SIR BRANCH 171
February 2015
http://branch171.sirinc2.org/
A Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation for Retired Men Devoted to the
Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, February 4
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Hall
1700 School St., Moraga
Social time begins at 11
Meeting begins at 11:40
BIG SIR MESSAGE: TIM FREEMAN, timfre@comcast.net 283-5945
Our January 8th luncheon was a great kickoff to the New Year. Thanks to our Little Sir Tom
Marnane’s speaker program we were royally treated to a selection of wines from Captain
Vineyards of Moraga. Winemaker and CEO Sal Captain gave an entertaining talk on the
history of winemaking at his vineyard off Joseph Drive in Moraga. Check out Tom’s LS
message to find out about our February speaker who has a really interesting topic!
Our Branch goal this year is to GROW OUR MEMBERSHIP! We saw our membership in 2014
slip from 175 to 161 members. I’m sure you feel as I do there is great value to our Branch.
With all of our activities and our luncheons we have a jewel serving Lamorinda and if we are to
survive we’re going to have to reverse this trend! I suggest there is a job for each of us in turning this around.
Marketing and outreach will be a part of the activities of our New Member Recruitment Committee. But the primary
answer is one that each of us can take responsibility for and it lies in the following….bring a guest to lunch. Our Branch
over the past three years has averaged 60% conversion rate of guests to members and that’s better than the State’s
average of 50%. I submit we can turn this decline around if you will help.
In the coming months you will be hearing more about ways to discover your own guest for lunch! That’s right, there’s no
requirement your guest has to be a long time or very best friend. People you play bridge or poker with or just as
importantly husbands of your wife’s bridge group, “bunko” group, or golf group. Please give some thought to who you
can bring and take advantage of our first time guest $10.00 discount. At our February luncheon we’ll be introducing the
new SIR Business card to help spread the word about our Branch.
You are also invited to attend our February Board meeting (aka Branch Executive Committee). Please come and share
with us any ideas you may have for the betterment of our Branch. Or you can just come and watch the goings on. The
meeting will start at 10:00am February 4th in the office off of the dining room.
Big SIR Tim
LITTLE SIR PROGRAM: TOM MARNANE, chartom@pacbell.net 376-6312
Our speaker last month was Sal Captain of Captain's Vineyards located at the top of Joseph
Drive in Moraga. First, Sal took us from 3500 BC to the present in the development of the
wine industry. Then he took us on a journey from his first recollections in Iraq to his present
ownership of a winery. Fascinating presentation and all in all delightful and cogent 30
minutes. If that wasn't enough, Sal presided over a wine tasting prior to our meeting ably
assisted by Bartender Rick and his staff.
The guest speaker on February 4, 2014 will be Thomas C. Marnane (Tom), son of Capt.
Thomas A. Marnane (otherwise known as Little SIR Tom). Like his father, Tom is a United
States Naval Academy graduate with an engineering degree. He served honorably in the
United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer before leaving to pursue a civilian career in providing
energy services in the private sector. He has over 10,000 hours of specialized technical training in power, heat, and
cooling delivery systems. He is currently President of his own company, Targeted Solutions LLC, and Sr. Vice President
for STEAMGARD LLC. Drawing from the resources and technology of both companies, he develops energy conservation
and sustainability projects for industrial, government, health care, educational, and commercial enterprises all over the
world. During his career, he has personally developed and his teams have implemented over $300M of projects to reduce
energy consumption, increase efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve safety. He is also an advanced
scuba diver, who participates in Project Aware with his son, Zachary, to document negative environmental impacts to the
world’s oceans. Tom Lives in Maryland with his wife Michelle, daughter Hilary and son Zachary.
His topic will be: Energy Security for the United States - Not Just a Supply Problem!
Thomas C. Marnane, President of his own company, Targeted Solutions LLC and Senior Vice President for STEAMGARD
LLC will address the energy security challenges facing the United States. His presentation on March 4th will be from a
unique first-hand, ground floor thirty years of experience directly working with utility companies, large manufacturers,
hospitals, agriculture, government facilities, military, and commercial enterprises. The presentation will focus on bringing
attention to the complexity of choosing the right mix of energy supplies; how to distribute energy; and how to use the
energy safely and securely. His remarks are not intended to provide answers but rather to provide our SIRS with a
perspective on the challenges of providing true energy security for the United States. He will provide a basis for further
independent thought and investigation and enhance our ability participate in public debate and forums on the subject.
Little SIR Tom
Birthdays
Gene Bell * Don Cottle * Lee De Mara * Ed Dresin * Dan Flower * Wayne Hahn *
James Hamilton * Richard Heiberger * Richard Homrighausen * Paul Oxley *
Joesph Roberts * Greg Tcherkoyan * Frank Tippett * Francis Wong
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Activities Section Format
There are many pages of Activity reports in each newsletter. Many of the reports are ongoing activities
that do not require content change from month to month. Others have specific information relative to
the gathering(s) for the month or may have a venue or date/time change. Thus, beginning with this
newsletter, the names of the 19 Activities will be listed at the beginning of the “Branch Activities”
section, and those that are highlighted in bold have content that has changed from the prior newsletter.
LUNCHEON MENU
Chicken Marsala, Rice Pilaf, Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Green Salad with Ranch & Balsamic Vinegar; Seasonal Fresh Fruit Salad; Dessert
Get a Free Lunch
Bring in a new member. This year both a new member and his sponsor will get a free lunch the day
the new member is inducted into SIR.
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Members need to call the SIR 171 "HOT LINE" at 925-377-5880 before 1pm on the Saturday before the meeting if
they are not going to attend (unless they filled-in the "Absence Notification" sheet at a prior meeting), or if they
are bringing a guest.
BRANCH REPORTS
ATTENDANCE REPORT: CHUCK HEALY eaglerwb@comcast.net 377-5880
KEN HALEY kenhaley@sbcglobal.net 377-5880
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE SIR REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND SIX LUNCHEONS OF THE LAST TWELVE.
ALSO, PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE OR SIGN OUT WHEN YOU CAN’T MAKE A MEETING.
TREASURER’S REPORT: JIM FULFORD jafulford@comcast.net 254-5419
FEBRUARY 2015
Cash Balance at December 1, 2014
$9,959.22
Month’s Receipts
20.00
Month’s Disbursements
0.00
Cash Balance at November 30, 2014
$9,937.22
GUESTS AND NEW MEMBERS
$15 Luncheon fee for first time guest
The first time a guest attends a meeting the lunch fee is $15.
subsequent visits as a guest.
The regular luncheon fee will be charged for
Free Lunch for New Member & Sponsor
If your guest becomes a member of our branch, both the member and the sponsor will receive a free lunch the day of
induction.
If you are inviting a guest don’t forget to call the hotline at 925-377-5880. Provide the name of your guest if he is a
first time guest. If you have questions about this policy, call Larry Thompson, Membership Chair (925-631-9528).
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: LARRY THOMPSON larryandginger@comcast.net 631-9528
TOM LENZ chezlenz@comcast.net 376-7724
JOHN SCHICK jschick@infionline.net 376-9412
CHANGES:
Active
1. No Changes
Inactive
1. No Changes
INDUCTIONS (applicants accepted)
None
ACTIVE ROSTER: =161
INACTIVE ROSTER: = 39
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APPLICATIONS APPROVED
1. Pete Johnson
2. Richard Haddock
Sponsor John Schick # 135
Sponsor Bob Krompholz # 11
APPLICANT LIST = 2
Membership Application Forms are always available at the desk at the meetings, or from Larry Thompson.
ROSTER CORRECTIONS: LARRY THOMPSON 631-9528 larryandginger@comcast.net - None!
NOTICE: Whenever your mail or E-mail, address or phone number changes please do advise Larry Thompson; he will in
turn update the master Roster and advise the Newsletter staff.
SUNSHINE REPORT: MONTE LOGAN MonteGryFx@aol.com 376-0264
Branch 171
It is sad to report the passing of SIR Hal Nielsen on Tuesday, Jan. 13th. A SIR member since 2003, he was born onl
June 20, 1924 in Oakland. He attended Crocker Highland Grammar School, Westlake Jr. High and Oakland High School,
before going on the to U.C. Berkeley, where he received his AA & BA and then to U.C. San Francisco School of
Dentistry, DDS.
Harold is married to Olive Elaine Springer, RDH, and has four children, Harold Wayne Jr., Jennifer Lee Ragan, Leland
Henry Nielsen and Hugh Thomas Nielsen.
He served as a Dental Officerfor 5 ½ years in the U.S. Navy Reserve (Active) as a LT (jg.)
He practiced dentistry at 354 21st St., (Medical Arts Center) for 6 years and 4040 Park Blvd., Oakland, CA for 40 years.
His Professional Associations are many and include Alameda County Dental Society, Calif. Dental Assoc., U.C. S.F.
Dental Alumni, Honorary Societies, and Clubs including Kiwanis for 53 years.
As much as we want to call Elaine and pay our respects, she has asked us that we keep her and their family in our
prayers. We can send emails or cards to let her know that we all cared so very much for Hal. He will be missed.
Services will be held on January 24, at 2 PM @ Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda.
Branch 174
It is sad to report the passing of SIR George Jeffery, a member of our SIR Branch 174, on December 26th. George had
been a member of SIR's since July 1998. Services were held on January 14th at Saint Perpetua Church, Lafayette. His
obituary from the local newspaper was sent out to all SIR's last week.
Please try to contact SIR's with illnesses to offer your support and encouragement and keep them in our thoughts and
prayers. A friendly call is welcome. Cards and letters are always appreciated. If you are aware of an ill SIR, please let
me know by e-mail or phone.
Thanks, Monte
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KNOW YOUR SIR
GORDON MATTONEN
Gordon was born in Rock Springs, WY, and moved to El Cerrito, CA, with his parents in 1942. He spent much of his
youth with the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle. He graduated from El Cerrito High School and U.C. Berkeley
with a BA degree in Economics in 1959. He served on active duty with the U.S. Army Air Defense Command for 2 years
assigned to a Nike missile site at Fort Tilden(Queens, NY) defending New York City air space. After discharge, he
continued in the US Army Reserves for another 2 years. The Mattonen family moved to Lafayette in 1985. Their two
sons graduated from Campolindo High School and Chico State University. Both boys are living and working in CarmelBy-The-Sea, CA.
Gordon retired from Management Information Systems (MIS) development work in 2007. Retirement gave him and his
wife, Beverly, the luxury of lots of time away from gardening and into the things they enjoy doing. Gordon follows
economic events and the stock market. He and Beverly travel every year via time-share swaps. They both enjoy long trail
walks. Gordon also walks with the SIR walking group.
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Know Your SIR is edited by Dave Humm dmh2@silcon.com 376-5895. We would like to have all of our
members, who wish to do so, be included in this directory. Please write down the salient points of your life (1/2
page) and provide it to Dave (via e-mail if possible). It will then be written up in a future newsletter. Dave has
copies of all past “Know Your SIR” reports. Access to them is available via e-mail; or a hard copy can be had for
the cost of printing.
SIR 171 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
There is an article in the December 3 edition of the Lamorinda Weekly about our SIR Larry Beans, specifically dealing
with Larry’s assisting the estate of former SIR Bob Reidelberger in the selling of and otherwise disposing of Bob’s stamp
collection, accumulated over a lifetime. Larry is the co-chair of the SIR 171/174 stamp collecting activity group of which
Bob was a member. The article is titled “LARRY BEANS’ POST OFFICE” and may be found on the Lamorinda Weekly
website via the following link -- http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0820/Larry-Beans-Post-Office.html
When you see an article about a SIR 171 member, please send to Stan Holcenberg at sholcenb@comcast.net.
The deadline for the receipt of information for each newsletter is the 15th of the month. Thanks.
BRANCH 171 NEWSLETTER: Editor STAN HOLCENBERG sholcenb@comcast.net, 3954 Campolindo Drive,
Moraga, CA 94556. The deadline for receipt of Newsletter material by the Editor is the 15 th of the month. E-mail is
preferred.
BRANCH ACTIVITIES (Branches 171 & 174)
ACTIVITIES
The Activities below that are highlighted in bold have content that has changed since the last newsletter.
Apple Users Activity
Astronomy
Barbershop Harmony
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Bocce Ball
Bowling
Bridge
Computers and Technology
Fishing
Golf
Historical Adventures
Investment Group
Pinochle
Poker
Stamp Group
Table Pool
Tennis
Travel
Walking
Wine Tasting
ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN: RALPH BLUMENTHAL (Br. 171) (ralphblu@comcast.net or 254-6935
My role is to keep in close contact with each of the chairmen of the branch activities to understand what
they are doing and how things are going, determine if they are planning any special activities that they
want the rest of the branch to know about, determine if there is anything special that requires
assistance, and understand what a typical activity is like. Also, I keep in communication with the other
branches in the area to determine if there are activity announcements that should be made to our
branch.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions for additional activities or if you would like to chair any
of the open activity groups.
SIR ACTIVITIES, SOME OLD, ONE NEW
Good new for those wishing to participate in the new “Couples Dining Out.” Seven couples have already signed up which
will be more than enough to begin this popular activity. On Jan. 20, we will be having our first organizational meeting We
will discuss such important things as when, where, how often, what time etc. After that, we will inform all members and
hopefully, there will be even more members signing up. If you would like to participate or have any questions, please
email me at RalphBlu@comcast.net or give me a call at (925) 2564-6935.
In addition, some members have suggested “Couple Dining In” so that possibility will be explored in the very near future.
If anyone would like to start a new activity or if anyone is interested in a present activity, please contact me and I will help
you get started. Maybe you would like to initiate or participate in any of the following activities: Book Groups, Chess,
Coins, Gardening, Pedro, Ping Pong, Couples Going to Movies, Couples Cooking etc. Those are just a few suggestions.
Got anymore? Let me know. The more activities you are involved with, the more fun you will have and that, after all, is the
main purpose of SIRS--a very worthwhile purpose, indeed!!!
APPLE USERS ACTIVITY: DICK MACY (Br. 171) m.hobie@comcast.net 376-1180
At each meeting we discuss Apple computer, IPAD, and IPHONE applications and have a Q&A on
problems, and a sharing of new ideas on the use of these devices.
Our meetings are held in the conference room at the CC County Supervisor office at 3338 Mt. Diablo
Blvd., Lafayette, on the fourth Monday of each month at 10:00 AM to noon. The location is the fire
station building across the street from El Charro restaurant. Enter left side door at top of steps.
ASTRONOMY: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171) GEORGE COBB (Br. 174) gecblue@aol.com 200-7749
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LARRY LANG (Br. 8)
We meet the second Monday of each month in the Tilden Room at the Concord Hilton Hotel on Diamond
Boulevard. Our meetings commence at 1:30. Please join us for an entertaining meeting. All are welcome.
Call or e-mail George (GECBlue@aol.com) for details and further information.
BARBERSHOP HARMONY: BRAD DEWEY (Br. 171) ebdewey@att.net 376-3349
RON LEIKER (Br. 174) leikerinda@comcast.net 376-3884
The SIRpremes are basically a barbershop octet. We sing songs in four-part harmony. By having two
people on each part, the problems caused by absences are greatly reduced – obviously. We meet just
about every Tuesday for one hour. We take a few minutes to discuss the affairs of the world, and then
get down to business, working on one or two songs, finishing by partaking of some delicious cookies,
freshly baked by Brad’s wife, Carol. Our self-determined purpose has been to add a little variety to the
monthly luncheon meetings of Branches 171 and 174, plus the Christmas luncheon with our ladies. Our
only other singouts have been for the Moraga Movers and at Sam Zorich’s birthday party.
BOCCE BALL: BILL BONDY (Br. 171) WBondyO@aol.com 254-1266
JOE FITZGERALD (Br. 174) joefitger@aol.com 376-4656
Bocce Ball season for this year has ended.
When in season Bocce is played every Tuesday and Friday at 10 am just beyond the bandstand at
the Moraga Commons. Play is suspended for the rainy season and resumes in the spring. The cost is all
of $2; the game is really easy to learn and is great fun, including a lot of good chat. Call Bill for
information on Tuesday play and Joe about Fridays. You can play on either or both days.
BOWLING - AREA 2: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171) LLOYD WEST (Br. 19) 228-9037
Area 2 Tournament bowling is held at Diablo Lanes in Concord on the 4th Thursday of each
month. Be there at 9:30 am. League Bowling is also available every Wednesday at 10 am. There
is also open bowling on Tuesdays at 10 am for practice. More members are welcome. Call for more
information.
BRIDGE: GREG TCHERKOYAN (Br. 171) gresta2@sbcglobal.net 838-0361
STEWART KNUDSEN (Br. 174) svknudsen619@aol.com 376-4919
We meet at the Moraga Hacienda on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Please
arrive by 9:50 am. Play starts promptly at 10:00 am. Bring $5 and a bag lunch. Call Greg or Stu for
further information.
COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171)
DEREK SOUTHERN (Br. 8) Derek.southern@gmail.com 253-1646
NEIL SCHMIDT
The Area 2 Computer and Technology Group advises all Sirs and their guests that our first meeting of
2015 will be at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge on Thursday, January 15 at 9:30 am.
For most of us the primary use of the home computer involves access to the internet. Whether
shopping, reading the latest news, genealogy research or downloading financial information, the
internet has become the "go to" source of information and commerce. There are many Browsers
available to access the internet with Internet Explorer and Google Chrome being the most popular.
Both products have a lot of hidden features which can make your access to the internet much faster
and more fun.
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In January Phil Goff will be our presenter and he will show many tips and tricks you can use with your browser software.
He will focus on Internet Explorer and Google Chrome to demonstrate features such as bookmark bars, tabbed browsing,
application extensions, browsing incognito and more. Even if you are a Firefox or Safari user, there should be a tip or
trick for everyone.
Also, since passwords have become such an issue, Phil will show some of the more popular password manager
programs. Many companies have developed password manager software to cash in on the common problem of
remembering and using good passwords. He will show the most common design approaches and demonstrate two of the
most popular products, LastPass and Dashlane. Both are robust products and if used properly, can greatly improve your
security and reduce the pain of remembering and using strong passwords.
Meetings of the Area 2 Computer and Technology Group are held the 3rd Thursday of each month (except June and
December) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. Whether you are a beginner
or a seasoned user, we try to offer something for everyone. Some months we ask for a donation of $5 to cover the cost of
the hall rental, coffee and cookies, other months are free.
FISHING: KARL DROESE (Br. 171) kdroese@comcast.net 376-0468 DICK THOMSON (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, February 26, at the Legends Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek
Golf Course at 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord, starting at 8:30am.
February and March Activities include: Several Sturgeon and Striped Bass trips to the Mothball Fleet, West and East
Delta; Shore and boat trout fishing trips to Shadow Cliffs, San Pablo Reservoir, and Lake Berryessa; and a fly fishing
show in Pleasanton. We live in a fisherman’s paradise.
“We’re gonna need a bigger boat!” Roy Schnieder, Jaws
GOLF – 18 HOLES: GENE BELL (Br. 171) gdbell1@comcast.net 284-1786
TONY SCHOEMEHL (Br. 174) tonyliby@comcast.net 376-1471
Any members who are interested in joining the Golf Group, please complete the application that Is
available at the following link -- http://branch174.sirinc2.org/golf/home.htm There is also a 2014 schedule
and contact information at the link.
HISTORICAL ADVENTURES: TED WESTPHAL (Br. 171) tawiii@att.net 283-2172
RICH SJOBERG (Br. 174) 254-1661
We are always on the lookout for historical sites in the bay area which offer docent led tours which
we have not recently enjoyed or, for whatever reason, have never arranged. So we strongly
encourage and will welcome any such suggestion you might care to make by simply sending an
e-mail message to Ted at tawiii@att.net. We are also looking for a volunteer to assist in arranging
future tours. Please contact Ted if you would be interested.
INVESTMENT GROUP: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171) GARY MOORE (Br. 174) mooregh1@gmail.com 254-8742
David Sutton (Br-8) 686-0158; Leary Wong (Br-8) 457-0807
The Area 2 $ums Investment Group will meet on Wednesday February 25, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. at
the Legends restaurant at the Diablo Creek Golf Course, 4050 Port Chicago Highway, Concord.
Our guest speaker in February will Jason Vitucci from J. Vitucci Financial Services, Inc. Jason’s
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topic will be Understanding the Changing Tax Landscape and Your Financial Plan, and will address many of today’s
tax planning questions, including:
 The Current State of Tax Planning
 The Case for Higher Future Tax Rates
 The New Tax Landscape after the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
 Pitfalls & Opportunities in the Current Tax Code
 The Taxability of Your Net Worth and Retirement Planning.
Jason is a Certified Financial Planner professional and Enrolled Agent, specializing in wealth management, tax planning
and investment strategies. He has a team of tax and financial professionals working at his practice. He has written and
produced content for various media and been a guest on many radio programs since becoming securities licensed in
1997. After graduating from St. Mary’s College, Jason earned a post-graduate diploma in financial planning from UC
Berkeley and a master’s degree from University of London.
The Legends restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m., so come early and have a leisurely breakfast with your colleagues prior to the
meeting. Plan to attend this meeting and bring a prospective SIR.
PINOCHLE: BILL KORN (Br. 171) blairkorn@comcast.net 376-1643
The Sirs pinochle game is held every Wednesday morning at 9:30 at the Moraga Royale on the corner of Country Club
Drive and Moraga Road. We play in a comfortable private room and many of us stay there for a
delightful lunch, at a very minimal cost. The Wednesday game is moved back to Tuesday on the Sirs
meeting day. We hope you can attend as we have a good time. If you don't know pinochle we will teach
you, as it is not difficult. We hope to see some new players in the near future.
POKER: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171) DICK MEDEL (Br. 174) 376-5568 & BILL WIEGMANN (Br. 174)
bigwieg@comcast.net 376-6088
Our low-stakes poker group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:30 to 4:30pm.
We meet at various locations. To join us please contact Dick or Bill for information.
STAMP GROUP: LARRY BEANS (Br. 171) larrybeans@comcast.net 376-7306; Rich Sjoberg (Br. 174) 254-1661
We meet on the Friday following Branch 171 lunch meeting at 9:30 am. PLEASE NOTE NEW
LOCATION – Larry Beans’ home at 20 Carr Drive in Moraga. Please call Larry or Rich for more information,
or if you would like to attend.
TABLE POOL: OPEN – COULD BE YOU! (Br. 171) AREA #2: BILL WEINBERG 682-0962
We usually have three or four pool games going when we meet on the 1st & 3rd Mondays at 11:30
am at Masse's – 2721 North Main in Walnut Creek. The cost is $5.00 for as long as you want to play.
We also have SIR members from other branches joining us and we usually play about 2 hours but not
everyone stays for the final curtain. Haven’t played in years? Come join us. All SIRs are welcome.
TENNIS: JIM COUNTRYMAN (Br. 171) jcountry@comcast.net 631-1766
RALPH THORNICROFT (Br. 174) grtincal@aol.com 376-8140
The Tennis Group plays at St. Mary’s College every Tuesday and Thursday. Times vary between
8:00am and 8:30am, depending on the weather. Players are at varying skill levels, mostly around the
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3.0 range. Members’ wives are invited to join us, so let them know they are welcome. Call Jim or Ralph for information.
TRAVEL: BOB SPELLMAN (Area 2 Chmn.) bobnjo@astound.net 934-8428
JOE TRACY (BR. 174) jotracy@comcast.net 954-7801
JIM LUNN (Br. 8) 551-3329; BOB HAGLER (Br. 8) 934-7620; HARRY REITER (Br. 19) 709-2820
Aug 21-Sep 12. 2015: Treasures of France a River Journey from Normandy to Provence. A 22 day
river cruise aboard a deluxe river boat. The highlights include visits to D-Day Beaches of Normandy,
Beaujolais, Burgundy Regions ,Lyon, and other river towns. Prices range from $6499 to $8299 which
include airfare, 22 nights accommodations, 59 meals, 17 sightseeing tours with audio headsets, all
transfers, luggage handling, and beer or wine at dinner. Pre and Post trips are available. Contact Ken
Richter Br. 149, 698-6217.
Aug 21- Sep 1, 2015: Paris & Highlights of Normandy a Seine River Cruise. 12 day cruise aboard deluxe riverboat
with visits to Paris, D-Day Beaches of Normandy, Vernon, Honfleur, and Rouen. Prices range from $3699 to $6199
including 10 night accommodations, 29 meals , 9 sightseeing tours with audio headsets and beer or wine at dinner. Two
for one airfare is available plus Pre or Post trips. Contact Ken Richter Br.146, 689-6217.
Aug 31-Sep 12, 2015: French Waterways: Highlights of Burgundy, Beaujolais & Provence. 12 day river cruise on
deluxe river boat with visits to Lyon, Avignon, Vivier . and Beaujolais-Burgundy regions. The prices range from $3999 to
$6649. Trip includes 10 nights accommodations, 29 meals, 8 sightseeing tours with audio headsets, and beer or wine with
dinner. Two for one airfare is available plus Pre & Post trips. Contact Ken Richter Br 146, 689-6217
WALKING (and talking):
AL DONNER (Br. 171) aajdonner@gmail.com 376-1594
LYLE DECK (Br. 174) lgdeck@aol.com 254-3829
The bi-walking group ("bi" meaning hoofers from both 171 and 174) enjoyed a fine last two months of the
year, in spite of the continuing efforts of the rain gods to replenish our reservoirs. We walked every
Tuesday thru mid-December, with hardly a raindrop to deter us. On Dec. 16, for example, we had a great,
sunny walk around the Lafayette Reservoir, with babbling brooks tumbling down every gully, but the trail
dry and sound (after all, it is paved).
On just one Tuesday did we have rain, but we solved that problem by walking under the ample overhangs
of the Rheem Shopping Center, up and back twice. Good exercise, stayed dry, and were rewarded for our
efforts at coffee afterwards when one of our members provided a liquid "enhancement" for our coffee.
So come walk with us. Every Tuesday, be in the parking lot across from the Serbian Church by 9 am and get good
exercise and good conversation.
WINE TASTING: GENE BELL (Br. 171) gdbell1@comcast.net 284-1786
JON LEUTENEKER (Br. 174) jonleuteneker@comcast.net 376-7035
There are now two wine tasting groups. Both are couples events and normally held in-home starting
about 7:00 p.m. with a cost per person averaging about $15. Jon Leuteneker is chairman of the
group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month - this group has a full roster. Gene Bell is
chairman of the group that meets on the third Tuesday of each month - membership in this group
may still open.
JANUARY LUNCH - PHOTOS and COMMENTARY (with some planned typos)
RUSS AUBRY
touchless@darkersun.com 510-644-2692.
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See more photos at the next meeting and at http://branch171.sirinc2.org/photos.htm
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SIR ORGANIZATION 2015
STATE PRESIDENT
REGION 6 DIRECTOR
AREA 2 GOVERNOR
BOBBIE HARISTON
RICHARD DE VOE
THOMAS ROBINSON
AREA 2 PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN
AREA 2 SPEAKERS BUREAU
SIR STATE WEBSITE
SIR AREA 2 WEBSITE
BRANCH 171
BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS
BIG SIR
TIM FREEMAN
283-5945
LITTLE SIR
TOM MARNANE
376-6312
SECRETARY
JOHN SCHICK
376-9412
ASST. SEC.
AL DONNER
376-1474
TREASURER
JIM FULFORD
254-5419
ASST. TREAS.
HAL D’AMBROGIA
284-1723
DIRECTORS
LARRY THOMPSON
AL FOLEY
TOM MARNANE
STAN HOLCENBERG
JOHN HAFFNER
AL DONNER
COMMITTEES
LARRY THOMPSON
TOM LENZ
JOHN SCHICK
TOM LENZ
CHUCK HEALY
KEN HALEY
RALPH BLUMENTHAL
TIM FREEMAN
DICK MACY
LARRY THOMPSON
JOHN DAHL
FRANK GRANNIS
GREETERS
ATTENDANCE
ACTIVITIES
PROGRAMS
CHAPLAIN
INDUCTIONS
HISTORIAN
PIANIST
SUNSHINE
SIR HARDWARE
BAR MGMT
PAST BIG SIRs
1994 BILL TEUTSCHEL (DECEASED)
1995 DAN REGO
1996 JOHN DAHL
1997 RAY HORTON
1998 ELLS LANGLEY (DECEASED)
1999 CHARLIE DINES (DECEASED)
2000 JIM SWEENY (DECEASED)
2001 CLAY SEALY
2002 DENNIS BROSSART
2003 BILL MUESER
2004 GENE BELL
2005 TOM KELLY
2006 DAN FLOWER
2007 BILL SUMNER
2008 FRED GEORGE
2009 JIM GIBNEY
2010 DICK MACY
2011 PHIL ARTH
2012 KARL DROESE
2013 JOHN HAFFNER 2014 SAM ZORICH
ACTIVITY
APPLE USERS
ASTRONOMY
BARBER SHOP HARMONY
BOCCE BALL
BOWLING
BRIDGE
COMPUTERS &
TECHNOLOGY
1646
FISHING
GOLF – 18 HOLES
HIST. ADV. & VETS
INVESTMENT
PINOCHLE
POKER
STAMPS
TABLE POOL
TENNIS
TRAVEL
WALKING
WINE TASTING
(website http://branch171.sirinc2.org)
MEMBERSHIP
631-9528
376-2809
376-0716
283-5466
376-9064
376-1474
……………..
……………..
www.sirinc.org
area2.sirinc2.org
WEBMASTER
BRANCH AUDIT
PUBLICITY
LADIES DAY
631-9528
376-7724
376-9412
377-5880
947-1394
254-6935
376-7799
376-1180
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687-7636
284-2724
MONTE LOGAN
376-0264
CLAY SEALY
376-4481
RICK FEND, LEW EDWARDS,
& LARRY CORREIA
GARY BORELLI
376-6151
KEN FISCHER
631-0328
BOB MEADOWCROFT
631-0194
TOM LENZ
376-7724
MIKE DONOVAN
376-0387
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
KARL DROESE, JOHN HAFFNER, PHIL ARTH, RAY HORTON
EDITORS
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
STAN HOLCENBERG
PHIL ARTH
PHOTOGRAPHER
KNOW YOUR SIR
RUSS AUBRY
DAVE HUMM
283-5466
376-3784
510-644-2692
376-5895
HONORARY LIFE AND HONORARY SENIOR LIFE MEMBERS
JOHN DAHL RAY HORTON CLAY SEALY TED WESTPHAL
BRANCH 171 COORDINATOR
DICK MACY 376-1180
OPEN
BRAD DEWEY 376-3349
BILL BONDY 254-1266
OPEN
GREG TCHERKOYAN 838-0361
OPEN
KARL DROESE 376-0468
GENE BELL 284-1786
TED WESTPHAL 283-5467
OPEN
BILL KORN 376-1643
OPEN
LARRY BEANS 376-7306
OPEN
JIM COUNTRYMAN 631-1766
BRANCH 174 COORDINATOR
AREA 2 CHAIRMAN
GEORGE COBB
RON LEIKER 376-2845
JOE FITZGERALD 376-4656
LARRY LANGE 254-6281
STU KNUDSEN 376-4919
DICK CURRY 376-5541
DON KAVANAGH 254-5906
RICH SJOBERG 254-1661
GARY MOORE 254-8742
LLOYD WEST 228-37
FRED BOLTON 932-1580
PHIL GOFF 831-3692
DEREK SOUTHERN 253PETE GATES 937-2035
JIM WILLEY 689-3199
LEARY WONG 457-0807
BILL KORN 376-1643
DICK MEDEL/BILL WIEGMAN 376-5568/376-6088
RICH SJOBERG 254-1661
BILL WEINBERG 682-0962
RALPH THORNICROFT 376-8140
JOE TRACY 954-7801
BOB SPELLMAN 934-8428
LYLE DECK 254-3829
JON LEUTENEKER 376-7035
AL DONNER 376-1594
GENE BELL 284-1786
13