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THE BIG SIR COLUMN
We were pleasantly surprised
to have sixteen new guests
attend our March 14th
luncheon. Year to date our
guest total for the first three
months is thirty-one new
fresh faces. Why is this
important? Statistically, we have a
conversion ratio of fifty percent from guests
to full time member and new members
represent the future growth of our Branch 8.
Our thanks to our current membership for
inviting their friends, neighbors, or new
acquaintances that are looking for fellowship,
interesting luncheon speakers, and fifty two
(52) different activities.
OK, it has been three months now serving as
your Big Sir and I have only screwed up two
or three times. I have discovered that the
directors and officers on our branch 8 BEC
(Branch Executive Committee) are real pros
and keep us on a steady course. They
represent the real life- blood of our branch.
This includes Phil Trapp, Little Sir and
Activity Chair; Bob Barnes, Membership;
Ron Cassano, Treasurer and Dennis
Fitzpatrick, Assistant Treasurer; Erland
Persson, Secretary; Bill Peterson,
Attendance; and serving Directors, Darryl
Sweetland, Tony de Losada, Steve
Schramm, Barry Brown, and Dan Weller.
(Continued on page 2)
THE LITTLE SIR SEZ
SIR Inc has a revised
mission statement that I
think captures the
essence of who and what
we are:
“The mission of SIR is
to improve the lives of
our members through
fun activities and events - while making
friends for life”.
Think about those last five words: “while
making friends for life.” I’ve heard several
good-natured SIR wags chuckle, saying for
us seniors, life is getting short, so there isn’t
a lot of time for making new friends. Yes,
that’s certainly true and I for one, am keenly
aware that this is not the springtime of my
life. But there is another way to look at it:
making friends gives us a larger, more
interesting and far healthier life
Our February speaker Debbie Toth, CEO of
Choices in Aging, reminded us that regular,
meaningful interaction with friends is the
single most critical factor for healthy aging.
She pointed out that loneliness and isolation
are major causes of depression and illness
in seniors. Debbie was immensely
impressed at seeing a roomful of 270 Sirs
chatting and laughing while having lunch.
She said that SIR Branch 8 is providing
exactly what is needed for healthy aging:
fun activities and events with friends for life.
We have a good thing going here and need
to keep Branch 8 healthy by bringing in new
friends for life. That, of course, means
bringing guests. Here’s some help for that
person you’ve been thinking about inviting.
April’s lunch topic is “Policing in the 21st
century” and will be delivered by the team of
Bob Shusta, retired Concord PD Captain
and Howard Jordan retired Oakland Chief of
Police.
(Continued on page 2)
HOTLINE Index © = Spouses/Friends
welcome Activity Page #
General Branch Business
1-5
Biographies 18
Branch Positions 20-21
Activity Report 2
BBQ 6
Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5
Astronomy 6
Bargain Bites © 6
Birders © 7
Birthdays 18
Bocce ball (All) © 7
Book Exchange 7
Book Group 8
Bowling © 8
Bridge (All) 8-9
Car Enthusiasts 9
Computers and Tech © 10
Cribbage 10
Digital Photography 10
Dine In (All) © 10-11
Dine Out (All) © 11
Dine Out Single SIRs 11
Dominoes 11
Explore & Eat © 11
Fishing 12
Golf (All) 12-13
Heads Up Walkers © 13
Hikers © 13
Luncheon Menu 5
Membership Report 19
Mexican Train Dominoes
MEXICANTRAINDOMINOES
Train
15
Model Railroading 15
MIXER 15
Photo Gallery
n/a
PICKLEBALL 15
Poker
15
Senior Center Activities 2
SIRS at the Games 15
SIRS in the Kitchen 16
SIRS at the Opera 16
Sums In Retirement 16
Sunshine Report 5
Traveling SIRS © 16
Wine Articles (All) 16-17
Writing your Life Story
17
APRIL 2017
April HOTLINE Editor: Barry Brown
Next SIR Luncheon: April 10th Concord Hilton 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord Greeters: Bob Brown & Russell Schleske
Executive meeting: 9:00am Social Hour begins: 10:15 am
Luncheon starts 11:30 AM
Absences & Bringing Guests If you are going to be absent or
bringing a guest, please e-mail or call
by noon Thursday before the meeting.
E-Mail: [email protected]
(a confirmatiowill be sent to you)
Phone: 925-901-4826
(calls are not automatically returned)
Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary
Clickable Indexes
Just click on an Index entry and
the Hotline will skip to that article.
Then click on the “INDEX” link on
the bottom-right of each page to
return to the index on page 1.
Page 2 INDEX
(BIG SIR CONTINUED)
We invite any SIR branch 8 members to attend any of our
BEC meetings held on branch luncheon dates. We begin at 9
a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m. You will witness important
decisions, lively debates, financial reviews, and the swearing
in of new members. Hope to see you there!
Mike Long, BIG SIR
(LITTLE SIR CONTINUED)
They have been given standing ovations for their presentation,
so they will no doubt be a big hit with our members. Great
speakers like these two guys are an excellent draw, so maybe
we can get more than 15 guests in April?
Phil Trapp, Little Sir
RAMP
Recruitment, Activities, Member relations, Publicity.
RAMP is a collection of programs and services that together
support the building of a successful branch.
RECRUITMENT
Now that’s better!
Lots of you came through in March as we had 15 guests. I
think our quality speaker had some impact on the influx. Keep
it in mind as the hits just keep right on coming. Check out
Little Sir Phil's article on the front page about the quality
speaker we'll have in April. I wish I could be there. We are still down two members from last year and twelve
member off from out year end goal. Now is not the time to
relax. Historically it takes about two guest to convert into one
new member. Given that we're down twelve from our goal we
need twenty-four guests and that's without factoring in our
traditional ten to eleven percent annual member turnover.
Guys, get out there and recruit.
We initiated three new members into our “I've Done My Part”
Club. Congratulations to Bill Cooke, Leary Wong and John
Brooks. Tony de Losada remains in the lead for our $75
sweepstakes award with two members. Get a bottle of wine;
bring in a new member!
Ed Benson, Recruiting Chairman
ACTIVITY REPORT
Last month, I recommended that you to try
something new. Our Branch 8 activities
provide you with an opportunity to challenge
yourselves, and explore something that you
have not done or may not have heard about
yet. Currently, SIR Branch 8 has 49 activities and 3
special events. In April, we will add another activity called
Geocaching. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity
that involves walking, hiking, and searching for objects called
"caches". These are objects of many kinds that are hidden
along trails, near city buildings, and in rural
areas. Smartphone apps and handheld GPS receivers are
employed to locate these caches.
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt. Consequently, it is a co-
ed activity that could include family members, neighbors, and
children. At Branch 8, we will organize small groups to
conduct searches together. The group may even decide to
meet after the event to have lunch or coffee, and share their
search experience.
At our April SIR luncheon, Howard Walter, the new Activity
Chairman, will tell us about Geocaching and how easy it is to
get started with this activity. I encourage you to learn about
Geocaching, ask questions, and give it a try with a group from
our branch.
Also, I encourage you to check out the Activity webpages on
our Branch 8 website. Ask our Activity Chairmen about their
activities. They will eagerly share what is going on with their
activity. Talk to other members about their participation in
activities. You will hear what activities have been fun and
engaging for them.
You may discover a rewarding activity that will provide
enjoyment all summer long.
Activity Coordinator Committee Chair: Steve Schramm
SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES
GET HELP WITH TAX PREPARATION
Do you need help preparing your taxes? This sponsored
program offers free tax preparation by IRS-certified tax
counselors. While Tax-Aide doesn't specify an income limit,
the service targets low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with
special attention for those 60 and older. Starting January 9,
call one of these numbers to make an appointment.
Appointments begin the first week of February.*
• Walnut Creek Senior Club: 925-943-5851 • Grace Presbyterian Church: 925-405-6278 • St. Paul's Episcopal Church: 925-979-5013 • General info and other locations: 925-726-3199
Bring all your forms!
* provided by the Walnut Creek Seniors Club Newsletter,
Tony de Losada, Publicity and Image-Senior Activities
MEMBERS RELATIONS COMMITTEE
This month pleased to let you know: Member Relations has
been asked by the BEC, lead by Big Sir, Michael Long, to
form a group of two to three, members to keep in touch with
those of us who are temporarily ill, indisposed, or in some
cases just recuperating, and have been absent from our
meetings for two to three meetings. We just want to say hello,
let the member know we are thinking of him, and to” keep in
touch.” These are members who would otherwise attend
meetings, if not for the reasons mentioned. This group will be
operate through the SIR Community Outreach Committee
(SCOC) and be called: Keep in Touch Committee. Darryl
Sweetland signaled that he is happy to lead the group. We
think this Member Outreach will go a long way in
keeping Members connected! It is interesting to note that
Member Volunteers think of these things for you, the Member.
We can always use new volunteers for activities and branch
administration. How about you?
Page 3 INDEX
PUBLICITY
• THE PUBLICITY AND IMAGE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS WRITING, THE SIR PERSONALIZED CHROME PLATED LICENSE PLATE FRAMES: HAVE BEEN SHIPPED! WE HAVE A LIMITED SUPPLY (100) DUE TO THE DISTRIBUTION TO ALL AREA 2 BRANCHES.
• WE WILL BE TAKING ORDERS THROUGH RON MACIAK: [email protected] 925-357-8005, ONLINE AND AT THE APRIL MEETING! $1.75 FOR ONE $3.50 FOR TWO. TAX AND SHIPPING INCLUDED. I KNOW, I KNOW, THIS IS A DEAL! SHOW FAMILY FRIENDS AND EVERYONE ELSE THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF SIR! RON SAVE ME 2!
February 4th members of the Publicity and Image Committee
Tom Mohrman and Dick Brooks represented Branch 8 by
manning an Information Booth at the Concord Senior Center
Age Live Strong Live Long Exposition. They were besiged by
a large number of Seniors Women, as well as Men. Over 500
people attended, Tom and Dick gave out over fifty SIR DVD,
picked up signatures representing interest, and gave away a
whole lot of hand outs and business cards. This is only one of
the way’s our branch advertises. Tom and Dick, thank you
both for your active efforts in volunteering and helping the
branch stay vital and vigorous!
SIR COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
• MAY 3rd: In addition to operating the SIR Branch 8 February Information table at Concord Senior Center, by Tom Mohrman and Dick Brooks: SCOC is scheduled to have a 10x10 Tent and Table at the Walnut Creek First Wednesday which is one helluva good time for those of you who like to Dine, Dance, Drink, and see the Exhibits in a safely blocked off City Street, (they serve coffee and sodas also!)
• FOURTH OF JULY: SIR Branch 8 will enter two beautiful cars in the City of Concord Parade thru downtown. The cars will be highly identified with rubberized magnetic sings which spell out our Branch name and our logo. Yet another way to advertise, have fun and get some attention to the SIRS without the expense of newspaper ads!
• You old and new members, can dip your toe into the “volunteer pool “of Branch 8 activities or administration anytime, and be welcomed, even these two upcoming events, just let me know!
Tony de Losada Publicity and Image Chair
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
ATTENDANCE
Attendance for the March luncheon
Active Members:
Membership Prior to Luncheon 340
Members Inducted 3
Excused Absences - 61
Unexcused Absences - 9
Members Attending 273
Others:
Visitors-Guests-Speakers 17
Others Attending 17
TOTAL ATTENDANCE 290
Visitor
Bill Holly Area 2 Governor
Duncan MacVicker Region 5 Director
Guest Sponsor
Bill Barber Rob Laaback
Ron Brown Chuck Joyce
Paul Chodroff Bob Stein
Charlie Crothers Tony de Losada
Louis Figueroa Darryl Skiles
Dick Forster Phil Trapp
Jerry Gaya Alan Curtis
Allen Grossman Dan Casella
Ralph Morgan Frank Kilarr
Jan Persson Roger Lamm
Harry Reiter Bob Barnes
Dave Stenger Bob Brown
Marty Stuart Bob McMains
Joe Tavassoli Dave Davis
Speaker
Joseph Tuman
Bill Peterson, Attendance Secretary
COMMENT CARD CORNER
Analysis of Comment Cards from March 13, 2017
There were 12 cards turned in by one guest, 10 members plus
nine members at Table 15. The guest, three members, and
Table 15 were “Impressed”, one member was “Pleasantly
Surprised”, two members were “Satisfied”, and four members
gave no attitude.
Food was the main topic with 16 comments. The meal in
general drew 13 comments ranging from fair- to-good, B
minus, pleasantly impressed, warm delicious and full rated, to
excellent. The corned beef got special mention from four
saying it was somewhat chewy and lacked seasoning, better
than its appearance, very good and best ever. One called the
salad and dessert excellent while two found the cabbage
undercooked and plain—not flavorful.
Three said the speaker and program were great, wonderful,
excellent and informative and should be recommended to
other SIR branches.
Page 4 INDEX
The three screen set-up met with approval from three with a
concern that the clarity is poor, making the text hard to read
from near the entrance doors.
Two found the sound system much improved and excellent,
but there is still a need for the speaker to repeat the questions
or have roving microphones.
One finds parking a problem we can't solve.
The guest said it was a long time since he sang “God Bless
America”.
The most interesting comment was that having some business
before lunch is missed. Activity announcements would inspire
discussion during lunch and shorten the after-lunch portion of
the meeting.
SinSIRly, Jim Sowell
ABSENCES & BRINGING GUESTS
If you are going to be absent or bringing a guest, please e-
mail or call by noon Thursday before the meeting.
E-Mail: [email protected]
(a confirmation will be sent to you)
Phone: 925-901-4826
(calls are not automatically returned)
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 guests to meetings during the previous
six months. You can use the SIR cards available at the
check-in table to invite guests.
For each new guest sponsored during the six-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.
APRIL LUNCHEON MENU
Caesar Salad
Chicken Asagio
Mixed Vegetables
Lemon Cake
Coffee/Ice Tea
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.
STATE SIR HAPPENINGS
A complete archive is now on the State website
at http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/pastissues.html.
Don McGregor, Editor, Sir Happening
SUNSHINE REPORT
Since the March Hotline Report the Committee has extended
wishes for a rapid recovery to Stu Harris, Hal Samson, John
Hayes, and Rich Deyoe..
Since the March Hotline Reporr, the Committee has
extended condolences to the Jack Stack 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:
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]
Please be brief, we will attempt to keep the articles worded as
you wish them to be presented. Please place the Chairman
and other contact information at the bottom. While formatting
and type style is left to the discretion of the Hotline Editors, we
will try to preserve your format “bolds” and underline. Please
avoid complex boxes and having the whole article in “bold” or
ALL UPPER-CASE LETTERS. For sending text, a word
document or just typing into the Email message works just
fine. Please avoid copying and pasting text from websites as
this can require retyping before it can be used.
To be sure your article is not missed, please put “hotline”
“activity” and “month” into the Subject of your submittal Email
Example: Hotline Activity - Poker for October.
We, your Editors and Webmasters, are here to serve you, and
we need your very important input. For the Website, send
input anytime, but expect some possible delay before input is
added.
Page 5 INDEX
TREASURERS REPORT
Treasurer Report February 2017
Receipts
Monthly luncheon $8110.00
Contributions 605.00
Hotline 42.00
Interest .17
_________
Total receipts 8757.17
Disbursements
Printing & supplies 466.86
Other 26.00
Monthly luncheon 8193.49
__________
Total disbursements 10324.16
Net loss (1566.99)
Cash, beginning 15936.67
Cash, ending 14369.68
Ron Cassano, Treasurer
ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBIES
About a month ago, Dave Sutton approached me and said he had an extensive collection that we might be interested in using in the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Display at one of the meetings. He briefly described it to me and I said WOW! let's do it. Dave collects turtles, yes that's right, turtles! Here is his own story about how he got started and few of the pieces in his collection:
My Turtle Collection- Dave Sutton
I’m showing my turtles at the April SIR luncheon. It‘s one of those things that evolved. It all began when I bought my first turtle in Hawaii about 40 years ago. It’s a wood one and the reason I bought it was that stamped on the bottom it says: John Christian M. B. E. Pitcairn Island I found a 1980 reference on the internet to Mr. John Christian, M. B. E. (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) as the retiring Island Magistrate. Sounds like he’s the guy that made the turtle when he wasn’t officiating. John must be a descendant of Fletcher Christian of Bounty fame. There are just a few people and a few family names on the island and Christian is one of them – all descendants of the Bounty and a couple of other ships and their Tahitian ladies. Anyway that’s how I got started. After that turtles just seemed to flow. I bought a glass one on a Caribbean cruise and a wooden one last summer at Wall Drug in Mitchell S. D. One was bought at a street fair in Walnut Creek – a large one carved with a chain saw. Many folks started giving me turtles after they saw my collection. And perhaps some of the turtles were creating offspring when I wasn’t looking. My most recent addition was a gift made in the Philippines, complete with shells on its back. Anyway – enjoy! Dave Sutton
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.
Ron Smith, Chairman [email protected] 925-314-3066
Al Steunenberg, Co-Chairman [email protected]
820-2758
ASTRONOMY
No article was received by press time.
Larry Lange, Chairman 254-6281 [email protected] Leary Wong, Asst. Chair 930-7024 [email protected]
ANNUAL BRANCH BBQ ©
June 20, 3:00 ‘Till Dusk
SOLD OUT! Make Wait List Reservations Now or at the
April 10th Lunch.
As in the past
nine years, Sirs
in the Kitchen
will be putting on
the annual
Branch 8 BBQ.
We will be at the
same location as
last year: The
Concord Community Park on Cowell Road, just south of
Monument Boulevard. The price remains the same at $25 per
person, collected in May after the reservation list settles down.
We only have room for 150 and were sold out as-of March
18th. There usually are several cancellations as the event
date nears and we are checking to see if we can add
another 20 or so seats.
You can sign-up for the WAIT LIST anytime by emailing Phil
Trapp at [email protected] or at the BBQ activity table
before and after both the April and May lunch meetings.
The annual BBQ is hosted by the cheerful and hard-working
members of the highly popular Sirs in the Kitchen activity. The
festivities start at 3:00, appetizers are served around 3:45,
and dinner is around 5:00. Everyone is invited to help clean-
up the park grounds before wrapping up the fun at dusk.
We are sticking with our winning menu combination:
• Pre-dinner appetizers: barbequed Italian light sausage, chicken wings and an assortment of dips and salsas.
• Dinner: Tri Tip Steak, beans, potato salad, green salad, and garlic bread
• Chocolate cookies for dessert.
• Wine, beer, soft drinks and water
• All included in the $25 price per person
The Concord BBQ site is large and easily accessible:
• The walk to the festivities is short and on level ground
• Plenty of parking is available
• A spot is designated to drop off guests and chairs prior to parking your car.
Page 6 INDEX
Remember, we are not collecting money now. We will be
asking for money at the May meeting or by check made out
and mailed to Phil Trapp. We will be in contact with those
who signed up in mid-May. See you there for a lot of fun!
Phil Trapp, BBQ Event Chairman
925-648-4056 Home
925-963-1819
BARGAIN BITES ©
February-March Double Header
Well, we did it. A new record for attendance
at a Bargain Bites event. As you may recall
we filled up our first date on February 28 at
Savanh, the little Thai restaurant in Pleasant
Hill, with 41 people. We had a lot of
standbys so we immediately set up a
second date the following Tuesday, March 7
and it filled up with 41 more people. A record, not soon to be
broken, of 82 SIR and spouses.
Thanks to all of you who participated and to those of you who
couldn't make it, we'll see you the next time.
As of now it looks like we will not have anything lined up for
later in March but we will be back in April. Watch for our e-
mail.
If you would like to be placed on the Bargain Bites e-mail list,
just send a note to [email protected] and say “Place me on
the Bargain Bites List”. Oh yes, include your name. You will
receive personal e-mails in advance of the Hotline. Again,
thanks for your interest and wonderful support. It makes the
effort worthwhile.
Chairman: Ron Smith 314-3066 [email protected]
Asst. Chairman: Ron Maciak 357-8005
BIRDERS ©
On April 17, the Birder's will be going to Pine
Canyon (near Northgate High School in WC)
in search of 55 species. Bullock's Oriole, Lark
Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, Brown Creepers,
Varied Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and
Canyon Wrens will be targeted.
We will have a lot of fun walking along the
mile long dirt trail which is moderately steep
and requires crossing three small creeks that may be 1' to 2'
deep and 5' to 10' feet wide. There are stones in the creek to
help us cross, but they can be slippery. Perhaps a walking
stick would be helpful.
If time and our energy permits, steeper trails are along the
main trail which offer more hiking and birding challenges.
There are out houses and picnic tables in Pine Canyon, so
bring drinks and lunch.
We will meet at the Heather Farm Parking lot that is adjacent
to the natural pond at 8:30.
Chairman: Leary Wong, 925-457-0807, [email protected]
BOCCE BALL OPEN PLAY ©
The 2017 Bocce Ball Open season will begin
on May 5th at 8:30 am. We play on the
Concord courts in Newhall Park. 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.
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 will begin on April 30,
2017 at Newhall Park and Baldwin Park
courts in Concord. We play on the Baldwin
Park courts which are located off Beach St.
(near Port Chicago Highway and Bonifacio
St.) Play is limited to 10 SIR members
and/or partners and we have the requisite number. 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. The CBF League provides all the equipment. If
you have any questions, please call me (Activity Chairman).
Chairman: Bob Barnes 686-0106 [email protected]
Assistant Chairman: Danny Rinaldi: 825-0519
BOCCE INDOOR WINTER LEAGUE
It's Spring! The Winter League Seniors INDOOR Bocce Season is coming
to an end. The Branch 8 Team, the "SIR 8 Rollers" began play in October at NorCal
Courts Bocce, 360 Ferry St., Martinez. The League games are scheduled to continue through March.
Look for a summary of our team’s participation in the MAY Hotline! The Team Capo is SIR Stan U'Ren. Capo Stan reports that the SIR 8 Rollers have been matched against some very competitive teams but they’ve managed to have a tremendous amount of fun!! Activity Chair: Jim Whitsett 925-689-5493
[email protected] : Ass’t Chair: Stan U’Ren 925-676-6522 [email protected]
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
Page 7 INDEX
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
In March the Book Group read 'Black
Flags: The Rise of ISIS' by Joby Warrick a
reporter for the Washington Post. This
book takes us from the rise of Zarqawi in a
Jordanian prison in 1998 to the burning to
death of of a Jordanian pilot in early 2015
and even the Paris attacks in November 2015. For anyone
looking for a pulling together of all the middle east terror
related events and their background for this period, this is your
book. The Book group members really felt that they learned a
great deal from this very readable book. A definite thumbs up!
Just a couple of things that came out in the discussion that
some would have liked to have seen were a look at the
financing of ISIS and some proposals as to how the world
could respond more effectively against this terrorism.
This month's book is Anton Myrer's 'Once an Eagle', a
novel that follows the lives of 2 rival soldiers from the Great
war through WW2 and to Vietnam.
The Book Group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10
a.m. at Round Table Pizza on Oak Park blvd. in Pleasant Hill.
Email me at [email protected] if you are interested in
joining us.
Chairman: Nick Maufe
BOWLING ©
BOWLING Report for April 2017
Winter Leagues Branch 19 SIR League - Branch 19 (Concord)
sponsors a SIR league at Clayton Valley Bowl. There are ten four-person teams. Ladies are welcome. We bowl every Wednesday morning starting at 10 AM.
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. You can find tournament
schedules, applications, and results on the site.
Upcoming Tournaments:
ACTIVITY CHAIRMAN: Dan Weller: 925-935-5510
[email protected] ASSISTANT CHAIR: Jim Erickson: 925-939- 7925
BASIC BRIDGE ©
The Basic Bridge format is open to players of
many levels. Each table will have a coach.
For beginning players there will be a review
discussion after the hand has been played.
The more advanced players have non-
competitive, free play. All players are invited
to ask questions and offer friendly advice on mistakes at any
time.
The sessions are co-ed. Basic Bridge is held on the first
Thursday of the month from 1:30 – 3:30 PM at Round Table
Pizza located on 1938 Oak Park Blvd. near Putnam and Oak
Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Come early for lunch - that is our
payment for use of the room. Call Rod Spicer, 935-5306, to
be added to our reminder list.
Chairman: Rod Spicer, 935-5306, [email protected]
BRIDGE DUPLICATE – ONE
Duplicate Bridge I Group met on March10th at
Round Hill Pizza in Pleasant Hill.
Top three finishers for the March session were:
1st Hubinger-Woolf 38.5 pts
2nd Hensley-Long 36.5 points
3rd Milano-Kozac 35 points
Only one slam was bid and made and that was accomplished
by the Davis –Regan pair when they bid 6 spades, non-
vulnerable, making 7 for a score of 1010. The other 3 pairs
playing the hand only bid 4 making 6. (so, where was the
defense on the slam bid?). There were 2 totally flat boards:
one was a 3no trumps contract with all pairs making 6 for a
score of 490. The other board was one where the north-south
pairs bid 3 different contracts (3NT, 3D, & 4S) all going down
2, scoring 200 for the defense. The last interesting board had
3 east-west teams bidding 5 clubs over 4 spades on what
looked to be a sacrifice with the north south teams doubling
the contract in 2 instances. To the dismay of the north-south
teams, the contract was made in all cases, with the Milano-
Kozac and Davis-Regain teams splitting top honor with scores
of 750 points.
Thanks to David Bushnell (home-made cookies) for set-up this
month. Bud Grisanti will have those duties next month. Finally,
thanks to Margaret Kozac, Raliegh Daviis and Steve Greytak
for subbing.
DATE LOCATION COMMENTS
April 10 – 13 Carson City Expecting over 200 SIR
bowlers
April 25, 26 Grass Valley New Tournament
Page 8 INDEX
Our next session will be April 14 at 9:15AM at Round Table
Pizza in Pleasant Hill. Mark the second Friday on your 2017
calendars, NOW
Note that the start time has been slipped 15 minutes to
coincide with the arrival of proper authority to allow our
entry. Set-up will start at 9:00AM.
Substitutes are often needed and any SIR wishing to play
should contact:
Bob Kahl, Chairman 284-8572 Dick Long, Asst Chairman 274-1786 Ton Hensley, Asst Chairman 937-0605
BRIDGE DUPLICATE – TWO
No article was received by press time.
Chairman: Max Creamer 262-740
Assistant: Jerry Milano
BRIDGE RUBBER
We got off to a late start, but finally achieved
a full four tables. It was really great to see all
16 players again. The best players were:
Rod Spicer (4890); Tom Hensley (4440);
Bob Sherman (4330); and David Bushnell
(4290). The scores ran from 1830 to 4890
with the median score being about 3000.
All bridge players (regardless of skills) are invited to our
game. We meet on the first Thursday of the month at Round
Table Pizza at 1938 Oak Park Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. The
game starts at 9:00AM. Bring your own thermos of coffee, if
you care to. Please answer Al Welch's E-mail early so we can
fill up 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 March 20, 2017, the Couples Bridge
session had four tables or eight couples.
Les and Carole Hopkins took first place with
2,800 points; Ben and Helen Yeraka were
second with 2,620 points; and Ernie Sherne
and Margaret Kozak were third with 1,530
points. Our next session will be on at 1:00
pm on Monday, April17, 2017 (our normal 3rd Monday of each
month) at the Mary’s Pizza on Oak Grove, Walnut Creek. We
always welcome new players, so if you are interested in
joining us
Best regards,Ray de Wit ([email protected]) or Ken
Main ([email protected]).
CAR ENTHUSIASTS
Car Enthusiasts met in early March to produce a calendar for this year's activities. We had a particularly lively discussion while setting the proposed plan for 2017. Many more ideas for outings and events were listed than the months we needed to fill. More opportunities for future years. The 2027 schedule will be available on the Sir's master activity schedule soon. I am still
working on an Enthusiasts web page spread and will get some help in installing it.
The next Car Enthusiasts event will be an evening at the New Stockton 99 Speedway Stock Car Races in Stockton, CA and a group dinner at a local restaurant prior to races. SIR's, spouses, and guests are invited to join our activity group. Admission to the races is $10 for seniors, a small donation to car pool drivers for gas and whatever the cost of your dinner is all it takes to come and enjoy an evening of thrills and excitement on the track. There were a couple of dates suggested for the outing and a final decision has not been made. The cars race on Saturday nights. We will get an e-mail out to the SIR's membership with the final date/start time/meeting place for car pooling as soon as it is known. The Speedway schedule is under further investigation.
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 April 4th. 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 March meeting, Howard Walter, a new
Branch 8 member, spoke about setting up a
home router WiFi network. Walter began by
explaining how WiFi systems work, discussed
WiFi diagnostic tools, one of which was worth
the price of admission. The tool’s name is
“SHIELDS UP” and it tests the effectiveness of your system’s
firewall. A copy of Walter’s presentation notes (including the
link to the firewall test) may be downloaded by going to:
http://a2cat.sirinc2.org/
Following the break, we held our famous (infamous?) CAT
raffle, courtesy of Barry Brown. And, of course, one lucky
winner walked away with the ubiquitous LED flashlight!
In April, Barry Brown will be discussing “Putting Together
Your Own Desktop Computer.” He will demonstrate how you
can save money and get precisely what you want by
personally configuring your own desktop, as opposed to
buying online or from the big box stores. A copy of Barry’s
notes can be downloaded a few days before the meeting by
going to: http://a2cat.sirinc2.org/
We look forward to seeing you 9:15 AM, Thursday March 16,
at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge,1475 Creekside Drive. We
ask for a donation of $5 to cover the cost of the hall rental,
Page 9 INDEX
coffee and cookies -- but some months are free, so come and
see if our March 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 location change from
Treat Blvd. in Concord due to remodeling. For
the rest of year we’ll being playing at 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.
Status update regarding the Treat Blvd remodeling project.:
They say another 2 months to finish the project. I have
reserved the Pleasant Hill location to the end of April. At that
time we will vote to stay in Pleasant Hill or go back to
Concord.
2017 March Results
MARCH 1 ST 12 Players MARCH 21st 14 Players
1 Dennis Mierzwa 208 pts 1 Ray Nummi 197 pts
2 Ron Draper 201 pts 2 Jerry Ward 192 pts
3 Bud Grisanti 175 pts 3 Dan Franklin 183 pts
4 Steve Strobel 165 pts 4 Dan Smith 174 pts
Chairman, Ron Draper Email: [email protected]
Asst. Chairman, Dan Smith Email: [email protected]
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The assignment for March was City Scape
Photography. As usual, our Assignment Chair,
Dave Davis, provided guidance for our efforts.
The photo results presented by the 15
members attending were a wide range of
unique takes on what exactly was a "city
scape." Birds, mosques and balloons, among
other things, were offered as examples! But still, all were
good examples of the photographer's art.
The subject for our April meeting is Street Photography
(including signs). Dave has provided us with links to several
resources that illustrate some of the ways one can photograph
the “streets.”
Everyone is encouraged to bring up to 12 jpg photos to share
on a “clean” flash drive. Please be prepared to discuss how
you created your photos, including meta data info. If you want
a specific order of presentation, rename your photos 01,02,
03, etc. Use only the numbers, nothing else in the file name.
Our host for the April 21, meeting, Dave Davis, will be
sending out reminders & directions and looking for attendance
confirmations a couple of weeks before the gathering.
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.
Bill Phelon, Chair: [email protected] 254-8338
Dave Davis: Vice Chair: [email protected] 838-1753
DINE IN # 1 ©
Our dinner was hosted by the Kargs on St. Patricks Day. Hooray, no corned beef and cabbage. Joe did his gourmet meatloaf.. Another great meal. Dine In #4 anyone? contact Ron Cassano if you are interested in starting it. The ladies love it.
Chairman: Ron Cassano: [email protected]
DINE IN # 2 ©
No article was received by press time.
Co-Chair: Ed Cohn; [email protected] 954-7600 Co-Chair: Bob Price 937-6814 [email protected]
DINE IN # 3 ©
Our 15 March dinner was hosted by the Tangs
and the theme was Filipino, with the main
course being pork adobo. Our May dinner will
be on the 17th at the Cheney's. We have an
opening for one or two couples who are
interested in "testing the waters" on this great
dinner concept. Contact Rich Cheney at 925-
289-1265 for more details.
Chairman, Rich Cheney [email protected]
Asst. Jeff Foster, 219-9141, [email protected]
DINE OUT # 1
For our May Let's Dine Out 1, Ken and Maureen Main are hosting a family-style dinner at Chef Chao's in Moraga on Thursday May 18th, 2017. We are returning to this venue again to enjoy lot's of great Chinese food. THE MENU: Fried Prawns, Cashew
Chicken, Spring Egg Rolls, Mongolian Beef, Wonton Soup, Sweet and Sour Pork, Assorted Vegetables, Shrimp Chow Mein, Steamed Rice, Tea and Fortune cookies. WHEN: Thursday May 18, 2017 ( 5:00 pm social, 6:00 pm
dinner) WHERE: Chef Chao's is at 343 Rheem Blvd, Moraga (across
the street from the Rheem theater). THE PRICE: $20.00 per person, includes tax & tip. Cocktail
items are available separately and can include: Imported Beer @ $5.00, Domestic Beer @ $4.00, House Chardonnay or House Red @ $5.25. CONTACT: Ken and Maureen Main (925) 945-1065 (H), (925)
876-1420 (M) or email: [email protected] by FRIDAY MAY 12, 2017. Make check payable to Ken Main and mail to 23 Green Oaks Court, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
Activity Chair, Ken Main Assist Chairs - Don Allen and Jim Ripley
Page 10 INDEX
DINE OUT #2 ©
WANTED Sir and Lady to host a Dine Out 2
activity,
Dine Out 2 is small, intimate dining group (4
couples & separate checks) to allow restaurant
to present itself & cuisine in its best light and for
guests to enjoy interesting and friendly
conversation with one another. If you are interested, contact:
Chairman Don Atwater 673-1669 [email protected]
Ass. Chair Jerry Milano 934-3496
DINE OUT - SINGLE SIRS ©
Tuesday, April 4th , Dinner 5:30 pm, Social
5:00 pm
at Kansai Restaurant
1669 Willow Pass Rd., Concord
Contact host Frank Kilarr 913-645-
2941 [email protected]
Last month 9 of us dined at Mr Lucky’s and we raised out
glasses to recently departed and former chairman Jack
Stack. He will be remembered for his many contributions and
in our group for the way he showed a genuine interest in each
person at dinner. We dine the first Tuesday of the month at a
wide variety of places from Italian, American, Mexican,
Chinese or whatever. If you are single for the night, please
plan to join us.
Visit us at our website - http://www.sirbr8.com/dine-out-single-
sirs/
Glenn Gilman Chairman (798-5155)
Don Atwater, Asst. Chairman 673-1660
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 11:00am 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
EXPLORE AND EAT ©
Ten SIRS and their wives spent Thursday,
March 6 at San Francisco's Legion of Honor
with an excellent docent-led tour of
the MONET the Early Years exhibit, the first
to be devoted to the young genius of Claude
Monet (1840-1926). Bringing together over
75 of the greatest paintings from his early
career - including his first Salon-exhibited work, the Kimbell
Art Museum's La Pointe de la Hève at Low Tide; Dejeuner sur
l'Herbe (Luncheon on the Grass) and The Magpie from the
Musee d'Orsay; and The Green Wave and La
Grenouillère from the Metropolitan Museum of Art . The
exhibit also featured descriptions by distinguished scholars,
focusing on the evolution of Monet's own distinctive mode of
painting. Through the 1860s, the young painter absorbed and
transformed a variety of influences, from the lessons of the
Barbizon school and his mentor Boudin to the challenges
posed by his friends Manet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Sisley.
Artistic innovation and personal ambition shaped the work of
the celebrated impressionist painter from the very start of his
long and illustrious career. In two years the Museum will
feature a sister exhibit of Monet's work, focusing on his later
years when he achieves both popularity which continues to
this day, and financial success.
Also on display Thursday was a celebration of the centenary
of the death of the sculptor Rodin. This new installation
complemented the extensive collection of his work on
permanent display with additional exhibits brought out from
the museum's holdings, which have been called "the greatest
collection of perfect Rodins in the world." Most of the
attendees joined for lunch together in the museum's excellent,
if a little expensive, cafeteria and departed for home by 3PM
in the furtive hope of avoiding commuter traffic.
Coming up in early May will be another docent-led tour of the
new exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Featuring the work of two artistic masters,
Matisse/Diebenkorn is the first major exhibition to explore the
profound inspiration Richard Diebenkorn discovered in the
work of French modernist Henri Matisse. The exhibition
presents approximately 100 objects from museums and
private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Watch for
a Branch-wide email containing the specifics of this adventure.
Chairman: Ron Woods - 930-9194 [email protected]
Asst. Chair: Larry McEwen: 939-3216: [email protected]
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,
April 27th, 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.
Water ,water everywhere and not a fish in sight. This has
been a difficult winter for us. We have fished for trout,
Page 11 INDEX
sturgeon and striped bass.
Terry Miller CAUGHT a striper,
13 pounds. Carl Moyer caught
a small carp fishing for trout in
San Pablo Reservoir. Carl
fished for trout several more
times with less luck. While
fishing for stripers, many of us
caught very few, and they were
all small. While fishing for
sturgeon we caught all manner
of debris being flushed out by
the high water. It is only up in
all directions from here!
Contacts are Paul Dubow (415-495-6504) and Carl Moyer (925-685-5243.)
GOLF 18 HOLES
. Believe it or not, we finally played golf!!!
The last time we played a recorded round
was January 30 and March 14 was a bit
soggy also. But fear not, better days are
coming. As of this writing the 2 Man
Alternate Shot (March 21) had not been
played yet. Don’t pray for rain. April 24 is
another Branch 8 Tournament, a 4 Man Scramble. Who
knows what wrinkles this one will have. May 25 is the day for
the Area 2 Team Scramble being held at Hiddenbrooke.This
an 8:30 shotgun. So far we have 6 teams registered. This is a
good time to represent Branch 8 so get a team together and
sign up. Branch 8 HAS won this in the past. Think we can do it
again? October 11-12 is our Saddle Creek-Copperopolis
outing complete details are being finalized and will be
published shortly. The word golf does not mean “Gentlemen
Only, Ladies Forbidden” This is an internet myth. It is thought
the word golf comes from the Dutch word “kolf” or “kolve”,
meaning “club”. Historians believe this was passed on to the
Scottish, whose own dialect changed this to “golve””gowl” or
“gouf”. By the sixteenth century, this had evolved into the word
we know today.
Bill Koski, Communications: 672 7650
GOLF 9 HOLES
Hallelujah!! Finally, our group got to play
when the sun was shining, birds were
singing and the course did not resemble a
swamp! On March 15th we had our first of
the year get together with 19 of our
players off and running. It was a great day
for all of us and hopefully more are to come. I say this as I am
putting together the April edition of the Hotline and it is gloomy
and raining! However, I am hopeful that we have seen the
worst of this winter’s rain (it is spring after all) and we will soon
be back playing regularly again.
On a brighter note the plans for the DAI on June 1st are rapidly
being finalized please make sure you and your partner, if
applicable, are signed up which can be accomplished by
checking the DAI page on the website. Additionally, the
travelling 9 group is planning a trip in the near future, watch
your inbox for further details.
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 ©
And we have a winner! Actually, Bill Hunter and Dona Lawrentz won, because they were the only couple that showed up. The day was super beautiful but the course was of questionable condition. Even the Ranger rated it as "Quagmire" to "Soupy". So
even though holes 1,5, 8, & 9 were not the best, the course was somewhat playable. Bill reports that only 2 balls were swallowed by the mud. Lunch was great in the Greenery Tent with 8 in attendance: Paul and Millie Hersch, Bob and Daphne Olson, Bill Hunter and Dona Lawrentz, and Ron Maciak & Linda Gawura. Used golf balls from Linda's personal collection of "lost" balls were distributed to all. Congrats again, to Bill and Dona. Marshals Leo and Judy Barrella will send an email before our next scheduled Thursday, April 13, 2017 golf date. For more information go to the Sir Website (sirbr8.com) or contact chairperson Paul Derby at [email protected] or Paul Hersch at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing everyone on April 13. Chairman: Paul Derby [email protected]
Asst. Chair: Paul Hersch [email protected].
GOLF - TRAVELING NINE HOLE
Well, golf in general is not off to a good
start for 2017. As we need so much rain,
you would think the golf gods would
have mercy on us and give us a break
occasionally. Due to course conditions
and the weather we have cancelled play
in January, February and now March.
We were to play Las Positas in March,
but they are plugging and sanding the
executive course the day before. Dick Brooks went to work to
find sub-substitute and got various reason not to play. Such as
one course questioned him about has fast our 70-80 year
old’s play, can’t commit to golf cars on course, etc. So, we will
work to put together an outing for the LAST THURSDAY of
APRIL. Check the web page as we sometimes update with
additional info.
In our outings page there you will find write ups of play and
sometimes a few pictures. So, visit the traveling 9 on the SIR
web page and keep informed. Interested in playing? Just click
on [email protected] or call 925-899-GOLF (4653)
and leave your information.
Chair: Phil Philpot:: [email protected] (925) 937 2260
Co Chair: Dick Brooks: [email protected]
(925) 228-6959
Page 12 INDEX
HEADS UP WALKERS ©
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.
3/30/2017: Walnut Creek: YV canal Walnut Ave. Take
Ygnacio Valley Rd. Turn South on Walnut Ave (do not turn on
Walnut Boulevard). Go a short distance and turn left on
Naranja Drive. Park there and walk back to Walnut Ave. The
trail starts a few feet from Naranja. Cafe: Sweet Affair Bakery.
Leader: Stan Johnson
4/6/2017: Martinez: Martinez Regional Shoreline. Exit i-680
N. at the last off-ramp to Martinez. Turn left on Marina Vista.
Turn right on Ferry St. And cross the RR tracks. Meet at the
first parking lot on the left. Cafe: Starbucks Martinez. Leader:
Steve Pierce
4/13/2017: 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: Stu Harris
4/20/2017: Walnut Creek: Arbolado Park, Ygnacio Canal.
Take Ygnacio Valley Rd. to Oak Grove Rd. Then south past
W.C. library to Arbolado Dr., left to Arbolado Park, meet at the
upper parking lot near the soccer field and rest room. Cafe:
Bagel Street Cafe. Leader: Terry Norton
4/27/2017: Pleasant Hill: C.C. Canal. Meet in the shopping
center parking lot at the corner of Taylor & Morello, (North of
the service station). Cafe: Panera Bread Cafe. Leader: Bill
Peterson
5/4/2017: 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
5/11/2017: Alamo: Stone Valley Rd. Iron Horse. Exit I-680
on Stone Valley Rd. across Danville Blvd. Meet at the south
end of the Alamo Plaza Parking Lot off Stone Valley Road
Cafe: Cherubini's Coffee House. Leader: Dan Weller
Chairman: Dan Weller 925-935-5510
Asst. Chair: Erland Persson 925-932-5328 [email protected] Asst. Chair: Jim Kawal 925-228-8821 [email protected]
HIKERS - SIR HIKERS ©
April 11, 2017 Easy Hike: Heather
Farm Park to Civic Park
This easy 5.5 mile hike will start from
The Garden's at Heather Farm Park trail
head, walking past the Horse Stable and
Dog Park to the Contra Costa Canal
Trail West, to the Iron Horse Trail South, to the Creek Walk in
Civic Park. We will then return to Heather Farm Park, circle
around the lake, past the All Abilities Playground, tour the
Botanical Garden and end at the Greenery @ Diablo Hills Golf
Course for optional lunch.
For details of the hike, including directions and optional lunch details see the SIR Branch8 Hiker Activity Web page at http://www.sirbr8.com/hikers/ Hike Leader: Tom Mohrman 516-242-1635
April 25, 2017 Hard Hike: Las Trampas Regional
Wilderness
On the last Tuesday of April we will hike the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. It is going to be a moderately strenuous hike of about 6 miles with some steep challenging slopes and a total elevation gain of 1,100 feet. About 60% of the hike is on narrow single track and 40% on fire road. It is mostly shaded and has several vista points with great views of the scenic I-680 corridor.
For directions to the trailhead, carpooling and lunch info: See http://www.sirbr8.com/hikers/
Hike Leader: Y.K. Chan 925-457-2771
April Coordinator: Martin Simmons 925-586-2704
Hiker Activity Chairman: Dave Davis 925-838-1753
MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES
Mexican Train meets on the 2nd Tuesday
& 3rd Wednesday@11 a.m. @ Round
Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park
Blvd. Pleasant Hill 94523. Come be the
engineer of a colorful train and try and
complete the trip before your opponents.
Having the right dominoes is beneficial.
Check our webpage where photos, updated scores and
information are posted - http://www.sirbr8.com/mexican-
train/
Results of the March 14th game:
13 Rounds - Clark Morehouse 396; Larry
Mersmann 434; Dan Rinaldi 558; Don Atwater 596
Website link - http://www.sirbr8.com/mexican-train/ Chairman Dan Rinaldi 825-0519 [email protected] Asst, Chairman Terry Norton 798-6023
MODEL RAILROADING
Winter’s here! We’ll continue
to take a break from our
model train layout design and
construction for the time
being. 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
Page 13 INDEX
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.
If you would like to be added to the Model Railroading e-mail
list, please advise the Activity Chair.
Chairman: Jim Whitsett 689-5493
Asst. Chair. Dick Grube 687-0779
MIXER
No article was received for the March Hotline. Check our website for current information.
PICKLE BALL
No article received at 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
Spring is in the air and you know what that
means. It’s time for baseball!
SIRs at the Games has arranged for our
group to see the San Francisco Giants take
on the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday,
June 28th at 12:45 pm at AT & T Park. This
afternoon game will be a perfect opportunity
totake family and friends as your grandkids will be on summer
vacation.
Our seats are in View Level, Section 319, Rows 16-18. These
seats are behind Homeplate and provide a great view of the
stadium and the SF Bay.
Please contact Steve Scramm for ticket availability and more
information. Steve may be reached at
[email protected] or by phone 925-222-0801.
SIRS AT THE OPERA
Opera lovers:
Our April opera will be Eugene Onegin by
Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The live matinee transmission to the local Century theaters will be on Saturday, April 22, at 9:55am, followed by the “encore” transmission of the same performance on Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30pm. Tickets are $22 for seniors.
The opera is in the Russian language and is based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel of the same name. It was first performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 1879. Interestingly, the opera has little story line, but presents lyric highlights from Pushkin’s book – depending on the Russian audience to fill in the familiar story between the episodes. Nevertheless, Eugene Onegin is a radiant example of Russian lyric opera. As with Tchaikovsky’s ballets, the opera brings many symphonic elements to the music with plush orchestrations, highly melodic arias and choruses, and dance scenes.
We will plan a late lunch for Sirs and wives after the matinee at Urban Plates, just up the street from the Pleasant Hill Century Theater. Previous lunches have been a lot of fun, at least in part because nobody had turned on their cell phones yet!
Chairman: David Bushnell – E-mail:
[email protected] 838-3914
Asst Chair: Bruce Benzler – E-mail:
[email protected] 708-4490
SIRS IN THE KITCHEN ©
Casa Benson Recovers
As I'm writing this I'm looking at our brand new wood flooring throughout Casa Benson. It's almost done, and we should be able to move our furniture back in on March 23. That's almost eight weeks from the date of the accident. But, the new floors and remodeled
fireplace are beautiful.
Not having a kitchen for this period has put a serious crimp in our Sirs in the Kitchen luncheons. In February our spouses/partners and fellow chefs went to Rachael Dunn's Chocolates in Concord and learned and practiced how to make chocolate confections. Yum!
On March 21, the Chefs will be taking another field trip, and this time it's even closer to home. We'll be learning about beer making and tasting an array of samples at Farm Creek Brewery, here in Walnut Creek. After our tasting and a moment of silence for our departed chef, Jack, we're having a catered lunch from Kinder's including their famous ball tip roast, BBQ chicken, beans, coleslaw and potato salad. Total cost for the whole thing, $30.
Next month we'll finally be back at Casa Benson on April 18,. I'm offering two entrees – rack of lamb and tri tip. They will be done on the BBQ as it's finally that time of year. Accompaniments will be roasted redskin potatoes, asparagus
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with hollandaise sauce and probably Caesar salad. Hopefully our ice cream makers can break out their machines and delight us with that frozen treat of spring. I'll be taking orders so everyone can have his favorite entree.
Sirs in the Kitchen is now at 54 members. If you want to join, drop Executive Chef Ed an email ([email protected]), call him (925-943-7011) or catch him at the monthly meeting. So far, we’ve always had room for anyone who was able to attend, and our typical luncheon turns out 25, or so. You don’t have to be an experienced cook (our members have all levels of cooking ability), and all meetings are held at Casa Benson. The usual shared cost for the luncheon and wine Is $20, and that’s still the best deal in town. Should any Sirs want our recipes, E-mail Executive Chef Ed, and they’ll be sent to you.
SUMS IN RETIREMENT
Our next meeting is Wed Apr 26 at 8 AM at
the Legends Restaurant in the Diablo Creek
Country Club - Port Chicago Highway, ¼
mile north of Highway 4 in Concord.
The topic will be Karl Marx - Master of
Money. This is a BBC presentation which
should help us understand why Vladimir
Putin says: "The collapse of the Soviet
Union was the worst catastrophe of the Twentieth
Century". Come and learn why some believe economies can
be managed successfully by governments, even though no
country has done it.
The Legends opens at 7 AM. Come early and have a leisurely
breakfast with your colleagues prior to the meeting.
Co-chair Dave Sutton - [email protected]
TRAVELING SIRS ©
We have several Branch 8 couples signed up
for our Panama Canal cruise, which leaves
from San Francisco. If interested, please call
me at 925 890-9245. Also, have Mississippi
River cruise available. For next year, will be
looking at a Cuba trip and an European river
cruise. Send me any suggestions for trips you
would be interested in.
Chairman Traveling SIRS: [email protected]
WINE – BARGAIN WINES
No article was received at press time.
For additional information on our group
please contact either person shown below:
Chairman: Jim Warner, 925-935-8032 Assistant: Ed Benson, 925-943-7011
WINE - CELLAR FILLERS ©
No article was received at press time.
CFWA is an excellent opportunity to introduce a guest to SIR. It is open to SIR members, applicants and prospective member guests. Spouses and SO's are welcome at the other four Branch 8 wine
activities, Bargain Wines and Wine Finders I, II, and III. On the occasional field trip we also may have room for spouses and SO's.
We meet at 11:30 AM for a simple lunch of sandwiches and fixin's, then taste the wines. Occasionally we throw in a few blush wines.
If you have questions or if you would like your name to be added to the mailing list, please contact:
Chairman: Jim Sowell, [email protected], (925) 939-4670
or (925) 457-7746 cell
Ass. Chair Jim Warner, [email protected], (925) 935-
8032
WINE FINDERS 1 ©
April’s WINEFINDERS-1 gathering will be hosted by Sir Bob and Sandy Price at their home, 88 Cliff Lane,. Walnut Creek, 6 PM.. Phone = 925 937-6814.. We will gather to taste various RED ZINFANDELS from all over the planet, to hopefully obtain a broader
spectrum of taste characteristics. Remember to bring your own “branded” glass, 1 per person, and each couple brings an appetizer to be shared with the other members, paired with your ZIN selection. Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday, April 13. We need your selections sooner (not later). Thanks, Winos Bob and Tony Chair WF-1: Bob Price [email protected]
(925) 937-6814
Co-Chair: Tony de Losada [email protected]
(925) 945-1730
WINE FINDERS 2 ©
Next tasting will be hosted by the Eichs' on April 13, results to follow.
Ron Cassano [email protected]
(925) 944-1238
WINE FINDERS 3 ©
The next Winefinders III gathering will take
place on Thursday, April 27 at the home of
Larry and Holley Yarberry. The featured
wines will be Cabernet Sauvignon. As usual,
guests are requested to remember to bring
their own glasses, together with enough
goodies to feed eight hungry winos. Please
RSVP to both Larry Yarberry and Larry McEwen.
Chair WF-3: Larry McEwen [email protected]
(925) 939-3216
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WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY
Writing Your Life Stories will meet on April 25th and
we welcome new members. We write short stories
about events in our lives 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.
Chairman: Dick Brewer 925-933-0876 [email protected]
MONTHLY IMAGES
NEW MEMBERS & THEIR SPONSORS
LAST YEARS BIG SIR AWARDED
WINE WINNERS
SPEAKER
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ACTIVITY CHAIRMEN & BRANCH 8 LEADERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Dave Sutton (co-chair) - $UMs in Retirement
(Area 2 activity), Branch Auditor
I collect money and do name tags and other
admin work; Tom Henry of Branch 174 gets
the speakers and runs the meetings. I was born in Milwaukee, WI 80 years ago and also lived in
Lansing MI and South Bend IN when I was a kid. By time for
high school, we returned to Milwaukee and I eventually
graduated from the U of Wisconsin (Madison) with a BBA in
Accounting.
The day after graduation in June 1960, I was on active duty in
the Army at Ft Riley KS. After some training stints, my wife and
I wound up in Heidelberg Germany where I spent 3 ½ years in
the Signal Corps, then back to the US for eventual discharge
as a captain. Next we moved to the Bay Area in 1964 where I
have lived ever since, mostly in my home in Concord, and
mostly without my now ex-wife. I have no kids.
As a civilian, I started off working for Ernst & Ernst (Big 8
accounting firm) where I earned my CPA. After that a series of
financial jobs (controller, treasurer, CFO) mostly at small local
companies and one public one with branches in Europe. It was
a very interesting and varied career in a variety of industries:
audio visual sales, high tech scientific instruments, equipment
leasing, and two bio type start-ups, one of which still exists as
a division of a public company.
My hobbies include travel, photography, camping and singing.
I’ve done a lot of overseas travel, most recently in Spain and
Portugal. Last summer with my significant other, Andree
Moran, we took a 9,200 mile, 62 day cross-country road trip to
the East Coast and back. I go on several car camping trips a
year and am part of the leadership of a Sierra Club camping
group. I sing barbershop and choral music, and am currently
active in two choruses in Danville: Chromatica (where I serve
as treasurer) and Blackhawk.
I greatly enjoy my SIR activities which include Astronomy, Car
Enthusiasts, Computers and Technology and of course $UMs,
along with wine tastings, dine outs and travel. I just began a
stint as an auditor of Branch 8 finances.
Chuck Joyce, Hotline Editor
I am one of the HOTLINE editors. I was born in Stockton, California; raised in San Francisco, and now reside in Walnut Creek. I attended San Francisco State, before being drafted into
the Army. My plan was to teach on the high school level and coach baseball and/or basketball. Logically, I ended up in the Radio-TV-Film department. Eventually I spent 43 years as a film, video tape, then digital, video editor for KRON-TV (29 years), several years freelance, and 7 years with KGO-TV. Two popular shows I worked on: Bay Area Backroads (KRON) and View from the Bay (KGO). I have edited everything from ten second promos to 2 hour documentaries. When the American Broadcasting Company went High Definition (KGO is owned by ABC), they created the Live Well Network. I edited a half hour Home improvement show (Home with Lisa Quinn) and two cooking shows (Good Cookin’ with Bruce Aidells and Food Rush) for the network. I have been married 34 years to my wife Nancy. We have 3 grandsons and one granddaughter. My wife is a Marriage Family Therapist who specializes in trauma. I retired in 2013, and joined SIR shortly thereafter. Ed Benson coerced me to co-produce, shoot and edit the Branch 8 video to entice new members. A short version can be found on many branch websites. I also co-produced and edited the SIR Ramp training videos. These are used to train struggling branches to improve recruitment, activities, membership and publicity. Recently, I recorded and edited the first video installment by 2017 SIR State President, Jerry Strain. Occasionally, these will be sent to all of SIR to keep you informed about what’s happening at the State level.
Page 17 INDEX
MEMBERSHIP DATA FOR MARCH 2017
NEW MEMBERS
Page 18 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
Buddy May
925-348-6443
925-833-6098
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
Directors Darryl Sweetland
Tony de Losada
Steve Schramm Barry Brown
Dan Weller
925-672-4967
510-566-2661
925-222-0801 925-930-8206
925-935-5510
[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
[email protected] [email protected]
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
[email protected] [email protected]
Audit
Asst.
Dave Sutton
Vito Magliano
925-686-0158
925-228-9251
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
Nominating Committee Darryl Sweetland
Don Atwater Bill Hunter
Ron Smith
Derek Southern
925-672-4967
925-673-1669 925-285-5670
925-314-3066
925-253-1646
[email protected] [email protected]
Procurement Dick Brooks 925-228-6959 [email protected]
Luncheon Positions Drawings – Lunch Ticket
- Birthday
- Tickets
Big Sir
Membership Secretary
Rob Laaback
925-938-5228
Greeter Organizers
Asst.
Darryl Skiles
Joe Miscione
925-827-3818
925-284-2163
Guest Check-In
Asst.
Dennis Mierzwa
John Sutton
925-938-5343
925-787-7726
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
Speaker Committee Phil Trapp Tony de Losada
Ron Brown
Bill Espey
925-648-4056 510-566-2661
925-283-8172
925-945-0626
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Mt. Diablo Branch No. 8
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
Ed Benson Steve Schramm
Tony de Losada
Tony de Losada
925-943-7011 925-222-0801
510-566-2661
510-566-2661
[email protected] [email protected]
Recruitment Chairman Ed Benson
Ed Cohn
Tony de Losada Don Dennler
Joe D’Angelo
Stan Johnson
925-943-7011
925-954-7600
510-566-2661 925-687-6483
925-519-0505
925-938-7016
[email protected] [email protected]
Roster Bob Barnes 925-348-6443 [email protected]
Sunshine Chairman Larry Mersmann
Terry Norton
925-935-9124
925-798-6023
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
[email protected] [email protected]
Audio Dick Brooks
Hans Pable
925-228-6959
925-672-2564
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]
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
[email protected] [email protected]
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
[email protected] [email protected]
Publisher Rob Laaback 925-938-5228 [email protected]
