THE BIG SIR COLUMN LITTLE SIR SEZ

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1 January 2018 Editors: Chuck Joyce / Dan Weller THE BIG SIR COLUMN It s important at the beginning of the year to give some thought to why SIR exists and our role as individuals in Branch 8. The SIR mission statement is an eloquently simple and clear statement of why SIR exists: The mission of SIR is to improve the lives of our members through fun activities and events.while making friends for life. You will hear me repeat our mission statement many times during the year, particularly when we induct new members and have luncheon guests. I think Branch 8 is exceptionally good at providing fun events and activities and our members certainly do improve their lives by participating in our rich abundance of activities and events. That s also known as how we make new friends. That s why SIR and Branch 8 exist. Our role as individuals, however, goes beyond participation for our own individual benefit. All our activities and events only happen when we all pitch in and do our part to make them available and successful. If you get asked to help with some function, please give it a shot. The odds are pretty good that you will enjoy being involved. Phil, Big Sir LITTLE SIR SEZ I have lived in California for many years and cannot remember a year with the number of wildfires occurring in our state. Many lives lost, thousands of structures destroyed, hundreds of thousands of acres burned and billions of dollars in damages. What about the East Bay area and the potential for significant losses in a major wildfire? Our speaker for January is Jerry Kent. Jerry began as a Park Ranger in 1962 and retired in 2003 as the East Bay Park District s Assistant General Manager of Operations. He was involved in all aspects of the District s management and policies, including overseeing the fire related vegetation management programs for 32 years. Since retiring, he has continued to speak and work with the Claremont Canyon Conservancy, local agencies and citizens groups on vegetation and wildfire issues. His talk is entitled: What Seniors should Know As California Burns. Larry Lange, Little Sir It s coming soon a new Hotline with more timely articles and less administrative articles PLUS better activity web pages with more photos and videos PLUS the activity calendar for the entire month will be in the Hotline. HOTLINE Index = Spouses/Friends Activity welcome Page # General Branch Business 1-4 Biographies 15 Branch Positions 19 Activity Report 2 Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5 Astronomy 5 Bargain Bites 5 Birders 5 Birthdays 16 Bocce ball (All) 5-6 Book Exchange 6 Book Group 6 Bowling 6-7 Bridge (All) 7 Car Enthusiasts 8 Computers and Tech 8 Cribbage 8 Digital Photography 8 Dine In (All) 9 Dine Out (All) 9 Dine Out Single SIRs 9 Dominoes 9 Explore & Eat 10 Fishing 10 Golf (All) Heads Up Walkers 11 Hikers 11 Ladies Day Luncheon 11 Luncheon Information 4 Membership Report 16 Mexican Train Dominoes 9 Model Railroading 12 Mixer 12 Photo Gallery 18 Pickle Ball 12 Poker 12 Senior Center Activities 4 SIRS at the Games 12 SIRS in the Kitchen 13 SIRS at the Opera 12 Sums In Retirement 13 Sunshine Report 4 Traveling SIRS 13 Wine Articles (All) Writing your Life Story 14

2 RAMP Recruitment, Activities, Member relations, Publicity. RECRUITING & DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Remember, January is a Bring a Guest; Get a Bottle month coupled with a $10 off lunch price for first time guests. Ed Benson would love to clean out his wine cellar so he can restock. We are also continuing the I've Done My Part program, but with a new twist. Before, each member whose guest becomes a member, would receive a bottle of wine and be recognized from the podium. Starting in January, if your guest becomes a member, you will spin the Benson Wheel of Fortune and get a chance at various amounts of Branch 8 Bucks or a bottle of wine. You will still be recognized from the podium and receive a distinctive nametag indicating to all, that you've done your part to sustain and grow Branch membership. Be among the first in 2018 to get a bottle and spin the wheel (and the distinctive badge will have your friends drooling ). There's lots of incentive to make January a bang up month. Happy holidays, Thom Watkins, Recruiting Chairman ACTIVITY REPORT On December 1, the Branch 8 Activities Chairmen assembled for our annual meeting. We reviewed the results from 2017, and discussed goals for improving activities in Currently, we have 52 activities and events. That is about the same number as we have had for the past 3 years. In 2017, we added All About Wine, Geocaching, and are beginning a SIR Chess group. Unfortunately, we lost Geocaching, the Bocce Indoor Winter League, Darts & Pool, and Travelling 9-Hole Golf. These changes are the natural ebb and flow of our activities. Please remember that 31 of them are co-ed activities. A significant advancement is the introduction of the Activities Calendar. I hope you are using it to find your favorite activity, and to learn when other interesting activities are meeting. The Calendar is located on the far right of the top toolbar on the Branch 8 website homepage. Our Activity Chairmen will be posting new events for 2018, so I encourage you to actively use the calendar this year. My thanks to our Activity Chairmen for developing and maintaining our healthy activities throughout the year. Attached is a group photo from our meeting on December 1. Please take a minute to thank these gentlemen, and offer encouragement to them. In many ways, they are the lifeblood of our branch. Their good work is what keeps all of us engaged with each other as members of SIR Branch 8. Have a great 2018! I look forward to seeing you on the links, at the dinners, tasting wine, reading books, and fully participating in our branch activities. Activity Coordinator: Steve Schramm MEMBERS RELATIONS COMMITTEE The ending quarter meeting of Member Relations Committee 2017 was on November 30th. 17 Members attended and discussed a full agenda Co- Chair Tom Mohrman, capably guided the his first meeting as Co Chairman. We had a full agenda, all items were discussed to the satisfaction of the attending members. The conclusions and meeting minutes, will be submitted to the Branch Executive Committee prior to the January 8th meeting for their determination for action. We, the MRC as well as the BEC do encourage you, the members, to tell us what is on your minds. Your suggestions are what keep us current and aware of changes we should consider. Your voices are our guidance and they are important for us to hear and to act upon. The way to get your suggestions to the MRC and then to the BEC or directly to the BEC is to contact us. Please always feel free to do so. You will hear of the recommended actions taken during the first quarter, some will be announced in January. Tony de Losada Chairman: tonydelosada@gmail.com Tom Mohrman, Co-Chairman: mustangtpm@gmail.com PUBLICITY AND IMAGE Budget has been approved for purchasing new SIR Branded Clothing and Pens, which were a big hit with members after our testing. Look for new stock hopefully to arrive in January. Suggestions for what you think we should offer for sale are appreciated. Contact me, Dick Brooks: sb8golf9holes@gmail.com or Ron Maciak: rammedical@sbcglobal.net or Thom Watkins: thomwat831@gmail.com We will start this month to plan for "First Wednesdays" SIR information booth participation in Walnut Creek. These are street fair type events with, food, drinks, dancing and fun! People watching and talking galore! We will have three members each monthly night for three months June, July, and August. Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to participate. SIR BR 8 will also participate in three Area Farmers Markets during the summer months and the Danville Fourth of July Parade: we are looking for four additional classic cars making up five SIR vehicles in all! Last year's group is particularly welcomed to repeat with participating wives and other sweethearts. Party afterwards? Tony de Losada Chairman Page 2 INDEX

3 ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRANCHES Breakfast Call Philip Magen Bridge Lunch 2nd/4thTu Milt Greenstein Historical Call Rich Sjoberg Stamps Call Rich Sjoberg ATTENDANCE See Ladies Day Luncheon in Photo Gallery Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary CONCORD COMMUNITY CENTER FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR SENIORS! No article was received before the deadline. Tony de Losada P & I Chairman COMMENT CARD CORNER No comment card comments this month because the last luncheon was the Ladies Day Luncheon and comments are not published for that event. Ed. SinSIRly, Jim Sowell ABSENCES & BRINGING GUESTS If you are going to be absent or are bringing a guest, please call or by Wednesday noon before the meeting. Phone: (calls are not automatically returned) sirbr8attendance@outlook.com (a confirmation will be sent to you) IMPORTANT: If a confirmation is not received, it is the member s responsibility to follow up and ensure it was sent to the correct address. Either resend the or call the attendance number at by Wednesday noon before the meeting. Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary FREE LUNCH DRAWING FOR BRINGING GUESTS As an incentive to bring in new candidates for membership, a drawing for a free lunch will be held in 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. 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. Those entered for the January 2018 drawing are: Bill Barber Allen Grossman Bob Barnes Bill Hunter (2) Barry Brown Roger Lamm Ron Brown Bob Poirier Dan Casella Ron Cassano YK Chan Ron Woods Tony de Losada (2) Steve Schramm John Fagan Bob Sherman Al Fahrenkrog Tom DiGrande Alex Go Tom Trice Bud Grisanti (2) Larry Yarberry LEGAL NOTICE This notice is available in the Roster and on the web site. NEW ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR If you change any of the above, please notify Bob Barnes. If you need a new member s address (or phone number), you can also contact Bob Barnes at (925) or send him an . JANUARY LUNCHEON MENU NEED A RIDE? Sonoma Salad Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Cheese Cake Coffee / Iced Tea Greeters: Tom Trice & Darryl Skiles Those Sirs who do not have transportation and would like a ride to the monthly luncheon are invited to call: Scott Graff , scottkgraff@gmail.com RED DOT BADGES They belong to our new members; don t forget to say Hi and introduce yourself. So let s make them feel at home and let them feel they can talk about your SIR activities and ask them to join you. SUNSHINE REPORT Since the December Hotline Report, the Committee has extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Jim Lunn and Erland Personn. Since the December Hotline Report, the Committee has extended condolences to the Roger Borgerson family and to Al Fahrenkrog for the death of his son, Michael.. Sunshine Committee (br8sunshine@yahoo.com) Terry Norton Larry Mersmann HOTLINE INPUT AND WEB EDITORS IMPORTANT SINGLE HOTLINE ADDRESS: Hotline@sirinc3.org. Send your articles and photos BEFORE the 20th of the month. Include meeting information and dates for the following month to keep your group properly informed about meetings, deadlines and upcoming events. Late reports may not be included in the Hotline. We are delighted to welcome Rick Grayson as a new Hotline editor. His technical and professional skills with be a great addition to the Hotline staff. Hotline Editors (Hotline Coordinator *) * Dan Weller dweller@astound.net Barry Brown barryb@bkbrown.net Rick Grayson rickgrayson@sbcblobal.net Chuck Joyce joycc003@gmail.com Jim Ripley jimrip99@aol.com Page 3 INDEX

4 Website Editor, Webmaster, and Activities Page Derek Southern Website Editor Bill Hunter TREASURERS REPORT November 2017 Receipts Monthly luncheon $ Contributions 6.50 Interest 0.14 Total receipts Disbursements Monthly luncheon Printing & supplies Other Total disbursements Net loss (984.91) Cash,beginning Cash,ending ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIES I know there are at least 100 of you out there who have a special talent or an interesting hobby or you collect things. Don't be bashful! Share it with us. We all would really like to see your special art work, carving, sculpture, wood turning, fishing lures, match book covers, travel memorabilia, photographs, silver spoons (even the one you were born with in your mouth), baseballs, golf balls, or moth balls. Or maybe you do taxidermy, collect coins, make beer, build toothpick castles, make train cars, fly drones, have a model plane collection or something really unusual we don't know about. All of us old guys like to see stuff and we appreciate people who collect or have a hidden talent or special skill. SHARE it with us. It makes the meeting more interesting and I'll even buy you a glass of wine. If you have a hobby, special interest collection, art of any form or a special skill, please consider sharing it with your fellow SIR. All it takes is an hour before our monthly meeting and we'll help you get things set up and taken down. In the process, you may find a new friend who has your same interest and of course your fellow SIR will appreciate your time and effort. Give me a call or send an .. Thanks in advance. Ron Smith, Chairman resmith62@aol.com Al Steunenberg, Co-Chairman als2nnbrg@comcast.net ASTRONOMY Our theme for 2018 is: the investigation of the cosmos. To begin we will have a DVD lecture from the My Favorite Universe series given by Professor Neil degrasse Tyson. The lecture is entitled The Greatest Story Ever Told and present a coherent story of the cosmos, from the earliest times right up to the present. The meeting will be immediately after our lunch at the Hilton. All are welcome. Larry Lange, Chairman rllange@pacbell.net Leary Wong, Chair kinglear3@aol.com BARGAIN BITES Next up is Three Brothers from China! In case you missed out, about 30 of us gathered at the Himalayan Cuisine in Downtown Concord on Tues., Dec.5th, where Ron Maciak arranged for a great buffet of Tibetan food. We enjoyed a wonderful evening with our SIR friends and had a little break between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Coming up in January, is a return visit to 3 Brothers from China in Pleasant Hill. We turned to Alex Go, a Bargain Bites regular, and he met with his friend the owner of 3 Brothers who agreed to repeat the same menu for the same price. We will have six tables of 8 each, served family style. The date will be Tuesday, January 30th. Mark your calendars and watch for the flyer with all of the details. It should be out around year end. If you would like to be placed on the Bargain Bites list, just send a note to resmith62@aol.com and say Place me on the Bargain Bites List. Oh yes, include your name. You will receive personal s in advance of the Hotline. Again, thanks for your interest and wonderful support. It makes the effort worthwhile. Chairman: Ron Smith resmith62@aol.com Chairman: Ron Maciak rammedical@sbcglobal.net BIRDERS On Monday, January 15 the Birders will be going to Putah Creek, Winters, CA. Our target species will be Eurasian Wigeon, Wood Duck, Common and Hooded Merganser, Green Heron, Osprey, Peregrin Falcon and Phainopepla. We will be leaving at 8:00 from our usual meeting place in the Sun Valley Mall Shopping Center. The area can be cold and windy. Bring lunch and something to drink. Chairman: Leary Wong, , kinglear3@aol.com Page 4 INDEX

5 BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY The 2017 Bocce Ball Open season is over. The last games were on October 20th in Newhall Park. Friday players were invited to attend a Brunch at Mel s Diner (Treat/Clayton, Concord). We began play at 8:30 am and played on the Bocce courts in Newhall Park, Concord. Newhall Park is located on Turtle Creek Rd. between Treat Blvd. and Ayers Rd. Play is open to all SIR members and partners. You do not require any knowledge of the game as we will show you how to play and explain the rules that govern the game of Bocce Ball. We provide all the equipment (Bocce Balls and score boards). I organize whoever comes to play into teams. If you have any questions, please call the Activity Chairman. See you next season! Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: BOCCE BALL - LEAGUE PLAY The 2017 Concord Bocce Ball Federation (CBF) League season has ended for All team members enjoyed the Bocce team play during the season and are looking forward to another season next year. The SIR Bocce team for Branch 8 has the maximum number of players for If a player decides not to play in 2018 then I will ask if any current Bocce Ball players would like to play. They will be asked on a first come basis from the Members who are on the Friday Bocce Ball List. Chairman: Bob Barnes sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: dmrinaldi@astound.net BOOK EXCHANGE If you read it and liked it, bring it! IF YOU READ A BOOK THAT YOU REALLY LIKED AND WANT TO SHARE IT, BRING IT TO THE NEXT SIR LUNCHEON AND DONATE TO OUR COLLECTION. However, we have recently been inundated with books. Some generous members are bringing boxes of books to donate...not individual books. The net result is that instead of the collection growing at a box or two of books per meeting, we are growing at 4-6 boxes. This is creating a storage issue for us so we are spending a large amount of time to weed through our collection to reduce down the number of boxes. In the future, if any member has a large number of books to donate, it would help us if they brought only a dozen or so per meeting, so that we can assimilate them more easily. Chairman: Tom Kerns, jtomk01@aol.com ( ). Assistant Chair: Alan Curtis, alancurtis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Chair: Rob Laaback, rlaabak@yahoo.com Assistant Chairman: Ray Dewit, ray.dewit@yahoo.com BOOK GROUP We had another good turnout to review "Wolves eat Dogs". It is one of the 'Anally Renko' mysteries by Martin Cruz Smith. The plot line centers on the mysterious suicide of a Russian millionaire and his association with the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. There was diversity of opinions on the novel. At the next meeting we will be making choices on the books to be read during The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at10:30 AM at the Round Table Pizza on Oak Park in Pleasant Hill and all Sirs are welcome. Nick Maufe is the chair of the group. Steve Tiller, January reporter Chairman: Nick Maufe BOWLING Bowl. nickmaufe@gmail.com Winter Leagues Branch 19 (Concord) sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. The league started on September 6 th. The league consists of 10 fourperson teams. Spouses and guests are welcome. We bowl starting at 10 AM every Wednesday at Clayton Valley The fall session ends on December 27 with a playoff of the first and second place teams. It appears that the team with the Branch 8 bowlers (Tom Barnadge and Dan Weller) will not be in the finals. We are hoping for better results in the winter / spring session with starts January 3 rd. Many of the bowlers participate in some of the twenty SIR bowling tournaments that are held each year. These are a great way to meet SIRs from other branches. Contact Dan Weller if you are interested. 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 Jan 9 Stockton Jan 23, 24 Napa Feb 13, 14 Livermore Feb 20 Stockton No Tap Event As always, if you have any questions or suggestions contact any member of the book exchange team: Page 5 INDEX

6 ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Erickson BASIC BRIDGE round. We have discontinued the formal lessons and we will have open play with each player rotating after 4 hands. Table Talk is allowed. A discussion is encouraged after a hand has been played. Coaches are available for questions at any time. The Basic Bridge players are getting used to the challenge of playing with new partners each Our session begins with each table playing a demonstration hand to show how many ways a deal could be bid and played. After the discussion, we have open play at each table. This month the open play produced the following top scores: Mardi and Roger Lockwara were the high scorers because they bid 3 No Trump and made 4. In the open play the best score was 1940, but the score sheet was not signed. However, we think it belonged to Shirl Maufe. If this was someone else's score, please us and we'll give you the credit. Learning players are invited to join us on the first Thursday of the month at Round Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill. We start at 1:30PM and play until 3:30PM. Arrive early for lunch because that is our payment for the use of the room. At the mid-point of the session we will take a break to check our tires because the of the new parking restrictions. Rod Spicer, Chairman, , marod61@att.net BRIDGE DUPLICATE 1 The Duplicate Bridge Group I held their regular session on December 8 at Round Table Pizza in Pizza in Pleasant Hill. The top 3 finishers were as follows: 1. Green-Regan 41.5 points 2. Kahl-Schulze Tie Hensley-Long & Bushnell-Sherne 33.5 Small slams in clubs were bid and made by the Milano- Plisco and Bushnell Sherne teams. They were played in the vulnerable direction and both teams earned a nifty 1370 points for their efforts. Apparently, the contract was not a lay down because another team managed to go down 1 in a 5 club contract. Top defensive play for the day was achieved by the Greytak-Spicer team when they set a vulnerable 3NT contract by 5 tricks. Another interesting board was one where all pairs bid the same 3 NT contract. That in itself is unusual: but, the variety of results was even more unusual. They were all different with 3, 5, 6, and 7 tricks being made. The Greene Regan team somehow squeezes out the 7 and it is typical of the play that earned them the top honors for the day. Thanks to Steve Greene and Steve Greytak for subbing. Also, thanks to Ernie Sherne for hosting. Dean Steichen has these duties next month. The top December team of Steve Greene & Jim Regan playing with David Bushnell & Ernie Sherne Dick Long, Asst Chairman Ton Hensley, Asst Chairman DUPLICATE BRIDGE BRIDGE RUBBER No article was received before the deadline. Jerry Milano Co-Chair jmilano44@comcast.net Bud Grisanti Co-Chair bgrisanti@juno.com Gary Plisco Co-Chair gwp740@astound.net Our tire checkers took time out of the Christmas shopping to fill three of our tables. The top players this month were: David Bushnell (4490); Raleigh Davis (3890); and George Schulze (3750). The scores ran from 1030 to 4490 with the median score being about All members are invited to our game which meets on the first Thursday of the month at 9:00AM at Round Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Respond early to Al Welch's reminder so we can try to fill complete tables. Bring your own coffee travel mug or Thermos if you want coffee. We break for lunch in order to pay for the room. Chairman: Rod Spicer, , marod61@att.net Al Welch, Co-Chair, , blackpool68@gmail.com David Bushnell, Co-Chair, , dbushn@swbell.net Bob Kahl, Chairman Page 6 INDEX

7 BRIDGE - COUPLES On December 18, the Couples Bridge session had five tables with ten couples. Raleigh and Helen Davis took first place with 4,300 points, Les and Carole Hopkins were second with 4,020 points, and Steve and Honora Greytak were third with 2,940 points. Our next session will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 15, (our normal 3 rd Monday of each month) at the Mary s Pizza on Oak Grove, in Walnut Creek. We always welcome new players, so if you are interested in joining us, please contact: Ray de Wit (ray.dewit@yahoo.com) or Ken Main (mainkenneth46@gmail.com) CAR ENTHUSIASTS Car Enthusiasts had a great 2017 and ended the year with the largest attendance ever at the December Holiday Ladies Day Luncheon. Plans have been made to make 2018 even more active. We met in November and put an activity schedule together that has something for every member to enjoy in The schedule includes an activity event for each month with a broad scope of topics, all wheel related in some way, with several classic car shows, an Air Museum Tour, a Poker Run event - with prizes, a victory ship tour and/or Rosie the Riveter Museum visit, and possibly two multiple overnight traveling events, one to Pacific Grove for a British Car Collection Tour and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and another to Hot August Nights in Reno. All Car enthusiasts will not make every event, but I'm certain we will have good participation at each by those who can fit it in their busy retirement schedules. The new event schedule will be added to the website soon so watch for opportunities you might want to participate in. Our group has grown to 29 on the Car Enthusiasts member roster. It consists of classic car owners, car dreamers, who might someday find the perfect car for themselves and make a purchase and members who just want to come join in the monthly luncheons and B.S. about cars and their historical car use escapades. Come join in the fun. Twenty eighteen will be a blast! If interested in joining the Car Enthusiasts Activity, please contact any of the folks listed below. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 1 PM in the Round Table Pizza meeting room, Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill. Come a few minutes early to get your food and drink ordered prior to meeting. Meetings usually last about 1 hour. Next meeting Tuesday, February 6 th. COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY There was no Computers & Technology meeting in December. The January 18 th s meeting s subject for the Area 16 Computer and Technology Group [formerly A2CAT] is, Quicken and its Alternatives. Quicken split off from Intuit earlier this year and is changing to a software by subscription model, where you will pay annually to use the program. Phil Goff and Neil Schmidt will discuss the effects of this upcoming Quicken change and review various financial management alternatives. You might want to be thinking about your own financial management efforts and what features in the program are important to you. We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, January 18, 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 January meeting is another one of those! All SIR members and their guests (spouses included!) are welcome to attend. See you there. Bill Phelon, rphelon@juno.com: CRIBBAGE to learn the game. The Cribbage Group meets on the First Wednesday and the Third Tuesday of each month. There s been a PERMENENT LOCATION CHANGE from Treat Blvd in Concord to the Round Table Pizza located at 1938 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Hours of play are 1pm to 3pm. Please join us if you have played Cribbage or would like 2017 December Results Dec. 6 th 12 players Dec. 19 th - 12 players 1 st - Dan Smith 278 pts. 1 st - Steve Bishop 188 pts. 2 nd - Don Atwater 233 pts. 2 nd - Stan Johnson 171 pts. 3 rd - Dennis Mierzwa rd -- Place Dan Smith pts. 171 pts. 4 th - Steve Bishop 174 pts. 4 th - Joe Maurino 170 pts. Chairman, Ron Draper r-draper@pacbell.net Chairman, Dan Smith dns.ins02@astound.net Activity Chair: Chick Lowry - clowry2845@aol.com Assistant Chairs Tom Mohrman mustangtpm@gmail.com Bill Koski billkos36@comcast.net Bob McMains stude35@mac.com Page 7 INDEX

8 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Our December meeting was the Photo Group s holiday luncheon at the Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda. A jolly group of 13 SIR and spouses populated the bar and then retired to the dining area for an ala-carte lunch. The event was totally free-style and almost nothing of consequence was accomplished, except that Jock MacKaig brought in a table top photo holder so members could determine the necessary fitment for our upcoming display of photos at the February luncheon. At our January meeting we will be finalizing the planning for our February luncheon display. Our January host, Jock, asks that Encinal Yacht Club you him 6 photos for the TV loop. Also, please bring any prints you wish to display along with any antique (or just old) photo gear for possible inclusion in our table display. A week or so before our January 19th meeting, Jock will be E- mailing directions to his home and asking if you will be attending the meeting. Please respond promptly so he can plan for the refreshments. Bill Phelon, Chair: rphelon@juno.com Dave Davis: Vice Chair: dav.davis@comcast.net DINE IN # 1 The next Dine In 1 will be Jan 19th, hosted by the Cassano's. Ron will prepare a Spanish paella from a region that departs from the usual seafood based dish. This one will use short ribs, sausage, artichoke hearts and green beans. Seems different but it is wonderful! Chairman: Ron Cassano: roncassano@gmail.com DINE IN # 3 DINE OUT 1 No article was received for this activity. Come join us for a really simple dinner in February at one of our favorite places, we ve have been to many times...the OLD SPAGHETTI 1955 Mt Diablo, Concord, CA Phone # (925) (across the street from Todos Santos Park). Turn left on Salvio off of Galindo, then right on Mt Diablo. DATE: Thursday, February 22, Cocktails: 5pm (no host bar) Dinner : 6pm A menu will be placed on the table for everyone to choose their meal: Soup or salad will start the dinner off that night...the following are the MENU selections: 1. Sicilian Meatballs: Meatballs & Spaghetti with marinara sauce 2. Baked Lasagna with 4 kinds of cheese 3. Breast of Chicken Fettuccine with Alfredo sauce 4. Spinach & cheese Ravioli 5. Spinach Tortellini with Alfredo sauce Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea or milk is included. DESSERT: Choice of Spumoni ice cream or Vanilla ice cream PRICE FOR DINNER: $20.00 per person which includes tax and tip. We have a limit of 40 people only. No last minute people so please call us early to reserve your place! RSVP by February 18th to Don Allen (925) or dondorothyallen@comcast.net or contact Ken Main (925) mainkenneth46@gmail.com. Please make your check to Don Allen and mail to: Don Allen, 1009 Dyer Drive, Lafayette, CA Activity Chair: Ken Main Assist Chairs: Don Allen and Jim Ripley DINE OUT #2 No article received at press time. Chairman: Jerry Milano jerrymilano@astound.net DINE IN # 2 The next dinner for Dine IN 2 will be hosted by Roger and Mardi Lockwara on January 11. We are currently looking for one more couple to join us. If you are interested, give me a call. Chair: Bill Eich flyereich@aol.com EXPLORE AND EAT No new article at press time. Chairman: Ron Woods Co-Chair: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com Page 8 INDEX

9 DINE OUT - SINGLE SIRS January 3 rd at Mr. Luckey s Restaurant 2618 Pleasant Hill Rd. just ½ block north of Taylor Blvd. Social time is 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Host is Clark Morehouse clarkmorehouse@aol.com Mr. Lucky s has been a popular with our group, frequently being selected by a member hosting our monthly event. We look forward to starting the new year with our members in a familiar restaurant. Last month nine of us enjoyed the Mexican atmosphere as well as Mexican cuisine at La Tapatia Restaurant, thanks to our host Glenn Gilman. We welcomed Bill Barber for the first time and happy to hear he will return. DOMINOES FISHING - AREA 16 No article was received before the deadline. Chairman: Dan Rinaldi danrinaldi944@gmail.com Co-Chairman: Alan Schulze a_schulze@sbcglobal.net 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, January 25th, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf Course at 4050 Port If you are single or just single at dinner time and wish to join the guys for dinner on the first Tuesday of the month, let Chairman Glenn or the host of the month know and a seat will be saved for you. Separate checks ensure each pay for his own meal. Photos in our website - Chairman: Glenn Gilman glenngfam@sbcglobal.net Chairman: Don Atwater, datwater@pacbell.net Clark Morehouse, Host , clarkmorehouse@aol.com MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES the low score wins. Mexican Train, a popular Domino game, is played on the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month starting at 10 a.m. at Round Table Pizza 1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. After the game we enjoy lunch and social time. Newbies and experienced players are all welcome. Like in golf, Results of the December 20 th game: 13 Rounds Stu Harris 304; Bill Peterson 361; Dan Rinaldi 363; Clark Morehouse 390; Terry Norton 407; Jerry Ward 437; Larry Mersmann 485 Results of the December 12 th game: 13 Rounds Jerry Ward 283; Bill Peterson 328; Clark Morehouse 374; Don Atwater 420; Stu Harris 435; Terry Norton;498 Lowest score for 2017 Bill Peterson 169 Highest Score for 2017 Don Atwater 706 Check out our website Chairman: Danny Rinaldi danrinaldi944@gmail.com Chairman: Terry Norton norton@sbcglobal.net Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30am, come early. Trout continue to be our main winter prey. Pete Gates, Paul Dubow, Carl Moyer, Ray Pixton, Bob Hillaker, Lee Clark, and Brion Beetz all participated. Some days were fruitful, some sad. Tom Boltz and Tom Kostik caught stripers, on other trips Tom Kostik got more stripers, black bass, and steelhead. Joe Miscione and son caught a sturgeon too big to keep and some stripers. Rich Fiscina and Pedro Contreras got crab and rockfish from the ocean. Ken Konzakk enjoyed some steelhead flyfishing. Contacts are Paul Dubow ( ) and Carl Moyer ( ) GOLF - 18 HOLES Phil Scimonelli and Bob Hillaker got these nice trout. Raleigh Davis has a nice striper. Welcome to a new golfing year. Now meet your 18 Hole Golf Committee for 2018: Chairman- David Platter, Communications Director- Bill Koski, Membership/Handicap/Data- Buddy May, Treasurer- David Green, Assistant Treasurer- Mike Boltz, Special Tournaments-Jim Erickson/Don Sanderson, Golf Course Manager- Don Dennler, Marshals Director-Mike Anderson, Website Coordinator-Barry Brown, Advisers-Mike Hennessy/Dwane McGlothin. These are the guys that make 18 Hole Golf the success that it is. For PGA professionals shooting in the low-mid sixties is considered a feat. However, as we grow older the scores rise. For a SIR golfer breaking 80 is a feat in itself, as is breaking net 60. In Branch 8, we do have a few that have done so. On Dec 14th at Franklin Canyon Jack Schweitzer shot a 79 net 56. On Nov 6th at Franklin Canyon Don Sanderson carded a net 57. Page 9 INDEX

10 Blue Rock, Sept. 12th Buddy May gross 78, Tilden July 24, Steve Schramm, gross 76 also on July 11th, Franklin Canyon Steve shot a gross 73 net 57. These guys deserve an Atta Boy will be a fun year with our monthly Creative tournaments courtesy Jim Erickson-Don Sanderson as well as our annual trip to Saddle Creek October handled by Bill Koski,- Jack Bybee. Are you ready for some golf???? Bill Koski, Communications: billkos36@comcast.net GOLF - 9 HOLES No rain for the last four weeks seemed to entice players out despite chilly weather! We had over 20 players turn out every Wednesday and most stayed afterwards to enjoy some beverages, food and fellowship The Marshalls roster for 2018 has been filled, thanks to all who volunteered. The 2018 schedule should be posted on the web site by the time this edition of the Hotline reaches you. For 2018 Barry Brown is continuing as Chair with Phil Philpot and Dick Brooks as Assistant Chairs. Dick has agreed to maintain our stats and handicap table for those without an official NCGA handicap. To everyone who plays with us, all the very best for Christmas and have a great See you on the first tee! Barry Brown, Chair: barry@bkbrown.net (925) Phil Philpot Chair: jr5753@outlook.com (925) Dick Brooks, Stats & Board member sb8golf9holes@gmail.com GOLF COUPLES HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! The SIR ladies have had two big treats this week. First of all the LADIES LUNCHEON at Roundhill was such an elegant beginning of this Holiday Season. The atmosphere was filled with good cheer, delicious food and sentimental entertainment. Thursday, December 14 th, eleven couples including Marshals Roger & Mardi Lockwara, Paul & Sue Derby. Mike & Sue Hennessy, Dean & Marilyn Steichen, Les & Carole Hopkins, Ron and Linda Maciak, Bob & Daphne Olson, Bill Konie Collins, Leo & Judy Barrella, and Gordon & Margaret Batesole. The weather had the feel of a winter chill, but it became a perfect temperature as the day unfolded. All eleven couples stayed for lunch, and once again, fellowship and fun define Sir Couples Golf. Statistically there were at least 18 pars and at least four birdies for the day. For those who simply love to play golf, there were lots of sand traps as well as a few lost balls; thus we can all carry 14 clubs. in golfing with the most phenomenal group of golfers ever, please join us on the 2 nd Thursday of each month. Marshals rotate, and you will be given instructions for the day s play by the marshals of the month. Thursday, January11 marshals will be Gordon & Margaret Batesole, and they will send out notifications. Our modified shotgun start time will be 10:00 (meaning be on the first tee at 9:50 am.) Sir Couples Golf is open to anyone who would like to join in a 9- hole 2 nd Thursday group. For more information, you may contact chairperson Paul Derby at derby.paul@comcast.net; or Chair Paul Hersch at hershibar@astound.net. Truly we have as much fun off of the golf course as we do playing golf. WEBSITE: Chairman: Paul Derby derby.paul@comcast.net Chair: Paul Hersch poppy3642@gmail.com. HEADS UP WALKERS January 2018 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. 12/28/2017: Lafayette: Moraga Olympic. Meet at the eastern trailhead parking lot, north of Olympic Blvd. & west of Pleasant Hill Rd. Note, parking may be full. Try the smaller lot at the west end of Olympic, or hang out in the larger lot and wait for someone to leave. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Dave Allen 1/4/2018: Pleasant Hill: Concord, Hester Park. Meet at Hester Park, corner of Hookston & Bancroft, street parking on Hampton or Hookston, adjacent to the park. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Dave Morse 1/11/2018: 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: Erland Persson 1/18/2018: 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: Whole Foods. Leader: Jim Erickson 1/25/2018: Concord: C.C.C. Regional Trail, Via Montanas. Take Treat Blvd east. Go 3/4 mile past Oak Grove and turn left on San Miguel. Turn right on Via Montanas. Turn left into the Parking Lot just past the bridge over the canal. Cafe: Peet's Coffee. Leader: Jim Kawal Having 22 golfers stay for lunch is almost a record event; thanks to Roger and Mardi for their marshal skills. We are a tight knit group, but there is still room for growth. If interested Page 10 INDEX

11 2/1/2018: Martinez: Martinez Regional Shoreline. Exit i-680 N. At last offramp to Martinez. Turn left on Marina Vista. Turn right on Ferry St. And cross the RR tracks. Meet at the first parking lot on the left. Cafe: Starbucks Martinez. Leader: John Brooks ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller ASSISTANT CHAIR: Erland Persson ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Kawal HIKERS - SIR HIKERS December 2017 SIR Hikes For more details on these 2 hikes, including directions, ride-sharing, what to bring, map, pictures, and optional lunch see the SIR Hiker web page at Easy Hike Jan 9 th 2018: Heather Farm Park to Civic Park. This easy 5.5 mile hike will start from The Garden's at Heather Farm Park trail head, walking past the Horse Stable and Dog Park to the Contra Costa Canal Trail West, to the Iron Horse Trail South, to the Creek Walk in Civic Park. We will then return to Heather Farm Park, circle around the lake, past the All Abilities Playground, tour the Botanical Garden and end at the Greenery. Hike Leader: Tom Mohrman mustangtpm@gmail.com Hikers tour Black Diamond Mines Hard Hike Jan 30 th 2018: Briones Reservoir Bear Creek Trail. This is a ONE WAY SHUTTLE HIKE. This is a 5.5 mile hike on mostly a single track trail with approximately 600 feet in elevation largely gained during the first 2 miles. The hike is almost entirely on Bear Creek Trail running along the south shore of Briones Reservoir. Great views along this partially shaded route. We will meet at 9:30 AM at the Orinda Staging Area, then organize cars to shuttle everyone to the Bear Creek Staging Area. Activity Chairman: Dave Davis; (925) ; dav.davis@comcast.net LADIES DAY LUNCHEON Special thanks to the following groups and individuals who made donations to the Ladies Day Luncheon on December 11. Their holiday gifts contributed to a successful SIR event. Restaurant Donors Flemings Steak House Taheri's Restaurant Texas Back Forty BBQ Rocco's Restaurant Scott's Restaurant Genova's Restaurant BevMo Wine Gallery Golf Course Donors Diablo Hills - 4 certificates Lone Tree Boundary Oak Franklin Canyon Diablo Creek Other Donors Wine Finders 1, 2 and 3 Ed Benson Grocery Outlet Thank you to all of the donors to our Ladies Day Luncheon. See you in the new year! (See pictures of the event in the Photo Gallery.) MODEL RAILROADING We ve changed the location of our model train layout! Design and construction of the HO layout will begin soon. Please stay tuned for future announcements on the direction of the group. There will be an exciting project for us to assist with in 2017! Watch the Hotline for details. Instead, members of the Model Railroading Activity are encouraged to visit one or several of the many existing Train Club layouts in the Bay Area. Over the next few months, please consider visiting: The Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond ( the Carquinez Model Railroad Society in Crockett ( and the San Leandro Historical Railway Society in San Leandro ( Please check websites for open house events. Note: This Activity will hopefully soon be an Area 16-wide area of interest. Chairman: Dick Grube dickgrube@comcast.net PICKLE BALL The Pickleball Group took some time off in 2017 due to the summer heat and an illness in the fall. So now that a new year is about to begin, we will try to start up again. An E- mail will be sent out a few days before our scheduled date to remind everyone. We are still playing at the Willow Pass Park courts Page 11 INDEX

12 on the 3rd Tuesday starting at 10am. Also, we are encouraging spouses to come and join in. Anyone interested or has questions can call Tom Trice (home) or by (cell) or by I ll be seeing you on January 16th, if the weather is cooperating. Chairman: Tom Trice (510) MIXER POKER Meets last Tuesday of the Month at Stanford s in Walnut Creek from 3pm to 6pm. Check our website for more information. Chairman: Jack Sagen ] Players wanted. Come join us for poker! We now have 10 groups: playing days are shown in the table below. First Monday First Tuesday First Friday Second Tuesday First Wednesday Third Wednesday Third Thursday Fourth Monday Fourth Tuesday Fourth Thursday Our groups meet either from noon to 3:00 PM or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group members rotate as hosting. We play with no wild cards and a three raise max. It s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with a great group of guys! Chair: Dan Franklin montgall26@gmail.com Asst: Ekk Keller ekkeller@astound.net Ass t: Ron Draper r-draper@pacbel.net SIRS AT THE GAMES With the cool winter weather, the SIRs at the Games group normally looks into basketball games in our area. Recently, we asked for your feedback about ticket prices and location. Thank you to those members who responded. As a result, we decided that ticket prices to the Golden State Warriors are too high for our tastes. Though the GSW games are exciting, it is virtually impossible to find affordable seats in a good location at the Oakland Arena. In the past, the California Golden Bears basketball games have been lightly attended by SIR members and guests. It is not easy to navigate BART and bus transportation to a game in Berkeley. Consequently, we are focusing on St. Mary's men's basketball in Moraga. The McKeon Pavilion is a short drive, and St. Mary's is one of the strongest teams in the nation. As of December 20, the Gaels have a record of 10 wins and 2 losses. We have acquired group of 8 reserved seats to the Portland game on Saturday, January 27, at 8:00 pm. The tickets are only $27 per ticket, and are located in Upper Reserved Section CC in this small arena. We will see an excellent basketball game between two very competitive teams. Please contact Steve Schramm (sschramm01@gmail.com) if you are interested in purchasing tickets for you and your friends/family. Remember, spring baseball is not that far away. I look forward to seeing you at the games in 2018! Thanks, Steve Schramm,Activity Chairman, SIRs at the Games SIRS AT THE OPERA January's HD opera from the NY Met will be Puccini's beautiful tragic opera Tosca, first performed in Rome in 1900 to great popular acclaim. Tosca has remained one of Puccini's most popular operas, along with La Boheme and Madama Butterfly. It will be seen locally on January 27 at 12:55pm, with the recorded performance on Wednesday, January 31, at 3:00pm and 6:30pm. Our HD Bolshoi ballet will be Romeo and Juliet, on Sunday, January 21, at 12:55pm. It is a dance version of Shakespeare's enduring love story. Please note that because of ongoing renovations, the Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill Century theaters have unpredictable schedules, so it will be wise to check the newspaper or on-line same day to be sure which local theater is carrying these events. Also note that at least for now, the "live" matinee is delayed to 12:55, the same local time here as in New York. If you would like to be on the SIRS at the Opera ing list, you will receive advance newspaper critical reviews of the opening night performances of the operas. me at dbushn@swbell.net to be added. (Unlike many of the SIR activities, there are no obligatory attendances or notifications. All you get is the , the rest is up to you.) Chairman: David Bushnell dbushn@swbell.net SIRS IN THE KITCHEN Sirs in the Kitchen Christmas Was Merry... Sixty Sirs in the Kitchen and spouses/partners/girl friends/etc., enjoyed an open house at Casa Benson on December 19. Particular hits were tri tip with chimichuri sauce, Jim S's pot of beans, shrimp with EC Ed's cocktail sauce and the usual buffet items of meats, cheeses, dips, veggies and whatever. A grand time was had by all, and special thanks go to our sous chefs Ron M. Chris and Jack who kept the food coming and our bartenders Tony, Tom, and Roger. Of course we couldn't have done it without all the help of the couples who kept the buffet stocked and helped clean up. It was truly a merry event! Page 12 INDEX

13 Our first 2018 meeting will be on January, 16 and we'll be featuring a favorite menu item, soup. Yes we'll be serving three or four varieties of that winter staple, and the soups featured will be selected by the vote of the attendees. We missed holding the SitK soup Kitchen last year, so this will be a real treat. Sirs in the Kitchen is now at 52 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) or have a kitchen and dining area large enough to accommodate all of us. The usual shared cost for the luncheon and wine is $20, and that s the best deal in town. SUMS IN RETIREMENT Our next meeting is Wed January 24 at 8 AM at the Legends Restaurant at the Diablo Creek Country Club - Port Chicago Highway, 1/4 mile north of Highway 4 in Concord. Our speaker will be a new Branch 8 member, Jamshed Gandi, CPA, CFP, CVA, MS (Tax), who will tell us all we need to know about the new tax law. The Legends opens at 7 AM. Come early and have a leisurely breakfast with your colleagues prior to the meeting. $UMS Chairman Tom Henry tomhenry925@gmail.com Co-chair Dave Sutton TRAVELING SIRS WINE BARGAIN WINES davesutn@comcast.net No article was received for this Activity. Chairman Traveling SIRS: L.yarberry42@comcast.net The end of this year and the beginning of 2018 are filled with the holidays. but no venues to announce for Bargain Wines. We plan to investigate some promising options either late in Jan. or early Feb and will the membership then. We are always looking for new members and encourage anyone with a possible interest to contact us. We select wines for our members to taste and evaluate. We look for values in the $10-$12 range, rate them and take the leftovers for a dinner that follows. Ratings are posted for everyone on the branch website, so you can check out what many of us, in attendance, thought were worth buying. Please contact either Jim Warner or Dennis Mierzwa. We will be more than happy to give you a full explanation of how we operate. Chairman: Jim Warner, Assistant: Dennis Mierzwa, WINE - CELLAR FILLERS January 2018 SIR Branch 8 Hotline, Cellar Fillers Wine Activity (CFWA) The next meeting of CFWA is scheduled for Friday, January 26, We need a volunteer host with room for 12 to 14 tasters. Please let me know if you can take on the duties of host. It will be the usual format with a simple lunch of sandwiches and fixin's provided by the host, followed by tasting of five white and five red wines. Bring your glass(es). Attendance is limited to about 12 members, applicants or guests depending on the capacity of the host's home. CFWA is a great activity to introduce a guest to SIR. Spouses and SO's are welcome at our other five wine activities, such as Wine Finders I, II, and III, Bargain Wines, or All About Wines. Please get your reservations to me ASAP and let me know if you would like to join me on the purchasing committee October 25. The cost of the activity varies with the number of attendees, but usually runs around $ I will send a list of attendees and directions when a host appears. There will also be a cancel-by date, after which you will be responsible for paying your share of the cost. For those members of Branch 8 who are not yet on the CFWA list please let me know if you would like your name added. If you have questions contact: Jim Sowell, Chair, sowell4jim@aol.com, (925) or (925) cell Jim Warner, Ass't Chair, jdubew@hotmail.com, (925) WINE FINDERS 1 WINE FINDERS 2 No article was received for this activity. Chair : WF-1: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com (925) Co-Chair: Tony de Losada delosada@ix.netcom.com (925) The holiday party of all groups was hosted by Jack Sagen. He is the ultimate host! About 25 attended. The food and drink was terrific. Jack served his famous chili. We left satisfied and in the spirit of the season. Ron Cassano roncassano@gmail.com (925) Page 13 INDEX

14 WINE FINDERS 3 ALL ABOUT WINES No article was received for this activity. Chair WF-3: Larry McEwen elmsooweaux@comcast.net (925) Friday evening, Dec. 15, 13 of the members gathered at the home of Tom and Barbra Anders. The wine theme was CA Central Coast, Paso Robles AVA. The guest speaker, Don Brady, winemaker at Robert Hall Winery, Paso Robles and his wife Kasi traveled the 4+ hours to be with us. WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Creek, just off I-680. We write short stories about events in our lives that are of interest to us and perhaps will be to our progeny. Meeting as a group and sharing stories (always voluntary) triggers our memories and keeps us inspired. We meet on the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Vintage Kensington Place (in the second floor Game Room), located on Geary Road near North Main in Walnut You will receive a syllabus to guide you in writing your own life stories Dick Brewer revrpb@aol.com The evening started by gathering a plate of appetizers brought by the members and a sit-down presentation by Don. He presented for tasting 2 Robert Hall Wines and 2 Brady Vineyard wines. Along with these very high quality wines Don gave a presentation with a framed large map he brought of the Paso Robles Wine region. This included grape growing and wine making practices he uses to make high quality wines at very affordable prices at Robert Hall and Brady Wines made at Robert Hall Winery.(most in the $16 to $28 range.) Don was surprised at the knowledge of the group as the 30-45min. planned talk with Q/A flowed with interest to just more than one hour. Don encouraged all to now try the six wines he had seen opened in the adjoining room as they were good examples of wines from the Paso Robles AVA. This began a social hour with informal wine tasting and judging sheets for each of these wines. (Wines with results to be found on soon to be setup AAW website.) Varietals included: Viognier, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. The judging results ranged from 85 to 93 points (2 wines). During one of the next two events the plan is to have as a guest a professional wine judge to go through an evening s tasting/judging with us. The next event for SIR AAW is planned for Thurs., Feb. 22. Chairman Tom Anders tganders42@gmail.com Page 14 INDEX

15 ACTIVITY CHAIRMEN & BRANCH 8 LEADERS BIOGRAPHIES Dean J. Steichen, Honorary Life Member Born and raised in eastern South Dakota, I studied Chemical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for 2 1/2 years before dropping out and entering the computer field with Litton Industries in Southern California. After working for 2 years, I returned to Dakota Wesleyan University and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor s degree in Accounting and Economics with a Chemistry Minor. I didn t remain a bachelor for long as I married Marilyn Rennich of White, S.D. the weekend after graduation and soon departed for the University of Washington s MBA Program. Upon graduation in 1968 from the UW, I worked for Standard Oil Co. of California (Chevron) Computer Services Department in San Francisco for 12 years and taught Information Systems Classes at night for Golden Gate University (GGU). I worked for Lucky Stores as EDP and Corporate Audit Manager, Mervyns as Director of Information Security and The GAP as Information Center Director and Director of Information Security before retiring in Marilyn and I moved to Danville, Ca. and have two children (Adrianne and Geof). Adrianne is an Architect in Oakland and Geof is a supervisor for Vivint (Home Security Monitoring) and is a US Army Reservist in Provo, Utah. I have 2 grown grandchildren (Signy and Colin). I joined Sons In Retirement in 2002, and served in Branch leadership positions including several committees, Attendance Secretary, Little SIR, Big SIR and BEC. I continue to serve as a Director and Presenter for the Area 16 Computers & Technology Activity and other Branch or Area Committees. I was elected Area 2 Governor in 2009, Region 6 Director in 2011 and State Chief Administrative Officer in 2017 & I am a member of the State Growth & Membership Committee, State Training Chairman 2017 and the Chairman of the State INFOSYS Committee. I was awarded a State HLM in 2013 for my SIR State contributions. Marv Kreitz, Honorary Life Member, Big Sir 1991 Marv was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Christmas Day He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and entered the Navy in June of While in the Navy he was sent to the University of Wisconsin where he met his wife to be Ruth Shenkenberg. Marv served on the U.S Cincinnati, a Cruiser involved in convoy duty in the North Atlantic. On board ship, he was engaged in tracking the Wolf- Pack Subs that were preying on convoys in the North Atlantic, as well as participating in the Invasion of Southern France. In June of 1946, he was discharged and married Ruth and they began a wonderful life together. Marv attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, under the GI Bill. While in college, he had the honor, based on outstanding achievements in studies and collegiate activities, to represent the State Of Minnesota at the National Association of Manufactures 57th Annual Congress of America in New York. In 1954 when he graduated with a B.S Degree in Business Administration, he went to work for Montgomery Ward's Mail Order Division in St Paul Minnesota. In 1958 he was promoted and transferred to the Catalog Plant in Oakland CA. In 1986, after 32 years of service, Marv retired when Wards closed its Mail Order Operation. At the time he retired, Marv was Regional Catalog Sales Manager with 13 District Managers under him and over 200 stores that covered seven western states including Alaska which he really loved. Marv and his wife Ruth lived in Walnut Creek for 59 years. They loved to travel together throughout the US. Europe and South America. Ruth has golfed 3 holes in one and Marv had 0. Marv was actively involved with SIRS for some 30 years going through the chairs of Little SIR, BIG Sir Treasurer for 7 years and Director for three more years and because he and a friend set up many Golf outings and other activities he was honored by being made a Life Time Member. After 10 years a Senior Life Time Member. Joining SIRS was one of the best things I ve done... Marv. Page 15 INDEX

16 Membership Data for Deember 2017 BEC Approval: 1/8/2018 Applicants Inducted: 2 Name Badge Sponsor Members Requested Active Status: 0 New Applicants: 0 Name Badge Sponsor Applicants Attended Orientation: 0 Name Badge Sponsor Applicants Induction Date:1 Name Badge To Be Inducted Herb Friedman MD-170 Tentative for 1/8/21018 Applications Withdrawn Date: 0 Name Badge Reason Members Requested Inactive Status: 2 Name Badge Reason Howard Berkman MD-506 Monthly Meeting absences Rod Hughes MD-508 Moved to Florida Active Members Resignation: 2 Name Badge Reason ZIP Zaro MD-285 Member health, age Larry Feigenbaum MD-49 Transfer to Branch 128 Inactive Members Resignation: 0 Name Badge Reason Austin Prindle MD-509 Member - health Membership Totals Group - Status Number Members - Active 339 Applicants To Be Inducted 1 Members - Inactive 17 SIR Certificates December Name Certificate Type Harry Hubinger Senior SIR Birthday January 2018 Day Name Day Name 1 Jamshed Gangi 15 Phil Philpot 1 Mike Hennessy 18 Steve Greene 1 Buddy May 21 Martin Simmons 3 Bruce Kostrzewski 22 Youssef Tavassoli 3 Mario Moratorio 25 Terry Mason 4 Hal Tatro 26 Dave Sutton 9 Tom Kerns 27 Jerry Daykin 11 Ken Belfer 27 Rich Mohr 11 Rob Laaback 28 Ian Dunn 11 Bob Bogardus 29 Hans Pable 13 DeWayne Ruwe 29 Bernie Rosner 15 Rick Grayson 29 Russell Schleske Obituary Report: Name: Roger Borgerson Inducted: 2/2/2001 Deceased: 12/7/2017, Activities: Antique Cars. Digital Photography, RVing, Wine Club Page 16 INDEX

17 PHOTO GALLERY Ladies Day Luncheon On Monday, December 11 th, we held a successful holiday Ladies Day Lunch for 279 SIRS and their beautifully dressed spouses. The food, Christmas decorations and ambiance were excellent. Many thanks to Round Hill Country Club, the local merchants, golf courses and Branch 8 Wine Finders who provided wonderful door prizes. Many thanks to the gentlemen of the Ladies Day Committee who ensured the success of the day, despite some best efforts, from the chairman, to make success difficult. I appreciate all your help. Nat Bitton Page 17 INDEX