mike long, big sir dine in (all) © dine out (all) · rolando salazar roger lamm speaker rob...
TRANSCRIPT
December 2017
Editor: Barry Brown
THE BIG SIR COLUMN
Our final regular meeting at the Hilton on November 13 was packed!
In addition to a great speaker, the BrassFire quintet provided a lively
music background. We mentioned and honored twenty-two SIRS that
are directly responsible for our lunches, i.e., greeters, badges,
cashiers, etc..
This made me think of the many other workers in our branch that
volunteer during 2017.
Overall we have 350 members and 212 currently volunteered for positions that make our
organization function. Here is a quick summary of our volunteers. Our BEC is
composed of only 12 members. Another 23 have “branch positions” such as the LDL
Committee, Chaplain, Nomination Committee, ect. Technology positions such as audio,
photo and webmaster totals 25 SIRS. Our Membership group, i.e., publicity,
recruitment, roster, ect. are busy with 30 members. We have over 99 Activity and
Assistant Chairman and the Hotline editors/publisher adds another 6 members. Our
hats off to everyone this year that helped our branch.
We look forward to seeing many of you and your ladies at the Roundhill Country Club
annual Christmas Ladies Day Lunch on December 11th. Nat Bitton and his committee
have done another outstanding job of organizing this yearly event.
Mike Long, Big SIR
LITTLE SIR SEZ
We owe a big vote of thanks to Speakers Committee members Ron
Brown, Bill Espey and Tony de Losada for putting together a roster of
ten excellent speakers in 2017. It takes a lot of time, hard work and
perseverance to pin down speakers and coordinate with them. The
committee works collaboratively and with great enthusiasm. Their
results speak for themselves:
January: David Gilbert, US Department of Energy, DNA Research
Made Understandable
February: Debbie Toth, CEO Choices in Aging
March: Joe Tuman, Professor, SF State and Terrorism Expert: Terrorism and the
Media
April: Bob Shusta, retired Captain Concord OPD & Howard Jordan, retired Oakland PD
Chief: Policing in the 21st Century
May: Gary Schaub, docent & Tom Leatherman, Superintendent, National Park Service:
Eugene O’Neill’s Life and Tao House History. Tony de Losada livened up the day
with some lovely Hula dancers and a memorable Hawaiian Shirt Day contest.
July: Mark Sherry, Staff Specialist, SFO Air Traffic Control: Operating the Control
Tower
August: Dan Ashley, KGO TV: The Challenges of Television News
September: Lawren Hicks, Medical Director, John Muir Senior Services: Demystifying
Dementia
October: Assemblywoman Catherine Barker: California Legislative Update
November Maj Gen Rob Ostenberg, US Army (ret): Vietnam Reflections. Branch 8
member Bill Eich brought his brass quintet to entertain us before lunch and played while
General Ostenberg awarded the Vietnam War Era pin to 140 Branch 8 veterans.
THANK YOU, SPEAKERS COMMITTEE, FOR A MEMORABLE YEAR!
Phil Trapp, Little Sir
HOTLINE Index © = Spouses/Friends
welcome Activity Page #
General Branch Business
1-4
Biographies 15
Branch Positions 19
Activity Report 2
Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5
Astronomy 5
Bargain Bites © 5
Birders © 5
Birthdays 16
Bocce ball (All) © 5-6
Book Exchange 6
Book Group 6
Bowling © 6-7
Bridge (All) 7
Car Enthusiasts 8
Computers and Tech © 8
Cribbage 8
Digital Photography 8
Dine In (All) © 9
Dine Out (All) © 9
Dine Out Single SIRs 9
Dominoes 9
Explore & Eat © 10
Fishing 10
Golf (All) 10-11
Heads Up Walkers © 11
Hikers © 11
Ladies Day Luncheon 11
Luncheon Information 4
Membership Report 16
Mexican Train Dominoes 9
Model Railroading 12
Mixer 12
Photo Gallery
18
Pickle Ball 12
Poker
12
Senior Center Activities 4
SIRS at the Games 12
SIRS in the Kitchen 13
SIRS at the Opera 12
Sums In Retirement 13
Sunshine Report 4
Traveling SIRS ©
13
Wine Articles (All) 13-14
Writing your Life Story
14
14
Page 2 INDEX
RAMP
Recruitment, Activities, Member relations, Publicity. RAMP is a collection of programs and services that together support the building of a successful branch.
RECRUITING & DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Gents, 2017 is now in our rear-view mirror. It was not one of our
notable years in meeting our Guest/Member goals. We now
need to look ahead and focus or attention on 2018.
We now have new Recruiting and Diversity Committees whose
goals are to assist the Branch in, a) increasing membership, b)
increasing a diverse membership. For the Branch to meet its
goals for 2018, we need the help of all of our Membership.
If any of you wish to help by becoming a member of one of the
Committees, or if you don’ t wish to formally join a Committee,
but have some ideas that you wish to share, by all means
contact me or a member of one of the Committees.
January is “Bring a Guest – Get a Bottle” month, so let’s start off
the New Year with, not just a Bang, but with an EXPLOSION!
Let’s all commit to make 2018 our greatest year ever!”
Thom Watkins, Chairman
ACTIVITY REPORT
Last month, I wrote about meeting leaders of
other SIR branches. Many of these branches
have fewer members and cannot support the
number and variety of activities that are
available to us in Branch 8. In November, we
took these discussions to the next level.
Specifically, we are developing a collaboration
with Branch 146 in Walnut Creek. Like Branch 8, they are
contemplating new activities, but unsure whether they will
generate a sufficient number of members to create a viable
activity. However, a collaborative effort of two branches could
engage enough members to maintain a healthy activity.
At our November luncheon, I asked if we have anyone who is
interested in Pinochle. Five members signed the blue Activity
Interest card. Those names were shared with Branch
146. Together, we may be able to generate sufficient interest
for a co-branch Pinochle group.
Similarly, we are creating a SIR Chess group. In addition to
good support from Branch 8 members, Branch 146 is sharing
names of members who would like to play chess. Again, we are
working together to develop a co-branch activity.
For our future, please think of new activities that you would
enjoy. If we do not have sufficient interest within Branch 8, we
will reach out to other branches for potential
collaborations. Many of our activities add members over
time. Nevertheless, it may be useful to work with other
branches in the early stages of some new activities. A
collaboration may give a new activity a good foundation for a
successful future.
As you select and participate in your favorite activities, please
consider how we can make our activities healthier and stronger
by thinking outside the box or even outside the branch.
Activity Coordinator: Steve Schramm
MEMBERS RELATIONS COMMITTEE
November 30th the last Member Relations Meeting, of the year,
was held at the Capital One Cafe meeting room on Main street,
next to the APPLE Store. MRC Co- Chair SIR Tom Mohrman
discovered this unique and conveniently accessed meeting
facility for the MRC Meeting and Tom also ran his first MRC
meeting as Co-Chair. Tom ran an excellent meeting! The results
of the meeting will be tendered to the BEC for their
consideration to act.
The Member Relations Committee wishes you, our valued
membership, a wonderful, enjoyable Christmas Season and a
healthy New Year and all years to come.
Tony de Losada and Tom Mohrman, 1st. Co- Chair
PUBLICITY AND IMAGE
Publicity and Image is teaming with the new Chairman
of Recruiting and Diversity Committees Thom Watkins, to
create a combination of concerted effort to the three
committees This Teamwork effort is done solely to emphasize
the importance of achieving the New Member Goal for 2018.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain something I
should have covered in my Member Relations article. I hope it
proves of interest to some of our membership who think" we
keep getting bigger and bigger, because that is what they want!"
or something similar. "That" is not all we want... my answer
to this statement, which I have heard , is what we want is to
replace our outgoing numbers with incoming plus one more, that
is all that is our stated goal! This year of 2017 is the first time
since I have been a member that we did not make our goal. If
that happens really not many times more, we lose! No more
branch for our Sons and Grandsons to join and enjoy as we do
today, we just go the way of so many other Men's Social Groups
have gone to.
So, as you see and hear of slight , yet important changes in
various RAMP, Recruiting, Activities, Member Relations,
Publicity & Image areas remember we are moving towards
keeping the branch as you make it today; current, vital, fun
loving, friendly, interesting just the way it is today!
Tony de Losada Chairman
ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRANCHES
Breakfast Call Philip Magen 256-6548
Bridge Lunch 2nd/4thTu Milt Greenstein 376-5589
Historical © Call Rich Sjoberg 254-1661
Stamps Call Rich Sjoberg 254-1661
Page 3 INDEX
ATTENDANCE
Attendance for the November luncheon
Active Members:
Membership Prior to Luncheon 342
Excused Absences - 66
Unexcused Absences - 6
Members Attending 270
Others:
Visitors - Guests - Speakers 13
Others Attending 13
TOTAL ATTENDANCE 283
Visitor
Jerry Hicks Little Sir Elect Br 116
Michelle Brown BrassFire Quintet
Tom Hyde BrassFire Quintet
John Taylor BrassFire Quintet
Ron Wetzel BrassFire Quintet
Guest Sponsor
Mike Cornelius Tom Trice
Mike Cunningham Allen Grossman
Jim Frediani Bud Grisanti
Steve Furtado Bud Grisanti
David Gee YK Chan
Mark Kahn Al Fahrenkrog
Rolando Salazar Roger Lamm
Speaker
Rob Ostenberg General, US Army Retired
Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary
CONCORD COMMUNITY CENTER
FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR SENIORS!
Held once a month on the SECOND THURSDAY! Sponsored by the City of Concord and Contra Costa Legal Services. 60 and over M/F invited to attend for a 45 Minute personal advice from Attorneys on: Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD). No income requirements. By appointment only! Call Concord Senior Center: 925-671-3320 and sign up. There are six appointments
Mention you are a SIR from Branch 8!
Tony de Losada P & I Chairman
COMMENT CARD CORNER
Analysis of Comment Cards from November 13, 2017 SIR Branch 8 Lunch Meeting.
There were 10 cards turned in by one unaffiliated attendee and 9 members. Three members were “Impressed”, one member was “A bit annoyed”, and the unaffiliated attendee and 5 members gave no attitudes.
Food got 7 comments: Three wanted Turkey and trimmings in the Thanksgiving month. Lunch was so-so, good, or delicious; pie was excellent, wow!
Three enjoyed the music and one thanked Sir Ernie Sherne for Taps.
Two thought the discussion of Recruitment was too complicated and confusing. There is no reason to limit the use (of the spinning wheel?) to the next meeting. It should be for Branch 8 only, and eliminate the cash alternatives. The meeting is too long, which is contributed to by too many announcements.
A recurring comment was that the slide show should be turned off not only during the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, but in this case during presentations such as Golf Awards.
The most interesting comment was from one member who was disappointed in those who did not remove their hats during the Pledge of Allegiance. Remember Sirs, headgear off unless you are under arms.
SinSIRly,
Jim Sowell
ABSENCES & BRINGING GUESTS
If you are going to be absent or are bringing a guest, please call or email by Wednesday noon before the meeting.
Phone: 925-901-4826 (calls are not automatically returned)
Email: [email protected] (a confirmation E-mail will be sent to you)
IMPORTANT: If a confirmation E-mail is not received, it is the member’s responsibility to follow up and ensure it was sent to the correct address. Either resend the E-mail or call the attendance number at 925-901-4826 by Wednesday noon before the meeting
Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary
FREE LUNCH DRAWING FOR BRINGING GUESTS
As an incentive to bring in new candidates for membership, a drawing for a free lunch will be held in January and in July for members who bring new guests to meetings during the previous 6 months. You can use the SIR cards available at the check-in table to invite guests. For each new guest sponsored during the 6 month period, a member will have an entry in the drawing. Bring one new guest, have one chance. Bring 3 new guests, have 3 chances! And for your efforts, you do not have to be present to win.
LEGAL NOTICE
This notice is available in the Roster and on the web site.
NEW ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR E-MAIL
If you change any of the above, please notify Bob Barnes. If you
need a new member’s email address (or phone number), you
can also contact Bob Barnes at (925) 348-6443 or send him an
email.
Page 4 INDEX
DECEMBER LUNCHEON MENU
Ladies Day Luncheon
Round Hill Country Club
Salmon
or
Chicken
or
Vegetarian
NEED A RIDE?
Those Sirs who do not have transportation and would like a ride
to the monthly luncheon are invited to call: Scott Graff 925-552-
6097, [email protected]
RED DOT BADGES
They belong to our new members; don’t forget to say “Hi” and
introduce yourself. So let’s make them feel at home and let
them feel they can talk about your SIR activities and ask them to
join you.
SUNSHINE REPORT
Since the November Hotline Report the Committee has
extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Richard Bal, Stewart
Patrick, Bob Mayo, Bob McIvor, and Monte Allen.
Since the November Hotline Report, the Committee has
extended condolences to the Tony Watkin family.
Sunshine Committee ([email protected]
Terry Norton 925-798-6023
Larry Mersmann 925-935-9124
HOTLINE INPUT AND WEB EDITORS
IMPORTANT – SINGLE HOTLINE EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected].
Send your articles and photos BEFORE the 20th of the month.
Include meeting information and dates for the following month to
keep your group properly informed about meetings, deadlines
and upcoming events. Late reports may not be included in
the Hotline.
Hotline Editors (Hotline Coordinator *)
* Dan Weller [email protected]
Barry Brown [email protected]
Chuck Joyce [email protected]
Jim Ripley [email protected]
Website Editor, Webmaster, and Activities Page
Derek Southern [email protected]
Asst. Website Editor
Bill Hunter [email protected]
TREASURERS REPORT
Oct 2017
Receipts
Monthly luncheon $7620.00
Contributions 75.00
Interest .13
_______
Total receipts 7695.13
Disbursements
Monthly luncheon 8019.89
State Assessment 523.50
Printing & supplies 297.85
_______
Total disbursements 8826.74
Net loss (1146.11)
Cash,beginning 10070.87
Cash,ending $8924.76
ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIES
I know there are at least 100 of you out there who have a special talent or an interesting hobby or you collect things. Don't be bashful! Share it with us. We all would really like to see your special art work, carving, sculpture, wood turning, fishing lures, match book covers, travel memorabilia, photographs, silver spoons (even the one you were born with in your mouth), baseballs, golf balls, or moth
balls. Or maybe you do taxidermy, collect coins, make beer, build toothpick castles, make train cars, fly drones, have a model plane collection or something really unusual that we don't know about. All of us old guys like to see stuff and we appreciate people who collect or have a hidden talent or special skill. SHARE it with us. It makes the meeting more interesting and I'll even buy you a glass of wine. If you have a hobby, special interest collection, art of any form or a special skill, please consider sharing it with your fellow SIR. All it takes is an hour before our monthly meeting and we'll help you get things set up and taken down. In the process you may find a new friend who has your same interest and of course your fellow SIR will appreciate your time and effort. Give me a call or send an e-mail.. Thanks in advance. Ron Smith, Chairman [email protected] 925-314-3066 Al Steunenberg, Co-Chairman [email protected]
820-2758
ASTRONOMY
No report submitted for December
Larry Lange, Chairman 254-6281 [email protected] Leary Wong, Asst. Chair 930-7024 [email protected]
BARGAIN BITES ©
Hello Bargain Biters!
By the time you read this our December event
will be history. Hope you were able to join us
at the Himalayan Cuisine in downtown
Concord on Tuesday, Dec. 5. In January
2018 we will start our 5th year of Bargain Bites
with a Chinese extravaganza at 3 Brothers
from China, in Pleasant Hill. We were last
there in 2016 and it was a real treat. Alex Go has arranged for
Page 5 INDEX
the same great menu to be prepared for the January dinner.
And the owner has agreed to hold the price to $20 PP tax/tip
incl. Happy Chinese New Year!!
Watch your e-mails for the announcement including the menu
details and the date and times.
While you are waiting -- Enjoy a Merry Christmas and a
Joyous Hanukah with your family and friends.
Chairman: Ron Smith 314-3066 [email protected]
Asst. Chairman: Ron Maciak 357-8005
BIRDERS ©
No report submitted for December
Chairman: Leary Wong, 925-457-0807,
BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY ©
The 2017 Bocce Ball Open season is over. The last games were on October 20th in Newhall Park. Friday players were invited to attend a Brunch at Mel’s Diner (Treat/Clayton, Concord). We began play at 8:30 am and played on the Bocce courts in Newhall Park, Concord.
Newhall Park is located on Turtle Creek Rd. between Treat Blvd. and Ayers Rd. Play is open to all SIR members and partners. You do not require any knowledge of the game as we will show you how to play and explain the rules that govern the game of Bocce Ball. We provide all the equipment (Bocce Balls and score boards). I organize whoever comes to play into teams. If you have any questions, please call the Activity Chairman. This is the status as of September 15. 23 Members have participated in the Open play activity. Top% => 30 Games Name Won Lost Games Winning % Bob Barnes 24 13 40 68 Tom Keehn 21 10 31 68 Dave Allen 28 15 43 65
Other players may have a larger Winning % but have not played the minimum number of games. Notes: 1. We only play until 10:30 am and as a result some games may end early. 2. Whoever is ahead at 10:30 wins the game. See you next season!
Chairman: Bob Barnes 686-0106 [email protected]
Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: 825-0519
BOCCE BALL - LEAGUE PLAY ©
The 2017 Concord Bocce Ball Federation
(CBF) League season has ended for 2017.
The score in the table represents the SIR
Bocce record for the 2016 season. All team
members enjoyed the Bocce team play
during the season and are looking forward to
another season next year.
This table represents the team’s end of season record.
Date Results
September 5 Won 13 Lost 35
In our League group, we placed 9 of 9 teams on Tuesday
evening.
The SIR Bocce team for Branch 8 has the maximum number of
players for 2018. If a player decides not to play in 2018 then I
will ask if any current Bocce Ball players would like to play.
They will be asked on a first come basis from the Members who
are on the Friday Bocce Ball List.
Chairman: Bob Barnes 686-0106 [email protected]
Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: 825-0519
BOOK EXCHANGE
If you read it and liked it, bring it!
“IF YOU READ A BOOK THAT YOU
REALLY LIKED AND WANT TO SHARE IT,
BRING IT TO THE NEXT SIR LUNCHEON AND
DONATE TO OUR COLLECTION’. However,
we have recently been inundated with
books. Some generous members are bringing boxes of
books to donate...not individual books. The net result is
that instead of the collection growing at a box or two of
books per meeting, we are growing at 4-6 boxes. This is
creating a storage issue for us so we are spending a
large amount of time to weed through our collection to
reduce down the number of boxes.
In the future, if any member has a large number of books
to donate, it would help us if they brought only a dozen or
so per meeting, so that we can assimilate them more
easily. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions contact
any member of the book exchange team:
Chairman: Tom Kerns, [email protected] (925-376-8840). Assistant Chair: Alan Curtis, [email protected]
Assistant Chair: Rob Laaback, [email protected] Assistant Chairman: Ray Dewit, [email protected]
BOOK GROUP
Twenty-two eager readers met at Round
Table Pizza and discussed "Boys in the Boat"
by Daniel James Brown. It is the compelling
story of the 8-man crew from the University of
Washington who in 1936 won the gold medal
at the Olympics defeating the German shell,
much to the chagrin of Adolf Hitler.All of us praised the book
and the style of writing of the author, who followed the lives of
the 8-man crew as they developed into a well-oiled
Page 6 INDEX
machine. Next month we';ll be reading "Wolves Eat Dogs" by
Martin Cruz Smith whose first novel, "Gorke Park" introduced
the world to Russian detective Arkady Renko.Book Group
meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am in Round
Table Pizza on Oak Park in Pleasant Hill and there's always
room for one more. . Nick Maufe is the chair of our growing
group of readers.
/s/ Fred Nelson, December Reporter
Chairman: Nick Maufe [email protected]
BOWLING © Bowling Report for Decemberr 2017
Winter Leagues Branch 19 SIR League Branch 19 (Concord) sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. The 2017-2018 league started on September 6th. The league consists of 10 four-person teams. Spouses and guests
are welcome. We bowl starting at 10 AM every Wednesday at Clayton Valley Bowl. This is a good time to be back into Bowling if you have been too busy while you were working full-time. We have averages from 120 to 220, so everyone is welcome. If you are not able to commit to a 30 week season, you might want to sign up as a substitute where you can normally bowl on the weeks that you choose, if there are any absences on your week. Many of the bowlers participate in some of the 20 SIR Bowling tournaments each year. These are a great way to meet SIRs from other branches. Contact Dan Weller, if you are interested. SIR State-Wide Tournament Schedules, Applications, and Results Are On Line: To access the SIR State Bowling information, open the state bowling web site at:. http://sirinc.org/bowling Upcoming SIR Bowling Tournaments:
ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller 925-935-5510 [email protected] ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Erickson 925-939-7925 [email protected]
BASIC BRIDGE ©
We have discontinued the formal lessons and we will have open play with each player rotating after 4 hands. Table Talk is allowed. A discussion is encouraged after a hand has been played. Coaches are available for questions at any time. The Basic Bridge players are getting used to the challenge of playing with new
partners each round.
Our session begins with each table playing a demonstration
hand to show how many ways a deal could be bid and played.
After the discussion, we have open play at each table. This
month the open play produced the following top scores: Nick
Maufe (1260); Roger Lockwara (1110); and Stan Johnson (850).
Learning players are invited to join us on the first Thursday of the month at Round Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill. We start 1:30PM and play until 3:30PM. Arrive early for lunch because that is our payment for the use of the room. At
the mid-point of the session we will take a break to check our tires because the of the parking restrictions.
Rod Spicer, Chairman, 935-5306, [email protected]
BRIDGE DUPLICATE 1
The Duplicate Bridge Group I held their regular
session on November 10 at Round Table Pizza
in Pizza in Pleasant Hill. The top 3 finishers
were as follows:
1. Hubinger-Woolf 38 points
2 Milano-Plisco 37.5
3 Kahl-Schulze 32
There were no slams bid and made, but some very high scores
were achieved none the less. A score of 2050 was earned by
the defensive team of Tom Hensley and Dick Long. This is,
possibly, the highest score attained by the defense on any hand
since the Duplicate Bridge I group has been playing. The result
occurred when N-S redoubled a doubled 3 diamond, vulnerable
contract that ended up with a 5 trick set! The top high hand
earned by the offense happened when the team of Jerry Milano
and Gary Plisco, playing N-S, made a redoubled vulnerable 3
NT contract. This resulted in a score of 1000 points. One of the
largest swings of the day occurred on the same hand when Bob
Kahl and George Schulze, playing E-W, made 4 hearts
vulnerable resulting in a 1620 point difference between
thescores of the two contracts
Thanks to Ernesto Tong and Steve Greytak for subbing. Also ,
thanks to Jim Regan for hosting. Ernie Sherne has these duties
next month.
Substitutes are frequently needed. Please contact one of the
chairmen below to et on the substitute list:
Asst Chairman: Dick Long 274-1786
Asst Chairman: Tom Hensley 937-0605
Chairman: Bob Kahl 284-8572
Bob Kahl, Chairman 284-8572 Dick Long, Asst Chairman 274-1786 Ton Hensley, Asst Chairman 937-0605
DUPLICATE BRIDGE
We play on the 4th Friday of each month
(exceptions announced here and in Hotline). We
do not play in November and December due to
the holidays near the ends of those months so
the next meeting of the group will be the fourth
Friday, 26 Jan 2018. The group is currently short
one partnership to bring us to the full
complement of 12 pairs. And there’s always room on the
substitutes list for a SIR to sit in and get the feel of the game
without a standing commitment. Please call Jerry, Gary or Bud
to enquire or suggest a new participant.
September Tournament Champions are: Greene-Regan 1st with 60.5 points; Davis-Spicer 2nd with 49.5 points; Southern-Steichen 3rd with 49 points; Bushnell-Scherne 4th with 44.5 and Kahl-Schulze 5th with 44 points. Each team scored at least one high board. Greene-Regan scored seven highs and two teams had six. Davis-Spicer had no bottom boards; all other teams had at least one. Board 2 was tied with identical scores. All the N-S pairs were minus 200 and all the E-W pairs were plus 200, creating identical scores for all teams. Davis-Spicer bid and
DATE LOCATION COMMENTS
Dec 3 Fremont Sunday date for better traffic conditions
Page 7 INDEX
made 6NT on Board 7; two other teams tried Heart Slams and were set. Bushnell-Scherne bid six and made seven hearts on Board 8. One other team made all the tricks also, but had not bid the slam. Perhaps the strangest hand of the day was Board 12 when Davis-Spicer bid 6NT and made 7; four other pairs did not bid slam, three made all thirteen tricks, but one other team lost three tricks in a 5 diamond contract.
Jerry Milano Co-Chair 934-3496 [email protected]
Bud Grisanti Co-Chair 672-3023 [email protected]
Gary Plisco Co-Chair 939-2483 [email protected]
BRIDGE RUBBER
Three tables of tire checkers had a great
competition. The top players this month were:
David Bushnell (4130); George Schulze
(4080); and Al Welch (3150). The scores ran
from 1520 to 4130 and the median score was
about 2900.
All members are invited to our game which meets at Pleasant Hill Round Table Pizza at 1830 Oak Park Blvd. The game starts at 9:00AM and we try to finish by 12:30PM. Please answer Al Welch's email early so we can try to fill the tables. Chairman: Rod Spicer, 935-5306, [email protected]
Al Welch, Co-Chair, 925-938-4131, [email protected]
David Bushnell, Co-Chair, 925-838-3914,
BRIDGE - COUPLES ©
On November 20, 2017, the Couples Bridge session had four tables with eight couples. Les and Carole Hopkins took first place with 4.740 points; Raleigh and Helen Davis were second with 3,640 points; and Steve and Honora Greytak were third with 3,290 points. Our next session will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 20, 2017 (our normal 3rd Monday of
each month) at the Mary’s Pizza on Oak Grove, in Walnut Creek. We always welcome new players, so if you are interested in joining us, please contact: Ray de Wit ([email protected]) or Ken Main ([email protected]).
CAR ENTHUSIASTS
Reservations are underway for the Pacific Grove outing in March of next year. We have made a large dent in the B&B's accommodations as we have 7 or 8 couples planning to go.
If interested in joining the Car Enthusiasts Activity, please contact any of the folks listed below. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each
month at 1 PM in the Round Table Pizza meeting room, Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill. Come a few minutes early to get your food and drink ordered prior to meeting. meetings usually last about 1 hour. Next meeting November 7th.
Activity Chair: Chick Lowry - [email protected]
Assistant Chairs
Tom Mohrman [email protected]
Bill Koski [email protected]
Bob McMains [email protected]
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY ©
At our November meeting, Neil Schmidt gave us
an introduction to spreadsheet basics, focusing
on applications that might interest retirees. He
then went on to demonstrate some of MS Excel’s
many charts and functions. Examples included a
password vault and an investment record sheet.
In one big take away, Neil showed us how easy it
was to find Excel’s many work saving templates – you just click
on “File,” then “New” and the list of Templates will appear.
There are over 30 of them!
Unfortunately, the subject of Neil’s presentation, “spreadsheets,”
did not attract our usual 40 to 50 participants. Only 33 people
showed up, and that included nine CAT officers. If you did not
attend, you missed a very worthwhile presentation. You will,
however, be able to review Neil’s presentation notes at the CAT
Web page (a2cat.sirinc2.org)
The final take away, “. . . a spreadsheet is not just a
business tool, it can also be used in many ways in
everyday life.”
There will be no Computers & Technology meeting in
December.
We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, January 18, at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. We ask for a donation of $5 to cover the cost of the hall rental, coffee and cookies -- but some months are free, so come and see if our October meeting is another one of those! All SIR members and their guests (spouses included!) are welcome to attend. See you there.
Bill Phelon, [email protected]: 254-8338
CRIBBAGE
The Cribbage Group meets on the First Wednesday and the Third Tuesday of each month. There’s been a PERMENENT LOCATION CHANGE from Treat Blvd in Concord to the Round Table Pizza located at 1938 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Hours of play are 1pm to 3pm. Please join us if you have
played Cribbage or would like to learn the game. 2017 November Results
November 7, 14 players November 21, 14 players
1st Place Dennis Mierzwa
191 pts
1st Place Steve Strobel
236 Pts
2nd Place Ray Nummi 185
pts
2nd Place Ray Nummi 187
pts
3rd Place Dan Smith 181
pts.
3rd Place Terry Mason
187 pts
4th Place Larry Mersmann
145 pts
4th Place Bud Grisanti
177pts
Chairman, Ron Draper [email protected]
Asst. Chairman, Dan Smith [email protected]
Page 8 INDEX
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Digital Photo Group’s November assignment
was Landscape Photography and the group
delivered some outstanding landscape photos, as
well as covering a few other subjects. Dave
Morse really illustrated the value of early and late
daylight for getting powerful photos. Rob
Brockman displayed some scanned “film” photos that made one
long for the day of film. And, of course, Dave Davis and Jock
MacKaig managed to include some insightful comments along
with their photos. All in all, a great meeting.
The Friday, December 15, meeting will be the Photo Group’s holiday luncheon at the Encinal Yacht Club. Bill Phelon will be sending reminders and asking for attendance confirmations soon, as the club needs to plan for our arrival. Please be sure to respond if you are planning to attend.
The Digital Photography Group meetings begin at 10:00 AM on the third Friday of the month. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided, for which we ask a $2 donation. All levels of photographer are welcome, from the point and shooters to sophisticated mirrorless & DSLR users. We even entertain phone photos!
Bill Phelon, Chair: [email protected] 254-8338
Dave Davis: Vice Chair: [email protected] 838-1753
DINE IN # 1 ©
Smiths hosted an historic walk back in time to
the 1950's. We were treated to Cincinnati
Chili serve over pasta with cheese a oyster
crackers. This is a famous regional dish and
Ron Smith used the recipe from a restaurant
in his home town near the Ohio border. As
usual, appetizers were over the top. Salad by
Judy Karg was terrific and Stephen Deness brought a
Hungarian dessert that was superb. Wine flowed as usual. Next
dinner is Jan 19
Chairman: Ron Cassano: [email protected]
DINE IN # 2 ©
No article received by press time.
Co-Chair: Ed Cohn; [email protected]
954-7600
Co-Chair: Bob Price 937-6814 [email protected]
DINE IN # 3 ©
Our next dinner, and the last for this year, will be at Jeff Foster and Grace Chang's house on November 15th. Our dining group has evolved over the 2 years we have been together. Several members have moved on to other activities and new people have filled their places at the dinner table. At the end of this year, we say good bye to Tony deLasada and
Chris Tang. We look forward to greeting new members who would be interested in joining us. If you have an interest in this activity, contact Rich Cheney at 925-289-1265 or e-mail at [email protected] for more information.
DINE OUT # 1
DINE OUT 1 WILL BE AT THE GREENERY RESTAURANT AT THE DIABLO HILLS GOLF COURSE ON THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018. TOM AND SHEILA MOHRMAN ARE HOSTING. ALL SIR'S (COUPLES, SINGLES AND GUESTS) ARE INVITED TO JOIN US AT THIS NEWLY REMODELED VENUE.
MENU: You have a choice of 1) New York Steak OR 2) Salmon OR 3) Roasted veggie plate with fettuccine. Baked potato and vegetable included with meat dishes. All entree's include a house salad. WHEN: Social hour begins at 5pm (no host bar. Chips & salsa provided). Dinner @ 6pm. WHERE: The Greenery Restaurant is located at 1551 Marchbank Dr in Walnut Creek. PRICE: $30.00 per person, which includes tax and tip. CONTACT: Your host and hostess Tom and Sheila Mohrman. Make your checks to Sir Tom Mohrman (INCLUDE YOUR CHOICE OF ENTREE ON YOUR CHECK) and mail to 1700 Botelho Dr, APT 205, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. (516) 242-1635 or email [email protected]. RSVP: By Thursday January 11, 2018 to reserve your spot.
.Activity Chair: Ken Main Assist Chairs: Don Allen and Jim Ripley
DINE OUT #2 ©
No article received at press time.
Chairman Jerry Milano 934-3496
DINE OUT - SINGLE SIRS ©
Tuesday, December 5th at La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant and Cantina 1802 Willow Pass Rd., Concord Social time is 5:00 with dinner at 5:30 p.m. host is Glenn Gilman 798-5155 [email protected]
LaTapatia Restaurant has been popular with the group before as we dine on “Taco
Tuesday” and giant Margaritas are a house specialty. Last month ten Sirs, single for the night, dined at the Peony Garden Restaurant, hosted by Frank Kilarr. Good food, good conversation and the highlight was when separate checks were received and we than realized how inexpensive was the meal. If you are single or just single at dinner time and wish to join the guys for dinner on the first Tuesday of the month, let Chairman Glenn or the host of the month know and a seat will be saved for you. Separate checks ensure each pay for his own meal. Check out our web page: https://www.sirbr8.com/dine-out-single-sirs/
Glenn Gilman Chairman
798-5155 [email protected]
Don Atwater, Asst. Chairman 673-1660 [email protected]
Page 9 INDEX
DOMINOES
Wanted: New Players for Dominos
Have you wanted to learn how to play
dominoes? Here's your opportunity. We are
looking for members who would like to play
the game. You will play along side one of the
experienced members during regular play
until you feel comfortable to venture out on your own.
We meet at ROUND TABLE PIZZA located at 1938 Oak Park
Blvd, Pleasant Hill, Ca. Hours of play are 10:00am to 2:00pm.
We usually purchase lunch around 12:30pm, socialize and
continue play after lunch. We donate $5.00 each and keep
score by points. High score wins. We invite you to join, have
fun, and meet new friends. Please join us on the 2nd and 4th
Wednesday of each month.
Chairman: Dan Rinaldi 925-381-5486
Co-Chairman: Alan Schulze 925-876-7537
MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES
Mexican Train
Meets on 2nd Tuesday & 3rd Wednesday@10 a.m.
Round Table Pizza 1938 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill 94523
Mexican Train, a popular Domino game, is played on the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month starting at 10 a.m. at Round Table Pizza 1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. After the game we enjoy lunch and social time. Newbies and experienced players are all welcome. Like in golf, the low score wins.
Results of the November 15th game: 13 Rounds - Clark Morehouse* 304; Jerry Ward 369; Terry Norton 407; Don Atwater 467; Larry Mersmann 483; Dan Rinaldi 579; Bill Peterson 649 *Clark Morehouse ran the tracks in one round before the other players were able to make their first play for a score of “O” while his opponents collected a total of 568 points (Low score wins).
Results of the November 14th game: 13 Rounds - Terry Norton 311; Jerry Ward 319; Clark Morehouse 345; Larry Mersmann 366; Bill Peterson 434; Don Atwater 455; Dan Rinaldi 436
Chairman: Danny Rinaldi 825-0519 [email protected] Asst. Chairman: Terry Norton 798-6023 [email protected]
EXPLORE AND EAT ©
No new article at press time. Chairman: Ron Woods
FISHING - AREA 2
All SIR members and guests are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to participate in fishing trips as well as attend the monthly meetings. Next meeting will be Thursday, November 16th, THE THIRD THURSDAY, at the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf Course at 4050 Port
Chicago Highway in Concord. Meeting starts at 8:30am, come early.
We have shifted into our winter mode: trout, sturgeon, stripers,
crabs, and rockfish for a while.
We got the trout portion off with
a bang: Stan Wong, Phil
Scimonelli, Bob Hillacker, Terry
Miller, Reggie Fromm, and Carl
Moyer all got in on the early
action at San Pablo Reservoir (now
closed for the winter,) and Lafayette
Reservoir. Phil lead the charge with
a nice 4 pound rainbow. Rich
Fiscina and Tom Boltz each took
nice sturgeon. Tom Kostik, Mike
Corker, and Pete Gates had fun
with stripers. Stan Wong and Raleigh Davis have been busy on
crab/rockfish combo trips upon the ocean, doing quite well. Lee
Clark and Raleigh Davis finished a scintillating salmon season
with big fish. Chuck Vanoncini lead a large group of us to Lake
Almanor for 3 days of fishing, feasting, and frolicking. This has
been a highlight of our year and thoroughly enjoyed by the
participants. Thank you, Chuck.
Contacts are Paul Dubow (415-495-6504) and Carl Moyer (925-
685-5243.)
GOLF - 18 HOLES
Congratulations to our Club Champion for
2017, Kevin Roberts with scores of 85, 83
(168) Great shooting, Kevin. Our Low Net
winner for 2017 was Stan Johnson, 61,62
(123). Good going also. Our Club
Championship had its share of excitement
We have one golfer we shall name “D” who
has a motorized cart that we shall name “Spitzer” Spitzer obeys
every command from D. Day three of our Club Championship,
hole number 11: D hits his driver dangerously close to the water
hazard. Spitzer responds to D’s command and proceeds toward
the hazard and stops short as ordered D, being the golfer that
he is goes down on his hands and knees looking for his lost ball.
As D is searching a “butt call” occurs and Spitzer being the
Phil with his 4 lb.
rainbow trout
Sturgeon caught
on the Bay
Page 10 INDEX
faithful servant that he is, proceeds forward towards the water
hazard. D, realizing what is happening frantically searches for
his remote, finds it and throws it to the ground. Spitzer, not
recognizing the command proceeds in to the water hazard and
falls bag first. The whole scenario was witnessed by his
foursome, Bill, Jack and Stan. No further incidents were
reported. By the way, D ended up in the money.
Bill Koski, Communications: 672 7650 [email protected]
GOLF - 9 HOLES
As we approach the holiday season and the
onset of what masquerades as winter in
California we should be thankful we are here
and not in one of those spots where winter
means snow drifts and fur boots!
It should be mentioned that the results every
week are posted on the branch website on the 9-hole golf “play
results” page where you can read all about the good and bad
play by our group. The Hotline is undergoing a make-over and
the aim is to make the branch website the up-to-date source for
activity news and use the Hotline for more basic information. For
those of you who have neglected using the web site please
check it out, everything there is current and interesting!
To everyone who plays with our group we wish you all the very
best for this holiday season, have a merry Christmas and a
happy New Year!
Barry Brown, Chair: [email protected] (925) 930 8026
Phil Philpot Asst. Chair: [email protected] (925) 937 2260
Dick Brooks, Stats & Board member [email protected]
GOLF – COUPLES ©
Today 3 couples actually challenged the rain and had an excellent round of golf at Diablo Hills. Golfers were the Barrellas, Lockwaras and the Batesoles. Highlights included not having to use cart path only, and #4, in one of our foursome’s, everyone made a
par. For SCG we make sure that the rain does not "rain on our parade". Nine additional couples showed up for lunch at the Greenery: the Derby's, Hersch's, Olson's, Steichen's, and the Yarberry's. Our Annual Year-end Celebration was on Oct. 27 at Boundary Oak. This annual event was a great way to enjoy our group without keeping scores! Paul and Sue Derby made all the arrangements, and the food was great as well as the friendships. Thursday, Dec. 14 (the second Thursday of each month) is our next outing with Roger and Mardi Lockwara as our marshals. They will email a reminder before the date with tee times. SIR Couples Golf is open to anyone who would like to join in a 9 hole 2nd Thursday group. For more information, you may contact chairperson Paul Derby-925-283-1784, [email protected] or Asst. Chair – Paul Hersch 925-933-7403 [email protected]. Truly we have as much fun off of the golf course as we do playing golf. WEBSITE – www.sirbr8.com (and be sure to check if you will also stay for lunch)
Chairman: Paul Derby [email protected]
Asst. Chair: Paul Hersch [email protected].
HEADS UP WALKERS ©
December 2017 Walks
One-hour walks start at 9:30 AM and usually are on flat surfaces. Most walks are “out and back” which means you walk for 30 minutes at your own pace, then turn around and walk 30 minutes back to the starting point. At 10:30 AM, we leave
the trail for coffee, refreshments and spirited conversation. Spouses and dogs welcome.
11/30/2017: Orinda: Tilden Regional Park, Inspiration Point. Exit Hwy 24 at Orinda, north on Camino Pablo (~2 mi.), left on Wildcat Canyon Rd., (~2 mi.) to Inspiration Point parking lot on the right. Cafe: Geppetto's Cafe. Leader: Terry Norton
12/7/2017: Lafayette: Moraga Community Center. Meet at the Lafayette Community Center on St. Mary's Road. Parking is near the new sport court. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Bill Peterson
12/14/2017: Danville: Railroad Museum Iron Horse. 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. Cafe: Pascal French Oven Bakery & Cafe. Leader: Dan Smith
12/21/2017: Moraga: Moraga SMC. Meet at the staging area on St. Mary's Road approx. 1/10th mile north of the entrance to St. Mary's College. Cafe: Starbucks Moraga. Leader: Dan Weller
12/28/2017: Lafayette: Moraga Olympic. Meet at the eastern trailhead parking lot, north of Olympic Blvd. & west of Pleasant Hill Rd. Note, parking may be full. Try the smaller lot at the west end of Olympic, or hang out in the larger lot and wait for someone to leave. Cafe: Noah's New York Bagels. Leader: Dave Allen
ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller 925-935-5510 [email protected]
ASSISTANT CHAIR: Erland Persson 925-932-5328 [email protected]
ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Kawal 925-228-8821 [email protected]
HIKERS - SIR HIKERS ©
December 2017 SIR Hikes
For more details on these 2 hikes, including
directions, car-pooling, what to bring, map,
pictures, and optional lunch see the SIR
Hiker web page at
http://www.sirbr8.com/hikers/
Easy Hike Black Diamond Regional Preserve, Antioch,
December 12
Retired geologist and fellow SIR hiker Dave Bushnell has
organized this special easy hike for December 12. We meet at
10 am in the main lower parking lot on Summersville Road, then
hike a mile or so to the restored Hazel Atlas Mine. A Naturalist
will meet our group and lead us some distance into the mine,
which produced both coal and glass sand in the late 1800s. This
Page 11 INDEX
mining area is Eocene age and was one of the only sources of
coal in California in the decades after the gold rush. The walk up
to the mine is gentle, but the mine is quite chilly (56deg) so
warm clothing is advisable. The mine tour is limited to 16 hikers
and costs each a $5 fee. If more than 16 are interested, we'll
prioritize participation to the most active easy hikers in
2017.
Hike Leader: Dave Bushnell (925) 858-3914;
Hard Hike Nimitz Way, Berkeley Hills, December 26
This is a good all-weather hike atop Tilden Park with great
views. An out-and-back beginning at 10 am, we can do up to 8
miles on an undulating paved trail. Turn around when you want.
There are restrooms off the parking lot at Inspiration Point, the
beginning of the hike. No need for trekking poles, but bring a
hat, water and sun screen.
Hike Leader: Rob Laaback (925) 938-5228 [email protected]
December Coordinator: Martin Simmons (925) 586-2704
Activity Chairman: Dave Davis; (925) 838-1753;
LADIES DAY LUNCHEON
Dear SIRS, please join over 220 of us, already signed up, at
Round Hill Country Club for the Ladies Day Luncheon on
December 11th. You can find the application forms on the
website. No host drinks & socializing, delicious food in elegant
company, with beautiful holiday decorations all around. Send
applications, before Wednesday December 6th, to Ed
Dijkman, his address & details are on the application forms"
Thank you,
MODEL RAILROADING
We’ve changed the location of our model train layout! Design and construction of the HO layout will begin soon. Please stay tuned for future announcements on the direction of the group. There will be an exciting project for us to assist with in 2017! Watch the Hotline for details.
Instead, members of the Model Railroading Activity are encouraged to visit one or several of the many existing Train Club layouts in the Bay Area. Over the next few months, please consider visiting: The Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond (www.gsmrm.org); the Carquinez Model Railroad Society in Crockett (www.cmrstrainclub.org); and the San Leandro Historical Railway Society in San Leandro (www.slhrs.org). Please check websites for open house events.
Note: This Activity will hopefully soon be an Area 16-wide area of interest.
Asst. Chairman: Dick Grube 687-0779
MIXER
Meets last Tuesday of the Month at
Stanford’s in Walnut Creek from 3pm to 6pm.
Check our website for more information.
Chairman: Jack Sagen 925-376-2749
PICKLE BALL
No article submitted by press time.
For information, please call:
Chairman: Tom Trice (510) 853 9744 [email protected] .
POKER
Players wanted. Come join us for poker!
We now have 10 groups: playing days are
shown in the table below.
First Monday First Tuesday First Friday
Second Tuesday First Wednesday Third Wednesday
Third Thursday Fourth Monday Fourth Tuesday
Fourth Thursday
Our groups meet either from noon to 3:00 PM or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group members rotate as hosting. We play 5¢ – 10¢ – 25¢ with no wild cards and a three raise max. It’s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon with a great group of guys! Chair: Dan Franklin 310-4900 [email protected]
Asst: Ekk Keller 685-1505 [email protected]
Ass’t: Ron Draper 939-5740 [email protected]
SIRS AT THE GAMES
You don't need a reminder of how expensive it is to live in the Bay Area. We see this fact in our everyday lives including our entertainment options.
Certainly, ticket prices for sporting events have increased significantly. As the teams become more successful, the ticket prices have
escalated. That is the good news and bad news of our sports environment.
In response, SIRs at the Games has offered college games as a way of managing expenses. We have tried St. Mary's basketball, and both basketball and football at California - Berkeley. Attendance at these games has been mixed to disappointing.
This winter, we have group opportunities to attend another Golden State Warriors' game (they are the NBA Champions!) and the San Jose Sharks (we can carpool to the Shark Tank). These games can be great fun for you and your spouses/friends, but can be costly as well. Tickets can reach the $100 -$160 range plus refreshments.
Page 12 INDEX
I would like your feedback regarding these higher priced games. Are you willing to pay higher ticket prices for premium events like the Warriors or Sharks? I would appreciate your feedback before we commit to purchase tickets to one of these games.
Please contact me with your feedback, [email protected].
I look forward to your responses to this question of ticket pricing and SIR group attendance.
Thanks, Steve Schramm,Activity Chairman, SIRs at the Games
SIRS AT THE OPERA
No article submitted by press time.
Note that until further notice, the opera and ballet HD transmissions will not be shown in Pleasant Hill due to theater renovations.
Chairman: David Bushnell – E-mail: [email protected] 925-838-3914
SIRS IN THE KITCHEN ©
Christmas Open House
Due to travel plans and the Thanksgiving
holiday, Sirs in the Kitchen did not meet in
November. We hope that all the Sir Chefs
and their families had a very happy
Thanksgiving! On December 19, we'll have an open house for
our Sirs in the Kitchen members and spouse/partners from 3.00
pm until 7.00 pm..
As of now, the open house menu will include Roast Tri Tip with
Chimichurri, Dinner Rolls, Meatballs in BBQ Sauce, Chef Jim's
Frijoles de la Olla, Iced Shrimp, Green Salad, Ms Karen C's
Potato Salad, Assorted Cheeses and Luncheon Meats,
Vegetable Platter, Chips and Assorted Dips such as California,
Garlic, Clam, Guacamole and Hot Queso.
There will also be refreshments, mix your own cocktails, red and
white wine, assorted beers, assorted soft drinks and even some
water.
I'll need three sous chefs at 10.00 am on Monday, December 18
and two crews of three sous chefs (3.00 to 5.00 and 5.00 to
7.00) the evening of the party. I'll also need at least two
bartenders to keep the bar stocked and a clean up crew after
the party ends. Best of all, the event will be free.
When you sign up, let Executive Chef Ed know your
preferred volunteer position and shift and your
approximate time of arrival so the food can be properly
staged.
SUMS IN RETIREMENT
There's no meeting in December. Back to 4th Wednesdays starting January 24.
$UMS Chairman Tom Henry [email protected]
Co-chair Dave Sutton [email protected]
TRAVELING SIRS ©
The Colorado Train Adventure has a lot of interest and some signups already. The trip includes: 7 nights hotel, 15 meals, all taxes and gratuities, airline fare to and from Denver, professional tour manager, and many sightseeing opportunities.
Also, home pickup to and from the airport. The trip is September 15, 2018. Lets all get
aboard, We are planning a travel meeting next year after January 1. We will have a travel agent
present to discuss the train trip and some river cruises.
Chairman Traveling SIRS: [email protected] 925-890-9245
WINE – BARGAIN WINES
No article submitted by press time.
Chairman: Jim Warner, 925-935-8032 Assistant: Ed Benson, 925-943-7011
WINE - CELLAR FILLERS ©
December 2017 is a down month for the Cellar Fillers Wine Activity. The next meeting will be in January or February, 2018, with time and place TBD. New hosts for the meeting are always welcome. Anyone with room enough to have ten or more thirsty Sirs for lunch is qualified to be
the next host. Call if you would like to take it on.
The activity is open to members, applicants, and guests and is a great way to introduce a guest to SIR. Spouses and SO's are welcome at our other five wine activities, such as All About Wine, Wine Finders I, II, and III, or Bargain Wines. We meet at 11:30 AM for a simple lunch of sandwiches and fixin's, then taste five whites and five reds. Occasionally we throw in a few blush wines. Our price point is $7.00-ish, but if tempted by a pretty label we will go a little higher. The cost of the events is usually around $10.00, depending on the wines selected and how many members attend.
A report on the wines evaluated will be sent to the CFWA members shortly after the meeting, and will be available on the Branch 8 website home page. It will list the wines, their rankings, price and source. If you have questions or if you would like your name to be added to the mailing list, please contact:
Jim Sowell, Chair, [email protected], (925) 939-4670 or (925) 457-7746 cell
Jim Warner, Ass't Chair, [email protected], (925) 935-8032
WINE FINDERS 1 ©
December 14th, we propose to have our annual CHRISTMAS GALA, with all three WINEFINDERS GROUPS (WF-1,2, and3). Jack (Rose) Sagen has agreed to open his home, and requests that all revelers dress the part of decorations, bright, cheery, and in party mode. Suggested beverage would be sparkling wine, plus shared appetizers
Ron C. and Larry McE, would appreciate your forwarding this
Page 13 INDEX
note to your respective wine finders.
Bob and Sandy P will be out of country unit October 10, so please direct any comments/suggestions to Tony D, including your Chardonnay selections for the Oct 12 gathering.
Chair : WF-1: Bob Price [email protected] (925) 937-6814 Co-Chair: Tony de Losada [email protected]
(925) 945-1730
WINE FINDERS 2 ©
No Article submitted by press time
Ron Cassano [email protected]
(925) 944-1238
WINE FINDERS 3 ©
December will feature another grand reunion of all 3 wine finders groups at a location yet to be determined. The next Wine finder III meeting will take place in February and hosted by Gene and Mary Lou Paschal.
.Chair WF-3: Larry McEwen
(925) 939-3216
ALL ABOUT WINES – NEW ACTIVITY
The first meeting of SIR All About Wine was held on Oct. 19 at the home of Tom & Barbara Anders in Walnut Creek. Chairman Tom Anders included a harvest and winemaking experience with his red wine grapes from the back-garden small vineyard. All 10 participants took part in harvesting, destemming and crushing while Tom explained normal winemaking industry practices.
This was followed with appetizers provided by the participants along with wines selected by Tom Anders from the Sierra Foothills-El Dorado and Amador County which was the wine region theme of this meeting of the group. Wine evaluation sheets for each wine were provided and all became wine judges based on 5 judging points. Results: (Avg. score of judges. Prices not known prior to judging.) Lewis Grace Winery 2018 Pinot Gris: 88 pts. ($18 at winery) Lava Cap Winery 2016 Chardonnay: 87 pts. ($15 at Total Wines) Lava Cap 2014 Barbera: 87 pts. ($14 at Total Wines) Lewis Grace 2013 Tempranillo: 88 pts. ($28 at winery)
Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Rinaldi Vineyard: 91 pts. ($38 at winery) Karmere Winery 2013 Barbera: 86 pts. ($27 art winery) The next meeting of the All About Wine group is planned for Thurs., Dec. 14 featuring wines of California Central Coast. Chairman Tom Anders
WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY
Writing Your Life Stories will meet on Dec. 26
and we welcome new members. We write short
stories about events in our lives that are of
interest to us and perhaps will be to our
progeny. Meeting as a group and sharing
stories (always voluntary) triggers our
memories and keeps us inspired.
We meet on the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Vintage
Kensington Place (in the second floor Game Room), located on
Geary Road near North Main in Walnut Creek, just off I-680.
You will receive a syllabus to guide you in writing your own life
stories
Dick Brewer 925-933-0876 [email protected]
Page 14 INDEX
ACTIVITY CHAIRMEN & BRANCH 8 LEADERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Jim Sowell, Chairman Wine-Cellar Fillers
My roles in SIR have been Little Sir-2009, Big Sir – 2010, Chair of Cellar Fillers Wine Activity, Asst Chair of Sirs in the Kitchen, Member Relations Committee, and Ride Share coordinator.
My artistic wife, Sandra and I have two children, two grandchildren, one step grandchild, and one great-step-grandchild.
I was born in Knoxville,TN and moved to rural Kentucky after WW II. I earned a BA in Math at the Univ of Kentucky, a MSc in Systems Management at the Univ of Southern California with a 4.0/4.0 GPA, and a two year Certificate in Hazardous Materials Management at the Univ of Cal Irvine, with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. I studied Latin, French, German, Dutch, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
I have lived in the Netherlands, Germany, and Vietnam and traveled to 22 other countries and all the states except Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
My military career began with the Army Reserves and ROTC where I was on the rifle team and took flight training. My first duty station was Ft Bliss, TX for Air Defense (AD) Artillery school. Next to the Boston region as a Nike AD Missile Battery officer during the Cold War. After AD I transferred to the Transportation Corps, attended Basic and Career Officer courses at Ft. Eustis, VA and served tours in Vietnam as a stevedore company commander and adviser to ARVN transportation units in Qui Nhon.
Other jobs were in port operations, motor pools, and logistics staff at the Benelux Terminal in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ft. Bliss, TX, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Kaiserslautern, Germany and . Ft MacArthur, CA, rising to the rank of Major.
Next was a 30 year career with the SoCal Rapid Transit District (SCRTD) and its successor agencies, the LA Co. Trans Commission, and the LA Co. Metro Trans Auth,
In 2004 I retired and followed our daughter and grandchildren to Walnut Creek where I joined SIR in 2006. I have participated in the SIR activities of astronomy, barbeque, bocce ball, book exchange, bridge, car enthusiasts, computers and technology, digital photography, explore and eat, hiking, Sirs at the Opera, Sirs In The Kitchen, SUMS in Retirement, walking, wine tasting, and yoga. Outside of SIR my interests have been skiing, hunting, fishing, competitive shooting, camping, acupressure and massage, woodworking, modifying and repairing pre-1990's Volvos, and bird watching.
Mike Long, Big SIR 2017
I was born in Lakewood, Ohio and grew
up an avid sports fan of my Cleveland
Indians and Cleveland Browns. I
earned a BS degree in Economics at the
University of Dayton in 1961 and spent my college summers
working on several steam ships on Lake Michigan.
My working career started in St Paul, Minnesota with the 3M
Company as a sales engineer in our St Louis office. In 1965, I
was transferred to San Francisco where I met my future wife
Patricia and married in 1967. We raised three great children
and this year celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with our
families
and seven grandchildren.
In 1969, I accepted a marketing management position at our
headquarters in Minnesota overseeing industrial products and
writing business plans. Three years later, I accepted a
position in New York and finally earned a MBA degree in
1975. I also served as the President of the Connecticut
American Marketing Association.
We packed up the station wagon in 1981 with three kids and
two gerbils for a new assignment in San Francisco and moved
to Walnut Creek. I retired from 3M after 40 years in 2001. We
now spend our time traveling and being with our families and
grandchildren in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Sacramento.
Thanks to Ron Smith, I was introduced to SIRS and over
fifteen years served as 18 Hole Golf Chairman, Activity
Chairman, Little Sir, and Big Sir.
Page 15 INDEX
Membership Data for November 2017
BEC Approval: 11/13/2017
Applicants Inducted: 2
Name Badge Sponsor
Members Requested Active Status: 0
New Applicants: 1
Name Badge Sponsor
Herb Friedman MD-170 Dan Casella MD-214
Applicants Attended Orientation: 0
Name Badge Sponsor
Applicants Induction Date:1
Name Badge To Be Inducted
Herb Friedman MD-170 Tentative for 1/8/21018
Applications Withdrawn Date: 0
Name Badge Reason
Members Requested Inactive Status: 5
Name Badge Reason
Bob Brown MD-503 Family Member – Health
Mike Paster MD-502 Member – Health
Harry Reiter MD-504 Member – Health
Howard Berkman MD-506 Monthly Meeting absences
Stewart Patrick MD-507 Member - Health
Active Members Resignation: 3
Name Badge Reason
Bruce Benszler MD-331 Other activities
Maurice Nelson MD-241 Deceased
Carl Mianecke MD-348 Resumed work
Inactive Members Resignation: 0
Name Badge Reason
Membership Totals
Group - Status Number
Members - Active 342
Applicants – To Be Inducted 1
Members - Inactive 17
SIR Anniversary - December 2017
Name Years
Obituary Report:
Name: Maurice Nelson
Inducted: 2/2/2001
Deceased: 9/14/2017,
Activities: Antique Cars.
Digital Photography,
RVing, Wine Club
SIR Certificates – December
Name Certificate Type
Harry Hubinger Senior
New Members: Inducted October 2017
N/A
SIR Birthday – December 2017
Day Name Day Name
3 Gary Plisco 19 Rich Deyoe
6 Dick Brown 19 George Marich
6 Harry Hubinger 20 Dick Schally
7 Bud Bartz 21 Bill Barnard
10 Tom DiGrande 22 Ron Brown
10 Bill Phelon 23 Bob Mayo
10 Don Sanderson 24 Bill Hunter
11 Ken Rader 24 Peter Kiernan
12 Pete Boss 25 Marvin Kreitz
12 Al Frankenkrog 25 Bob Weiss
13 Rob Brockman 26 Don Flynn
13 Stu Harris 27 Rich Knowles
13 Terry Harris 28 Jim Lunn
15 Ken Main 28 Dick Marvin
17 Clark Morehouse 28 Alan Schulze
18 Ray de Wit 30 Dennis Fitzpatrick
19 Alan Curtis 30 Nick Maufe
Page 16 INDEX
PHOTO GALLERY
Ernie Sherne, played “Taps”
Thom Watkins with his Wheel rewards!
Gen. Rob Ostenberg, November Speaker
Vietnam Award Line
Kevin Roberts 2017 Golf Open Champion
Page 17 INDEX
Mt. Diablo Branch No. 8 Branch Officers
Big Sir Mike Long 925-930-8401 [email protected]
Little Sir Phil Trapp 925-648-4056 [email protected]
Secretary Erland Persson 925-932-5328 [email protected]
Membership Secretary
Asst.
Bob Barnes 925-348-6443 [email protected]
Attendance Secretary
Asst.
Bill Peterson
Rob Laaback
925-676-5295
925-938-5228
Treasurer
Asst.
Ron Cassano Dennis Fitzpatrick
925-944-1238 925-209-3547
[email protected] [email protected]
Directors Tony de Losada Steve Schramm Barry Brown Dan Weller
510-566-2661
925-222-0801
925-930-8206
925-935-5510
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Attendance Positions
Hilton Coordinator Bill Peterson 925-676-5295 [email protected]
Member Badge Greg Ryan
Jack Sagen
925-676-0133
925-376-2749
Branch Positions
Activity Coordinator
Committee Members
Steve Schramm
Dave Davis
Tom Kerns
Dan Weller
Nick Maufe
925-222-0801
925-838-1753
925-202-5922
925-935-5510
925-719-2504
Audit
Asst.
Dave Sutton
Vito Magliano
925-686-0158
925-228-9251
[email protected] [email protected]
Certificate Creator Barry Brown 925-930-8206 [email protected]
Chaplain
Asst.
Fred Nelson
Dick Brewer
925-689-6714
925-933-0876
Historian Steve Schramm 925-222-0801 [email protected]
LDL Organization Nat Bitton Ed Dijkman Ron Maciak Dave Morse
925-798-2064 925-680-7756 925-357-8005 925-938-3078
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Nominating Committee Don Atwater
Ed Benson
Bill Hunter
Ron Smith
Derek Southern
925-673-1669
925-943-7011
925-285-5670
925-314-3066
925-253-1646
Procurement Dick Brooks 925-228-6959 [email protected]
Luncheon Positions
Drawings – Lunch Ticket
- Birthday
- Tickets
Big Sir
Dick Brooks
Rob Laaback
925-899-4653
925-938-5228
Greeter Organizers
Asst.
Darryl Skiles
Joe Miscione
925-827-3818
925-284-2163
[email protected] [email protected]
Guest Check-In
Asst.
Dennis Mierzwa John Sutton
925-938-5343 925-787-7726
[email protected] [email protected]
Lunch Meal Tickets
Terry Vinson
Bob Olson
925-934-2194
925-376-6388
Lunch Organization Bill Peterson 925-676-5295 [email protected]
Need-A-Ride Scott Graff 925-552-6097 [email protected]
Pianist Dave Platter 925-283-9146 [email protected]
Song Meister Brian Woolf Carl Moyer
925-932-0590 925-685-5243
[email protected] [email protected]
Speaker Committee Larry Lange
Tony de Losada
Ron Brown
Bill Espey
925-254-6281
510-566-2661
925-283-8172 925-945-0626
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Page 18 INDEX
Mt. Diablo Branch No. 8 Membership Positions
Applicant Orientation Chairman
Asst.
Dave Perkins
Mike Anderson
925-256-9569
925-229-0680
Email Distribution Dave Perkins 925-256-9569 [email protected]
Branch Support Tony de Losada 510-566-2661 [email protected]
Member Picture Gallery DeWayne Ruwe 925-229-0162 [email protected]
Member Relations Chairman Tony de Losada
Multiple members
510-566-2661 [email protected]
New Member Follow-up Ron Smith 925-314-3066 [email protected]
Publicity & Image Chairman
Tony de Losada
Dick Brooks
510-566-2661 925-228-6959
RAMP – Chairmen Members Recruitment Activities Member Relations Publicity
Thom Watkins Steve Schramm Tony de Losada Tony de Losada
925-330-3780 925-222-0801 510-566-2661 510-566-2661
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Recruitment Chairman Thom Watkins
Ed Cohn
Tony de Losada
Don Dennler
Joe D’Angelo
Stan Johnson
925-330-3780
925-954-7600
510-566-2661
925-687-6483
925-519-0505
925-938-7016
Roster Bob Barnes 925-348-6443 [email protected]
Sunshine Chairman Larry Mersmann
Terry Norton
925-935-9124 925-798-6023
[email protected] [email protected]
Technology Positions
Technology Coordinator Open
AMS Members Dan Weller
Dave Davis
Bill Hunter
Nick Maufe
Martin Simmons
925-935-5510
925-838-1753
925-947-6947
925-719-2504
925-586-2704
Audio Dick Brooks Hans Pable
925-228-6959 925-672-2564
[email protected] [email protected]
Computer Help (MAC)
Computer Help (PC)
Dick Brown
Dwane McGlothin
925-676-9048
925-798-2868
Infosys Team
Asst. Asst.
Dan Weller Rich Knowles Martin Simmons
925-935-5510 925-370-6239 925-586-2704
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Laptop Manager Bob Barnes 925-348-6443 [email protected]
Photographer Bill Phelon 925-254-8338 [email protected]
Photo Gallery Editor DeWayne Ruwe 925-229-0162 [email protected]
Projector and Screen Bob Barnes 925-346-6443 [email protected]
Web Master
Asst.
Derek Southern
Bill Hunter
925-253-1646
925-947-6947
Hotline Position
Coordinator Editors rotate as defined by Coordinator
Dan Weller
Jim Ripley
Barry Brown
Chuck Joyce
925-935-5510
925-891-4007
925-930-8206
925-788-1295
Publisher Rob Laaback 925-938-5228 [email protected]
Page 19 INDEX
S
IRS
BR
AN
CH
8 L
ad
ies Day L
un
ch
eon
Rou
nd
Hill C
ou
ntr
y C
lub
- 3169 R
ou
nd
Hill R
d.
Ala
mo
, CA
94507
Mon
day, D
ecem
ber 1
1th
2017
GR
OU
P R
ES
ER
VA
TIO
N F
OR
M
Please p
rint tab
lemate n
am
es belo
w as th
ey are set to
app
ear on
nam
e tags
(1) S
IR M
D#
__
__
___
Last N
ame_
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
__
__
__
___
___
___
__
Gu
est L
ast N
am
e__
__
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
___
___
___
___
___
___
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
S
almo
n/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
(2) S
IR M
D#
__
__
___
Last N
ame_
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
__
__
__
___
___
___
__
Gu
est L
ast N
am
e__
__
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
___
___
___
___
___
___
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
S
almo
n/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
(3) S
IR M
D#
__
__
___
Last N
ame_
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
__
__
__
___
___
___
__
Gu
est L
ast N
am
e__
__
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
___
___
___
___
___
___
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
S
almo
n/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
(4) S
IR M
D#
__
__
___
Last N
ame_
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
__
__
__
___
___
___
__
Gu
est L
ast N
am
e__
__
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
___
___
___
___
___
___
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
S
almo
n/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
(5) S
IR M
D#
__
__
___
Last N
ame_
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
__
__
__
___
___
___
__
Gu
est L
ast N
am
e__
__
__
__
___
___
___
___
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
__
___
___
___
___
___
___
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
S
almo
n/C
hick
en/V
egetaria
n (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
Co
mp
lete
d fo
rm, w
ith a
mo
un
ts d
ue
, sh
ou
ld b
e s
ub
mitte
d a
t time
res
erv
atio
ns
an
d m
ad
e to
: SIR
S B
ran
ch
8
Res
erv
atio
n D
ea
dlin
e M
on
day
De
ce
mb
er 4
th –
Ca
nc
ella
tion
Dea
dlin
e W
ed
ne
sd
ay
De
ce
mb
er 6
th
Fo
r can
ce
llatio
ns c
all E
d D
ijkm
an
(92
5) 6
80
-775
6
Mail fo
rm &
Ch
ec
ks
(pay
ab
le to
SIR
Bra
nch
# 8
) to: E
d D
ijkm
an
, 59
01 M
urc
hio
Driv
e, C
on
co
rd. C
a. 9
45
21
Nu
mb
er o
f tick
ets
___
__
_ $
40:0
0 p
er p
ers
on
To
tal:_
___
__
___
___
__
__
_
Page 20 INDEX
SIR
S B
RA
NC
H 8
Lad
ies Day L
un
ch
eon
Ro
un
d H
ill Cou
ntr
y C
lub
- 3169 R
ou
nd
Hill R
d.
Ala
mo
, CA
94507
Mon
day, D
ecem
ber 1
1th
2017
RE
SE
RV
AT
ION
FO
RM
for C
OU
PL
ES
and
SIN
GL
ES
Sin
gle sirs a
nd co
up
les plea
se P
RIN
T y
our n
am
e or
nam
es belo
w, as y
ou w
ant th
em
to ap
pear o
n y
our n
am
e tag.N
ame_
__
__
__
__
___
__
__
__
__
____
______
___ S
IR
MD
#____________ G
uest L
ast Nam
e_____________
__
___
__
_ G
uest F
irst Nam
e__
__
___
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
_
Salm
on/C
hick
en/V
egetarian
(CIR
CL
E O
NE
) S
almon
/Ch
icken
/Veg
etarian (C
IRC
LE
ON
E)
MA
IL R
ES
ER
VA
TIO
NS
WIT
H C
HE
CK
S (P
AY
AB
LE
TO
SIR
S B
RA
NC
H #
8) T
O: E
d D
ijkm
an
, 50
91
Mu
rch
io D
r. C
on
cord
, CA
94
52
1.
Rese
rv
atio
n d
ea
dlin
e: M
on
da
y, D
ecem
ber 4
th
Ca
ncella
tion
dea
dlin
e: W
ed
nesd
ay
, Decem
ber 6
th
FO
R C
AN
CE
LL
AT
ION
: Ca
ll Ed
Dijk
ma
n a
t (925
) 680
-77
56
Nu
mb
er o
f tick
ets:_
_____
___
Price
per tick
et $
40
.00
Tota
l Price
:__
__
__
__
__
__
__