THE LITTLE SIR SEZ. August HOTLINE Editor: Ekk Keller

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1 September 2015 THE BIG SIR COLUMN First of all, I want to congratulate all our officers and directors who were elected at out August luncheon. There were several hotly contested races (not), and the recommended slate won out. For your information, the 2016 officers will be: Big Sir Darryl Sweetland Little Sir Mike Long Secretary Erland Persson Attendance Secretary Bill Peterson Membership Secretary Bob Barnes Treasurer Ron Cassano Assistant Treasurer Dennis Fitzpatrick All of the above terms are for one year; however, the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer are for two consecutive one year terms. Our Director terms are staggered, but they are also elected annually. The 2016 Directors and the years remaining on their terms are as follows: Ed Benson One year Tony de Losada Two years Rob Laabach One year Phil Trapp One year Jerry Milano One year Our first time guest count is right on target, our rate of converting guests to members is a bit above historic levels and consequently, we are a bit ahead of our new member goal. Seventy-nine percent of you attend our monthly meeting; that's among the highest percentage in all of Sir. It's invite me a real treat to stand at the podium and look out over all of you. I'll miss it next year; maybe the new Big Sir Darryl will up sometime. Continued on page 2 Absences & Bringing Guests or SIRBR8Hotline@hotmail.com by Noon, Thursday before luncheon THE LITTLE SIR SEZ Well that was a change of pace, a comedian as our August presenter. Thanks to the efforts of Ed Cohn we were able to get Rex Meredith, a renowned International and Bay Area comedian, to entertain us with a variety of jokes and stories. Some a little more adult than others but what the heck, we re all adults. The comments I got after the meeting were all positive and that the change in venue direction to a lighter presentation was also well received. Now, on to our September Speaker. Tony de Losada has secured Dr. Sethi, a Urologist with Kaiser Hospital to speak to us on the many aspects of health and aging. He will be accompanied by Ms. Anne Cortez, of the Kaiser Occupational Health office. Not that any of us needs information on health and aging, since we re all so fit and healthy, but this should be a very interesting presentation. In closing this article I want to remind everyone NOT TO PLACE THEIR RESERVED SEAT CARD ON THE LUNCH TABLE WHERE IT WILL BE COVERED BY THE SERVERS WITH THE SALAD. As a suggestion slide it in the prongs of the fork. If the RESERVED SEAT card is covered another SIR will think the seat is still available. Thanks and see you in September. Darryl Sweetland, Little SIR August HOTLINE Editor: Ekk Keller Next SIR Luncheon: September 14 th 2015 Concord Hilton 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord Greeters: Steve Schramm & Ray De Wit. Executive Meeting: 9:00am Social Hour begins: 10:15am Luncheon starts: 11:30am HOTLINE INDEX = Spouses/Friends welcome Page # General Branch Business 1-4 Branch Positions 19/20 Activity Report 4 Annual Barbeque 4 Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5 Astronomy 5 Bargain Bites 5 Birthdays 17 Bocce ball (All) 5 Book Exchange 5 Book Group 6 Bowling 6 Bridge (All) 6-7 Car Enthusiasts 7 Computers and Tech 7 Cribbage 8 Digital Photography 8 Dominoes 8 Explore & Eat 8 Fishing 9 Genealogy 9 Golf (All) 9-10 Heads Up Walkers 10 Hikers 11 Hotline Input 4 Let s Dine In (All) 11 Let s Dine Out (All) 11 Luncheon Menu 3 Membership Report Picture Gallery Poker NANA 12 Pub Games 12 Senior Center Activities 12 Single SIR Dine Out 12 SIRS at the Games 12 SIRS in the Garden 13 SIRS in the Kitchen 13 Sums In Retirement 15 Sunshine Report 3 Traveling SIRS 13 Wine Articles (All) Writing Your Life Story 14

2 Big SIR continued That's it for now. Keep bringing in those guests and refer your non-sir friends to our new video on our website. If you want copies of our DVD, me, and I'll get them to you. By the way, send in your recommendation for the video's name, and you might win a bottle of wine from my cellar. As the old song goes, I'll see you in September... Best to all of you, Big Sir Ed 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 . Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Dave Perkins snikrepj@aol.com FOR ABSENCES AND GUESTS s sent to sirbr8hotline@hotmail.com for excused absences will be confirmed with a Reply it was received. Messages sent to personal accounts will not be answered. If a Reply confirming receipt of the 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. Please note calls to the telephone number will not be automatically returned since the greeting message confirms the correct number was reached. Please bring a guest, but if you want to be sure your guest has a place to sit and gets a meal, you need to do the following: Call the Attendance Secretary, Bill Peterson, on the attendance hotline: or by SIRBR8Hotline@hotmail.com on Thursday before the meeting. Then Bill can adjust his count for the caterer. MEMBER RELATIONS COMMITTEE I want to thank all of the activity chairmen and co-chairmen for keeping so many great activities in our branch. I feel the variety of activities is the main variable that separates our branch from others. Our activities are one of the main reasons why our branch is so great. Remember to carry several of our branch business cards in your wallet to give out to possible candidates for new members to our branch. Fill them out with your name and phone number as well. We will continue to award a random free lunch ticket on a quarterly basis to someone who is carrying a properly filled out card. We continue to do a good job in bringing in new guests and members. Our number of guests and new members are ahead of our goal for this year. By bringing in new guests, we keep our branch vibrant and active. Good job everyone!! Stan Johnson, Chairman of the Member Relations Committee COMMENT CARD CORNER One appreciated more room around the tables. He also thought the mallet (or gavel) was a good attention getter. Analysis of Comment Cards from August 10, 2015 Luncheon At the August 10 SIR Branch 8 lunch two members and three unidentified attendees submitted five Comment Cards. One was "Impressed", one was "Satisfied", and three gave no attitude. In August, food and the dining experience were the dominant subjects, with related comments including two good or excellent spinach salad, one 50/50 on the meat loaf, and one 99% on the dessert. A commenter thought we could reduce the amount of food and get a cost reduction. One table did not get their entrees until 11:45 AM and they were cold. Opinions about the program were mixed. One asked for more programs like this, one thought the past programs and speakers had not been boring, another said the program was efficient, and one, who thought there were too many dirty jokes, asked why the lady accompanied the speaker. The most interesting comment was in support of the invocation or prayer at the luncheon. SinSIRly, Jim Sowell LEGAL NOTICE This notice is available in the Roster and on the web site. RECRUITMENT We are two thirds into this year and we continue to look good numbers wise. We have 324 active members and are at 71% for new guests. As I have stated before numbers are not what we should be concentrating on. We need to continually be reaching out to our friends, neighbors and people we meet and give to them what has been given to us. The best recruitment method is still the members of the branch. Keep wallet cards handy and invite someone to our monthly luncheon. Chair: Don Dennler dondennler@yahoo.com 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 January and in July 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. 2 of 20

3 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. Bill Peterson attendance secretary 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. July2015TreasurersReport SIR Branch 8 BEGINNING CASH BALANCE $15, TOTAL RECEIPTS $6, July Luncheon $6, Hotline $21.00 Contributions $ TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $7, AT&T $14.00 July Luncheon $6, State 3rd Qtr Assessment $ Guest Expenses $ Video $ Hotline $77.38 Supplies $9.99 Gain or Loss ($1,253.15) Ending Cash Balance $14, Larry Yarberry HELP WANTED [No Want Ads this month.] ATTENDANCE REPORT Attendance for the August luncheon Active Members: Membership Prior to Luncheon 324 Members Inducted 4 Excused Absences - 68 Unexcused Absences - 9 Members Attending 251 Others: Applicants Waiting 1 Visitors - Guests - Speakers 10 Others Attending 11 TOTAL ATTENDANCE of 20 Guest Bob Gilroy Robert Hajosek Ken Hanna Jim Kawal Jim Lawson Don Martinez Alan Tom Bob van Galder Speaker/Comedian Rex Meredith Bill Peterson, Attendan Secretary Sponsor John Fagan Stan Johnson Ralph Reamy Dick Brewer John Fagan Stan Johnson Bob Poirier Bob Kahl 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 scottgraff@comcast.net LUNCHEON MENU FOR SEPTMBER Ice Burg Salad w/ Crumbled Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Ranch Dressing Beef Stroganoff Over Buttered Noodles Seasonal Vegetables Lemon Cake w/ Raspberry Coffee/Ice Tea VEGETARIAN MEAL OPTION We offer a vegetarian meal option to those who cannot eat the regular monthly entrées served at the luncheons. This is not intended to be a choice made each month simply as an alternative to the regular menu but to do our best to accommodate members health, dietary or religious needs on a permanent basis. Please call to discuss your particular situation. Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary STATE SIR HAPPENINGS A complete archive is now on the State website at President Bob's front page column "The Head Cheer Leader" is about his upbeat outlook on SIR and his positive suggestion on getting involved. He ends with "Be proud to wear the hat, the shirt and in some cases, the SIR cowboy belt buckle." Don't miss 2014 Big Sir Richard Green's article "Invite Them & They Will Come" about Lake of the Pines Branch 170 in Auburn turn around in membership. A great piece. There are many great articles about Sirs and what they are doing. Check the Travel Page for some exciting trips. A terrific issue - don't miss it. The SIR website has borrowed the travel page from "SIR

4 Happenings" and you may click here to see the new link. and then click on "Click to see a sample of SIR trips being planned" I hope you enjoy reading our latest edition. Don MacGregor Editor, SIR Happenings SUNSHINE REPORT Since the last Hotline Report the Committee has extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Joe Karg, and Walt Schick and extended condolences to the Rick Arvizu family and to the Mysore Gopal family. Sunshine Committee (br8sunshine@yahoo.com) Lawrence J. Mersmann (lmersmann@yahoo.com) ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRANCHES Breakfast Call Philip Magen Bridge Lunch 2nd/4th Tues. Milt Greenstein Comp Call Lo McCarthy Training Historical Call Rich Sjoberg Model Railroad Call Ted Westphal Stamps Call Rich Sjoberg Walkers Each Tues Lyle Deck Woodworking Call Gary Plisco Table Pool Call Bill Weinberg type style is left to the discretion of the Hotline Editors, we will try to preserve your format bolds and underline. Please avoid complex boxes and having the whole article in bold or ALL UPPER CASE LETTERS. For sending text, a word document or just typing into the message works just fine. Please avoid copying and pasting text from websites as this can require retyping before it can be used. To be sure your article is not missed, please put hotline activity and month into the Subject of your submittal Example: Hotline Activity - Poker for October. We, your Editors and Webmasters, are here to serve you, and we need your very important input. For the Website, send input anytime, but expect some possible delay before input is added. ACTIVITY REPORT You ve heard many times that our activities are one of the major factors behind the success of Branch 8. That is certainly true, but we don t recognize often enough the people who make our activities a success. We have 46 activities because we have 46 leadership teams of activity chairmen, co-chairmen and assistant chairmen who are making it happen for the rest of us. They are supported by members of their activities who take on needed participation roles. So what am I getting at there? We are constantly looking for people to step-up when asked to volunteer for leadership or support positions. If you are asked, it is probably because you are considered to be an excellent candidate. Please do your part to keep us strong and thriving when asked to help. 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 will not be included in the Hotline. Current Hotline Editors (Hotline Coordinator *) Dan Weller* dweller@astound.net Barry Brown barry@bkbrown.net Chuck Joyce joycc003@gmail.com Ekk Keller ekkeller@astound.net Jim Ripley jimrip99@aol.com Website Editor, Webmaster, and Activities Page Derek Southern derek.southern@gmail.com Asst. Website Editor - Bill Hunter wkhbill@pacbell.net Please be brief, we will attempt to keep the articles worded as you wish them to be presented. Please place the Chairman and other contact information at the bottom. While formatting and 4 of 20 It s also OK to not wait by proactively asking your activity chairman where he could use some help. You ll quickly discover that it is fun and rewarding to be part of an activity leadership team. Coordinator: Phillip R. Trapp Home; Mobile; Fa ANNUAL BRANCH 8 BARBEQUE Annually, Sirs in the Kitchen puts on the Branch 8 BBQ, usually held in June before the really hot weather and travel time. We will publish the date next Spring, and we hope that many of you can join the 140 of us from Until then, Happy Trails. Should any of you have any ideas on how we could improve from 2015, please contact Chairmen Ed Benson and Walt Schick.

5 ASTRONOMY There will be a regular meeting of the Astronomy Activity in September immediately following our regular luncheon meeting. Our speaker in August, Jeff Adkins, gave an excellent presentation on "Measuring the Age of the Universe. Not only did we get exposure to some fascinating astronomical concepts but we got a taste of doing some "hands on" data analysis in support of the theories. For September, as a follow up to August's presentation, we'll view a video lecture by Filippenko on the expansion of the Universe and the Big Bang. Our Web page at is updated frequently with new information, videos and links relating to upcoming topics. Bill Hunter, Chairman; wkhbill@pacbell.net Leary Wong, Asst. Chair: kinglear3@aol.com ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIES BARGAIN BITES Arts & Crafts will have exhibits every three months starting in July and will expand the program based on interest. Chairman: Al Steunenberg als2nnbrg@comcast.net No report for Bargain Bites was received for the September issue of the Hotline. Stay tuned for upcoming dates for dining out in next month s issue. Watch for the Announcement. If you would like to be placed on the list. Just send a note to resmith62@aol.com and say Place me on the Bargain Bites List. You will receive personal s in advance of the Hotline. Chairman: Ron Smith , BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY resmith62@aol.com This is the status as of August 14th. Top % => 25 Games Name Branch Won Lost Games Winning % Erland Persson Danny Rinaldi Don Atwater 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. 3. If a game is tied games then it is not added to the results. 4. On August 14 2 teams on 1 court actually played 5 games which was very unusual as we normally only manage 3 or fewer games. Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Charirman: Danny Rinaldi: dmrinaldi@astound.net BOCCE BALL LEAGUE PLAY The 2015 Concord Bocce Ball Federation (CBF) League season began on May 3, 2015 at Newhall Park and Baldwin Park courts in Concord. We (SIR Bocce team name) play 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 and 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). Our standings as of August 11 th : Games Played Won Lost We are still struggling this year but do enjoy the outings. Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chariman: Danny Rinaldi: dmrinaldi@astound.net The 2015 Bocce Ball Open season is in session. We begin play at 8:30 am. We play on the Concord courts in Newhall Park. 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. 5 of 20 BOOK EXCHANGE If you read it and liked it, bring it! We encourage and want you to bring books to share. Our mantra is 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. Unfortunately we have started to get books donated that appear to be from someone's housecleaning: old textbooks, travel guides from 2000 (or earlier!!), etc. although we immediately weed

6 these from our collection, it would be better if our members would remove these before bringing them to the meeting.. We have marked some of the boxes with red tape indicating NEW BOOKS which we place at the end of the table of our Book Exchange boxes. Just drop any new books or books from the collection you are returning in these marked boxes. That way everyone knows what is NEW. Lastly, I wanted to thank Ken Main for his years of service in the Book Exchange. Ken was the Chairman of the Book Exchange for a couple of years and has been Assistant Chairman for several more years. Ken has become increasingly involved in the leadership of other Branch 8 activities and has decided to retire from the Book Exchange so he can focus on these other activities. Replacing Ken as Book Exchange Assistant Chairman is Alan Curtis...Welcome Alan! 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: Stan Orlik, stanner1@sbcglobal. Assistant Chair: Alan Curtis, alancurtis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Chair: Rob Laabak, rlaabak@yahoo.com BOOK GROUP In July we read 'The Setup', a non-fiction book by local Diablo Magazine senior editor, Pete Crooks. It is about a private investigation company staffed by East Bay soccer Moms, Reality TV and a number of dubious, illicit and illegal activities. After a scoop in Diablo Magazine, Pete wrote about his experiences in this book. Pete raises many issues around integrity, trust and a life in the shadows of the East Bay. The local connection kept most of the group hanging in to the end of the book, but we expect Pete to make this a one off. The book did spark a vigorous discussion with everyone bringing their thoughts on the content and how Pete might have presented it differently to the table. Of particular concern were the things going on in our back yard! Next up, for discussion in August, is Wallace Stegner's 'Angle of Repose'. This is often cited as his greatest book, so here's hoping its a great success with the group. Here are the books the group will be reading for the remainder of If all or any of these look interesting to you, why not have a read and join us for discussion. August Ficton Wallace Stegner Angle of Repose September Non Doris Kearns Goodwin Team of Rivals October Fiction Annie Proulx The Shipping News November Non Amity Shlaes The Forgotten Man The Book Group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Round Table Pizza on Treat blvd. me, Nick Maufe, if you are interested in joining us. Chairman: Nick Maufe ; Nickmaufe@gmail.com BOWLING BOWLING Rport for September 2015 Annual Reno Tournament The Reno tournament was held August More than 280 SIR bowlers and their spouses participated in this event. Area 2 was well represented by 16 bowlers (four four-person teams). The tournament results were not available in time for this Hotline edition. Winter Leagues Branch 19 SIR League - Branch 19 (Concord) sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. There are eight four-person teams. Ladies are welcome if you would like to bowl with your life partner. The league starts up again September 9th. Contact Dan Weller if you would like to join this fun activity. SIR State-Wide Tournament Schedules, Applications and Results Are On Line: To access the SIR State bowling information, open the state bowling web site at You can find tournament schedules, applications, and results on the site. Upcoming SIR Bowling Tournaments: DATE LOCATION COMMENTS Sept 13 Sept 18, 19 Fremont Lake Tahoe CHAIR: Dan Weller dweller@astound.net AST. CHAIR: Jim Erickson jim@jterickson.com BASIC BRIDGE The Basic Bridge format is open to players of many levels. Each table will have a coach. For beginning players there will be a review discussion after the hand has been played. The more advanced players have noncompetitive, free play. All players are invited to ask questions and offer friendly advice on mistakes at any time. The sessions are co-ed. Basic Bridge is held on the first Thursday of the month from 1:30 3:30 PM at Round Table Pizza located on Treat Blvd. near Oak Grove Road. Come early for lunch as that is our payment for use of the room. Call Rod Spicer, , to be added to our reminder list Rod Spicer, Chairman, , marod61@att.net Al Hudgens, Co-Chairman, December No Book January Fiction John Grisham Sycamore Row 6 of 20

7 BRIDGE DUPLICATE ONE Bridge 1 met August 14, 2015 for the regular monthly session at Chateau II in Pleasant Hill. Top finishers were: 1st Myrtle-Spicer 38.5 points 2nd Hubinger-Woolf 38 3 rd Bingham-Steichen 35.5 No slams were bid and only one board offered slam potential that 2 teams were able to realize.in fact, the card were so evenly distributed for most of the session that games were bid and made on less than a quarter of the boards. A high score of 1100 for a board was earned by the Grisanti-Regan team when they doubled an errant vulnerable 5 clubs over 4 hearts save attempt and set their Duplicate opponents 4 tricks. Thanks to Ernie Sherne for hosting and set-up. Rod Spicer will have the duties next month. Also, Thanks to Gary Plisco, Ken Main, and Tom Henry for subbing. Players are reminded not to use the parking close to Chateau II as that is needed for the residents and their guests. Our group is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our regulars, Mysore Gopal Substitutes are often needed and any SIR wishing to play should contact: Chairman: Bob Kahl Asst. Chairman Dick Long Asst. Chairman Ton Hensley BRIDGE RUBBER COUPLES BRIDGE The August 17, 2015 Couples Bridge session had 4 tables or eight couples with our usual fun, competitive games. We welcomed a new couple to our group : Don and Dorothy Cvietusa. Ralph and Bobbie Schweinfurth took first place this time, followed closely by the Yeraka's and the Brown's for second and third place. Our next game will be Monday September 21, 2015 ( our normal third Monday of the month). Mark your calendars! If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Ken Main ( or Les Hopkins) by phone or . We are always in need of substitutes or regulars. We meet at Round Table Pizza on Treat Blvd ( near Oak Grove) in Walnut Creek, with play starting at 1:00 PM. Join us for lunch before play begins. Chairman : Ken Main - Phone - (925) mainkenneth46@gmail.com" CAR ENTHUSIASTS The Car Enthusiasts outing for September is on: Saturday, September 12, 2015 "Madness on Main Street Car Show." 10 AM to 3 PM. In Martinez, 649 Main Street. The plan is to meet for lunch at 11:30 at a restaurant yet to be determined and then view the show in groups or at each individual's pace. The Show is from 10 AM to 3 PM so Activity Members can view the show prior to lunch or after, whatever meets their scheduling needs. The show is free. Lunch is no host. Traveling and other conflicts knocked down our attendance this month. However, we got some special distributions of cards. Tom Hensley got five hands with 20 plus points. The best players this month were: Tom Hensley (7070); Judd Rogstad (6160); and David Bushnell (5530). The scores ran from 1770 to 7070 with the median score being about This score was really high for such a small group. All bridge players are invited to our game on the first Thursday of the month. We play at Round Table Pizza on Treat Blvd. near Oak Grove Road. The game starts at 9:00 AM. Please arrive at 8:45 so we can start on time. Respond to Al Welch s reminder early because the last person to respond may be eliminated if the tables are full. Chairman, Rod Spicer, ,marod61@att.net CO-Chairman, Al Welch, , maynal41@hotmail.com BRIDGE DUPLICATE TWO No input for September Chairman: Max Creamer ASS T CHAIR: Jerry Milano jerrymilano@astound.net 7 of 20 The October outing will be Sunday, October 4, 2015 "Coffee and Cars" Blackhawk Plaza, Danville. Details of the event will follow. To truly enjoy this event we must arrive around 7 AM to see the cars arrive and stage, and the program is over at 10 AM when they all leave. To get maximum pleasure from the activity we must not only look at the show we need to hear it. More later on this outing. Car Enthusiasts continue to meet the 1st Tuesday of each month at Round Table Pizza, oak Grove and Treat, Concord, at 1 PM. Contact Tom Morhman or myself if you wish to join the activity. Chairman: Chick Lowry, clowry2845@aol.com Asst. Chair: Tom Mohrman (cell) mustangtpm@gmail.com COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY At our August meeting, the discussion was "How to fix a slow computer, presented by Dean Steichen. Very worthwhile and you can check out Dean s presentation at: Next month, we re looking at Personal Information Available on the Internet. Just how much information is on the internet about you? How do you find information about old friends and relatives? Phil Goff will show us the data that is publicly available for just about everyone. It s

8 fascinating and a little scary but it s the reality of the internet. Come join us on Thursday, September 17, to learn more about this topic. We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, September 17, 2015, 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 September meeting is another one of those! All SIR members and their guests (spouses included!) are welcome to attend. See you there. Chairman: Bill Phelon rphelon@juno.com CRIBBAGE Cribbage Results for August 2015 August 5 There were twenty SIRS who participated. Steve Strobel had the high score for the day with 346 points followed by Bob Parker with 280 points, third place went to Ron Draper with 271 points, followed by Larry Mersmann with 262 points and Dennis Mierzwa with 250 points. August 18 We had thirteen participate in this session. Dennis Mierzwa had the high score the day with 330 points. Second place went to Greg Ryan with 292 points followed by Larry Mersmann with 263 points and Joe Maurino with 220 points. The Cribbage Group meets on the first Wednesday and the third Tuesday of each month at Round Table Pizza on Treat Blvd. at 1 PM. Please join us if you have played Cribbage or would like to learn the game. Our next meetings are on Wednesday, September 2; Tuesday, September 15; and Wednesday, October 7. Overall Results thru August are as follows: Highest Individual Game Scores Bob Parker/Steve Strobel 143 Frank Begert/George Schultz 123 Frank Begert/Herb Hellsten 121 Ron Draper/Joe Maurino 121 Joe Maurino 119 Highest Daily/Total Scores Herb Hellsten 435 Steve Bishop 364 Steve Strobel 346 Dennis Mierzwa 330 Terry Mason 313 Highest Per Game Average Score (50% of Games Played) Larry Mersmann Herb Hellsten Don Atwater Jerry White Steve Bishop Chairman, Herb Hellsten hchell@astound.net Asst. Chairman, Ron Draper r-draper@pacbell.net DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY The Digital Photo Group met in August at the Larry McEwen residence to view our efforts at Photo Composition. It s amazing how well our group does with photo composition, even if some of it is the result of post photo shot manipulation. The next meeting of the Digital Camera Group is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday September 18, at the Dave Davis residence. The general assignment for the meeting is Landscape Photography. Assignment Chairman Dave will be ing us some suggestions. Please remember the quantity rule (a dozen or less) and the clean flash drive requirement. (COSTCO still has a sale on flash drives, in case you needone.) Our September host, Dave, will be sending out reminders / directions and looking for attendance confirmations a week or so before the meeting. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided, for which we ask a $2 donation. All levels of photographer, from point and shooter to sophisticated DSLR users are welcome Bill Phelon, Chairman rpheon@juno.com Dave Davis, Vice Chair, dav.davis@comcast.net DOMINOES the game. Wanted: New Players for Domino's Have you wanted to learn how to play dominoes? Here's your opportunity. We are looking for members who would like to learn the game. The thought is to set up a table with beginners and one or two current domino players to show you how to play We meet at ROUND TABLE PIZZA located at 2960 Treat Blvd, Concord Calif. Hours of play are 11:00am to 2:00pm. We usually purchase coffee or lunch. We donate $5.00 each and we keep score by points. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place take home the money. We'd love some new players and always have fun. Please join us on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month. Chair: Danny Rinaldi dmrinaldi@astound.net EXPLORE AND EAT Events for the month of September: A DeYoung Art Tour on September 1st, and an Angel Island outing Thursday, September 17 th Come and join us on Angel Island for an Open Air Tram Tour around the Island, A Guided Tour of the Immigration Center, Hiking to the top of Mt. Livermoore, or perhaps just enjoying the ambience of a Picnic Lunch. Pick one or any combination thereof! 8 of 20

9 DETAILS: Full information on costs, transportation arrangements, eating facilities, exact times, etc to follow in the Branch 8 . Come join us and bring your family and friends!! Website for general information: Chairman: Ron Woods - shepwoods@comcast.net Ass t: Larry McEwen; ; elmwoodeux@comcast.net AREA 2 FISHING 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, September 24 th, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf Course at 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30am. Barry Rauchle, Brad Hatcher, Gordon Linebaugh, Steve Paulick, and Carl Moyer caught salmon on a fishing group charter from Half Moon Bay. Gordon landed a 28 pound brute, his largest ever. Clem Teeters caught an 18 lb salmon, and Bob Decker got a 14lb salmon fishing out the gate. Karl Droese caught a 17 lb salmon upriver fishing with Paul Dubow. Barry Rauchle, Ken Konzak, Jack Waddell, and Chuck Vanoncini. Karl Droese, Joe Miscione, and Dick Thomson brought home 75 salmon from an Alaskan trip. Closer to home, new member Ray Pixton, Carl Moyer, Alex Go, Harry Sherinian, Terry Miller, Gene Schulting, Barry Rauchle, and Gordon Linebaugh caught big catfish from San Pablo Reservoir. Harry and Mike Corker caught many black bass in the delta. We will be very busy this fall with: delta fishing for bass, catfish, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, and sturgeon; trout and catfish in mountain and local lakes, salmon and rockfish on the ocean. We live in a fishermen s paradise. Big Fish: Dick Thomson ( ) Branch 8 Coordinator: Carl Moyer, ( ) Treasurer/Secretary: Romano Gnusti,, ( ) GENEALOGY The SIR Genealogy Activity is a new activity for the purpose of assisting members wanting to research their family's genealogy. Since this activity can be pursued on-line at home when the member chooses, there is not a strong need to hold frequent meetings. We are well aware there is a strong interest in genealogy. Your thoughts and ideas towards improving this activity will be appreciated. Anyone wanting advice or guidance in the research of genealogy, please contact: Chairman: Dan Smith dns.lns02@astound.net or cell GOLF 18 HOLES 18 Hole Golf September 2015 Our Club 18 Hole Golf September 2015Championship was played on July 20 and27. There was serious competition and congratulation to all who participated. Low net winner was Kevin Roberts (net score 164) and Stan Johnson was low gross (127). Both Kevin and Stan were not presented their awards at our July luncheon as Kevin, along with team mates Terry Mason, Derek Southern and Ken Micheli were participating in the State Tournament that was being held at Poppy Ridge. They ended up in 11 th place, out of 36 teams, just out of the money.to shoot one s age is quite an accomplishment. Well, three of our guys did so at Diablo Creek, David Platter (second time for Dave) Ed Myrtle, and Harry Hubinger, is this the second time for you, Harry?. They join an elite group of golfers including Jack Stack,Hal Samson and Gordon Batesole (Pacxific Grove) Who will be next? August 17 was our Team ScrambleThere were many dropouts due to the high temperature as well as smoky conditions. When the smoke cleared ( not really) the team of Steve Schramm, Bill Hunter, Jack Schweitzer and Stan Johnson were the victors. Good going, guys. Our next Branch 8 tournament will be on September21. This will be a 4 Man Scramble So sign up, come out and have a good time. Dave Platter, Chair: golfplatter@hotmail.com Bill Koski, Communications: billkos36@comcast.net GOLF 9 HOLES We are still attracting around thirty players most weeks and anyone (with golf clubs or willing to rent some) is welcome to participate. Any new members who indicated they were interested and haven t had chance to join us yet please feel free to turn up any Wednesday around 8:30 am at Diablo Hills Golf Course in Walnut Creek we always have room for another player. Remember the weekly results are posted on the website and player stats based on the year are posted thanks to our statistician and general information guru Dick Brooks. A full report of the DAI tournament, complete with pictures, has been posted on the Branch website under the 9 hole group/dai Tournament page. Take a look it was a great day! Bill Bargenquast is our Marshall for September so let us all give him a big hand for volunteering! Barry Brown, Chair: barry@bkbrown.net Phil Philpot, Asst. Chair: jr5753@comcast.net of 20

10 COUPLES GOLF Couples Golf activity report for the September Hotline Marshals Larry and Holley Yarberry hosted a record breaking 31 golfers to the August 13, 2015 modified shotgun golf event at Diablo Hills Golf Course. The golfers all arrived by 8:45 am, and the shotgun start began on three different starting tees. The marshals set a format giving the following points: hole in one = 5points; eagle = 4; birdie = 3; par = 2 and 1 for a bogie. The winners were Bill Hunter and Marilyn Steichen, but it was a close competition for some! The winners were given a sleeve of balls, and the Maciak/Gawura s offered like new balls to all (they live on the course). Shooting half their ages were Bill Hunter (actually less than half his age) and Gordon Batesole. Rumor has it that Paul Laderer also shot less than half his age. We also welcomed our newest members Bill and Konnie Collins!! Once again, the whole group agreed that the modified shotgun start was the best way for us all to begin at the same time so that we can enjoy lunch together. Our September 10 marshals will be Paul and Sue Derby, and they will announce the play format in aa forthcoming . SIR COUPLES GOLF is open to any twosome who would like to join. Please contact Chairman Paul Derby, derby.paul@comcast.net, or go to the activity description on the SIR Branch 8 website for additional information. Please try to sign-up at least 1 week prior to September 10 so that we can make tee times and lunch reservations. Paul Derby (Derby.paul@comcast.net) or consult our website ( and click on Golf for Couples on the right hand side.) Please sign-up on the website, or contact Paul Derby at: derby.paul@comcast or mobile TRAVELING NINE HOLE GOLF Here s the first Hot Line article for Traveling Nine Hole Golf, our newest activity: Traveling 9-Hole Golf is our newest activity, with Phil Philpot as Chairman and Dick Brooks as Assistant Chairman. The activity will be a once a month on a week day TBD. The scope is to travel (carpooling recommended) to NINE HOLE golf courses within a one hour driving distance. The target tee time will be approximately 10:00am, with the possibility of lunch following. The activity is open to members, applicants, spouses and guests. The details of operation such as: sign-up deadlines, making start times, car pool arrangements, etc are in the process of being worked out. HEADS UP WALKERS Septmeber 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. 8/27/2015: 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: Boudin Bakery. Leader: Ken Main 9/3/2015: Concord: Newhall Community Park. Meet at parking lot on Turtle Creek Rd. off Ayers Rd. Some elevation changes to the Viet Nam Memorial. Cafe: Bagel Street Cafe. Leader: Lynn Jones 9/10/2015: 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 4 or 5 quarters. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Ray Tenzer 9/17/2015: Orinda: Tilden Regional Park, Inspiration Point. Exit Hwy 24 at Orinda, north on Camino Pablo (~2 mi.), left on Wildcat Canyon Rd., (~2 mi.) to Inspiration Point parking lot on the right. Cafe: Geppetto's Cafe. Leader: Roger Lockwara 9/24/2015: Pleasant Hill: C.C. Canal. Meet in the shopping center parking lot at the corner of Taylor & Morello, (North of the service station). Cafe: Panera Bread Cafe. Leader: Steve Pierce 10/1/2015: 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: Terry Norton 10/8/2015: 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 Chairman: Dan Weller Home: Cell: dweller@astound.net Assist. Chair: Erland Persson, erland.p@comcast.net Chairman Phil Philpot ; jr5753@comcast.net Co-chair: Dick Brooks or at balte1@comcast.net 10 of 20

11 SIR HIKERS The September 8, 2015 Bollinger Creek Loop Trail is a short Easy-rated hike in the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. The hike is 2.9 miles long with about 350 ft Accumulated Elevation Gain (AEG). There are short climbs at the beginning and end of the hike, with much of it a pleasant journey along Bollinger Creek on level, shady trails. Total hike time will be approximately 1.5 hours, including a few rest stops. There is a.75 mile extension for those who want to hike a bit more. This hike will start at 10:00am. Restrooms are at the trail head. Bring your own water. For more details, including directions, car-pooling, what to bring, map, pictures, and optional lunch see the SIR Hiker web page at Hike Leader: Phil Trapp, home , cell Coordinator: Dave Davis The September 29, 2015 Hard hike will be a 6-mile loop in the Sibley Volcanic Preserve and the Huckleberry Botanical Preserve. The trails in the area follow the ridges and explore the creek bottoms. We will have some sun and lots of shade as well as plenty of ups and downs. In Sibley we will walk on the selfguided Volcanic Tour and walk around part of the 10-millionyear-old volcano Round Top. We will also visit the ecological jewel of Huckleberry Botanical Preserve. The native plant community here is found nowhere else in the East Bay. About 1/3 of our hike will be on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. We meet at the Sibley Preserve Staging Area at 9:30am. For more details, including directions, car-pooling, what to bring, map, pictures, and optional lunch see the SIR Hiker web page at Hike Leader: Tom Kerns (925) (H) jtomk01@aol.com Coordinator: Dave Davis (925) (H) Dave.davis@comcast.net LET S DINE IN # 1 We did it again. Another wonderful meal. Walt Schick out did it with stuffed pork chops. Sides were superb. Lunns corn dish, Cassanos green bean,tomatoe and feta salad, Denesses Russian Pastry for dessert and appetizers from the Ripleys. The wine flowed(as usual) You new members need to get together and start another Dine In, the ladies love it. Ron Cassano, heat diner. Chair: Ron Cassano: roncassano@gmail,com of 20 LET S DINE IN # 2 The dine in 2 group will have a tough time to beat the last extravaganza that took place at the home of Bill and Pat Eich! The plan is to meet next month at the home of Ed and Era Cohn in early September.( To be announced) The plan is to have a truly Mexican meal and it will take place on the patio of their home, weather permitting! We have all been regaled with gourmet offerings all year long and the Host and Hostess thought it would be a change of pace to delve into the exotica of the food of Mexico. It will be a radical change and hopefully it will be well received for a warm, summer evening. The group consists of ten people or five couples and we have been together for several years! No one wants to leave! Until that occurs, we have no openings to join. Frankly, I hope that remains that way as it is a super, compatible group as it is! Co-Chair: Ed Cohn; gitano2@att.net Co-Chair: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com LET S DINE OUT # 1 SEPTEMBER 24 TH 2015! For our first fall dining out event we will be attending The Brass Door in Danville with the Ripley s hosting on Thursday September the 24 th. ************* Sirs and their ladies as well as Single Sirs are invited to join us on for an evening of social and dining enjoyment. Your host and hostess for the evening will be Jim and Christine Ripley. This historic restaurant has been in business for over 60 years and has always provided us with an enjoyable dining experience. As SIR s, we have been visiting this location for many years now and always have had a full house. Unfortunately the price has gone up but it is still top quality. The details of the Restaurant are as follows: The Brass Door 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA website: The Details of the dinner are: Dinner time: 6:00 p.m. No host bar: 5:00 p.m. Menu is as follows: Choice of: 1) Senior cut of prime rib (8 oz.) 2) Fresh pacific salmon 3) Chicken breast parmigiana Dinners include: a California salad (spring mix, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and honey balsamic vinaigrette), appropriate starch and vegetable, ice cream dessert, coffee or tea. Price: $39.00/per person (includes sales tax and gratuity)

12 We have reserved the east room that can hold up to 40 people. Make checks payable to: Jim Ripley 202 Harrington Court Alamo, CA (Please indicate Dinner Choice) RSVP Early (No later than Sept 13, 2014) to: Jim or Christine Ripley: (home) (Cell) CHAIR: Ken Main CO-CHAIR: Don Allen LET S DINE OUT # 2 When: Wedneday, September 23rd Time: 5:30 PM Place: Miraku, Japanese Cuisine at 2131 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek Hosts: Dennis & Marcy Mierzwa, Phone: dennis.mierzwa@arr.net Separate menu choices and separate checks for each. Contact Dennis and Marcy now as the earliest birds get to be included. Dine Out 2 is a Branch activity that encourages friendly dining in small groups (maximum of 4 couples). For announcement of current and future dinners, check our web page often Hosts and guests are wanted for future Dine Out 2 activities. Contact chairman Don and look forward to a pleasant meal with friends. As a host you are expected to: Select a restaurant, date and time Arrange for a table of 8 and separate checks per couple As a guest you are expected to: Contribute to a sociable evening and pick up your own tab. Dine Out 2 events will then be promoted for the benefit of other Branch 8 Sirs and their ladies. Groups of eight lend themselves to interesting conversations with fellow Sirs and their partners as well as allowing restaurants to show off its service and cuisine best. We are fortunate to have so many restaurants in the area. Please share some of your favorites and host a Dine Out 2 activity. Chairman Don Atwater datwater@pacbell.net AssChair Jerry Milano jerrymilano@astound. POKER Come join us for poker! Players wanted. We offer refresher games at 10:15 before the Monthly Luncheon for any member who wants to try again. Call Dan Franklin if you want to sit in to learn. You can also sit in to help our new players. We now have 9 groups and the playing days are shown in the table below. First Monday First Tuesday First Friday Second Tuesday 3rd Wednesday Third Thursday Fourth Monday Fourth Tuesday Fourth Thursday Our groups meet usually from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group members rotate as hosts, providing drinks and munchies. Deal rotates; dealer calls the game and antes a quarter-- three-raise limit. We play nickel, dime, and quarter. It s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with a great group of guys! Chair: Ekk Keller ekkeller@astound.net Asst: Dan Franklin montgall26@gmail.com PUB GAMES No article was received for Pub Games for the month of September. Stay tuned for next month s article Pub Games meet at Arties Lounge in Countrywood at 2 pm the 2 nd and 4 th Thursday of the month. Chairman: Bill Cooke, bwcooke@yahoo.com SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES TENNIS 8:00am 12:00pm Larkey Park Experienced players Ed Cohn, Volunteer Coordinator Gitano2@att.net PICKLEBALL CLUB 10:00am 12:00pm Tice Gym. Bill Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator Contact: Rossmoorpickleball@yahoo.com Coordinators: Tony de Losada & Walt Schick SINGLE SIRS DINE OUT No report for the September Hotline was received from Single SIRs Dine Out. Check next month s edition for upcoming dates and venues. The single SIR group enjoys getting out of the house once in a while to share a good meal and some lively conversation. Each month, a member acts as host and chooses a restaurant in the area with reasonable prices. We meet a 5:30PM and are usually out about 7:30PM. If you are a Single Sir, please check us out. Jack Stack, Chairman carjack@jps.net Herb Hellsten, Asst. Chairman hchell@astound.net SIRS AT THE GAMES Oakland A's Game Lets "Beat LA" with SIRs at the Games by attending the Oakland A s vs. Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game in Oakland on Wednesday afternoon, August 19, at 12:45pm. We have a block of great shady seats for this game at just $40 per ticket. 12 of 20

13 Please contact Jack Schweitzer if you would like tickets to this game. Jack may be reached by or by phone at Chair: Steve Schramm Co-Chair: Tom Kerns SIRS IN THE GARDEN SINGING FOR OUR SUPPER The August meeting was planned and run by SIG Co- Chair, Tom, where is he now, Mohrman. He quickly changed the unimaginative format initiated by yours truly, by meeting first, for a lunch at the ever reasonable and popular, The Greenery Restaurant on Marchbanks, opposite the parking lot for The Gardens at Heather Farms. Convenient? You bet, ingenious too! After the meeting and lunch, we worked cleaning up the dedicated, SIR Day Lily Garden site. The prize winning plants were donated by Sandy and Jim Sowell, with the plot donated by TGHF, and maintained by our garden group. Drop by in late spring, when it is at its most beauteous at that time. Of course, you may enjoy the Gardens at Heather Farms at any time of the year! FYI, re: Singing for our Supper, we also volunteer our personal time to help with the set up for the Gardens at Heather Farms annual September plant sale, moving plants from point A to B. It is a lot of fun and little effort for us to, through the reciprocity process, pay back for our use of their enclosed meeting area in the winter cold, or in rainy weather, which we are anticipating through El Ninos, beneficence this year, amen! If you have interest and a pickup truck, SUV or station wagon, and would like to participate on a personal time basis, please let Tom or me know about it., mustandtpm@gmail.com and tonydelosada@gmail.com, , the plant sale set-up is on Saturday September 19th., 9:30 AM. You do not have to be a SIRS in the Garden (SIG) member to participate. The actual Plant Sale is on Sunday, September 20th. Tony de Losada, Chair- tonydelosada@gmail.com Tom Mohrman, Co-Chair- mustangpm@gmail.com SIRS IN THE KITCHEN Sirs in the Kitchen Yummo, Steak! Twenty-eight Sirs in the Kitchen enjoyed a USDA Prime Grade tri tip steak feast on August 19. The steak, BBQ'd by Executive Chef Ed came out just right, especially if you like it medium rare. Well, there were some ends that got cooked a bit more for those who like their steak ruined. We had a heart-stopping potato casserole (butter, sour cream, cheese and oh yeah potatoes) prepared by sous chef Jack, a Caesar salad prepared by George, garlic bread by Ed C. and an apricot cobbler by Ken. All in all, a wonderful meal. Of course it was accompanied by guacamole, artichoke/jalapeno dip, salsa, chips, wine beer, coke and even some water Thanks to all the SitK's who helped put the event on by setting up, cleaning up and taking down. They did an especially good job, and they passed Ms Donna's inspection with flying colors. We even had the Big Sir from our Santa Cruz branch as a guest as he's going to start a similar activity. Save September 15 for our seventh annual fish fry with the Area Fishing Group. Usually the menu calls for fried rockfish appetizers with entree selections of salmon and halibut. I sure hope the fish have been running. Sirs in the Kitchen is now at 50 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 to 30, 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 $15, and that s the best deal in town. Should any Sirs want our recipes, , Executive Chef: ebensonbwa@aol.com and they ll be sent to you. TRAVELING SIRS The Traveling SIRS activity will be replacing the TRAVEL and the TRAVEL CLUB activities. Watch this space for more information. Chair: Ed Cohn Gitano2@att.net (925) Assistant Chair: Jim Lunn jwlassociates@comcast.net WINE FINDERS 1 September is a quiet month as we meet only six times per year on the even months. Next gathering of Winefinders-1 will be Thursday, Oct. 8, hosted by Tom and Shiela Mohrman at a location to be finalized. Suggested wine selection would be Spanish REDS (yes, from Spain). Tom and Shiela may change selection if they wish (hosts choice). WINEFINDERS latest activity on August 13 was our annual summer gala re-union of all three WINEFINDERS groups hosted by Jack Sagen at his fabulous batchelor pad in Moraga. Virtually all members attended, and it was an energized,animated group that escaped being incarcerated by the local peace officers for having too much fun. The decibel rating was off the chart, and the appetizers were beyond 13 of 20

14 spectacular. Good show by everyone, and would that we could do a similar fling next year! Anyone interested in seeing how our groups operate may contact Bob Price (WF-1) ; Ron Cassano (WF-2) ; or Larry McEwen (WF-3) for an invitation to our next function. Looking forward to our next October 8 activity, Wino Bob Chair: Bob Price: sprice8126@yahoo.com Co- Chair: Tony de Lasada delosoda@ix.netcom.com WINE FINDERS 2 We joined the other groups for the summer gala. Jack Sagen hosted. He is a Number One Host. He does it right The food and wine was top notch and it was "party time". Next Winfinders will be in October. Hey, you new members. Start Winefinders #4. Ron Cassano. the Italian wino WF-#2 Chair: Ron Cassano roncassano@gmail.com WINE FINDERS 3 CELLAR FILLERS WINE There was no submission for September. Stay tuned. Chairman and Coordinator: Larry McEwen ; elmwoodeux@comcast.net September 2015 Hotline Report, SIR Branch 8, Cellar Fillers Wine Activity (CFWA) The last meeting of the CFWA was held on August 7 at Sir Dennis Mierzwa's home in Walnut Creek. Ten members of Branch 8 attended. A report on the wines evaluated was sent to the CFWA members and will be available on the Branch 8 website home page. It lists the wines, their rankings, price and source. September is a down month for CFWA. The next meeting will be held in October or November at a date and location to be determined. Directions will be provided when available. If you have questions or if you would like your name to be added to the mailing list, please contact: Jim Sowell, Chair, sowell4jim@aol.com, (925) or (925) cel Jim Warner, Ass't Chair, jdubew@hotmail.com, (925) BARGAIN WINES Let's Have A Picnic Bargain Wines is having an end of summer picnic at Viano Vineyards, 150 Morello Ave., in Martinez on September 9. The event will start at 11:30 am, with the tasting of six Viano estate wines. There may or may not be a tour; that will depend on where they are with the 2016 harvest and crush. Crackers and cheese will be served with the tasting. Around 11:45, Head Wino Ed with trade his sommelier tasting cup for a chef's toque, and prepare hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixin's. Luncheon accompaniments will include macaroni salad, chips, soft drinks and water. Should you wish more wine (more wine, more wine), it will be available for purchase. Cost for all this is a modest $20 per person. It even includes a Viano wineglass to add to your current mismatched wine glass collection. Many have said that a cheeseburger from Executive Chef Ed is worth the $20 alone, so this is a real bargain. This should prove to be a fun-filled afternoon for all us winos. Please send me your RSVP as soon as you know you will be attending. RSVP cut-off is September 4 and no refunds after September 6, unless we can find a couple to take your place. Should you not wish to taste, luncheon cost only is $10. Our July 23 Sippin' on the Straits event was great. The weather was terrific, the boat clean and well tended and the wine and hors d'oeuvres were tasty. Twenty-six of us made the trip and had such a great time they want it repeated next year. We'll try to do it. We now have 58 Branch 8 Sirs on our roster, and although this is a couples activity, single Sirs (or those single for the evening) are certainly welcome. Meetings are scheduled on an ad hoc basis usually in conjunction with major sales from wine outlets. We usually taste ten wines priced from $10 and below. We aim for four or five meetings a year. The Head Wino is Ed Benson (ebensonbwa@aol.com), and he s ably assisted by Jim Warner (jdubew@hotmail.com). Please contact either of them to be included in the participant list. Now, let s go find those bargains! Chair: Ed Benson ( ) ebensonbwa@aol.com WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Writing Your Life Stories will reconvene from our summer break on September 22 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. 14 of 20

15 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. Chairman: Dick Brewer revrpb@aol.com SUMS IN RETIREMENT The September meeting of the Area 2 $ums Investment Group will be on Wednesday September 23, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. at the Legends restaurant at the Diablo Creek Golf Course, 4050 Port Chicago Highway, Concord. Our guest speakers in September will be Robert Gallo and Matt Gallo of the Gallo-Carneto-Gallo Global Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch in Walnut Creek. Their presentation will address: Money Printing, Currency Wars, & Rising Tension In The World. A timely topic indeed. Robert Gallo is a 35-year veteran of Merrill Lynch and is currently Managing Director Wealth Management and Wealth Management Advisor and is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Manager. For the sixth consecutive year, Robert was recognized in Barron s Top 1,200 Advisors report as one of the Top Financial Advisors in the nation. Matt joined the Gallo-Carneto-Gallo group in He holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA Registrations and works closely with the team to provide wealth management advice and guidance to high net worth clients. The Legends restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m., so come early, bring a guest, and have a leisurely breakfast with your colleagues prior to the meeting. Co-Chairmen: Gary Moore (Br-174) David Sutton (Br-8) Leary Wong (Br-8) of 20

16 New Members Inducted in August 2015 Name: Bob Brown Partner: C.j. Estes-Brown Residence: Lafayette Phone: College: No Degree Occupation: Project Manager Company: Lesecure Co. Interests: Hikers, Genealogy Name: Bill Collins Partner: Konnie Collins Residence: Clayton Phone: College: Northwestern University Occupation: Engineer Company: self-employed Interests: Golf Couples, Hikers, Astronomy Digital Photography, Computers, Investments Name: Randy Nelson Partner: Catherine Nelson Residence: Pleasant Hill Phone: College: UC Berkeley Occupation: Teacher Company: Vallejo School District Interests: Book Group, Golf 18 Hole, Walkers, History Name: Lowell Robison Partner: Vicki Robison Residence: Clayton Phone: College: Concord College Occupation: Director Company: AIG Interests: Travel, Hikers, Lets Dine In, Wine Tasting, Lets Dine Out Obituaries for August 2015 Sir Mysore Gopal, MD-50, died on Thursday, August 13, Additional information will be forwarded as it becomes available. Obituaries for August 2015 Name: Enrique Arvizu Inducted: 8/10/1998 Deceased: 7/28//2015 Activities: Computers, Walkers, Hikers 16 of 20

17 Membership Report as of: 8/10//2015 BEC Approval: 8/10/2015 Applicants Inducted: 4 Name Badge Sponsor Bill Collins MD-020 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Randy Nelson MD-338 Steve Schramm MD-320 Bob Brown MD-29 Larry Lange MD-138 Lowell Robison MD-273 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Members Requested Active Status: 0 Name Badge Sponsor New Applicants: 4 Name Badge Sponsor Bill Collins MD-020 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Randy Nelson MD-338 Steve Schramm MD-320 Bob Brown MD-29 Larry Lange MD-138 Lowell Robison MD-273 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Applicants Attended Orientation: 4 Name Badge Sponsor Bill Collins MD-020 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Randy Nelson MD-338 Steve Schramm MD-320 Bob Brown MD-29 Larry Lange MD-138 Lowell Robison MD-273 Bud Grisanti MD-202 Applicants On Hold: 2 Name Badge To Be Inducted Clint Rood MD-248 September Keith Packwood MD-133 September Members Requested Inactive Status: 0 Name Reason Effective Active Members Resign: 0 Name Reason Effective Inactive Members Resign: 1 Name Reason Effective Enrique Arvizu Deceased 7/28/2015 Membership State Active 328 Applicants 2 Inactive 18 Number SIR Birthday September 2015 Name Day Ray Nummi 1 Bill Johnson 2 Danny Franklin 2 Dave Scotting 3 Mike Hegeler 3 ZIG Zeigler 6 Gene Thaning 7 PJ Jiannalone 7 Jim Rosenquist 9 Bill Peterson 12 Bob Parker 12 Jerry White 12 Stan Orlik 12 Jock Mackaig 14 Dennis Mierzwa 15 Art Westman 16 Lynn Jones 17 Bob Price 20 Evan Sanchez 21 Nat Bitton 23 Dave Morse 24 Bob Kahl 25 Bob Sherman 26 Raleigh Davis 29 Bill Sullivan 30 SIR Anniversary September 2015 Name Years Cal Lutz 20 Bob Barnes Membership Secretary 17 of 20

18 Picture Gallery SIR Hikers in Briones Regional Park New members and sponsors Brad Hatcher, Carl Moyer, Gordon Linebaugh, Steve Paulick, and Barry Rauchle caught these salmon on a SIR s Fishing Group charter. National Bowling Stadium, Reno Nevada Karl Droese, Joe Miscione, and Dick Thomson caught these and many more salmon on an Alaskan trip 18 of 20