Santa Lucia Branch #89 April 2017

Big SIR Vic Lanini sez:April has arrived and it appears the rainy season has finally tapered off enough to let us dry out. Now we have the task of fixing all that it left in its wake like potted roads, blown over fences, and let’s not forget all the trees that did not make it through the

horrible wind event we all remember. On the bright side all the reservoirs have come back to levels that will allow for summer recreation along with replenishment of our aquifers. They certainly did their winter job of flood control, and did you know that was the primary reason they were built in the first place? All the other activities are secondary to that goal. Spring also brings back our vegetable crop production along with all the associated folks who work hard in the fields to get it all to market in a timely manner.

Take this time to sit back and appreciate this place where we live that is so full of life with all that is growing. We have the pleasure of looking at rows of carefully groomed fields with a large variety of crops along with vineyards that dot our benches along the base of the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges. While you are at it take a look at our next meeting of the wide variety of men who also molded this valley with their talents through various sorts of professions. You all were part of what the Salinas Valley has to offer in your own way, and never forget that. Did you make any new acquaintances at our last meeting with the random table draw for seating? That wasn’t too bad was it, and I only do it once or twice a year? If you have special needs for your seating it is not mandatory that you play the game. Just tell us of your wish and we will accommodate your request gladly. Lastly I once again remind you to bring along to the meeting any and all potential new members. The success or failure of this branch depends on you the members bringing new live bodies to our group. I received a notice from the State Treasurer that the state dues will be going up $1 per head to raise more funds for the state association. We will have to figure out how we will cover that going forward so be forewarned of this change. We will discuss it at our next Branch Board Meeting and keep you advised.

Meeting: 12 Noon 2nd WednesdayExec. Board Meeting: 10am 2nd Wed.Salinas Elk"s Lodge, 614 Airport Blvd.

Sons in Retirement is a non-profit public benefit organization devoted to the promotion of the independence and dignity of men in retirement.

Attendance Rules: Regular members missing meetings for three (3) consecutive months without notifying the AttendanceCommittee with a valid reason, or attending fewer than six (6) meetings over a twelve month period, may have their

membership terminated following notification by letter of unsatisfactory attendance. Certified attendance at another SIR Branch counts for the purpose of satisfying these rules.

Can't make the meeting? Call Gary Bowden 663-2198 or Norm Graulich 455-8043

April 12 Menu: Tri-tip bbq style, baked potato with the works, grilled asparagus, dinner roll, green salad, fresh fruit, coffee & dessert

www.sirbranch89.org

Little SIR Brian Borgerding sez: James Monroe, our fifth president was born in April. Before

serving as president, he was the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State. He supported founding African countries for freed slaves.

Liberia was eventually formed and they named their capitol Monrovia in Monroe's honor. To prevent European meddling in the newly formed countries in the Americas, he announced the Monroe doctrine. James Monroe's desire to treat other with equality and dignity would have made him a great SIR.

Birthday Boys for April:Birthday winner for March = Richard Bawcom

Wayne Davis (68) Bob Fellows (91) Frank Hernandez (82) Vic Lanini (78)

David Miller (67) John Sparks (68) Don Stoffey (87) Allan Van Noy (79)

April SpeakerSalinas Mayor Joe Gunter will fill us in on the current issues

with the city

May SpeakerMark Goins of the Model A Club will talk about the joys and benefits of joining a car club. Mark is a Sir from Branch 28 in

Monterey and has been recommended by our own Barry Murphy for this presentation. Mark has promised to show a sample Model

A Ford for viewing and give a ride to members around the parking lot after the luncheon.

2017 Officers: Committees & Chairs:Big SIR: Vic Lanini (831-675-3503) Newsletter Editor: Bob EarlLittle SIR: Brian Borgerding (831-601-2691) Bowling: VacantSec.: George McCrobie (831-757-7349) Golf: Neil Ledford & Bob Pendergrass Asst. Sec.: Roy Hilts (831-484-1666) Historian: Bruce AdamsTreas.: Al Bowman (831-384-0507) Music: Ray LizundiaAsst. Treas.: Vacant Plans/Arrangements: John GriderAttend./Membership: Norm Graulich (831-455-8043) Sunshine: Ray Lizundia

Directors: Telephone: Gary BowdenJohn Grider Chaplain: Jim KubikDick Chavez Speaker Chairman: Wayne Davis (758-9025) Charles Lowe Photographer: Bob EarlDon Webster SIR Logo Apparel: Bob PendergrassEd Gularte Travel: Brian BoegerdingJim Washington

State Officers: President...Jerry L. Strain (209-551-8220) Region 7 Director...Patrick Misener (408-274-0677)

Area 21 Govenor...Bruce Adams (831-484-9432)www.sirbranch89.org

Today's Humor.... Time for a clear, serious grammar lesson... No English dictionary has been able to adequately explain the difference between these two FINIwords. In a recent linguistic competition held in London and attended by, supposedly, the best in the world, Samdar Balgobin, a Guyanese man, was the clear winner with a standing ovation which lasted over 5 minutes.

The final question was: 'How do you explain the difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED in a way that is easy to understand?' Some people say there is no difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED.

Here is his astute answer:

When you marry the right woman, you are COMPLETE. When you marry the wrong woman, you are FINISHED. And when the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are COMPLETELY FINISHED!!!

He won a trip around the world and a case of 25 year old Scotch!

Sunshine News: Please call Ray Lizundia at 449-9547 of members illnesses.Don Borrelli has been incapacitated in Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital for several months now. He would love a phone call or visit to Rm 106.The latest edition of SIR Happenings has just been posted on the SIR website:

http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/

Attendance % for the year:J 72% F 69% M 64%

Questions or Comments about this newsletter can be sent to rfearl41@gmail.com

Bob Earl SIR Br 89 Editor

Golf: By Neil Ledford & Bob PendergrassName Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Bruce Adams 77 61b 68John Bohannon Brian Borgerding 77 60b 84 82 70Gary Bowden 87 60b 66 78Al Bowman 71 61a 76 69 64Jim Brown 56b 72 69 69Mike Carter 79 71 77Dick Chavez Wayne Davis 71 56b 78Bob Earl Pete Flores 75 58 75 69Gene Griffin dnf 56b 69 73 69 Frank Hernandez John Jennings 60a 90 Vic Lanini 56b 68 85Neil Ledford 75 nine 72 69Dave Lucero Tom Lynch 61a 75 83David Miller 73 Jim Mills 81 60a 65 71Bob Pendergrass Bob Romo 71 63a 66 69 74Mike Shuttleworth 63a 77 74 72Gene Tonus 51a 61 70 77Cary Tremewan 76 73 74 74Don Webster Carlos Yniguez 70 51a 71 65 70 These are all net scores