November 2017 Editor: Chuck Joyce THE BIG SIR COLUMN It was with great sorrow when we learned of former Big Sir Darryl Sweetland s passing on September 20 th. Darryl joined our organization in 2007 and served as a BEC Director, Officer, Little Sir, Speaker Chairman, Nomination Chairman, and 2016 Big Sir. He was an active participant in eight of our current activities. His passions in life after his family and friends were golf, fly fishing, world travel, and providing his friendship and leadership to our SIR Branch 8. His family held a Celebration of Life for Darryl in Walnut Creek on October 6 th. (Special tribute to Darryl on page 100.) He will be missed by all. Mike Long, BIG SIR LITTLE SIR SEZ We celebrate Veterans Day as a nation annually in November. Our lunch meeting on November 13 th will honor our many Branch 8 veterans. US Army Major General (retired) Rob Ostenberg is our speaker. His topic is Vietnam Reflections. He enlisted in the Army in 1969 right after college, did his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ; followed by combat engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. As a PFC, he then went through the rigorous 24-week Infantry OCS program at Fort Benning, GA, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in September 1970. He served in combat in Vietnam from 1971-1972 as a platoon leader with the 23 rd Infantry Division. Following active duty, Major General Ostenberg joined the Army Reserve and was assigned to the 91 st Division (Training) in San Jose. He steadily progressed through key assignments in the Army Reserve in several US assignments. In 2003 he became the Commanding General of the 63 rd Regional Readiness Command in Los Alamitos. At the conclusion of his talk and the Q&A session, Major General Ostenberg will present the Vietnam War Era recognition award to anyone who was an active duty member of any branch of the military between August 1958 and April 1970. The requirement is at least one day of active duty and an honorable discharge. If you have been thinking about inviting friends and neighbors to have lunch with us, this is a perfect opportunity to ask someone who is a veteran. What could be better: lunch with a bunch of great guys, hearing an excellent speaker and receiving the Vietnam War Era recognition award. Phil Trapp, Little Sir Next SIR Luncheon: November 13 Concord Hilton 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord Greeters: Larry Frigenbaum & Bob Fieber. Executive meeting: 9:00 AM Social Hour begins: 10:15 AM Luncheon starts 11:30 AM Darryl Sweetland BIG SIR 2016 HOTLINE Index = Spouses/Friends Activity welcome Page # General Branch Business 1-5 Biographies 18=19 Branch Positions 23-24 Activity Report 2 Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 6 Astronomy 6 Bargain Bites 6 Birders 7 Birthdays 20 Bocce ball (All) 7 Book Exchange 8 Book Group 8 Bowling 8 Bridge (All) 9 Car Enthusiasts 10 Computers and Tech 10 Cribbage 10 Digital Photography 10-11 Dine In (All) 11 Dine Out (All) 11 Dine Out Single SIRs 11-12 Dominoes 12 Explore & Eat 12 Fishing 13 Golf (All) 13-14 Heads Up Walkers 14 Hikers 14-15 Ladies Day Luncheon 15 Luncheon Information 5 Membership Report 20 Mexican Train Dominoes 12 Model Railroading 15 Mixer 15 Photo Gallery 22 Pickle Ball 15 Poker 15 Senior Center Activities 4 SIRS at the Games 16 SIRS in the Kitchen 16 SIRS at the Opera 16 Sums In Retirement 16 Sunshine Report 5 Traveling SIRS 17 Wine Articles (All) 17-18 Writing your Life Story 18 14
RAMP Recruitment, Activities, Member relations, Publicity. RAMP is a collection of programs and services that together support the building of a successful branch. RECRUITMENT Present Chairman, the inimitable Ed Benson, will be moving up to State Vice President ( Yeah and Applause is heard). I will do my utmost to carry on his great work. In order for me to do that, I (The Branch) will need your help, not only in recruiting new members, but also in volunteering to serve on recruiting sub-committees. Some of you have already reached out to me in that regard, and I will be contacting you imminently. In the overall scheme of Recruiting, there are two areas where the Branch has shortcomings: a) bringing guests; and b) converting those guests to members. Starting in January, we will be implementing a new program we hope will incentivize converting guests to members. We will refer to it as The Benson Wheel of Fortune (as it was initially his idea). Instead of always giving a bottle of wine to the member whose guest(s) joins our branch, the idea is to offer the sponsor a sporting chance at one of several different rewards The Wheel Setup The member whose guest(s) joins SIR spins the wheel. When the wheel stops the pointer will indicate the reward. (The sponsoring member may spin the wheel once for each guest that becomes a member during that month s luncheon). The Benson Wheel of Fortune consists of 14 wedges: 3 wedges are worth $30, 4 wedges are worth $20, 4 wedges are worth $10, and 3 wedges are worth a bottle of wine. Wheel Rules The $30 spaces are worth $30.00 in Branch 8 Bucks if applied towards price of a lunch or Branch 8 Logo Apparel, or $20.00 in cash. The $20 spaces are worth $20.00 Branch 8 Bucks if applied towards price of a lunch or Branch 8 Logo Apparel, or $10.00 in cash. The $10 spaces are worth $10.00 Branch 8 Bucks if applied towards price of a lunch or Branch 8 Logo Apparel, or $5.00 in cash Branch 8 Bucks can not be redeemed until a subsequent luncheon. There is a 3 luncheon time limit on the Branch 8 Bucks. The Every six months drawing for a free lunch among those who bring a guest will remain in place. The semi-annual Bring a guest, get a bottle campaign will also remain in place. Tom Watkins, Recruiting Chairman ACTIVITY REPORT Recently, I had opportunities to meet with leaders of other SIR branches. Many of these branches have fewer members and cannot support the number and variety of activities that are available to us in Branch 8. Clearly, we are fortunate to have so many activity options. However, engaging our members is a challenge for all branches. In order to maintain healthy activities, we need members with interest and passion for an activity to step forward into contributing roles. As you select and participate in your favorite activities, please consider how you will make the activity better in the months ahead. Whether you make a suggestion, plan the activity for a specific date, organize a social hour, or assist your Activity Chairman with something, there are things you can do to make your chosen activity even better. Be assured - our Activity Chairmen will welcome your initiative and contribution. Another topic, I discussed with other branch leaders, is special events. All SIR branches plan picnics, holiday luncheons, and other co-ed opportunities for social interaction. At Branch 8, we have our upcoming holiday luncheon at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo on Monday, December 11th. Please make arrangements to join your fellow members and their guests for this special luncheon. If you can, I encourage you to upgrade your involvement in our activities. Begin by joining us for the holiday luncheon on December 11th, and commit to boosting your engagement with your chosen SIR activities. Activity Coordinator: Steve Schramm MEMBERS RELATIONS COMMITTEE I want to explain, how the Co-Chairmanship of MRC will work. Tom Mohrman as announced in October Hotline has accepted the position, however, he will be active in the position about half of the year. As most know, Tom has a Left foot in the West Coast and his Right foot is in the Right Coast. I am reminded of the late Singing artist, Peter Allen who had a popular album entitled: Bi- Coastal about such a life. The lovely Shelia, and Tom certainly do fill that description. As such, Tom will Chair one half the year. We try to meet four times a year. So it does not appear to be a problem, as Tom and I communicate all year. He has great observation and intellect which I appreciate. Remember it is you, who we listen to, and make recommendations based on what input you give us, so let us know what is on your mind will you? Page 2
MRC Member, new Recruiting and Diversity Committee Chair, Thom Watkins is taking his tasks seriously, by melding the Diversity Committee into Recruiting as a Sub Committee. This is a new and unique endeavor to mirror the communities in which we live - diversity. Do you have any ideas to help? If so give me, Thom Watkins or Tom Mohrman a call. We are in the Branch Roster. Here's a TIP: Do you want to know what makes a branch function, what rules and regs it has, how a branch is to be run, positions, job descriptions, how many Branches, their membership numbers, how many activities, who their BEC members are, where they meet, and how often??? These questions and much, much, more can all be answered by visiting the State Site: www.sirinc.org. Try it. It s what we do. Our next MRC meeting has been delayed due to vacations, and absences, which are now dissipating. Summer is gone too soon, as winter approaches. I will have called for an MRC meeting before this Hotline Paper Edition is published! Let us know what is on your mind: Howard Meadow <howard.meadow@gmail.com>, Ron Maciak MD-158 <rammedical@sbcglobal.net>, Chris Tang <tanggg@att.net>, Thom Watkins <thomwat831@gmail.com>, Ed Benson <EBensonBWA@aol.com>, Laaback <rlaabak@yahoo.com>, Ron and Judy Smith <resmith62@aol.com>, Ron Brown <brownmktg@comcast.net>, Stan Johnson <stan.johnson88@gmail.com>, Steve Schramm <sschramm01@gmail.com>, Tom Kerns <jtomk01@aol.com>, "Tom Mohrman < Mohrman" <mustangtpm@gmail.com>, Bill Espey <wtespey@gmail.com>, Dave Davis <dav.davis@comcast.net>, Jim Whitsett <afres056789@gmail.com>, Jim & Sandy Sowell <sowell4jim@aol.com>, Bill Barber <billhiker4411@gmail.com> Tony de Losada Chairman- Tom Mohrman Co- Chairman PUBLICITY AND IMAGE Wine Finders One activity under the Chairmanship of Bob Price, executed a wonderful idea & party, both events hosted by WF-1 members Tom and Sheila Mohrman, (his idea and Sheila's energy). Publicity and Image is happy to report the details of a still, much talked about, party held atop the beautiful, well-appointed Roof Top Entertainment Playground of the newly opened Lyric Apartments in Walnut Creek. L to R: Tony de Lasada, Adam Lofgren, Triskin Potter, WC Mayor Chris Carlston and Tom Mohrman Page 3 Making his appearance and exuberantly joining in on picture taking, plus speaking about the benefits of SIR Members in Branch 8, was Mayor Rich Carlston. The Mayor proved to be an extremely gracious and intelligent, representative of, and for, Walnut Creek indeed! Mayor Carlston, was good enough to give us much of his time, even when he had another meeting to attend to, in Oakland, but who wants to go "where there is no there, there?" Beside the Mohrman s, The Mayor appearance was the hit of the party! There was Pool Table playing, 4 Monday Night Football screens to view, hors de oeuvres, wine, good conversations, laughter, jokes and interesting City and Mt. Diablo viewing sites, at sunset, despite the weather problems! This event was especially good for Branch 8 to get more connected to our Major City officials, who can, and will, support Sons in Retirement in getting our organization known! This type of City Organization cooperation, eventually, will do away with the
question, what's a SIR? Tony de Losada, Publicity and Image-Senior Activities ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRANCHES Breakfast Call Philip Magen 256-6548 Bridge Lunch 2nd/4thTu Milt Greenstein 376-5589 Historical Call Rich Sjoberg 254-1661 Stamps Call Rich Sjoberg 254-1661 ATTENDANCE Attendance for the May luncheon Active Members: Membership Prior to Luncheon 349 Members Inducted 2 Excused Absences - 85 Unexcused Absences - 17 Members Attending 249 Others: Visitors - Guests - Speakers 4 Others Attending 4 TOTAL ATTENDANCE 253 Guest Herb Friedman Walt Rogers Speaker Catherine Baker (Assistant to Ms. Baker Sponsor Dan Casella Bill Hunter Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary CONCORD COMMUNITY CENTER: FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR SENORS! Held once a month on the SECOND THURSDAY! Sponsored by the City of Concord and Contra Costa Legal Services. 60 and over M/F invited to attend for a 45 Minute personal advice from Attorneys on: Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD). No income requirements. By appointment only! Call Concord Senior Center: 925-671-3320 and sign up. There are six appointments Mention you are a SIR from Branch 8! Tony de Losada P & I Chairman COMMENT CARD CORNER Hotline Report for November 2017 Comment Card Corner Analysis of Comment Cards from October 9, 2017 SIR Branch 8 Lunch Meeting. There were 7 cards from 7 members for the September lunch. Two were Impressed, 1 was Satisfied, 3 were Mad as the dickens, and, for the first time, no cards failed to give an attitude. Three comments thought the speaker was good but too long. One said that too many people left and that was rude. One thought few people left, even though the presentation was too long. Three complained about the political nature of the presentation. One past Big Sir raised a previous issue that the slide show should be turned off during the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The image on the screen was too small. It should fill the screen. The most interesting comment was that the lunch was good but meatloaf is not exciting. SinSIRly, Jim Sowell ABSENCES & BRINGING GUESTS If you are going to be absent or are bringing a guest, please call or email by Wednesday noon before the meeting. Page 4
Phone: 925-901-4826 (calls are not automatically returned) Email: sirbr8attendance@outlook.com (a confirmation E-mail will be sent to you) IMPORTANT: If a confirmation E-mail is not received, it is the member s responsibility to follow up and ensure it was sent to the correct address. Either resend the E-mail or call the attendance number at 925-901-4826 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 new guests to meetings during the previous 6 months. You can use the SIR cards available at the check-in table to invite guests. For each new guest sponsored during the 6 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. LEGAL NOTICE This notice is available in the Roster and on the web site. NEW ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR E-MAIL If you change any of the above, please notify Bob Barnes. If you need a new member s email address (or phone number), you can also contact Bob Barnes at (925) 348-6443 or send him an email. NOVEMBER LUNCHEON MENU Baby Spinach Salad Lemon Grilled Chicken with Rice Mixed Vegetables Pumpkin Pie Coffee/Ice Tea 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 925-552-6097, 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 October Hotline Report, the Committee has extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Steve Bishop, Ernie Sherne, Ek Keller, Steve Pierce, Wally Freeman and Harry Reiter. Since the October Hotline Report, the Committee has extended condolences to the Darryl Sweetland family, the Maurice Nelson family, and the Henry (Hank) Mayo family. Sunshine Committee: br8sunshine@yahoo.com Terry Norton 925-798-6023 Larry Mersmann 925-935-9124 HOTLINE INPUT AND WEB EDITORS IMPORTANT SINGLE HOTLINE EMAIL ADDRESS: Hotline@sirinc3.org. Send your articles and photos BEFORE the 20th of the month. Include meeting information and dates for the following month to keep your group properly informed about meetings, deadlines and upcoming events. Late reports may not be included in the Hotline. Hotline Editors (Hotline Coordinator *) * Dan Weller dweller@astound.net Barry Brown barryb@bkbrown.net Chuck Joyce joycc003@gmail.com 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 Page 5
TREASURERS REPORT August 2017 Receipts Monthly luncheon $7690.00 Contributions 36.00 Interest.14 Total receipts 7726.14 Disbursements Monthly luncheon 7745.98 Activity breakfast dep 360.00 Printing & supplies 202.25 Ladies Day deposit 1000.00 Total disbursements 9308.23 Net loss (1582.09) Cash, beginning 12158.58 Cash, ending 10576.49 (Editor s note: I lost this month s report!) Ron Cassano, Treasurer 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 that 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 e-mail.. Thanks in advance. Ron Smith, Chairman resmith62@aol.com 925-314-3066 Al Steunenberg, Co-Chairman als2nnbrg@comcast.net 820-2758 ASTRONOMY No report submitted for November. Larry Lange, Chairman 254-6281 rllange@pacbell.net Leary Wong, Asst. Chair 930-7024 kinglear3@aol.com BARGAIN BITES Tower Grill, Danville In case you missed out, about 40 of us gathered at the Tower Grill on Tues., Oct. 24 to enjoy a wonderful evening with our SIR friends. Hopefully you signed up and joined us for a wonderful evening of conversation, World Series Baseball, wine and good food. Sorry I can't provide details because our date and the Hotline cutoff date are always at odds. They publish and then we go out to eat. We're working hard to find a place for November but the dilemma is that the normal 4th Tues. is my BD and I have other plans. The third Tues(Nov.21) is Thanksgiving week but that might work for something light. We'll keep you posted. Page 6
If you would like to be placed on the Bargain Bites e-mail 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 E-mails in advance of the Hotline. Again, thanks for your interest and wonderful support. It makes the effort worthwhile. Chairman: Ron Smith 314-3066 resmith62@aol.com Asst. Chairman: Ron Maciak 357-8005 rammedical@sbcglobal.net BIRDERS On Monday, Nov 20th the birders will be going to Lynch Canyon Preserve. We will be looking for many types of raptors. Seen on other trips were, American Kestral, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Harrier hawk, Coopers Hawk, White tailed Kite, Sharp shin hawk, Red tailed Hawk, Red shoulder hawk, Broad wing hawk, and Golden eagles. Plus a good variety of smaller birds. Located between Vallejo and Cordellia off the frontage road. The first 1/2 mile is a flat easy walk, then an elevation change for about 1/4 mile with a 10 to 15% grade. Then down hill from there. Bring snack and beverage. Chairman: Leary Wong, 925-457-0807, kinglear3@aol.com 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. This is the status as of September 15. 23 Members have participated in the Open play activity. Top% => 30 Games Name Won Lost Games Winning % Bob Barne 24 13 40 68 Tom Keehn 21 10 31 68 Dave Allen 28 15 43 65 Other players may have a larger Winning % but have not played the minimum number of games. 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. See you next season! Chairman: Bob Barnes 686-0106 sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: 825-0519 BOCCE BALL - LEAGUE PLAY The 2017 Concord Bocce Ball Federation (CBF) League season has ended for 2017. The score in the table represents the SIR Bocce record for the 2016 season. All team members enjoyed the Bocce team play during the season and are looking forward to another season next year. This table represents the team s end of season record. Date Results September 5 Won 13 Lost 35 In our League group, we placed 9 of 9 teams on Tuesday evening. The SIR Bocce team for Branch 8 has the maximum number of players for 2018. 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 686-0106 sb8msec@hotmail.com Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: 825-0519 dmrinaldi@astound.net Page 7
BOOK EXCHANGE If you read it and liked it, bring it! IF YOU READ A BOOK THAT YOU REALLY LIKED AND WANT TO SHARE IT, BRING IT TO THE NEXT SIR LUNCHEON AND DONATE TO OUR COLLECTION. However, we have recently been inundated with books. Some generous members are bringing boxes of books to donate...not individual books. The net result is that instead of the collection growing at a box or two of books per meeting, we are growing at 4-6 boxes. This is creating a storage issue for us so we are spending a large amount of time to weed through our collection to reduce down the number of boxes. In the future, if any member has a large number of books to donate, it would help us if they brought only a dozen or so per meeting, so that we can assimilate them more easily. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions contact any member of the book exchange team: Chairman: Tom Kerns, jtomk01@aol.com (925-376-8840). Assistant Chair: Alan Curtis, alancurtis@sbcglobal.net Assistant Chair: Rob Laaback, rlaabak@yahoo.com Assistant Chairman: Ray Dewit, ray.dewit@yahoo.com BOOK GROUP At 10:30 on Tuesday, October 3, 17 members of the SIRS Book Group gathered at the Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill to discuss "Barkskins" by Annie Proulx. This historical fiction book is an epic of environmental plunder where the wild forests are the main character and where Proulx s narrative is a thundering cascade of stories. This tome is 717 pages that cover 300 years from the arrival of woodcutting French settlers in Canada in 1693 through the melting of glaciers in 2013. This book contains examples of clear cutting, logging eating cuisine, scheming and deadly mayhem. Characters introduced die from cholera, measles, smallpox, shipwrecks, scalpings, botched amputations and occult tortures. The novel ends with a modern scientist solemnly warning about global warming that a great crisis is just ahead. Proulx is particularly good with the use of sentence structure and colorful words that create dynamic pictures. Barkskins was enjoyed by all and it was a decidedly good read. Nick Maufe is back from a hiking vacation in Switzerland. Ask him about the head/rock incident and who won. On November 5, the Book Group will be reading Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, the reviewer will be Fred Nelson. This popular novel is about an eight man rowing team from University of Washington that won its way to the gold in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. This is a story of how 9 working class men transformed the sport of rowing and caught the attention of millions of Americans. Jim Kawal, for Nick Maufe, Chairman: Nick Maufe BOWLING nickmaufe@gmail.com Bowling Report for November 2017 Winter Leagues Branch 19 SIR League Branch 19 (Concord) sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. The 2017-2018 league started on September 6 th. The league consists of 10 four-person teams. Spouses and guests are welcome. We bowl starting at 10 AM every Wednesday at Clayton Valley Bowl. This is a good time to bet back into Bowling if you have been too busy while you were working full-time. We have averages from 120 to 220, so everyone is welcome. If you are not able to commit to a 30 week season, you might want to sign up as a substitute where you can normally bowl on the weeks that you choose, if there are any absences on your week. Many of the bowlers participate in some of the 20 SIR Bowling tournaments 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:. http://sirinc.org/bowling Upcoming SIR Bowling Tournaments: DATE LOCATION COMMENTS Nov 2,3 Modesto Nov 14, 15 Clayton Sponsored by Branch 19 Dec 3 Fremont ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller 925-935-5510 dweller@astound.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Erickson 925-939-7925 jim@jterickson.com Page 8
BASIC BRIDGE We have discontinued the formal lessons and we will have open play with each player rotating after 4 hands. Table Talk is allowed. A discussion is encouraged after a hand has been played. Coaches are available for questions at any time. The Basic Bridge players are getting used to the challenge of playing with new partners each round. We have been trying one Duplicate board experience at the beginning of each session to show how many ways a deal could be bid and played. We then discuss together the way each table handled the Board. This experience has been well received so we will continue to do this each time. After the discussion, we have free play rotating on a party bridge style. The top scorers in the free-play session were: Stan Johnson, Ernesto Tong and Glen Renk. 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 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 parking restrictions. Rod Spicer, Chairman, 935-5306, marod61@att.net BRIDGE DUPLICATE The Duplicate Bridge I Group met on October 13 at Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill. The session was quite tight with 5 teams scoring over 30 points. Bud Grisanti and Jim Regan returned to their often achieved top position with Harry Hubinger and Brian Woolf right on their heels. A frequent Sub, Steve Greytak teamed with Rod Spicer for third place Scores for the top three finishers were as follows: 1st Grisanti-Regan 37.5 2nd Hubinger-Woolf 36pts 3 rd Greytak-Spicer.. 34 pts Top offensive score was made by the Greytac-Spicer team when they bid and made a doubled-redoubled small slam in diamonds for a score of 1380 Kahl and Schulze also bid 6 diamonds on the board, and while they made 7 tricks on the hand, they were out-scored due to a lack of a double by the defense. Would they have redoubled the contract? Only the bridge gods know. The team of Gary Plisco and Jerry Milano were the only team to bid and make a small slam in hearts on a board where all teams took 6 tricks. Top defensive scores were earned by the teams of Gene Bingham / Ernesto Tong and Hubinger/ Woolf when they set doubled non vulnerable contracts on different boards by 3 for scores of 500. Thanks to George Schulze for set-up. Jim Regan has these duties next month. Lastly, thanks to our subs; Ernesto Tong, Steve Greytak, and Al Welch. Our next session will be November 10 at 9:15AM at Round Table Pizza in Pleasant Hill. Mark the date on your calendars, NOW. Note that the start time has been slipped 15 minutes to coincide with the arrival of proper authority to allow our entry. Set-up will start at 9:00AM Bob Kahl, Chairman 284-8572 Dick Long, Asst Chairman 274-1786 Ton Hensley, Asst Chairman 937-0605 BRIDGE RUBBER As an auctioneer: I now have three tables. Do I hear a bid for four tables anytime soon? Checking our tires by 11:00AM is still working. The best players this month were: Dan Smith (5420); Tom Anders (3830); and Jerry Milano (3700). the scores ran from 1490 to 5420 with the median score being about 2500. All members are invited to our game which meets at Pleasant Hill Round Table Pizza at 1830 Oak Park Blvd. The game starts at 9:00AM and we try to finish by 12:30PM. Please answer Al Welch's email early so we can try to fill the tables. Chairman: Rod Spicer, 935-5306, marod61@att.net Al Welch, Co-Chair, 925-938-4131, blackpool68@gmail.com David Bushnell, Co-Chair, 925-838-3914, dbushn@swbell.net BRIDGE - COUPLES On October 16, 2017, the Couples Bridge session had 4 tables with 8 couples. Les and Carole Hopkins took first place with 2,740 points; Ben and Helen Yeraka were second with 2,720 points (only 20 points less); and Raleigh and Helen Davis were third with 2,610 points. Our next session will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 20, 2017 (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). Page 9
CAR ENTHUSIASTS The Poker Run event planned for October had to be postponed due to scheduling issues with key players needed to man the various card draw stations. We will attempt to make this fun event a reality next year. We will travel to SF for the International Auto Show in November on Tuesday, the 21st, for a look at the newest updates in auto technology, some very expensive vehicles and some historic classics. The group will BART to the City for a 10 AM arrival, see the show, and return on BART after lunch at restaurant yet to be determined. Home by around 3 PM. Cost $10 plus No Host lunch. We are looking for discount coupons allowing a 2 for 1 entry fee. December will include the Holiday Ladies Day Luncheon. Logistics have complicated the event as we have more than one table's capacity for the first time. A second table will be required and hopefully we can entice additional CE members to attend so we can fill the table. There will be no monthly meeting in December. The Holiday luncheon being the only activity. Reservations are underway for the Pacific Grove outing in March of next year. We have made a large dent in the B&B's accommodations as we have 7 or 8 couples planning to go. 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 November 7th. Activity Chair: Chick Lowry - clowry2845@aol.com Assistant Chairs Tom Mohrman mustangtpm@gmail.com Bill Koski billkos36@comcast.net Bob McMains stude35@mac.com COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY The October meeting was canceled due to the sudden passing of the presenter, Tom Howard. The subject for discussion at the November meeting is, Using EXCEL: An Introduction to Spreadsheet Basics and Applications for Retirees. Neil Schmidt will briefly review the history of spreadsheets, note the different spreadsheet programs that are available and discuss how they are used, focusing on the needs of retirees. Members who currently use spreadsheets are encouraged to bring examples (via flash-drive) of their spreadsheets as a way to further illustrate different and creative spreadsheet applications. Remember, a spreadsheet is not just a business tool, it can be used in many different ways in everyday life. We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, Thursday November 16, 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 October 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: 254-8338 CRIBBAGE 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 to learn the game. 2017 October Results October 4th - 12 players October 17th 11 players 1 st Place Jerry Ward 211 pts. 1 st Place Stan Johnson 244 Pts. 2 nd Place Stan Johnson 181 pts. 2 nd Place Rob Laaback 124 pts. 3 rd Place Joe Anthony 174 pts. 3 rd Place Jerry Ward 114 pts. 4 th Place Don Atwater 158 pts. 4 th Place Steve Bishop 112 pts..chairman, Ron Draper r-draper@pacbell.net Asst. Chairman, Dan Smith dns.ins02@astound.net DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPY The Digital Photo Group s October assignment was Abstract Photography. Dave Davis provided links to resources on the subject and it appears most of the 13 members in attendance managed to create some interesting abstractions. For our November gathering, Landscape Photography, will be the assignment. Dave, of course, has already supplied us with several links to resources on the subject, so we should be prepared for our landscaping efforts. Page 10
Everyone is encouraged to bring up to 12 jpg photos to share on a clean flash drive. Please be prepared to discuss how you created your photos, including meta data info. If you want a specific order of presentation, renaming your photos 01,02, 03, etc., should do the trick. Be sure to use only the numbers, and nothing else, in the file name. Our host for the November 18, meeting, Larry McEwen, will be sending out reminders & directions and looking for attendance confirmations, so if you plan to attend, be sure to let Larry know you re coming. The Digital Photography Group meetings begin at 10:00 AM on the third Friday of the month. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided, for which we ask a $2 donation. All levels of photographer are welcome, from the point and shooters to sophisticated mirrorless & DSLR users. We even entertain phone photos! Bill Phelon, Chair: rpheon@juno.com 254-8338 Dave Davis: Vice Chair: dav.davis@comcast.net 838-1753 DINE IN # 1 DINE IN # 2 The May Dine In has turned into an "intimate" affair as there was only six of us. The Lunns hosted with the Kargs and Cassanos in attendance. July will be hosted by the Bensons. Chairman: Ron Cassano: roncassano@gmail.com No article received by press time. Co-Chair: Ed Cohn; gitano2@att.net 954-7600 Co-Chair: Bob Price 937-6814 sprice8126@yahoo.com DINE IN # 3 Our next dinner, and the last for this year, will be at Jeff Foster and Grace Chang's house on November 15th. Our dining group has evolved over the 2 years we have been together. Several members have moved on to other activities and new people have filled their places at the dinner table. At the end of this year, we say good bye to Tony delasada and Chris Tang. We look forward to greeting new members who would be interested in joining us. If you have an interest in this activity, contact Rich Cheney at 925-289-1265 or e-mail at richard.s.cheney@gmail.com for more information. DINE OUT # 1 On Thursday, October 26, 2017 Dine Out 1 convened at SWAGAT INDIAN CUISINE in Concord, CA. Roger and Mardi Lockwara were our hosts and arranged for a buffet style dinner with a huge selection of vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes. Activity Chair: Ken Main Assist Chairs: Don Allen and Jim Ripley DINE OUT #2 No article received at press time. Chairman Jerry Milano 934-3496 jerrymilano@astound.net DINE OUT - SINGLE SIRS Tuesday, November 7 th at the Peony Garden Restaurant 1448 S Main Street, Walnut Creek Just south of the Kaiser Hospital. Social time is 5:00 with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Host is Frank Kilarr 913-645-2941 sfknarf@sbcglobal.net Peony Garden is a Chinese restaurant specializing in Asian Cuisine Page 11
Link to the menu http://www.chineserestaurantwalnutcreek.com/ Last month 9 Sirs, single for the night, dined at the new Greenery restaurant at Diablo Hills Golf Course. Being new, we agreed they have some kinks to work out, but sociable sirs we are and conversation was lively and interesting. 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 Check out our web page: https://www.sirbr8.com/dine-out-single-sirs/ Glenn Gilman Chairman 798-5155 glenngfam@sbcglobal.net Don Atwater, Asst. Chairman 673-1660 datwater@pacbell.net DOMINOES Wanted: New Players for Dominos Have you wanted to learn how to play dominoes? Here's your opportunity. We are looking for members who would like to play the game. You will play along side one of the experienced members during regular play until you feel comfortable to venture out on your own. We meet at ROUND TABLE PIZZA located at 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, Ca. Hours of play are 10:00am to 2:00pm. We usually purchase lunch around 12:30pm, socialize and continue play after lunch. We donate $5.00 each and keep score by points. High score wins. We invite you to join, have fun, and meet new friends. Please join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Chairman: Dan Rinaldi 925-381-5486 danrinaldi944@gmail.com Co-Chairman: Alan Schulze 925-876-7537 a_schulze@sbcglobal.net MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES Mexican Train Meets on 2nd Tuesday & 3rd Wednesday@10 a.m. Round Table Pizza 1938 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill 94523 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, the low score wins. October 10 th game was cancelled as many members were unable to attend. Results of the October 18 th game: 13 Rounds Don Atwater 360; Bill Peterson 370; Terry Norton 414; Clark Morehouse; 438; Jerry Ward 550; Larry Mersmann 582 Best scores 2017 Low Individual Game (13 Rounds) Bill Peterson 169 High Individual Game (13 Rounds) Don Atwater 706Website link - http://www.sirbr8.com/mexican-train/ Chairman Dan Rinaldi 825-0519 danrinaldi944@gmail.com Asst, Chairman Terry Norton 798-6023 nortont@sbcglobal.net EXPLORE AND EAT No new article at press time. Chairman: Ron Woods Page 12
FISHING - AREA 2 All SIR members and guests are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to participate in fishing trips as well as attend the monthly meetings. Next meeting will be Thursday, November 16th, THE THIRD THURSDAY, 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, come early. Rich Fiscina got this nice Salmon out the Gate The best salmon season in years has ended. Karl Droese, Paul Dubow, Ken Konzak, Gordon Linebaugh, Mario Moratorio, and Jack Waddell did have a productive day upstream in the Feather River. Gordon caught the pot fish, 27 lbs. Sal Costanza did well for the red meat at Rio Vista. Tom Anders, Phil Scimoneli, Pedro Contreras, Rich Fiscina,Terry Miller, and Carl Moyer all came home with rockfish and ling cod from the ocean. Terry Miller caught and released a big 5 foot green sturgeon in the bay, and Harry Sherinian did the same with a big salmon caught upstream fishing for bass with Tom Kostik. Tom, Mike Corker, Joe Miscione, Mario Moratorio, and Harry Sherinian all got stripers from the Delta. Phil Scimonelli went to Shasta Lake for trout and bass with a guide. The fishing group had its annual lavish food orgy with the Branch 8 Sir s in the Kitchen at Ed Benson s home. That was magnificent! Terry Miller, Alex Go, and Carl Moyer got catfish at San Pablo Reservoir. Karl Droese, Paul Dubow, and Ernie Wong all caught and released trout at Pyramid lake in Nevada. Our winter season for local trout, stripers, and sturgeon, with crab from the ocean begins soon. We live in a fishermen s paradise. Contacts are: Paul Dubow (415-495-6504) and Carl Moyer (925-685-5243.) nickmaufe@gmail.com Harry Sherinian released this beautiful Salmon GOLF - 18 HOLES Our Branch 8 annual golf outing (aka Gold Country Golf) was held at Saddle Creek October 10-12. Last year the weather was hot, 100 plus degrees. This year we had to tend with smoky conditions for the first day, then the weather cooperated on the second day. Twenty-four couples (and one single) participated and for all accounts it was a great success. An informal survey with 13 responses were in favor of going to Saddle Creek again next year. Now for the golf: on Wednesday we had a tournament which we called the Darryl Sweetland Memorial Tournament. Thirty-two golfers participated with low gross and low net winners. Low Gross for the men went to Buddy May and low net went to Joe D Angelo, a former Branch 8 member now Branch 160. Now for the ladies: low gross and net. It was a sweep by our friends from Branch 146. Norma Weisz was low gross winner and Ann Hallet got low net. However, Judy Barella was the recipient of the most fun highest score wormburner award. Just wait til next year. Our Club Championship was held on October 16,23 and 30. The best 2 out of 3 scores were used to determine the winners. Winners will be announced at our November luncheon. Bill Koski, Communications: 672 7650 billkos36@comcast.net GOLF - 9 HOLES Our annual championship tournament takes place on October 25 th too late to be published in the November edition of the Hotline. However, don t despair, a brief write-up will appear on our website on the Play Results page under the 9-hole golf heading and a couple of days afterwards a full description, complete with incredible photographs and a sure to be breathtaking description of the mighty battle to claim the King of the Sandbaggers title. We have 28 players this year vying for the title with Rich Knowles trying to be the first contestant to win in consecutive years! Otherwise, we have been having a steady turnout of golfers every week and now we can enjoy the newly remodeled restaurant at Diablo Hills Golf Course for our after-game refreshments. Remember our group is open to anyone with a set of clubs (and actually you can rent a set at the course) so come on down any Wednesday at 8:30 am and join us! Barry Brown, Chair: barry@bkbrown.net (925) 930 8026 Phil Philpot Asst. Chair: jr5753@outlook.com (925) 937 2260 Dick Brooks, Stats & Board member sb8golf9holes@gmail.com Page 13
GOLF COUPLES No article submitted by press time. Chairman: Paul Derby derby.paul@comcast.net Asst. Chair: Paul Hersch poppy3642@gmail.com. HEADS UP WALKERS November 2017 Walks One-hour walks start at 9:30 AM and usually are on flat surfaces. Most walks are out and back which means you walk for 30 minutes at your own pace, then turn around and walk 30 minutes back to the starting point. At 10:30 AM, we leave the trail for coffee, refreshments and spirited conversation. Spouses and dogs welcome. 10/26/2017: Walnut Creek: Civic Park. Meet at the Civic Park parking lot off of Civic Drive. Parking stalls in the main lot are tiny. Try the parting at the far south end of the lot. These spaces are good for full-sized vehicles. Or, use metered parking on Civic. Cafe: Cafe La Scala. Leader: Phil Trapp 11/2/2017: Lafayette: Lafayette Reservoir. Entrance on Mt. Diablo Blvd., about 1 mile west of Happy Valley Rd. Meet at the EAST (far left) end of metered parking lot. Bring 8 quarters or use a VISA or Master Card. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Rich Rosin 11/9/2017: Concord: C.C.C. Regional Trail. Take Treat Blvd east. Go 3/4 mile past Oak Grove and turn left on San Miguel. Turn right on Via Montanas. Turn left into the Parking Lot just past the bridge over the canal. Cafe: Peet's Coffee. Leader: Stan Johnson 11/16/2017: Walnut Creek: YV canal Walnut Ave. Take Ygnacio Valley Rd. Turn South on Walnut Ave (do not turn on Walnut Boulevard). Go a short distance and turn left on Naranja Drive. Park there and walk back to Walnut Ave. The trail starts a few feet from Naranja. Cafe: Sweet Affair Bakery. Leader: Steve Pierce 11/23/2017: Martinez: Martinez Regional Shoreline. Exit i-680 N. At last offramp to Martinez. Turn left on Marina Vista. Turn right on Ferry St. And cross the RR tracks. Meet at the first parking lot on the left. Cafe: Starbucks Martinez. Leader: Stu Harris 11/30/2017: 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: Terry Norton 12/7/2017: Lafayette: Moraga Community Center. Meet at the Lafayette Community Center on St. Mary's Road. Parking is near the new sport court. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Bill Peterson ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller 925-935-5510 dweller@astound.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Erland Persson 925-932-5328 erland.p@comcast.net ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Kawal 925-228-8821 jjtravelnet@gmail.com HIKERS - SIR HIKERS November 2017 SIR Hikes Easy Hike Mt. Diablo State Park-- China Wall and Little Yosemite November 14: This moderate hike has hard-packed trails varying from wide to single track. We can make it a mile longer with an optional side jaunt to check out the China Wall. Great views with varying formations as we enter Little Yosemite and its imposing cliffs & rock formations. We return via Stage Rd and Dusty Trail. The hike is a 4.0 to 5.0 miles with about 1,000 ft of low stress climbs at an easy pace. Total hike time will be approximately 2.00 to 2.50 hours, including a few rest stops. We will meet at 9:45 at the Macedo Ranch Staging Area at the end of Green Valley Rd., where there is ample parking, a restroom, drinking water (no water along the trail). The hike starts at 10:00 a.m. Poles would be helpful for those who use them. There is a $6 parking fee at the trailhead. So it is wise to carpool. Leader: Ron Smith, home 925-314-3066, cell 925-998-3886 Coordinator: Dave Davis; (925) 838-1753; dav.davis@comcast.net Hard Hike Las Trampas Bollinger Canyon Staging Area November 28: This loop hike uses Elderberry, Rocky Ridge, and Questa Trails for a 4.7 mile hike with 800 aggregate elevation gain (AEG). Great views of Las Trampas wilderness. Page 14
We will meet at 9:45 at the Bollinger Canyon Staging Area at the end of Bollinger Canyon Rd., where there is ample free parking, a restroom, but there is no drinking water. The hike starts at 10:00 a.m. Poles would be helpful for those who use them. For more details on these 2 hikes, including directions, car-pooling, what to bring, map, pictures, and optional lunch see the SIR Hiker web page at http://www.sirbr8.com/hikers/ Hike Leader: Youssef Tavasoli, home (925) 984-2500, cell (408) 718-1280, jtava3@gmail.com September Coordinator: Dave Davis; (925) 838-1753; dav.davis@comcast.net LADIES DAY LUNCHEON Our next Ladies Day Lunch will be held at the Round Hill Country Club, December 11 th. Application forms are at the end of this newsletter. More details and application forms will be available at our desk at next month s luncheon. Last year we filled the facility with over 300 SIRS and spouses. We are looking forward to similar numbers and an equally good time this year. 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 (www.gsmrm.org); the Carquinez Model Railroad Society in Crockett (www.cmrstrainclub.org); and the San Leandro Historical Railway Society in San Leandro (www.slhrs.org). Please check websites for open house events. Note: This Activity will hopefully soon be an Area 16-wide area of interest. Asst. Chairman: Dick Grube 687-0779 dickgrube@comcast.net MIXER Meets last Tuesday of the Month at Stanford s in Walnut Creek from 3pm to 6pm. Check our website for more information. Chairman: Jack Sagen 925-376-2749 PICKLE BALL No article submitted by press time. For information, please call: Chairman: Tom Trice (510) 853 9744 tstrice@yahoo.com. POKER 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 5 10 25 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 310-4900 montgall26@gmail.com Asst: Ekk Keller 685-1505 ekkeller@astound.net Ass t: Ron Draper 939-5740 r-draper@pacbel.net Page 15
SIRS AT THE GAMES You don't need a reminder of how expensive it is to live in the Bay Area. We see this fact in our everyday lives including our entertainment options. Certainly, ticket prices for sporting events have increased significantly. As the teams become more successful, the ticket prices have escalated. That is the good news and bad news of our sports environment. In response, SIRs at the Games has offered college games as a way of managing expenses. We have tried St. Mary's basketball, and both basketball and football at California - Berkeley. Attendance at these games has been mixed to disappointing. This winter, we have group opportunities to attend another Golden State Warriors' game (they are the NBA Champions!) and the San Jose Sharks (we can carpool to the Shark Tank). These games can be great fun for you and your spouses/friends, but can be costly as well. Tickets can reach the $100 -$160 range plus refreshments. I would like your feedback regarding these higher priced games. Are you willing to pay higher ticket prices for premium events like the Warriors or Sharks? I would appreciate your feedback before we commit to purchase tickets to one of these games. Please contact me with your feedback, sschramm01@gmail.com. I look forward to your responses to this question of ticket pricing and SIR group attendance. Thanks, Steve Schramm,Activity Chairman, SIRs at the Games SIRS AT THE OPERA For November, we will get the new opera The Exterminating Angel by the British composer Thomas Ades. The opera was jointly commissioned by the NY Met and the Salzburg Opera. The world premiere performance earlier this month in Salzburg received a good but not outstanding review, which you can Google. The live matinee comes to us on Saturday, November 18, at 9:55, in the Walnut Creek Century Theater. The encore recording follows at 6:30 Wednesday. Our Bolshoi ballet will be The Taming of the Shrew on Nov 19 at 12:55, a delayed HD transmission from Moscow. It is, of course, inspired by Shakespeare s play, and it will be interesting to see a dance version. Note that until further notice, the opera and ballet HD transmissions will not be shown in Pleasant Hill due to theater renovations. Chairman: David Bushnell E-mail: dbushn@swbell.net 925-838-3914 SIRS IN THE KITCHEN Oh sola mio Twenty-five Sirs in the Kitchen feasted on appetizers of mushroom bruschetta followed by an Italian feast of antipasto salad, rigatoni with lamb ragu, eggplant parmigiana with vodka sauce and a wonderful dessert of apple tart tartin with vanilla ice cream Kudos go to Monday's sous chefs Raleigh, Spencer, Ron and Thom for their help in getting the meal prepped. On Tuesday, they were joined by Tony and our three dessert chefs, Roger, Dan and Howard. Also a great round of applause to those involved in the set up, clean up and take down activities. A clean after-event house makes for a very happy Ms. Donna. Due to travel plans and the Thanksgiving holiday, Sirs in the Kitchen will not be meeting in November. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Come December, we'll have an open house for our Sirs in the Kitchen members and spouse/partners on December 19. Save the date, and stay tuned for the sign-ups in mid-november. Sirs in the Kitchen is now at 52 members. If you want to join, drop Executive Chef Ed an email (ebensonbwa@aol.com), call him (925-943-7011) 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 November 15 at 8 AM at the Legends Restaurant in the Diablo Creek Country Club - Port Chicago Highway, 1/4 mile north of Highway 4 in Concord. Our speaker will be Jerry Halliday of the Law Office of Robert W. Ash in Grass Valley, previously announced for October. The discussion will be about estate preservation if a spouse requires nursing care. The Legends opens at 7 AM. Come early and have a leisurely breakfast with your colleagues prior to the meeting. Chair: tomhenry925@gmail.com Co-chair Dave Sutton - davesutn@comcast.net Page 16
TRAVELING SIRS The Colorado Train Adventure has a lot of interest and some signups already. The trip includes: 7 nights hotel, 15 meals, all taxes and gratuities, airline fare to and from Denver, professional tour manager, and many sightseeing opportunities. Also, home pickup to and from the airport. The trip is September 15, 2018. Lets all get aboard, We are planning a travel meeting next year after January 1. We will have a travel agent present to discuss the train trip and some river cruises. 925-890-9245 Chairman Traveling SIRS: L.yarberry42@comcast.net WINE BARGAIN WINES No article submitted by press time. Chairman: Jim Warner, 925-935-8032 Assistant: Ed Benson, 925-943-7011 WINE - CELLAR FILLERS As of the writing of this monthly report for CFWA a wine tasting is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2017 at the home of Sir Scott Graff in Alamo. There are 16 members signed up to attend the usual lunch of sandwiches and fixin's, then taste the selected wines. III. November is a down month for CFWA. The next meeting will probably take place in the latter part of January 2018, at a location to be determined. CFWA is open to members, applicants, and guests and is a great way to introduce a guest to SIR. Spouses and SO's are welcome at our other 5 wine activities, such as All About Wine, Bargain Wines, or Wine Finders I, II, and We meet for a simple lunch of sandwiches and fixin's, then taste 5 whites and 5 reds or maybe a blush wine.. We use a simple 4 point rating and ranking system; Would Buy, Might Buy, Probably would not Buy, and Would Not Buy. Our price point is $7.00-ish, and the cost of the event is around $10.00, depending on the wines selected and how many attend. The chairmen and host do all the purchasing and preparation. A report listing the wines, their rankings, price and source will be sent to the CFWA members and posted on the Branch 8 website. If you have questions, would like your name added to the mailing list, or want to attend a meeting, please contact: Chairman: Jim Sowell, owell4jim@aol.com, (925) 939-4670 or (925) 457-7746 cell Ass. Chair Jim Warner, jdubew@hotmail.com, (925) 935-8032 WINE FINDERS 1 October 12 th Wine Finders Meeting: Thanks to all our members, and especially Tony de Losada, Peggy and Tom & Shelia Mohrman, for putting the whole program together (see Publicity & Image article). The evening was magical at the rooftop penthouse, we totally abandoned the wine tasting aspect of the group. Wine, and other beverages were available, as were the special appetizers brought by the attendees. It was definitely a change of pace, and we certainly enjoyed the evening atop the Walnut Creek Lyric Apartments, afforded us by Property Manager Triskin Potter. Tony and Tom invited our Walnut Creek Mayor Rich Carlston, to share a few words and thoughts with us, emphasizing the need for City Administration to work side by side with the community to help shape Walnut Creek s future. November: NO ACTIVITY, we meet on alternating months. December 14th, we propose to have our annual CHRISTMAS GALA, with all three WINEFINDERS GROUPS (WF-1,2, and3). Jack (Rose) Sagen has agreed to open his home, and requests that all revelers dress the part of decorations, bright, cheery, and in party mode. Suggested beverage would be sparkling wine, plus shared appetizers Ron C. and Larry McE, would appreciate your forwarding this note to your respective wine finders. Bob and Sandy P will be out of country unit October 10, so please direct any comments/suggestions to Tony D, including your Chardonnay selections for the Oct 12 gathering. Chair : WF-1: Bob Price sprice8126@yahoo.com (925) 937-6814 Co-Chair: Tony de Losada delosada@ix.netcom.com (925) 945-1730 Page 17
WINE FINDERS 2 Southerns hosted the October tasting of white blends. Cassanos took first with Kitchen Sink Artisan Blend, Total Wine $11.99, second was Maciaks Pie Ridge White Blend, Bev Mo $11.98. The next wine event will be the December 14 th - joint Holiday Bash. Ron Cassano roncassano@gmail.com (925) 944-1238 WINE FINDERS 3 Five SIRS convened at the home of Roger and Mardi Lockwara to sample California Pinot Noirs and nosh on goodies ranging from shrimp, salmon & dill crackers to creme puffs. The hosts started everyone out with an excellent Chardonnay and finished us off with a wonderful dessert in the form of coffee ice cream and biscotti sticky pie. The winning wine was an '08 Castle Rock available at BevMo for $10 provided by the Lockwars. Also garnering honors were Gene Paschal's '15 Hahn available at Safeway for $11 and a '16 Meiomi provided by the McEwen's, available for $17 at Total Wines. Conversation lingered way too long into the night as any leftover wine was not to be wasted. December will feature another grand reunion of all 3 winefinders groups at a location yet to be determined. The next Winefinder III meeting will take place in February and hosted by Gene and Mary Lou Paschal..Chair WF-3: Larry McEwen elmsooweaux@comcast.net (925) 939-3216 ALL ABOUT WINES NEW ACTIVITY The first meeting of SIR All About Wine was held on Oct. 19 at the home of Tom & Barbara Anders in Walnut Creek. Chairman Tom Anders included a harvest and winemaking experience with his red wine grapes from the backgarden small vineyard. All 10 participants took part in harvesting, destemming and crushing while Tom explained normal winemaking industry practices. This was followed with appetizers provided by the participants along with wines selected by Tom Anders from the Sierra Foothills-El Dorado and Amador County which was the wine region theme of this meeting of the group. Wine evaluation sheets for each wine were provided and all became wine judges based on 5 judging points. Results: (Avg. score of judges. Prices not known prior to judging.) Lewis Grace Winery 2018 Pinot Gris: 88 pts. ($18 at winery) Lava Cap Winery 2016 Chardonnay: 87 pts. ($15 at Total Wines) Lava Cap 2014 Barbera: 87 pts. ($14 at Total Wines) Lewis Grace 2013 Tempranillo: 88 pts. ($28 at winery) Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Rinaldi Vineyard: 91 pts. ($38 at winery) Karmere Winery 2013 Barbera: 86 pts. ($27 art winery) The next meeting of the All About Wine group is planned for Thurs., Dec. 14 featuring wines of California Central Coast. Chairman Tom Anders WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Writing Your Life Stories will meet on Nov.28 and we welcome new members. We write short stories about events in our lives that are of interest to us and perhaps will be to our progeny. Meeting as a group and sharing stories (always voluntary) triggers our memories and keeps us inspired. We meet on the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Vintage Kensington Place (in the second floor Game Room), located on Geary Road near North Main in Walnut Creek, just off I-680. You will receive a syllabus to guide you in writing your own life stories. Dick Brewer 925-933-0876 revrpb@aol.com Page 18
ACTIVITY CHAIRMEN & BRANCH 8 LEADERS BIOGRAPHIES Jim Ripley, Hotline Editor Born in Paterson NJ where I did my entire primary through High School education. Went to Fairleigh Dickenson University in Teaneck NJ majoring in Accounting. After graduation, I received my CPA Certificate and did some graduate work at the Harvard Business School in Computer and Business Strategy. Married my wife Christine and we are now married over 50 years and have two children 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. After graduation, I went to work in NYC for a big Eight Accounting firm. Left Public Accounting after 4 years and went to work for CPC International, a fortune 100 NYSE company. They owned both industrial operations as consumer operations in over 60 countries. Their Consumer holdings included Best Foods in the USA and Knorr Soups and Ingredients outside the USA. I started as the head of International Accounting and retired 40 years later as the Chief Financial Officer of one of their spin offs (Corn Products International) a NYSE Fortune 500 Company. During my carrier with them I lived in New Jersey, Chicago, London and Brussels. Retired to Scottsdale AZ. in 2008 where we lived for 3 years before moving to Alamo, California to be closer to our children and grandchildren. I like the outdoor life and do gardening, hiking, biking and photography. I also enjoy going out with my wife to dinner, the theater and vacationing abroad. We have done many cruses since my retirement. Rob Laaback, Hotline Publisher, Voucher Runner at Luncheon Meetings B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington M.B.A., University of San Francisco. From Everett, WA Moved to San Francisco in 1965. Moved to Walnut Creek in 1977. 1962 to 1965 - Seattle District, Corps of Engineers on design of Snake River dams 1965 to 1969 - San Francisco District, Corps of Engineers, designing Warm Springs Dam near Healdsberg 1969 to 1978 - Twelfth District, U. S. Coast Guard, designing shoe facilities and managing real estate 1978 to 1988 - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, inspecting dams of licensed hydro-electric power projects 1989 - California Department of Highways - Developing permits for use of 1989 to 2002 - Contra Costa Costa Water District, overseeing the design and construction of Los Vaqueros Dam My wife, Gay, and I married in 1968. Our daughter, a world traveler, is currently living in Fiji. Our son lives on the Big Island. Neither have children. Served on the Branch Board of Directors. Publisher of the Hotline for those who desire hard copies mailed to them. Am one of four of we members who keep the Book Exchange going for the benefit of all Branch members. Deliver the lunch vouchers at the monthly luncheons to the lucky raffle and birthday winners. Am an avid hiker with the SIR hikers. Play cribbage, occasionally bocce ball, am a member of the Car Enthusiasts activity. Both my wife and I enjoy the wine tasting groups, Bargain Bites, and Explore and Eat. Page 19
Membership Data for Octoberr 2017 BEC Approval: 10/9/2017 Applicants Inducted: 2 Name Badge Sponsor Gary Nicholson MD-355 Bob Sherman MD-120 Jim Walters MD-299 Bob Sherman MD-120 Members Requested Active Status: 0 New Applicants: 1 Name Badge Sponsor Jim Walters MD-299 Bob Sherman MD-120 Applicants Attended Orientation: 2 Name Badge Sponsor Gary Nicholson MD-355 Bob Sherman MD-120 Jim Walters MD-299 Bob Sherman MD-120 Applicants Induction Date:0 Name Badge To Be Inducted Applications Withdrawn Date: 0 Name Badge Reason Members Requested Inactive Status: 1 Name Badge Reason Jack LaSalle MD-501 Member - Health Active Members Resignation: 2 Name Badge Reason Tony Watkin MD-96 Deceased Darryl Sweetland MD-132 Deceased Inactive Members Resignation: 0 Name Badge Reason Membership Totals Group - Status Number Members - Active 350 Applicants To Be Inducted 0 Members - Inactive 12 SIR Anniversary - November 2017 Name Years Ken Hodges 30 Obituary Report: Name: Maurice Nelson Inducted: 2/2/2001 Deceased: 9/14/2017 Name Tony Watkin Inducted: 9/10/2007 Deceased: 9/13/2017 Activities: Bridge, Hikers, Digital Photography, Golf 18 Hole, Astronomy SIR Certificates November 2017 Name Certificate Type Joe Anthony Senior Richard Shappee Senior New Members: Inducted October 2017 Name: Gary Nicholson Partner: Lysa Santy Residence: Walnut Creek Occupation: Credit Analyst Company: Chevron Interests: Golf 9 Hole, Travel, Golf Couples, Golf 18 Hole, Explore & Eat, Poker, Travelling SIRs, Dine In, Wine Tasting, Name: Jim Walters Partner: Blanche Walters Residence: Walnut Creek Occupation: Salesman Company: National Airmotive Interests: to be determined SIR Birthday November 2017 Day Name Day Name 1 Denny Hintz 15 Tony De Losada 1 Steve Tiller 15 Jerry Smith 2 Keith Packwood 17 Ray Pixton 3 Joe Anthony 20 Jim Sowell 4 Jim Erickson 20 Tom Hensley 4 Dan Crowley 20 Bill Drysdale 6 Steve Strobel 22 Dick Long 6 Richard Shappee 23 Tom Borman 8 Jack Waddell 24 Joe Maurino 8 Bud Grisanti 26 Bill Espey 9 Gene Paschal 27 Joe Bourque 10 Joe Miscione 28 Ron Smith 11 Gerald Raftery 29 Bob Poirier 13 Peter Heyman 29 Hardy Miller 13 Don Pizzagoni 30 Larry McEwen 14 Don Cashman Page 20
DARRYL SWEETLAND It was with great sorrow when we learned of former Big Sir Darryl Sweetland s passing on September 20 th. Darryl joined our organization in 2007 and served as a BEC Director, Officer, Little Sir, Speaker Chairman, Nomination Chairman, and 2016 Big Sir. He was an active participant in eight of our current activities. His passions in life after his family and friends were golf, fly fishing, world travel, and providing his friendship and leadership to our SIR Branch 8. His family held a Celebration of Life for Darryl in Walnut Creek on October 6 th. Here are just a few of the personal tributes expressed by friends and fellow Sir members on his life: I remember Darryl as a patient, unflappable, smiling man. He had a big, caring heart and was a patient listener. I most certainly remember Darryl for his positive attitude, the first to volunteer and a zest for life. He was humble, well spoken, with a great sense of humor which he kept to his last days. We first met him at the 18 Hole Golf desk in 2007 and he volunteered to work on our golf committee. Three weeks later he was chairman! We all got to know his quick smile and every ready words of encouragement. I didn't know Darryl well until 2015 when he was my Little Sir. After working closely with him for a year all I can say is "What a great guy!" Friendly, cheerful, conscientious, thoughtful and a pleasure to be around. We'll all miss the BIG guy - Ed Benson, Big Sir 2015 Page 21
PHOTO GALLERY October Guest Speaker: State Assembly Woman Catherine Baker Barry Brown, Steve Schramn & Alex Go Did Their Part in August New Members with their Sponsor Bob Sherman receives his reward for "Did His Part", in October SIR State President Elect 2018, Derek Southern presents the HLM Emeritus Certificate to Richard Shappee. Richard is the first Branch 8 HLM Emeritus recipient and also the first Branch 8 member to receive an HLM, who was not previously a Big SIR. Richard joined SIR in 1993 and was presented his HLM in 2009. Richard was a major developer and publisher of the Branch 8 Newsletter (Hotline) and served as Editor for 7 years, Director for 2 years and Branch Secretary for 3 years. He also served as Secretary of the State SIRARC (Amateur Radio Club) and authored the original Kompozer Version of the Model SIR Branch Website still available on SIRINC.ORG website. Page 22