December 2016 CHINA CAMP/INDIAN VALLEY. Big Sir s Message. What s Inside

Transcription

1 CHINA CAMP/INDIAN VALLEY December 2016 Executive Committee Big Sir: John Noren Little Sir: Jim Waltz Secretary: John Zeiter Asst. Eckart Sellinger Treasurer: Ron Gurich Asst. Bill Risch Directors: Jack Friesen Les Church Joe Sauerland Ed Sabrack Ray Crawford Kent Dutrieux What s Inside Anniversaries Activities Area 6 Activities Attendance Report BEC Minutes Luncheon News Menu Speaker Speaker Review Special Events Sunshine & Clouds Treasurer Report Pg. Big Sir s Message John Noren "The SIR Experience," a phrase that should remind SIR members of the special circumstances they enjoy as men in retirement here at Branch 68: the opportunity to connect socially with like-minded men, making new friends while renewing ongoing friendships, re-engaging in activities enjoyed earlier in life, and gathering regularly for a group luncheon to laugh, be a little raucous, and learn a few things from interesting speakers. Consider for a moment the appeal that such a lifestyle would have on a newly retired man sitting at home, dissatisfied with his new existence and looking for a better alternative. As SIR members, we possess an organization that would be the answer to that newly retired man's dilemma. I would like to see "The SIR Experience" become a regular part of our vocabulary and wield it as a calling card to those who would surely find SIR as valuable as we do. Let us approach recruitment with the firm conviction and clear confidence that we offer an exceptional opportunity for those seeking more in life after work and enthusiastically expand our numbers. Finally, as I relinquish the microphone and again take my seat in the audience, please accept my sincere thanks for the honor and privilege of serving as your Big SIR this past year. What a great group of guys you are! John Noren Big SIR 2016 Page 1

2 Month Luncheon News Luncheon Roger Burstrem and Tom Egan Christmas Party Chairmen No December Luncheon and No BEC Meeting. Branch 68 will be hosting its Annual Christmas Party on December 9th at 6:00pm Location will be the Banquet Room at the McInnis Golf Complex Next Luncheon will be January 10th Page 2

3 Brian s Travels Member News After a month-long tour of France and a short stay at home, we return to Europe and our travels with Brian and Frank in the beautiful green countryside of Ireland. They spent three weeks touring the country by driving the narrow coastal roads counter clock wise from Dublin to Dublin in the smallest car they could rent. They took a route referred to as the Wild Atlantic Way. This route encompasses all Western Ireland and the guys reported many memorable stays along their traverse, a few of which I shall summarize. They were most taken by the scenery which included the Cliffs of Moher and Kerry. The cliff in Moher are the most famous of cliffs in Ireland, they were featured in several movies, however the guys both agreed that the Cliffs of Kerry were by far the more beautiful of the two. They also took several hikes and bikes throughout the countryside when they could, one such trip was along the trail to Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park. One other notable feature of travel thru Ireland are its numerous castles, towers and fortifications. The guys stopped and toured several different examples of such. They stayed at several different B&Bs along their route with great results always enjoying a comfortable room and a warm atmosphere. What they enjoyed most was the evening entertainment at the pub where there was always a gathering of local musicians. Frank being Irish himself with local connections throughout the country had a feel for the music. He grew up listening to the traditional ballads and tunes and could accompany several musicians with his spoon playing. Yes, an easy way to add a rhythmic accompaniment to traditional Irish music is a pair of cheap tablespoons or teaspoons in the hands of a skilled spoons player. Frank, as it happens, has been a pretty good spoons player for decades. He can accompany with a nice, consistent rhythm a variety of traditional American and Irish music. Page 3 The guys only had good things to say about the folks they encountered and the places they stopped and stayed at. Every town they spent the night in, whether big or small had the same common feel for welcoming a weary traveler with a warm smile a stout drink and a tune in their heart. In my opinion Ireland has a strong tie with our journey-men and its best read through their telling of it, I would highly recommend reading their blog at VagabondYear.com to hear it in their words. There are some great stories in this session that are just too long to include in this summation.

4 Business John Zeiter Secretary Ron Gurich Treasurer Ray Crawford Membership Chairman Page 4 BEC Minutes Recap October, 2016 Big SIR John Noren opened the meeting on 10:00AM. Secretary Report: Although neither Secretary John Zeiter nor Asst. Secretary Eckart Sellinger were present, the BEC members had received the September 13, 2016 minutes by . The minutes were reviewed by the BEC. A motion was Made, Seconded & Approved (MMS&A) to accept prior meeting minutes as submitted. Treasurer Report: Due to glitches to Treasurer Ron Gurich s computer and printer, the final copy of his Treasurer s report was not available. However, the report was discussed by Ron and the other BEC members. A Motion was Made, Seconded & Approved (MMS&A) to accept Treasurer s report after Ron makes the final adjustments. SIR Ray Crawford had previously submitted Form 27 to the BEC via , but Jack Friesen pointed out that LDL should be added to note last month s BBQ luncheon as a Ladies Day event. Ray indicated that there were no new members to be inducted at today s luncheon meeting. SIR Bill Risch discussed a list of 22 members who have missed at least six meetings in the past year and/or have had three consecutive unexcused absences. Bill had called or attempted to call each member on the list. Due to the response or lack of response from the people on the list, he recommend 15 be purged immediately, another member be placed on the inactive list, and the remaining names to be purged if they miss today s or next month s meeting. A Motion was made to accept Bill s recommendation, Seconded & Approved (MMS&A). In the future, Attendance Chairman Gene Gallagher will call AWOL members in order to reduce the unexcused absences by these members. Big SIR John Noren resumed the discussion of the video that is used by SIR Branch 8 in Walnut Creek. Due to possible legal and production technical problems, as well as to doubts as to how helpful this video might be and how it would be used, it was decided that we would not pursue this option any further at this time. SIR Bill Risch initiated a discussion concerning the meals that have been served at The Club Restaurant during recent monthly meetings. Several members have complained about the quality of the food that has been served. Les Church agreed to speak with the chef at The Embassy Suites to explore what alternative options might be available. SIR Russ Dreosch announced that he will step down as Activities Coordinator after the November meeting. He also stated that Bob Hiday will be the new Walking Coordinator. Brochures were given to Ed Addeo to be used as recruiting devices, but as they were not quite appropriate to Branch 68, Ed said he would download the brochure form from the SIR website, make the necessary changes, and deliver copies to each member at the November meeting. Although the BEC last month had approved Les Church serve as Little SIR in 2017, it was noted that the full membership needed to vote on this appointment. John Noren said he would bring this up for a vote at today s luncheon. SIR Ed Sabrack stated that lunches were pre-paid for three members and one guest at last month s BBQ luncheon, but those members and guest did not attend the BBQ luncheon. Therefore, we did not have to pay The Club Restaurant for their meals. Since no one had requested refunds, however, it was decided that no Treasurers Report October 2016 Beginning Balance 3,573.53$ Deposits 1,890.00$ Expenses 1,833.75$ Outstanding Checks 0.00$ Cleared Previous 0.00$ Outstanding Checks Ending Balance 3,629.78$ MEMBERSHIP ATTENDANCE REPORT November 2016 Total Members 103 Total Active Members 93 Total Non-Active Members 10 Gains Or Losses This Month 0 Luncheon Stats Active Members Attending 71 Not Attending 22 Guests & Speakers 3 % Of Active Members Attending 66% Branch 68 Honorary Lifetime Members Don Gregory Jim Phelan Eckart Sellinger Hans Sommer action should be taken and the excess profits should be kept for operating expenses. Big SIR John Noren adjourned the meeting at 10:46 a.m.

5 Bowling Update Activities Roger Burstrem Bowling Chairman Week 11 had J im Waltz, plus 93 pins, picked up $15 in what was a hot week of bowling for his team which moved into 2nd place in the season high team handicap with a game set, only 25 pins off the leaders (another branch 68 team: Self Abuse ). Frank Hemmert assisted Jim with a +82 pins along with Les Church with a 215 game and a 3-games set of 552, +66; as a team, After 11 weeks of bowling, 3 of the top 4 teams their team rolled 247 pins over their normal 3are from our branch in positions 2 4, trailing the game set. John Noren didn t add another 200, yet 1st place team by 2, 3, & 4 points with five weeks he had a very nice 541 set, +34, pushing his seato go in the first half of the season. son average to 170; Don Gregory +28; George Aster continues to roll good as his average imweek 8 was a tough week on all bowler s with only four jackpot participating bowlers exceeding proves +26; Rich Berkvam opted out with a +25. their averages for three games and only three of them broke the 20 over recognition plateau; George Aster won $14 with 48 pins over; I had a Hope everyone had a game set +30; and Jim Phelan was +21. Steve Medvic won $13 in week 9 with 80 pins over; John Noren bowled a 226 game, 545 3game set for 47 over; Don Gregory +34; John Evans +20. Eckart Sellinger saved his $1 but bowled 50 pins over. During his team s make-up bowling, Les Church had a 202 game, 536 set for a +65 pins. George Aster came right back in week 10 with some good bowling to pick up $14 by bowling 98 pins over for 3 games on his then 98 pin per game average. John Zeiter tossed a 203 game on his way to 523 set for a plus 67 pins; his teammate, Bob Hiday was a +56; John Noren had his second 226 game of the season for a 3-game set of 550, +46. Frank Hemmert was not in the jackpot but managed to roll 55 pins over. See you on December 2nd to resume our bowling. Sir Roger Burstrem Walking Update Bob Hiday Walking Chairman Page 5 This is the kind of stuff we have to put up with when we do the regular Tuesday morning walk. Join us and see what there is to see.

6 SIR Day at the Races 2016 Golden Gate Fields Special Events SIR Day at the Races was a huge success and it was a bright beautiful day to be out at the track. Richard Rojas, Ed Addeo and their wives had their picture taken with the winning jockey from the third race and it turned out Ed even bet on that horse. Once again the club house was such a great place to enjoy lunch, drinks and a little betting on the ponies. We would like to thank Jack Friesen for such a great time and we look forward to coming out again next year. Page 6

7 Miscellanies MARIA (NENA) & GENE LINDQUIST 12/07/ JOAN & RONALD CROOK 12/15/ KAY & GARRY ALTAMIRANO 12/18/ BARBARA & LAWRENCE LONN 12/20/ HELEN & EDWIN SABRACK 12/24/ PAT & BILL BUNDERSON 12/29/ ROEDEL MASTERS 12/01/ JOSEPH SAUERLAND 12/03/ JOHN NORRIS 12/07/ EUGENE GALLAGHER 12/14/ WILLIAM SCHARNINGHAUSEN 12/21/ DAVID CROWNE 12/23/ KENNETH PHILO 12/27/ JOHN ELLER 12/29/ PETER CLARKE 12/29/ JACK DEVLIN 12/31/ All the Best and a Happy Anniversary From Your friends at China Camp/Indian Valley SIRs Branch 68 Sunshine and Clouds Happy Birthday From Everyone at China Camp/Indian Valley SIR s Have Many More Roster Updates Joe Sauerland Sunshine Chairman Get Well Cards were sent to: SIR Bob Dawson SIR Ray Schmitt Both of whom have been ill and hospitalized Roster is almost ready to print, if you have any updates me at otrax@sbcglobal.net or call me at so we can get them into next years booklet. Editor s Notes Kent Dutrieux Editor I don t have much to say at this time, but Merry Christmas and enjoy the start of another New Year. Page 7

8 BRANCH 68 MEETING: Monthly Luncheons & Executive Committee Meetings are held on the SECOND Tuesday of the month. Branch Executive Committee (BEC) 10:30 AM; Social Hour 11: AM Member Luncheon at Noon at The Club at McInnis Park in San Rafael ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION As soon as you know that you will NOT be attending a monthly luncheon and no later than the Thursday before the luncheon, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CALL ATTENDANCE CHAIRMAN GENE GALLAGHER at So you will be excused and not AWOL, and we will know the Area 6 BRANCH 68 & AREA 6 ACTIVTIES Bicycling Bob Forsyth Br Bocce Ball Jim Phelan Br Bowling Roger Burstrem Br Computers Tom Egan Br Digital Cameras Art Costamagna Br Fly Fishing Fred Holmes Bill Walker Br Genealogy Jeff Vailant Br Golf -18 Hole Ray Kellerher Br Golf - 9 Hole Jack Friesen Br Great Books Club Dick Locke Br Investors Lunch Bunch Will Kaefer Br Men s Bridge Bill Cline Br Poker Jack Poland Br Rolling Roamers (RV s) Ray Canziani Br Tennis Robert Chandler Br Travel Henry Puccinelli Br Vintage Cars Joe Sauerland Br Walking/Hiking Russ Dreosch Br WWII Events/History Ted Cohen Br Get SIR Happenings Sir Happenings is Published Quarterly Every Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall At the Sir Website at sirinc.org/sirhappenings and download the latest issue. Happy Reading! Branch 68 Website Luncheon Schedules of SIR Branches in Area 6 Branch # 7 The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park, SR 1st Thursday Branch # 22 The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park, SR 1st Tuesday Branch # 47 The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park, SR 4th Tuesday Branch # 68 The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park, SR 2nd Tuesday Branch # 134 Embassy Suites, San Rafael 1st Tuesday Page 8 ATTENDANCE: RULE 60; Members are obligated to attend all 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. (b) Nonattendance at "SIX" (6) regular Luncheon meetings within the previous "TWELVE" (12) consecutive months. "NOTE:" Excused meetings may not be included to achieve the Six (6) meeting minimum. (c) Attendance at Ladies Day functions may be excluded by the Branch Executive Committee. 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, Incorporated, 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. RULE 345 SIR, Inc STATE OFFIERS President: Donald Dill (530) Vice President: Jerry Strain (209) Secretary: Derek Southern (925) Secretary Assistant: Ron Flagel (209) Treasurer: Karl Ryden (916) Treasurer Assistant: Jim Johnson (916) Region 10 Director: Jim Filippo (415) Area 6 Governor: Frank Sokolowski (415)