July 2017 Editor: Chuck Joyce THE BIG SIR COLUMN

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1 July 2017 Editor: Chuck Joyce THE BIG SIR COLUMN Last month we celebrated two very popular Sir Branch 8 annual events. The Ladies Day Lunch and BBQ picnic are always a great way to socialize with other Sir friends, wives, and significant others. We often forget the people that help organize these events. For example, Nat Bitton, our LDL chairman and his committee started the planning over eight months ago. Nat s committee consisted of Ed and Henny Dijkman, Dave and Cheryl Morse, and Ron and Linda Maciak. Our hats off to this group for making this event a success. Later in the month, over 165 Sirs, spouses/partners attended our annual BBQ picnic at the Concord Community Park. Chairman Phil Trapp had a lot of help with committee helpers: Chef Ed Benson, Thom Watkins, Erland Persson and Monica Rose Czarnecki. This was a day of fun, good food, laughs, and lazy socializing. Hope to see everybody at our monthly luncheon on Monday, July 10 th. Mike Long, BIG SIR LITTLE SIR SEZ Upcoming Lunch Speakers We have two interesting speakers coming up in July and August. July will feature Mark Sherry, a Support Specialist at the SFO Traffic Control Tower. His topic is Almost everything you have always wanted to know about operating an Air Traffic Control Tower. Mark has 34 years experience in Air Traffic Control, the last 25 of them at SFO, where he is responsible for Training, Quality Assurance and Plans and Procedures. Mark is a licensed pilot and was a flight instructor at the Concord airport earlier in his career. He is a local guy who has lived in Walnut Creek most of his life. He has inherited the Irish sense of humor and good storytelling. We can look forward to an interesting and entertaining session. Advance Notice: Our August speaker is Dan Ashley, KGO TV s News Anchor. I ll have more on Dan in the August Hotline. These are two excellent speakers and are a good opportunity to invite guests.who quite often become applicants! Phil Trapp, Little Sir HOTLINE Index = Spouses/Friends Activity welcome Page # General Branch Business 1-4 Biographies 16 Branch Positions Activity Report 2 BBQ 5 Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 4 Astronomy 5 Bargain Bites 5 Birders 5 Birthdays 17 Bocce ball (All) 5-6 Book Exchange 6 Book Group 6 Bowling 7 Bridge (All) 7-8 Car Enthusiasts 8 Computers and Tech 8 Cribbage 8 Digital Photography 9 Dine In (All) 9 Dine Out (All) 9-10 Dine Out Single SIRs 9 Dominoes 10 Explore & Eat 10 Fishing Geocaching 11 Golf (All) Heads Up Walkers 12 Hikers 12 Ladies Day Luncheon 13 Membership Report 17 Mexican Train Dominoes 10 Model Railroading 13 Mixer 13 Photo Gallery 18 Pickle Ball 13 Poker 13 Senior Center Activities 3 SIRS at the Games 13 SIRS in the Kitchen 14 SIRS at the Opera 13 Sums In Retirement 13 Sunshine Report 4 Traveling SIRS 13 Wine Articles (All) Writing your Life Story 15

2 SENIOR, SUPER SENIOR, CENTURY CERTIFICATES These certificates are awarded as follows: Senior when a Member becomes 90 years of age Super Senior when a Member becomes 95 years of age Century when a Member becomes 100 years of age The list identifies members who had reached the milestones in the year past. There was a delay in the turn-over of the responsibilities and which caused a loss of time for the necessary recognition. SENIOR CERTIFICATES Name Age Years a Member Frank Begert Dan Franklin Jack Holzinger Marvin Kreitz Clark Morehouse Bill Muster (currently Inactive) Zip Zaro 94 7 SUPER SENIOR CERTIFICATES Name Age Years a Member Marechal Duncan Ray Nummi Hal Samson (become active in August) Bob Barnes, Membership Secretary RAMP Recruitment, Activities, Member relations, Publicity. RAMP is a collection of programs and services that together support the building of a successful branch. RECRUITMENT Bring a Guest; Get a Bottle Here's you chance to score a free bottle of wine! In July, all members bringing a first time guest will get a bottle of wine from Ed's Benson s exclusive wine cellar. If you want to share it with your table, ask the bartender for glasses, and please leave a tip. The Hilton Concord supports us by waiving corkage twice a year, so lets show appreciation for it. Remember, there's another opportunity to get a bottle of wine; bring in a guest and convert him into a new member! Ed Benson, Recruiting Chairman ACTIVITY REPORT Last month, this Hotline report was all about the great outdoors. I was excited the rainy season had finally ended, and we could spend more time enjoying SIR outdoor activities. I was ready for golf, hiking, BBQ, Geocaching, and all that we have to offer our members outside of our homes. As I write the July report, we are in the middle of a long HOT stretch of weather. A week we have not experienced for a couple of years. It is triple digits again today, and my outdoor plans have moderated for the moment. Now, some of you are brave and unafraid of a little exertion and sweat. Good for you! However, some of us are a bit more fragile, and prefer ideal weather for our favorite activities. Fortunately, we have a great variety of activities within our branch. Hot weather is no problem, we can choose to be active indoors. During these sweltering times, remember that you can read a book (i.e. Book Exchange, Book Group), play a game (I.e. Poker, Dominoes, Bridge, Bowling, Cribbage), pick up a hobby (i.e. Astronomy, Computers, Digital Photography, Model Railroading, Writing Life Stories), watch a performance (SIRs at the Opera), or enjoy any one of the dining and wine groups that are available. So, if the sun and heat are too much, remain active with some of our indoor activities. When you are ready to spend more time outdoors, hiking, golf, fishing, and all of the other fun options will be ready and waiting for you. In the meantime, think cool thoughts and enjoy your summer. Activity Coordinator Committee Chair: Steve Schramm MEMBERS RELATIONS COMMITTEE The Member Relations Committee Meeting was held at the beautiful and accommodating Concord, Oakmont Senior Living Center on June 15th. Your voice is being heard: We discussed recommendations to BEC for subjects ranging from luncheon costs, Printed Hotline/ Online advantages and disadvantages, establishing sub-committees and more. Comment Corner Membership comments: April Speakers, Visual delays, Computer delays. Logoed SIR Clothing popularity and budget. The need for more inventory and a local quality supplier. Passed for BEC approval, a newly proposed, Keep in Touch Committee, lead by former Big SIR Darryl Sweetland, see SIR Community Outreach Committee (SCOC) column for details. There were other issues, some of which, will be brought to BEC for approval. After the MRC meeting, a SIR Br 8 Information Presentation was made to 17 interested Oakmont Residents. One, a former member of a San Jose branch and a widow of a former SIR. Another thinks he wants to join! Your MRC recommends change and suggestions to the BEC, based upon membership input. MRC is a committee of seasoned branch administrators, former Big and Little Sirs and as many new people from Red Dots to 18 months that we can get.we usually meet once a quarter, however a meeting arranged at any time, if the need arises. Something on your mind you would like to see Branch 8 change, make better or do? Let us know and we will follow up with you. Here s a link to our website: Tony de Losada Chairman, tonydelosada@gmail,com Page 2 INDEX

3 PUBLICITY AND IMAGE ATTENTION TO THOSE YOU WANT TO BRING A GUEST BUT FIND IT DIFFICULT OR ARE TO BASHFUL: There is a solution for you to level the playing field; step up to the plate and hopefully, hit a home run! A wonderful and easy opportunity presents itself; a time to recruit and have fun: The CITY OF CONCORD FOURTH OF JULY PARADE! Yes, yes, yes! I hope you know by now, we have four up to help? Especially speaking about Thom and Howard, you may not know them yet, they have only each has been a SIR less than a year, yet they comprise a combined volunteer count of 7 committees and activities ranging from Sirs Dine Out, to MRC, to now, "Keep in touch!" I think they like SIR Br8 and they want to keep it alive and well! How about you? Thanks to Darryl, Thom and Howard, great SIR members who show they care! Tony de Losada, SIR Community Outreach and Publicity and Image, Chairman ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRANCHES Breakfast Call Philip Magen Bridge Lunch 2nd/4thTu Milt Greenstein Historical Call Rich Sjoberg Stamps Call Rich Sjoberg great and beautiful cars lined up to participate for Br-8? Here's the deal...we have 4 members committed to walk the half mile of the parade alongside the cars, (moving very slowly) these "lucky guys" will hand out our 4 handouts: how or why to join SIR. Those who sign up quickly, will receive printed business cards with your name and number on it for the audience to respond to you personally with their questions. You can then invite them to become a SIR guest! It is a win, at least a triple, for you, the branch and the guest! We need 6 more members to volunteer, but wait there is more! Because of the enthusiasm of State Regional Director and former Big SIR Ed Benson has offered all participants an after parade thank you for participating: a Hamburger, Beer and Chips Party! Now what better, more entertaining way to get a guest to participate and chance to recruit? Meet at 9:00am MT. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street, Concord. Tony de Losada, Publicity and Image-Senior Activities SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES No comment report available at press time. SIR COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE Last May, SIR Activities Chairman Steve Schramm and I attended an 'Under the Tent" Senior Rally in Sacramento. We went by bus with a contingent from Meals on Wheels and other CCC Senior Service agencies. We listened to the State Speakers talk about what legislative actions were currently active, which were not and what legislation they were disappointed in. We went, to see what type of local Contra Costa County connections we could make for Speakers and other recruitment opportunities as we did last year, when we recruited Debbie Toth who turned out to be such an impressive speaker on Senior Dementia. She gave us a clean bill of health, in this regard, it show she knows her high quality grey hairs! If you read the MRC Column today, in it a new Sub-Committee was announced: "The Keep in Touch Committee" under the lead of Darryl Sweetland - one of, if not the best, most sensitive and nicest former Big Sirs we have had the pleasure of knowing! Two others will join in from time to time; Thomas Watkins and Howard Meadow. Do you ever wonder how these volunteers keep showing ATTENDANCE Please refer to Ladies Day Luncheon and our BBQ Activities for attendance numbers for June. Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary COMMENT CARD CORNER No comment report available at press time. SinSIRly, Jim Sowell ABSENCES & BRINGING GUESTS If you are going to be absent or are bringing a guest, please call or by noon Thursday, before the meeting. Phone: (calls are not automatically returned) sirbr8attendance@outlook.com (a confirmation will be sent to you) IMPORTANT: If a confirmation is not received, it is the member s responsibility to follow up and ensure it was sent to the correct address. Either resend the or call the attendance number at by Thursday noon, prior to the meeting STARTING WITH THE AUGUST 14th LUNCHEON New deadline for absence notification or bringing guests WEDNESDAY NOON BEFORE THE MEETINGS This is permanent for all regular meetings. Ladies Day luncheons (June and December) are not included. Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary FREE LUNCH DRAWING FOR BRINGING GUESTS As an incentive to bring in new candidates for membership, a drawing for a free lunch will be held in July and in January for members who bring guests to meetings during the previous six months. You can use the SIR cards available at the check-in table to invite guests. For each new guest sponsored during the six month period, a member will have an entry in the drawing. Bring one new guest, have one chance. Bring 3 new guests, have 3 chances! And for your efforts, you do not have to be present to win. Page 3 INDEX

4 Those entered for the July 2017 drawing are: Bill Barnard Bob Barnes Ed Benson Don Bierey John Brooks Bob Brown Jack Byee Dan Casella Bill Cooke Alan Curtis (2) Dave Davis Tony de Losada (2) Bob Fieber Louie Figueroa Bud Grisanti Chuck Joyce (2) Tom Kay Frank Kilarr Arnie Knipp Rob Laaback Rober Lamm (2) Chick Lowry Larry McEwen Bob McManis Carl Moyer Stan Orlik Bob Sherman (2) Darryl Skiles Bob Stein Darryl Sweetland Chris Tang (2) Phil Trapp Leary Wong LEGAL NOTICE This notice is available in the Roster and on the web site. NEW ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR If you change any of the above, please notify Bob Barnes. If you need a new member s address (or phone number), you can also contact Bob Barnes at (925) or send him an . JULY LUNCHEON MENU Wedge Salad Chicken Cacciatore Baked Orzo Pasta Mixed Vegetables Tuxedo Truffle Mousse Coffee/Ice Tea Greeters: Jim Kawal & Bill Adler NEED A RIDE? Those Sirs who do not have transportation and would like a ride to the monthly luncheon are invited to call: Scott Graff , scottkgraff@gmail.com RED DOT BADGES They belong to our new members; don t forget to say Hi and introduce yourself. So let s make them feel at home and let them feel they can talk about your SIR activities and ask them to join you. SUNSHINE REPORT Since the June Hotline Report the Committee has extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Derek Southern and Chuck Joyce. Since the June Hotline Report, the Committee has extended condolences to Gary Plisco. Sunshine Committee: br8sunshine@yahoo.com Terry Norton Larry Mersmann HOTLINE INPUT AND WEB EDITORS IMPORTANT SINGLE HOTLINE ADDRESS: Hotline@sirinc3.org. Send your articles and photos BEFORE the 20th of the month. Include meeting information and dates for the following month to keep your group properly informed about meetings, deadlines and upcoming events. Late reports may not be included in the Hotline. Hotline Editors (Hotline Coordinator *) * Dan Weller dweller@astound.net Barry Brown Chuck Joyce Jim Ripley barryb@bkbrown.net joycc003@gmail.com jimrip99@aol.com Website Editor, Webmaster, and Activities Page Derek Southern derek.southern@gmail.com Website Editor Bill Hunter TREASURERS REPORT May 2017 Report Receipts Monthly luncheon $ Contributions Interest..13 Total receipts Disbursements Printing & supplies Other Entertainment Monthly luncheon Total disbursements Net loss ( ) Cash, beginning Cash, ending $ Ron Cassano, Treasurer wkhbill@pacbell.net ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIES Nothing new was submitted prior to publishing deadline. Ron Smith, Chairman resmith62@aol.com Al Steunenberg, Co- Chairman als2nnbrg@comcast.net Page 4 INDEX

5 ASTRONOMY With all the media coverage about leaving our planet, going to Mars and perhaps going to other planets, a review of the technologies involved in such a trip could be helpful. Our next meeting immediately following the July luncheon will show a DVD entitled Space Travel from the Astronomy magazine Infinite Cosmos DVD Series. This presentation will examine the requirements for visiting these planets. Additionally an article in a recent edition of Astronomy magazine on water on Mars and the latest book by Neil degrasse Tyson entitled Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will be discussed. All are welcome. Larry Lange, Chairman rllange@pacbell.net Leary Wong, Chair kinglear3@aol.com ANNUAL BRANCH BBQ IT WAS A HOT DAY ON THE 20 TH AT CONCORD COWELL COMMUNITY PARK!! The BBQ start time was delayed an hour so that dinner could be served at 6:30. In spite of the delayed start time, we went from 165 sign-ups to 125 attendees, with many arriving after 5:00. Logistics Truck Drivers: Dave Davis, Joe Karg and Bob Olson Park Set-Up: Ron & Karen Cassano, Tony & Peggy delosada, Ron & Linda Maciak and Lee Schneider Welcome Desk & Name Tags: Erland Persson and Monica Rose Czarnecki Bar/Refreshments and Hospitality: Head Barkeeper Jack Sagen, Emeritus Bar Keeper Chevalier Dan Franklin, Joe Karg, Jim Sowell and Chris Tang That s 30 individuals, with several in dual roles. Special thanks go to Assistant Chairmen Ed Benson and Thom Watkins for their above and beyond the call of duty. And of course, thanks to all the SitK members at the end of the day for cleaning up the park, storing the trash and re-packing the three trucks. We ll have another fun day next year on Tuesday June 19 th, Put it on your calendar and we ll see you there! Phil Trapp, BBQ Event Chairman Cell Cell prtrapp@sbcglobal.net BARGAIN BITES Nothing new was submitted for this month s HOTLINE. Chairman: Ron Smith resmith62@aol.com Chairman: Ron Maciak rammedical@sbcglobal.net The BBQ is sponsored by Sirs in the Kitchen. It was still a success for the 125 hardy Branch 8 members, spouses/partners and guests attending. We feasted on hot and cold appetizers of dips, chips, nuts and grilled Kinder Italian sausage, followed by dinner of BBQ ed Kinder's ball tip, hot baked beans, potato and green salads, garlic bread and cookies. And, of course, we had all the soft drinks, water, beer and wine anyone could want. In spite of the heat, it was still a lovely day of fun, good food and lazy socializing. The good times we enjoyed were made possible by these cheerful, hard-working Sirs in the Kitchen volunteers: Shoppers & Organizers Extraordinaire: Assistant Chairman Ed & Donna Benson Appetizer Servers: Bill & Pat Eich, Bob & Sandra Price and Ron & Judy Smith Dessert Servers: Bob & Laurie Barnes and Ron & Karen Cassano Grill Chefs: Executive Chef Ron Maciak, Assistant BBQ chairman Thom Watkins, Fred Nelson and Spenser Nakao. BIRDERS The Birders will be taking July and August off Chairman: Leary Wong, , kinglear3@aol.com BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY The 2017 Bocce Ball Open season is in session. We begin play at 8:30 am and play on the Bocce courts in Newhall Park, Concord. Newhall Park is located on Turtle Creek Rd. between Treat Blvd. and Ayers Rd. Play is open to all SIR members and partners. You do not require any knowledge of the game as we will show you how to play and explain the rules that govern the game of Bocce Ball. We provide all the equipment (Bocce Balls and score boards). I organize whoever comes to play into teams. If you have any questions, please call the Activity Chairman. This is the status as of June 9. We now have 19 Members who have participated. Larry Jasmann is a new addition to our players this year. He is off to a very good start. Page 5 INDEX

6 TOP %=>xx Games Name Branch Won Lost Games Win % Don Atwater Larry Jasmann Ray Pixton Notes: 1. We only play until 10:30 am and as a result some games may end early. 2. Whoever is ahead at 10:30 wins the game.. Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: BOCCE BALL - LEAGUE PLAY So far, this year we ve won 5 and lost 13. On our last night, we won all 3 games even though it took till about 9:15 pm to complete the games. There was still one other game in progress when we left. We hope to continue our improvements in play. The 2016 Concord Bocce Ball Federation (CBF) League season began on May 2, 2017 at Newhall Park and Baldwin Park courts in Concord. We (SIR Bocce team name) play Tuesday nights on the Baldwin Park courts which are located off Beach St. (near Port Chicago Highway and Bonifacio St.). Play is limited to 10 SIR members and/or partners. We have the requisite number. You do not require any knowledge of the game as we will show you how to play and explain the rules that govern the game of Bocce Ball. The CBF League provides all the equipment. If you have any questions, please call me (Activity Chairman). Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: dmrinaldi@astound.net BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY II The "Bocce Open Play II" activity resumed in May. Again this year, the event is weekly at 9:30 AM at Baldwin Park (Concord) and will run through mid-october. Please join members of the Pleasant Hill and Concord Senior Centers for a morning of Bocce! We play pickup Bocce games every Thursday morning at 9:30 at Baldwin Park in Concord. (Rain cancels). The courts are located across the street from the Concord Senior Center. It s a FUN group!! Bocce Open Play 2 participants enjoy an exciting morning of good conversation and social interaction coupled with a chance to display their Bocce skills. At the end of the day, we don t care about who wins or loses, but look back at having had a good time! Meet new friends!! We welcome all SIR member players (and spouses/partners); prior Bocce experience is not required. If anyone is interested (or for more information), please contact the Activity Chair: Chairman: Jim Whitsett AFRES056789@gmail.com." BOCCE INDOOR WINTER LEAGUE The Winter League Seniors INDOOR Bocce Season has now ended. This was a fun activity and plans are to enter another team next season! If you re interested in playing with us, look for sign-ups to begin in early Fall. Chairman: Jim Whitsett AFRES056789@gmail.com Assistant Chairan: Stan U Ren nerunats@gmail.com BOOK EXCHANGE If you read it and liked it, bring it! IF YOU READ A BOOK THAT YOU REALLY LIKED AND WANT TO SHARE IT, BRING IT TO THE NEXT SIR LUNCHEON AND DONATE TO OUR COLLECTION. However, we have recently been inundated with books. Some generous members are bringing boxes of books to donate...not individual books. The net result is that instead of the collection growing at a box or two of books per meeting, we are growing at 4-6 boxes. This is creating a storage issue for us so we are spending a large amount of time to weed through our collection to reduce down the number of boxes. In the future, if any member has a large number of books to donate, it would help us if they brought only a dozen or so per meeting, so that we can assimilate them more easily. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions contact any member of the book exchange team: Chairman: Tom Kerns, jtomk01@aol.com ( ). Assistant Chair: Alan Curtis, alancurtis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Chair: Rob Laaback, rlaabak@yahoo.com Assistant Chairman: Ray Dewit, ray.dewit@yahoo.com BOOK GROUP In June the Book Group read 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. The classic account of the impact of the first world war on soldiers at the front held many parallels with wars today and generated a lively discussion. Next up is 'Hillbilly Elegy' by JD Vance. This book needs no introduction having been discussed extensively relating to our recent presidential election. I'm sure it will open eyes and maybe provide some explanations... The Book Group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Round Table Pizza on Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. me at nickmaufe@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us. Page 6 INDEX

7 Chairman: Nick Maufe BOWLING Bowling Report for July 2017 Branch 19 SIR League - Branch 19 (Concord) sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. The league starts on September 6 th. The league consists of ten four-person teams. Spouses and guests are welcome. We bowl starting at 10 AM every Wednesday at Clayton Valley Bowl. Contact Dan Weller if you are interested. David Bushnell who finished 4 th overall with a score of 31 SIR State-Wide Tournament Schedules, Applications, and Thanks to Harry Hubinger for set-up and the donut holes he is Results Are On Line: To access the SIR State bowling information, open the state bowling famous for proving as snacks. Bob Kahl has hosting duties for web site at You can find tournament next month. Also, thanks to Steve Greene, Ken Main for schedules, applications, and results on the site. subbing. Upcoming SIR Bowling Tournaments: DATE LOCATION COMMENTS July 10, 11 July Yuba City Pollock Pines ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller dweller@astound.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Erickson jim@jterickson.com BASIC BRIDGE We have discontinued the formal lessons and we will have open play with each player rotating after 4 hands. Table Talk is allowed. A discussion is encouraged after a hand has been played. Coaches are available for questions at any time. The top players this month were: Stephen Deness (1610); and Tom Hensley (1390). Learning players are invited to join us on the first Thursday of the month at Round Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant. We start 1:30PM and play until 3:30PM. Arrive early for lunch because that is our payment for the use of the room. Rod Spicer, Chairman, , marod61@att.net BRIDGE DUPLICATE ONE X The Duplicate Bridge I Group met on June 9 at Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill. Top three finishers for the June session were: 1st Hubinger-Woolf 41 pts. 2nd Greene-Regan 37.5 pts. 3rd Main-Spicer 36.5 pts Funky 12-lane facility The Hubinger-Woolf team returned to the winner s circle with a strong showing of 41 points. It is interesting to note that the two runner s up teams were playing with subs. No slams were bid and made: but on one hand there were interesting results. 4 hearts vulnerable were bid by 2 N-S teams and that was allowed to stand with N-S making 5 for a score of 650 which would seem to be good results. But, that is not the end of the story. One E-W pair decided to opt for a save by bidding 5 spades vulnerable. That was promptly doubled and set 3 for a score of 800, which would certainly seem like a top result. But, again, that is not the end of the story. One brave N-S team pushed on to 5 hearts, which was doubled and made for a score of 850. That was certainly high. And now the names of the brave team: Ernie Sherne and Our next session will be July 14 at 9:15AM at Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill. Mark the second Friday on your 2017 calendars, NOW. Note that the start time has been slipped 15 minutes to coincide with the arrival of proper authority to allow our entry. Set-up will start at 9:00AM Substitutes are often needed and any SIR wishing to play should contact: Bob Kahl, Chairman Dick Long, Asst Chairman Ton Hensley, Asst Chairman BRIDGE DUPLICATE TWO No article was received by press time. Chairman: Max Creamer Assistant: Jerry Milano BRIDGE RUBBER We had three tables of tough competitors battling for hours before the pizzas came out. The best players this month were: Stewart Patrick (4750); Jim Sowell (4690); and Ralph Schweinfurth (4430). The scores ran from 2540 to 4750 with the median score of about New players are always invited. We play on the first Thursday of the month at 9:00AM. We meet at Round Table Pizza on 1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. If you want coffee you will have to bring your own thermos. Be sure to answer Al Welch's early so that we can try to fill complete tables. : Rod Spicer, , marod61@att.net Al Welch, Co-Chair, , blackpool68@gmail.com David Bushnell, Co-Chair, , dbushn@swbell.net Page 7 INDEX

8 BRIDGE - COUPLES On June 19, 2017, the Couples Bridge session had five tables or ten couples. Les and Carole Hopkins took first place with 3,120 points; Rod and Mary Ann Spicer were second with 2,830 points; and Steve and Honora Greytak were third with 2,680 points. Despite the air conditioning being out in most of the restaurant, we had a great time. Our next session will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 17, 2017 (our normal 3 rd Monday of each month) at the Mary s Pizza on Oak Grove, Walnut Creek. We always welcome new players, so if you are interested in joining us, please contact Ray de Wit (ray.dewit@yahoo.com) or Ken Main (mainkenneth46@gmail.com). CAR ENTHUSIASTS Car Enthusiasts attended the Walnut Creek Elks Club Car Show. There were 10 members and spouses for breakfast at The Original Hick'ry Pit followed by a 2+ hour visit to the nearby Car Show. The diversity of vehicles was exceptional this year. Many classics, muscle cars of past and present, plus a stationary "Big Block" Z572 CI, 720 HP V8 that they fired up a Our Activity group will participate in both the Pleasant Hill and Concord 4th of July Parades. We will have a little difficulty with two parade locations, but I'm certain we will have a good time at both. Ed Benson has offered "burgers and Brews" for Concord parade participants at his home following the parade presentation. July's outing will be in the latter part of the month with attendance at the NHRA National Drag Races at Sonoma Raceway. The plan is to attend a Friday afternoon/evening event rather than attempting to conquer the weekend traffic. We are working on a bus transportation travel plan, with enough participants to cover the costs. I will invite the Sir's at the Games folks to join us, increasing our cost lowering possibilities. More to come regarding this event. Car Enthusiast also participated in the Ladies Day Luncheon at the CCCC in Pleasant Hill and enjoyed the fellowship of the event. Happy Motoring... Chair: Chick Lowry - clowry2845@aol.com Assistant Chairs Tom Mohrman mustangtpm@gmail.com Bill Koski Bob McMains billkos36@comcast.net stude35@mac.com Ken Belfer Corvette couple of times during the show. With a 12:1 compression ratio the engine runs on a special fuel mix as today's pump gas does not provide adequate octane ratings to support correct operation. A real ear-splitter with the almost straight pipe exhaust. Our own Bob McMaines, displayed his 1962 Studebaker Hawk (only Stude in Bob McMains Studebaker Hawk show) and Ken Belfer with his 2014 Corvette were part of the diversity. COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY There was no June meeting of the Computers & Technology group. For July, Neil Schmidt will discuss, Travelling with Technology. Do you remember the old days when you carried heavy hardbound books in your suitcase, brought magazines to read on the plane and made calls on payphones? Thanks to technology, times have sure changed. Neil will be presenting ways to use technology to help plan and to assist you in your travels. This discussion will include his favorite travelling apps and techniques and he will encourage others in attendance to contribute their own travelling tips and tricks. We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, Thursday July 20, at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. We ask for a donation of $5 to cover the cost of the hall rental, coffee and cookies -- but some months are free, so come and see if our July meeting is another one of those! All SIR members and their guests (spouses included!) are welcome to attend. See you there. Bill Phelon, rphelon@juno.com: CRIBBAGE The Cribbage Group meets on the First Wednesday and the Third Tuesday of each month. There s been a PERMANENT LOCATION CHANGE from Treat Blvd in Concord to the Round Table Pizza located at 1938 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Hours of play are 1pm to 3pm. Please join us if you have played Cribbage or would like to learn the game. Page 8 INDEX

9 June 2017 Results June 7th 13 Players Place Name Points First Steve Strobel 168 Second Ray Nummi 144 Third Ron Draper 120 Fourth Jack LaSalle 118 June 20 8 Players First Jim Rosenquist 216 Second Steve Strobel 174 Third Stan Johnson 139 Fourth Terry Mason 130 DINE IN # 1 DINE IN # 2 Next dinner will be hosted in July at the Bensons. Check our website for date and time. Chairman: Ron Cassano: roncassano@gmail.com Co-Chair: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com Nothing new was submitted for this month s HOTLINE. Co-Chair: Ed Cohn; gitano2@att.net Chairman, Ron Draper Chairman, Dan Smith r-draper@pacbell.net dns.ins02@astound.net DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPY Our assignment for June was Tripod Use. Members were asked to choose photo subjects that required the use of a tripod. The results were really quite good. One important take away was that using a tripod requires paying a lot of attention to photo composition, as opposed to taking snap shots. In essence, photos tend to look a lot better even before any manipulation with Elements or Light Room. For July, the assignment is Night Photography. As usual, Dave Davis will provide us with some direction for our efforts. [We might even need to use a tripod!] Everyone is encouraged to bring up to 12 jpg photos to share on a clean flash drive. Please be prepared to discuss how you created your photos, including meta data info. If you want a specific order of presentation, renaming your photos 01, 02, 03, etc., should do the trick. Be sure to use only the numbers, and nothing else, in the file name. Our host for the July 21, meeting, DeWayne Ruwe, will be sending out reminders & directions and looking for attendance confirmations a week or so before the gathering. The Digital Photography Group meetings begin at 10:00 AM on the third Friday of the month. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided, for which we ask a $2 donation. All levels of photographer are welcome, from the point and shooters to sophisticated mirrorless & DSLR users. We even entertain phone photos! Bill Phelon, Chair: rpheon@juno.com Dave Davis: Vice Chair: dav.davis@comcast.net DINE IN # 3 Rich and Linda Cheney hosted this month s dinner extravaganza. We started on the patio to enjoy Linda s secret recipe for world-class sangria. This went over quite well with everyone, along with wine, and appetizers provided by Tony and Peggy. Dinner followed, with the entree being brisket, with cooked-in veggies. The salad by the Bitton s featured Bernadette s excellent dressing. The Tang s provided an exciting Philippine desert very cool and refreshing. What has been the key to our continued success is the renewal of friendships and our varied and interesting conversations. It s always great to be with friends, and even better when you can share a meal! Chairman, Rich Cheney richard.s.cheney@gmail.com Jeff Foster, jeff-foster@twin-bridge.com DINE OUT # 1 All Branch 8 members and their partners, as well as singles, are invited to join us for Sunday Champagne Buffet Brunch July 23, 2017 at Crow Canyon Country Club 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville, CA Gathering time: 10:30 AM 11:00 AM Buffet Brunch: Buffet Menu: Omelette Station, Salad Station,Seafood Station, Carving station, Hot Entree Station, Oriental Station, Dessert Station $35.75 per person, tax and gratuity included Jack London Lounge (private room) overlooks the golf course RSVP: Dave & JoAnne Perkins (925) or snikrepj@aol.com by: Monday July 17, Make checks payable to: Dave Perkins, 315 Ridgestone Court, Walnut Creek, CA Dress: Country Club Casual "Our August 17, 2017 Dine Out 1 will be at the "LA VERANDA" Restaurant in Clayton. The La Veranda is rated a Page 9 INDEX

10 top-notch restaurant with excellent service and delicious food. Les and Carole Hopkins are hosting this dine out again and all Sir's (couples, singles and guests) are welcome. ADDRESS: 6201 Center St, Clayton, CA (Marsh Creek Road and Main Street in downtown Clayton) WHEN: August 17, 2017: Social/No host bar 5:00 to 6:00 PM with appetizers (Antipasto Misto Roasted Veg., Cheese & Olives, Calamari Fritti, Grilled prawn wrapped in bacon). 6PM. MENU: SALAD: Regina Salad, Gorgonzola Cheese, walnuts & Dijon Dressing. ENTREES: Choice of Chicken Cacciatore OR Filet of Salmon with lemon sauce OR Filet Mignon with porcini mushroom sauce. DESSERT: Tiramisu and Coffee PRICE: $35.00 Per Person (includes tax and gratuity) CONTACT: Your Host and Hostess Les and Carole Hopkins. Make your checks to Sir Les Hopkins (INCLUDE YOUR CHOICE OF ENTREE ON YOUR CHECK) and mail to 4010 Hummingbird Way, Clayton, CA (925) or jles4golf@comcast.net. RSVP: By August 11, Space is limited to 40."Activity Chair: Ken Main Assist Chairs: Don Allen and Jim Ripley DINE OUT #2 No article received at press time. Chairman Don Atwater datwater@pacbell.net Ass. Chair Jerry Milano jerrymilano@astound.net DINE OUT - SINGLE SIRS Please take note: we will dine the second Tuesday of July to avoid conflict with th 4 th of July festivities. Tuesday, July 11th, Dinner 5:30 pm, Social 5:00 pm at Mr Lucky's Restaurant 2618 Pleasant Hill Rd Just ½ block north of Taylor Blvd Contact host Clark Morehouse clarkmorehouse@aol.com Last month elever of us had dinner at the Black Angus, thanks to host Marv Kreitz. We normally dine the first Tuesday of the month at a wide variety of restaurants selected by the participants. Branch 8 Sirs single at dinner time are invited to join us. Check out our web page: Glenn Gilman Chairman glenngfam@sbcglobal.net Don Atwater, Chairman datwater@pacbell.net DOMINOES Wanted: New Players for Dominos Have you wanted to learn how to play dominoes? Here's your opportunity. We are looking for members who would like to play the game. You will play along side one of the experienced members during regular play until you feel comfortable to venture out on your own. We meet at ROUND TABLE PIZZA located at 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA. Hours of play are 10:00am to 2:00pm. We usually purchase lunch around 12:30pm, socialize and continue play after lunch. We donate $5.00 each and keep score by points. High score wins. We invite you to join, have fun, and meet new friends. Please join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Chairman: Dan Rinaldi danrinaldi944@gmail.com Co-Chairman: Alan Schulze a_schulze@sbcglobal.net MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES Mexican Train meets the 2 nd Tuesday and 3 rd Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Round Table Pizza 1938 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill Mexican Train, a popular Domino game, welcomes newbies and experienced players. Like in golf, the low score wins. Enthusiasm when playing is obvious and we are now achieving 12 or 13 rounds per meeting. We play the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month, so whether you are able to play one or the other or both days you are urged to attend. Website link - Chairman Dan Rinaldi danrinaldi944@gmail.com Asst, Chairman Terry Norton nortont@sbcglobal.net EXPLORE AND EAT Nothing new was submitted for this month s HOTLINE. Chairman: Ron Woods FISHING - AREA 2 All SIR members and guests are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to participate in fishing trips as well as attend the monthly meetings. Next meeting will be Thursday, July 27th, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Page 10 INDEX

11 Golf Course at 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30am, come early. Three Day fishing Trip at Lake Almanor. June has us split in two: the ocean and bay start to produce; and the piney mountains summon us to their pristine waters. Thirteen of us led by Chuck Vanoncini went to Lake Almanor where we caught many trout. From the big pond: Brion Beetz and Carl Moyer got rockfish; and Lee Clark got salmon. Ernie Wong had a good early summer with over a hundred shad, Don Mittlesteadt and Carl Moyer also enjoyed that fly fishing. Ernie and Ken Konzak took time out from the big cutthroat at Pyramid lake in Nevada. Ernie released his biggest yet, a 10 pounder. Tom Kostik led a group to Pinecrest Lake where they caught bass and trout. Tom and Mike Corker caught striped and black bass from the delta. Terry Miller, Ron Lew, and Carl Moyer got Halibut from the bay. Karl Droese, Ken Konzak and Joe Miscione traveled to Pyramid Lake NV catching and releasing cutthroat from a charter boat. Thom Watkins, Terry Miller and Carl Moyer ended a bad local trout spring season by catching one small trout at San Pablo Reservoir. Contacts are: Paul Dubow ( ) and Carl Moyer ( ) GEOCACHING Due to the warmer weather, we are moving west to hike in the hopefully cooler Bay air. The July Geocaching hike will be on Thursday July 6 at the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland Hills starting at 9:15am. The hike is about 2.3 miles with a total elevation gain of 500. Meet at the Heather Farms parking area on the corner of Ygnacio Valley Rd and N. San Carlos Dr. at 8:45am to carpool to Huckleberry. The trail map and downloadable Pocket Query (PQ) are on the SIR Geocaching web page. If you would just like to hike and not go off trail to look for geocaches, please consider attending. The Huckleberry brochure has a guided tour of plants and flowers along the trail. Geocaching Hike Leader: Howard Walter hwalterz@gmail.com GOLF 18 HOLES Area Two 4 - man Scramble Qualifier was played at Hiddenbrooke on May 25. Branch 8 fielded 6 teams and out of 25 teams the team of Tom Trice, Jack Schweitzer, David Green and Jerry Dakin placed third. Good going guys! The other 5 ended up in the middle of the pack. One team had 7 birdies but then 3 bogeys, (shoulda, coulda). That s golf. Diablo Creek, June 5. Once again Dave Platter shot his age, getting to be a habit, Dave? July 17 is a Branch 8 tournament. It is a 4 man scramble. Teams are formed by the committee and pairings will be posted late Sunday ( July 16). This is done in anticipation of late drop outs. GOLD COUNTRY GOLF, October Stop by the 18 Hole Golf table for information OR contact either Darryl Sweetland or Bill Koski billkos36@comcast.net If you find you do not mind playing GOLF in the rain, the snow, even during a hurricane, here s a valuable tip your life is in trouble! Bill Koski, Communications: billkos36@comcast.net GOLF 9 HOLES Our DAI tournament on June 1 st was a truly great time for all, a fun round of golf for the players (especially Ken Main!) and a fine meal and social gathering afterwards. We have to thank Phil Philpot, Dick Brooks and Frank Kilarr for organizing a superb event! I think everyone who attended is looking forward to next year. We are not scheduled for another tournament until our annual championship in October but remember we do have a CTP (closest to the pin) every week which doesn t get the winner anything except a round of applause (sometimes) unless of course the closest happens to be a hole in one! Remember everyone who would like to play is invited to join us. We play every Wednesday at Diablo Hills golf course in Walnut Creek so come out and have fun! Finally, please remember to support one of our members, Bill Bargenquast, who is scheduled for bypass surgery on July 7 th. Let s all wish him the very best and a speedy recovery. Barry Brown, Chair: barry@bkbrown.net (925) Phil Philpot Chair: jr5753@outlook.com (925) Dick Brooks, Stats & Board member sb8golf9holes@gmail.com Page 11 INDEX

12 GOLF COUPLES Sir Couples Golf members are beginning to think we should change our name to Sir Couples Lunch Bunch. Once again, even though several members were at Diablo Hills by 9:15 am, the weather prohibited our play. However, do not be dismayed we are the group who loves to have fun. Marshals Paul and Sue Derby put out an SCG ALERT, and six couples met at Rocco s at 12 noon. Leo and Judy Barrella, Paul and Millie Hersch, Dean and Marilyn Steichen, Paul and Sue Derby and Gordon and Margaret Batesole welcomed our newest members GARY AND LISA NICHOLSON. Once again, the fellowship makes up for not playing golf, and we remind everyone - any couple is welcome to play with our Sir Couples Golf group. If you have any questions, please contact Chairperson Paul Derby at derby.paul@comcast.net or Paul Hersch at poppy3542@gmail.com. You may also go to the SIR website: and select Couples Golf. Our next event will be Thursday, July 13 at Diablo Hills at 9:15am., where our marshals will be Les and Carole Hopkins, and the Hopkins have guaranteed us that there will be no rain on that day. Chairman: Paul Derby derby.paul@comcast.net Chair: Paul Hersch poppy3642@gmail.com. GOLF - TRAVELING NINE HOLE No article received at press time. HEADS UP WALKERS Chair: Phil Philpot:: jr5753@outlook.com (925) Co Chair: Dick Brooks: balte1@comcast.net (925) July 2017 Walks One-hour walks start at 9:30 AM and usually are on flat surfaces. Most walks are out and back which means you walk for 30 minutes at your own pace, then turn around and walk 30 minutes back to the starting point. At 10:30 AM, we leave the trail for coffee, refreshments and spirited conversation. Spouses and dogs welcome. 6/29/2017: Lafayette: Moraga School Rd. Take Mt. Diablo Blvd. to Moraga Rd. Turn east on School Rd. to the trail head. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Phil Trapp 7/6/2017: Walnut Creek : Civic Park. Meet at the Civic Park parking lot off of Civic Drive. Parking stalls in the main lot are tiny. Try the parting at the far south end of the lot. These spaces are good for full-sized vehicles. Or, use metered parking on Civic. Cafe: Cafe La Scala. Leader: Phil Trapp 7/13/2017: Lafayette: Lafayette Reservoir. Entrance on Mt. Diablo Blvd., about 1 mile west of Happy Valley Rd. Meet at the EAST (far left) end of metered parking lot. Bring 8 quarters or use a VISA or Master Card. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Rich Rosin 7/20/2017: Concord: C.C.C. Regional Trail. Take Treat Blvd east. Go 3/4 mile past Oak Grove and turn left on San Miguel. Turn right on Via Montanas. Meet in Parking Lot across the street from the trail at the Lime Ridge Open Space. There is street parking also under shade trees about 90 feet from the trail head. Cafe: Peet's Coffee. Leader: Stan Johnson 7/27/2017: Walnut Creek: YV canal Walnut Ave. Take Ygnacio Valley Rd. Turn South on Walnut Ave (do not turn on Walnut Boulevard). Go a short distance and turn left on Naranja Drive. Park there and walk back to Walnut Ave. The trail starts a few feet from Naranja. Cafe: Sweet Affair Bakery. Leader: Steve Pierce 8/3/2017: Martinez: Martinez Regional Shoreline. Exit i-680 N. At last offramp to Martinez. Turn left on Marina Vista. Turn right on Ferry St. And cross the RR tracks. Meet at the first parking lot on the left. Cafe: Starbucks Martinez. Leader: Stu Harris 8/10/2017: Moraga: Moraga SMC. Meet at the staging area on St. Mary's Road approx. 1/10th mile north of the entrance to St. Mary's College. Cafe: Starbucks Moraga. Leader: Terry Norton ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller dweller@astound.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Erland Persson erland.p@comcast.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Kawal jjtravelnet@gmail.com HIKERS - SIR HIKERS Easy Hike Tuesday, July 11, a.m. The July easy hike will originate at the Mitchell Canyon Ranger's Station at the end of Mitchell Canyon Rd. in Clayton. The hike will be approximately 4 miles out and back, on the Fire Road leading to Deer Flat. There's plenty of shade and little elevation gains to deal with. We will meet in the parking lot area. There are bathroom facilities but bring plenty of water (!) as it's likely to be on the hot side. Detailed information on directions, carpooling, etc. will be out about a week before our hike. Look for that . Looking forward to seeing you. Hike Leader: Ron Woods, shepwoods@comcast.net, Kennedy Grove Regional Park, Tuesday, July 27, a.m. July 27 Hard Hike is a moderate 4 mile hike but with two hill climbs to make it challenging. The reward is a big lake and bay view payoff after the second climb. We start at 10 a.m. at the Kennedy Grove Regional Park parking lot. There is no charge to park on weekdays. Restrooms are available. We head across the scenic lawn and up the Kennedy Creek Trail. Circling behind Radach Hill we hike the Black Oak Loop Page 12 INDEX

13 through a mix of grasslands and oak forest. After an easy descent followed by a steady 150 foot shaded climb we can take a breather at the picnic tables with a pleasant hill view. Returning back around Radach Hill we turn at Upper Sea Foam Trail, which then climbs (in shade) 400 feet to the crest of a hill. We'll take breaks as necessary as this is a fairly continuous climb. We're rewarded with a terrific view of San Pablo Reservoir, and after a short descent, also of San Pablo Bay. We descend 400 feet in shade on Lower Sea Foam Trail and complete our hike on Laurel Loop trail. For details see our Hikers page on the Branch Web Site July Coordinator: Dave Davis; (925) ; dav.davis@comcast.net PICKLE BALL In May we had no one who could play on the 3rd Tuesday. I am now trying to find another day for us to get together. Please me at tstrice@yahoo.com with your preferences again. For information, please call: Chairman: Tom Trice (510) POKER tstrice@yahoo.com Players wanted. Come join us for poker! We now have 10 groups: playing days are shown in the table below. LADIES DAY LUNCHEON Thank you to all the SIRS and their Ladies who attended our June Ladies Day Lunch. Thank you to the team who worked very hard to make the day a pleasurable one for all attendees. I hope you all had a good time, in good company, enjoyed the music and I am sorry that some salmon and chicken was a little dry. Thank you, Chairman: Nat Bitton windmillnb@comcast.net MODEL RAILROADING We ve changed the location of our model train layout! Design and construction of the HO layout will begin soon. Please stay tuned for future announcements on the direction of the group. There will be an exciting project for us to assist with in 2017! Watch the Hotline for details. Instead, members of the Model Railroading Activity are encouraged to visit one or several of the many existing Train Club layouts in the Bay Area. Over the next few months, please consider visiting: The Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond ( the Carquinez Model Railroad Society in Crockett ( and the San Leandro Historical Railway Society in San Leandro ( Please check websites for open house events. If you would like to be added to the Model Railroading list, please advise the Activity Chair. Chairman: Jim Whitsett AFRES056789@gmail.com Chairman: Dick Grube dickgrube@comcast.net MIXER Meets Last Tuesday of the Month at Stanford s in Walnut Creek from 3pm to 6pm. Check our website for more information. Chairman: Jack Sagen First Monday First Tuesday First Friday Second Tuesday First Wednesday Third Wednesday Third Thursday Fourth Monday Fourth Tuesday Fourth Thursday Our groups meet either from noon to 3:00 PM or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group members rotate as hosting. We play with no wild cards and a three raise max. It s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with a great group of guys! Chair: Dan Franklin Asst: Ekk Keller Ass t: Ron Draper montgall26@gmail.com ekkeller@astound.net r-draper@pacbel.net SIRS AT THE GAMES Nothing new was submitted for this month s HOTLINE Page 13 INDEX. Check our our website or contact Chairman Steve Schramm: sschramm01@gmail.com or by phone 925- SIRS AT THE OPERA The Met is re-transmitting 2 great operas this summer, HD video recordings of audience favorites from previous years. They are: Nabucco, by Giuseppe Verde, on July 12. This opera is based on biblical accounts of Nebuchadnezzar in the books of Jeremiah and Daniel. Despite being the opera that cemented Verdi's reputation as a composer, a competing Prussian composer wrote this of the opera: "Verdi's operas are really horrible,... he scores like a fool technically he is not even professional and he must have the heart of a donkey and in my view he is a pitiful, despicable composer... Nabucco is nothing but 'rage, invective, bloodshed and murder.' " Nevertheless, it remains after a century and a half one of Verdi's most enduring operas. Nabucco contains the haunting

14 Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, probably the most famous of all opera choruses. Carmen, by Georges Bizet, on July 19. Carmen, in our opinion, is a wonderful opera, and the tunes will stay with you for the rest of the week. According to the Met website, they will all start at 7:00pm local time, but it would be wise to check the newspaper that morning for times and theaters. I am relatively confident that the Pleasant Hill cinema is carrying them, as I saw an on-screen announcement there. With a little digging in the metopera.org website you can find short preview films. Wikipedia provides histories and synopses of all the operas. Enjoy. See you all at Norma on October 7. Chairman: David Bushnell dbushn@swbell.net Asst Chair: Bruce Benzler bruce.benzler@mac.com SIRS IN THE KITCHEN Luau on May 30 Brisket on July 18 Our merry band of chefs was busy at the branch BBQ in June, so we had no Sirs in the Kitchen meeting. We will take that back up on July 18 at 11:00 at Casa Benson. The menu is exciting. We'll begin the morning with the ultimate Bloody Mary, followed by two types of bruschetta appetizers one with olive tapenade and the other with tuna and cannelloni beans. Lunch will feature beer braised beef brisket sandwiches with creamy horseradish sauce, grilled Caesar salad and baked beans. Dessert will feature Chef Al's Amaretto bread pudding. Yum! We'll also be furnishing the usual assortment of wines, beers, soft drinks and even some water. Sirs in the Kitchen is now at 54 members. If you want to join, drop Executive Chef Ed an (ebensonbwa@aol.com), call him ( ) or catch him at the monthly meeting. So far, we ve always had room for anyone who was able to attend, and our typical luncheon turns out 25, or so. You don t have to be an experienced cook (our members have all levels of cooking ability), and all meetings are held at Casa Benson. The usual shared cost for the luncheon and wine Is $20, and that s still the best deal in town. Should any Sirs want our recipes, Executive Chef Ed, and they ll be sent to you. SUMS IN RETIREMENT Our last meeting was Wed June 28 at 8 AM at the Legends Restaurant in the Diablo Creek Country Club - Port Chicago Highway, 1/4 mile north of Highway 4 in Concord. We will have no meetings in July and August. Back again on Wed Sep. 27..Chair: tomhenry925@gmail.com Co-chair Dave Sutton - davesutn@comcast.net TRAVELING SIRS Our October 15 day Panama Canal cruise has several Branch 8 members signed up. The cruise leaves San Francisco October 20 and ends is Ft. Lauderdale November 5. There are several stops for sightseeing along the way and return airline from Ft. Lauderdale is included. If you want to spend additional time in Ft. Lauderdale can be arranged. Next year we are looking at Cuba, River cruises and a train trip.let me know your interests. Chairman Traveling SIRS: L.yarberry42@comcast.net WINE BARGAIN WINES It has been over a month since our group enjoyed an evening of wine tasting at Total Wines & More with dinner following at The Back Forty. We enjoyed and of course rated the wines sampled. Our group was pretty tough on many of the selections offered. Most just left their cars and walked to the buffet style dinner served in the private room upstairs feasting on brisket, pork ribs, bbq chicken and all the fixins served. As far as upcoming venues, both Chairman Jim Warner and Assist. Chairman Ed Benson have been busy vacationing and not yet able to pin down one of the outings that has been discussed. Tune in for an announcement soon, Chairman: Jim Warner, Assistant: Ed Benson, WINE - CELLAR FILLERS No article was received at press time. If you have questions or if you would like your name to be added to the mailing list, please contact: Chairman: Jim Sowell, owell4jim@aol.com, (925) or (925) cell Ass. Chair Jim Warner, jdubew@hotmail.com, (925) WINE FINDERS 1 Our gathering will be at 6PM, wine selection is to be Rose s, from any where on planet Earth. Please let Tony know your selection no later than June 5 (sooner, not later), Bob and Sandy will be in Hawaii,so will miss this event. Remember to bring your own branded glass, 1per person, and each couple an appetizer to be shared with other members, paired with your wine selection. Also, we suggest we have a GALA GATHERING, Page 14 INDEX

15 WINEFINDERS 1, 2, AND 3 for our August 10 meeting. Jack /Rose Sagen have offered to host the event, so mark your calanders accordingly.. Chair : WF-1: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com (925) Co-Chair: Tony de Losada delosada@ix.netcom.com (925) WINE FINDERS 2 The June tasting was hosted by the Kargs. We sampled Lodi Zins. Guess who took the #1, The Kargs with a 2014 Four Vines, Old Vine Zin from Total Wine at $8.09. The Bensons grabbed 2nd with 2015 Gnarled Wine Zin at $7.00 also from Total Wine. We welcomed Ron and Linda Maciak to the group and our new subs Stephen and Carmen Deness. Happy tasting, head wino, Ron. Ron Cassano roncassano@gmail.com (925) WINE FINDERS 3 Almost a full complement of Winefinder III folks gathered at the home of Larry & Holley Yarberry to sample Cabernet Sauvignons where we welcomed Richard and Valerie Jo Remley to our group. Studiously avoiding activities such as horseshoes, bocce ball or practicing putting in their new back yard, we instead noshed on endless shrimp, pate, high tea sandwiches and roast beefskewers while we warmed up on a Mirassou Merlot provided by our host. The formal tasting consisted of wines ranging in price from $40 and $25 from BevMo s 5 cent sale to a $4.19 Mirassou from a mystery source and $4.50 Sutter Home from Safeway which, bolstered by its two price bonus points, turned out to be a winner and was provided by Gene and Mary Lou Paschal. Prior to finding our way homes we were treated to coffee and lemon eclairs by our hosts..chair WF-3: Larry McEwen elmsooweaux@comcast.net (925) WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Writing Your Life Stories will meet on July 25 and we welcome new members. We write short stories about events in our lives that are of interest to us and perhaps will be to our progeny. Meeting as a group and sharing stories (always voluntary) triggers our memories and keeps us inspired. We meet on the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Vintage Kensington Place (in the second floor Game Room), located on Geary Road near North Main in Walnut Creek, just off I-680. You will receive a syllabus to guide you in writing your own life stories. Dick Brewer revrpb@aol.com Page 15 INDEX

16 ACTIVITY CHAIRMEN & BRANCH 8 LEADERS BIOGRAPHIES DAVE PERKINS Former Little & Big Sir In 1930, another Desert Rat was born in Tucson, Arizona; they named him David. My entire education, 1 st grade through college (University of Arizona, BS in Marketing Administration) was in Tucson. On a blind date in my High School, Junior year I met JoAnne Hobbs. We were married in 1950, after our Freshman year in College. We raised four children, have eight Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren. After college, I taught tank gunnery at The Armor School at Fort Knox, KY, as well as to the Japan Self Defense Force on Hokkaido, and Honshu, Japan. I retired from the Army as Captain, USAR I joined Standard Oil of California (Chevron) in Tucson as a warehouseman/truck drive. I had assignments on both coasts as Clerk, Product Salesman, Department Supervisor, Sales Manager and Regional Sales Manager. My last office was in San Francisco as Manager, Marketing Operations Services. I started as a warehouseman/truck driver and 37 years later retired as Marketing s Functional Manager of all warehousing, product delivery and Environmental issues in the US. I joined SIR Branch 8 in 1994, was Little Sir in 1999, and Big Sir in At times, I feel as I am back with Chevron, as over the years I enjoyed working with 9 of our current Branch 8 members. In 1996, at the request of Big Sir, Vern Ingersoll, I assembled the first distribution list with 68 Branch addresses. In 2002, Past Big Sir Ed Myrtle developed the first ever SIR Orientation process and asked me to join him. I remain active in both efforts today. It was a great surprise to be recognized as an Honorary Life Member in JoAnne wishes to thank all Branch 8 members for keeping me busy, away from the house and out of her hair. STAN JOHNSON Former Little & Big Sir Stan Johnson was born in Illinois. His father was a farmer and his mother a homemaker. As with most farm boys, Stan did a great deal of farm work along with his father. He started playing basketball in seventh grade. He was the only seventh grader on the team that went to the state tournament (finishing in a tie for fifth). This was when there were no school size divisions in Illinois. Stan played varsity basketball for all four years in high school and lettered three years. He was all conference, high scorer, and Most Valuable Player his senior year. He also played football, cross country, and track and field. Stan graduated with honors in the top 10 percent of his class, a member of the National Honor Society, and junior class president. Deciding that farm work was not really for him, Stan attended Michigan Tech (Michigan Technological University) after high school, situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Stan majored in Engineering. He graduated with honors in the top 1% of his graduating class and top in his department. He was president of his junior class and vice president of the Student Body/Student Council his senior year. He played four years of varsity basketball and earned three letters. After graduation, Stan took a job in advanced materials research for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. They make jet engines, such as for the Boeing 747. He was co-author of a research paper that was printed in an international scientific journal. After two years, he was accepted to Stanford University to their doctorate program in Material Science Engineering. After a year and a Masters degree, he decided that he wanted to get into business rather than do more research. He joined Pacific Telephone (later Pacific Bell and then AT&T). He took early retirement in At that point he was Director of Engineering. After taking a couple stretches of time off and taking on two temporary consulting jobs, Stan joined SIR is July He accepted the job of 9 hole golf chairman after a year in the branch. He held this position for six years and then became Little Sir (although he didn t look the part) in 2012 and Big Sir for He was a Director of the Branch Executive Committee in He was chairman of the Member Relations Committee for 2014 and He continues as a member of the MRC. Stan tries to participate in as many activities as his time allows. Currently, he takes part in 18 hole golf, 9 hole golf, walking, hiking, Cribbage, Basic Bridge, Dine Out 1, Explore & Eat, Sirs in the Kitchen, Astronomy, Bocce, and SUMS. This makes him one of the more active members of our branch. Page 16 INDEX

17 Membership Data for June 2017 BEC Approval: 7/10/2017 Applicants Inducted: 0 Name Badge Sponsor Members Requested Active Status: 1 Bob Samson MD-195 Return to Active New Applicants: 4 Name Badge Sponsor Joseph Bourque MD-354 Chris Tang MD-136 Larry Hoffman MD-353 Louie Figueroa MD-90 Gary Nicholson MD-355 Bob Sherman MD-120 Cam Ward MD-356 Phil Trapp MD-032 Applicants Attended Orientation: 0 Name Badge Sponsor Applicants Induction Date:0 Name Badge To Be Inducted Joseph Bourque MD-354 July 10 Gary Nicholson MD-355 August 14 Cam Ward MD-356 July 10 Applications Withdrawn Date: 0 Name Badge Reason Larry Hoffman MD-353 Join Brentwood Br Members Requested Inactive Status: 0 Name Badge Reason Active Members Resignation: 0 Name Badge Reason Ron Kooyman MD-250 Work commitments Inactive Members Resignation: 0 Name Badge Sponsor Group - Status Membership Totals Number Members - Active 349 Applicants To Be Inducted 3 Members - Inactive 22 SIR Anniversary - June 2017 Name Years Marvin Kreitz 30 John Crooks 10 SIR Birthday - June 2017 Day Name Day Name 1 Barry Brown 15 Rich Rosin 4 Mike Anderson 16 Don Atwater 4 Tom Pinckard 16 Richard Remley 6 Richard Hall 17 Vito Magliano 8 Bob McMains 17 Roger McMasters 8 Darryl Sweetland 18 Bob Stein 11 Bob Jones 20 Tom Doll 12 Jim Kawal 21 Larry Lange 12 Tom Mohrman 24 Scott Graff 12 Carroll Wine 24 Jim McNeish 13 Thomas Thompson 26 Jim Fleming 14 Harry Schadek 29 Lowell Robison Page 17 INDEX

18 PHOTO GALLERY LADIES DAY LUNCHEON Page 18 INDEX