Branch 32 Website: http://branch32.sirinc2.org/

Sir Happenings Newsletter: http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/

From Big Sir

Here we are already intoAugust and we are rapidlymoving into the last part of2015.

Last Monday Irepresented Branch 32 atthe annual meeting of ourSIR Corporation. Therewere 132 Big Sirs inattendance as well as theState officers and severalspeakers. Besides the

business of electing our 2016 State officers, the mainemphasis of the program was recruitment of newmembers and the training of the new Branch officers. Iam very impressed with the new state officers and I amconfident they will do a great job leading SIR into 2016.This is the fourth corporate meeting I have attended andby far the best. A new venue, a new agenda, a goodlunch and they stayed on time.

Last month we welcomed our newest member, HershBooth to our Branch. He became aware of our groupwhen he saw us playing bocce. We have a continuingneed for new members. Please take a minute and talkto your friends and neighbors about the benefits of SIRmembership. I suspect there are very few organizationswhere you can have the great variety of interestingspeakers, good fellowship and outstanding activities thatwe have in Branch 32.

Last month’s luncheon attendance was down and I hopeit was only due to folks taking vacation. Pleaseremember if you are not going to attend the luncheonyou must inform our Attendance chairman (Jack Vierhus,

408 356-4632) at least 5 days (by Saturday) so our lheadcount is correct with the restaurant. Also bereminded that the SIR Bylaws have strict requirementregarding attendance and require that you to inform uswhen you will be absent.

After the luncheon I was made aware that the speakersystem was not operating correctly and some areas ofthe room were unable to hear the presentation. At thepodium it is impossible to ascertain the loudness of thespeakers, so from now on, if you can’t hear, immediatelystand up and give me a shout-out so we can get thevolume adjusted.

As I discussed in last month’s column, your Board islooking at acquiring visual equipment for use when ourspeaker wants to use slides. The Saratoga Rotary Clubuses the proceeds from their annual Art Show to assistnon-profit groups. Branch 32 Board member WarrenLampshire is a member of the Saratoga Rotary Cluband is assisting us in applying for financial assistance inpurchasing the needed visual equipment. I will keep youinformed as how this is resolved.

Don’t forget, this month’s luncheon has a Polynesiantheme and I hope all will get in the mood and wear yourloudest Hawaiian shirt. Also beach shorts and flip-flopsare recommended, and surfboards are optional. Aloha!

Big Sir Bruce Henry

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Non-Responsibility Clause: All Tours and other activities arranged for or by Sons in Retirement, Inc. and its branches are for theconvenience and pleasure of the members and their guests wishing to participate. Sons in Retirement, Inc. and its branches do notassume any responsibility for the well being or safety of the participants or passengers, or their property, in any matters pertaining tosaid tours, trips or other activities.

August 2015 Volume 47 No. 8

Membership Report

You all are to be congratulated on the Branchescontinuing growth in membership. So far in 2015 wehave increased our membership by nearly 18 %. As Ihave said many times the larger the membership thehealthier the Branch and the opportunity to add moreactivities, travel and interest. We were saddened to learn of the death of our memberMax Wright who had been a member of Branch 32 for 15years.

Soon we will begin compiling the 2016 photo roster. It isimperative that if you are a new member that you getyour picture taken. We will be setup to take your photoduring the social hour before the September and theOctober luncheons. It only takes a couple of minutesand won’t interfere with your socializing. Also, anymember who wants to change his current picture iswelcome to get a new photo. The Roster committeeappreciates your help.

To be inducted at the August luncheon:

BOYLES Bob L. Bob #956133 Via de Las Abejas Marcy San Jose 95120-4455 (408) 806-9605robboyles@gmail.com (408) 806-9605Owner, Boyles & Associates 10/30Golf/Sailing/FlyingSPONSOR: Wes Howard #134

MACLAREN Allen J. Mac #1031125 McIntosh Creek Drive DevonneSan Jose 95120-4119 (408) 268-6967mdnmaclaren@aol.com (408) 621-0890USAF, Program Mgr. Lockheed-Martin. 04/17 Railroads/Railroad historySPONSOR: Wes Howard #134

Membership changes:

Active # 55 Hugh (Max) Wright died on July 27, 2015.

Our current membership status, as of August 1, 2015 is:108 active members, 6 Inactive members, and 2pending Inductees. Remember, bring a guest to lunch and when they join,you win a free lunch.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bruce HenryMembership Chairman

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

Name Birthday

Manny Esteban 08/04

Fred Gardner 08/05

Phil Wall 08/07

Richard A. Stowers 08/15

Daniel C. Tam 08/15

Pete Smith 08/15

Don Keysor 08/22

Jack Fitzhenry 08/26

Bob Barnette 08/26

Anniversaries

Couple Anniversary Years

Married

Larry and Diane St. Denis 08/01 45

Paul and Phyllis Vogel 08/04 53

Henry and Ulla Kreuter 08/10 58

Jack and Pam Fitzhenry 08/12 43

Fred and Marilyn Gardner 08/14 66

John and Elaine Pletsch 08/15 45

Pete and Phyllis Molinari 08/17 46

Don and Carolyn Brink 08/19 53

Stan and Donette Dake 08/19

Pat and Sue Ryan 08/20 49

Phil and Mo Davies 08/24 46

Dan and Tina Tam 08/30 7

Clary and Jean Shuh 08/30 57

Bob and Shirley Cancellieri 06/26 50

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Guest Speaker

This Month

Debbie Bacigalupi, “UNAgenda 21 And how it affectsSanta Clara County & Califor-nia” California is experiencingmany crises. At the top of listsare concern for our children, wa-ter, food, and private propertyrights.

Do you ever wonder why somany issues are happening at

once and who is benefiting? Where on earth did the ideaof regional versus local control of our schools, health,and government originate? How do all of these topicsoverlap and what is the ultimate goal in the 21st Century?

Debbie Bacigalupi, a requested speaker throughout theWest, will be detailing history, policy, economic, and en-vironmental issues that impact every single one of usand explain how all of these issues are related to “futuregenerations” – our beloved children, grandchildren andso on.

Miss Bacigalupi will share her vast knowledge fromconferences she has attended – like the 2012 UnitedNations Conference on Sustainable Development, theNavigating the American Carbon World on Cap-n-Trade,the Western Governors Association CHAT Conference,and many Fish and Wildlife meetings and hearings onthe Endangered Species Act. What do these items haveto do with your private property, home, or CommonCore?

An avid researcher, this sixth generation Californian anddaughter of ranchers and farmers in Siskiyou County isknown for her lively and interactive presentation on thethreats of wolves to dam removals, water supply, andthe people who supply our food. She will share howover-regulation and government corruption factor intothe monster that is Regionalism in California. Followingwill be a Q&A session.

A 2012 Candidate for the US House of Representativesin CA District 14, she holds a BS in Business, a Mastersin Business Administration, is a Certified Wine Somme-lier, a Certified Meeting Professional, a Biotech Consul-tant, and believing in Freedom and Prosperity (as shedoes) has joined Rodan+Fields as an Entrepreneur inthe multi-billion dollar anti-aging Skin Care Industry.

Next Month

Brian Shiroyama

My talk will focus on two subjects. 1. History andsecurity of Air Force One. 2. Operations in the Somalia,“Blackhawk Down” incident, and lessons learned forfuture operations.

This Month's Luncheon

Three Flames Restaurant. 1547 Meridian Ave, San JoseCA 95125. Wednesday August 19 at 11:00am.

Alternative menus that are always available:

(Obtain ticket from bartender and place on table).

Chicken breast with rice and vegetables.Vegetarian.

Call now if you know you will not be at theAugust Luncheon. Call Jack Vierhus,Wesley Howard, or Bruce Henry before6:00pm on Sunday August 16.

Bring some and take some!!

Longevity Recognition

7 current active members joined Branch 32 in August

The August members with the longest longevity are:

# 33 Jack Vierhus 12 years joined in 2003

# 127 Dick Rossman 10 years joining in 2005

New Members

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Awards

Travel

June 4-19, 2016, “The GreatAmerican Waterways”. Branch 54 &32 escorted by Mike Console (408)246-1080 and John Pletsch (408)274-2992.

A 15 night cruise on a small boat (Blount- 88passengers) which will sail across four of the GreatLakes--Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. This classicAmerican adventure starts in Chicago from the famousNavy Pier and explores some of Michigan's charmingsmall towns, including Victorian-era Mackinac Island.Ports include stops in Cleveland Oh, Erie Pa, Buffalo NY,Rochester NY, Oswego NY, Sylvan Beach NY, Troy NY,Kingston NY, West Point NY and Warren RI. Learnabout the history of lake Erie and the building of the ErieCanal from a local expert. Marvel at the lowering of theships retractable Pilot House on the Welland and ErieCanals, then explore some of New Yorks most sceniclocales, including: Niagara Falls, Cooperstown (home ofthe Baseball Hall Of Fame), the Hudson River MaritimeMuseum, and West Point (home of the U.S. MilitaryAcademy). Sail through New York Harbor and admire aclose up look at the Statue of Liberty and the awesomeNew York skyline, finally disembarking in picturesqueWarren Road Island. The Blount Small Ships CruiseLines features a relaxed cruising adventure, hasexcellent food with beer and wine included at luncheonsand dinners. They have a bar furnished with Mixers andSnacks (FREE), but you Bring Your Own Booze. Round-trip Home Pick-Up and all Port Charges and Taxes areincluded. Costs run from $5660 to to $ 8125 per Person/double occ. plus Insurance, depending on cabinselected. Deposit of $500 per person plus insurance.Make Checks Payable to: TALBOT TOURS TRUSTACCOUNT. Mail all Checks to: Mike Console 3527Parkland Ave. San Jose, Ca. 95117

September 6-17 2016: “Colors of Canada and NewEngland”. 10 day cruise aboard Holland America's msZuiderdam. Cruise from New York City to GloucesterMA, Bar Harbor ME, Halifax & Sydney NS,Charlottetown PEI and Quebec City. Enjoy the sights ofSaquenay Fjord and the Gulf of St Lawrence. Cost$3325 to $4125. Contact John Pletsch (408) 274-2992or Mike Console (408) 246-1080.

See Brochures for more information.

Be sure to stop by the travel table at theluncheon to obtain brochures on the latest trips!!

Travel Bulletin If you would like to receive your Bulletinvia E-Mail, email your request to rwshields @ comcast.netfrom the email address that you want your Bulletin delivered to.If you are not interested in travel get your name taken off ourE-Mail list by contacting Bob Shields at (408) 268-4975, emailrwshields@comcast.net, or your branch Travel Chairman.

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Hersh Booth with Sponsor Ray Padilla

Little Sir Wes Howard presents the Spring Golf trophy to Jim Claitor

Activities

Camera Club

The Camera Club had their meeting thelast Wednesday of July and picked thewinning photos for our visit to WilderRanch State Park and the Pulgas WaterTemple.

The following are the winners of WilderRanch:

The winning pictures of the Pulgas Water Temple are asfollows: There was a tie for second place.

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First place by Dwight Buzick – The Ranch Home

Second place by Bob Edwards – The Original Ranch Home.

Third place by Don Pedrotti – Twisted Tree

First place by Bob Edwards – The Temple and Reflecting Pool.

Second place tie by Dwight Buzick – Temple Structure.

Field Trip

Thursday August 27, 2015

Ainsley House and Campbell Historical Museum, 300Grant St., Campbell

The museum opens at 12 noon so we will meet at BlueLine Pizza for lunch at 11:30 am. Admission to the Ains-ley House is $4.00 for seniors and will include a tour.The Ainsley house has been completely restored to itsoriginal 1920’s appearance. The Historical Museum, ad-mission is $2.00, is a short walk to the corner of CivicCenter Dr. and N Central Ave. The museum has histori-cal items of the Orchard history of the Valley, as well asan electrically powered automobile, built in 1919 byRauch and Lang Carriage Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

Suggest that you park in the Museum/Library parking lot,entrance off Harrison Ave., walk to Blue Line Pizza, cor-ner of Harrison and Campbell Ave. They tell me thatonly the first floor of the house is wheel chair accessibleand the Historical Museum is wheel chair accessible.

Club Meeting

Wednesday September 23, 2015

1:30 pm Don Pedrotti’s home

The meeting will be at Don Pedrotti’s to critique thepictures taken at last field trip, and pick the threewinners. Everyone should bring their Two (2) best shotsfor judging

All Branch 32 Members are invited to participate in thecamera club activities. You do not have to have a fancycamera and some of our winning photos were made withsmall compacts or smart phones. All Wives are alsoinvited to participate in any Camera Club activities.

See your roster for phone and e-mail.

Don Pedrotti, Camera Club Chairman

Golf

Six Sirs participated in our July 14tournament at Deep Cliff and sixSirs participated in the one heldJuly 21. This months tournamentsat Deep Cliff are scheduled onAugust 11 and 18. Thanks go out

to Dean Johnson for filling in for me at Deep Cliff on July14.

During the next three months the Deep Cliff course isbeing revamped with extensive maintenance beingperformed on the tees, bunkers and greens. As aresult, play at the course will be limited to just nine holes(played twice) while the other half of the course is underrepair. Plan on participating in the tournament on

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Second place tie by Bob Macquarrie – The Temple and grounds.

Third place by Don Pedrotti – The Temple

August 11 and to discuss the possibility of playing analternate course during this construction period.

This month’s Area 5-20 tournament is scheduled at TheVillages on August 24. The format is 2-man, 2 best balland the cost is $65 Tee times will be scheduled with thefirst tee time at 1:00 PM. Anyone wishing to play shouldcheck with Paul Vogel. To date, I’ve heard from JimClaitor and Wayne Whorton.

Results of the July tournaments are listed below:

July 14

Closest to #3

1st Dean Johnson 14’ 9”2nd Bob Grandey 32’ 10”3rd Bruce Henry 34’ 1”

Closest to #8

1st Bob Grandey 14’ 11”2nd Jeff White 16’ 11 1/2”3rd Bruce Henry 28’ 10”

Closest to #13 (Less than 10’ in 2)

1st Jim Claitor 8’ 6”2nd Bruce Henry 9’ 10”

Closest to #16

1st Jim Claitor 7’ 8”2nd Bruce Henry 9’ 9”3rd Bob Grandey 17’ 7”

July 21

Closest to # 8

1st Rick Hausman 28’ 3”2nd Wes Howard 29’ 9”

Closest to #16

1st Jim Claitor 0’ 3”2nd Galen Gipson 3’ 9”

Paul Vogel, Golf Chairman

Bocce

July 7th was a beautiful day to playBocce ball and16 players showed atthe Almaden Lake Bocce courts. While all were ready to get the firstgame started, one goose had other

ideas. He/she/it wandered around the court and thenamong the players taking its sweet time before leaving. Guess it figured that since there were no handouts there

wasn’t much sense in sticking around. This was not thebest day of play for many of us but a few like FredGarner and Ray Hall made some very good shots. Thewinning team of Bob Edwards, Bob Grandey, BruceHoward and Bob Macquarrie went 2 – 0 for the day. Thenot so winning team of Jim Sleigh, Earl Thygeson, JeffWhite and myself went 0 – 2. No losers in our Boccegames – just winners and non-winners.

The second game of the month was July 28th and it wasa scorcher. I live near the park and the temperaturereading at my house was 104 degrees. Five of usplayed, Jim Sleigh, Bob Edwards, Gary Pelton, BobGrandy and myself. If I didn’t have the equipment, therewould have only been 4 players. Jim and Fred took thehonors and then we headed for air conditioning, it wasjust too hot to keep playing.

Whether there are 5 players or 25, we have a good timeragging on each other and genuinely enjoying thecompany of the others members. If you haven’t playedin a while or never played, come out and have a goodtime..

Larry St. Denis, Bocci Chairman

Gardening

Our garden club is part of the SIRAreas 5 and 20 Garden Club.Members meet on a monthlyschedule to enjoy guestpresentations on gardening topicsand to exchange information on

gardening. Wives are encouraged to attend.

We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at11:00 AM at the Denny’s Restaurant at 1140 HillsdaleAve. (near Almaden Expy) in San Jose, CA.

Contact our Club Chairman, Bill Allman who will answerany questions and insure you have badges.

Bowling

Chairman: Vic Miller

Bridge Club

Chairman: Harry Wenberg

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From Newsletter Editor

Don't forget to wear your Hawaiian Shirt to the AugustLuncheon. I will bring my camera to take pictures of youin your Hawaiian Shirt and Lei. Pictures will be availableat the September Luncheon.

Other Photos

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Some Spouses attended the July luncheon to hear the guest speaker