SIERRA HILLS Branch 79 Bulletin HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS: PBS Don Dill, PBS Ken Hansen, PBS James Musci, & PBS Kenneth Newman Big SIR’s Report Summer activities are happening all around us...our Fishing Group enjoyed a Fish Fry at the Halsey Forebay near Christian Valley. Good friends, great fish and a good time seemed to be enjoyed by all. Bocce players will be playing in a rather large tournament in Penn Valley this week...as I write this. They are becoming quite involved in this sport and are attracting new members all the time. The Wine Group teamed up with the Dining Out group and had an enjoyable tasting and eating experience at the Powers Inn Restaurant and Brewery. Golfers and Bowlers are, of course, playing regularly and enjoying the occasional tournament. We are a busy and involved group of SIR members. Ken Hansen has developed a new activity which all of us can participate in –-a Fantasy Baseball League. He will have additional information about this at the luncheon this month. This is a great way to keep up with current baseball standings. Coming soon---a phone tree to remind members of the luncheon. This is being developed because we all know how easy it is to forget a date and the phone tree will help to remind us each about upcoming meetings. You may be contacted to help with this activity. If you would like to volunteer to assist, contact Tom Stone. Don’t forget to talk about SIR membership to your friends and have your wife do so also. She probably has friends who would like to see their husbands happily involved in something away from home once in a while and we are always interested in meeting new potential members. Little SIR Report - Big SIR John Rosasco This is my first report for the bulletin as Little Sir although I took over the position last month. Too bad Jim Mallery could not continue but he did a great job while in the position. Looking forward, I have been charged with the duty of branch retention and we have formed a branch retention team (BRT). Volunteering to help me out is Ken Hansen, Mark Lund and Earl Montgomery and we have had our first meeting. Ideas so far are increased advertising, flyers and brochures, and activity chairs as team recruiters. We are also forming a telephone tree in an attempt to get more members here for the monthly luncheons. Any and all suggestions or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Contact any of the members of the Branch Retention Team with your thoughts. - Little SIR Tom Stone Bocce Ball Your Bocce Committee invites all of you to our First two Tournaments this year on July 10th& the 16th at the Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley. Both of these two tournaments will consist of a morning round robin format and an afternoon playoff. Teams will be selected by drawing names out of a hat. Start time will be 9:30 AM; plan to be there around 8:30 AM to sign in and practice play until 9:00. We are limiting the number of players to 32 overall (8 teams of 4 players each). Game rules and members of each team will be provided at the park prior to play - then members of each team will select their team captain. The cost is $10.00 per player with Cash Prize’s for First, Second, Third & Fourth. George Freuler is in charge of the players list and will take the first 32 players so contact him at the Flower Farm on Wednesdays from 9AM to Noon or call Him at 530-885-4452. Payments are due when you make your selection; George will discuss your options. Checks should be made out to SIR BRANCH 79 BOCCE CLUB, or you may pay cash and ask for a receipt. Hope you can make it, this is the perfect time for any of you, ( and your wife), to play as a first timer and see if this is something you want to experience as a FUN activity. - Pete, Don, Jack, and George VOLUME 34 • NUMBER 7 JULY 2014 LUNCHEON ABSENCE CALL DEADLINE JULY 14th CALL BILL HEALE (530) 477-1647 NEXT MEETING: Thursday, July 17, 2014 Fellowship - 11:00 a.m. Call To Order - 12:00 p.m. Menu: BBQ Ribs and Chicken PROGRAM: Randy Tooker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Placer County A Placer County native and graduate of Del Oro High School, Randy has been employed with the Boys & Girls Club of Placer County since 2002. He assumed the role of CEO in January 2007 after working as a Site Director at our E.V. Cain Clubhouse and as the Director of Operations. Randy attended Sierra Community College, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University. When he is not working, Randy enjoys camping with his family, playing with his kids, and golf. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, board members, staff and community leaders to provide a positive impact on the youth of Placer County.” Executive Committee Meeting 1st Thursday of the Month 8:00 a.m. at Denny’s, Highway 49 Branch 79 Bulletin sir79bulletin@gmail.com Branch 79 Web site www.sirbranch79.com To read the latest edition of SIR Happenings visit sirinc.org/sirhappenings 2 Branch 79 Bulletin happy birthday! JULY Gary Beckes Ivan Ichters Jim Curl Jim Mallery David DeRosa Ron Markham Jim Harris Karl Simon Ken Houle Percy Stoddard BRANCH 79 OFFICERS Big Sir: John Rosasco Little Sir: Tom Stone Secretary: Kent MacDonald Treasurer: Terry Doan (530) 888-8036 (530) 637-4393 (530) 745-0324 (530) 878-2742 BRANCH 79 COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Attendance: Bill Heale (530) Bulletin: Jay Hansell (530) Chaplain/Sunshine: Kenny Newman (530) Clothing: Jay Stanley (916) Database Manager: Bob Huntington (530) Greeter: Tom Parks (530) Membership: Mark Lund (530) Opportunity Drawings: Harvey Eisley (530) Photographer: Lynn Hartford (530) Programs: Fred Balke (925) Wine Steward: David Blitstein (530) 477-1647 368-2850 885-5576 899-9876 886-8426 823-0605 823-1264 823-5988 320-8730 998-4365 274-2100 Golf Report “ It was only a dream”.... Two hours earlier, near 06:30 hrs., I had been pretty pissed. I was standing in the clubhouse at the starters desk holding a note from my golf partner. He had called in, didn’t feel well and had told the starter to let me know that he would not be coming. Well not being someone who likes to play with strangers, I had just about decided to chuck it all and go on back home. The starter, knowing I was about to flee, stated.. “ Hell “ just go on out by yourself. “ There is nobody ahead of you and it is still too early for the next group “. “ You will have the whole course to yourself “. Well I was already here.... I had my clubs on a cart, shoes on and I truly did need to “HIT” something about this point so why not. I entered the course at number one and marveled at the fiery display that the sun made as it lit up the eastern sky. The glow was spectacular, as was the first three holes. It seemed as though my game had been energized by the sun’s morning display. I had hit shots that should not have been so good if I had been swinging as I normally did. It was almost as if the golf balls were made of solid steel and the cups were super magnets. Every shot went where it should have and here I was on the number eight tee box ready for this par three that had more than often been a bogey hole for me. My tee shot arced up and out and I watched the ball land short of the green and roll forward toward the cup. As I held my breath it stopped about a foot and a half short. Still in more than a little shock, I rode up, exited my cart, walked onto the green and made the putt for a “Birdy”. Setting my ball on the tee for my finale drive of the round I paused to look around at the course. Bright blue skies, green fairways and a slight breeze cause me to relax for a moment and take it all in. Here I had made par on seven holes, birdied one, and was looking to par the last hole. My tee shot went just where I had wanted it to go. My second had landed a bit short but my chip shot had been good and I was looking at about a ten foot putt straight up the hill for a par. As I stood over the putt I began to notice a sound that was beginning to rattle around in my head. I looked around and was instantly pissed that some jerk was nearby with his phone on or some radio type of thing. But there was nobody there. “Well hell, I thought as I pulled the putter head back for the final shot. The “click” sound the ball made coming off of the putter was perfect and the roll was true. As I watched the ball near the hole the noise I had earlier heard was now screaming into my ears and getting louder by the second.... That tune..? I had heard it before...... NOOOOOooooooo. It was my alarm clock... Remember, “Hit em’ long and Hit em’ straight”... NON-RESPONSIBILITY DECLARATION RULE 345: All activities arranged for or by, Sons In Retirement, Inc., and its Branches, are for the convenience and pleasure of the members and their guests who desire to participate. Sons In Retirement, Inc., and its Branches, do not assume any responsibility for the well being or safety of the participants or their property in any matters pertaining to said activities. - Tony Oliveira, Your Humble golf chairman Tony gets hole in one on 4th at Black Oak 79er Wine Trail Thanks to Alfred Lee and all who came to our Wine and Dine out last month at the Power Club, there was plenty of different types of beers to taste, the dinner was great, the wine was great and of course the company. What else can I say about MT VERNON WINERY, their wines are superb. Award winning wines and with their community involvement with BRC (Breast Cancer Research) they’re a great company. Thanks to Lynda Taylor and Co for being so gracious. Great wine, great view and of course great company. On August the 7th we’ll be gathering at OL’ REPUBLIC BREWERY IN Nevada City at 124 Argall Way. They make a variety of beers specializing in European-style lagers and British-style ales all handcrafted in our foothills they include an English-style IPA, a Celtic Red and the blackest Export Stout you’ll ever encounter, we’ll be able to order Sampler Flights $7-13 or on tap beers$5-6. They have a very nice facility where we can bring in food and appetizers, we can order food from nearby local restaurants to bring in or eat in their beer garden and also I’m researching if we can get a gourmet food truck to the brewery. I’m going to push the hours a little to 2PM-4PM for this outing so if some people want to go to dinner in Nevada City or Grass Valley after the tasting they can drive home while it’s still light out. I’ll have all the maps and details at the July luncheon. Mt. Ver non W inery - David Blitstein, Wine Steward Branch 79 Bulletin 3 ACTIVITIES Bicycling: Ken Hansen (916) 663-4716 Bocce Ball: Pete Thompson (530) 823-7383, Don Sherman (916) 663-2958 & Jack Meylink (530) 878-1219 Bowling: Fridays, 12:00 pm at Foothill Bowl. Tom McEntee (530) 889-0605 Dining Out: Michel Self (916) 742-8215 Fishing: Dave DeRosa (9160 652-9562 or Tom Beale (530) 878-0301 Golf: Tony Oliveira (916)791-7292 79er Wine Trail: David Blitstein (530) 274-2100 Travel: Phil Bolander (530) 745-9874 Bowling The May round/robin event was rescheduled to June 2nd due to the Memorial Day Holiday. Branch # 79 had 5 members and one guest participate in the May round/robin event in Paradise, SIR Harvey Eisley led the field of Branch #79 bowlers with a 664 series. SIR’s Paradise Tall Pines Bowl Results: Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Series Harvey Eisley 202195267664 Dave Aulbach 161179170510 Ken Launius 158156188502 Michele McEntee179143168490 Tom McEntee 158148168474 Roy Guy 144154152450 Fishing Group In June, our monthly fishing meeting was held at Halsey Forebay, with a fish fry enjoyed by 20 plus members and their wives. The food was delicious and the weather was great--77 degrees. There was enough fish for all members to take some home. At our July meeting, Dennis Beverage presented a lesson on the 7-Function Multi-Tester, and each member was given one. These were donated by Harbor Freight. The group is planning a fall fishing trip, which was discussed at the July meeting. Many group members shared stories about their fishing vacations. If you are interested in joining our group, we meet at Denny’s on Hwy. 49 at 8AM the 2nd Thursday of the month. - Co Lead Hooks David DeRosa & Tom Beale The June round/robin event was held at Nu Generation Bowl in Yuba City on June 23, 2014. Branch 79 only had three bowlers participate in the June event. Ken Launius led our contingent with a 625 series. Ken started out with a respectable 190 game followed by a 155, then he came to life. In the third game Kenny started with a spare in the first frame followed by 3 strikes then a spare and finished with seven consecutive strikes for a spectular score of 280, awesome shooting Ken. Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Series Ken Launius 190155280625 Harvey Eisley 213171178562 Tom McEntee 177178122477 Visit http://www.sirinc.org/bowling for all SIR State bowling information. All seniors are welcome to join the SIRS at Foothill bowl on Fridays. Be there at 12 PM for an afternoon of informal and friendly competition. - Tom McEntee, Bowling Chairman Travel Hello to all fellow travelers. I am endeavoring to introduce some info in regards to travel as a group or on your own. As I mentioned at the last lunch there will be a travel meeting at 10:00 a.m.on July 22 at the new clubhouse at LOP. This is sponsored by LOP Sirs, Mel Pimentel and by Talbot Tours. I am hoping our branch might have some interest and will want to attend. A lot of info will be available as well as snacks and special drawing. A schedule of 8 trips will be discussed but they also have much more to offer, so come on out with the wives to find out about these trips and have a leisurely visit among friends. There is no obligation to purchase anything. If you are planning to go please let me know by July 18th so I can notify LOP and they can let the security gate know who’s coming. Call Phil Bolander, 530 745 9874 or Email lpb4th@sbcglobal.net. The other item I found on Travelzoo might be of interest for a day trip. Tickets can be purchased on line for $14.00 for a 1 hr. ride on a blue & gold boat in SF bay. Go under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz. It would be convenient to leave from Vallejo by ferry, take a ride, then maybe have lunch at the wharf and return home. This is not an official SIRS event. Maybe do this in Sept. or Oct. Let me know what you think. - Phil Bolander (530) 745- 9874 4 Branch 79 Bulletin membership New member Frank Slayton lives in Auburn. His wife is Sandy. On August 2nd they will have been married 35 years. Congratulations on a great marriage. Frank taught in the East Side Union High School District. He retired June 2007. Frank has many interests: baseball, biking, exploring and eating, football, genealogy, golf, harmonica, hiking, jazz, travel and walking. Frank’s sponsor is Geary Tiffany. Happy 4th of July and be proud that your fellow Sir’s in Branch 79 Branch Executive Committee(BEC) voted in three (3) new members on July 3rd. These new members were sponsored by Active members that are relatively new to Branch 79 and others that have been members for many years. So, if you think you cannot win the contest because you’re “new” to the game....think again. Remember you are our best recruiter! Mark Lund our Membership Chair is keeping track of the recruitment of new members by count and Sponsor’s name. It began in May 2014 and ends in September 2014. Winners will receive their rewards at the October 16, 2014 Branch Luncheon. Voting for the contest will end after the BEC meeting on October 2, 2014 when the September applicants will be voted on as new members. In case you forgot, the “Prize Package” continues to grow each month until the Reward Date.....SO GIVE IT A SHOT AND BE THE WINNER! - Craig Saunders Dining Out July’s dine out will be at Dingus McGee’s off Dry Creek Rd. & I 80 in Auburn on Wed. July 23rd. Dinner is at 6:00 and Happy Hour is 3-6. 3 meals choices are available: 1. Chicken Piccata; 2. Sliced beef brisket; 3. Pasta Primavera. The cost is $25/person but this includes salad, soft drink, tax & tip. I need to let Dingus know our menu selections after the right after our Thursday July 17th luncheon. Please sign up as soon as possible. Last minute signups make it very difficult to coordinate with the restaurant. - Michael Self (916) 742-8215 Treasurer's Report June began with a balance of $2575.73 and ended with $2.826.99 We are doing much better, but still short of the $3000.00 cash balance our branch is required to have. The money you put in the tube on your table at the luncheon helps cover our branches expenses. A minimum contribution of $3.00 per person is suggested. - Terry Doan, Treasurer Frank Slayton & Geary Tiffany Attendance Report WOW AND WOW ! Hats off to the CHEF for a great lunch. ( my opinion ) . OK back to work, Total members 177, inactive, 6 = members attending, 113. = Guests, 6. = Speaker, 1. = Excused members, 32. = UNEXCUSED MEMBERS, 30.* = #133, Al Archer. = #135, Bruce Baker. = #193, DANIEL BALDWIN.5. = #154, Bert Baumbach. = #163, Randy Beneke, 2. = #165, Bob Berzanski. = #121, Jim Brown. = #160, J. C.= #92, Norm Check. = #183, Kendall Christianson. #70, Bob Cummings. = #30, JIM CURL, 5. = #187, KEN DAVIS, 5.= #123 Bob Devin, = #3, Irv Eastman.= #149 Jack Farless. = #148 FITZ FITZINGER, 5. = #166, Don Goode. = #107, Steve Haverberg, = #162, Walt Haverland. = #174, Dave Irwin. = #111, J. L. = #188, David Landry. = #140, Jack McClurg, 3. = #49, Jim Nelson. = #27, Larry Seeman. = #60, MIKE SHERMAN, 5. = #158, Martin Smith.= #136, Percy Stoddard. = #47, Bob Towers. = #132, Jim Underhill. = #68, Bill Watson.= * If your name is on this list and you called me, SORRY, I couldn’t understand the name, and no badge number ! It would be nice to see all six guests up front at July’s lunch, getting a handshake and a big welcome from all that attend. speaking of attending, you don’t have to wait till the “deadline” to call or e-mail me if you know you’re not going to be there or bringing a guest. Thank you all. - Bill Heale Sunshine Report I am sorry to report that SIR BROTHER DOUG YOUNG passed away from cancer on June 3rd 2014. No services were held. SIR Brother Bill McPeak is home and doing well after an infection which he picked up at the hospital when he had a pacemaker replaced. SIR Brother Tony Sr. is home but doing much better after a bout with back problems. PBS and Past state president Jim Musci is doing ok and is at his home in Weimar. Brother SIR Mel Hagmann had heart surgery and a stent put in and is home at this time. Please advise me if you know of any one who is ill, or who has passed away. Cards from SIR Branch 79 will be sent to all. I attempt to contact the Brother or at least a family member, and a visit to their home, or wherever they may be if they approve. I will only go on their approval, and I will never put in the bulletin or speak at the luncheon about a condition without the approval of the member or without the approval from a family member. Some things are left private. And that is right of everyone. - Padre Ken Newman