Port Stockton Sayings Bulletin The monthly bulletin of Port Stockton Branch 46 of Sons In Retirement, a California non-profit corporation chartered July 23, 1974. NEXT MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 Thursday at 12 Noon Happy New Year From Your Outgoing Big Sir Yes, that s right. I m leaving. Historically, the incoming Big Sir provides this write up for the January bulletin, but I m doing it because I really enjoyed being your Big Sir and want to officially thank the branch officers, chairmen, and committee members for making life easy for me. Besides that, I m the bulletin editor, and I can put anything I want in the bulletin. In particular, I would like to thank Ron Korock, our membership chairman, for both his recruiting efforts and the outstanding job he does as membership chairman. It s not easy to keep track of over 100 guys who are joining, quitting, transferring in or out, dying, or becoming inactive in the branch. Ron also printed the tickets for the Christmas luncheon and handled the sign-ups and money-collecting. On top of all this, Ron maintains and publishes our branch roster. And thanks to Lee Talbott, our attendance chairman, who, like Santa, knows if you ve been naughty or nice. Lee continually monitors our luncheon attendance and calls you if your participation is lagging to the point where you may be asked to resign or be safely transferred to inactive status. Lee and his wife, Darlene, also managed the gift table during the Christmas luncheon. Paul Wagner, our new Big Sir, essentially booked almost every speaker for our luncheons, and he has already lined up January s speaker. Paul also did most all the work involved in setting up and running the June picnic. And thanks to Pete Lepisto who stepped into key positions whenever required including running the Big R during the Christmas Luncheon. Pete also repaired our iconic rooster and bell assembly when it was badly damaged during a post luncheon cleanup. In addition, Pete is the one who books all our Romeo affairs at various locations throughout Stockton. Branch 46 is actually an activity-based branch so hats off to all the members and chairmen who are responsible for running the activities. In particular, thanks to John Doisy, Matt Palmer, and Dick Anderson for overseeing the Bridge functions, Gary Calhoon and Lee Talbott for Golf, and Ron Korock for the Bowling activity. Anyway, it s time to move on and make room for the new guy. Besides continuing as bulletin editor and webmaster for the branch, I ll also start my first term as a director. So I ll still be around. I ll end with some good news. Four members from the Manteca SIR Branch who had transferred out of our branch last year have transferred back into Branch 46. Also, two members of Stockton Branch 87 have transferred to our branch. Names for these six gentlemen are provided later on in this edition. Branch 46 now has 100 active members and 13 inactive for a total of 113. And I ve been told we re still counting! Jack Lamberty - Outgoing Big Sir (2015) Official Branch 46 Calendar January 2016 Jan 1 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 21 Jan 25 Jan 27 New Year s Day Houseplant Appreciation Day Executive Board Meeting Branch Luncheon Last Day for Bulletin Input National Chocolate Cake Day NEW IN THIS EDITION --Calendar Dates for January --January Birthdays and Anniversaries --Five (5) New Members --Christmas Luncheon Photos --January Speaker Info --Christmas Luncheon Highlights --Last page revised with new personnel
Miss a Meeting? When you know you will miss a luncheon meeting, please give our Attendance Chairman, Lee Talbott, a call (473-4159) or send him an e-mail: wltal@aol.com Bring a Friend, Win a Prize When you bring a friend (prospective new member) to a Branch 46 lunch meeting, you will receive FREE five 50-50 tickets. Good luck! ALSO, if your friend happens to join, then you will receive a free lunch. SIR BRIDGE Bridge starts at 9AM preceding the monthly meeting. Please contact Dave Palmer to reserve a seat at a bridge table. Dave Palmer Bridge Chairman 242-2093 or E-mail Dave at dpalmeretal@aol.com Sunshine & Memorials: Rich Mayo is our chairman for this committee. His phone number is 952-9177. Whenever you are aware of a member who has a serious illness or whose family has experienced some tragic circumstances, please give Rich a call. Please don t be hesitant to call Rich if you are aware of a member who is having problems. A call from the SIR would be greatly appreciated. 9 Hole Golf Please note chairman change! The 9 hole golf group plays every Tuesday at Swenson Executive Course. Players should arrive by 8:30 a.m. to get their tee times. In the winter months we play on an informal basis. Come and join us. Lee Talbot Any questions, call me at 473-4159 wltal@aol.com 18 Hole Golf Lodi-Stockton SIR Golf We had a very successful year in 2015. I want to thank all who helped and participated. We will be finalizing the schedule for next year and will have it in the next bulletin. I can tell you that the first tournament will be February 17 th at Lockford Springs, and the second one will be on February 26 at Van Buskirk. We now have committee of 4 putting on the tournaments: John Stevens is running 2, Bill Noel is running 2, Bob Cossey is running 2 and I will run 3. Have a great holiday. See you in February. Gary Calhoon 474-6448 WELCOME OUR NEW STARS New members to Branch 46 are easy to recognize. They have a star on their badge. When you see a star on a SIR s nametag, make sure you introduce yourself and welcome them to Branch 46. We suggest you also send a welcoming E-mail to the new member. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
SIR BOWLING Come join us for bowling fun every Wednesday morning, 9:30 am, at Pacific Bowl. Experienced bowlers, beginners and anybody in between will have a great time. Women are welcome, too. Call Ron Korock at 951-4759 for more information. Or ronkorock@comcast.net SWITCHING TO E-MAIL Sending out bulletins via Snail-mail (USPS) is time consuming and expensive. If you have a computer and are now receiving your bulletin thru the mail, please consider switching to E-mail. Simply contact Jack Lamberty and we ll take care of the rest. Thank you. Remember E-mail is in color!! Jack Lamberty 451-1165 JackL68734@aol.com Branch 46 Website http://branch46.sirinc2.org The Photos link of the branch website will have pictures from the Ladies Day Christmas Luncheon as soon as possible. In addition to the photos shown in this bulletin, there are about twenty more which will be on the website. The Computer link continues to feature interesting summary articles on technology written by Bill Bromily of Branch 1. This month s write up contains an article about automated parking where you will be able to push a button on your iphone, and the car will park itself even using, if necessary, the dreaded parallel parking maneuver. Eventually you will have the capability of letting your car park itself in a parking garage and later recall it from wherever it went. No valet - no tips. Another article discusses the use of drones for package delivery. Amazon has a drone that is designed to descend vertically into your backyard landing zone, all the while avoiding kids, dogs, and toys. Since it s a new year, we are updating all of our links. This is a somewhat lengthy process, and some of the links will not be updated immediately. Have patience. If you would like something posted on the website concerning the branch, contact Jack Lamberty. 451-1165; JackL68734@aol.com
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTS Once again, the December Ladies Day Christmas Luncheon was a resounding success. We had a total of 84 attending, and our thanks go out to all those who helped in this event. In particular, we should thank Pete Lepisto for running the Big R event from start to finish, Ron Korock for printing and managing the ticket sales, and Lee and Darlene Talbott for overseeing the gift table. And thanks to Alice Lamberty for supplying and setting up the table decorations. Hats off to the Lincoln High Choir and Director Paul Kimball who came to Elkhorn during their noon hour to provide us with an excellent program of Christmas songs plus many of their original arrangements. In past performances the choir would circulate through the audience collecting donations. Apparently, class schedules did not permit this activity, and Sir Pete Lepisto did the job afterwards, collecting $164 which will be passed on to the choir. Other highlights of the luncheon included the installation of branch officers for the year 2016 by Sir John Mendonca, and the presentation of a Senior Sir Certificate to Sir Jim Pickering who turned 90 years young in December. Photos of the luncheon are included elsewhere in this bulletin, and a complete set of pictures taken by Sir Dave Derksen are provided in the branch website. Finally, our thanks to the Elkhorn cooks and servers who once again provided an excellent meal along with very efficient service. Wishing Everyone a Healthy and Prosperous 2016 Sirs branch 46 Membership Chair RON KOROCK Our JANUARY Birthday Greetings go to Maynard BOSTWICK Matt GAFFNEY Don ROMERO Frank CAMPBELL Loop LAUPPE John SHARPE John DOISY John MOSKITO Bill SMITH Dennis FULTZ Wally PARSONS John STEVENS Frank MARTINEZ And Our wedding best wishes to Lockey & Marty KJELSON (2005) Karel & Dave PALMER 1969) 50 years OR MORE for Jean & Bob HAMERNIK (1961) Mary & Reno BERBANO (1959) 60 YEARS PLUS CONGRATULATIONS FOR Marian & Clarence STROBEL (1949) ******************************************* Membership: 100 Active, 13 Inactive
January Luncheon Speakers Our speakers for the January luncheon will be Bill and Joan Topp. Bill and Joan met while attending Marquette University in Wisconsin and were married in 1970. Bill spent 42 years as a Computer Science professor at UOP, and Joan taught drama at St.Mary s High School while serving as Drama Director. They are currently on the Mission Advancement Team at St.Mary s Dining Room with the goal of making the community aware of the services offered by St. Mary s for the poor and homeless in San Joaquin County. Latest Additions to Branch 46 Previous Members Returning from Manteca Branch Jim McLeod Cal Jim Broadwater Greg McCreary Earl Howe New Members Transferring from Stockton Branch 87 Abraham Mackey Roger Speed WELCOME TO BRANCH 46 GENTLEMEN!! ROMEO 1, 2016 -COMING IN FEBRUARY AT ELKHORN!! Thursday, February 4 11:30 AM Separate Checks Order off the Lunch Menu Sign up at the January Luncheon Or contact Pete Lepisto - sisufinn1@sbcglobal.net
CHRISTMAS LADIES DAY LUNCHEON December 10, 2015 Photos by Dave Derksen and Jack Lamberty
SIR Travel Opportunities 2016 Note: If you decide to book one of these trips or cruises, please go through the branch Travel Chairman shown in the listing. He has spent a great deal of time and effort setting up these opportunities for SIR members, and you will be able to socialize with a group of your fellow Sirs. Feb 12-Mar 2, 2016: Australia & New Zealand Cruise. Start in Sydney with a tour then board the MV Sydney for a bay cruise and a 2 night stay at the Rydges World Square Hotel. Next you will board the Diamond Princess with stops in Melbourne, Hobart, and stops in New Zealand. Trip includes air, transfers, all shipboard meals, 2 cocktail parties, and all port taxes and government fees. Also included is Trip Insurance covering pre-existing medical conditions. Cost $6085 to $7315 depending on cabin. Larry Martinson, Br 114, San Jose, 408-528-0746 or Jim Stoner 408-238-8458. Jan 9-16, 2016: Mexican Riviera Cruise. (11 day cruise from San Francisco with port calls at Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas). Cost $1455 to $1995 pp depending on stateroom and includes home pick-up, all taxes and fees, gratuities for drivers and porters, all shipboard meals and entertainment on board. Roy Jordan, Br 62, San Jose, 408-735-8765 or Jim Hohenshelt 408-394-7226 Mar 10-16,2016: Azaleas, Plantations & Cajuns. Experience the hospitality and charm of the south through educational tours of Natchez, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. See spring in full bloom with the surrounding flowers at historic sites and plantations. 3 nights Baton Rouge & 3 nights New Orleans 7 day, 13 meals from $2105 Bruce Bentley, Santa Cruz, Br 20, 831-465-6590 Mar 12-31, 2016: South America Cruise. I8 day cruise starting in Santiago, Chile where you will board the Star Princess for a long cruise of South and Central America ending in Los Angeles. Costs of $3660 to $5260 depending on cabin selection include home pickup, transfers, meals and entertainment aboard ship, all departure and port taxes, all driver and porter gratuities. Rollo Parsons, Br 141, San Jose, 408-268-5245 or Brian Serpa, 408-227- 7658. Mar 25-Apr 10, 2016: Big Band Voyage Across the Atlantic Ocean. 16 day all inclusive cruise across the Atlantic on the Crystal Symphony. Relish the blissful luxury of days at sea, highlighted by visits to Bermuda, the Azores, Barcelona,, Bandol, and Monte Carlo. Cost from $3665. Ken Richter, Br.146, Walnut Creek, 925-689-6217. Apr 2-17, 2016: Princess Hawaiian Cruise. San Francisco R/T to Hawaii. Stops at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui and Ensenade, Mexico. Includes R/T pier transfers, gratuities, excursion special, cocktail party and gifts. Costs range from $2400 to $3800. Tom Molinari, Br 147, Petaluma 707-762-1880. Apr 16-25, 2016: Heritage of America. 10 day escorted tour of New York, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg, Shenandoah Valley, Monticello, Williamsburg, Mt Vernon, Washington DC. Cost of $3399 includes Cancellation insurance, air tax fees, surcharges, hotel transfers, gratuities and & RT air fare. Bill Rodman, Br.38, San Jose, 408-274-4521 or Hank Clark 408-223-6464. Apr 17-25, 2016: AMA waterways Tulip Time Cruise. 8 night river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium aboard the AmaSerena riverboat. You will visit Amsterdam, Volendam, Edam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Kinderdijk and Keukenhof Gardens. Trip includes air, transfers, guided excursions, wine or beer with dinner, free WiFi and more. Cost $5950 to $7950 depending on cabin. Jim Stoner,Br.114, 408-238-8458 or Larry Martinson 408-528- 0746. May 9-21, 2016: Kenya Safari Adventure. Visit the best game reserves to see hundreds of animals. Game drives in the mornings and late afternoons. This tour is active and exciting! 4 & 5 star hotels, Mt Kenya National Park, Lake Nakura National Park, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Game Reserve and Maasai Mara. 13 days, 28 meals. Starting at $3975, Bruce Bentley, Br.20, Santa Cruz, 831-465-6590. May 11-21, 2016: Alaska Cruise. This 10 day cruise aboard the Grand Princess starts and ends in San Francisco and will make 4 ports of call: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The ship will also cruise beautiful Glacier Bay. Included: Transportation to and from SF. Port taxes, taxes on included items, Travelex Group Protection Plan
and porter tips. Cost $2150 to $3270 depending on cabin. Don House Br 74, 408-268-1703 or Allen Daily 408-265- 8140. Jun 3-19, 2016: Great American Waterways. A 15 night cruise on a small boat (Blount-88 passengers) which will sail across four of the Great Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. This adventure starts in Chicago and explores some of Michigan s charming small towns. Marvel at the lowering of the ships on the Welland and Erie Canals than explore New York s Niagara Falls, Cooperstown, West Point and the Statue of Liberty. Cost of $5560 to $7890, Port Charges, Taxes, occ insurance included. Mike Console, San Jose, Br 54 & 32, 408-246-1080 or John Pletsch, 408-274-2992. Jul 2-16, 2016: Alaska Land and Sea. A 15 day round trip air to Fairbanks returning to Vancouver. 7 days visiting Fairbanks, Denali, Mt Kinley, Kenai then board the Star Princess in Whittier for an 8 day cruise from Hubbard Glacier down the Inside passage ending at Vancouver. Cost $4845 to $5850 depending on cabin. Tim Rau, El Sobrante, Br 73, 510-222-3905. July 11-23, 2016: Eastern Europe to Black Sea. Start with 2 nights in Budapest, then embark on a cruise down the lower Danube to Belgrade, through the Iron Gates, then transit the Black Sea Canal to Constanta followed with a bus to Bucharest. There will be stops in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Cost from $4670 to $5670 including air fare, Jim Hohenshelt, Br.62, San Jose, 408-394-7226 or Roy Jordan, 408-735-8765. Jul 16-24, 2016: American Empress Steamboat Clarkston-Portland. This voyage through the Pacific Northwest shows you the bounty and beauty of nature, as well as the history of the this diverse region. Elegant Steamboat staterooms, free wine with dinners and free shore tours. 9 Days, All meals onboard. Starting a $4660. Bruce Bentley, Br 20, Santa Cruz, 831-465-6590. Jul 23/29, 2016: Hurricane Ridge & San Juan Islands. Pacific Northwest adventure! Viking Star Cruise & whale watching, Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge & Roche Harbor Tour. Old fashioned Cracked Crab Feast, Ride the Ducks in Seattle, Tour Pike Place Market and Chihuly Gardens & Glass Exhibit. Cost $2245 plus air. Richard Beers, Br175, Fresno, 559-431-3728. Aug 3-7, 2016: Alaska s Ultimate Fishing. 4 night fishing adventure in Ketchikan at the Alaska Falls Resort offering world class fishing, magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, gourmet meals and unrivaled Alaska hospitality. For those non fisherman, enjoy excursions to see Bear catching fish with Eagles flying above among other wondrous site. Cost is $3795 including RT air and vacuum packed fish. Larry Martinson, Br.114, San Jose. 408-528-0746, or Jim Stoner, 408-238-8458. Sep 6-17, 2016: Colors of Canada & New England. 10 day cruise aboard Holland America s ms Zuiderdam. Cruise from New York to Gloucester, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Charlottetown, Prince Edwards Island and Quebec City. Enjoy the sights of Saquenay Fjord and the Gulf of St Lawrence. Cost $3325 to $4125. John Pletsch, Br 32, San Jose, 408-274-2993 or Mike Console, 408-504-1255. Sep 8-23, 2016: NCL Canada & New England Cruise. Enjoy the fall colors of New England, Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Island and New Brunswick all the way to Quebec City. Experience the New NCL cruise line service, food and hospitality on this 15 day cruise. All meals included onboard from only $2510. Bruce Bentley, Br.20, Santa Cruz, 831-465-6590. Nov 12-23, 2016: Panama Canal Cruise. Centered on Panama itself with visits to Panama City, Chitre, and Gamboa Rain Forest but includes a 2 day complete passage through the Canal on a 24 passenger catamaran. While your there you will have the opportunity to experience Panama s culture and people. Cost is $4770 to $5315 including air fare. Jim Hohenshelt, Br 62, San Jose, 408-394-7226 or Roy Jordan, 408-735-8765. Send your brief trip information to Bob Spellman at bobnjo@astound.net by the 25 th of the month. Only trips of at least 4 days or more in length will be listed