Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller John Freel Doug Twitchell

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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 - Jake Solomon Little Sir Tim Leveque Secretary - Ned Lawrence Ass t Sect y - Mike Kelly Treasurer - Paul Schofield Ass t Treas. Lon Sykes 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 John Freel Doug Twitchell State President - Donald Dill Region 10 Director - Jim Filippo Area 6 Governor - Frank Sokolowski MARIN COUNTY JUNE 2016 VOL. XLIII NO. 6 OUR 43ND YEAR BIG SIR S MESSAGE Inadvertently, Paul Bell s name was omitted from the list of perfect attendees for last year. Sorry about the oversight, Paul. For June Tamel Talk: BIG SIR Message I am pleased to welcome to our newest members: Ron McGinnis, Lee Turner, Chris Salak and Jim Norton. Many thanks to Ron Kosciusko and Paul Bell for their development and production of our website. Showing it at the luncheon in May was very much appreciated. Thanks, too, to Kurt Heilman and all the activity chairmen for their contribution to the success of the luncheon program. During the past month, I have attended meetings with Area 6 (Marin County) Big SIRs and Little SIRs, as well as Region 10 Big SIRs (Mostly Bay Area). I came away from these meetings with the understanding that all SIR branches have similar problems; for the health of our organization we must continually sponsor new members, and then we must keep our branch dynamic so that we retain those members. These goals can only be met with the on-going involvement of all members. Some members have frequently brought guest to our luncheons, but we would like to have guests at every luncheon. It is up to each of us to invite guests, who hopefully will become members. To assist members, we have a very dynamic recruitment committee Bill Donnelly, Norm Jensen, Doug Twitchell and Kurt Heilman. These members, as well as Big SIR and Little SIR are available to assist you if you need help in sponsoring friends, neighbors or acquaintances - just ask. Remember, every guest who completes and turns in a membership application at the luncheon, will receive a free lunch. And, if that guest becomes a member and attends 3 luncheons, his sponsor receives a free lunch. Also, this committee is concerned with making our members SIR experience better. To this end, we asked all members to complete the activity interest form. This was the basis for our May luncheon program. We encourage everyone to participate in as many activities, as possible. Folks, this is where the action is; this is where you will gain the most from being a member of SIR branch 47. I can tell you that I have made more friends in the four years that I have been in SiR, than in the other 40 years that I lived in Marin. Most of these friendships came from the activity groups. In order for our Branch to function and to abide by SIR state bylaws, we must fill certain positions and a branch executive committee. Our nominating committee compiles a slate of candidates for one year terms for 2017 that we will vote on in August. This is an opportunity for members to give a little back to the club. Of course, the key positions are those of Big SIR and Little SIR. These require responsible and dedicated leadership, but the positions themselves are not difficult. All past Little SIRs and Big SIRs will tell you that the two years they spent in these positions were enjoyable and gratifying, and all are willing to assist, if needed. As of this writing, the Branch 47 nominating committee has had difficulty filling the Little SIR position for The continuity of leadership is vital to the continued success of Branch 47. If you have an interest in filling the office of Little SIR for 2017, please contact me, and I will inform the nominating committee of your willingness, with much appreciation. Please use our address: sir47.org or the dedicated phone: if you are bringing a guest or visitor, or if you will miss the luncheon. You may use them to select the alternative entrée. YOUR CALL MATTERS and timely notification would be appreciated. Jake Solomon, Big Sir Page 1

2 APRIL SPEAKER'S REVIEW At some point we've all heard of or even been involved with "the Humane Society." It was the place where you dropped off a stray dog or cat or an injured animal and then went on your way. Or it was where you went to adopt a pet which had been lost or abandoned. Well, Nancy McKenney, Chief Executive Officer of the Marin Humane Society, was here this month to dispel some of these old and limited over-simplifications about the things modern humane societies do. Nancy pointed out that humane societies have changed a lot over the years; they are now not just "animal shelters," but organizations that do many different things "to improve the lives of animals and people through advocacy, education, and support." The Marin Humane Society was founded in 1907 in San Anselmo by Ethel Tompkins and "a group of concerned citizens who wanted to do something about lost and abused animals." It is now located in Novato, but its mission continues and has greatly expanded. It is the oldest non-profit in Marin serving about 258,000 people. They provide veterinary assistance as well as pet food for low income people, and they sponsor a "wet-nose therapist" program for volunteers and their dogs who go to as many as 60 facilities with their dogs to help patients heal faster and feel better. Helping people and their relationships with their pets is high on Nancy's list. There are dog training classes and workshops for families and people over the age of 62, cat classes and workshops, private training and behavior consultations for dogs and cats, and support for people with "small companion animals" (mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, and what have you?). Other services the MHS provides are microchipping for identification purposes and affordable neutering services, summer camps, and youth programs. They are particularly proud of their adoption and "return to guardian" services, which have "one of the higher return rates in the country." Sadly, they also have to deal with the realities of euthanasia (most often related to health or aggression issues), but Nancy is quick to remind us that they had only 359 of these cases last year, and "that is a pretty low number." Nancy reminds us that we all need to be better pet guardians for all kinds of animals, and that message appears to be gaining traction. Their "outcomes for animals received" is quite impressive and a testament to their dedication, knowledge, and efficiency. Though the Marin Humane Society and its volunteer staff of 95 people handle five to six thousand animals per year, their resources are not unlimited. They need volunteers and donations to help them continue their work. A trip to their website is most informative and inspirational, and I urge you to visit it: You'll see their "wishlist." Maybe you have something on it that they can use! And next time you are in downtown San Anselmo, you might pop into their thrift shop which has been around since Michael Kelly THIS MONTH S MENU Salad BBQ Baby back ribs and chicken, Cole Slaw, and corn Alternative: Grilled Salmon with corn Rolls and butter Dessert BR 47 GARDEN PARTY (for members, spouses & guests) at Jason s Restaurant, 300 Drakes Landing Rd. in Greenbrae WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016 Social 12 noon with 12:30 pm No Host Bar: $5 domestic beer, $6-7 wine, or $22 bottle 2-course LUNCH MENU 1st Course is Green Salad with Goat Cheese & pecans 2nd Course is CHOICE of (1) Brandied Chicken, (2) Salmon or (3) Pasta (Vegetarian) Includes: Sour Dough Bread, Coffee & Tea (AND cookies for those who can't resist some desert) PRICE: $ Contact: Chuck or mcdev095@aol.com Reservations must be received by June 10, 2016 Page 2

3 JUNE SPEAKER Meredith Imrie is the Community Liaison Officer for Whistlestop of Marin. She has been at this position since March She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Whistlestop was founded in 1954 as Marin Senior Coordinating Council. Whistlestop promotes the independence, well-being and quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities in Marin County. Whistlestops Active Aging Center provides delicious meals, educational classes, multicultural gatherings and referral services. Whistlestop also provides special needs transportation services through Marin Access, a partnership of Whistlestop, Marin Transit, and Golden Gate Transit. Executive Committee Meeting Highlights May Membership Report Stan Scullen and Charlie Wynn will become inactive effective immediately Don McInnis, Lee Turner and Christian Salak applications were improved for new membership Bob Wilson looked at the new Branch 47 website, was impressed, and will join soon. Big Sir Report Region 10 meeting was held recently and Project 2016 was discussed. Although advertising was discussed, it appears the branches will have to fund separately or collectively. The new state mission statement will emphasize new friends, having fun and de-emphasize retirement. Don Dill, state president, will present the Honorary Life Membership Certificate to Will Kaefer on 6/28. Treasurer s Report Lon Sykes reported that the current balance is $11, Six members have not paid dues for New Business The nominating committee needs to up their game in order to find a Little Sir for The committee will meet after May 24 lunch to discuss prospects and measures to insure acceptance on the part of the nominee. May 24 lunch will be $20 instead of $26 in order to pay homage to the attendees and new members. The motion to have the Board Meeting on the same day as the lunch was voted down by the Board members. Meeting Adjourned 11:47 Little SIR Tim Leveque Ned Lawrence Branch 47 Secretary Branch 47 Outings 1. Wine tasting and BYO Jacuzzi Winery to be scheduled midweek in July or August. The last sign up will our Tues May 24 luncheon. The exact time & date of the Wine Tasting will be determined by those who sign up. 2. Pacific s Baseball Club. Single game ticket from $12 $25. Next Games are: June 7, 8, 9,12, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30: July 12, 13, 14,19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 : Aug 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28. Those who sign up at our Tues May 24 luncheon will help to select the date that we attend as a group. Otherwise, go on your own when you wish. For more information contact 3 Marin Jazz Group regularly performs at The Mayflower Inn, th Street, San Rafael, (415) The 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month rom 7:30 9:30 pm. No cover, no minimum. Please join in the fun & good music and check out their website: 4. Sunday Pancake Breakfast on the the West Point Inn on Mt. Tamalpais from 9 am to 1 pm. Next times are Sunday June 19, July 10, Aug 14, Sept 11, and Oct. 9. Adults $10 / Kids $5. Hike or bike in if you wish. 5. The Richmond Museum Association pancake breakfast aboard the Red Oak Victory from 9 am -12:30 pm. Next times are on: June 19th Father s Day, Aug 14th, Sept. 11th Grandparent s Day and Oct. 9th. Adults $9; Children 8 & under $5. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, apple slices and coffee. For more info call or visit 6. Patrick Leveque sings at the Society Cabaret with Carl Oser on the piano and guests vocalists. (Patrick is Tim Leveque s son.) at. June 8 Hotel Rex in San Francisco. for tickets and info contact or Novato Theater Company: May 20 Jun 12 - Dancing at Lughnasa. A powerful story of five married sisters in 1930 s rural Ireland struggling with life, love and quest for freedom.for tickets contact novatotheatercompany.org 8. Ross Valley Players: May 17 Jun 19 - Anna in the Tropics (2003 Pulitzer Prize in Drama) Tolstoy, the tropics, and the American dream prove a volatile combination in this passionate, romantic drama. For tickets contact rossvalleyplayers.com or call Ex 1 9. Marin Theatre Company:June 2 June 26 Invisible. For tickets contact marintheatre.org. 10. Mill Valley Philharmonic Wed June 1, Fri June 3 and Sat June 4. The Concerto Competition Winners from the MV Philharmonic play violin, flute, trumpet concertos. Free Admission. The contact for more info is millvalleyphilharmonic,org 11.Fresh Start Chief Events by Homeward Bound of Marin. Food prepared by celebrity chiefs on Thursdays. June 2 (Brian Jones), July 6 (Josh Silvers), Oct. 6 (Tanya Holland), Nov 10 (Mark Stark). For more details contact: cookingschoolsofamerica.com/freshstartscookingschool or ex Other happenings by the Richmond Museum Associatio June 9 Aug 25 the 8h Annual Home Front Film Festival on board the Red Oak victory, showing old movies that helped shape the home front during WW II. * Cheers, Kurt Heilman Page 3

GOLF 6/1 WEDNESDAY Foxtail South (HOL) 08:00 134 Note Day Change 6/6 Monday Adobe Creek 08:00 151 6/13 Monday Blue Rock West 08:00 68 6/20 Monday Kennedy(Napa) 08:00 134 6/27 Monday Chardonnay 08:00

Start time: 10:45 AM. Come and share the fun! Contact Paul Schofield, Chair 892-7019 BRANCH 47 BOCCE First Monday of each month; no cost to play.

4 GOLF 6/1 WEDNESDAY Foxtail South (HOL) 08: Note Day Change 6/6 Monday Adobe Creek 08: /13 Monday Blue Rock West 08: /20 Monday Kennedy(Napa) 08: /27 Monday Chardonnay 08: Tom Brady, 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 First Monday of each month; no cost to play. 11:45 am (the lunch location varies but is near Sonoma Square), then 1pm at Depot Park, just north of Sonoma Square. Bring your own Bocce balls. Contact: Kurt Heilman or heilmanfour@ comcast.net to let him know if you want (1) to be on the mailing list & (2) to join us for lunch, play bocce or both. 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 TRAVEL Jun 3-19, 2016: Great American Wateways. A 15 night cruise on a small boat (Blount-88 passengers) which will sail across four of the Great Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. This adventure starts in Chicago and explores some of Michigan s charming small towns. Cost of $5560 to $7890, Port Charges, Taxes, occ insurance included. Mike Console, San Jose, Br 54 & 32, or John Pletsch, Jul 2-16, 2016: Alaska Land and Sea. A 15 day round trip air to Fairbanks returning to Vancouver. 7 days visiting Fairbanks, Denali, Mt Kinley, Kenai then board the Star Princess in Whittier for an 8 day cruise from Hubbard Glacier down the Inside passage ending at Vancouver. Cost $4845 to $5850 depending on cabin. Tim Rau, El Sobrante, Br 73, July 7-19, 2016: Eastern Europe to Black Sea. Start with 2 nights in Budapest, then embark on a cruise down the lower Danube to Belgrade, through the Iron Gates, then transit the Black Sea Canal to Constanta followed with a bus to Bucharest. There will be stops in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Cost from $4670 to $5670 including air fare, Jim Hohenshelt, Br.62, San Jose, or Roy Jordan, Jul 16-24, 2016: American Empress Steamboat Clarkston-Portland. This voyage through the Pacific Northwest shows you the bounty and beauty of nature, as well as the history of the this diverse region. Elegant Steamboat staterooms, free wine with dinners and free shore tours. 9 Days, All meals onboard. Starting a $4660. Bruce Bentley, Br 20, Santa Cruz, Jul 23/29, 2016: Hurricane Ridge & San Juan Islands. Pacific Northwest adventure! Viking Star Cruise & whale watching, Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge & Roche Harbor Tour. Old fashioned Cracked Crab Feast, Ride the Ducks in Seattle, Tour Pike Place Market and Chihuly Gardens & Glass Exhibit. Cost $2245 plus air. Richard Beers, Br175, Fresno, Questions?? Your Travel Chairman: Kurt Heilman Page 4

5 COMPUSIRS QUICKEN SIG 2nd Tuesdays, 10:am B. Bloch, GGCS, PERSONAL COMPUTERS (PC only) 1st WEDNESDAYS DIGITAL CAMERA STUFF 3rd Wednesdays Russ Flaum WEBSITE DESIGN SIG 3rd Tuesdays Paul Bell All Wednesday sessions are from 1:30 to 3:30 pm GGCS COMPUSIRS classroom First Presbyterian Church Fifth Avenue, San Rafael All are welcome. Open to all of Area 6. INVESTORS LUNCH BUNCH Second of the month at Sam s Place at 1545 South Novato Blvd. Order off the menu, and Meeting will start at 11:45, followed by presentations and discussions. Contacts: Pete Petrofsky , Will Kaefer , Brian Stompe MEMBERSHIP REPORT Summary: Actives Inactives - 7 Gains: 3 0 Losses: 2 0 PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2015 Russell FLAUM,Harry FORST, John FREEL, Bob GONZALEZ, Richie GUETTER, Mike KELLY, Peter C. KERNER, Ron KOSCIUS- KO, Ned LAWRENCE, Carlos A. MARTIN, George MILLER, Earnest RAVANI, Paul L. SCHOFIELD, Al SPRINGSTEAD, Laurence SYKES, Alan THOMAS, Doug TWITCHELL Richie Guetter won the free lunch. Alan Thomas and Peter Kerner won bottles of wine. APRIL LUNCH TICKET WINNER Richie Guetter JUNE BIRTHDAY BOYS 2nd Tome See, 5th George(PIK) Pikkarainen, 5th Hal Nygard, 15th Chuck McDevitt, 16th Doug Twitchell,17th Bill Lockett,18th RichardCharvat, 19th Al Springstad,26th Dee Stuever, 27th David Schieser, 28th Will Deady, 29th Forest Van Vleck MAY ATTENDANCE REPORT Total Members 103 SIR S GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP Reading Maketh The Full Man We meet in Hangar 5, Hamilton Field, Suite 200, Marin Community Foundation; No information provided for this month. Dick Locke, Chair, Howard Bassett, Emeritus Chair; Al Crozier & Dan McGreevy, Ass t Chairs, Jim Rohde, master, Don Pierce, Google man. BRIDGE GROUP The bridge group meets on the third Thursday of each month at a member s home. Play is from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. To reserve space and get directions for the next event, call or Charles Caviness: c.caviness@sbglobal.net Members Present 78 76% Guests: 3 Visitors: 0 To call-in non-attendance, order an alternative plate or to notify you re bringing a guest/visitor. Call or Text or sirbranch47@gmail.com with your request, giving name and badge number Please call by noon of the before the lunch date THURSDAY WALKING/HIKING GROUP 1st week each month: Jake Solomon nd week each month: Jim Hancock (Br.151) 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 5

THIS MONTH S ACTIVITIES CALENDAR Wednesday Jun 1 Golf (Note Date Change) Wednesday Jun 1 Personal Computers Class Wednesday Jun 1 Tennis Thursday Jun 2 Walking Group Jun 3 Bowling Monday Jun 6 Golf

6 THIS MONTH S ACTIVITIES CALENDAR Wednesday Jun 1 Golf (Note Date Change) Wednesday Jun 1 Personal Computers Class Wednesday Jun 1 Tennis Thursday Jun 2 Walking Group Jun 3 Bowling Monday Jun 6 Golf Monday Jun 6 Bocce Wednesday Jun 8 Tennis Thursday Jun 9 Walking Group Jun 10 Bowling Jun 10 Investors Lunch Bunch Monday Jun 13 Golf Tuesday Jun 14 Rolling Roamers Wednesday Jun 15 Digital Camera Stuff Wednesday Jun 15 Tennis Thursday Jun 16 Bridge Thursday Jun 16 Walking Group Jun 17 Bowling Tuesday Jun 20 Golf ( Wednesday Jun 22 Tennis Thursday Jun 23 Great Books Thursday Jun 23 Walking Group Jun 24 Bowling Monday Jun 27 Golf Monday Jun 27 Executive Board Mtg Tuesday Jun 28 Lunch Wednesday Jun 28 Tamal Talk Deadline for July Wednesday Jun 29 Tennis Thursday Jun 30 Walking Group 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, Jun 27, :30 AM at the Marin Community Foundation, Suite 200 Hangar 5, Hamilton, Novato TAMALTALK, SIR Branch 47 Ron Kosciusko, Publisher 402 Hilary Drive Tiburon, CA If undeliverable Return to Sender FIRST CLASS Place First Class Postage Here

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 --