Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell BIG SIR S MESSAGE

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell BIG SIR S MESSAGE"

Rudolf Shepherd
5 years ago
Views:

www.sir47.org INCORPORATED Our own website TAMALPAIS BRANCH NO. 47 A Non -Profit Public Benefit Corporation of Retired Men Devoted to the Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement.

1 INCORPORATED Our own website TAMALPAIS BRANCH NO. 47 A Non -Profit Public Benefit Corporation of Retired Men Devoted to the Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement. Big Sir -- Tim Leveque Little Sir Paul Bell Secretary - Ned Lawrence Ass t Sect y - Mike Kelly Treasurer - Paul Schofield Ass t Treas. Will Kaefer A SIR PUBLICATION Luncheon Meeting: McINNIS GOLF CENTER, SAN RAFAEL Fourth Tuesday of the month Happy Hour at 11:00 am, as always Editor/Publisher - Ron Kosciusko Attendance Committee Cashier - Glen Ohm Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell State President - Jerry Strain (sirjerry42@gmail.com) Region 10 Director - Jim Filippo Area 6 Governor - MARIN C OUNTY MARCH 2017 V OL. X LIV N O. 03 O UR 44 ND Y EAR BIG SIR S MESSAGE This year we plan to thank our fellow Sirs whose efforts and hard work make our branch successful. The best thanks we can give is a free lunch at our monthly gathering. We thank Bill Donnelly for ini a ng the Recruitment and Reten on Commi ee. He and his commi ee members have worked hard to find ways to bring new members to our Chapter. We also want to thank Chuck McDevi for organizing our annual holiday party. He has done so for the last 5 years. And finally we thank Alan Thomas for providing music for our luncheon and special events. Al three of these gentlemen have been Li le and Big Sirs of our Chapter. Our February lunch was a ended by 74 members and 2 guests. The food was good, the music was great and our speaker was excellent. We plan to have interes ng speakers all year. Be sure to invite a friend to our March luncheon. Finally, if you have not yet paid your annual dues, please do so before the end of March. Also, if you plan to a end a luncheon, please let Doug Twitchell know the before the event. See you at the March luncheon. Page 1

FEBRUARY SPEAKER REVIEW Andrew Barclay, who spoke to us on the last day of this abbreviated month, is the Public Informa on Officer for the California Highway Patrol for most of four coun es north of

2 FEBRUARY SPEAKER REVIEW Andrew Barclay, who spoke to us on the last day of this abbreviated month, is the Public Informa on Officer for the California Highway Patrol for most of four coun es north of the bridge. He's at home here, having been raised in Sonoma County, and you can tell he loves his job as a filter or liaison between the CHP and the public media. Something happens, he massages it, and BANG! It's in print, more or less. He told us that law enforcement is essen ally public rela ons, or more broadly, communica on. Hmmm. I'd never thought about it that way, nor have most of us, and that, for Andrew and the CHP, is the problem and also his main concern. Public percep ons of law enforcement have changed greatly over the years, from roman cized Hollywood treatments like "Dragnet" and "Chips" to programs like "Cops" which show the gri y side, along with network news which tries to capture the sensa onal. Andrew played for us a long harangue by Jack Webb in which Webb tries to discourage a young man from joining the ranks, lis ng all of the nega ves and concluding that "it's not much of a life" but concluding with a big reversal: "it's the only one." So, the public o en has the wrong percep on. Now it has a different one. How and when and where did views of law enforcement change? Andrew maintains it was the 1970 Newhall, CA incident in which four officers were killed during a rou ne traffic stop, and then in 1997 when two heavily armed and armored bad guys rob a bank and shoot up a town, outgunning the police. This (last) incident led to big changes, especially with regard to the kinds of weapons police now carry. Another incident that led to change was the Columbine School shoo ngs where police waited "too long to go in." Now they go in as soon as they arrive. Andrew is clearly disturbed by inaccurate public percep ons of police ac ons. To make his point, he showed us dash-cam footage of a motorcycle chase in which the rider was killed a er leaving his motorcycle and flying through a stout wooden fence. The media "crucifies" the officers as murderers, based on faulty eye witness accounts of the chase. Finally, the chase video is released clearly showing that the officers were not at fault. In another video Andrew showed us, a guy steps out of his stopped car and starts firing at the officer who behaves professionally and returns fire. In the final video, an officer is shown taking a gun away from a drunk man in the back seat of the patrol car and handcuffing the man who was being given a courtesy ride home because of his drunken state. This incident resulted in an excessive force complaint and obviously belongs in the you won't believe this bin! Andrew concluded by commen ng that officers find themselves "ba ling various [inaccurate] percep ons, TV, media, and they are being targeted." It's no wonder law enforcement officers are "on edge." Many have been killed. It's hard to do your job when you are on edge. It's even harder when you're dead. Thanks, Andrew, for your sobering presenta on. -- Michael Kelly MARCH LUNCH MENU March 28th Salad Chicken Toscana with penne pomodoro Alternative: Grilled Salmon with rice and vegetables Rolls and butter Dessert Note: Price increase to $27 SIR Br 47 Tax Party Wednesday April 12, 2017 Luncheon at the Marin Country Club 11:30 am social time and 12:00 for lunch Please invite your spouse and friends to join us. The cost is $27 / person for a 3 -course lunch which includes spinach salad, rolls & butter, and choice of main course: 1. Mushroom & Goat Cheese Stu ed Chicken, 2. Grilled Salmon or 3. Gnocchi Gorgonzola. 4. Also brownies & ice cream, co ee and tea. 5. There is a no host bar, for those interested. Although April 15 is tax time, we can still celebrate that your government will not take all of your money! So join us in this celebration Please make check payable to SIR Branch 47 and send to: Kurt Heilman, 457 Fieldstone Dr., Novato, CA Reservation and payment must be received by noon Monday April 10. Contact Kurt or heilmanfour@comcast.net

GOLF Chairman Tom Brady, 897-8573 March 6 Monday Foxtail North 08:00 $40 March 13 Monday Blue Rock West 08:00 $39 March 20 Monday Napa/Kennedy 08:00 $35 March 21 Tuesday *Bennett Valley 08:30 $40

3 GOLF Chairman Tom Brady, March 6 Monday Foxtail North 08:00 $40 March 13 Monday Blue Rock West 08:00 $39 March 20 Monday Napa/Kennedy 08:00 $35 March 21 Tuesday *Bennett Valley 08:30 $40 March 27 Monday Chardonnay 08:00 $40 9-Hole Golf at McInnis Park Mondays at 9:00 am, weather permitting BOWLING Bowling League bowling is every at Country Club Bowl, 88 Vivian Way, San Rafael. Start time: 10:45 AM. Come and share the fun! Contact Paul Schofield, Chair BRANCH 47 BOCCE The first Monday of each month; no cost to play. Spouses and guests are encouraged to attend. We start with 12 the Swiss Hotel on the Sonoma Square. Then we play about 1:30 pm at Depot Park behind the Swiss Hotel. Bring your own Bocce balls, if you have them. Contact: Kurt or heilmanfour@comcast.netto let him know if you want to be on the mailing list or to join us for lunch and bocce. TRAVEL Mar 6-12, 2017: Spring Training and Southwest Adventure. Fly to Phoenix and enjoy 2 spring training games and visit the Desert Botanical Gardens and Frank Lloyd Wrights Tallesin West. Day 4 travel from Scottsdale to Sedona and tour Sedona and the Grand Canyon area. Tour includes home pick up and RT airport transfers, professional guide, 6 nights accommodations, admission fees, baggage handling for one suitcase and all taxes.cost $2495 Brian Serpa, Br.141, or Rollo Parsons, Questions?? Your Travel Chairman: Kurt Heilman SIR ROLLING ROAMERS RV CLUB Join us for lunch 2nd Tuesday of each month & on our outings. For information, contact SIR Ray Canziani Branch 22, Wagon Master (415) TENNIS, ANYONE? Every Wednesday 9 AM McInnis Park Bill Donnelly or Glen Ohm REMEMBER: Our regular lunch dates are on the FOURTH TUESDAY, of every month Page 3

4 QUICKEN SIG 2nd Tuesdays, 10:am B. Bloch, GGCS, ADVANCED DIGITAL CAMERA STUFF 3rd Wednesdays, All Wednesday sessions are from 1:30 to 3:30 pm GGCS classroom First Presbyterian Church Fifth Avenue, San Rafael All are welcome. Open to all of Area 6. FISHING The shermen meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Novato United Methodist Church at 9:30am. For detaile d information,contact SIR Bill Cline, Branch Membership Report Summary Ac ves Inac ves Gains 104? Losses 1? Perfect a endence Future Free Lunch Awards --- Febuary Lunch cket Winner --- March Birthday Boys 3:3 John Rouch. 3:7 Marshall Gross 3:12 John Ciardelli. 3:13 Mar n Benson. 3:14 Al Anderson. 3:18 Robert Wilson 3:21 Laszlo Folk. 3:28 Hans Schmid. INVESTORS LUNCH BUNCH Second of the month at Sam s Place at 1545 South Novato Blvd. Order o the menu, and Meeting will start at 11:45, followed by presentations and discussions. Contacts: Pete Petrofsky , Will Kaefer , February Attendance Report Total Members % Members present 72 Guests -- Visitors 0 To call in non a endance, order an alterna ve plate or to no fy you re bringing a guest/visitor. Call or Text or sirbranch47@gmail.com with your request, giving name and badge number. BRIDGE GROUP The bridge group meets on the third Thursday of each month at a member s home. Play is from 10 am to 2 pm. To reserve space and get directions for the next event, call or Charles Caviness: THURSDAY WALKING/HIKING GROUP 1st week each month: Jake Solomon nd week each month Pierre Terrier rd week each month:al Springstead th week each month: Alan Thomas th week (if applicable): Dee Stuever Call leaders for details about future walks and hikes Page 4

5 Executive Committee Meeting Highlights Febuary Branch 47 Ou ngs A endees: Will Kaefer, George Miller, Tom Brady, Doug Twitchell, Ned Lawrence, Paul Schofield, Tim Leveque, Jim Kleiser, Mike Kelly Guests: Kurt Heilman, Bill Donnelly Big Sir Report: Bill Donnelly pointed out two items that needed correc on. The nine hole golfers meet every Monday morning instead of Wednesday. Bill will Paul Bell about an incorrect photo. Bill further men oned that the results of the direct mailings to handpicked zip codes were disappoin ng and Branch 47 should use different media to reach prospec ve members. Next Door has already been established throughout Marin and members who are on the distribu on should men on Sirs. Bill will publish some verbiage that all should u lize. Our branch lost seven members during 2016 and added seven members which resulted in a break even mode. Good but we hope to do be er in Tim suggested that the following members will receive a free lunch cket at the February 28 mee ng. Bill Donnelly has been instrumental in recruitment of new members. Alan Thomas plays music for our lunches and func ons. Chuck McDevi has organized our Christmas party for several years. A free lunch cket is one way to say thanks for suppor ng the branch and adding to member s experience. Li le Sir Report: The speaker for the February 28 luncheon will be a representa ve from the Highway Patrol. We will learn how this group serves and protects the community and will explain the license plates that we see on exo c cars in Marin. Treasurers Report: Our current checking account balance is $10, Slightly over half of the membership has paid 2017 dues. One deficit is $ for wine mostly for birthday lunches. Ken Griffin has upgraded our wine by tas ng numerous brands and selec ng one that suits his palate. New Business: When members and spouses sign up for special ou ngs and regularly scheduled events, cancella ons within 48 hours will not be reimbursed. There is an ongoing issue about members who neither call nor a end regular monthly func ons. Please remember that we meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month and it is important that all members call to let us know if they cannot a end. The board discussed ways to enforce this policy including a fine for those members who do not follow this procedure. The board voted to approve all Branch 47 regular ac vi es, func ons and ou ngs as listed on the website, Tamaltalk and roster book. Old Business: Alan Thomas and Joel Toste will receive free lunch ckets to be used when they are playing music for one of our lunches. Chuck Herbert is re ring from Sirs leaving Branch 47 with 103 members. Respec ully Submi ed Ned Lawrence Branch Secretary 1. The Mill Valley Philharmonic plays the East meets West at the 1889 Paris World s Fair shows the influence of Gamelan music on Western composers such as a Debussy, Ravel & Bartok. These are free concerts with walk-in seating. Fri March 10th, 8:00 pm Mount Tamalpais Unite Methodist Church, Mill Valley* Sat March 11th, 4:00 pm Mount Tamalpais Unite Methodist Church, Mill Valley Sun March 12th, 2:00 pm Angelico Hall, Dominican University of California, San Rafael * Please let Kurt Heilman know if you (including your spouse or guests) are interested in the Sat March 11th 4:00 pm concert with 6:30 Piazza D Angelo a er the Concert. I need to know count for making dinner reserva ons. As in the past, please bring cash in case separate checks are not able to be accommodated. 2. Marin Jazz Group regularly performs at The Mayflower Inn, th Street, San Rafael, (415) nd & 4th Wednesday of every month. 7:30 9:30 pm. No cover, no minimum. The May-flower features a full license, a wide selec on of beers and great pub food! Our own Wayne Colyer plays as well. Please join in the fun & good music and check out their website: 2. Marin Onstage at the Belrose Theatre: Feb. 4 Mar 7 IDEATION was wri en by East Bay Playwright Aaron Loeb and premiered at the SF Playhouse in 2014 to outstanding reviews. Senior ckets are $19. Contact marinonstage.org/ ckets for ckets or call The Sunshine Boys Mar 31 April 15 This is a Neil Simon classic of past glories of Vaudeville coming back to haunt the two actors in the team of the Sunshine Boys. Senior ckets $19. Contact marinonstage.org/ ckets for ckets or call Novato Theater Company: March 24 - April 16, 2017 "Company" A story by George Furth, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Pat Nims For ckets contact novatotheatecompany.org 5. Ross Valley Players: Mar 3 Mar 26, 2017 Bus Stop by William Inge. Jan April 7 April 23. Way out West, A World Premier, by Joel Eis. For ckets contact rossvalleyplayers.com or call Ex 1 6. Marin Theatre Company: March 1 April 2 A west coast premiers of Peerless by Jiehae Park For ckets contact marintheatre.org. 7. SIRS Day at the races on St. Patrick's Day, March Golden Gate Fields. Jack Friesen of Br 68 is coordina ng. The cost is $35pp. This is a fantas c opportunity for networking with SIR groups from other branches. The Turf Club package will include: Valet parking (or parking for a bus), admission and reserved seating, daily racing program, Turf Club buffet, tax/ p for the food servers. If you plan to a end, send Jack Freisen a check, payable to Jack Friesen, by Feb. 14, so he can make the reserva ons and get your ckets back in me. Jack Friesen s address is 11 Poco Paso, San Rafael, CA ph 415/ CHEERS, Kurt Heilman Page 5

6 THIS MONTH S ACTIVITIES CALENDAR Wednesday Mar 1 Tennis Thursday Mar 2 Walking Group Mar 3 Bowling Monday Mar 6 Bocce Monday Mar 6 9 Hole Golf Monday Mar 6 18 Hole Golf Wednesday Mar 8 Tennis Thursday Mar 9 Walking Group Thursday Mar 9 Great Books Mar 10 Bowling Mar 10 Investors Lunch Bunch Monday Mar 13 9 Hole Golf Monday Mar Hole Golf Tuesday Mar 14 Rolling Roamers Tuesday Mar 14 Fishing Wednesday Mar 15 Advanced Digital Camera Stuff Wednesday Mar 15 Tennis Thursday Mar 16 Bridge Thursday Mar 16 Walking Group Mar 17 Bowling Monday Mar 20 Nine Hole Golf Tuesday Mar Hole Golf (Note Date Change) Mar 29 Tamal Talk Deadline for March Wednesday Mar 23 Tennis Thursday Mar 23 Walking Group Mar 24 Bowling Monday Mar 27 Executive Committee MTG Monday Mar 27 Nine Hole Golf Monday Mar Hole Golf Tuesday Mar 28 Branch 47 Luncheon AREA 6 MONTHLY MEETINGS Br. # Branch Phone 7 The Club at McInnis Park 1st Thursday The Club at McInnis Park 1st Tuesday Club at Mcinnis Park 4th Tuesday Happy Hour - 11:00 am; Luncheon - 11:45 am 68 The Club at McInnis Park 2nd Tuesday Embassy Suites 1st Tuesday ATTENDANCE: Failure to attend three consecutive meetings without giving prior notice to the Attendance Chairman, and/or failure to attend at least 6 meetings within the previous 12 months, may result in termination. Condensed from Rule 100 of State Policy Manual Attendance at another branch meeting, duly recorded with the Attendance Chairman of that branch, will be credited to a member's attendance record (Rule 101). Call the branch phone listed above to secure a guest spot. SUNSHINE COMMITTEE Please report SIR illnesses or deaths to Bill Donnelly at EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet Monday, March 27, :30 AM at the McGinnis Park Golf Club Boardroom 350 Smith Ranch Road San Rafael, CA BRANCH 47 LUNCHEON MEETINGS IN 2017 Fourth Tuesday Of The Month January 24 (Tuesday) February 28 (Tuesday) March 28 (Tuesday) April 25 (Tuesday) May 23 (Tuesday) June 27 (Tuesday) July 25 (Tuesday) August 22 (Tuesday) September 26 (Tuesday) October 24 (Tuesday) November 28 (Tuesday) TAMALTALK, SIR Branch 47 Ron Kosciusko, Publisher 402 Hilary Drive Tiburon, CA

Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell

Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell www.sir47.org INCORPORATED Our own website TAMALPAIS BRANCH NO. 47 A Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation of Retired Men Devoted to the Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement. Big Sir --