, who recently passed.  A memorial service will be held for him at the local Elks Lodge on November 3, 2-6 p.m., and all Club members are invited to attend.

 The Prez’ the reminded us that this month’s SCARC Meeting is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley on October 31, 5:30-7:30, at the Sonoma Golf Club…call Club Secretary GAIL “Cold Play” CARDAROPOLI if you want to attend.

BRANDON “Traffic” TRAMMEL then gave us an update on our Club’s NexTrex thin gauge plastic collection efforts and explained that once we reach 1,000 lbs., we will receive a Rotary Bench…please contact Brandon for more details and your suggestions for the bench location.  

The Prez then reminded us that our next regular lunch meeting will be held at the Boat House at the Turning Basin on October 31, 12 p.m.,and shared a brief Hurricane Helene Rescue video from the District 5960 Rotary Club in Florida.

CARY “Barry” WHITE then had the enviable task of presenting a few of our recent members with the coveted Chicken Badge, including LORI “Dave” MATTHEWS Band,  DOUG “Christopher” CROSS and ELIZABETH “Madonna”McBRIDE, all of whom are now as official as they can be!!   The Prez then thanked all of our Club members who put on our Club’s SCARC meeting, which was well attended.

CINDY “Lauper” THOMAS was then called upon to atone for the missing Club Bell, which finally reappeared on the podium, much to Prez’ everlasting joy!!  Cindy, without making any damning admissions of guilt, gladly paid a $50.00 fine for her exoneration!!  

JEFF “Journey DORAIS won the raffle, which was good for a nice bottle of vino!!  

DAN “The Doors” BERRY then gave us a brief overview on Rotary’s Outbound Student Ambassador program which provides local students an opportunity to study abroad…please call Dan for further details.

 Dan also let us know that the Club’s Program Committee is looking for a few good members…again, call Dan if you are interested.  One of our lunch guests, Alex DeCarli, who is running for City Council, announced the upcoming Cows for Cabernet dinner/auction farm/food to table awareness event being held on October 24, 4-9 p.m. at the Viansa Winery in Sonoma.  Please contact Alex (or Past-President MIKE “Foreigner” FERRIS) for further details. 

Club Program Chairman Dan Berry then introduced our speaker, John Kelly, a retired FBI agent/administrator (and MIKE “Aerosmith” AMBOSIO’s son-in-law), who gave us a very informative presentation on his 23 year career with the FBI, including several anecdotes from his service in the criminal and counter-terrorism divisions, followed by a great Q&A session.  He received a hearty round of applause and a nice bottle of local for a well received program. 

With that, the Prez, after asking for Club member feedback on the Lend a Hand program, cranked up the music and summarily adjourned the meeting! 

Today's Editor: Mike Baddeley

October 10, 2024

Club Social

The Aquarium

Our social this month at The Aquarium allowed members to support youth athletes.  PHS Girls Softball held a dine and donate evening.  Shout to out Cassie Pitkin for connecting us!

A birthday cake was shared by members in memory of Jim Symonds.  He is missed!

Our club dedicates one Thursday a month in the community holding our club socials at local businesses.  It is especially great when we can connect to other community groups at the socials.  Member Cassie Pitkin brought is together with local families supporting PHS Softball.  The team raised over $3,000 at this event!

Today's Editor: Joanne Ferris

October 3, 2024

President Marzo "put his hands-up" in anticipation of the arrival of Sonoma County Sheriff's Henry 1 Helicopter crew! Something tells me that this is not the first time he has put his hands up in the presence of law enforcement!

Past President Chris Ranney not only arranged for Henry 1 to show up today, but he also was Mr. Golf Cart taxi driver (Robert Deniro has nothing on you, Chris)!

Petaluma River Park Staff Member Marge Limbert thanked all of the Petaluma Rotary Clubs for donations to the park.

Shari Ranney was all smiles as she enjoyed the scorching heat!

Cassie Pitkin made Rotary announcements under the shade structure that Rotary clubs in Petaluma donated to.

Mike Ambrosio and Carolyn Buck were staying hydrated and enjoying the hot weather!

John Zimmerman, Nancy Karidis Koepke and Judi Allewelt were enjoying each other's company in anticipation of Henry 1!

Past President Royce Van Bebber, his wife, Genevieve, Sue Symons, Judy McReynolds and past President/Resident Queen Anne Gealta were enjoying lunch!

Rotarians staying cool in the shade!

Rotarians enjoying the heat and the desert-like landscape in the shade!

Art in the park!

Suspended bathtub art across the river...

More views from the river park.

Past Presidents Dan Libarle and Kip Herzog were "made in the shade!"

Views of the Petaluma River...

Henry 1 approaching the park!

About to land...

Stirring up some dust.   

Touchdown!

Henry 1 crew from left to right: Sam (Paramedic), Nigel (pilot), Chris (Sheriff). 

Today's Editor: Doug Hecker