June 2017

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COMING EVENTS

Once again our Rotary year rolled to an end with the traditional conviviality of the Debunking. After the pre-dinner socializing and a delicious buffet meal, PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA convened his last meeting.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, he called on WHIT HALL to lead us in a stirring God Bless America.

Debunking Chairman MIKE BADDELEY thanked his committee for their work with special kudus to JUDY McREYNOLDS for the beautiful baseball-theme centerpieces.

MIKE presented LEE’s life story and then introduced Roastmasters DANNY FISH and BRIAN BREEN who grilled the crowd on its details. It was then that we learned that the Life and Times of Lee Reposa wouldn’t be about Big Daddy. The story would be about Momma Lee.

After each successful answer to a question about LEE’s life, the successful contestant helped our President dress for the occasion. It was sort of like strip poker in reverse.

LEE proved to be a good sport and when the transformation was complete, he shed the girly duds and gratefully accepted gifts from the club: a golfing rangefinder and lots of golf balls.

LEE thanked the Club for the support he had received during the year. He recognized lots of members but paid special tribute to MIKE STAUBER, CHARLIE STUART, and MIKE AMBROSIO who worked so faithfully on the Setup Committee.

Then to a round of applause he introduced ELIAS HUSARY as our Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations, ELIAS, for an honor well deserved!

He introduced his board, TAWNY TESCONI, BRIAN BREEN, CHAD FILLINGER, DANNY FISH, RICK GORMAN, SHARI RANNEY, ELIAS HUSARY, GARY BRODIE, BILL GROVERMAN, MARLENE FREETLY, KATHY O’CONNOR, MICHAEL BADDELEY, GAIL CARDAROPOLI, MICHAEL NISTLER, and CHRIS RANNEY.

Then the time arrived. He removed his President’s pin and pinned it on CHRIS RANNEY’s lapel. PRESIDENT CHRIS then pinned a Past President pin on LEE’s lapel, and began his term of office.

His first order of business was calling on JOANNE FERRIS for presentation of Paul Harris awards.

BRIAN BREEN and TODD MENDOZA were recognized as our newest Paul Harris fellows.

JUDI ALLEWELT and MICHAEL NISTLER were recognized for repeat awards.

And SHERRY BURWEN, with her family alongside her, received her fourth and fifth awards!

PRESIDENT CHRIS thanked PAST PRESIDENT LEE for his leadership and saluted the Club on its accomplishments.

He then introduced his Board for the coming year: ONITA PELLEGRINI, CHARLIE STUART, RENÉE HAYES, TONY WESTERN, CHAD FILLINGER, TAWNY TESCONI (Treasurer), MARLENE FREETLY (Co-Treasurer), GAIL CARDAROPOLI (Secretary), LEE REPOSA (Immediate Past President), MICHAEL NISTLER (President Elect), a member yet to be named (President Nominee), JOANNE FERRIS (Past President), PDG ED FULLERTON (District Liaison), ELIAS HUSARY, MIKE BADDELEY, and RICK GORMAN.

Then it was time for MICHAEL CARUANA, chair of the Presidential Nominating Committee, to introduce our President Nominee for the 2019-2020 Club year:

DANNY FISH, a choice well received by the crowd, which rose to applaud the selection.

And, with that, it was over!

This week’s Editor: Al Cattalini

COMING EVENTS

PRESIDENT LEE wiped away a tear as he rang the bell and opened his final weekly meeting of his year at the helm of the club.

Following a round of applause, he led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

WHIT HALL was called upon to lead the club in song. But first, he provided the story behind God Bless America featuring Kate Smith and Irving Berlin. Inspired by Whit’s words of wisdom, the club sang a rousing rendition.

PRESIDENT LEE gave the Thought for the Day and members warmly greeted one another.

Again, we are not the popular kids anymore (There were no visiting Rotarians).

Members with guests included SHERRY BURWEN who introduced her husband Michael. JAY PALM introduced his sons Jim and Jake. JAY noted school has been out and he is ready for summer to end. MICHAEL NISTLER introduced Dan and Shellie Berry who will be hosting the incoming Rotary Youth Exchange student from Switzerland this August. TONY WESTERN introduced Rotary Youth Exchange student Marine Sonet from Belgium.

PRESIDENT LEE announced the 3 Petaluma Rotary Clubs will be barbecuing tri-tip for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) next Wednesday, June 21 at Westminster Woods. We welcome members to help with the prep and arrive at 1 pm to take a look around the camp. Please contact RICK GORMAN or JAY PALM if you want to join in the fun!

The president’s debunking is Saturday, June 24. PRESIDENT LEE answered a phone call from his brother recently who was laughing on the line and only would say....They have some good stories about you. RSVP for the debunking to Mike Baddeley’s secretary at 707-778-6313.

JUDI ALLEWELT announced that our incoming president, CHRIS RANNEY has put together a spectacular barbecue gift basket that will be raffled off at his first meeting on July 13. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Holiday Gift Project. Each year, we provide wrapped gifts personalized for each child. Because funds have been limited, there have been families we cannot accommodate. This year we are hoping to give gifts to every family that is in need. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each and 5 for $20. JUDI will be at the debunking selling too! ELIAS will be selling them at the July 13th meeting where the winning ticket will be drawn.

PAST DG ED FULLERTON updated the club on the McKinley School Aviation Club which is part of the STEM program. ED, CLARK ROSEN and MICHAEL NISTLER meet weekly with the students in the club where they learn about all aspects of aviation. Again this year, the club celebrated with a trip to the Pacific Coast Air Museum and flights over Santa Rosa by local volunteer pilots. ED thanked the club for contributing $250 toward gasoline for the planes.

PRESIDENT LEE took a moment to express his thanks and appreciation to all the members who worked so hard for our club this year. He noted that he was advised when he first joined Rotary that when someone asks you to do something, you say yes. He remarked at dinner with his family, as they were looking forward to the completion of his year as president, his son Grant said Don’t worry Dad, We’ll still love you even when you aren’t president.

PRESIDENT LEE talked about club secretary GAIL CARDAROPOLI’s weekly meetings with him on Thursday mornings. He appreciated her help this year and valued getting to know her better. He asked GAIL to talk a little about her recent trip and cruise in Europe. GAIL returned with a cold that has lasted more than a week! Every flight she took on this vacation was delayed...except for the connection they missed! The worst episode was the flight out of New Jersey to Europe. Ninety minutes into the flight, the plane turned back to New Jersey and they sat on the tarmac. Eventually they took off again for the nine hour trip. The only delayed departure that GAIL appreciated was the Airport Express bus that she was able to flag down for the ride back home. She gladly payed $50.

JUDI ALLEWELT was on the same trip with GAIL but flew separately. Her flights were on time and she raved about Estonia. JUDI payed $35.

Check out the following photo and you’ll see why CHARLIE STUART happily paid a fine. He enjoyed five days of fishing in Mexico with friends. It was so successful, one of his buddies caught 100 fish in five hours on two separate days.

PRESIDENT LEE joined friends and neighbors recently for his first ever Tough Mudder. This 10 mile race includes military style obstacles calling for endurance and teamwork throughout. He is just now able to walk again and gladly finished off his fine schedule.

Since it was the final raffle of the year, PRESIDENT LEE drew two tickets, one for each of the remaining rocks in the raffle bag. JUDI ALLEWELT and RICK GORMAN each selected a rock and upon opening their hands, we learned JUDI won the wine and RICK won $150!

JOANNE FERRIS introduced today’s speaker: Returning Rotary Youth Exchange Student Jasmine Jolly.

Jasmine shared her experiences during her year in Brazil. She thanked our club for giving her the opportunity to learn Portuguese, travel the Amazon and meet lifelong friends from around the world. She is leaving in December for India and Asia to meet up with many of the Youth Exchange students she met during her year. Jasmine taught herself guitar and ukulele during her time in Brazil and serenaded the club!

This week’s Editor: Joanne Ferris

COMING EVENTS

It was an unseasonably rainy Thursday when PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA called together the Rotary Club of Petaluma at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club. The PREZ noted he’s our PREZ for just a short time and mentioned he could hear his wife, kids and friends clapping (hallucinations perhaps?). Turning toward the flag, PRESIDENT LEE then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Afterward he asked JOE TAMBE to lead the club in song. JOE jumped in with I’m a Rambler and then changed it up a bit with America the Beautiful.

PRESIDENT LEE called on JOANNE FERRIS for the Thought for the Day. She gave us quite a few reasons why in the summer life gets better. Hugs and greetings followed.

We had no Visiting Rotarians for the day (unless a rare siting of GEOFF ELLIS counts). Rotarians with Guests were announced by PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR ED FULLERTON with three guests representing the elder care industry.

PRESIDENT LEE gave an update on the upcoming RYLA Leadership Camp (June 18-23). Our club is partnering with the Sunrise and Valley clubs to host the Wednesday evening BBQ (that’s June 21 at 5:00 pm), and if you’ve a mind to volunteer now would be the time. Anyone interested in learning more about this amazing program is invited to come out as early as 1:00 pm on the 21st to tour the facility, meet the high school participants, and generally get an idea about why PAST PRESIDENT LOU STEINBERG and now PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA (currently District Chair for RYLA) have spent nearly 30 years championing this great program.

PRESIDENT LEE also gave a few more details about a little event coming up on Saturday, June 24 (aka LEE’s Debunking), starting at 6:00 pm. Seems MIKE BADDELEY will host the fun (does LEE need an insurance policy for that?) and there may be some alcohol involved. Then the PREZ again made mention of hearing voices in his head (cheering sounds from his family, friends and kids AD...After Debunking). Why is it that every club president gets so weird in June?

PRESIDENT LEE next called on this reporter to say a few words about SRJC Petaluma’s 6th Annual Building Community Breakfast and Fundraiser earlier that morning (an obvious lead up to a fine!). JANE in her confused state AB (After Breakfast) claimed not to remember much, but did remember to thank the club for so generously sponsoring a table at this great event and for so many members who got up early to attend. JANE then offered to finish up her fine schedule in gratitude!

JOHN DADO (breakfast attendee and member of the Friends of Petaluma Campus Trust) came in to support JANE by reminding members of the close connection we have with the SRJC Petaluma campus. Rotary Plaza on the campus is named to commemorate a three-year gift from three club presidents (RALPH SARTORI, LOU STEINBERG, and TAWNY TESCONI) totaling $75,000.

JOANNE FERRIS reminded club members about the Broadway Under the Stars outing on August 4. Seems Petaluma Valley will also be involved, so two buses are in order. Ticket prices are $45.99 per person and if 50 folks sign up those prices may drop even lower. Reply to the email JOANNE sent very soon if you want to join in on the fun!

PRESIDENT LEE next called on DAVE BARBIERI who was the first to use a new Rotary site that allows members to sell their stuff online. Seems DAVE had some wine racks to he wanted to get rid of and successfully unloaded them on a local winery (and got some wine in the bargain!). The PREZ decided that was good reason for DAVE to show some club gratitude, and DAVE acquiesced by adding $50 to the Foundation coffers.

PRESIDENT LEE next made note that DANNY FISH had been off for a while and wondered what DANNY was up to. PRESIDENT LEE even went so far as to ask why DANNY’s clothes looked a little looser and what was that stuff all over DANNY’s face? DANNY replied back that retirement was good and so far he’d devoted all his post-retirement spare time to PRESIDENT LEE’s debunking entertainment (be cautious, PREZ, be very, very cautious). DANNY mentioned that he’d also had time to take a quick look at the Argus Courier and saw JAY PALM in it. DANNY offered to finish his fine schedule if JAY would match the amount (of course JAY agreed)! Congratulations on your retirement, DANNY! Wishing you many happy years ahead!

President Lee then called on MIKE AMBROSIO who has a foul ball that says it was hit by Brice Hopper. The PREZ had an even better baseball for MIKE…signed by a team of 7-year-olds who all got a hit in the same inning. Mike graciously accepted the ball and agreed to add it to his now very valuable collection.

PRESIDENT LEE called out the week’s raffle (now at $125) and the winner was JOHN DADO, who managed to pull a blue rock out of only three remaining (what happened to that famous DADO luck?). Then PRESIDENT LEE left him empty-handed by giving JOHN an air bottle of wine and an IOU-W.

JOANNE FERRIS introduced our program speaker, Chief Leonard Thompson, Petaluma’s Fire Chief since 2015. Chief Thompson previously oversaw emergency operations for Los Angeles County and now faces the challenges of leading a much less resourced agency. He gave an informative view of the three-station department in Petaluma (including an 80-year-old main station at 1st and B Streets), and discussed issues around upgrading fire apparatus, gender equity, the increasing number of calls, and the need for a new fire station. The Chief is wearing ’two patches’ as he now oversees both Petaluma and Rancho Adobe Fire Departments; a circumstance that he sees as advantageous to faster service in both communities due to adjacencies that allow for increased efficiencies and shared resources. Great program, Chief Thompson!

This week’s Editor: Jane Saldaña-Talley

COMING EVENTS

PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA called us all to order and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

SHERRY SCHEROTTER-BURWEN gave a beautiful Thought for the Day — one that we rarely acknowledge. Rotary is family and, often times, the Club is the closest connections we have in our community. It was very moving and greatly appreciated. PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA offered that some of his best friends are because of the Club.

Visiting Rotarians — none were present, but PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR ED FULLERTON introduced an occasional Rotarian (and Club member) — RICHARD MARZO.

RICK GORMAN announced the RYLA BBQ 6/21 coming up. It is the best dinner on the Rotary calendar and it is a great event for kids and families. Volunteers are needed, so please sign up!

JOANNE FERRIS announcement — Broadway Under the Stars! Our Club is organizing at Jack London Park on August 4. Please sign up soon and take advantage of the shuttle bus offer!

PRESIDENT LEE’s Debunking June 24 6pm. Invitations are in the mail. $60/person.

Attire? — per MIKE BADDELEY wear clothes. Other members suggested Casual Rotary & Snappy Casual.

PRESIDENT LEE REPOSA gave us an update for the Miracle League Field that our Club has sponsored. Jennifer Richardson from the Sonoma County Miracle League recently announced a new pledge for $175,000 from an anonymous donor in Denver to be hopefully matched by Miracle League donors.

Additionally, the Petaluma National Little League recently donated an additional $25k towards this great cause.

FINE CAN: RICHARD MARZO $100, MIKE BADDELEY $20.

Raffle — CHAD FILLINGER was the winner and pulled out a Blue Rock for a bottle of wine.

Our Speaker was Dr. Steve Farmer, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Sonoma State University. He gave an excellent presentation synthesizing the origin of fertilizers, the resulting impact of successful crop production and rising population worldwide, and the ultimate environmental costs.

It all started with Fritz Haber — German chemist and Nobel Prize Winner in 1918. He is also known as the Father of Chemical Warfare. The Haber-Bosch Process is Nitrogen + Hydrogen = Amonia.

While ammonia was initially used to make the first chemical weapons in WW1, its greatest contribution came as a plant fertilizer, which now produces 450 million tons annually and helps food grow in areas where it was never possible prior to its invention. However, 50% of fertilizers are not used by plants and the rest is leached into the environment. 80% of nitrogen found in human tissue is from the Haber Process and you really don’t want a lot of Nitrogen in your body.

Did you know that Organic basically means not from Haber Process?

The Haber Process’ success has led to overpopulation and an overabundance of nitrogen in our bodies and ecosystem. How do we create a balance?

This week’s Editor: Ricardo Marzo