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The Big Sir Column
There is nothing like the prospect of change to get people’s juices flowing. Many of our members are talking about the Member Relations Committee and the Venue Search Committee (VSC) which will respond to the main concern (overcrowding) uncovered in the MRC telephone survey. Sir Ed Benson has been moving the VSC work forward and reports on their progress in another article in this Hotline.
Both the Elk’s Lodge management and the Branch 8 BEC are keeping a close eye on the caterer’s performance and will give him our comments on food and service after each meal. Please give your comments to a BEC member.
At the annual SIR meeting in Vallejo, we learned that a large menu of activities is a rarity. Only two Branches have over 30 activities and it is much more likely that a Branch will have around a half dozen. We are fortunate to have all you leaders to propose new activities and get them started. Sir Dan Weller’s woodworking and Sir Roger Sperling’s paintings were great start up displays for the new SACHe activity. Yoga kicks off in September, chaired by Sir Mysore Gopal, and taught by his wife, Prabha.
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Elks Club Sponsor: Dave Robins September Greeters: Richard Asadoorian and Steve Strobel Executive Board 09:30 AM Committee Chairs 10:15 AM Social Hour 10:45 AM
The Little Sir Sez
Our speaker at the August luncheon was Tom Kelly, Director of Intermodal Hub Operations and technology for the BNSF railway based out of Fort Worth, TX. Using a blend of slides and video he showed how BNSF has lead the way in speeding up the transfer of cargo from ship to rail or truck. The increase in size, and lifting capability, of the mobile equipment (calling them cranes doesn’t seem to give the right impression) was made clear by overlaying images to make the comparison. Thanks to Joe Kelly for suggesting his son give this presentation, and we welcomed Joe’s wife and another son to hear his presentation.
Our speaker at the September luncheon will be Jim McGill who covers Cal sports for The Bear Insider, an ESPN affiliate. He specializes in covering recruiting and also closely covers the Cal football team including camps, practices, game reports, and postgame video interviews. He has appeared regularly on KNBR and the NFL Network’s College Football Now show. He and his wife Susan are long-time Moraga residents and are both Class of ’88 Cal graduates. Thanks to Chuck Merlone for suggesting this speaker – please keep your ideas coming.
Derek Southern Little Sir
September Hotline Editor: Dan Weller
NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE IS Monday, Sept 13, 2010 Meeting time 11:30 AM
Branch 8 meets the second Monday of each month at the Elks Club,
1475 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek
Hotline Index = Spouses / Friends Invited
Address Changes 2 Astronomy 7 Attendance Report 2 Barbecue 15 Birthdays 3 Bocce Ball 9 Book Exchange 15 Book Group 10 Bowling 11 Bridge, Basic 5 Bridge, Couples 6 Bridge, Duplicate One 5 Bridge, Duplicate Two 6 Bridge, Rubber 5 Computers & Technology 10 Cribbage 11 Digital Photography 12 Dominoes 10 Explore and Eat 8 Fishing 11 Golf (9 Holes) 9 Golf (18 Holes) 4 Heads Up Walkers 7 Hikers 14 Hotline and Web Editors 4 Let’s Dine In 8 Let’s Dine Out 7 Luncheon Menu 3 Member Relations Board 4 Membership Report 4 New and Current Activities 15 Poker 10 Pool 13 Ridesharing Map 3 Roster Short-Form 4 Single Sirs Dine Out 12 Sirs Artisan Craftsmen
H bbi15
Sirs in the Kitchen 8 State Happenings 3 Sums In Retirement 13 Sunshine Report 4 Travel Events 13 Treasurer’s Report 2 Yoga 15Wine Tasting 6Wine Finders 14 Writing Your Life Stories 13
September 2010 A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WEBSITE: branch8.sirinc.org
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Big SIR Column (continued)
SIR Inc. has reestablished the Recreation Vehicle (RV) activity. They have asked that all Sir’s with RV’s provide their contact information and type of RV to Don Cummings or Jack Streckfus at the new State SIR RV Committee e-mail address [email protected]. Please provide a copy of the e-mail to Gary Plisco, Activity Chair at [email protected], and me at [email protected].
Congratulations to Branch 8 members Sir Dean Steichen, who was elected the Director of SIR Region 6, and Sir Ron Smith, the new Governor of SIR Area 2, for 2011.
Jim Sowell, Big Sir
TREASURER’S REPORT
July Report Beginning Cash Balance $14,088.07 Total Receipts $3,350.68 Annual Contributions $130.00 Monthly Luncheon $3,013.00 Misc $3.00 Ladies Day Luncheon $204.00 Interest $0.68 Total Disbursements $4,338.13 Voice Elks $20.95 Monthly Luncheon $3,018.03 Postage & Supplies $274.20 Rent Elks $728.00 State Pro Rata Dues $277.00 Misc $19.95 Net for Month ($987.45) Ending Cash Balance $13,100.62
Leo Barrella, Treasurer
BRANCH 8 ATTENDANCE RULES Rule 60. Members are obligated to attend all regular luncheon meetings unless prevented by illness or absence from the Branch locale. Rule 100. A member may be notified in writing by his Branch of the pending termination of his membership (Rule 107) should he be responsible for any of the following: (a) Miss three (3) consecutive regular luncheon meetings without having been excused by contacting the designated Branch Attendance person prior to the meeting date. (Please note that Branch Regulation 2 requires that notice of absence be received by noon on the Friday before the luncheon in order to
be considered excused. Months May and July are considered consecutive as are months November and January in applying the unexcused absence rule) (b) Did not attend one-half of the regular luncheon meetings within the previous twelve consecutive month period. NOTE: Excused meetings cannot be included to achieve the minimum attendance. (Minimum attendance for Branch 8 is 5 of the 10 regular luncheon meetings. Ladies Day luncheons are not included in satisfying minimum attendance.) Rule 101. Certification of attendance by a member at another Branch meeting will be considered as a credit to his attendance record. There is a maximum of two visits per year.
Attendance Hotline for Excused Absences 925-901-4826 or email [email protected]
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS, EMAIL OR YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
If you change any of the above, please notify:"
Bill Barnard 925 939-8927 [email protected]
Dave Perkins 925 256-9569 [email protected]
ATTENDANCE REPORT Attendance for the August luncheon Active Members: Membership (Prior to Luncheon) 285Members Inducted 2Excused Absences - 62Unexcused Absences - 9
Members Attending 216 Others: Applicants Waiting 4Guests/Visitors/Speakers 12
Others Attending 16 TOTAL ATTENDING 232 Visitors Sue Kelly Joe Kelly Guests Sponsors Tony De Losada Rob Laaback Don Fielding Art Sturgess John Kelly Joe Kelly Bob Lewis Bill Cooke Jack Malan Harry Hubinger Danny Rinaldi Gene Bingham Alan Schulze Richard Bal Charles Smith Bob Hagler Peter Stone Harry Hubinger Larry Yarberry Roger Borgerson Speaker Tom Kelly Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary
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LUNCHEON MENU Here is the luncheon menu for the next meeting. We are planning new menu items as well as including old favorites. So look for them here each month and plan to attend and enjoy a delicious meal with your fellow Sirs.
September Spaghetti & Meatballs
Vegetable Medley Caesar Salad
Garlic French Bread Ice Cream w/Berry Sauce
Coffee/Ice Tea
LEGAL NOTICE
Non-Responsibility Declaration: All activities arranged for or by, or sponsored by, Sons In Retirement, Incorporated, and its Branches, are for the convenience and pleasure of the members and their guests who desire to participate. Sons In Retirement Inc. and its Branches do not assume any responsibility for the well being or safety of the participants, or their property, in any matters pertaining to said activities.
BRINGING A GUEST? Bring a guest, but if you want to be sure your guest has a place to sit and gets a meal, you need to do the following:
Call the Asst. Secty. Attendance, Bill Peterson on the attendance hotline: 925-901-4826 or by e-mail [email protected] no later than noon on Friday before the meeting. Then he can adjust his count for the caterer.
Easy, isn’t it? Just keep bringing in those guests. When you sign the guest in, give him a copy of the Hotline which has an application form inside.
JUNE BIRTHDAYS Name Sept. Name Sept.Ray Nummi 01 Jerry Foott 14 Daniel Franklin 02 Lynn Jones 17 Bill Johnson 02 Elwin Peterson 20 David Scotting 03 Bob Price 20 Mike Hegeler 03 Thomas Bates 21 Fred Helmers 05 Thomas Patock 22 Frank Dayringer 06 Phillip Bollinger 23 Len Giacoletto 06 Dieter Lauterbach 24 Gene Thaning 07 Bob Kahl 25 William Agar 08 Robert Sherman 26 Walter Lucas 08 Ron Martin 26 Fred Thompson 11 Henry Mayo 27 Jerry White 12 Vincent Lombardo 27 Bill Peterson 12 Ross Carothers 28 Ian Morrison 14 James Hansen 28 Jock Mackaig 14 Bill Sullivan 30
RED DOT BADGES They belong to our new members, so let’s make them feel welcome. Don’t forget to say “Hi” and introduce yourself. You can talk about your SIR activities and ask them to join you.
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.
STATE SIR HAPPENINGS The August edition of SIR Happenings has just been posted on the SIR website: http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/index.htm President Buck’s column on the front page tells us how we are doing with our new membership program. Don Cummings and Jack Streckfus tell us about the re energized SIR RV committee. Much about the Annual meeting including great photographs of your new elected officers
Walt Schick
GOING TO MISS A MONTHLY LUNCHEON? GOING TO BE ABSENT? Remember that all members (and applicants-in-waiting) have reservations for lunch on the second Monday of the month. If you are not able to attend, be sure to call 925-901-4826, the Branch 8 attendance hotline, or send an E-mail to [email protected] before noon of the Friday before the monthly luncheon meeting. By doing so, you will be excused from the meeting and from the obligation to pay for a meal you will not eat! APPLICANTS-IN-WAITING The above rules apply to you as well. You are expected to call if you are unable to attend the luncheon. SPONSORS: Be sure to review this obligation with members in waiting for whom you are the sponsor.
RIDESHARING To assist with finding a rideshare partner you can request a map showing which members live near you. This map is only available by request from Derek Southern ([email protected]).
To view it and addresses of members, you will need Google Earth on your computer. Derek Southern
NEED A RIDE? Please Note This Change: Those Sirs who do not have transportation and would like a ride to the monthly luncheon are invited to call: Bon Wadors 937-8160 [email protected]
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SUNSHINE REPORT Since the last Hotline Report the Sunshine Committee has: Extended condolences to:
Ed Angevine and family
Extended wishes for a rapid recovery to: Jerry Milano and Bill Muster
The Sunshine Committee relys on Branch members for information concerning serious illnesses and deaths.
Sunshine Committee ([email protected]) Larry Mersmann ([email protected]) 935-9124 Robert Laaback 938-5228 Mike Hegeler ([email protected]) 937-2718
MEMBERSHIP REPORT Membership Report for August New Members inducted: 2
Bill Eich (MD-127) sponsored by Ron Cassano MD-67
Larry McEwen (MD-154) sponsored by Robert Ingersoll MD-95
Members Requesting Inactive Status: 1 Jerry Schwartz (MD-235), new MD-309
Inactive Members Leaving: Resignation/Death/Termination: 1 Richard Clancy MD-314 inactive 4 yrs.
Applicants: 3 Greg Clouthier sponsored by Walt Schick MD-181 Clyde McAdams sponsored by Dave Davis MD-277 Dale Henderson sponsored by Walt Schick MD-181
Branch 8 Membership as of 8/09/2010 Active 286 Applicants 9 Inactive 11
Bill Barnard, Membership Secretary
SHORT-FORM ROSTER A short-form version of the 2010 Membership Roster (January Update) is available. The short-form Membership Roster has basic information only and is just a few pages long versus 39 pages in the full blown version.
If interested, ask Derek Southern [email protected] for a copy of the short-form member list.
HOTLINE and WEB EDITORS For articles and photos to go into the Hotline, please send your input before the 20th of the month. Include meeting dates into the following month(s) so as to keep your group properly informed about meetings, deadlines and upcoming events.
HotlineEditors: Pump Pumphrey [email protected] Ekk Keller [email protected] Alan Ensign [email protected] Dan Weller [email protected]
Website Editor - Webmaster Bill Hunter [email protected]
Website Editor – Activities Page Derek Southern [email protected]
Please send text and photo input to ALL the above Hotline Editors and Web Editors, as editing tasks rotate, and you cannot know for sure where your input will be needed.
We, your Editors and Webmasters, are here to serve you, and we need your very important input.
For the Website, send input anytime, but expect some possible delay before input is added.
Member Relations Committee Branch 8 Venue Alternatives - We’re checking things out
As reported in our last two monthly meetings and last month’s Hotline, we are responding to the major shortcoming identified in the recent Branch 8 member survey. Although the majority of members surveyed identified few problems, the major detracting issue was the over-crowding at our monthly meeting. This situation leads to loss of collegiality, parking problems, inability to hear the pre-luncheon speakers and some difficulty in simply moving about.
A number of our members suggested a venue change should be investigated, and a Venue Change Committee has been formed by Big Sir Jim. Sir Ed Benson has agreed to chair it, and he’s being assisted by Sirs Fred Nelson, Bill Peterson and Gene Bingham with Big Sir Jim and Little Sir Derek as ex-officio members.
The committee has established selection criteria, identified a number of potential venues and is currently screening seven for suitability. The initial results are encouraging, and the next step will be the requesting a firm proposal from those venues who best meet our selection criteria. Once that is complete, a recommendation as to whether or not to move, and if so where, will be made to the BEC in October for decision.
It is difficult to get feedback from all members, but if any member has comments or suggestions he wants considered he should contact Ed Benson (preferably by email) at [email protected] or call him at 925-923-7011 GOLF 18 HOLES
Sept Hotline – Golf
The State Team Championship was held at Poppy Ridge August 9th. As reported last month, Branch 8 sent their crack team of Captain Ed Myrtle, yours truly, Stan Johnson and Tom Baker to compete. In a scramble you have to ham and egg it but unfortunately two many eggs were broken (aka shots missed) and we finished one over (easy) in the middle of the
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pack. The winners were 6 under. Terrific golf as Poppy Ridge is a tough course.
Ed, Stan and Tom were so mad that two days later, they each took first or second place in their flights for the State Individual semi-finals at Boundary Oaks. Course knowledge, individual play and the lack of my cheerleading may have calmed them down. Congratulations guys! Ditto Congratulations to Kevin Roberts for placing first in his flight and Joe Maurino, Ken Main, Bill Sullivan and Paul Corbitt for being in the top five of their flights. You’ve all done Branch 8 proud! Good luck to Ed, Stan, Tom and Kevin in the State Finals at Poppy Hills.
Golf is by far the most popular Sirs activity and at Branch 8, it is no exception. Branch 8 has a reputation for being one of the best Branches Statewide and the performance of our golfers at State events is attracting attention. It always has, and the newer golfers are adding to our reputation.
For the rest of the golfers, like me, who don’t win very often; remember, Kevin Costner in the movie Tin Cup, “… golf is like sex. You don’t have to be good at it to enjoy it!” ☺
See you on the links,
Glenn Cheetham
Mike Long, Chairman, 930-8401
BRIDGE ♣♦♥♠ – RUBBER
I had to travel this month so I didn’t get to see all of the action that five tables of competitors engaged in.
You guys nearly managed to have a full rotation of winners this month. I’m always happy to see new names in the money. The best players of the month were: Brian Woolf (5150); Al Welch (4550); John Mosher (4540); Cal Burkhart (4510); and Bob Barnes (4180). The scores went from 1120-5150. The median score was about 3500.
New members are always invited to play with us. We meet on the first Thursday of the month at Carl’s Jr. We start playing at 9:00 AM. Carl’s Jr. is near Ygnacio Valley Road on Oak Grove Road. Always call or e-mail Ray Veronte to reserve a seat. Remember the last one to call or e-mail may be eliminated.
Rod Spicer, Chairman 935-5306 [email protected] Ray Veronte, Co-Chair 798-3177 [email protected]
BRIDGE ♣♦♥♠ DUPLICATE – ONE
Brian Woolf hosted the August session of Duplicate Bridge. Thirteen regulars and three substitutes showed up for a challenging round of duplicate bridge, coffee, and cookies. There were many challenging hands but no slams. The top two teams ran away from the rest of us as shown by the 6.5 point gap between 2nd & 3rd. The top three places for August went to the following:
1. Harry Hubinger & Brian Woolf 40 2. Gene Bingham & Walt Schick 39 3. Ed Young & Rod Spicer 32.5
Thanks to subs Rod Spicer, Steve Greytak & Dean Steichen for filling in.
Ed Young will host the September session of duplicate bridge. Subs are always in demand so anyone interested in playing duplicate bridge should call a chairman below to get on the substitute list.
Tom Baker Chairman 689-4577 [email protected] Dick Long Co-Chair 831-8649 [email protected]
BASIC BRIDGE
The Basic Bridge learning and practice sessions are set up to give members one more place to practice bridge. We have an established format of having the more experienced players in one section and the true beginning players in the another section. This allows everyone to match the challenges of bridge to their skill levels. These are non-competitive, learning sessions and the goal is to enjoy the game and your table companions. Everyone is invited to these co-ed sessions that are non-competitive and have no fees. The only cost is the “gourmet” lunch at Carl’s Jr.
We meet at 1:00 PM on the first Thursday of the month at Carl’s Jr. which is located on Oak Grove Road near Ygnacio Valley Road. To reserve a seat be sure to call or e-mail Rod Spicer about one week before the meeting day.
Rod Spicer, Chairman, 935-5306 [email protected] Harry Hubinger, Co-Chair, 837-4381 [email protected]
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COUPLES BRIDGE
Never a dull moment when it comes to our bridge group. Nothing stays the same.
We will be moving to a larger facility which I shall discuss shortly.
Our last home games were hosted by George & Charlene Schulze with the top winner on a beautiful day were Ralph & Bobbie Schweinfurth's, with 3280 pts.followed by our Asst. Chairman John & Lorus Mosher, 2620.
Of course those who followed the leaders were Gary & Sonia Plisco,Ken & Maureen Main, your Chairman, and your Host & Hostess.
Incidentally, this was Ken & Maureen's first visit and after a little nervous reaction all went very well for them. Glad to have them as new members.
Since last month we have added two new members that will join us in October..
Jack & Joann Waddell , moving from our Sub List, & Larry & Ruth Lange. We welcome them with open arms.
This now gives us four tables which requires us to move from homes to a different meeting location.
Our next meeting in September and subsequent months will be held at Carl's Restaurant in Walnut Creek.
We shall have the time from 12noon to 4PM with bridge starting at 1PM. This change gives us the opportunity to gab, have lunch or refreshments beforehand.
In September we will have our normal members attending plus our following Subs-------Tom & Rosemary Click, Tom & Marilyn Baker, Rod Martin & Marilyn Miller,& Tony & Dorothy Watkin. Yes, 5 TABLES.
Perhaps if two couples wish to join we can have 6 Tables for October WOW!!!!
For those who wish to join, contact Rod Hughes at 925-933-1558
BRIDGE ♣♦♥♠ DUPLICATE – TWO
We had 24 bridge players and multiple outcomes on the hands played. A wide variety in the results of the bidding and playing of the hand. There were several slams made and a few missed. We appreciate the three substitutes Ernie Sherne, Paul Maeir and Eileen Powlesland for filling in for errant players
The results for the 23 July 2010 event played at Carl's Jr. are:
Tied for 1st. Powslesland Cramer
Young Moyer
3rd. Hubinger Woolf
4th. Gopal Creamer
5th. Myrtle Thompson
Thanks to most of you for being on time.
Gene Bingham Chairman 685-3809 [email protected]
LADIES DAY LUNCHEON
Look here in October/November for the upcoming lunch.
Roger Miller, Ladies Day Chairman 944-1452 - [email protected]
WINE TASTING
Our tasting will be on August 27 after the deadline for the Hotline. It will be hosted by Jack and Joanne Waddell. They plan to serve Rhone wines mostly from France. Look for the write-up in the October issue.
Some of our group (Click, Lofquist, Plisco) attended another tasting of Albarino (White) wines. The name means "the Rhine white" and is believed to have originated in Germany. Its considered one of the best wines in the world with seafood. We tasted 8 wines-5 from Spain, 2 from CA and 1 from Oregon. And the prices ranged from $13-28. The 15 tasters rated the Oregon wine #1 with 2 first, 5 seconds, and 0 lasts. It was the 2009 Albacela-Umpqua Valley ($24-13.6% alc.). #2 was the 2008 Burgans-Spain ($13-12.5% alc.) with 3 firsts, 2 seconds and 0 lasts. #3 was the Benito Santos-Pago de Xoan-Spain ($15-12.5% alc.) with 2 firsts 2 seconds and 3 lasts. The last place wine was the 2008 Ignexario de Saair-Spain ($13-12.5% alc.). The 2 CA wines at $20 each came in #4 and #6 (Verdad- Edna Valley and Santa Ynez Valley). The wine was strongly lemon-lime with some peach, almonds and vanilla. Some of the wines are readily available at Bev-Mo and other stores.
We do not have standard times and dates for the Wine Tasting Activity. They are announced in e-mails to those on our tasting list. If you want to be added to our e-mail list announcing the tasting contact one of us.
Gary Plisco, Activity Coordinator, 939-2483, gnsplisco@astound.,net
Bill Barnard, Assistant Activity Coordinator, 939-8927, [email protected]
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HEADS UP WALKERS
WALKERS’ SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER 2010
One hour walks start at 9:30 AM and are usually on flat surfaces. At 10:30 we leave the trail and go for coffee, talk, and refreshments.
September 2: Alamo / Iron Horse Trail. Exit I-680 at Diablo Rd., west to Hartz Ave., left to Prospect Ave., right to Railroad Ave Meet in Railroad Museum parking lot, corner of Prospect & Railroad Ave. Leader: Clark Morehouse
September 9: Pleasant Hill / Concord, Hester Park. Meet at Hester Park , corner of Hookston & Bancroft, street parking on Hampton or Hookston, adjacent to the park. This week we will the first SIRs to use the new Treat Boulevard pedestrian bridge at the Pleasant Hill BART station. Leader: Dan Weller
September 16: Concord / Newhall Community Park. Meet at parking lot on Turtle Creek Rd. off Ayers Rd. Some elevation changes to the Viet Nam Memorial. Leader: Enrique Arvizu
September 23: Lafayette Reservoir. Entrance on Mt. Diablo Blvd., about 1 mile west of Happy Valley Rd. Meet at far end of metered parking lot, bring 4 or 5 quarters for the parking meters. Leader: Lynn Jones
September 30: Walnut Creek / Arbolado Park, Ygnacio Canal Trail. Take Ygnacio Valley Rd. to Oak Grove Rd. Then south past W.C. library to Arbolado Dr., left to Arbolado Park, meet at the upper parking lot near tennis courts. Leader: Ray Tenzer
October 7: Pleasant Hill / C.C. Canal Trail. Meet in the shopping center parking lot at the corner of Taylor & Morello, (North of the service station). Leader: Bill Peterson
October 14: Lafayette / Moraga Trail. meet at the staging area on St. Mary’s Road approx. 1/10th mile north of the entrance to St. Mary’s College. Leader: Doug Raaka
Dan Weller (Acting Chairman) 935-5510 Lynn Jones (Chairman) 253-0114 Ernesto Tong (Co-Chairman) 287-1913
ASTRONOMY
The next meeting of the Astronomy activity will be on Monday, September 13, 2010 immediately after our regular meeting in the room downstairs. The subject of the meeting will be the SUN. At a time when global warming is constantly being discussed we often don't focus on the power of our star. So we will view an excellent DVD entitled "Secrets of the Sun". Additionally we will begin to plan our visit to the Chabot observatory to use their telescopes. All are welcome.
Larry Lange, Chairman 254-6281 [email protected] Derek Lofquist, Co-Chair 939-7015 [email protected]
LET’S DINE OUT
Oh my! What a time we had at La Finestra in Lafayette. SIR Mike Brown and his lovely wife Pat did it up good as Host and Hostess providing us this wonderful evening of social and dinning enjoyment. The food was out of this world and the service was excellent.
Next Month, September 16, we will be dinning at the Brass Door in San Ramon. SIR Ken Main and his Lady Maureen will be hosting this most popular event. If it is anything like last year it will be another special event to put into the archives of SIR "Let's Dine Out" of Walnut Creek. Come join us for a grand time. See you there. DDW
SIR and their Ladies are invited to join us on Thursday September 16, 2010 for an evening of Social and Dining Enjoyment. Your Host and Hostess for the evening will be Ken and Maureen Main. The Restaurant is: The Brass Door Address: 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon CA 94583 Telephone: 925 837 2501 Voice Email: WWW.Brassdoor.com Dinner at: 6:00 pm ;Social hour/No host bar: 5:00 pm to 6 pm
Menu is as follows: Choice of:
1) Senior cut of Prime Rib (8 oz) 2) Fresh Pacific Salmon 3) Chicken Breast Parmigiana
Dinners include: a California Salad (spring mix, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and honey balsamic vinaigrette), appropriate Starch and Vegetable, Ice Cream Dessert, Coffee or Tea
Price: $29.00/person (Includes sales tax and Gratuity).
Make checks payable to: Ken Main Mail to: 23 Green Oaks Court
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Walnut Creek, CA 94596 RSVP to: Ken or Maureen Main: 925 945 1065
Email: ([email protected])
Or Contact Don Wesdorf: 925 228-2484 Email: [email protected]
LETS DINE IN
Next dinner is Sept 17. We meet every other month.Our group is full but if interested in starting a second group,let me know.
Ron Cassano, Chairman [email protected].
SIRS IN THE KITCHEN
Lovely day, great BBQ The day began auspiciously when Executive Chef Ed looked out the window and saw this summer’s usual morning fog and wind. “Sure hope it warms up,” he thought, as 24 fellow Sirs were showing up for a backyard BBQ at 11:00. Fortunately, the weather cleared, and by the time the set-up guys (Chefs Romano and Richard B. arrived it was warm and sunny. Shortly after that, Chefs Al and Dieter arrived to take on hors d’oeuvre and salad duty respectively.
By 11:00 or so, the rest of the Sir Chefs arrived, and they were treated to chips accompanied by hot queso dip, guacamole, onion dip and a veggie platter. Almost all was eaten except for the veggies (shame, shame, shame). Beverages included the usual beer, wine and soft drinks, but they were supplemented by Chef Ed’s famous margaritas. They went quickly, and Chef Ed was lucky enough to get the last glass.
Lunch featured spring mix salad with garlic croutons and Chef Walt’s home-grown tomatoes, potato salad, Chef Ron’s terrific jalapeno baked beans, Chef Ed’s charro beans, BBQ’ed USDA PRIME sirloin steak, and Chef Ed C’s garlic bread. The steak was delicious, but the stars of the meal may have been Chef Al, Little Sir Derek and Big Sir Jim’s homemade ice cream. Way to go guys; what a great end to a wonderful day of Sir fellowship, food and drink. Unfortunately, no one was brave enough to take Executive Chef Ed’s offer to go for a swim. Maybe in September?
September (actually September 21) brings us our annual joint meeting with the fishing group. They bring the fish, Sirs in the Kitchen provides the beverages and we all cook and gorge ourselves on fresh and maybe some previously frozen seafood. At least we hope the fishing guys have had luck catching our meal. Anyway, I guess they’d say it is skill, not luck. The joint meeting will be our third, and we’ve all had a lot of fun at the previous two.
At this time, Sirs in the Kitchen has 12 senior members, 8 junior members and 12 associate members, but if you want to join in the fun and are interested in our activity, drop Executive Chef Ed an email ([email protected]), call him (925-943-7011) or catch him at the monthly meeting, and he’ll put you on the associate member list. But hurry, as we are going to close membership when the associate member list hits fourteen. So far, we’ve always had room for anyone who was able to attend, including all the associate members, but we’re starting to reach maximum capacity – especially when the colder weather hits and we have to move indoors. You don’t have to be an experienced cook, as our members have all levels of cooking ability, or have a kitchen large enough to accommodate all of us. The usual shared cost for the luncheon and wine is between $15 and $20, and that’s the best deal in town.
Should any Sirs want our recipes, email Executive Chef Ed, and they’ll be sent to you.
EXPLORE AND EAT
There were 29 of us who visited the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. We had a 1 ½ hour Docent led tour of this mysterious and exotic museum containing over 4000 authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts including four real mummies. The Museum sits on beautiful grounds that includes a Temple, Library, Peace Garden and Planetarium . After lunch, many of us returned to the Planetarium for a show at 2PM. This is an exotic and interesting place and if you haven’t been, take the time some day. It’s an easy drive down 680. After the tour we all headed across the street to Antonella’s Ristorante for a Burger, Sausage, or Grilled Chicken sandwich and a cold beer. September Second tour of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House on Thursday, September 16.
If you recall, we had so many people sign up for the June tour it was necessary to split the group in half and take 30 in June and 30 at a later date. The Opera House came thru with their promise and they have given us another date for the second tour. Sorry, it is wait list only. Those who signed up in June will be selected first. If they can’t make the date we will fill it from the wait list.
On Friday, Sept. 24, we have booked a docent led tour at the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation (formerly the Jacques Littlefield Military Vehicle Collection) located on the 470 acre Littlefield Ranch in the Portola Valley. This is the largest collection of historic military vehicles in the US including over 240 vehicles with over 70 tanks from WWI to modern day. Space will be limited so don’t miss out. This is a remarkable place with museums that cover 4 football fields. All you WWII, Korea, and Vietnam guys don’t won’t to miss this. We have 26 people signed up so far with room for more..
October On Friday, October 22 we have reserved space for 64 on the “Island Seranade” leaving out of Pittsburg for a 2 hour tour of the
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sloughs and islands of the Delta. This is a 100 passenger steel hull vessel built for tours and charters but they only book 64 guests so it still comfortable for everyone. It is a great time of the year on the Delta and will be a beautiful way to finish up our E&E year. Enjoy bird watching, relax with a glass of wine and watch the Delta flow by. As of this writing the tour is booked but there is only a short wait list and we always have a 10 – 15% dropout. So if you are interested get your name on the list.
Thanks to all of you who participate in the Explore and Eat activities. Your support is appreciated
Ron Smith, Chair Dan Franklin, Asst. Chair [email protected] [email protected] 314-3066 820-7312
BOCCE BALL
Bocce Ball is now in play. Any SIR member who enjoys Bocce Ball or wants to learn how to play Bocce Ball may join the weekly Bocce Ball contests. We play every Friday at 9:00 am at the Newhall Park Bocce Courts (Ayers Rd and Turtle Creek Dr) in Concord. We usually play three games and end around 11:00 am. We welcome players with all skill levels. If you have never played before, then we will show you how to play, explain the rules, and answer all questions. Spouses and friends are welcome. We play from the April/May to September/October time frames. It depends on the status of the weather (rain) and the condition of the courts. Play Date: July 30, 2010 Accumulative Results Member Won Lost Don Atwater 15 12 Bob Bailey 3 9 Bob Barnes 13 14 Bill Douglas 5 13 Stan Johnson 1 5 Rob Laaback 7 12 Larry Lange 4 1 Dieter Lauterbach 10 8 Larry Mersmann 15 15 John Mosher 5 7 John O’Brien 4 5 Erland Perrson 17 5 Gary Plisco 17 11 Jim Regan 3 1 Kevin Roberts 14 7 Derek Southerland 0 3 Dink Swindall 5 13 Ernesto Tong 1 5 Jack Waddell 0 3 Bon Wadors 15 17 Guests Geoff Berggren 1 2 Tony De Lasorda 1 5 Kent Douglas 1 2
Mike Haggler 1 2 Ed Klein 2 7 Aira Regan 1 2
Bob Barnes, Chairman 686-0106 [email protected] Larry Mersmann 935-9124 [email protected]
GOLF 9 HOLES
NINE HOLE GOLF – SEPTEMBER 2010
TWICE THE FUN IN HALF THE TIME (AND HALF THE PRICE)
NINE HOLES AT NINE A.M. EVERY WEDNESDAY OF THE YEAR (8:30 DURING SUMMER MONTHS) AT DIABLO HILLS GOLF COURSE (WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS AS NOTED BELOW). ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME. COME ON OUT! NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Wednesday, August 25, 8:30 A.M. PINE MEADOW, Stan Johnson, Marshal (938-7016)
Wednesday, September 1, 8:30 A.M. Doughnut Day, Jack Stack, Marshal (939-1842)
Wednesday, September 8, 8:30 A.M. Jack Stack, Marshal (939-1842)
Wednesday, September 15, 8:30 A.M. GRAYSON WOODS, Erland Persson, Marshal (932-5328)
Wednesday, September 22, 8:30 A.M. Prize for all Birdies, Erland Persson, Marshal (932-5328)
Wednesday, September 29, 8:30 A.M. Erland Persson, Marshal (932-5328)
Wednesday, October 6, 9:00 A.M. Doughnut Day, Marechal Duncan, Marshal (283-6812)
Please note that we will play at PINE MEADOW in Martinez on August 25 and GRAYSON WOODS ON September 15. We will start at 8:30 for June – September.
On July 28, we played at Pine Meadow with four groups of players. Bill Cooke scored a 34 (5 over par) for 9 holes while Al Welch shot a 36. Al also shot a birdie 2 on #4 while Stan Johnson had a birdie 3 on #3. We were back at Diablo Hills on August 4 for Donut Day. Gene McManus shot a birdie 2 on hole #7 while Jack Stack had a birdie 3 on #6. Jack had the low gross score for the day of 40 (6 over par). August 11 was also at Diablo Hills where we had a couple 41’s.
August 18 was the real remarkable day. We were running a “Fewest Putts” contest. We had a couple 15’s (Sherman and Jones) and a 14 (Don Moller) which are normally very good. In fact, Don Moller shot a zero putt on number 6 along with an EAGLE 2!!! Great work, Don. However, Jack Stack took just 12 putts and shot a 3 under par 31 for the day!!! He shot 3 birdies and 6 pars. This is professional territory! Look out, Tiger. Jack chose a tape measure for his prize.
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You may sign up in advance at the luncheon meetings or call the week’s marshal to get a special pairing or starting time. Sign ups or call-ins are requested but not required. Foursomes will be arranged at the first tee, as needed.
Stan Johnson, Chairman, 938-7016, [email protected]
POKER
Come join us for poker! We offer refresher games at 10:15 before the Monthly Luncheon for any member that wants to try again. Call Dan Franklin if you want to sit in to learn. You can also sit in to help our new players.
We have added our eighth group and they will play 4th Thursday. Here are our playing days:
First Tuesday First Friday Second Tuesday Third Wednesday
Third Thursday
Fourth Monday Fourth Tuesday Fourth Thursday
Our groups meet usually from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group members rotate as hosts, providing drinks and munchies. Deal rotates; dealer calls the game and antes a quarter-- three-raise limit. We play nickel, dime, and quarter. It’s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with a great group of guys!
Walter Schick 934-0656 [email protected] Dan Franklin 820-7312 [email protected]
DOMINOES
You are invited to come and play this interesting game. Bring $5 and a sandwich for lunch. The host will serve refreshments and soft drinks.
We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month. We start at at 9:30 with coffee and donuts. Play starts at 10:00 and we quit around 2:30.
The next game will be held on September 23 at Jim Ogle’s home at 1234 Exeter Way, Brentwood. His phone is 925-513-3096.
Dieter Lauterbach, Chairman 672-3124 [email protected]
Ekk Keller, Co- Chair 685-1505 [email protected]
BOOK GROUP
The next meeting of the Book Group will be on 9/28/2010 at 2:00 PM. It will be at the home of Steve Tiller at 1465 Ashwood Dr, Martinez
We will be reviewing 'The Big Short' by Michael Lewis. This is a history of the recent troubles on Wall Street.
Steve Tiller [email protected] Bill Hunter [email protected]
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
At the August Area 2 CAT meeting, Phil Goff discussed “Buying a New Computer and Moving Your Data to Windows 7.” He covered the components to look for and how much to pay for such things as the CPU (too cheap = unhappy with the performance). Phil also spent time discussing hard drives, RAM memory, and then went on to discuss laser vs inkjet printers and replacement ink sources. Finally, Phil demonstrated a very fascinating Web site “WolfRamAlpha.” It’s primarily designed to answer mathematical questions, but does come up with answers to more mundane queries.
Branch 8 members accounted for 12 of the 46 SIRs in attendance at the August meeting: Bill Barnard, Hans Pable, John Parodi, Bill Phelon, Jim Poulen, Pump Pumphrey, Dan Rinaldi, George Schultz, Richard Shappee, Derek Southern, Teeb Thomas, Al Welclh and Donald Wesdorf.
If you are not in the market for a new computer, maybe our September meeting will be of interest. It is focusing on making your PC run faster. Sir Dean Steichen’s presentation is titled, “What’s the problem bunky??? -- Is your computer running poorly? Don't know what's wrong?” Are you regularly seeing the "Blue Screen of Death?" Feel your PC is broken beyond repair? WELL . . . what are you going to do about it if you’re not going to replace it?
At the September 16, A2CAT meeting, you will lean what you can do to identify the problem and very likely fix it yourself! Dean will describe a troubleshooting process and identify several free tools you should keep handy for those times when your computer is acting up.
Time permitting, we’ll have a Show & Tell featuring gadgets attendees bring, and possibly a Q&A session with The Gurus of A2CAT where the advice is always 'priceless'.
SIR Bill Phelon [email protected]
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BOWLING
SIR Reno Tournament Over 200 people participated in the annual SIR Reno bowling tournament was held from August 16 – 18 in the National Bowling Stadium. The NBS is the Mecca for all bowlers. There are 84 lanes equipped with the latest equipment.
There were singles, doubles, and 4-person team events. Tom Baker and Dan Weller represented Branch 8 at the event. All of the results are not in, but it appears that Dan may cash: he was third in singles and sixth in the doubles after half of the events were complete.
Winter League The Area 2 SIR league starts on September 8 at Diablo Lanes in Concord. We bowl every Wednesday, starting at 10 AM.
This league is for SIR members, and members–in-waiting, only. There will be twelve 4-man teams. There are some openings, so let the Bowling Chairman know if you would like to participate.
This is a great opportunity to get back into bowling if you have been away from the sport for some time. There are several members who are enjoying the sport after decades of not bowling.
Don’t worry if you are a bit “rusty”, or are afraid that you will not be good enough. There are many 120 – 140 average bowlers. The 90% handicap system ensures an even playing field for all participants.
COSTS: Lane costs, prize money and administrative expenses are currently $14 per week for three games. All bowlers must join the USBC (United States Bowling Congress). There is an annual fee for the USBC.
2010 State Tournament Schedule and Results Are On Line:
To access the 2010 SIR State bowling web site, open http://sirinc.org/bowling/index.html. You can find tournament schedules, applications, and results on the site.
Remember, all SIR bowlers are eligible to participate in these bowling tournaments. You just need to have a current USBC card – you do NOT have to bowl in a SIR league to join the tournaments.
Upcoming SIR Bowling Tournaments:
ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller 925-935-5510 [email protected]
CRIBBAGE
Cribbage Results – August 2010
August 4 – We had thirteen SIRS participate and one guest. Stan Johnson had the high score for the day with 293 points. Second place went to Steve Greytak with 230 points followed by Dan Franklin 219 points and Jerry Milano with 208 points.
August 17 – There were fourteen who participated. First place went to Don Atwater with a high score of 216 points. Greg Ryan came in second place with 213 points followed by Erland Persson with 199 points and Bob Cramer with 182 points.
The Cribbage Group meets on the first Wednesday and the third Tuesday of each month at Carl’s Jr. which is located in the Nob Hill Shopping Center off Oak Grove Road and Ygnacio Valley Blvd. at 1 PM. Please join us if you have played Cribbage or would like to learn the game. Please note that our first meeting in September has been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 8 from September 1 due to room availability. Our next two meetings are Tuesday, September 21; and Wednesday, October 6.
Overall Results for 8 Months 2010 are as follows: Highest Individual Game Scores Ron Draper/Herb Hellsten 141 Jerry Milano/George Schultz 131 Ron Draper/Steve Strobel 131 Highest Daily Total Scores Herb Hellsten 404 Stan Johnson 376 Frank Begert 348 Ron Draper 347 Highest Per Game Average Score (50% of Games Played) Herb Hellsten 33.34 Stan Johnson 28.61 Greg Ryan 28.00 Steve Greytak 27.60 Frank Begert 27.36
Chairman, Herb Hellsten ([email protected]) Asst. Chairman, Bill Douglas
AREA 2 FISHING GROUP
AARREEAA 22 FFIISSHHIINNGG NNEEWWSS FFOORR SSEEPPTTEEMMBBEERR 22001100
All SIR members and guests are welcome and, indeed, encouraged to participate in fishing trips as well as attend the monthly meetings. Next meeting will be Thursday, September 23rd, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf
DATE LOCATION
September 20 Dublin
October 4-6 Citrus Heights
October 19, 21 Brentwood
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Course at 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30am. A rough ocean and high winds inland had all but stopped our fishing in late June and early July all the way to mid August. This is certainly the worst year for wind and blown out fishing any of us old guys can recall. Nonetheless, we persevered! On a rare good day, 10 of us boldly set out on a party boat from Half Moon Bay, and caught early limits of very taste rock cod. On board were: Paul Dubow, Stan Matsumoto, Mario Mauritorio, Joe Miscione (organizer,) Al Brunner's grandson, and Al, Joe Karg, Carl Moyer and his daughter Leah, and Roger Borgerson. Fishing at lovely Lake Tahoe, Al Brunner, Paul Dubow, Karl Droese, Howard Berkman, Pete Gates and Bob Olson caught 9 good sized Mackinaw Trout. Kent Cremolini returned to San Diego to board a 5 day cruise to Mexican waters for lots of albacore tuna, a few blue fin tuna, and even more yellowtail. This was Kent’s second trip in 2 months. Joe Karg fished with his son at Bucks Lake catching 5 trout, but the bears ate 2 in the night. Pete Gates and Steve Lofton came home from Alaska with a fine cooler full of salmon. Carl Moyer caught a 23 pound salmon right outside the Golden Gate on a party boat with Joe Karg and his son Jason. Carl Moyer and Terry Miller tried to catch some catfish from Shadow Cliff’s reservoir, but only caught 4 nice trout. Harry Sherinian fished with Carl Moyer from Pacifica twice for 2 limits of rock fish each day.. Four hardy SIRs spent 3 days at New Melones in search of the elusive Kokanee Salmon. Al Brunner, George Schulze, Harold Knudsen, and Mario Mauritorio did manage to catch a few from small to respectable. And Mike Corker took a ride to the Faralons from Emeryville on the New Huck Fin and not only caught some big rockfish, but also a halibut. We will be very busy this fall, if the wind ever dies down, with: delta fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and sturgeon, trout fishing in mountain lakes and rivers, and party boat trips for salmon, sturgeon, halibut, and stripers. These outings will include those who rarely fish but would like to try. If you haven’t been fishing in a while, but might like to test drive an adventure come join us.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 23rd, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf Course at 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30 am.
For further information, please contact Karl Droese Big Fish (925-376-0468;) Carl Moyer Branch 8 Coordinator (925-685-5243;) Dick Thomson Treasurer/Secretary, (925-944-1760.)
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
At the August 20 meeting we had a smaller group, due to many folks being out of town, but it was no less lively or interesting. We had Achmad Omid, Teeb Thomas, Bill Phelon, Jock MacKaig, Hans Pable and Pump Pumphrey sharing songs of success with photography, along with tales of woe in the areas of computers and software.
Some photos and techniques were shared, notably Achmad’s wonderful melding of his art with the need to have attractive Greeting Cards. His approach has been to have carefully printed some of his beautiful flower photos placing them neatly in blank embossed greeting cards, so that he can share his art on important special occasions. What a good idea.
Asst. Chair Bill Phelon deserves special commendation for bringing to our attention the need to consider what our group can put together for a SACHe display in the near future. The available display space in the Bar/Recreation area of the W.C.Elks Club is limited, about 4 ft. X 8 ft., so the nature of the display needs to be carefully considered, to maximize the enjoyment of the Sirs viewing it. Our Sept. and Oct. meetings will consider our alternatives and approaches and make some decisions prior to a possible November Br. 8 Luncheon presentation.
Our September 17 meeting will be at the home of Hans Pable. Our group meets the third Friday of each month, except June and December, at 10:00 AM at member’s homes. We talk about individual insights and experiences with cameras, lenses, techniques, photo software, new developments, and of course the photos we take. In the course of our meetings, we get into a good deal more, sharing many aspects of our lives and experiences, and we are all much the richer for this sharing. For more information please contact
Pump Pumphrey Chair 682-2188 [email protected], or Bill Phelon Asst 254-8338 [email protected]
SINGLE SIRS DINE OUT
Black Angus Steak House, known as the Genuine American Steakhouse, will be our restaurant of choice in September. Dinner time is 5:30 p.m Tuesday, September 7th and Black Angus Steak House is located at 3195 N. Main Street, Pleasant Hill (925) 938-9900. Marv says meet at the bar during Happy Hour before dinner. Please let our host, Marv Kreitz 935-7739 [email protected] know if you plan to attend. .
Last month eight of us dined at The Greenery and discovered they serve large tasty dinners. Our thanks go to host Bon Wadors for hosting this dinner. Lively chatter around the table added to the camaraderie that seems to prevail at our dinners. All Branch 8 members who will be single at dinner time the first Tuesday of the month are welcome to join us.
Chairman - Don Atwater, 673-1669 [email protected] Asst. Chairman, Bon Wadors, 937-8160 [email protected]
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WRITING YOURLIFE STORIES
Writing Your Life Stories
All Sirs who want to learn a simple method for developing a personal biographyare invited to join the Writing Your Life Stories activity. We will begin ourfifth year September 15. I asked new Sir Dick Brewer, who joined the group in January, to write about his experience:
"When I thought about writing my life story in the past, I always found something better to do, like play Four Square on my computer. Then along came the SIRS Life Story Group and everything changed! I could do it one story at a time and be encouraged by fellow SIRS. I'm going strong, it is fun, and my grandchildren will have something I didn't have from my grandfather."
I look forward to meeting with a dozen new and returning Sirs--some from other branches-- as we write and share short stories based on personal experiences.We all agree that this process is far easier then trying to start writingour biographies privately. The support of fellow Sirs is part of the secret of our success. And sharing our storie s with family and friends is the final payoff.
Our meetings take place at Vintage Kensington Place, on Geary Road near North Main in Walnut Creek, at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the second floor Game Room. Contact me if you have any questions.
Roger Sperling 933-5588 [email protected]
SUMS IN RETIREMENT
The Area 2 $ums Investment Group will meet on Wednesday September 22nd at 8:00 AM at the Diablo Creek golf course on Port Chicago highway in Concor.
Our speakers will be Jonathan Chaet and Sandino Napolois representing Advanced Equities, Inc. AEI is part of the Advanced Equities Financial Corporation (AEFC) and is one of the industry’s most progressive financial services firms. Focusing on retail, institutional securities and venture capital investment banking business.
Jonathan and Sandino will present “Access to Opportunity”, who wants to be with the next Goggle? How the individual investor can take part in pre-IPO selections. AEI’s web site is www.advancedequities.com for you to review prior to the meeting.
The restaurant at the course opens at 7:00 AM for those who would like to enjoy breakfast with your colleagues.
Co-Chairmen Area 2 $ums Investment Group 925-376-3977 Allen Espenmiller (Br-174 George Schulze Leary Wong
Ken Nakashima 925-376-0421 (Br-171)
POOL
As of this date, since the first Monday of September is a holiday the group has not decided whether to get together on that day.
If, as a SIR, you wish to get in some practicing youcan always go to Masses at any time of the day andplay for the same $5.00 fee for as long as you wantto play. (The rate doesn’t apply to evening play).Just tell them you’re members of the SIR’s organization.We normally play on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.The starting time is 11:30am and we play for about 2 hours.
Masses phone number in Walnut Creek is 256-7665.
If you bring a friend or other members of your family it cost them $7 an hour. The special rate only applies to you being a SIR’s member.
There are plenty of tables, so come on down and join other pool players from Branch 8 and other branches in the area. If you have not played for awhile, don't be bashful. Come on down and join us and get some practice. We welcome new pool playing and potential pool playing members.
Jerry White ([email protected]) 944-9068
P.S. You can contact me after the 31st. of August for more current information.
TRAVEL EVENTS
GLENN CAMPBELL October 25-27,2010 An exclusive show at the Grand Sierra Showroom in Reno, Nevada. Glenn’s career spans forty-five years. Besides having one of the most successful variety shows in television history, he is also considered one of the best guitarists of his generation. In addition, Glenn forged a path into Hollywood for future country music artists. His portrayal of John Wayne’s sidekick in the classic True Grit will be viewed for generations to come. Some of his hits include….”The Rhinestone Cowboy”, “Gentle On My Mind”, “Wichita Lineman” and many more. This is a great show. Price includes: deluxe motor coach transportation, overnight accommodations at the Grand Sierra Resort, Casino stops at Boomtown & Silver Legacy, breakfast coupon at the Lodge Buffet, two casino bonuses, tickets to the show in the Grand Sierra Showroom, and baggage handling.
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Cost: $140 pp, double occupancy $25 single supplement. Bob Hagler 925.934.7620 Jim Lunn 925.551.3329 ALASKA CRUISE June 9-19, 2010 Embark on a 10-night Inside Passage cruise to Alaska on board Princess Cruise Line’s SEA PRINCESS sailing round trip out of San Francisco. Cruise ports of call include Juneau, Glacier Bay, Haines, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C. Travelers are required to have a current passport as part of their boarding documentation. Included in cruise features: Round trip transfers from bay Area to San Francisco pier and back; All meals while on board the SEA PRINCESS; Transfer driver and Stevedore tips for baggage handling; All government fees and taxes and Pre-departure orientation meeting. Cost: $2578 - $2655 double occupancy depending on
category of cabin selected.
Jim Lunn 925.551.3329 or e-mail at [email protected]
SIR HIKERS
ATTENTION HIKERS! We hike on the last Tuesday of every month. Hikes are about 3 hours long on regional trails. We start at the time, trail head, or meeting point specified below. Hiking boots, sticks, ands water are always recommended. Some of us go for lunch after the hike at a nearby restaurant. NEW MEMBERS, Guest, Ladies, and members of other Branches are always welcome.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2010: Our hike for September will be in Briones Regional Park with an elevation gain of approximately 600 ft. The Starting point will be from Old Briones Rd. staging area located at the North end of the park.
Meet at 9:30a at the staging and parking area at the end of Old Briones Rd. From Walnut Creek head west on Hy 24. Exit Pleasant Hill Rd north. Then take Taylor north at the split (left). Then left on Grayson (Gregory). Right on Reliez Valley Rd. Left (south) on Old Briones Rd to the Staging area and parking lot. The parking is free.
LEADER: Tony Watkin 947-5991
Chair: Ray Tenzer 820-4744 Ass't Chair: Enrique Arvisu 687-9992
WINE FINDERS
Our beloved winos enjoyed a thoroughly delightful evening at the home of Walt & Ginny Schick sampling various vintner's Pinot Grigio. Many thanks to the Schicks for hosting the event in such spectacular fashion.
Our rationale for gathering is for wine sampling, but with the extravagent spread of hors d' oevres offered this magical evening, it appeared to be the local gourmet club! We enjoyed and savored Dolma, fresh tomato and basil leaves on rye with marinated mozzerella balls, zucchini cakes with salmon/cheese sauce toppings, Mt. Diablo Deviled eggs, zucchini sticks with dip, collosal shrimp with cocktail sauce, cucumber salmon and onion slices on toast, and spiced meatballs Italiano.
The evening also turned out to be something of an informal comedy club, with a smattering of tall tales and amusing recollections, presented in a stand-up comedy format. Some mention of "taking it on the road" was over-heard.
We brought the evening to a triumphal ending not once, but twice, due to "computational errors." It initially was possible to be declared the winner of the tasting due to mysterious multiplyer applications wherein scores were inversly proportional to the recorded preferences. After a few minutes of jubilant celebration by the apparent winners, eagle-eyed Sir Ron Smith noticed the incongruity of the winning wines having the worst scores, so the data sheets were sent back to committee to resolve the issue. (Dangling "chads" in Florida general elections came to mind).
Final Pinot Grigio awards were garnered by Sir Rob Laaback with his Robert Mondavi Private Select, Safeway, $7.99 as #1, Number 2 slot went to Ron Cassano's Van Ruitter, $13.99, The Winery, and Grand Master Big Sir Jim Sowell snatched the #3 slot with a well respected "08 Estancia Sonoma, Bev Mo, $12.99. Last Place went to Walt Schick's "07 Pepperwood , Safeway, $7.99, although ALL wine entries were judged as acceptable, if not the absolute winner. Let's not forget that Walt got to celebrate being #1 for a few minutes prior to the RECOUNT!.
Our next venture will be in two months, Oct. 14, hosted by Sir Ron and Judy Smith, with the focus to be SPANISH REDS. In the spirit of the month (Halloween) some seemed interested in embracing the theme thru dress in a "spanishy" manner. Matador's and flamenco dancer threads would be the more dramatic versions that came to mind. Obviously costume attire would be optional and not a pre-requisite to attend.
Although this is a group that encourages couples participation, single Sirs are invited and can come stag or pair up with a Sir whose spouse is unable to attend. A wine type is selected, then each couple brings a bottle of their favorite priced under $15.00; we do a blind tasting and rank all wines. Each couple also brings an hors d' oevre to serve six that compliments the wine selection. We meet at 6:00 PM at rotating host homes on the second Thursday of even numbered months.
If any of you Sirs are interested in joining our group, please consider getting on our waiting list as there's usually room for all who can attend.
Chair: Bob Price [email protected] 925 937-6814 Co-chair Walt Schick [email protected] 925 934-0605).
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BOOK EXCHANGE
Bring your books, DVDs and CDs
We are short electronic media. It seems to be grabbed just as soon as it hits the exchange table. Bring in those old unused DVDs and CDs so other Sirs can enjoy them. They are a great addition to our lending library. We also now have over 20 boxes of books available for borrowing, so keep the books coming.
Please remember to bring back the books you have borrowed so others can enjoy them.
We have a table set up in the activity area every month where books, DVDs and CDs can be taken by members in exchange for those that the members bring in. Your co-chairmen, Ed Benson, Derek Southern and Rob Laaback and able assistant Ken Main swing by and keep an eye on the table periodically should you have any questions. Any oversupplies and duplicates are donated to the Contra Costa Library System or other neighboring Sir Branches that are starting a similar member service.
If you have any questions, drop Ed Benson an email ([email protected]), call him (925-943-7011) or catch him at the monthly meeting.
YOGA The Yoga activity meets the first Wednesday each month. Chair: Mysore Gopal 947-1908.
BARBECUE
Annual Branch 8 BBQ
Annually, Sirs in the Kitchen puts on the Branch 8 BBQ. We had a great time at Castle Rock Park last June, and you can expect an even greater time in June 2011. We will publish the date next Spring, and we hope that many of you can join us. Until then, score some of the USDA Prime steaks at Costco, and throw them on the home BBQ. You’ll love them!
Should any of you have any ideas on how we could improve from 2010, please let Chairmen Ed Benson and Walt Schick know.
NEW AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The new YOGA ACTIVITY will kick-off the first session the first Wednesday in September (9/1) from 10-11 a.m. It will be held at the Sports Basement store (2nd floor-no elevator-in the back) in the Ygnacio Plaza Shopping Mall (across from Heather Farms Park). Hopefully there will be a good turnout. Bring a floor mat for some of the exercises. Mysore Gopal is the Chairman and his wife Prabha will be the instructor.
The new COUPLES RUBBER BRIDGE ACTIVITY has decided to meet (1st session in September) at Carls Jr. in the Citrus Heights Shopping Mall (1 block north of Ygnacio on Oak Grove Road at the Citrus Intersection). The Chairman, Rod Hughes, added a 4th table and is still seeking a 5th and subs for the group.
No other changes and nothing else new but if you have interest in another activity we do not offer let me know.
Gary Plisco, Activity Chairman, 939-2483, [email protected]
Don Blubaugh, Assistant AC, 945-1687, [email protected]
SACHe
Our new activity, designed to exhibit our member’s talents, has been given the name SACHe. These letters stand for Sir, Artisan, Craftsman, Hobbyist, and etcetera.
• An "Artisan" could display paintings, or photography, or sculpture or other original hand made art;
• A "Craftsman" might show wood- or metal-working functional items like furniture or toys;
• "Hobbyists" could display artifacts from astronomy, or gardening, or travel or other part time activities;
• "etcetera" might include collectibles and other items deemed worthy to share with members.
Currently the covered pool table in the bar area is used as the display area prior to our monthly luncheons. The Sir whose material is on display should either be present to answer questions and/or have a one paragraph write-up available explaining briefly how he became interested in his craft, how long he has done it and who helped him learn it. Members, as individuals or a group with something to display, are asked to contact chairman Don Atwater, 673-1669 [email protected]
S irs
A rtisans
C raftsmen
H obbyists
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September 13th Exhibitor At our September 13th Luncheon-Meeting, Larry Lange, Derek Lofquist and our Astronomy group will have a display one might
consider “out of this world”. Please make sure among your pre-luncheon activities that you step into the bar area where to the right of the door, astronomy Branch 8 style will be featured.
New Member Bill Eich New Member Larry McEwen Speaker Tom Kelly Receiving a certificate
of appreciation
Nick Aviani Receves a Senior Life Member award from Dean
Bocce players debating ball positions. Bocce players got a live demo of a bomb sniffing robot.
Carl Moyer holds a big 23 pound
salmon caught just outside the Golden Gate.
Artist Roger Sperling proudly displays some of his art work.
Sirs In The Kitchen BBQ
The Reno National Bowling Stadium, the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins," was the venue for the SIR State Team Bowling Tournament. The 78 lane, 440 foot wide facility was awe inspiring to the Branch 8 participants.
Mt. Diablo Branch No. 8 State President: Floyd ‘Buck’ Kendrick 650-948-7470 [email protected] Director Reg. 6: Jim Stedman 932-1636 [email protected] Governor, Area2: Dean Steichen 820-3573 [email protected] Computer, Area 2: CoChr Derek Southern 253-1646 [email protected] Golf, Area 2: Jim Willey, Br 19 689-3199 [email protected] Fishing, Area 2: Craig Walton 937-4876 [email protected] Publicity, Area 2: Walt Schick 934-0656 [email protected]
Branch 8 Officers-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Big SIR: Jim Sowell 939-4670 [email protected] Little SIR: Derek Southern 253-1646 [email protected] Secretary: Erland Persson 932-5328 [email protected] Sec Menbership: Bill Barnard 939-8927 [email protected] Sec Attendance: Bill Peterson 676-5295 [email protected] Treasurer: Leo Barrella 933-2372 [email protected] Asst. Treasurer: Paul Laderer 943-1392 [email protected] Directors: Gary Plisco 939-2483 [email protected] Bon Wadors 937-8160 [email protected] Glenn Cheetham 673-8953 [email protected] Fred Nelson 689-6714 [email protected] Wally Freeman 673-1191 [email protected] Walter Schick 934-0656 [email protected]
Committees------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Activity Coordinator: Gary Plisco 939-2483 [email protected] Asst: Don Blubaugh 945-1687 [email protected] Audit: Herb Hellsten 686-6398 [email protected] Asst Larry Lavik 935-6946 [email protected] Chaplain: Fred Nelson 689-6714 [email protected] Asst Ted McKillop 283-3407 [email protected] Computer Help (MAC): Dick Brown 676-9048 [email protected] Computer Help (PC): Jay Caldis 939-1893 [email protected] Email List Maintenance: Dave Perkins 256-9569 [email protected] Historian: Gary Plisco 939-2483 [email protected] Hotline Editing: Pump Pumphrey 682-2188 [email protected] Ekkehardt Keller 685-1505 [email protected] Alan Ensign 820-8974 [email protected] Dan Weller 935-5510 [email protected] Ladies Day Luncheon: Roger Millier (Chair) 944-1452 [email protected] New Member Coord.: Bill Cooke 691-9325 [email protected] New Member Interviews Ed Myrtle 229-2371 [email protected] Roster: Bill Barnard 939-8927 [email protected] Sunshine Chairman: Larry Mersmann 935-9124 [email protected] Asst: Rob Laaback 938-5228 Web Master: Bill Hunter 947-6947 [email protected] Asst. Derek Southern 253-1646 [email protected] Luncheon Seating & Setup: Ron Luttringer 680-8134 [email protected]
Badges: Bill Douglas 945-8009 [email protected] Larry Mersmann 935-9124 [email protected] Bill Peterson 676-5295 [email protected] Drawings: Ed Roth 937-5944 [email protected] Greeters: Robert Williams 283-4527 [email protected] Robbie Robertson 308-7131 [email protected] Guest/Visitor Richard Hersey 254-5893 Rudy Ceragiole 935-2312 [email protected] Need-A- Ride: Bon Wadors 937-8160 [email protected] Parking: Bon Wadors 937-8160 [email protected] Pianist: Ralph Bagdonas 838-0568 [email protected] Songmeister: Roger Sperling 933-5588 [email protected] Tickets: John Fidler 837-8703 [email protected] Paul Laderer 943-1392 [email protected] Leo Barrella 933-2372 [email protected] Mann Wong 376-6388 [email protected]
Revision July 2010
From: Mt Diablo Branch No. 8 Sons in Retirement 1475 Creekside Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596-5620 Editor: Dan Weller TIME VALUE MATERIAL A Non-profit Organization PLEASE DELIVER BY for Retired Men devoted September 4, 2010 to the Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement.
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